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Biography
Paul O’Neill, was all ready one of the biggest names in rock music, having managed and produced Aerosmith, AC/DC, Scorpions and Joan Jett. He began writing progressive rock in a band called ‘Slowburn’ in the 1970s, but instead of recording an album, he put it to one side and continued to write, produce, manage and promote. It wasn’t until 1996 that he had an offer from Atlantic Records to start his own band. He invited Jon Oliva, Robert Kinkel and Al Pitrelli to work with him on this project, combining classical and rock music. This is what became Trans-Siberian Orchestra, which of course got it’s name from O’Neill’s visit to Russia in the 1980s. He described Siberia as being incredibly beautiful but incredibly harsh and unforgiving as well. He compared it with life, and appreciated the philosophy behind it.
Their genre is an eclectic mixture of classical, orchestral, symphonic and progressive features that are then blended into rock and heavy metal music. They are in a league of their own with the conceptual ideas that they bring to life, taking their first release “Christmas Eve and Other Stories” as an example which was released on October 15th 1996. It was the first instalment of an intended Christmas Trilogy and is still to this day one of their best selling albums. It is this album that features the hit “Christmas Canon” which is a rework of Pachelbel’s “Canon in D Major” but with lyrics added.
Touring is one of the things that this band is all about with their fantastically executed light shows that match the complexity of their music. There are in fact two touring groups colloquially referred to as TSO East and TSO West in America, made up of different line-ups. They have also embarked on a European tour, including a performance on New Year’s Eve in front of over 1,000,000 fans at Berlin’s Brandenburg Gate, which was also daring as the band played three shows across two continents in 27 hours.
If that wasn’t enough, TSO are philanthropists, having donated over $10 million dollars to local and national charities. They also donate at least one dollar per ticket to local charities in the cities that they perform.
Live reviews
It's a family tradition for my family and I to go see the ever amazing Trans-Siberian Orchestra every year. Their Christmas tour, which was about two and a half hours long this past year, was as good as it ever has been. My parents love the album and it was a staple here, but we were totally unprepared when we saw them live the first time. It blew us away how incredible they are!
The music was from their Christmas album, telling the story of a man who coldheartly abandoned his child as a newborn, but goes to find him, narrated by the awesome Phillip Brandon. There were about 25 musicians on stage, with incredible pryotechnics, lasers and lights! There was also an incredible solo performed by the ever talented Chloe Lowery called "For the Sake of Our Brother," which was quiet and didn't have anywhere near the amount of effects as any of the other songs before or after it. The big crowd pleaser is the giant hit "Christmas Eve/Sarajevo," which was played toward the end of the show. Everyone around us loved the show, and most of us are making the trip to see them again in December!
"The Ghosts of Christmas Past" was a truly electrifying experience at the CAPITAL ONE ARENA, in Washington, DC. The TRANS-SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA captivated the audience with a spectacular laser-light show; "aerial" music performances so close that the audience could almost "touch" the performers; video-movie displays that caused mouths to gape in awe; and a resounding rock opera worthy of being performed in front of the kings of the Earth!
The musical messages sent by THE TRANS-SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA were not only powerful but appropriate for "... the times We live in ...". I was especially appreciative for the orchestra's double performance of My Christmas favorite, "Carol Of The Bells" ....
"Rock On Dudes!"
hbtpt3
My Dad has been wanting to see Tran Siberian Orchestra for so long and we finally did when they came to Houston at the Toyota Center in 2016. We had seats on the floor and were able to have a pretty good view. The concert to me seemed to be heavy on the Rock n' Roll. I thought it would have more of a Christmas vibe to it since it was only a few days before Christmas when we saw them and especially since they are famous for their Christmas songs. Well now we have seen them and will probably never see them live again. I guess I would recommend seeing them at least once, but that is it.
stef-pace
I must admit that this was the first time I saw TSO live and I was not disappointed. I've always liked their music and to see them live was inspirational. They truly love what they do and it comes through in their performance. There is a certain quality about the performance that bring home the Christmas spirit of faith, hope, and love. I would truly recommend seeing any performance by TSO. Take it to heart because they have sought to inspire and remind their fans what Christmas is supposed to be about.
Shaight
My experience and my show i seen was very very awesome and outstanding I really really enjoyed the show and the singers and all Especially my bestest favorite # 1 was the Drummer Blas ELIAS I had an aweesome Experience and Aweesome afternoon I wish I could go to every Transiberian orchestra Show you all Perform because my experience seeing them was Aweeesome outstanding and Incredible I look forward to going to many many more shows God Bless
sactowngal143143
Phenomenal, outstanding, best show ever. I've seen some power house bands in my day, but this is big, bad, rock opera!! The ensemble cast keeps it extremely entertaining, from big, bad, Joe Cocker style vocals; to the best laser, pyrotechnic show I've ever seen indoors.
My wife hasn't been to a concert since she saw AC/DC open up for the Righteous Brother's in Fresno CA last century. She had the best time ever with your show. See you next year!!
RE_Todd
AMAZING!!! It’s not like any other concert. It’s truly a show with laser, pyrotechnics, great background videos, and of course awesome music. The band members’ constant communication with the crowd makes the concert feel like an intimate experience. Trans-Siberian Orchestra may not be my favorite band in general, but just the form in which their concert was conducted has made them my favorite band to see in concert.
DemigodMadness
The TSO show last night in Columbia, SC was awesome! I had floor seats this year and the views were a lot better. You can really feel the heat from the pyro up close! Their music and shows are full of high energy and the light show is spectacular! The singers and musicians are incredibly talented! The ticket prices are a little high but well worth the money. And I even here they donate some of the proceeds to charity.
joseph-knight-1
I LOVE TSO. This is my 5th tome seeing it and it's just as exciting and memorable every year. This year my son and his family came too. They have 3 daughters, 10,10,& 8. My granddaughters were flipping their hair and dancing like the band and the guitar player, Angus, interacted with them. Everyone around us enjoyed watching them and he gave all 3 a guitar pick. He has made fans for life. We will definitely go again!
nannypool
They had an amazing stage performance! I caught the 3 pm show in Sacramento and I was not disappointed. There was pyro, lasers, risers. Everything I’ve never seen before was in this show. This is my favorite show and now KISS has a tough show to beat. I would recommend this show to anyone who is interested in going but has never actually bought tickets yet.
trod95912
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