CHRIS CAFFERY praises SAVATAGE’s music for its timelessness
Chris Caffery and Jeff Plate of SAVATAGE recently sat down for an interview on Metal Hammer Greece’s TV program TV War to discuss the enduring appeal of the band’s music. Jeff Plate attributed much of SAVATAGE’s timelessness to the profound impact of producer and lyricist Paul O’Neill. According to Plate, O’Neill’s lyrics have resonated with fans worldwide, with songs like “Believe” often cited as having a deep emotional impact on listeners. Plate praised O’Neill for his ability to connect with people on a personal level through his songwriting, combined with SAVATAGE’s unique sound.
Chris Caffery elaborated on the enduring legacy of SAVATAGE, likening their music to that of metal legends like Black Sabbath, Judas Priest, and Iron Maiden. Caffery emphasized the timeless quality of the music crafted by the Oliva brothers, Criss and Jon, noting that their work stands alongside classic metal albums as a testament to the band’s influence. He specifically highlighted the title track of SAVATAGE’s Hall Of The Mountain King album as a standout riff that epitomizes iconic metal music.
Caffery also commended Paul O’Neill’s lyrics for their intimate and relatable nature, drawing a comparison to the way Freddie Mercury could create a sense of intimacy in a stadium setting. He credited this human-to-human connection in the music and lyrics as a key factor in SAVATAGE’s enduring legacy, noting that their music continues to resonate with a new generation of listeners.
The band’s 2025 touring lineup features Chris Caffery, Jeff Plate, Al Pitrelli, Johnny Lee Middleton, and Zak Stevens. Following a series of successful South American shows earlier in the year, SAVATAGE embarked on a European tour, kicking off at the Into The Grave festival in Leeuwarden, Netherlands. The enthusiastic response from fans, both old and new, served as a testament to the enduring appeal of their music and its ability to stand the test of time.
Chris Caffery and Jeff Plate’s reflections on SAVATAGE’s music underscore the band’s status as a timeless and influential presence in the heavy metal world. With a rich catalog of music that continues to captivate audiences across generations, SAVATAGE remains a vital force in the realm of classic metal. As they continue to tour and share their music with audiences around the world, SAVATAGE’s legacy of powerful, emotionally resonant music shows no sign of fading.