@sardhikhaansi Tim Hockenberry. On my channel here I have a newer video I took of this same song from 2010. He's on TSO's Night Castle album singing this song, Believe, and another one called Sparks. He also sang on the remake they did last year of Dream Child (and also performed it live a few times on the 2010 tour).
My favorite tune at TSO shows. Its good to hear Criss' music at these shows (I've been going every year for about 8 years now) I've been a Sava fan since 85.
@DTzerb Actually, this was the 2008 Winter Tour and they dedicated two songs to Criss O. And Caffery was actually playing stage right but I just focused on Alex because he was in front of me. When they played Prelude to Madness (The Mountain on Night Castle) , Caffery took over the stage. John Lee Middleton announced it. So they all took part.
@DullerImage I know, just during Savatage years Caffery was playing all off Criss solos, so it was kinda strange that he passed the torch to Al and Alex. But when I saw Al's version during the BLN spring tour I was impressed, he improvised the original solo and made it so cool. Respect.
@DTzerb Yeah, I hear ya! I've never seen Al live (I've seen only the East group). I couldn't make it to a BLN show, but I have the complete show audio on CDs from Chicago and the DVD from NY (both fan recorded) and you're right, Pitrelli is awesome. At the Chicago show, his work on The Dark is almost haunting. (I hope you don't think I was dissing your post!)
Jon Oliva needs to sing this. This guys voice is good but Jon brings heart and emotion to everything he does.... I just don't feel it with this version.
The Most Amazing Voice Around Belongs to Tim Hockenberry!! This song moves my soul into action and achievement. I truly "Believe" that it will touch you too! Listen for your own sake!
Thanks a lot for the information. I totally agree with you on your comments about the TSO last album. Amazing!, as usual. We need another Savatage album.
Tim Hockenberry. This version of Believe is on the new TSO album Night Castle. He also performs another song on Night Castle called Sparks .... excellent as well. Lots of people are saying that Night Castle is very Savatage-like. The ENTIRE album is a MUST HEAR in my book!
@nickhorvath I have to completely agree with you. One of the few guitarist that can play a solo with feeling. Alex say's so much more with one note than the majority of the guitarist out there.
i think alex and chris switch off playing lead cuz rythem doesnt usually do solos like chris does. there both amazing guitarist and can both play some kick ass lead guitar
@KsErockr19 Chris's contribution to the solo is towards the end. Alex plays most of the solo, however your are right Chris Caffrey is no slouch when it comes to solo's.
I don't know how Mr. Hockenberry can keep it together singing this, I have a hard time keeping it together listening to it! It touches way too many nerves.
I'm new to the Savatage/TSO history, this is the version I know from "Night Castle", a stunning album in its own right.
The closest thing to rock opera I've been to was Meatloaf, I've got a lot of catching up to do!
Dont forget Gutter Ballet it is up there with Streets , and of course Power of the Nite, Sirens , The Dungeons are Calling, Wake of Magellen, Madmen and Poets , please help Savatage fans for more album names. They have some great music that blows away much of todays music by far.
Always wondered about that- did the Oliva brothers write musical parts originally though? They are credited on STREETS, but only Paul is credited on 'Castle'. I am ignorant to the process of producer vs writer, lol! Maybe Paul can write on all instruments? Regardless, GREAT voice, sir! You're gonna make this song go FAR!
This doesn't sound right unless Jon Oliva sings it. Nothin better than Savatage finally getting recognition and glory under the disguise of Christmas music!!
It'd be a little nicer if they could be recognized on their own terms. I always want to blare "Edge of Thorns" or "The Dungeons Are Calling" whenever someone goes on about TSO...
Having said that, "Beethoven's Last Night" kicks some serious ass.
I always want to blare Hall of the Mountain King haha. Seriously though, if they released streets, handful of rain, dead winter dead, and wake of magellan under the disguise of "Trans siberian Orchestra", i would be curious to see how they'd sell
today marks the 16th aniversary of that terrible day that Criss olivia was killed by drunk driver. Criss we love you and miss you, you're music will always live on in the hearts of Savatage fans.
TSO recently updated their member list for 2009 (removed the people not touring this year, added new ones) and Tim Hockenberry is still there. His site doesn't list dates yet so I'm not 100% sure, but it looks promising. Then again, who says he won't move to the West group this year. But I would be very surprised if Tim's version is not the one on Night Castle. That just wouldn't make sense to me to introduce a remake on tour then have yet another version on the album.
Thanks for the info, but I sent Tim a message on his MySpace asking him and was VERY surprised and excited that he responded and told me that he will indeed be in the Orlando show Dec. 5th...This is the 1st time I get to see this group out of the 5 times I've seen them...Looking forward to finally see Caffery live! However I will miss seeing Pitrelli, Clark, and Farese...Especially Tommy Farese! Favorite singer on the Christmas first 2 Christmas Albums..."This Christmas Day" BEST SONG EVER!
Their new album "Night Castle" has a song called "Believe" on it in the track listing...Could it be a possible remake? If it is...I hope this guy does the vocals for it....AMAZING! Savatage & T-S0 FOR LIFE!
That would be aweosome if TSO did a remake of Believe. I doubt I'd like it as much as Jon Oliva's, but more people need to here the Savatage classics.
