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.