CHRISTOPHER
MICHAEL
OLIVA
MEMORIAL
WALL
| Entries September 1997 |
| Go to Current Entries |
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Over the years e-mail to the website has been filled with messages from fans
in various parts of the world expressing
their feelings on Criss. It is a long healing process and there are many
others that share the same feelings. The Criss Oliva Memorial Wall
is dedicated to openly sharing these feelings. Not only will you benefit
from sharing your feelings, but others reading them will too.
Thanks for reading Criss' Wall. |
| View entries from Jul 20 - Aug 31 |
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To Dawn Oliva, may God bless you and your family! Maybe the thought of how many people Criss' music touched will bring some joy to your heart. I know God will bring you two together again. Love is forever. Mission Viejo, CA USA - Tuesday, September 30, 1997 at 21:42:02 (EDT) |
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I dont think ive ever heard a musician play with as much heart as Criss Oliva...his music has touched so many of us...and holds a special place in my soul...not a day goes by that i dont put on Savatage...and just space out...i become one with the music.....Savatage is by far my favorite band..my only regret is that i never saw him play live...that would have been a truly memorable experience... Criss is the man held in my highest respect...He is a legend that will be remembered eternally.....Rock the world...in memory of Criss......... BayShore, NY USA - Sunday, September 28, 1997 at 15:33:29 (EDT) |
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No one ever will play with the feeling and the passion and make the listener feel that passion and emotion This is one person who is still sorely missed ever to this day. May Criss' music live in the hearts of Savatage fans every where. Salt Lake City, UT USA - Sunday, September 28, 1997 at 09:43:42 (EDT) |
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I think Criss should be thought of like Randy Rhodes! Rock on, you will be sorely missed! Your music lives on in our souls...as will you Alexandria, VA USA - Saturday, September 27, 1997 at 22:21:28 (EDT) |
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I HONESTLY DON'T THINK A DAY GOES BY, WHEN A THOUGHT OR MEMORY OF CRISS OLIVA PASSES THRU ME. I CAN ONLY SAY, HOW FORTUNATE I AM TO HAVE SEEN AND EXPERIENCE THE EFFECT OF PROBALY THE BEST MUSICIAN IN MY LIFETIME. GOD BLESS YOU CRISS. KEEP SHREADING UP THERE!! VALRICO, FL. USA - Friday, September 26, 1997 at 20:44:06 (EDT) |
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All I want to say is that Criss will always live in the hearts that knew him, and believed in his music. I think he was a great muscian, and I miss hearing his grinding guitars. I am pained by the loss, but fate deals a wicked hand sometimes, but Criss will always live on, he's always there... Holland, Tx. USA - Friday, September 26, 1997 at 13:46:42 (EDT) |
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criss oliva was one of the most overlooked guitar gods of his time. his legacy will live on in the hall of the "mountain king." grove city, oh USA - Thursday, September 25, 1997 at 00:57:53 (EDT) |
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Rust in peace, keep on playing, we miss you. Well, mr. Pitrelli isn't that bad though??? See ya. Breda, Holland - Wednesday, September 24, 1997 at 16:36:13 (EDT) |
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(My english is terrible) I'm a guitarrist too and Criss is my influence in music. Your music is forever. Thanks all in Savatage. Criss FOREVER! Săo Paulo, SP Brazil - Tuesday, September 23, 1997 at 18:57:27 (EDT) |
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manny people will only know the gift criss gave to the music world but criss gave me something much more .He gave me his freindship, and he will forever be in my heart and on my mind . all I think about is what a great band he must be in now USA - Tuesday, September 23, 1997 at 12:35:26 (EDT) |
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i want an i.d for criss oliva mimorial wall id like to add that i like savatage very much cairo, egy - Tuesday, September 23, 1997 at 12:28:10 (EDT) |
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you can still listen to him as he plays solos from up there... salonika, greece - Tuesday, September 23, 1997 at 11:16:38 (EDT) |
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Criss was the first guitar player that influenced my playing when I first started out. Everyday, I start to play more and more like him. I was even going to record my own tribute to him and send it to Jon Oliva, to show how great of an influence he has been in my music. Aiken, SC USA - Tuesday, September 23, 1997 at 11:03:33 (EDT) |
