SAVATAGE mastermind Jon Oliva has addressed his absence from the band’s scheduled performance at the 2025 Monsters Of Rock festival in São Paulo, Brazil, set for April 19. The festival lineup will also feature SCORPIONS, JUDAS PRIEST, EUROPE, QUEENSRŸCHE, OPETH, and STRATOVARIUS.
The official festival website has confirmed SAVATAGE’s lineup for their 2025 performance, featuring Johnny Lee Middleton on bass, Chris Caffery and Al Pitrelli on guitars, Jeff Plate on drums, and Zak Stevens on lead vocals.
Earlier today (Tuesday, October 29), Oliva released the following statement via social media: “Hello SAVATAGE fans, this is Jon Oliva. I want to set a few things straight for everyone. First of all, I am very excited for Johnny, Chris, Zak, Jeff & Al to play again. I feel it’s important for the fans to enjoy our music live, and believe me these guys will kick ass. As far as I go, I was going to do these shows but unfortunately, I’ve run into more health issues. I want you all to know that if there was any way I could do these shows I would, but my health issues are more serious than I originally thought. As most of you know I fractured my spine in 3 places and have recently been diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis as well as Ménière’s disease. My doctors are working with me to get healthy again. I am working closely with the guys and will be involved in every other aspect of the show. I am 100 percent behind the guys doing this and I promise I will return [as soon as possible]. In the meantime, I am working in the studio on new material. I love you all and thank you for understanding my situation, I know my brothers will deliver the goods. Enjoy Sava Legions. Much love to you all. Jon Oliva”.
Ménière’s disease, as explained by the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, is an inner ear disorder that leads to intense dizziness (vertigo), ringing in the ears (tinnitus), hearing loss, and a sensation of fullness or congestion in the ear. While the condition typically affects just one ear, 15% to 25% of those with Ménière’s may experience it in both ears.
