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Al Pitrelli

Al Pitrelli (born September 26, 1962) is an American guitarist and musical director best known for his role as lead guitarist and musical director of the Trans-Siberian Orchestra (TSO) since the band's inception in 1995. A versatile musician with a career spanning rock, progressive metal, and orchestral fusion, Pitrelli has collaborated with prominent artists and bands including Alice Cooper, Savatage, Asia, Megadeth, and Dee Snider's Widowmaker. His work has helped define TSO's signature holiday rock spectacles, which have become a major annual tradition, while his earlier contributions to heavy metal and hard rock earned him recognition as an innovative and adaptable performer. Born in to a middle-class family with no strong musical background, Pitrelli discovered his passion for guitar at age two in 1964, inspired by ' appearance on . He began formal lessons shortly after and attended his first concert—a performance by —at age six. In the early 1980s, Pitrelli studied at the in , where he developed his technical proficiency and began building a professional network that included future collaborators like keyboardist . Pitrelli's professional breakthrough came in the mid-1980s with session work, including touring as a for and recording tracks produced by for actor Thomas's music project. By 1989, he had joined Alice Cooper's band as lead and musical director for the Trash album tour, a role he held through 1991 and which showcased his ability to blend heavy riffs with theatrical elements. Following this, he contributed to Dee Snider's supergroup on their 1992 self-titled debut album. In 1994, Pitrelli replaced as guitarist for the progressive rock band , performing on their Aria album and contributing to live shows until 1997. The pivotal shift in his career occurred in 1995 when he joined , co-writing and performing on their Dead Winter Dead, which featured the track "Christmas Eve (Sarajevo 12/24)"—later a cornerstone of TSO's repertoire and one of America's most requested holiday songs. He remained with Savatage until 2000, briefly rejoined in 2002, and returned again in 2015 for ongoing performances, including their 2025 "Madness Reigns Europe" tour. That same year, producer Paul O'Neill recruited Pitrelli as an original member of TSO alongside Savatage's , launching a project that combined symphonic arrangements with rock energy; Pitrelli has remained with TSO ever since, overseeing arrangements, tours—including the 2025 Winter Tour ""—and six studio albums that have sold over 10 million copies worldwide. Pitrelli briefly returned to heavy metal in 2000, joining Megadeth amid lineup changes after Marty Friedman's departure; he performed on their album The World Needs a Hero (2001) and toured with the band until 2002, adapting quickly to their thrash style despite limited rehearsal time for his debut show. Throughout his career, Pitrelli's improvisational skills and genre versatility have been highlighted in interviews, where he credits his Berklee training and early influences for enabling seamless transitions between projects.

Early life and education

Early years

Al Pitrelli was born on September 26, 1962, in , . Raised in a white, middle-class family in the New York area with no strong musical heritage, Pitrelli's early interest in music was sparked by external influences rather than familial tradition; his grandfather owned a guitar that sat in the living room corner. At the age of two in 1964, Pitrelli watched ' appearance on , an event that profoundly ignited his passion for the guitar; he immediately began strumming on his grandfather's instrument while glued to the television. This early exposure extended to artists like , , and , whom he heard on AM radio and saw in his first live concert—a Temptations performance at Westbury Music Fair in 1968. By age four or five, he progressed to formal lessons with a local teacher, building on his initial playful explorations. In his late teens during the late , Pitrelli deepened his guitar skills through self-directed practice, honing techniques inspired by rock and soul sounds of the era. These experiences laid the groundwork for his transition to structured at .

Education

Pitrelli attended the in during the early 1980s, building on his self-taught guitar skills developed in his youth. There, he studied guitar, met future collaborator keyboardist , and developed the technical proficiency that would underpin his professional career. After approximately two years at Berklee, Pitrelli decided to drop out in order to pursue hands-on opportunities in the music industry. This shift led him to take on initial roles as a guitar in and , while also engaging in session work to gain practical experience.