I agree with you on the fact that no one can do it like The Mountain King can...But I also gotta say that I absolutely am loving Tim's version! My guess is T-SO will do something like they did with "Back To A Reason", a song from Savatage's last album "Poets and Madmen" back in '02. Oliva did lead vocals for that song as well...Then T-SO came out with "Back To A Reason (Part II)" on their last Christmas album "Lost Christmas Eve" with Robert Evan on vocals...Same song/Different Ending...
lol, some people fell for that PR though! I never bought it. Would love to know how it all REALLY happened but i'm not a big fan of guessing or speculating, lol.
Let me state that I love TSO greatly. But I feel that somehow they are or were a contributing factor to the demise of SAVATAGE. They played to huge stadiums all over the US, but Savtage just had more of a region popularity like that. The guys got to see bigger audiences. I think that although Jon O. said that they are basically savatage (JO's Pain) That somehow Paul O'Neil and Robert Kinkel did what he did on Dead Winter Dead and replicated it on a huger scale, and he feels left out of the loop.
I read an interview with Jon a couple years back and he said he stopped Savatage because he was losing over a million dollars a year trying to keep it going. The whole reason TSO started was because when Savatage released Christmas Eve as a single, radio wouldn't play it. When they rereleased it under a different name (TSO), radio ate it up and it shot up the charts to #1 (no justice).
Well Christmas Eve Sarajevo received plenty of air-time on radio waves before TSO hit the scene. In fact, the song got so much interest, that the album Dead Winter Dead sold out quickly, and needed to be re-stocked...
TSO came around because the group decided to write and record a rock opera with Xmas Eve as the main idea, and capitalize on the success of 12/24. O'Neil and Co. thought the fan base would reject this new idea if released under Savatage, and Trans Siberian Orchestra was born.
They released Christmas Eve sajiavo and Savatage single and it got air play during Christmas on genre's of radio stations. That why they deciede there was something to this and created TSO
Absolutely beautiful. I have gone to TSO's concert every year since that first performance nearly 11 years ago and I always think there is no way they can top the previous year. Every year they manage to do just that. I can't wait to see what they have in store this year and heard that this song will be on Night Castle. Here's hoping!
Simply put--an incredible performance. My wife and I saw TSO for the first time in Jacksonville, FL in Nov. '08, and we were blown away. Tim Hockenberry on "Believe" was probably the most moving performance I have ever seen. After playing the drums for 22 years, I have seen a lot of shows and performed a lot of shows. TSO has by far the best musicians, vocalists, and production that I have ever seen. This band is a must see!
Amen, brother! I went to see TSO (again) expecting the same great show with the first-half rock opera "Christmas Eve and Other Stories" and the second half "kick it up a notch", and this song caught me by surprise too. But that's TSO ... anything's possible. Thanks for the comment. Just a few more months until TSO Season!
I'm hopeful for a reunion however I'm not holding my breath - till then, I'll see JOP whenever they come anywhere near Chgo......Jon Oliva is the man!
I would love to see a Savatage renunion tour, but I think many would agree with me that Savatage without Criss Oliva is not Savatage. I don't want to knock Al P. or Alex Skolnick, they are tremendous musicians, but Criss and Jon made that band really special, and without both together, it wouldn't 'feel' like Savatage.
I would like to say thanks to TSO for ONLY having TSO EAST play BELIEVE In memory of Chris Oliva!!! It would seem to me that Paul & TSO thinks that TSO WEST fans don't care about Chris Oliva. This was my 10th time I have seen them & I will say that no TSO concert will ever compare to the way I felt when I first saw them in 99 in Chicago. I will see them next year even if Paul thinks that TSO East fans deserve more than TSO West fans.
Not true. I am a permanent resident of the West Coast, and Criss Oliva is a HUGE influence for me as a musician. I wish I could have seen them, but I would have only been like, 5 y.o. back then before he died. Criss was by far one of the best guitarist to ever come out of the whole 80's scene, except for say, Randy Rhoads.
makes sense..now I think about it...I do remember at the show I was at ...chris was pretty much out front. on prelude to madness...just never thought of it at the time......oh well...brain fart...lol
defiantly a great version of an awesome song..there is no doubt about...the only thing I wonder is why Alex was doing the solo and not Chris..seeing as he has done it live many times before...strange...oh well...ROCK ON TSO AND SAVATAGE!!!...great cover..and I agree they should re-release it
This year they played two Savatage songs, Prelude To Madness and Believe. P2M was pretty much all Chris Caffery in front of a light board, so (just a guess here) maybe they were just "sharing the spotlight" for the dedication to Criss Oliva? Search for YouTube user temptationrevelation for a video of P2M during the same show here in Charleston, which also includes JLM's intro to the tribute.
I'm sure the question was asked but can someone please tell me of this will EVER be released by Tim H. And if not, where can I get a good recording of it? Thanks.
I think Alex did very well.I don't know if you've seen this in person or not but i have and Alex is awsome. No disrespect to Criss(r.i.p) cause Criss was Great as well and he would 've been proud of this .
Nope. And that includes me. But then again, no other group has a demographic from 7-70 yrs old. But they all heard his name on the TSO tour. TSO gave props to their Savatage roots and gave a shout-out to Criss. As John Lee Middleton pointed up he said "this is for you buddy". I hope long-time Savatage fans see it as a good thing.
Criss was awesome. I wished he could have been there to participate in later albums. I saw this show in Philly, and as far as I'm concerned, anyone who has ever heard of Savatage should be impressed by the tribute.
Tim's voice is amazing, great version, great song, thanks for posting the full song. A note to drummer dude- take it easy on the cymbals, no need to smash and crash on ever other beat.