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CRISS, the best guitar player I`ve ever heared, is going to early on the other side. Thank you for your great music.I`ll always remember, I`ll never forget you !!! See you anywere, sometime on the other side. I`m sure you hold your guitar in your hands ! Alex Wr.Neustadt, Austria - Sunday, September 21, 1997 at 13:49:42 (EDT) |
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Legends will never die... Zaandam, NH Netherlands - Sunday, September 21, 1997 at 12:25:03 (EDT) |
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Don´t know what to say..... It´s a tragedy.. Södertälje, xxxxx Sweden - Saturday, September 20, 1997 at 11:31:51 (EDT) |
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I JUST WANTED TO SHARE MY FEELINGS WITH THE FANS OF A GUITARIST WHO TOUCHED OUR FEELINGS cairo, egypt - Friday, September 19, 1997 at 19:45:04 (EDT) |
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criss u still the best one hold a guitar all over the world cairo, egypt - Friday, September 19, 1997 at 13:37:10 (EDT) |
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Great new album, right. I didn't know Chriss, so I have nothing to say about him. Breda, Holland - Friday, September 19, 1997 at 06:07:58 (EDT) |
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Growing up as a kid, I always wanted to be a rock star! I loved metal music from day one, I heard a song by Savatage back in 1984 from the "Power Hour" I saw Criss playing his guitar, and from that day on I have been a fan. His playing was his own. I worked at a radio station at a local university. When I found out about the accident We played an hour of Savatage! Criss was one of a kind. God Bless chris Morton Dartmouth, ns Canada - Friday, September 19, 1997 at 00:58:55 (EDT) |
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You gave us so much without even knowing it. All you were doing was playing the music you loved, with those who you loved. The magic was there, and you moved so many people with your passion for the music and the instrument. We all felt what you shared with us then, and still feel it everytime we listen. Thank you for sharing with us your incredible talents. You are missed... St.Albans, WV USA - Thursday, September 18, 1997 at 11:16:49 (EDT) |
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I hate my hands, I have only one wish for God; give me the hands of a guy like Cris Oliva. I always been in emotional music, the playing he did on Streets rescued me from a damned future and I will always be in debt to him and Jon for this. I listen to this CD since the first day it went out here in canada and I can't stop feeling sooo good about it, it's like a goos friend telling you his story and trying to make you go away from all this crap... Cris is the best guitar player I have ever heard, Vai, Satriani, Maelmsten, take a hike on Oliva's music, you could learn a lot about feeling in your play.... Cris, rest in peace, you're quite a musician and I admire you... Love, peace... Hate for those drunk drivers.... Sherbrooke, Que Canada - Thursday, September 18, 1997 at 02:20:11 (EDT) |
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Thanks for all the great songs that will last forever. I hope "Strange Wings" have carried you home..... starkville, MS USA - Wednesday, September 17, 1997 at 00:44:15 (EDT) |
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I FEEL VERY SAD WHEN I KNEW THE NEWS ABOUT THE DEATH OF CRIS OLIVA . I WANT TO SHARE MY FEELINS WITH YOU . HE WAS THE GREATEST GUITAR PLAYER IN THE WORLD!!!! SAN JUAN , PR USA - Tuesday, September 16, 1997 at 18:44:31 (EDT) |
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Your music will live in our hearts forever.... Although you did not visit my home country Egypt but you are living inside the hearts of all Egyption metal lovers.......so farewell my friend alexandria, Egypt - Monday, September 15, 1997 at 11:26:45 (EDT) |
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I live in a country where it´s difficult to know about the real good artists in the world including the great Savatage. So the first album I heard was Streets. I always wondered why the extraordinary and unique Criss Oliva left the band. When I found out a few mounths ago about his death it was really hard to me. The next thing I did was sit on the piano and play a song that is now dedicated to him. I hope I´m never in Jon´s shoes. I admire his courage an him as one real musical genious. Criss´s spirit is still live in Jon´s amazin and heart-touching compositions, although we´ll always miss his only stunning way to play the gitar. Now the Angels are enjoying his great music. Bogotá, Colombia - Monday, September 15, 1997 at 01:43:09 (EDT) |