Career

Early career (1982–1994)

Pitrelli's professional career began in the early 1980s as a session in , where he contributed to recordings for pop and rock artists including , , , , Exposé, and . These engagements showcased his versatility across genres, from adult contemporary to , as he provided guitar tracks for albums and tours during a period when he was building his reputation as a reliable studio musician. For instance, he played guitar on 's 1993 album , adding rhythmic support to tracks like "Can't Get Enough of Your Love." In 1987, Pitrelli joined the band as lead guitarist, replacing an earlier member and contributing to the group's formation and early performances alongside bassist Bruno Ravel and drummer Steve West. He performed with vocalist Mike Pont during live shows in 1987–1988, helping shape the band's sound before departing to pursue other opportunities; the group later achieved success with their self-titled debut album in 1989 without his involvement. From 1989 to 1991, Pitrelli served as guitarist and musical director for , supporting the Trash album's promotion on the subsequent tour, including the filmed Trashes the World concert in 1989. He co-wrote several songs on Cooper's 1991 album , such as "Snakebite" and "Burning Our Bed," blending riffs with the project's collaborative edge involving artists like Slash and . His role emphasized dynamic stage presence and arrangement oversight during a commercially successful phase for Cooper. During the early 1990s, Pitrelli participated in side projects that highlighted his collaborative spirit. He contributed guitar to bassist Randy Coven's solo albums Funk Me Tender (1989) and Sammy Says Ouch! (1990), delivering fusion-infused performances on tracks like "Uptown" and blending rock with jazz elements. In 1992, he co-led the instrumental trio Coven, Pitrelli, O'Reilly (often abbreviated as CPR) with Coven on bass and John O'Reilly on drums, releasing the self-titled album CPR featuring covers like "Back in Black" and originals such as "Sbass Secrets." Pitrelli then joined the progressive rock supergroup from 1992 to 1994, providing lead and on their Aqua (1992) and (1994). His contributions added melodic solos and textural depth to songs like "Who Will Stop the Rain" and "Any Time," supporting the band's lineup with vocalist John Payne, keyboardist , and drummer during a transitional era. In the mid-1990s, Pitrelli co-founded the band with frontman , serving as guitarist, keyboardist, and backing vocalist from 1992 to 1994. The group released Blood and Bullets (1992), featuring Pitrelli's riff-driven work on tracks like "The Widowmaker," and Stand by for Pain (1994), amid challenges including label issues that limited their commercial reach.

Savatage (1995–2000, 2002, 2015–present)

Al Pitrelli joined in 1995 as lead guitarist, replacing and contributing to the band's ninth studio album, , a centered on themes of and romance in the . His arrival coincided with the return of guitarist , forming a dual-guitar attack that bolstered the band's progressive sound during subsequent tours supporting the release. Pitrelli's technical prowess was immediately evident in his recorded solos, including the main guitar solo on "Morphine Child" and the outro solo on "Stay With Me Awhile," which added neoclassical flair to the album's orchestral elements. Pitrelli's tenure continued through The Wake of Magellan in 1997, where he delivered extended melodic solos on tracks like "The Storm" and "Turns to Me," enhancing the album's epic, narrative-driven structure. He maintained his role into the early recording sessions for Poets and Madmen (2001), providing lead guitar work on several tracks before departing for in 2000, though his contributions remained on the final release, including solos that supported the album's complex progressive passages. During this period, 's activity intertwined briefly with the formation of in 1995, sharing personnel and creative momentum from . Following a hiatus after Poets and Madmen, Pitrelli returned to in 2002 for select performances, including tours in , reaffirming his place in the band's lineup post-Megadeth. The band entered another extended break until 2015, when Pitrelli rejoined for a reunion appearance at , performing alongside , Zak Stevens, and other core members in a set that celebrated the band's legacy. Savatage remained sporadic until 2023, when announcements of a revival prompted Pitrelli's ongoing involvement. In 2025, launched the "Madness Reigns Europe" tour, marking their first full run in over two decades, with Pitrelli sharing guitar duties with in a lineup featuring Zak Stevens on vocals, on bass, and on drums. This resurgence includes plans for a new studio album, led by as a farewell project, with recording set to begin in early 2026 and songs already largely written to honor the band's roots. The effort extends into a 2026 "Prelude to Madness" European tour, positioning Pitrelli's return as a capstone to Savatage's intermittent but influential history.

