SAVATAGE founding vocalist and keyboardist Jon Oliva has shared a detailed and moving personal update, revealing that his health struggles have worsened and that he faces back surgery — but insisting the band's momentum has not stopped.
Posting in the Savatage Legion Facebook group, the 66-year-old Oliva opened with a tribute to his late brother Criss, who would have turned 63 on April 3: "Losing Criss... that's something you don't ever 'get over.' You just learn to carry it. I want to thank all of you for continuing to honor Criss and keep his spirit and music alive."
Oliva then addressed his condition directly. He suffered a T7 vertebra fracture in three places several years ago and has since been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and Meniere's disease. "I've been dealing with some serious health issues, and right now I'm looking at having surgery on my back," he wrote. "The truth is, as it stands, I'm in a lot of pain... and I haven't been able to sing the way I should. I'm also not able to fly anymore, which has made things a lot more complicated."
Despite all of this, Oliva remains active. He confirmed that SAVATAGE are in talks about potential US dates for spring or summer 2027: "Nothing I can officially announce just yet, but it's being worked on, and it means a lot to me to even be able to say that."
He also teased an upcoming live album recorded June 29, 1990 at the Palace in Los Angeles during the Gutter Ballet tour, featuring Criss Oliva on guitar.