Back Stage Pass

February 2009

Harder Beat Magazine Online

Trans-Siberian Orchestra

Story and photo by Andy Laudano

The amazing Trans-Siberian Orchestra

One of the many highlights of the Trans-Siberian Orchestra’s annual visits is the traditional after-show meet & greets. Each year, following the last show of the night (TSO now does an afternoon and an evening performance), tables are set up in the hallway lobby. Then the entire cast comes out to sign autographs, shake hands and wish everyone a (in this case belated) Merry Christmas/Happy Holidays.

Because of his injury (falling off the stage at the beginning of the Tour), guitarist/bandleader Al Pitrelli and his wife Jane Mangini were unable to make it to some of the meet & greets during the tour, although he never missed a show. Luckily for fans in Dallas, both were able to attend this one.

This year marked the first Dallas appearance of longtime TSO (East Coast) member and electric violin master, Mark Wood. He happily met with fans and was pleasantly surprised when someone brought a copy of Van Helsing’s Curse for him to sign.

Another popular first-timer at the meet & greet was former Yngwie Malmsteen/Journey vocalist Jeff Scott Soto. This was JSS’s first of, hopefully many, tours with TSO, as he’s one of the world’s best vocalists. Although the cast was only supposed to sign one thing per person, many fans brought extra stuff for JSS to sign (which he gladly did).

Pitrelli, Angus Clark, Tommy Farese, Chris Altenhoff and even keyboardist Derek Weiland, passed out guitar pics to fans as well. The line moved pretty quickly considering the number of people; and everyone went home happy.