Trans-Siberian Orchestra (1995–present)

Al Pitrelli joined (TSO) as an original member in 1995, co-founding the group alongside producer Paul O'Neill, keyboardist , and vocalist , leveraging ties from his prior work with to form the core creative team. This collaboration marked the beginning of TSO's signature blend of , classical influences, and holiday-themed narratives, with Pitrelli contributing guitar work to the band's debut album, (1996), including the iconic opening notes of "Christmas Eve/Sarajevo 12/24." His involvement helped establish TSO's symphonic arrangements, featuring layered orchestral elements alongside solos and ensemble performances. As TSO evolved into a touring powerhouse, Pitrelli assumed the role of lead guitarist and musical director for the TSO West ensemble, overseeing live productions that emphasize elaborate light shows, , and multimedia storytelling during annual winter holiday tours. He also serves as co-musical director for studio recordings, guiding the and process to maintain the band's rock-orchestral sound. Pitrelli's creative input extended to co-writing tracks on the 2009 album Night Castle, including contributions alongside O'Neill and his wife, Jane Mangini, which explored darker, fantastical themes through intricate symphonic compositions. These efforts solidified TSO's reputation for innovative holiday spectacles, drawing millions of fans to over 2,000 shows since 1999. Following Paul O'Neill's death on April 5, 2017, TSO adapted by honoring his vision through continued operations, with Pitrelli playing a pivotal role in sustaining the band's momentum as musical director. The group adopted a strategy of adaptation and improvisation, ensuring tours proceeded without interruption, as the ensemble was structured to endure beyond any single member. Under Pitrelli's leadership, TSO maintained its holiday focus, delivering performances like the 2023 The Ghosts of Christmas Eve: The Best of TSO and More! tour across more than 60 cities and the ongoing 2025 winter tour, which features updated setlists blending classics with symphonic rock arrangements to celebrate seasonal themes.

Megadeth (2000–2002)

Al Pitrelli joined as lead guitarist on January 11, 2000, replacing shortly after Friedman's final performance with the band in . This transition marked a pivotal shift in 's lineup during a period of internal changes, with Pitrelli bringing his technical prowess from progressive metal backgrounds to the thrash metal ensemble. Pitrelli's primary contributions came on Megadeth's ninth studio album, , released in May 2001 by . He performed the majority of the guitar solos across the record, including key sections on tracks like "Promises" and "Use the Man," while co-writing "Promises" with frontman , a that deviated from the album's aggressive thrash core. The album, produced by Bill Kennedy and Mustaine, showcased Pitrelli's integration into the band's sound, blending intricate lead work with Mustaine's rhythmic foundation and the rhythm section of on bass and on drums. Following the album's release, Pitrelli joined Mustaine for a world press tour in March 2001 to promote , followed by extensive live performances as part of the supporting tour, which included high-energy sets emphasizing the record's thrash elements. During this period, he balanced his duties with ongoing commitments to . His tenure ended in April 2002 when disbanded temporarily after Mustaine suffered a severe injury in his left arm during a horseback riding accident, rendering him unable to play guitar.

