Savatage Pro-Shot Footage Surfaces from Wacken Open Air 2026

Wacken TV has released a professionally filmed video of Savatage's performance at the 2026 Wacken Open Air festival in Germany. The footage captures the progressive metal pioneers during their July 30 appearance, featuring tracks including "Gutter Ballet", "Edge Of Thorns", and "Hall Of The Mountain King".

The 2026 "Prelude To Madness" tour saw the band's established lineup featuring vocalist Zak Stevens, guitarists Al Pitrelli and Chris Caffery, and bassist Johnny Lee Middleton. While the band's long-time drummer Jeff Plate joined for the majority of the tour, Blas Elias filled in for the opening dates in Sweden and France. Elias, previously associated with Trans-Siberian Orchestra and Slaughter, stepped in while Plate sat out the first two shows for medical reasons.

The progressive metal pioneers delivered a massive performance for the Wacken crowds.

This performance comes on the heels of a prolific period for the Tampa-born veterans. Earlier in the summer, the band performed a unique set at the Amphitheater of Pompeii in Italy, backed by a live orchestra. This followed a heavy touring schedule that included appearances at Hellfest and Graspop Metal Meeting, as well as their first non-festival headlining shows in over two decades.