Savatage founding vocalist and keyboardist Jon Oliva has issued a comprehensive update to his dedicated fanbase. Taking to the Savatage Legion Facebook group, the legendary musician addressed his recent absence from the band’s reunion performances, detailed his ongoing battles with severe health issues, and confirmed that progress is still being made on the group’s highly anticipated new studio album.
Jon Oliva began his message with a poignant tribute to his late brother and Savatage co-founder, Criss Oliva, who would have celebrated his 63rd birthday on April 3.
“Before anything else, I want to say something that’s been on my mind. This time of year is never easy for me or my family. Losing Criss… that’s something you don’t ever ‘get over.’ You just learn to carry it,” he shared. “I just want to thank all of you for continuing to honor Criss and keep his spirit and music alive. That means more to me than I can ever put into words.”
The vocalist then provided a transparent look into his physical condition. Three years ago, Jon Oliva suffered a devastating T7 vertebra fracture in three places, leaving him reliant on a wheelchair. Alongside this injury, he has been navigating diagnoses of multiple sclerosis and Ménière’s disease.
“I’ve been dealing with some serious health issues, and right now I’m looking at having surgery on my back. The truth is, as it stands, I’m in a lot of pain… and I haven’t been able to sing the way I should. That’s been one of the hardest things for me to face. I’m also not able to fly anymore, which has made things a lot more complicated when it comes to getting out there and doing what I love. But… and this is important… it hasn’t stopped me. In fact, we’ve been working on ways around that,” Oliva continued.
Despite his inability to fly, Jon Oliva remains heavily involved with the band’s future plans following their successful 2025 comeback shows, which featured guitarists Chris Caffery and Al Pitrelli, bassist Johnny Lee Middleton, vocalist Zak Stevens, and drummer Jeff Plate. He teased that the group is actively working to bring their live show stateside.
“There are talks happening about putting together some U.S. dates for Savatage — finding a way to make it happen that works with everything going on. We’re looking at next spring or summer if everything comes together the way we hope. Nothing I can officially announce just yet, but it’s being worked on, and it means a lot to me to even be able to say that,” he explained.
In the meantime, fans can look forward to a brand-new archival live album captured on June 29, 1990, at the Palace in Los Angeles during the Gutter Ballet tour. The classic recording features the iconic lineup of Jon Oliva, Criss Oliva, Chris Caffery, Johnny Lee Middleton, and drummer Steve “Doc” Wacholz.
Addressing the elephant in the room, the long-delayed new Savatage studio album, the frontman assured fans that the project is still very much alive.
“I know it’s been a long road. Probably longer than any of us ever expected. There have been delays, setbacks, and a lot going on behind the scenes — some of it musical, some of it just life throwing punches like it always does. But I want you to know something straight from me… I’m still here. And so is the music.”
He emphasized that the band is refusing to rush the creative process, prioritizing quality and emotion over a quick release.
“There’s been a lot of work happening — real work,” he wrote. “Writing, revisiting ideas, digging into that place where the songs come from… that place that’s always been at the heart of everything we’ve done. It’s not about rushing something out the door. It’s about making sure that when you hear it, you feel it. The way it’s supposed to be. Yeah, health stuff has slowed me down at times… not gonna lie. But it hasn’t stopped me. If anything, it’s made me more determined to finish what we started and bring you something that’s worthy of the name and everything it stands for.”
He continued: “I know you’ve all been patient — more patient than I could ever ask for — and I don’t take that lightly. The loyalty, the messages, the stories you’ve shared with me over the years… that’s what keeps me going. That’s what makes this matter. So here’s the truth: things are moving forward. Maybe not at lightning speed, but they’re moving the right way. And when the time comes, you’ll know. You’ll hear it. And I promise you this… it’s going to be something special.”
“Thank you for sticking with me through all of it. The ups, the downs, and everything in between. We’re not done yet… not even close.”
“Stay with me,” Oliva concluded.
