Trans-Siberian Orchestra Delivers Christmas Magic to the Queen City

One of the best holiday traditions in my family is a visit to Spectrum Center to see the Trans-Siberian Orchestra. After last winter’s tour was postponed due to COVID, I was more than ready to see this annual extravaganza live and in person again. Their 2021 Winter Tour celebrates the 25th anniversary of their debut album Christmas Eve and Other Stories and it is there that the story of Trans-Siberian Orchestra begins as well as my own story as a fan of the band.

Trans-Siberian Orchestra was formed in the mind of the late, great Paul O’Neill. After working with the progressive metal band Savatage, best known for their 1987 album Hall of the Mountain King, and members Jon Oliva and Chris Caffery, Paul had the idea of bringing the metal stylings of a band like Savatage and melding it with traditional Christmas music. Brilliant? Or crazy? Well, as it turns out, the idea was probably the best Paul ever had as the Trans-Siberian Orchestra has become a worldwide phenomenon.

The band brings together everything that a terrific rock band should have with outstanding musicians and a live show that not only entertains but amazes in every possible way. My first exposure to the music of the Trans-Siberian Orchestra was late one night watching television and I happened to pass one of the home shopping channels that were extremely popular in the days before the internet was a basic of everyday life. They were doing a Christmas segment and I paused as I heard something truly amazing. It was a mixture of the Christmas classic that I knew and loved from my childhood with all the metal that ran deep through my heart and soul. What is this? I was intrigued and after listening further, I placed a call and ordered my very first Trans-Siberian Orchestra CD, as well as an extra for my mom who I knew, would love it. So when my kids were young, TSO was always a part of our holidays and I remember fondly taking them to their first show. Although it was a long show, they were mesmerized and dazzled at every possible turn and I knew that our family would be life-long fans of the band.

Ever since that first show, we have made the annual trek to see TSO, and let me tell you, it has been one of the best experiences we have had. So this year, when I had the opportunity to review the show, I just couldn’t pass it up.

The band has become so popular that they have two touring productions, each doing two shows a day in most cities so that they can reach as many fans as possible. Here in Charlotte, we are treated to the East Coast touring band, which features guitarists Chris Caffery and Joel Hoekstra, violinist Roddy Chong, vocalist Russell Allen, and a plethora of talented musicians including a local string section that makes the entire show excellent from the moment the lights go out.

The evening began with Chris Caffery coming out and announcing the band’s charitable contribution to the local branch of the Salvation Army with one dollar from every ticket sold going to charity each and every show as well as giving a shout-out to all our military past, present, and future. When the lights came on for “Welcome,” it was the start of an experience that you need to see at least once in your lifetime to fully appreciate. There is absolutely nothing bad I can say about this band or their performance. They give one hundred percent each and every show, year after year, giving audiences holiday memories that will be cherished forever.

The story begins with the character of a narrator telling the tale of an encounter in an old city bar on a Christmas Eve long ago. What follows is a magical night of some of the best musicians you will ever get the pleasure of hearing, accompanied by what is unequivocally the very best light, laser, and stage production that you will ever see, bar none.

It is a powerful, emotional experience that will have you at times on your feet and at times shedding a tear. The vocals will soar across the venue and the guitars will sizzle as you are transported to a different time and place as TSO takes you on a wild and wonderful holiday ride. From “A Mad Russian’s Christmas” and “This Christmas Day” to the iconic “Christmas Eve (Sarajevo 12/24),” TSO just amazes at every turn.

If you have never experienced TSO, put this on your holiday bucket list. Their music and shows are top-notch whether you’re a fan of rock and metal, classical, or traditional. They offer something for everyone of all ages. They have some tour dates left this year so don’t miss your chance to see what I hope will become a beloved Christmas tradition for you as it has for me.

The stories told in the songs and at the show may or may not be true, but that doesn’t even matter. Just remember, that the magic of Christmas lives within you. Be kind to others and lend a helping hand whenever you can. Merry Christmas everyone!