Trans-Siberian Orchestra’s Al Pitrelli Talks New Show, Touring, and Keeping Paul’s Legacy Alive
As the holiday season approaches, the Trans-Siberian Orchestra (TSO) prepares to bring its signature mix of rock, classical, and visual spectacle to arenas nationwide. In a recent interview with WRIF’s Meltdown, Al Pitrelli, TSO’s musical director and guitarist, shared insights about the upcoming tour, the legacy of TSO founder Paul O’Neill, and his journey as a musician.
TSO’s New Show: “Bigger and Better Every Year”
Al Pitrelli is no stranger to the challenge of raising the bar each year for TSO’s spectacular holiday shows. When asked by Meltdown how the band continues to make the production bigger and better, Pitrelli credited Paul O’Neill’s vision from the start.
“We’ve been working on this show since mid-January,” Pitrelli said. “It’s a brand-new show with a new design, a fresh look—everything about it will be fantastic.” He went on to talk about how TSO has grown since their early days in the late ’90s. “When we first came to town, we had a box truck, a bus, and a fog machine. The next year, Paul doubled down… Now, we roll into town with 22 tractor-trailers, 12 buses, and many more fog machines!”
O’Neill’s vision for TSO was always about creating something musically and visually massive. “Paul wanted to put on the biggest rock-and-roll spectacle—visually and musically. He wanted to combine everything from symphonies by Mozart and Beethoven to good old American heavy metal.”
Listen To Al Pitrelli Of Trans-Siberian Orchestra Below
Finding a Home in Trans-Siberian Orchestra
For Pitrelli, TSO has been more than just a band—it’s been a home. Reflecting on his career and the many projects he’s been involved in, Pitrelli noted that as a kid, he always dreamed of being in a band, not necessarily a session player.
“When I first saw The Beatles on Ed Sullivan in ’64, I knew I wanted to be a musician,” Pitrelli recalled. “As a teenager, I had posters of Jimmy Page on my wall, dreaming of being in a band. Over the years, I ended up touring with so many people, playing on different records, but I always longed for a home.”
That home, he says, came when Paul O’Neill invited him to join TSO in 1995. “Paul gave me the opportunity to work with him, and artistically, it was the best home I ever had. Thirty years later, here we are.”
Keeping Paul O’Neill’s Legacy Alive
Since the passing of Paul O’Neill in 2017, TSO’s mission to continue his legacy has been more important than ever. “Paul and I used to talk about how, if we played our cards right, TSO could live long past us,” Pitrelli said. “Like any good artist, you want your work to be appreciated for generations. We’re carrying on Paul’s legacy, bringing new people into the audience every year.”
Pitrelli also shared his goal of ensuring TSO becomes a holiday tradition, much like the Christmas shows at Radio City Music Hall. “My job is to make sure the younger people in the band know exactly how Paul wanted things done, so this tradition can continue for years to come.”
Touring with New Talent and Long-Time Members
This year’s TSO tour features some exciting talent, including Mariah Formica from the band Plush. “She’s phenomenal,” Pitrelli said of Formica. “You know when you meet someone and think, ‘We’re going to get along really well for a long time’? That’s how I feel about her.”
Pitrelli also gave a shout-out to Blas Elias, TSO’s West Coast drummer, who adds a captivating presence to the band’s live performances. “Blas is so much fun to watch, and he’s a great drummer. He’s the heartbeat of the band.”
Reflecting on a Storied Career: From Widowmaker to Megadeth
Before finding his home in TSO, Pitrelli played in a variety of iconic bands, including Widowmaker, Megadeth, and Alice Cooper’s band. Meltdown, who first met Pitrelli during his Widowmaker days with Dee Snider, asked how it felt to have played in so many different projects.
“I always wanted to be in a band, but when people started asking me to tour and play on records, I realized I could make a living as a musician,” Pitrelli said. “But I always had this longing to be part of something long-term. Paul O’Neill gave me that chance with TSO.”
Meltdown also touched on Pitrelli’s time in Megadeth, where he filled in as a guitarist during Marty Friedman’s departure. “It was supposed to be temporary, but I ended up staying for two years,” Pitrelli said. “It was an education and a half, but my heart was always with TSO.”
TSO’s Dedication to Craft and Artistry
Despite only touring for two months a year, Pitrelli emphasized that TSO’s work continues year-round. “We’re only on tour for two months, but it’s a full-time job for the rest of the year,” he said. “We work on every detail to make sure the show is flawless—both musically and visually.”
Pitrelli also spoke about the importance of ensuring TSO’s performances are musically tight before adding the visual spectacle. “If the band is a hot mess musically, it doesn’t matter how much you dress it up—it’s not going to work.”
Looking Ahead: TSO in Detroit
Trans-Siberian Orchestra will be bringing their 2024 tour to Detroit’s Little Caesars Arena on December 28th for two big shows. As always, fans can expect a show packed with the band’s signature blend of rock, classical, and dazzling visuals.
“Paul O’Neill wanted to create something that would last, and we’re doing our best to make sure it does,” Pitrelli said. “We can’t wait to bring this year’s show to the fans.”
For those who have made TSO a part of their holiday tradition, or for newcomers, the 2024 tour promises to deliver an unforgettable experience, carrying on the legacy of one of rock’s most unique and spectacular acts.
Catch Trans-Siberian Orchestra’s 2024 tour at Little Caesars Arena on December 28th.
Trans Siberian Orchestra rocks Little Caesars Arena
