SAVATAGE’s CHRIS CAFFERY On Performing With Orchestra In Pompeii: ‘There Was An Overwhelming Amount Of Things Going On At Once’
SAVATAGE guitarist Chris Caffery has spoken about the band's 27 July 2026 performance at the Amphitheater of Pompeii, where the progressive metal veterans played accompanied by a live orchestra. In an interview with Moshpit Passion, Caffery described the occasion as chaotic but exhilarating, noting the scale of the production and the presence of friends, fans, press and business associates all converging on the historic Italian venue for what he called a unique and unforgettable show.
Caffery explained that the band did not rehearse directly with the orchestra beforehand; instead, guitarist Al Pitrelli and founder Jon Oliva prepared the string arrangements in advance, with a Trans-Siberian Orchestra musical director visiting the ensemble the day before, allowing both parties to work independently before a joint soundcheck. The 25-song set, filmed for release, included the Overture for the first time since 1996 and Christmas Eve (Sarajevo 12/24) for the first time since 2015. The Pompeii date formed part of SAVATAGE's 2026 "Prelude To Madness" European tour, which featured vocalist Zak Stevens, Pitrelli, Caffery, bassist Johnny Lee Middleton and drummer Jeff Plate, after Plate had missed the tour's opening two shows for medical reasons and was temporarily replaced by Blas Elias.
In short
- SAVATAGE played Pompeii's amphitheatre on 27 July 2026 with a live orchestra.
- Chris Caffery called the filmed show chaotic but ultimately a relief to perform.
- Band and orchestra rehearsed separately, meeting only for a soundcheck.
Explained simply
Savatage are an American heavy metal band known for combining metal with theatrical and orchestral arrangements. Guitarists Chris Caffery and Al Pitrelli, founder Jon Oliva, and the band’s other members have also been involved in Trans-Siberian Orchestra, a project that brings rock music together with orchestral parts.
Pompeii’s ancient amphitheatre is a historic venue in southern Italy, and Savatage’s concert there paired the band with a live orchestra. The arrangements were prepared in advance, with the musicians working separately before meeting for a joint soundcheck.
The concert was part of Savatage’s European tour and was filmed for possible release. Its set drew on the band’s history, including songs that had not been played live for years.
Entertainment Europe Music World