I would agree on the quality thing. I took this video with a small Kodak Point n Shoot digital camera with video capability. I think it did a great job, but the live performance was SO MUCH BETTER! The last thing I was thinking about during the concert was Jeff Plates' cymbal style.
Saw TSO in Toronto on December 26/08. When they did this song I was blown away, I didn't know they did any Savatage tunes for this show, but it fit in so perfectly, and what a vocal this version has...awesome. Even my in-laws who are almost 60 loved this song.
I just want to thank you DullerImage for capturing this and making it availible. The vid is good and the audio is exellent.Once again thankx and have a merry christmas and god bless!
Oh wow, I didn't know TSO was doing this live. This is my fave Sava song. It takes on so much extra significance after we lost Criss. He was musically one of my biggest influences; still is. Tim is an incredible singer, and does incredible justice to the song. His voice bears an uncanny resemblance to Tom Waits at times. Bravo, Tim!!!!! I will def have to see TSO now.
Better go soon (only a week or so left). They usually cover a song or two during their tours. This year they chose to honor their roots and to pay tribute to Criss by performing "Prelude to Madness" and "Believe". I wouldn't expect it to be on the setlist next year. And only the East group is doing "Believe" live. Rumors (maybe wishful thinking?) have it included on NightCastle. They recorded 90 songs, which will be culled to 60 on NightCastle, so maybe .....
Tim, you blew me away with TSO this year, this song brought tears to my eyes! Thank you to you and Alex for this amazing performance! Can't wait to see you again in Toronto!
great version of this GREAT song.I saw them in Wilkes Barre Pa. When they did this I was nearly in tears.very touching!Tim.......AWSOME!!!!! and Alex with the lead is the cherry on top.The only thing better was at the meet and greet Johnny Lee told me he saw me sing along ! thanks for noticing!
Thanks for the compliment! (and to others who have complimented the video). By the time they made it here to Charleston, SC, about 3 weeks into the tour, the buzz on the TSO Fan Club discussions board was how powerful this version was live. I intentionally captured the entire song, especially since fans who were seeing the West group did not see it because only the East group is doing it. By the way, I have plenty of still shots on Photobucket . com under DullerImage.
I agree 100%! Regardless of what their soon-to-be-released Night Castle CD is about, slipping this song on there as a bonus would only add to it's popularity. We can only hope ....
Saw this guy (sorry, don't know his name, no disrespect intended) in Buffalo on 6Dec08...AMAZING!!! My daughter and I were completely taken away. Fantastic show...will go again as I should take my wife.(I'll make up any excuse to go...LOL)
this is great ... but John is defenetley better .. at least when he was younger he was much better .. don't get me wrong . i like this one too it's so emotional
Hey Tim! Marianne played this for me last week... and now I am sharing it with Gavin. Its AMAZING! You have an incredible gift. Happy Holidays!! --- Alexia
This rendition of this song is incredible! I was almost in tears when he was singing this. Saw him in Worcester, MA 12-11-2008. Double meaning for me though. I lost my Fiance a little while back and all the memories come flooding back every time I hear this song! Great Job!
Hey Tim, Great meeting you in Ottawa the other night. You have one of the best rock voices I've ever heard. Your performance sent chills. I am going to try and make a TSO audition myself. You can check my videos out of me singing on here. Perhaps we can share the stage one day.
This guy Tim knows the proper way to perform this song! I'm really impressed with the showmanship and how he added such a great dramatic style that totally compliments the greatest song E V E R. Truly a performer.
Grateful to have TH causing mass applause to Believe - way overdue!
No, I'm not (DullerImage). I shot the video. But a few comments above is one from the singer, Tim Hockenberry. A couple of people have made comments directed toward him.
An absolutely wonderful job on this song...It touched me to the point I had to get tissues...brings peace to my heart...and you more than did it justice.
i just saw tim perform this song in hartford 11/30/2008 and i was in awe, i dont think i took a breath the whole time! amazing performance!! i wish i could download him singing the song somewhere!!!
Tim, I'm just a kid trying to get through the loss of my father, this song helps, I see TSO every year, tonight seeing you guys live, and hearing this song, made my night.
This is the best versions of this song to ever be captured, awesome job. Thanks man.
I still prefer Jon singing it
jlyn1980 1 month ago
I honestly think that this is my favorite song. I got chills just from the CD, let alone watching it performed live..
WhisperLuna 2 months ago
Anybody else notice that the video quality makes this look like an 80's music video? :D
carlitodorito3 6 months ago
What's the vocalist's Name?
sardhikhaansi 7 months ago
@sardhikhaansi Tim Hockenberry. On my channel here I have a newer video I took of this same song from 2010. He's on TSO's Night Castle album singing this song, Believe, and another one called Sparks. He also sang on the remake they did last year of Dream Child (and also performed it live a few times on the 2010 tour).
DullerImage 7 months ago
@DullerImage Yeah I'm big TSO and Savatage fan, thing is i could never find this guy's name. I listened to whole Night Castle Album and it was Epic.
sardhikhaansi 7 months ago
Louis Armstrong gave this guy his voice. Jeez
AgentFour 9 months ago
My favorite tune at TSO shows. Its good to hear Criss' music at these shows (I've been going every year for about 8 years now) I've been a Sava fan since 85.
tyrantsbane 1 year ago
He was on that night, Thats for sure. It would be nice if it was cleaned up a little to get the static out. you would have one damn good song
deltafour1212 1 year ago
this is a master piece bro.!!!
fitzgeraldsfire 1 year ago
this was sooooo dam good!!!!! thank you
TheDarthlazy 1 year ago
awesome!!!
jackielle 1 year ago
Doesnt even compare to Jon, I'ts great that they Covered Savatage but IMO No one can do it like Jon and Criss. RIP CRISS
harleygraffix 1 year ago
criss is smiling from the heavens....
fireguye4 1 year ago
Sorry, Alex is great, but Caffery should be the one paying the respect to Criss.
