JON OLIVA'S BIOGRAPHY

Writing Jon Oliva's biography appeared to be a rather difficult thing to do. Putting all the bits and pieces together it's a long and interesting story. But it's very hard to find the right source(s) of information. As for now, I have compiled some questions and answers from recent interviews with Jon. Reading these, you get to know more about Jon as a person; his influences, experiences and interests, both musically and otherwise.

Full name:Jonathan Nicholas Oliva Birth date: 07.22.1960 Birth place: Bronx, New York city Residence: Brooksville, Florida Hobby's: Playing with my dog Emmit ; watching the stars When did you start making music? At the age of 6 Musical influences: Beatles, Queen, The Who Favorite album: Beatles "Abbey Road" and "White Album" Favorite musician/songwriter: Lennon and McCartney First concert: Black Sabbath What jobs did you have before you became a professional musician? I worked in a shop at a golf court for a while Other bands/ side projects: Doctor Butcher, Trans Siberian Orchestra, the musical The Romanovs. First professional performance: 1974 in the Trailer Park Rec. Center ( Sherwood Forest Block party ). We played nothing but Kiss songs and the admission fee was the huge amount of $1.50 What equipment do you use? Korg and Yamaha keyboards, Steinway piano's Which Savatage song is your favorite and why ? " Believe " - because of the atmosphere and because it's such a cool song! Which Sava-song means the most to you and what was it that inspired you to write it ? " Alone You Breathe ", the inspiration should be obvious. Most awkward moment onstage ? Blue Moon Circus in Oberhausen, Germany on the "Gutter Ballet" tour. Those who have been there, know exactly why ! Quotation: " Having a wonderful time - where am I ???!!! " [ From a German fanclub interview ]

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