Rough news for Jon Oliva, frontman of Savatage and Trans-Siberean Orchestra member Jon Oliva. The multi-instrumentalist was arrested in Florida last Thursday morning for DUI and possession of cocaine.
According to Pasco County Sheriff’s Office, Oliva was arrested at 3:43 a.m. on Thursday, September 30, and was released at 12:34 a.m. on Friday, October 1 on $13,000 bail.
As reported by MetalSucks, possession of cocaine is a third-degree felony in Florida, and has a maximum punishment of five years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000. DUI, meanwhile, is a misdemeanor. If this is Oliva’s first offe3nse, it could be punishable by up to six months in jail if you refuse a breath test or register a blood alcohol level (BAC) below .15; nine months if you have a BAC of .15 or higher or had a minor in the vehicle; and up to twelve months if you were in a crash. If he’s a repeat offender, Oliva’s punishment could be significantly more severe.
Savatage were known for bridging the gap between power metal and more aggressive and out-there genres like thrash, shred metal, and progressive metal. They were best known for releases such as 1986’s Fight for the Rock, 1987’s Hall of the Mountain King, and 1989’s Gutter Ballet. Meanwhile, Trans-Siberian Orchestra is of course well-known for their metallic Christmas tunes and massive globe-trotting concerts.
Everyone at The Pit wishes Jon the best in what we’re sure is a difficult time. If you or anyone you know is dealing with drug or alcohol dependency and needs help, contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).
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Words by Chris Krovatin
