SAVATAGE GUITARIST CHRIS CAFFERY ON THE BAND’S COMEBACK – “WE DIDN’T LET ANYBODY DOWN, AND I THINK THAT INCLUDES OURSELVES” (VIDEO)

Metal legends Savatage made theit long-awaited comeback in 2025, and have announced European tour dates for the summer. Speaking with the Face The Music Podcast, guitarist Chris Caffery discussed the band’s return and future plans. Check out the interview below.

Caffery: “It’s been amazing. It’s been over-the-top great, which is really cool. People have been so excited, and there’s been so many new fans that never had a chance to see us before. I think the fact that we really busted our butts to make sure that the band was very tight and the music was played very well and we were all in shape when we went up on stage and did the best we could do, the fans that used to go see us all the time that would brag to their friends that didn’t know of Savatage, how we were live, ‘You gotta see this band live.’ I think we lived up to their memories to them, and they were very happy. So when they brought their friends out and their family and this and that, they were, like, ‘See?’ So we didn’t let anybody down, and I think that includes ourselves.”

“I just wanted to do the best I possibly could do. I mean, I sat and really kind of nickel and dimed a little bit of the Criss (Oliva / late guitarist) solos more than I did in the past, because in the past I was just kind of playing them and into my head, making sure I remembered them as close as possible. But this last time I was going through and really picking apart specific licks and even some of the songs I’d never played before. I think it was just either the amount of time that it’s been since I first played a Savatage song till then.”

Original Savatage frontman / co-founder Jon Oliva reacently shared a message with the fans via Savatage Legion. Read it in full below.

“Hey everyone,

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. 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.

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. 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.
I also want to say thank you in advance for supporting the new live album that’s coming out soon. That release means a lot to me, and I really hope you all enjoy it and feel the energy that’s always been a part of what we do.

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.

There’s been a lot of work happening—real work. 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.

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.”