• 1993-

  Jon OlivaVocals1993 -

  Paul O'NeillLyrics1993 -2017

  Al PitrelliGuitar1993 -

  Robert KinkelKeyboard1993 -
• Trans-Siberian Orchestra was originally formed as a side-project by Jon Oliva, lead singer of the '80s Heavy Metal band Savatage, and Rock producer Paul O'Neill. The new group - including Savatage guitarist Al Pitrelli and keyboardist/co-producer Robert Kinkel - shattered their old image after the 1996 re-release of "Christmas Eve/Sarajevo 12/24." The hit song was a unique blend of classic orchestral sound with a distinct Rock edge and came to represent TSO's creative style.
• Aside from releasing a series of Rock Operas, including Christmas Eve and Other Stories, The Christmas Attic, Beethoven's Last Night, The Lost Christmas Eve and Night Castle, the group continues to dazzle audiences every year with their elaborate holiday productions filled with lasers and light shows. Famous musical guests have also joined TSO on stage, including Testament guitarist Alex Skolnick, America's Got Talent favorite Tim Hockenberry and ex-Yngwie Malmsteen singer Jeff Scott Soto.
• Robert Kinkel went to Columbia University on a Physics Fellowship but eventually abandoned his scientific goals for musical ones when he connected with Record Plant, a major production studio based in New York. He told MIT's The Tech newspaper of his exciting start in the business: "I remember the first day I walked in and Cyndi Lauper was doing her debut album; Joan Jett was down the hall, J. Geils Band was doing 'Freeze-Frame' upstairs, and Tom Petty walked through. Within six months of being there I was out recording my favorite band, The Who."
• Kinkel has found success as a composer for TV ad campaigns in the '80s. One of his most recognizable efforts was for Hefty trash bags. Remember the jingle "Hefty, Hefty, Hefty - Wimpy, Wimpy, Wimpy"?
• Jon Oliva's brother Criss, who also co-founded Savatage and played guitar for the band, was tragically killed by a drunk driver in 1993. In his Songfacts interview, Jon told us Criss was "a special talent" and "would have been known as one of the best guitar players in the world, which he still is."
• In an interview with El Paso, Texas' Kiss FM, Al Pitrelli said Homeland Security once confiscated the band's generators - needed to support their tech-heavy show - to help power the city after Hurricane Katrina hit in 2005.
• Paul O'Neill has a keen interest in history. His library is full of over 50,000 books, including some of Winston Churchill's original letters.

Comments: 1

• Phyllis Hopper from Ummm, Central KansasI have an arrangement of Dream Child for voice, violin, cello, and guitar. Unfortunately, Nelson does not have that particular song in its list of approved pieces for use by arrangers. Would it be possible for you to work out the legal handshake with Nelson so it can be added to the list? (I'd ask Nelson but haven't found a way to do so on their site. They basically say, if it's not on the list, tough luck.) Thanks for reading this!

More Songfacts:

The FlameCheap Trick

Cheap Trick hated the ballad "The Flame" but recorded it because they needed a hit, and the song delivered, going to #1.

True ColorsCyndi Lauper

With a message of acceptance and inclusivity, "True Colors" became a gay rights anthem. Cyndi Lauper help form an organization called True Colors United to help support LGBTQ youth.

One WeekBarenaked Ladies

The closing lyrics in "One Week" by Barenaked Ladies are "Birchmount Stadium, home of the Robbie," which refers to a soccer tournament in Ontario.

Bad BoysInner Circle

Most of us only know "Bad Boys" by Inner Circle from the 25 seconds used as the Cops theme, but it's a full song telling the story of a Jamaican youth who doesn't accept family support and ends up a criminal.

Ms. JacksonOutKast

The "Ms. Jackson" in the OutKast song is Erykah Badu's mother. Andre 3000 had a child with Badu, and felt she was portraying him as a lousy dad.

Casey JonesGrateful Dead

The Grateful Dead considered "whipping that chain" and "lugging propane," but settled on "high on cocaine" for "Casey Jones."

Editor's Picks

Al KooperSongwriter Interviews

Kooper produced Lynyrd Skynyrd, played with Dylan and the Stones, and formed BS&T.

The 10 Bands Most Like Spinal TapSong Writing

Based on criteria like girlfriend tension, stage mishaps and drummer turnover, these are the 10 bands most like Spinal Tap.

Which Restaurants Are Most Mentioned In Song Lyrics?Song Writing

Katy Perry mentions McDonald's, Beyoncé calls out Red Lobster, and Supertramp shouts out Taco Bell - we found the 10 restaurants most often mentioned in songs.

90210 to Buffy to Glee: How Songs Transformed TVSong Writing

Shows like Dawson's Creek, Grey's Anatomy and Buffy the Vampire Slayer changed the way songs were heard on TV, and produced some hits in the process.

Zac HansonSongwriter Interviews

Zac tells the story of Hanson's massive hit "MMMbop," and talks about how brotherly bonds effect their music.

Shaun Morgan of SeetherSongwriter Interviews

Shaun breaks down the Seether songs, including the one about his brother, the one about Ozzy, and the one that may or may not be about his ex-girlfriend Amy Lee.