AP A NY USA MUSIC TSO
ASSOCIATED PRESS

Paul O'Neill dead at 61: Trans-Siberian Orchestra founder, Savatage producer, Metal Church collaborator

Redferns

Paul O’Neill, who was best known as the creator and leader of holiday-themed progressive-classical rock band Trans-Siberian Orchestra, has died. The news was shared via TSO’s Facebook, citing a “chronic illness.” He was 61.

Trans-Siberian Orchestra grew out of Savatage, a band with whom O’Neill produced and co-wrote songs. He also wrote songs for Metal Church, and worked with Aerosmith, Humble Pie, AC/DC, Joan Jett, and Scorpions, and other acts over the years. It was Trans-Siberian Orchestra’s over-the-top concert spectaculars, with tours usually in winter months, that made them extremely popular — they were #25 on Billboard’s Top Tour Acts of the ’00s list.

Rest in peace, Paul.