DTzerb 1 year ago
@DTzerb Actually, this was the 2008 Winter Tour and they dedicated two songs to Criss O. And Caffery was actually playing stage right but I just focused on Alex because he was in front of me. When they played Prelude to Madness (The Mountain on Night Castle) , Caffery took over the stage. John Lee Middleton announced it. So they all took part.
DullerImage 1 year ago
Comment removed
DTzerb 1 year ago
@DullerImage I know, just during Savatage years Caffery was playing all off Criss solos, so it was kinda strange that he passed the torch to Al and Alex. But when I saw Al's version during the BLN spring tour I was impressed, he improvised the original solo and made it so cool. Respect.
DTzerb 1 year ago
@DTzerb Yeah, I hear ya! I've never seen Al live (I've seen only the East group). I couldn't make it to a BLN show, but I have the complete show audio on CDs from Chicago and the DVD from NY (both fan recorded) and you're right, Pitrelli is awesome. At the Chicago show, his work on The Dark is almost haunting. (I hope you don't think I was dissing your post!)
DullerImage 1 year ago
Beautiful version
JimmyTheBlackOne 1 year ago
Absolutely Pricleless song and voice!
titojohnson 1 year ago
great song, but he ripped off his own great song "when the crowds are gone." why not just make up some new words?
plantguy666 1 year ago
Jon Oliva needs to sing this. This guys voice is good but Jon brings heart and emotion to everything he does.... I just don't feel it with this version.
ShadowsConcealed6783 1 year ago
Oh my God ...
AytekCan 1 year ago
@Eyeblades Amen to that my friend. It does the same to me, too!
ezurcher1 1 year ago
i like this song forever
yngwieparadise 1 year ago 2
Comment removed
TSOfan 1 year ago
This has been flagged as spam show
Great move at 4:17 when Hockenberry turns away from the mic stand and walks away.
TSOfan 1 year ago
Great move at when Hockenberry turns away from the mic stand and walks away.
TSOfan 1 year ago
@TSOfan Ugh! Forgot the time stamp 4:17
TSOfan 1 year ago
@TSOfan agreed...called respect
fireguye4 1 year ago
Just an AWESOME guitar solo! Way to go Alex.
TSOfan 1 year ago
The Most Amazing Voice Around Belongs to Tim Hockenberry!! This song moves my soul into action and achievement. I truly "Believe" that it will touch you too! Listen for your own sake!
spinalcordcure 1 year ago
Without words... amazing...
hendrixv 1 year ago
oh my God, I love this song sung by Tim Hockenberry. It touches my soul!
carolazh 2 years ago
Thanks a lot for the information. I totally agree with you on your comments about the TSO last album. Amazing!, as usual. We need another Savatage album.
rodrigorosel 2 years ago 2
Sorry, but can you tell who sang this version?. I really liked the voice a lot.
rodrigorosel 2 years ago
Tim Hockenberry. This version of Believe is on the new TSO album Night Castle. He also performs another song on Night Castle called Sparks .... excellent as well. Lots of people are saying that Night Castle is very Savatage-like. The ENTIRE album is a MUST HEAR in my book!
DullerImage 2 years ago
great voice
immortal song
immense love to Jon and Criss Oliva and Paul O'Neill
giub81 2 years ago
I was there for this. Was a great tribute to one of the best, and most underrated guitarist of our time
Cheers for the upload mate!
nickhorvath 2 years ago 2
@nickhorvath I have to completely agree with you. One of the few guitarist that can play a solo with feeling. Alex say's so much more with one note than the majority of the guitarist out there.
TSOfan 1 year ago
SAVATAGE FOREVER!
R.I.P
maidenfans 2 years ago
Great upload R.I.P. Criss Oliva \m/ \m/
stamboliiski 2 years ago
this man is good... different than thee Jon Oliva, But good
yamenshaker 2 years ago
I got to see him perform live in Tampa...just breathtaking!!
stina3246 2 years ago
Comment removed
Sudwerkmauritz 2 years ago
I just got back from seeing them. They are absolutely amazing I love this song, and them. I LOVE U GUYS!!!!!
erin22295 2 years ago
Alex Skolnick. As Chris Caffery calls him during the band intros .... The Master of Jaaaaazzzaster!
DullerImage 2 years ago 2
@DullerImage that was skolnick? didnt look like him
fireguye4 2 years ago
@fireguye4 Yeah it is, let his hair grow with the grey stripe.
TSOfan 1 year ago
i think alex and chris switch off playing lead cuz rythem doesnt usually do solos like chris does. there both amazing guitarist and can both play some kick ass lead guitar
KsErockr19 2 years ago
@KsErockr19 Chris's contribution to the solo is towards the end. Alex plays most of the solo, however your are right Chris Caffrey is no slouch when it comes to solo's.
TSOfan 1 year ago
Incredible rendition!
I don't know how Mr. Hockenberry can keep it together singing this, I have a hard time keeping it together listening to it! It touches way too many nerves.
I'm new to the Savatage/TSO history, this is the version I know from "Night Castle", a stunning album in its own right.
