Words and Pictures: Adrian Hextall / MindHex Media
London, UK – 16th June 2025 – The air inside the historic O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire was thick with an anticipation decades in the making. For many, a full-scale Savatage show on UK soil felt like a distant dream. It’s been 23 years since the band last played, a gig at The Garage in London back in February 2002 a distant reminder of just what we could expect from the band. Tonight however, that dream became a thunderous reality and it’s fair to say that the sea of denim and leather was buzzing outside the venue a good 90 minutes before the doors opened.
But before the titans of theatrical metal took their throne, it was up to German powerhouse Induction to set the stage.
Induction
Kicking off the proceedings, Induction proved to be a perfectly chosen appetizer for the evening’s main course. A band that proudly wears its ’80s influences on its sleeve, their sound is a potent, modern cocktail of melodic hard rock and power metal, instantly calling to mind giants like Dokken and Europe. The current line-up, featuring the powerful vocals of Craig Cairns, the intricate guitar work of Tim Hansen and Marcos Rodriguez, and the driving rhythm section of bassist Dominik Gusch and drummer Rico H., performed with a polish and energy that quickly won over the London crowd. Their set was a masterclass in hook-laden metal, but the undeniable highlight was a spectacular, barnstorming cover of Europe’s “The Final Countdown,” which had the entire venue singing along in euphoric union.
Savatage
As the lights dimmed for the headline act, a roar erupted. This wasn’t just another rock show; it was an event. The current touring incarnation of Savatage is a formidable force, featuring the veteran core of guitarist Chris Caffery, the virtuosic Al Pitrelli on lead guitar, the steadfast groove of Johnny Lee Middleton on bass, and the thunderous precision of Jeff Plate on drums. Handling the immense vocal legacy of the band is the brilliant Zak Stevens, whose voice is synonymous with the celebrated mid-era of the band.
While the immense presence of the ‘Mountain King’ himself, Jon Oliva, is dearly missed on the touring circuit due to health reasons that prevent him from undertaking the rigours of a full tour, his soul and sound were intrinsically woven into the night’s fabric. This was never more apparent than during the deeply emotional performance of “Believe.” As the familiar, gentle piano notes began, Jon Oliva appeared on the large video screen behind the stage. Delivering the song’s heartfelt verses from his studio, his raw, passionate performance, combined with the live band’s powerful delivery, created a truly poignant and unforgettable moment that bridged the distance and connected the master with his adoring audience.
For me, the absolute zenith of the night was the performance of “Gutter Ballet.” The iconic piano intro cascaded through the Empire, met with a wave of cheers, before the band launched into the track’s dynamic blend of delicate melody and raw metal power. It was a moment of pure, theatrical brilliance, a testament to the band’s unique genius. If you need a reminder of the power of the song, then check this out:
Setlist
The Ocean (with ‘City Beneath the Surface’ excerpt)
Welcome
Jesus Saves
Power of the Night
Another Way
The Wake of Magellan
This Is the Time (1990)
Strange Wings
The Storm
Turns to Me
Handful of Rain
Chance
Starlight / I Am / Mozart and Madness
Dead Winter Dead
The Hourglass
Believe
Gutter Ballet
Edge of Thorns
Encore:
Nothing’s Going On
Hall of the Mountain King
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