When Trans-Siberian Orchestra creator Paul O'Neil first mentioned his idea of a Christmas metal show to former Alice Cooper and Megadeth guitarist Al Pitrelli in the mid-1990s, Pitrelli admits to scratching his head.
"You have to think of the climate of radio back then," Pitrelli said during a phone interview. "Nothing like what we do was played. I never thought it would see the light of day. What people seemed to latch onto was the honesty and sincerity."
And the lasers and fire. Trans-Siberian Orchestra, performing Tuesday night at Wells Fargo Arena, has become the unlikeliest of holiday traditions: big, loud, with shredding guitars and theatrics that can be enjoyed by a metalhead, their little kid, and their grandmother.
"Bombastic," Pitrelli said. "It can go from a full orchestra with a metal band to as intimate as a single vocal and piano duet."
This year, in addition to favorites from TSO's three Christmas albums, the band will perform its latest release, "Night Castle," which isn't related to the holiday. In 2010, TSO will be hitting the road outside of the holiday season for the first time, in support of the album.
Trans-Siberian Orchestra has its origins in the metal band Savatage, which included Pitrelli and TSO members Robert Kinkel and Jon Olivia. With his bandmates, Pitrelli has seen a stunning rise to fame in the last decade.
"The guys and I have been together for almost 30 years," Pitrelli said. "Looking out from the stage and seeing 12-14,000 people, and the band is hitting it, I see every dump, roadhouse and bar in America we played in.
"And now here we are, with the same family on stage. Look where we ended up. You can't help but feel a sense of accomplishment."
Details
When: 7:30 p.m. Tuesday
Where: Wells Fargo Arena, 730 Third St.
Cost: $25, $37.50, $47.50, $57.50
Info: Go to dahlstickets.com.