The closest thing to rock opera I've been to was Meatloaf, I've got a lot of catching up to do!
sixgun45 2 years ago
Tim really belts it out on this one! Sounds like Joe Cocker on steroids!
*****5-STARS!!!!!!
rots4me 2 years ago
This is the last song Cris and his brother Jon wrote together before, the death of a great guitarist.
cattboy123 2 years ago
what a waste.. killed by a fucking drunk driver who did no time in prison
fireguye4 2 years ago
Medicating lyrics
fv3video 2 years ago
I cried so hard last night when they performed this...very touching!!
andrewalexmom 2 years ago
i bet. amazing song
fireguye4 2 years ago
To Acjunk- The singer of Savatage was the brother of TSO guitarist - learn respect!
DeathDlr73 2 years ago
such powerful lyrics
OCDLibrarian 2 years ago
I love this song! It's difficult not to cry listening to such emotional song.
Seattlecarnut 2 years ago
EPIC lyrics!
OCDLibrarian 2 years ago
My favorite Savatage song. And they do a great cover of it. Btw it's on "Streets: A Rock Opera"
Also Savateage's best albums is either "Edge of Thorns" or "Dead Winter Dead" and not "Hall of the Mountain King" imo.
danielkjohansson 2 years ago
Dont forget Gutter Ballet it is up there with Streets , and of course Power of the Nite, Sirens , The Dungeons are Calling, Wake of Magellen, Madmen and Poets , please help Savatage fans for more album names. They have some great music that blows away much of todays music by far.
johnearl0268 2 years ago
Comment removed
SamRaven2 1 year ago
@johnearl0268 - for those of you who don't know yet, Paul O'Neill is taking Gutter Ballet to Broadway.
DullerImage 1 year ago 5
@DullerImage that is awesome!! Gutter Ballet and Streets are probably my two fave Sava records.
ezurcher1 1 year ago
@johnearl0268
the hall of the mountain king, fight for the rock, edge of thorns, dead winter dead, handful of rain, and still the rochestra plays...
RojizoMaster 1 year ago
@johnearl0268 Also Dead Winter Dead
blpaden1963 1 year ago
Comment removed
timhockenberry 2 years ago
Always wondered about that- did the Oliva brothers write musical parts originally though? They are credited on STREETS, but only Paul is credited on 'Castle'. I am ignorant to the process of producer vs writer, lol! Maybe Paul can write on all instruments? Regardless, GREAT voice, sir! You're gonna make this song go FAR!
ACjunkyard 2 years ago
Amazing song
investigator100 2 years ago
He tried his best. 4* for him.
xaitienle 2 years ago
WOW.
zzzombie888 2 years ago
This doesn't sound right unless Jon Oliva sings it. Nothin better than Savatage finally getting recognition and glory under the disguise of Christmas music!!
thomismetal 2 years ago 10
Tim Hockenberry isn't doing a bad job though. It's still a great sounding version of the song.
bubba85715 2 years ago
Zak Stevens does a good job on it. I believe it is on "wake of the magellan"
scruffy2112 2 years ago
It'd be a little nicer if they could be recognized on their own terms. I always want to blare "Edge of Thorns" or "The Dungeons Are Calling" whenever someone goes on about TSO...
Having said that, "Beethoven's Last Night" kicks some serious ass.
theeducatedfool 2 years ago 8
I always want to blare Hall of the Mountain King haha. Seriously though, if they released streets, handful of rain, dead winter dead, and wake of magellan under the disguise of "Trans siberian Orchestra", i would be curious to see how they'd sell
thomismetal 2 years ago 3
Well, it's official! THIS VERSION is on "Night Castle" and it, along with the whole album is P H E N O M E N A L! ! !
JeffreyDepp 2 years ago 3
Agreed. This song is probably one of my favorites on the album.
bubba85715 2 years ago
AMAZING song!
ditroiamusic 2 years ago 3
This has been flagged as spam show
today marks the 16th aniversary of that terrible day that Criss olivia was killed by drunk driver. Criss we love you and miss you, you're music will always live on in the hearts of Savatage fans.
Riprandycriss94 2 years ago
No one can do this number like Jon O, but i will surely not miss this show live !
JACKSONAXER 2 years ago
Comment removed
evilcousin442 2 years ago
I can't stop watching this video....PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE tell me Tim will be apart of this year's T-SO Tour and be in the Orlando show Dec. 5th!
JeffreyDepp 2 years ago
TSO recently updated their member list for 2009 (removed the people not touring this year, added new ones) and Tim Hockenberry is still there. His site doesn't list dates yet so I'm not 100% sure, but it looks promising. Then again, who says he won't move to the West group this year. But I would be very surprised if Tim's version is not the one on Night Castle. That just wouldn't make sense to me to introduce a remake on tour then have yet another version on the album.
DullerImage 2 years ago
Thanks for the info, but I sent Tim a message on his MySpace asking him and was VERY surprised and excited that he responded and told me that he will indeed be in the Orlando show Dec. 5th...This is the 1st time I get to see this group out of the 5 times I've seen them...Looking forward to finally see Caffery live! However I will miss seeing Pitrelli, Clark, and Farese...Especially Tommy Farese! Favorite singer on the Christmas first 2 Christmas Albums..."This Christmas Day" BEST SONG EVER!
JeffreyDepp 2 years ago
I WANT SAVATAGE BACK!!!!
burnier10 2 years ago 2
we all want'em back again
mihaita333 2 years ago
u never see alex like this in testament ;))
mihaita333 2 years ago
It's nice to see them keeping the spirit of Criss alive.
