So is The Oliva done making metal music?

He has grown to be one of my favorite musicians/songwriters ever. One of the few I consider to be near genius level. The others are Frank Zappa, Miles Davis, Thomas Gabriel Fischer, and Kerry Livgren. So kewl to see him getting some love here.

Big Rich wrote:

I'm even okay if he makes another record like his solo album.

I may have told this story before. But the one time I saw Jon live was with JOP in Tampa.

When the show was over, he walked to the middle of the club, sat down and said "Here I am." Then he signed, took pics and talked to everybody who wanted to. I met him and he commented on my Criss shirt I was wearing. Then I took a pic with him, and thanked him for all the great music over the years. Then he looked right at me and said - " No man, thank you for listening." He's the most genuine person in metal, imo.  

That's awesome, brother.

the sentinel wrote:

I hope he isn't done making Metal music. I am glad he is still around and involved with TSO. The last solo album was great, but it wasn't "metal" though. As James B. stated, it was more of 70's style heavy rock. If Jon does another solo disc, first day purchase for me. And, most likely, all of you.

I don't have that OLIVA album, but on my shopping list it goes now.

James B. wrote:

He has grown to be one of my favorite musicians/songwriters ever.  One of the few I consider to be near genius level.

I say this to my friends all the time and they just look at me weird.

Lari and TS, their whole band was super cool. Matt (RIP) put me on the guest list and everything. I didn't know him either, just online.

James B. wrote:

He has grown to be one of my favorite musicians/songwriters ever.  One of the few I consider to be near genius level.   The others are Frank Zappa, Miles Davis, Thomas Gabriel Fischer, and Kerry Livgren.  So kewl to see him getting some love here.

Good point, James. What initially drew me to the 'Tage back in the day was Jon's unique vocal style (tone, inflection, gravely sounding maniacal laughter during the breakdowns); and of course, Cris laying down tasty riffs and awesome intro and outro solos. To this day, I have never heard someone who sounds exactly like him. The same goes for Lizzy Borden, Dee Snider, and Midnight. The second you hear them it's unmistakably them.