I’m Gonna Play On ‘til the Final Reel’s Through: An Interview with Chris Caffery (Savatage)

Chris Caffery was always meant to play guitar for Savatage, even if the route he took to becoming a permanent member of the band was anything but linear.  From his first gigs with the band in 1987 at only 19-years old while they toured for Hall of the Mountain King, there was a new role carved out for him as second guitarist in a band that had never utilized one before.  Having connected with Savatage through producer Paul O’Neill, who knew Chris from his playing in Heaven, Caffery swayed in and out of Savatage’s orbit throughout the late 1980s and early 1990s, ultimately settling in to the group on a lasting basis prior to 1995’s Dead Winter Dead.  During those previous years though, Chris remained close with all members of the band, touring with them, being featured in the Gutter Ballet album insert despite not playing on the record, and collaborating on other projects with its band members, including Doctor Butcher with Jon Oliva. 

Though the band would cease touring in 2002 following Poets and Madmen, they would never technically break up, as the members of the group treated it more as a hiatus due to a number of different issues.  Several of them became involved in Trans-Siberian Orchestra, another venture of Jon Oliva and Paul O’Neill, including Caffery, who also pursued a solo career on top of a number other projects.  But the door was never fully closed on Savatage.   Though they would eventually reunite to play a lone show with TSO at Wacken in 2015, more years of dormancy would follow.  During this time, Caffery was busy with his other projects, but always hoped for Savatage to resurrect.   Chatter about new material from the band would leak out from time to time, stoked by statements from Jon in different interviews.  The prospect of live shows, however, remained dormant until late 2024 when the group announced they’d be playing shows throughout Europe in the summer of 2025, with another string of festival appearances and headlining shows announced for the summer of 2026 the following year.  After so many years away, it’s finally happened: Savatage has returned, and it seems like they’ll be here for a while.

Along with the exciting tour news, the group also announced the official release of a long lost live show recorded in 1990 in Hollywood, titled Madness Reigns From the Gutter, to be released on June 26^th in Europe and September 18^th in the United States.  Featuring what most would consider the classic Savatage lineup, including the masterful lead guitar work of their departed co-founder Criss Oliva, the 19-song set presents an electrifying look and listen to the band during a peak performance.  Prior to its release, I had a chance to speak with Chris about that show, plus a number of other topics, including: 

• the process for creating the new “Gutter Ballet” video for the new live cut released recently, how it feels to be back playing Savatage material over the last year, their upcoming European shows including a special performance in Pompeii with a 40-piece orchestra, and the possibility of it being recorded for a special release.
• memories of the Madness Reigns From the Gutter show at the Hollywood Palace, the Rulin’ Gutter tour, why the live album took so long to release, and the perfect performance that took place that evening. 
• the importance of Jon Oliva in Chris’ career, trying to replicate his unique vocal style, and where he ranks on the list of all-time metal vocalists. 
• the bond he shared with Criss Oliva, what it was like playing alongside him, a touching story from his funeral, and reflections on missed opportunities prior to his passing.
• Chris’ path through the early days and decisions regarding joining Savatage, an update on new Savatage music, and the conditions necessary for Savatage to play their first tour in the United States since 2002.

You can watch the entire interview HERE:

In speaking with Chris, it’s evident how grateful he is to have had the opportunity to play in Savatage for all of these years.  Even through the years of inactivity, as he stated, he always hoped they would return to the stage to play all of these iconic songs once again for adoring fans all around the world.  Though the lineup has changed since the excellent live album they’re releasing, with Jon Oliva no longer being able to tour, and his brother Criss having passed on from this world far too soon, the songs live on through Chris and the other remaining members of the group.  No strangers to the Savatage world in their own right, Zakk Stevens, Al Pitrelli, Jeff Plate, and Johnny Lee Middleton seem set on delivering this timeless music to the next generation of fans along with him.

And if you take Chris at his word that he’d put together a five-and-a-half hour setlist, it sounds as if he’s ready to play until the crowds are gone.  After waiting for Savatage to return for so long, it doesn’t look like that’s going to happen anytime soon.

To preorder a physical copy of Madness Reigns from the Gutter, due to be released on September 18th in the United States, check out the link below.

To check out Savatage on tour this summer in Europe, find ticket information by clicking the button below.