"From Alice Cooper to Trans-Siberian Orchestra” with Al Pitrelli

Send us Fan MailThis week on the Here's What We Know Podcast, host Gary Scott Thomas had the opportunity to have a fascinating conversation with one of the most innovative guitarists of our time, Al Pitrelli of the Trans-Siberian Orchestra. Join us as he shares his personal and professional experiences in the music industry from playing rock with Alice Cooper to making history with the Trans-Siberian Orchestra. We also delve into the heartwarming anecdotes about Paul O'Neill and how seemingly insignificant life events led Al right into Paul’s path, leading them together toward creating magic.This is not just any other podcast episode; it’s an emotional exploration of artistry, resilience, and legacy! So don't miss out on this captivating narrative where every note tells a tale!In this Episode:A look back at Al's unexpected path in music that started with Alice Cooper and eventually led him to Paul O'Neill, creator of the Trans-Siberian Orchestra.Discover how working alongside Alice Cooper shaped Al’s understanding of theatrical presentation in rock 'n' roll.Sharing a heartwarming encounter years later with Paul O'Neill.Navigating the loss of Paul O’Neill and keeping his art form alive.Diving deep into music, inspiration, and influences.Discover how Al celebrates Christmas in different cities.This episode is sponsored by:Nugent Family Counseling CenterA Flood of LoveBio:Al Pitrelli is one of the most innovative guitarists of our time and has been an active and vital part of TSO since its inception. Currently, he is the lead guitarist and musical director of TSO West and the co-musical director for studio recordings. Long before he entered the TSO realm, Al set the stage for his work in the band thanks to an impressive musical pedigree. After leaving Berklee School of Music in Boston in the early 80s, Al's versatility led to recording and touring work with musicians and groups such as Alice Cooper (where he served as the band’s musical director), Asia, Megadeth, and numerous others.In the mid-’90s, he joined the progressive rock group Savatage where he began working with producer Paul O'Neill. Paul’s vision of creating a new type of band that would do anything to allow their music to have the maximum impact on the listener led to the eventual formation of the Trans-Siberian Orchestra. Al's edgy guitar playing and vast musical lexicon merge perfectly with TSO's passion and intensity.“I really didn't want to do anything else, no side projects,” declares Al. “I could care less, and he kept me working literally around the clock, like 10 or 11 months a year. It was Paul's world. And it is. I'm just happy to be part of it. I loved working for the man. I love working for his family. I loved to help him bring some of his ideas to life. I loved him guiding me, I loved throwing ideas at him. It was just the greatest quarter century in my life, musically.”Al is very aware of the musical legacy he is upholding in TSO and how Paul wanted the music to live on.“For those of us doing it now,” declares Al, “I'm going to make sure to the best of my ability that continues to a younger generation of people who are getting involved. It's like any other art form or anything else that you want replicated for decades and centuries – we're going to do our best. I owe everything to O'Neill and the O’Neill family.”Website: https://www.trans-siberian.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alpitrelli/Connect with Gary:Gary's WebsiteFollow Gary on InstagramGary's TiktokGary's FacebookWatch the episodes on YouTubeAdvertise on the PodcastThank you for listening. Let us know what you think about this episode. Leave us a review!