Progressive metal pioneers Savatage successfully delivered a powerhouse performance for the second stop of their highly anticipated “Prelude To Madness” spring/summer 2026 European tour. Taking the stage on Friday, June 5, at the Heavy Week-end festival in Nancy, France, the band relied on the veteran talents of fill-in drummer Blas Elias to keep the rhythm flawless.
Elias, widely recognized for his work with Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Slaughter, and Stephen Pearcy, is temporarily occupying the drum throne for regular drummer Jeff Plate, who is sidelined by a sudden health issue.
Jeff Plate Shares Optimistic Health Update
On Saturday, June 6, Plate took to social media to address his absence, reassure anxious fans, and express his deep appreciation for Elias’s quick work in mastering the band’s complex catalog.
“I cannot thank my friend and battery mate Blas Elias enough for sitting in for me for the first two shows of the European SAVATAGE ‘Madness Reigns’ Tour. In front of great crowds at Sweden Rock and Heavy Weekend (Fr), the band was fantastic and Blas sounded great. Blas had just a few weeks to learn the sets and prepare for this, and as we expected, he nailed it!”
Plate also confirmed that his medical leave will be brief, revealing a concrete timeline for his return to live performances:
“I will be back with my bandmates when SAVATAGE returns to Europe in July. My situation has been solid for over a month now, and my doctors are sure I am ready to go. I’ve been rehearsing every day, working out and getting back to my normal routine and I feel great. And endless thanx for the concern and support!”
The Medical Emergency Behind the Absence
Plate originally broke the news of his medical hiatus on May 21, explaining to fans that a severe past condition had unexpectedly returned just as tour preparations were peaking.
Three years ago, Plate underwent surgery to treat intense, chronic nosebleeds that had resulted in dangerous blood loss. While the procedure was initially successful, the symptoms flared up again a few weeks before the tour’s departure date. Under strict advisement from his doctors and management, Plate chose to avoid air travel until the issue was fully resolved.
“It goes without saying how disappointed I am, but things happen and health is the obvious priority,” Plate stated during his initial announcement, adding that Elias’s decade-long history with the extended Savatage and TSO families made him the perfect fit for a seamless live transition.
Savatage’s Core Lineup and Enduring Legacy
The 2026 “Prelude To Madness” European trek highlights Savatage’s resilient modern lineup. The band currently features:
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Zak Stevens (Lead Vocals)
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Al Pitrelli (Guitar)
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Chris Caffery (Guitar)
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Johnny Lee Middleton (Bass)
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Paulo Cuevas & Shawn McNair (Touring Keyboardists)
Savatage’s legendary career has been a story of profound musical triumph and survival. From their early days in Tampa, Florida, under founding brothers Jon and Criss Oliva, to genre-defining releases like 1987’s Hall of the Mountain King and 1991’s Streets, the band has continuously shaped the heavy metal landscape.
Despite weathering devastating losses—most notably the tragic death of guitarist Criss Oliva in 1993—and enduring a nearly 20-year hiatus from the road, the band’s bond with their fanbase remains unbreakable. Following a massive reunion at Wacken Open Air in 2015 and a triumphant return to international headlining slots in 2025, Savatage continues to prove their timeless appeal.
While Blas Elias keeps the energy high alongside festival co-headliners like Iron Maiden and Sabaton, “The Legion” can look forward to welcoming Jeff Plate back to his rightful spot on the drum riser this July.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H61ma_llEN8