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YOu played really the ass-kickin' music, you are indeed the best guitarist I ever listened to. you inspire me when I hold my guitar, when I toush the strings I wish I will be as good as you one day under Summer's rain, I'm always waiting. Tanta, tn Egypt - Sunday, September 14, 1997 at 05:04:20 (EDT) |
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I got to actually meet and talk to Criss on a few occasions in a club in N. Carolina called "The Flaming Mug," which no longer exists. He was a very nice guy who didn't mind speaking with fans of the band! I remember saying to him, "if I had known I was going to meet you, I would have been a little better at conversation." ( I got shy and stupid!) Criss told me to drink my beer and relax. He was a very down to earth guy and very cool! God rest his soul! Rock On! DRW denver, CO USA - Friday, September 12, 1997 at 20:01:42 (EDT) |
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I really don't even know where to begin.. I've been into Savatage's music for a few years now, since about 92 or so since the release of EOT. I was immediately hooked once I heard that song. Everything about it was just amazing, especially the guitar work. Over time, I got more of their cds and now I like Streets more than any other. The music, the emotion.. everything on the album will always make it one of the best ever. I remember the announcement that they were playing the State Fair Grounds here in MI and I wanted to go, but didn't get the chance to. I really regret that now. I still hope to see Savatage live one day, but it won't be the same without Criss in the band. I am glad that Savatage continued though. As someone else posted, Criss would've wanted that I'm sure. I want to offer my condolences to Dawn and the rest of Criss's family. I know it must be so incredibly difficult. I hope that it gets better and easier for you soon... I know Criss will live in your hearts, and in all of Savatage fans' forever. Warren, MI USA - Friday, September 12, 1997 at 03:02:10 (EDT) |
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several years ago i first heard savatage hall of the mountain king.SINCE I THINK THAT HAS TO GO DOWN AS ONE OF THE MOST ANTHOLOGISTIC METAL RIFFS OF ALL TIME, i have been a believer ever since. i also am from fla. so any band that kicks from here you must give them credit. i have since become a musician my self and criss oliva has never left my reference, FOR HE WILL ALLWAYS BE THE METAL GOD AWAITING .awaiting a joyous reunital with all who loved and respected him as a person and a player . until next time , CRISS A.J.S. North Miami, FL USA - Thursday, September 11, 1997 at 18:04:35 (EDT) |
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several years ago i first heard savatage hall of the mountain king.SINCE I THINK THAT HAS TO GO DOWN AS ONE OF THE MOST ANTHOLOGISTIC METAL RIFFS OF ALL TIME, i have been a believer ever since. i also am from fla. so any band that kicks from here you must give them credit. i have since become a musician my self and criss oliva has never left my reference, FOR HE WILL ALLWAYS BE THE METAL GOD AWAITING .awaiting a joyous reunital with all who loved and respected his ; as a person and a player . until next time , CRISS A.J.S. North Miami, FL USA - Thursday, September 11, 1997 at 18:02:52 (EDT) |
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several years ago i first heard savatage hall of the mountain king.SINCE I THINK THAT HAS TO GO DOWN AS ONE OF THE MOST ANTHOLOGISTIC METAL RIFF OF ALL TIME, i have been a believer ever since. i also am from fla. so any band that kicks from here you must give them credit. i have since become a musician my self and criss oliva has never left my reference,FOR HE WILL ALLWAYS BE THE METAL GOD AWAITING .awaiting a joyous reunital with all who loved and respected his ; as a person and a player . until next time , CRISS A.J.S. North Miami, FL USA - Thursday, September 11, 1997 at 18:00:32 (EDT) |
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At a meet and greet years ago ("Edge Of Thorns" era), I was getting the at that time new guys (Zach and Andy) to add their signatures to a sheet of paper with other Sava-autographs on it (actually a handwritten "UNDER 21 MUST PAY TO RE-ENTER" sign I ripped off of a wall after a "Gutter Ballet" show and was lucky enough to have Jon, Johnny, Criss and Christopher sign) when Criss blurted out "cool, my brother signed this!" And I remember the day when I was switching stations on the radio and came across a Savatage song (I wish I could remember which one) after which the DJ said something about tragedy in rock music and mentioned Criss's name during the comment. Having missed the intro, I had no idea what had happened (I had not heard of the accident yet), so I called the station and asked the DJ what the hell he was talking about. After that telephone call, I realized how valuable that sheet of paper was to me. I hope to add members to it, but there is one member I can never replace. Criss, you will never be forgotten by this Savatage fan ... Rest In Peace. Houston, TX USA - Wednesday, September 10, 1997 at 20:06:58 (EDT) |
