EMP x SAVATAGE announce Signing Session at EMP Store Leipzig

The first shows of their highly anticipated PRELUDE TO MADNESS TOUR at Sweden Rock Festival in Stockholm and Heavy Week-End in France in early June have been a huge success, and fans all over Europe can’t wait for more: Acclaimed progressive metal pioneers SAVATAGE are ready to continue their triumphant return to the stage, following their successful 2025 European comeback after a nearly two-decade hiatus – with nine headline performances and many more festival appearances across Europe in summer 2026. Up next is the band’s first ever show in Istanbul on July 19. Yet another first will be their appearance in Leipzig on August 12. And for this one, SAVATAGE have teamed up with EMP Exclusive Merchandise Products for a special surprise: As part of EMP’s popular store events, the band is looking forward to meeting their fans for a signing session before the show at Parkbühne.

Date: August 12th
Time: 4:30pm – 5:30pm
Place: EMP Store Leipzig | Brühl 10 | 04109 Leipzig

Vocalist Zak Stevens, guitarists Al Pitrelli and Chris Caffery, bassist Johnny Lee Middleton, and drummer Jeff Plate will be greeting fans, taking photos and signing favourites from the fans' CD and LP collections before they head over to Parkbühne Leipzig for another show that so many have been waiting more than a decade for. SAVATAGE’s shows reunite multiple generations of The Legion – longtime devotees experiencing long-awaited performances side by side with newcomers discovering the band's power for the first time.

All those who can’t wait for much longer can get their hands on a long-lost chapter of Savatage live history for now: "Madness Reigns From The Gutter (1990)", a previously unreleased official live recording capturing the band at the height of their legendary “Rulin’ Gutter” tour, will be out on June 26 – that is already collecting raving reviews. As another highlight, fans coming to the EMP Store Leipzig for the signing session have the chance to get their hands on a very special EMP exclusive album bundle, which will become available first at this fan event. More versions of the album and SAVATAGE merchandise can already be found at EMP.de.

Important note: Since this is expected to be a highly frequented event, fans are advised to arrive early. Due to the tight schedule on the day of the concert in Leipzig, the one-hour time frame can‘t be extended. In case of late arrival, access to the store event can not be guaranteed. Everything will happen on a first come, first served basis.

ABOUT SAVATAGE

Savatage's journey began in Tampa, Florida, founded by brothers Jon and Criss Oliva. Their story is one of both triumph and tragedy, marked by groundbreaking albums including the seminal 1987 release "Hall of the Mountain King" and the critically acclaimed 1991 rock opera "Streets," both of which continue to resonate with fans worldwide. Following the untimely death of guitarist Criss Oliva after the success of 1993's "Edge of Thorns," the band persevered with renewed purpose, culminating in their transformative 1995 album "Dead Winter Dead." Throughout their four-decade career, Savatage have cultivated one of metal's most passionate cult followings. During their nearly 20-year hiatus from touring, devoted fans continuously campaigned for the band's return. Their electrifying reunion performance at Germany's Wacken Open Air festival in 2015 captivated 80,000 fans and reaffirmed both Savatage's legendary status and their audience's unwavering devotion.

SAVATAGE "PRELUDE TO MADNESS" SUMMER 2026 TOUR DATES

19 July 2026 – Istanbul, Turkey – Life Park (NEW VENUE)
21 July 2026 – Bucharest, Romania – Arenele Romane Open Air (Special Guest: Trooper)
23 July 2026 – Plovdiv, Bulgaria – BE4 Hills*
25 July 2026 – Athens, Greece – Release Athens*
27 July 2026 – Pompeii, Italy – Amphitheatre of Pompeii VERY SPECIAL SHOW WITH ORCHESTRA
28 July 2026 – Este, Italy – Castello Carrarese (Special Guest: Vision Divine)
30 July 2026 – Wacken, Germany – Wacken Open Air*
1 August 2026 – Tilburg, Netherlands – O13
3 August 2026 – Pratteln, Switzerland – Z7 Open Air (Special Guest: Nevermore)
5 August 2026 – Villena, Spain – Leyendas Del Rock*
7 August 2026 – Kortrijk, Belgium – Alcatraz Festival*
8 August 2026 – Hamburg, Germany – Elbriot*
9 August 2026 – Geiselwind, Germany – Keep It True*
11 August 2026 – Warsaw, Poland – Progresja (Special Guests: Nevermore & Armored Saint)
12 August 2026 – Leipzig, Germany – Parkbühne (Special Guest: Nevermore)
13 August 2026 – Bonn, Germany – KUNST!RASEN (Special Guest: Nevermore)
15 August 2026 – Moravský Krumlov, Czech Republic – Rock Castle*

*Festival Appearance

Get your tickets now:
https://www.savatage.com/tour