I was saddened to hear the news last week that Paul O’Neill, founder, composer, writer, producer, and visionary of Trans-Siberian Orchestra had died. I’ve been a fan of his since I discovered Savatage back in the early 1990’s. Most of Savatage’s members contributed to TSO in some way, either behind the scenes (Jon Oliva does a lot of songwriting), or more publicly (Chris Caffery and Al Pitrelli headline the East and West coast winter tours respectively for TSO). Paul worked with many musical acts — Aerosmith, Joan Jett, Madonna, Sting, Bon Jovi (as a promoter in Japan for the latter 3 during the 80s.)
I was fortunate enough to meet Paul twice. Brief enounters, both times; once at Savacon in 1999 (a gathering of Savatage members, past and present, and fans; there was a Q&A session, opportunities for photos/autographs, a talent show contest, and good times all around). The second time was after TSO’s second ever concert, also in 1999 (I went to both the first & second shows; the first in Philly, the second in NYC). Paul was gracious enough to take a photo with me at Savacon, and give me an autograph after the TSO concert. I remember him being slightly taken aback when I mentioned seeing them in Philly as well as at NYC, but also pleased that the concerts seemed to be a hit. In later years, he appeared onstage towards the end of the winter concerts, although as the shows and venues and crowds got larger, I did not try to seek autographs again.
Christmas Eve/Sarajevo (12/24) was co-written by O’Neill & Oliva, and is probably TSO’s most well known work (though it originally appeared on Savatage’s Dead Winter Dead album):
And yes, I know it’s nowhere near the winter holidays, but I hope you’ll forgive the indulgence. And so that tonight’s diary isn’t entirely depressing, here’s an updated photo of the daffodil shoots from last week:
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