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Chris, you were the best of your time!!! You did shit that people could only dream of doing. You will always be in our hearts and our minds. We will always love you and your style. Bill Bath, ME USA - Wednesday, September 10, 1997 at 19:43:27 (EDT) |
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CRISS! In our hearts you live forever We'll never forget you!! Alexandroupolis, - GREECE!!! - Wednesday, September 10, 1997 at 05:20:32 (EDT) |
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My days of Criss and Savatage date back to the Power of the night disc. I remember wondering who Savatage might be. I saw "Raise the fist of the metal child" and knew it was gonna be good. It definitely was!! You are hard pressed to find a guitarist with such a unique style as was Criss'. I feel that Criss deserves some sort of tribute. Maybe a CD with his era Savatage material done by other artists with the proceeds benefitting an organization to prevent drunkin' driving. We in the metal community do not ever need another tragedy like this due to someones lack of responsibility. Criss, you have stunned me for many years with your ability and will always be in my thoughts. Rest in peace my brother of metal. Dave Palmer St. George, Ut USA - Tuesday, September 09, 1997 at 23:27:41 (EDT) |
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Once I heard, I was hooked. The same happened to everyone else I exposed to his music. He never achieved the fame other many other inferior musicians, but to all who found him, Criss proved he had the magic. USA - Tuesday, September 09, 1997 at 19:21:48 (EDT) |
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I haven't been a Sava fan for all that long, but once my friend turned me on to them, I will never turn back. It's a shame that Criss had to go so soon. I could only imagine what else he WOULD have done for Savatage. All I have to say to everyone and CRISS if he could hear this. "YOU BELIEVED IN THINGS THAT I WILL NEVER KNOW, YOU WERE OUT THERE DROWNING BUT IT NEVER SHOWED, TILL INSIDE A RAINSWEPT NIGHT YOU JUST LET GO." Hopefully one day I will be able to see you play true metal to everyone in heaven. New York, NY USA - Tuesday, September 09, 1997 at 13:09:21 (EDT) |
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Criss! I hearing Your music every day, 'til I die. I'm 36 year old. You're a goldhanded musicians. Thank you, Thank you !! Sárbogárd, Hungary - Tuesday, September 09, 1997 at 12:52:39 (EDT) |
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The loss of Criss Oliva is an Enormous loss for us all. I personally know him as a very good guitar player and a tremendous songwriter. We all feel sorry for his family and friends, who must have been very shocked I bet all sava fans agree when I say he's still mentally ours and considered a saint Mentally Yours Rikkert Helmond, NB etherlands - Tuesday, September 09, 1997 at 07:18:58 (EDT) |
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This is only a test. This is only a test. This is only a test. Thank you for your patience. Test, TT USA - Tuesday, September 09, 1997 at 01:50:17 (EDT) |
Due to technical Difficulties the Wall was down Sept 6th - 8th. |
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No Comments, Chris is GOD! Agios Nikolaos, Greece - Friday, September 05, 1997 at 21:31:19 (EDT) |
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Chris, We Won't Forget You... Athens, Greece - Friday, September 05, 1997 at 21:28:21 (EDT) |
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savatage mean a lot to me not only for their great music but for their great lyriks to.The combination of hotter than hell riffs (or heavenly melodies) with sometimes full of anger sometimes full of passion vocals is what i define as ART .Ever since i first heard gutter ballet i am a devoted fan of the group. But most of all i am litteraly in love with the STREETS LP because through its lyricks i found the inner strength to solve most of my personal problems. This alboum gave me s.th. ineeded thendays. Hope. And for this i can hardlly find the proper words to express my feelings.THANKS.Ionly hope thatthe band will continue your work. volos, GREECE - Friday, September 05, 1997 at 16:46:27 (EDT) |
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When in winter 1991 I got hold of a copy of "Streets" I was left speechless by the beauty of those songs:During the worst days of my life ther was always a Savatage song to comfort me. Although the band has remained there to bring relief to my sometimes depression, no one will ever replace Criss playing his strings through "Somewhwere in Time". Wherever your are,Criss: thanks for all you've done for a simple Italian kid Venezia, Italy - Friday, September 05, 1997 at 15:47:21 (EDT) |
