OT - Trans Siberian Orchestra

by **classicstyxfan** » Sat Dec 04, 2004 1:04 am

Is coming to my town in a few days......I've heard the commercials
on the Radio, the 10 second clip or 2 they play sounds really cool
( screaming Electric Guitar backed up orchestrially....)

has anyone here ever seen them live ? if so, was it worth your time and money ?

any input/opinion would be appreciated.

by **SuiteMadameBlue** » Sat Dec 04, 2004 2:01 am

No I haven't seen them. I haven't heard anything bad or negative about their concert, only good things. I'd like to go see them play too. If you can go, I would go

by **Liz22562** » Sat Dec 04, 2004 6:32 am

There is a radio personality in Tampa that was instrumental in getting TranSiberian Orchestra's music out in the Florida market. I apologize, but I can not remember the original name of this band. They were, originally, a rock band but the members wanted to take it to another level.

This particular DJ had heard "A Sarajeho Christmas (apologize for the spelling) and got in contact with either the management company or the musicians themselves. From the first time their music was played on the air in this area (Tampa), the requests jammed the phone lines to replay it. These guys had no idea they had tapped into a a different music genre and would be received as well as they were.

I have heard they are amazing in concert and is definitely a must-see!

by **piecesofeight** » Sat Dec 04, 2004 7:45 am

GO!!!!!!

by **Ash** » Sat Dec 04, 2004 8:50 am

I saw them live... back before they were the Trans Siberian Orchestra.

Little known fact:

The Trans Siberian Orchestra is actually mostly a heavy metal band called Savatage. (like Liz said, Savatage is from the Tampa/St. Petersburg area of Florida) Savatage released an album back in the mid 90's called "Dead Winter Dead" that was a concept record about the war in Bosnia. On this album is a song called Christmas Eve (Sarajevo 12/24) which is the one that everyone now recognizes as the "big" song from Trans Siberian orchestra. This song is what caused the TSO to be created.

The songs arranged by Jon Oliva, former frontman and some-time instrumentalist for Savatage and another band called Doctor Butcher (which is an amazing record if you can find it). Some other Savatage songs you may know is "Edge Of Thorns" which was a huge AOR radio hit in 1994 (following the death of Jon Oliva's bandmate and brother Criss Oliva).

I really miss Criss Oliva. I met Criss and Jon when they toured for Gutter Ballet. Criss was an amazingly talented and under-appreciated guitarist who in my opinion had far more talent than the contemporaries of his day (Joe Satriani and Steve Vai). Criss died in an accident at the height of his career while on a brief break from touring in 1993 or 1994. His wife Dawn was with him and was SEVERELY injured in the accident. As I understand it, Dawn spent many months in rehabilitation and lost an eye in the accident. I sent her flowers while she was in the hospital. She likely had no idea who I was, but it was my way of mourning and trying to comfort both her and myself. I was really upset by the loss of Criss. Savatage was not the same without him... music wasn't the same without him. He'd be a big star had he lived because he was so talented.

by **SuiteMadameBlue** » Sat Dec 04, 2004 10:17 am

Ash, that was wonderful that you sent her flowers. I'm sorry to hear about his death. I read that they were hit by a drunk driver, very sad. I just checked out a site for him and I'm listening to a few songs clips.

http://www.geocities.com/savarequiem/music1.htm

by **Ash** » Sat Dec 04, 2004 10:31 am

SuiteMadameBlue wrote:Ash, that was wonderful that you sent her flowers. I'm sorry to hear about his death. I read that they were hit by a drunk driver, very sad. I just checked out a site for him and I'm listening to a few songs clips.

I would recommend the Savatage albums "Edge Of Thorns" and "Handful of Rain" (which has Alex Skolnick on guitars and does a great job fitting into Savatage) for any Styx fan looking for a similar style.

I never really liked anything Savatage did after "Handful of Rain".... "Dead Winter Dead" was ok, but the real spirit of the band died with Criss.

by **Ash** » Sat Dec 04, 2004 10:34 am

I'm on my way to a friends house tonight.

I will listen to "Edge Of Thorns" and remember Criss.... god the world lost a talented man that day.

by **classicstyxfan** » Mon Dec 06, 2004 8:54 am

I saw the show yesterday.....all I can say is .....WOW ! Great musicians,
and a special effects show the likes of which I havent seen in a long time !

I am surprised they only sold 6,500 tickets, but it was one of 2 shows ( I saw the 3pm show, #1 of 2. )

Looks like I just started an annual tradition, because I'll see them again if they come next year. If they are still coming to your area this year, I's highly recommend the show.

One question for anyone out there in the know....I went to their website, and see they have 2 simaltaneous tours going, at least it appears so, unless they've figured out how to be in 2 places at one time. If so, I wonder how they divide up the original talent ? can anyone answer this ?

MR

OT - Trans Siberian Orchestra

OT - Trans Siberian Orchestra

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