Other projects and collaborations

In 1995, Pitrelli formed the band Place Called Rage alongside vocalist Tommy Farese, bassist Danny Miranda, and drummer Chuck Bonfante, recording their self-titled debut album in a single week to represent the music scene; the project was initially released only in but later made available through Pitrelli's website. The following year, Pitrelli joined , an outfit led by vocalist and drummer Hiro Kuretani, contributing guitars, bass, and keyboards to their self-titled 1996 album, which blended heavy riffs with electronic elements. In , Pitrelli participated in the all-star Guitar Battle project, a album featuring renowned guitarists; he delivered lead guitar solos on tracks such as "Purple Rain" alongside , , and others, showcasing his versatility in a collaborative setting. From February to March 1999, Pitrelli served as a temporary touring guitarist and keyboardist for , filling in for during their Tour across . Around 1994, Pitrelli collaborated with vocalist in the short-lived /AOR project , which released a self-titled album featuring Pitrelli's guitar work alongside Harnell on vocals, Danny Miranda on bass and keys, and Chuck Bonfante on drums; the effort gained a and received a European re-release in 2002. In 2005, Pitrelli revived his early band Hotshot—originally formed in the 1980s with vocalist Mike Pont—releasing the The Bomb on Split Finger Records, where he handled guitar and keyboards on several tracks, drawing from unreleased demos with contributions from members Bruno Ravel and Steve West. From 2004 to 2006, Pitrelli partnered with keyboardist Jane Mangini to form the instrumental duo O'2L, blending , rock, , and across three albums: their self-titled debut, Doyle's Brunch, and Eat a Pickle; Pitrelli co-produced and performed guitar duties, emphasizing innovative fusion arrangements that highlighted Mangini's compositions. Post-2002, Pitrelli made select guest appearances, including on the 2023 Alta Reign "Upon the Horizon" from their of the same name, continuing his tradition of contributing to melodic projects outside his main commitments. In a February 2025 interview with Italy's Linea Rock, Pitrelli reflected on the breadth of his career, noting how these diverse collaborations—from experiments like to jazz-rock ventures with O'2L—allowed him to explore musical boundaries while maintaining ties to his rock roots, underscoring his role as a versatile session and touring .

Musical style and equipment

Playing style and influences

Al Pitrelli's playing style is characterized by a seamless blend of , , thrash, , and symphonic elements, allowing him to navigate complex arrangements with precision and emotional depth. His approach prioritizes serving the composition over virtuosic display, often drawing on film-scoring techniques to enhance mood and narrative flow in symphonic rock contexts. This versatility stems from his early exposure to diverse genres, beginning with household influences like and evolving into rock staples such as , , Led Zeppelin, and , which shaped his foundational self-taught techniques before formal training. In (TSO) arrangements, Pitrelli is noted for his edgy playing and vast musical lexicon, which infuse the band's orchestral rock with intensity and adaptability across classical, heavy rock, and progressive motifs. His soloing technique exemplifies this, as seen in tracks like "," where he employs minor 9th arpeggios layered over lines to create a cinematic texture rather than overt . Key influences include guitar heroes and , whose emphasis on emotive single notes and balanced technical feel informed Pitrelli's ability to convey impact with restraint, alongside Eddie Van Halen's riffing prowess. His brief tenure at in the early 1980s, followed by studies with jazz guitarist , further expanded his harmonic vocabulary and genre-specific application. Pitrelli's session work highlights his adaptability to pop and rock artists, where his post-Berklee versatility enabled contributions to recordings and tours with a wide array of musicians, from theatrical rock to mainstream acts. This chameleon-like quality ensures authentic performances tailored to each project's demands, as evidenced by his genre-fluid improvisations in TSO rehearsals. In thrash contexts, such as his Megadeth solos, he applies this precision to deliver fast, articulate lines that maintain melodic integrity amid high-speed aggression.

Signature gear

Al Pitrelli has been closely associated with several distinctive guitars throughout his career, including the , a transparent plexiglass model known for its unique aesthetic and bright tone, which he has frequently used in live performances and recordings. Another primary instrument is the , a rare angular solidbody that Pitrelli employs for its aggressive attack and sustain, often pictured during his stage appearances with (TSO). He has expressed a profound attachment to one of his personal guitars, a cherry sunburst acquired in 1975, describing it as "the longest relationship I've had in my life besides my mother" due to its enduring role in his studio work, including 90% of TSO recordings for rhythm and solos. For achieving metal tones during his tenure with from 2000 to 2002, Pitrelli utilized a Rocktron Prophesy preamp paired with a 100-watt power amp, driving Randall cabinets to deliver high-gain, articulate suitable for the band's thrash . In TSO performances, he incorporates similar setups, including JVM410H heads with Celestion G12T75-loaded cabinets positioned under the stage, alongside a amp for dynamic leads and rhythms that blend with the ensemble's sound. Effects processing, such as those from the Rocktron Prophecy system with JB Jr. pickups in his guitars, further shapes these tones for seamless integration into TSO's orchestral arrangements, as heard in tracks like "." Pitrelli's rig has evolved significantly from his 1980s session work, where he primarily relied on Marshall amplifiers acquired as early as 1973 for versatile studio applications, to his current TSO configurations featuring multiple amp heads and digital effects like Line 6 units for enhanced reverb and delay that support the production's symphonic elements. This progression allows for greater tonal flexibility, accommodating both intimate session environments and large-scale live orchestral productions.

