Trans-Siberian Orchestra guitarist Al Pitrelli says ‘every note that I play on my guitar’ during the band’s Winter Tour 2017 will honor the memory of Paul O’Neill.
The beloved TSO founder died in April of an accidental overdose of prescription medication used to treat his chronic illnesses. He was 61.
In an exclusive interview with USA Today's Patrick Ryan, Pitrelli discusses this year's revamped tour and how it will act as a tribute to O'Neill.
"Every note and every lyric is something that Paul had written; 99 percent of (the production) is Paul's design," Pitrelli tells USA Today. "Everything that you see on that stage is a tribute to the man's genius."
The tour, which will feature fan-favorites like “Christmas Eve (Sarajevo 12/24)”, “O’ Come All Ye Faithful” and “Good King Joy”, kicks off on Nov. 16 in Erie, Pa.
Pitrelli, who joined TSO in 1995, says this year “every one of these songs will become that much more poignant.”
He adds, "I hear time and time again, 'it’s not the holidays until I see you guys live,' or 'from Thanksgiving to New Year’s, we’re playing your music in our home’.”
Tickets to TSO’s Winter Tour 2017 go on sale starting Sept. 15. For tour dates and more information, visit trans-siberian.com.