Trans-Siberian Orchestra honors late founder Paul O’Neill in 2017 tour

Photos: Notable deaths 2017 Trans-Siberian Orchestra founder Paul O'Neill has died, the band announced April 5, 2017. He was 61. Here, O'Neill and Al Pitrelli pose in Amsterdam in 2011. (Photo by Paul Bergen/Redferns/Getty Images)

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 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.

0
Comments on this article
0
On Air97.1 The River - Classic Hits Logo

mobile apps

Everything you love about 971theriver.com and more! Tap on any of the buttons below to download our app.

amazon alexa

Enable our Skill today to listen live at home on your Alexa Devices!