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I remember the first time I heard Trans-Siberian Orchestra.  Another band I can thank my mother for introducing me to.  As you can imagine, after that initial listen, I quickly bought the first two CDs.  Soon after, I bought their DVD The Ghosts of Christmas Eve.  That was the first time I laid eyes on Chris Caffery.  I was drawn in by his captivating stage presence, his stunning voice and his commanding guitar playing, not to mention, he looks pretty darn good in a tux. 

But Chris's musical arsenal does not end with TSO.  He is also and accomplished solo artist and a member of the band Savatage and has made numerous guest appearances for artists including Metal Church and Doro.  In this interview with Road Crew Magazine, Chris talks about his various projects as well as some background on how he began "grinding the axe".

Road Crew:  At what age did you first pick up a guitar?

Chris:  I think I first picked one up at the age of 5, I did not start playing until I was 11.

Road Crew:  Did you have formal training or are you self taught?

Chris:  Mostly self-taught, I did have a few lessons and I still have people teach me things all the time. Al Pitrelli, Alex Skolnick, they always teach me things I missed without formal training.

Road Crew:  Who has been your biggest influence?

Chris:  Hmm…there are so many. As a guitar player I would say Micheal Schenker and Criss Oliva. As a writer I would say Tony Iommi. As a singer probably Ronnie Dio, Bruce Dickinson and Alice Cooper! As a motivator, businessman and creator I would say Paul O’Neill.

Road Crew:  When did you break into the music scene?

Chris:  I joined the band Heaven managed and produced by Paul O’Neill in 1986. That was my first professional gig and obviously very important step in my career.

Road Crew:  What type of equipment do you use?

Chris:  Right now I am endorsing Dean Guitars, Engl Amps, Digitech Guitar processors, GHS strings, HBE Guitar effects, TKL Cases, Spectraflex Cables. I do own about 40 guitars from many different companies, Jackson, Gibson, Fender, Martin…lots!

Road Crew:  How did the birth of TSO come about and have you been a part of it from the beginning? If not, when did you join TSO?

Chris:  I was a part from the beginning because the core of TSO came from Savatage. We had the song Christmas Eve on the Dead Winter Dead CD and it received a lot of airplay on radio stations that you would never expect to play Savatage. From there Paul O’Neill came up with the concept for TSO to help sell that song and to also create a band with limitless creative possibilities. The rest is history.

Road Crew:  What are the differences between playing in a "rock band" like Savatage and a "rock orchestra" like TSO?

Chris:  Mostly in the way we dress and the audience! With TSO the crowd ranges from 8 to 80 and we are in tuxedos! Savatage has an audience that is more like 14 to 50 and we can sweat in t-shirts and jeans!!! Of course TSO hs the largest light show ever used in an arena so that is a big difference as well!

Road Crew:  How does the writing process differ between TSO and Savatage and how involved are you in the writing for both?

Chris:  I am a bit more involved with the Savatage writing process. They are not too much different actually since Paul and Jon do most of the writing. There is obviously a different sound for TSO. But in both cases Paul motivates us to produce the best music possible. That is the most important part of the process.

Road Crew:  How is Night Castle coming and when will the CD be released?

Chris:  It is finished, the CD is amazing, it will be out in October. It is a double CD and the second Non-Holiday CD from TSO!!!

Road Crew:  How do you balance TSO, Savatage and a solo career?

Chris:  Well, since Savatage has not been very busy it is not too difficult right now, but I don’t have a lot of free time. As TSO begins to play non holiday I am sure this will become very difficult!

Road Crew:  What was your first concert?

Chris:  Kiss and Judas Priest in 1979.

Road Crew:  Out of your own personal CD collection, what 3 CDs can you NOT live without?

Chris:  Black Sabbath Sabotage, MSG debut CD and Kiss Alive.

Road Crew:  What has been your strangest encounter with a fan?

Chris:  With or without clothes? Wink…I actually had someone tell me they thought I was Jesus once.

Road Crew:  What is a question that you haven't been asked by interviews that you wish they WOULD ask?

Chris:  Hmmm…I don’t know really I have been asked so many things. Maybe do I believe in UFOs…the answer is yes!!!

Road Crew:  What advice to you have for up and coming guitar players?

Chris:  Now is a great time for guitar because it is really coming back into the forefront of music. I would say set goals and don’t try to do too much at once. The instrument has endless possibilities. Find who you want to be as a player and work as hard as possible to get there!!!

I would personally like to thank Chris for taking time out of his busy schedule for this interview and be sure to add him on myspace and facebook and stop by his official website.

By Lis