Discography

With Savatage

Al Pitrelli joined in 1995 as lead guitarist, contributing to several of the band's albums during his tenure. His debut with the band was on the 1995 album , where he served as co-lead guitarist alongside , replacing and providing original guitar parts that shaped the record's sound. Pitrelli continued his role as lead guitarist on the 1997 release , delivering intricate solos and riffs that complemented the album's thematic depth inspired by maritime tales. For the 2001 album Poets and Madmen, Pitrelli's involvement was partial, limited to select lead guitar work and solos—such as the dynamic main solo on the and the outro break on "Morphine Child"—before departing to join . Pitrelli is set to contribute guitar to Savatage's upcoming studio album, tentatively titled and slated for release in 2026, as part of the band's current lineup featuring , Zak Stevens, , , and .

With Trans-Siberian Orchestra

Al Pitrelli joined (TSO) in 1995 as its lead guitarist and has remained a pivotal figure in the group's symphonic rock operas, contributing guitar work across their holiday-themed and conceptual albums. As musical director, he shapes the band's intricate arrangements blending classical, rock, and orchestral elements. Pitrelli's debut with TSO came on their inaugural album, Christmas Eve and Other Stories (1996), where he provided lead guitar, rhythm guitar, and bass guitar, helping craft the rock opera's narrative of redemption through tracks like the instrumental "Christmas Eve/Sarajevo 12/24." He continued this role on The Christmas Attic (1998), delivering lead and rhythm guitar alongside backing vocals and bass, enhancing the sequel's attic-bound holiday tales with his melodic solos. On (2000), Pitrelli handled lead and rhythm guitar as well as bass, contributing to the album's fantastical reimagining of Beethoven's final evening in a dreamlike . His involvement deepened on (2004), where he played guitar and keyboards, adding layered textures to the story of a wayward soul's redemption during the holidays. Pitrelli expanded his creative input on Night Castle (2009), serving as co-writer on several tracks while providing lead and rhythm guitars and keyboards; his compositions, including collaborations with Paul O'Neill, infused the double album's medieval-inspired rock opera with progressive flair. Post-2010 releases include the EP Dreams of Fireflies (On a Christmas Night) (2012), featuring his lead and rhythm guitar on the title track's orchestral holiday suite, and Letters from the Labyrinth (2015), where he again led on guitars amid the band's maze-like narrative exploring time and regret.

With Megadeth

Al Pitrelli served as 's lead guitarist from 2000 to 2002, contributing to the band's ninth studio album, , released on May 15, 2001, by . The album marked a return to the band's roots following the experimental (1999), featuring Pitrelli's technical guitar work alongside Dave Mustaine's rhythm guitar and lead vocals, David Ellefson's bass, and Jimmy DeGrasso's drums. Produced by Mustaine and Bill Kennedy, it was recorded at Phase Four Studios in , and Henson Recording Studios in , . Pitrelli received co-writing credits on two tracks: "Promises," where he collaborated with Mustaine on music and lyrics, and "Losing My Senses," credited to Mustaine, Ellefson, DeGrasso, and Pitrelli. These contributions highlighted Pitrelli's integration into the band's songwriting process, blending his melodic style with 's aggressive sound. The album debuted at number 16 on the and received mixed reviews, praised for its energy but critiqued for occasional melodic detours. Megadeth supported The World Needs a Hero with the World Needs a Hero Tour in 2001–2002, which included performances documented on the live album and DVD , released in 2002.