BigMateo24 2 years ago 2
Their new album "Night Castle" has a song called "Believe" on it in the track listing...Could it be a possible remake? If it is...I hope this guy does the vocals for it....AMAZING! Savatage & T-S0 FOR LIFE!
JeffreyDepp 2 years ago
That would be aweosome if TSO did a remake of Believe. I doubt I'd like it as much as Jon Oliva's, but more people need to here the Savatage classics.
Oniren91 2 years ago
I agree with you on the fact that no one can do it like The Mountain King can...But I also gotta say that I absolutely am loving Tim's version! My guess is T-SO will do something like they did with "Back To A Reason", a song from Savatage's last album "Poets and Madmen" back in '02. Oliva did lead vocals for that song as well...Then T-SO came out with "Back To A Reason (Part II)" on their last Christmas album "Lost Christmas Eve" with Robert Evan on vocals...Same song/Different Ending...
JeffreyDepp 2 years ago
...Both great versions....So I guess only time will tell.....12 More Days to go before "Night Castle"....Just in time for my Birthday on the 28th!
JeffreyDepp 2 years ago
That's not why TSO formed Tday34...You need to learn a little history. The true history...not something you read in a press release!!!!
prock68 2 years ago
lol, some people fell for that PR though! I never bought it. Would love to know how it all REALLY happened but i'm not a big fan of guessing or speculating, lol.
ACjunkyard 2 years ago
imgoing this yar for the 5th year in a row-TSO is awesome the concert is about 2/12 hours which is the longest 1 i been to-i love TSO
rickfire1971 2 years ago
Let me state that I love TSO greatly. But I feel that somehow they are or were a contributing factor to the demise of SAVATAGE. They played to huge stadiums all over the US, but Savtage just had more of a region popularity like that. The guys got to see bigger audiences. I think that although Jon O. said that they are basically savatage (JO's Pain) That somehow Paul O'Neil and Robert Kinkel did what he did on Dead Winter Dead and replicated it on a huger scale, and he feels left out of the loop.
scruffy2112 2 years ago
I read an interview with Jon a couple years back and he said he stopped Savatage because he was losing over a million dollars a year trying to keep it going. The whole reason TSO started was because when Savatage released Christmas Eve as a single, radio wouldn't play it. When they rereleased it under a different name (TSO), radio ate it up and it shot up the charts to #1 (no justice).
prock68 2 years ago
Well Christmas Eve Sarajevo received plenty of air-time on radio waves before TSO hit the scene. In fact, the song got so much interest, that the album Dead Winter Dead sold out quickly, and needed to be re-stocked...
TSO came around because the group decided to write and record a rock opera with Xmas Eve as the main idea, and capitalize on the success of 12/24. O'Neil and Co. thought the fan base would reject this new idea if released under Savatage, and Trans Siberian Orchestra was born.
tday34 2 years ago
But I agree with what your saying, Savatage never got the respect they deserved!
tday34 2 years ago
They released Christmas Eve sajiavo and Savatage single and it got air play during Christmas on genre's of radio stations. That why they deciede there was something to this and created TSO
verticleman69 2 years ago
i get chills everytime i listen to this
Mamow 2 years ago
Absolutely beautiful. I have gone to TSO's concert every year since that first performance nearly 11 years ago and I always think there is no way they can top the previous year. Every year they manage to do just that. I can't wait to see what they have in store this year and heard that this song will be on Night Castle. Here's hoping!
Ponine24601 2 years ago
Simply put--an incredible performance. My wife and I saw TSO for the first time in Jacksonville, FL in Nov. '08, and we were blown away. Tim Hockenberry on "Believe" was probably the most moving performance I have ever seen. After playing the drums for 22 years, I have seen a lot of shows and performed a lot of shows. TSO has by far the best musicians, vocalists, and production that I have ever seen. This band is a must see!
Aaron66Strickland 2 years ago
Amen, brother! I went to see TSO (again) expecting the same great show with the first-half rock opera "Christmas Eve and Other Stories" and the second half "kick it up a notch", and this song caught me by surprise too. But that's TSO ... anything's possible. Thanks for the comment. Just a few more months until TSO Season!
DullerImage 2 years ago
Best song ever!
maggioramarco 2 years ago
Great , great and... excellent!!!! And great!!!!
quetedelavie 2 years ago
I'm hopeful for a reunion however I'm not holding my breath - till then, I'll see JOP whenever they come anywhere near Chgo......Jon Oliva is the man!
crissolivafreak 2 years ago 5
I`m holding my breath with you man!
Best wishes and hopes from Austria!
Waylandar 2 years ago
I'm also in Austria man... and a SAVATAGE reunion is one of biggest dreams in life!
best regards!
burnier10 2 years ago
Savatage reunion now!
maidenfans 2 years ago 12
I would love to see a Savatage renunion tour, but I think many would agree with me that Savatage without Criss Oliva is not Savatage. I don't want to knock Al P. or Alex Skolnick, they are tremendous musicians, but Criss and Jon made that band really special, and without both together, it wouldn't 'feel' like Savatage.
BigMateo24 2 years ago
I would like to say thanks to TSO for ONLY having TSO EAST play BELIEVE In memory of Chris Oliva!!! It would seem to me that Paul & TSO thinks that TSO WEST fans don't care about Chris Oliva. This was my 10th time I have seen them & I will say that no TSO concert will ever compare to the way I felt when I first saw them in 99 in Chicago. I will see them next year even if Paul thinks that TSO East fans deserve more than TSO West fans.
waspfan1 2 years ago
Not true. I am a permanent resident of the West Coast, and Criss Oliva is a HUGE influence for me as a musician. I wish I could have seen them, but I would have only been like, 5 y.o. back then before he died. Criss was by far one of the best guitarist to ever come out of the whole 80's scene, except for say, Randy Rhoads.
