Savatage, the Legendary Progressive Metal band, have announced their long-awaited return to the European stages for the first Headline shows since 2002, plus some major festival appearances. The dates include a show at London’s Shepherd’s Bush Empire.
Savatage will bring the iconic lineup of Zak Stevens (vocals), Chris Caffery (guitar), Al Pitrelli (guitar), Johnny Lee Middleton (bass), and Jeff Plate (drums) to deliver unforgettable performances in some of Europe’s most renowned venues.
This tour is not just a celebration of their groundbreaking legacy but also a testament to the unwavering loyalty of their fans.
“As you can imagine, there are so many special things about these shows that are racing through my mind,” Singer Zak Stevens told us. “We get to play a series of headline shows for the first time in over twenty years that will put us right back in front of all of the unbelievable fans who have given us so many unforgettable memories over the last three decades.
“Here’s our chance to directly give back to everyone who’s been there supporting us all these years.”
Founder Jon Oliva, unable to join the tour due to health issues, expressed his pride and support. “I am very excited for the guys to be doing some shows,” he said. “Unfortunately, due to health issues, I will not be able to join the guys for this run. These shows will be awesome, and I will be working with them to get it all ready for you.”
From their formation in Tampa, Florida, in 1979 by brothers Jon and Criss Oliva, Savatage has released eleven groundbreaking albums that continue to resonate with fans. Classics like Hall of the Mountain King and Streets: A Rock Opera have cemented their status as pioneers of Progressive and Power Metal.
The tragic loss of Criss Oliva in 1993 six months after the release of Edge Of Thorns was a pivotal moment for the band, but they channelled their grief into creating powerful records like Handful Of Rain [Criss contributed writing to Taunting Cobras and Nothing’s Going On] and Dead Winter Dead. Their electrifying performance at the 2015 Wacken Open Air Festival in front of 80,000 fans marked a triumphant return.
This upcoming tour is more than just a series of performances; it’s a celebration of Savatage’s journey and a chance for fans to relive the magic. Expect a setlist packed with timeless hits, intricate compositions, and the band’s signature blend of intensity and emotion.
“All the great festival shows are going to be off-the-charts amazing,” Zak says. “It’s even hard to imagine the scale of excitement that’s going to take place with those shows.”
With anticipation already building, now is the time to secure your tickets and experience one of Metal’s most beloved bands back where they belong—on stage.
Savatage – Headline Shows 2025:
Saturday, June 14, 2025 – Oberhausen, Germany – Turbinenhalle
Monday, June 16, 2025 – London, UK – Shepherds Bush Empire
Wednesday, June 18, 2025 – Zurich, Switzerland – Komplex 457
Thursday, June 19, 2025 – Munich, Germany – Tonhalle
Tuesday, June 24, 2025 – Milan, Italy – Alcatraz
Savatage – Festivals 2025:
Friday, June 13, 2025 – Leeuwarden, Netherlands – Into The Grave Festival
Sunday, June 22, 2025 – Dessel, Belgium – Grapop Metal Meeting
Thursday, June 26, 2025 – Barcelona, Spain – Rockfest
Saturday, June 28, 2025 – Thessaloniki, Greece – Rockwave Festival
This article was updated at 14:08 to reflect that Criss Oliva played on Edge Of Thorns and contributed writing towards two songs on Handful Of Rain.