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It's a sad day when the only information on the tragic death of one of the greatest musicians is in four sentences in Metal Edge magazine two months after the crash. But when an asshole like Kurt Cobain blows his head off because he just can't take life anymore, we praise he like he was a god. I think Chris was not only a great musician, but a great spirit. He spoke through his guitar playing and he certainly touched me. I started playing music to keep his memory alive . Music is made to help you to make you want to live, Chris displayed that. For some junkie to take that gift and use it wrongfully, Sucks. Chris will hold a place in my heart forever. His music has helped me in the worst of times and the best of times. "I am the way I am the light I am the dark inside the night I hear your hopes I hear your dreams and in the dark I hear your screams. Don't turn away just take my hand and when you make your final stand I'll be right there I'll never leave and all I ask of you is believe" Thank you Chris Rest in Peace Secaucus, NJ USA - Friday, September 05, 1997 at 01:30:18 (EDT) |
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To the parents of Chistopher Michael Oliva, you should be very proud for your son. He accomplished what most only dream. He added style to the music he played. Chistopher truly will live on through his music. It is hard to put into words what Savatage means to me. ART, POWER and DRIVE, it will always get me though a hard day. We will miss him. "Another death to mourn. Another child is born. Another chapter in the play" The Gutter Ballet Thank You Criss Up the Irons! Ca. USA - Thursday, September 04, 1997 at 23:25:01 (EDT) |
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Criss---Its comforting to know that you live on in spirit through your music and the band. I thank you for all that you have given us. Cedar Falls, IA USA - Thursday, September 04, 1997 at 02:02:04 (EDT) |
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I WOULD JUST LIKE TO SAY THAT THE DAY THAT I FOUND OUT THAT CRISS HAD PASSED ON I PLAYED THE HELL OUT OF 'TEMPTATION REVALATION'.IBELIEVE THAT THIS SONG IS THE BEST INSTRUMENTAL EVER RECORDED!!!I STILL GET KNOTS IN MY STOMACH WHEN I PLAY IT. SAVATAGE IS THE MOST UNDERRATED BAND IN THE ENTIRE HISTORY OF RECORDED MUSIC!!! I FIRST HEARD OF THEM AT AN OZZY CONCERT OVER THE LOUD SPEAKER.IT WAS HOTMK AND I WENT THE NEXT DAY TO BUY IT!FROM THAT MOMENT ON SAVATAGE HAS RULED MY MIND. THANK YOU CRISS AND THE REST OF THE BAND FOR THE GREATEST SOUNDS I HAVE EVER HEARD. !!!ROCK ON SAVATAGE!!!! LARRY MAUK P.S. IF THERE ARE ANY SAVATAGE FANS IN THE COOKEVILLE AREA WRITE TO ME AT LARRY MAUK 2355 BOYD FARRIS RD. COOKEVILLE TN. 38506 cookeville, TN USA - Wednesday, September 03, 1997 at 17:41:28 (EDT) |
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The first thing I listen to on bands is the guitarists, and when I first heard Gutter Ballet, I was blown away . Thank you Criss for all the inspiration even though you cannot hear me. I hope you found your heaven up there. R.I.P my friend. Helmond, NL - Wednesday, September 03, 1997 at 05:51:49 (EDT) |
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I remember seeing Criss play at the Roxy here in Phx,AZ about a couple of weeks before he passed on. It was a wish of mine to meet the man behined the enourmous sound he put out.. I got my wish that night i didn't even have a backstage pass to get back there but being the guy he was let me in anyway. I hung out for like 2 hours and just talked music with everyone.. That is a night i will never forget as long as i live.. Criss you rock man, And you always will in the hearts of Sava fans arounf the world.. We miss ya man.. Mark Sumpter Sava man... P.S. I am the way I am the light I am the dark inside the night I hear your hopes i feel your dreams and in the dark i hear your screams don't turn away just take my hand and when you make your final stand i'll be right there i'll never leave and all i ask of you is Believe... I know for sure Criss can still hear those words.. chandler, az USA - Tuesday, September 02, 1997 at 23:59:36 (EDT) |
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The spirit of Criss Oliva will never die as long as I have my Savatage CDs! The world lost a very talented musician. I think this wall was a very good idea. Keep the memory alive! Lancaster, SC USA - Tuesday, September 02, 1997 at 11:28:16 (EDT) |
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TO ALL SAVA-FAN LIKE ME I HOPE YOU'LL KEEP THE MEMORY OF CRISS CLOSE TO YOUR HEARTS. A PART OF HIM WILL ALWAYS LIVE ON ROCKING OUR SOULS. Trondheim, norway - Monday, September 01, 1997 at 14:23:25 (EDT) |