The Trans-Siberian Orchestra has a reputation for filling seats. In fact, from 2000-2010, they sold more than ten million tickets to their concerts. However, their backstory is a little different from most. Paul O’Neill had produced and managed heavy hitters like Joan Jett, the Scorpions, AC/DC, and Aerosmith. He was in the band “Slowburn” and wrote progressive rock for them, but put performing aside to continue managing and promoting others.
However, he came to the attention of Atlantic Records, and the label invited him to start his own group in 1996. He chose Al Pitrelli, Robert Kinkel, and Jon Oliva as his bandmates, working on his idea of combining rock and classical music. O’Neill named the band after making a trip to Siberia.
The Orchestra plays a mix of progressive, symphonic, orchestral, and classical music, which they blend with heavy metal and rock music. In 1996, they released their first album, “Christmas Eve and Other Stories,” which contained the hit “Christmas Canon.” The song is their reworking of the “Canon in D Major” by Pachelbel, including lyrics.
A review says:
“ . . . to see them live was inspirational. They truly love what they do and it comes through in their performance.”
The Trans-Siberian Orchestra will be in Cincinnati on Friday, December 29 for two shows at the Heritage Bank Center. Organizers of events like this can promote them by using poster printing to create advertisements.