The Origin of the Trans-Siberian Orchestra

Ah, who can forget the Trans-Siberian Orchestra. First brought to fame with their rockin' cover of "Carol of the Bells," they gained further renown when an enterprising Christmas-lights lover coordinated his holiday lights to one of their songs and spread the video across the internet.

But did you know that this Christmas mega-band, now filling arenas across the nation, starting out as a metal band? Oh, yes, folks. Trans-Siberian Orchestra started its life as Savatage.

My source is Blackie P, a metal enthusiast and music journalist who was one of my friends back when I worked at Naxos. In fact, Blackie is thanked in the credits of the Savatage album that contained the original "Christmas Eve Sarajevo" ("Carol of the Bells" with electric guitars). The album was Dead Winter Dead, one of several rock operas by the band.

Apparently, after the surprise success of "Christmas Eve Sarajevo," several members of Savatage formed the Trans-Siberian Orchestra, cheesy Christmas metal at its best.