With Asia

Al Pitrelli joined the progressive rock band as their lead guitarist for the 1992 album Aqua, providing lead and rhythm guitar throughout the record alongside contributions from on select tracks. His playing infused the album with a fresh energy, marking a shift toward a heavier, more dynamic sound compared to the band's earlier work. Critics highlighted Pitrelli's exceptional guitar work, which blended melodic phrasing with technical finesse suited to the progressive style, particularly on tracks like "Who Will Stop the Rain?" and "Someday." Pitrelli returned as the sole guitarist for Asia's follow-up album Aria in 1994, delivering all lead and rhythm guitar parts in collaboration with vocalist John Payne, keyboardist , and drummer Michael Sturgis. His contributions emphasized intricate, delicate guitar lines that complemented the album's bombastic keyboard-driven arrangements, earning praise for evoking the nuanced style of players like . Notable examples include his melodic solos on "Anytime" and "Are You Big Enough?," which added emotional depth to the record's melodic rock framework.

Solo and other projects

Al Pitrelli's solo endeavors and side projects span a variety of genres, including , acoustic covers, and instrumental fusion, often showcasing his guitar work alongside select collaborators. One of his early band efforts was with Place Called Rage, a short-lived outfit he co-formed in 1995 with vocalist Tommy Farese, bassist Danny Miranda, and drummer Chuck Bonfante; their self-titled album, recorded that year in a single week, features Pitrelli's rhythmic and contributions across tracks like "Place Called Rage" and "Trapped," blending melodic hooks with aggressive riffs. In 1996, Pitrelli explored industrial metal influences in the band Vertex alongside Ratt vocalist Stephen Pearcy and programmer/drummer Hiro Kuretani, handling guitar, bass, and keyboards on their self-titled debut album; the release includes experimental tracks such as "Synthetic Flesh" and "F.T.W.," marked by electronic elements and heavy grooves. The following year, he participated in the various-artists compilation Guitar Battle (1998), delivering lead guitar solos on covers like Prince's "Purple Rain" in collaboration with guitarists including John Petrucci and Andy Timmons, highlighting his technical versatility in a supergroup setting. Pitrelli revived his early-1980s band Hotshot in the mid-2000s, reuniting with vocalist Mike Pont and adding bassist Bruno Ravel for their self-titled 2005 album, where his guitar work drives melodic hard rock songs like "Hangin' Around"; this followed an unreleased six-song demo titled The Bomb from the early 1990s that failed to secure a label deal. In a more acoustic vein, he contributed guitars to Morning Wood's 1994 self-titled album, an all-covers project led by TNT vocalist Tony Harnell, featuring unplugged renditions of classics such as "Crazy on You" by Heart and "Desperado" by the Eagles, emphasizing Pitrelli's fingerstyle and harmonic layering. A significant instrumental collaboration came with bassist Randy Coven and drummer John O'Reilly in the power trio CPR (Coven, Pitrelli, O'Reilly), whose 1992 self-titled album blends funk, rock, and jazz fusion across tracks like "Sbass Secrets" and a cover of AC/DC's "Back in Black," with Pitrelli's electric guitars providing melodic counterpoints to Coven's prominent bass lines. This partnership extended from Coven's solo work, where Pitrelli played guitar on select tracks of Funk Me Tender (1989), including "Uptown," and provided electric guitars throughout Sammy Says Ouch! (1990), contributing to fusion-oriented songs like "Great Necks" and "Ouch." Pitrelli also co-wrote the track "Burning Our Bed" for Alice Cooper's 1991 album , infusing the composition with his riffing style alongside Cooper, Bob Pfeifer, and Steve West. In the early , he joined Dee Snider's band as lead guitarist, appearing on their debut Blood and Bullets (1992), which includes aggressive tracks like "Long Gone Forever," and the follow-up Stand by for Pain (1994), featuring songs such as "Killing Time" with Pitrelli's dual-guitar interplay alongside Stix Zadinia. From the early onward, Pitrelli pursued experimental and in the duo O'2L with keyboardist Jane Mangini, releasing three albums: the self-titled O'2L (2003), blending guitars and synths on tracks like "Oxygen"; Doyle's Brunch (2005), incorporating vocal features and instrumental grooves; and Eat a Pickle (2015), a rock-jazz- fusion with 17 tracks including funky instrumentals and guest vocals.

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