BigMateo24 2 years ago
GODDAMN!
deltafour1212 2 years ago
Saw them in December... this performance literally gave me chills. SO much emotion.
CassimaPwnsWoW 2 years ago
RIP Criss
Lyth56 2 years ago 6
Not sure who negged me, but nobody can play Criss' music like he can. Anybody who thinks they can is foolin themselves.
vikingrich 2 years ago
makes sense..now I think about it...I do remember at the show I was at ...chris was pretty much out front. on prelude to madness...just never thought of it at the time......oh well...brain fart...lol
mattygosmond 2 years ago
defiantly a great version of an awesome song..there is no doubt about...the only thing I wonder is why Alex was doing the solo and not Chris..seeing as he has done it live many times before...strange...oh well...ROCK ON TSO AND SAVATAGE!!!...great cover..and I agree they should re-release it
mattygosmond 2 years ago
This year they played two Savatage songs, Prelude To Madness and Believe. P2M was pretty much all Chris Caffery in front of a light board, so (just a guess here) maybe they were just "sharing the spotlight" for the dedication to Criss Oliva? Search for YouTube user temptationrevelation for a video of P2M during the same show here in Charleston, which also includes JLM's intro to the tribute.
DullerImage 2 years ago
I'm sure the question was asked but can someone please tell me of this will EVER be released by Tim H. And if not, where can I get a good recording of it? Thanks.
orangeleviathan 3 years ago
Tim is awesome
craighess1 3 years ago
Great song, awesome cover!
Well done. RIP Criss.
lawlbob 3 years ago 2
well hopefully this will turn TSO fans into savatage fans too unless they already are :)
ridethesky1 3 years ago 5
Pfft, my point being, you're not up there doing it, don't criticize the man. You aren't obviously as good. So give it up.
Btw, saw then Jan 3rd, amazing. Love this song. He has such a great voice, Alex does amazing on the solo. TSO is pretty much the shit |,,|
Shredmaster08 3 years ago
wtf is Alex doin' to that solo???
kmorg 3 years ago
nobody can play like Criss, bro.
vikingrich 3 years ago
I think Alex did very well.I don't know if you've seen this in person or not but i have and Alex is awsome. No disrespect to Criss(r.i.p) cause Criss was Great as well and he would 've been proud of this .
TadDeLong 3 years ago
im all about Alex since Testament days,,,,but chris is Savatage grand alumni
Michaelknowshisshit 2 years ago 3
Yep, I love TSO> Didn't get to go tis year. I love Alex, but I'd bet he'd tell you he can't play Criss' music as well as Criss either.
vikingrich 2 years ago
I wonder if most TSO fans even know who Criss Oliva is.
vikingrich 3 years ago
Nope. And that includes me. But then again, no other group has a demographic from 7-70 yrs old. But they all heard his name on the TSO tour. TSO gave props to their Savatage roots and gave a shout-out to Criss. As John Lee Middleton pointed up he said "this is for you buddy". I hope long-time Savatage fans see it as a good thing.
DullerImage 3 years ago
Oh, no doubt this is good. the guys deserve this success.
vikingrich 3 years ago 2
Criss was awesome. I wished he could have been there to participate in later albums. I saw this show in Philly, and as far as I'm concerned, anyone who has ever heard of Savatage should be impressed by the tribute.
NoxasRisen 3 years ago
great song such a strong voice
ohiostatedabomb 3 years ago 2
Can anyone else believe that someone just told Jeff Plate how to drum? ...anyway, great song.
zappyalex 3 years ago
Everyone should be open to criticism. No matter what your competence level, one can always improve or make bad choices from time to time.
jms980 3 years ago
Tim's voice is amazing, great version, great song, thanks for posting the full song. A note to drummer dude- take it easy on the cymbals, no need to smash and crash on ever other beat.
biffbyford 3 years ago
its the quality not what he's playing.
basslicker420 3 years ago 4
I would agree on the quality thing. I took this video with a small Kodak Point n Shoot digital camera with video capability. I think it did a great job, but the live performance was SO MUCH BETTER! The last thing I was thinking about during the concert was Jeff Plates' cymbal style.
DullerImage 3 years ago
That's how the song was written, he's supposed to hit the cymbals when he does....it's there to add emphasis to a powerful song.
DHRC18 3 years ago
This was my favorite song in their entire set! Thank you so much for recording it!
breathefortomorrowx 3 years ago 5
West Coast didn't do this song :( I think Al is the only one from 'Tage left on West Coast. Mark Wood made it worthwhile though.
Also, its not the same with Jon on Vocals.
alfadorjanus 3 years ago
Saw TSO in Toronto on December 26/08. When they did this song I was blown away, I didn't know they did any Savatage tunes for this show, but it fit in so perfectly, and what a vocal this version has...awesome. Even my in-laws who are almost 60 loved this song.
DHRC18 3 years ago 4
i love it
schoolboy347 3 years ago 4
I just want to thank you DullerImage for capturing this and making it availible. The vid is good and the audio is exellent.Once again thankx and have a merry christmas and god bless!
TadDeLong 3 years ago 5
Oh wow, I didn't know TSO was doing this live. This is my fave Sava song. It takes on so much extra significance after we lost Criss. He was musically one of my biggest influences; still is. Tim is an incredible singer, and does incredible justice to the song. His voice bears an uncanny resemblance to Tom Waits at times. Bravo, Tim!!!!! I will def have to see TSO now.
And for God's sake, a new Sava album, please!!!!
Merry Christmas, all!!!
theaterdreamer 3 years ago
Better go soon (only a week or so left). They usually cover a song or two during their tours. This year they chose to honor their roots and to pay tribute to Criss by performing "Prelude to Madness" and "Believe". I wouldn't expect it to be on the setlist next year. And only the East group is doing "Believe" live. Rumors (maybe wishful thinking?) have it included on NightCastle. They recorded 90 songs, which will be culled to 60 on NightCastle, so maybe .....
DullerImage 3 years ago
This has been flagged as spam show
Tim, you blew me away with TSO this year, this song brought tears to my eyes! Thank you to you and Alex for this amazing performance! Can't wait to see you again in Toronto!
donnac11 3 years ago
great version of this GREAT song.I saw them in Wilkes Barre Pa. When they did this I was nearly in tears.very touching!Tim.......AWSOME!!!!! and Alex with the lead is the cherry on top.The only thing better was at the meet and greet Johnny Lee told me he saw me sing along ! thanks for noticing!
TadDeLong 3 years ago
Thanks for the compliment! (and to others who have complimented the video). By the time they made it here to Charleston, SC, about 3 weeks into the tour, the buzz on the TSO Fan Club discussions board was how powerful this version was live. I intentionally captured the entire song, especially since fans who were seeing the West group did not see it because only the East group is doing it. By the way, I have plenty of still shots on Photobucket . com under DullerImage.
DullerImage 3 years ago
This song is awesome and Alex rocks the solo at 4:20. Tim is a fantastic singer. I think they should re-release this song.
Mogoamerica 3 years ago
I agree 100%! Regardless of what their soon-to-be-released Night Castle CD is about, slipping this song on there as a bonus would only add to it's popularity. We can only hope ....
DullerImage 3 years ago
Max Your Dad ROCKED IT Last Night In N.J.What A Great Performance Of A Very Emotional Song.Awesome Rendition.
hardrfastr 3 years ago
Saw this guy (sorry, don't know his name, no disrespect intended) in Buffalo on 6Dec08...AMAZING!!! My daughter and I were completely taken away. Fantastic show...will go again as I should take my wife.(I'll make up any excuse to go...LOL)
smorin71 3 years ago
i forgot :D Jon still rulz :D ... and R.I.P. Criss
seve140488 3 years ago
this is great ... but John is defenetley better .. at least when he was younger he was much better .. don't get me wrong . i like this one too it's so emotional
seve140488 3 years ago
Hey Tim! Marianne played this for me last week... and now I am sharing it with Gavin. Its AMAZING! You have an incredible gift. Happy Holidays!! --- Alexia
gavinella 3 years ago
This rendition of this song is incredible! I was almost in tears when he was singing this. Saw him in Worcester, MA 12-11-2008. Double meaning for me though. I lost my Fiance a little while back and all the memories come flooding back every time I hear this song! Great Job!
HotForTrot 3 years ago
this is my dad
maxxhockenberry 3 years ago
Hey Maxx!!!! See you in Toronto!!!
I love you
timhockenberry 3 years ago
Hey Tim, Great meeting you in Ottawa the other night. You have one of the best rock voices I've ever heard. Your performance sent chills. I am going to try and make a TSO audition myself. You can check my videos out of me singing on here. Perhaps we can share the stage one day.
Cheers,
Matt French
pip060878 3 years ago
I have to say your dad has one of the best voices I've ever heard. I met him in Ottawa last week.
pip060878 3 years ago
The lyrics are on the Savatage site go to index, click on band info, discography, streets, Believe. Sorry-no urls here:(
Thank you-DullerImage for Sharing, Tim for the heart.
Without Savatage there would be no TSO.
alloztome 3 years ago
This guy Tim knows the proper way to perform this song! I'm really impressed with the showmanship and how he added such a great dramatic style that totally compliments the greatest song E V E R. Truly a performer.
Grateful to have TH causing mass applause to Believe - way overdue!
ACjunkyard 3 years ago
this was my favorette song they played i amost cryed RIP criss
upshaw666 3 years ago
wait are you actually the singer?
soccersteeler 3 years ago
No, I'm not (DullerImage). I shot the video. But a few comments above is one from the singer, Tim Hockenberry. A couple of people have made comments directed toward him.
DullerImage 3 years ago
An absolutely wonderful job on this song...It touched me to the point I had to get tissues...brings peace to my heart...and you more than did it justice.
maggienj1 3 years ago
i just saw tim perform this song in hartford 11/30/2008 and i was in awe, i dont think i took a breath the whole time! amazing performance!! i wish i could download him singing the song somewhere!!!
kimberlyd4171 3 years ago
Tim, I'm just a kid trying to get through the loss of my father, this song helps, I see TSO every year, tonight seeing you guys live, and hearing this song, made my night.
This is the best versions of this song to ever be captured, awesome job. Thanks man.
CBowolick27 3 years ago
Amazing! One of the best songs on this tour!
UFO151 3 years ago
stunning. sad.
pzfeb 3 years ago
I had never heard much TSO and just saw them in concert on Saturday afternoon in Philly with my family, and this song moved me to tears.. incredible
terppoker21 3 years ago