American power metal icons SAVATAGE played their first show with substitute drummer BLAS ELIAS at Sweden Rock Festival in Sölvesborg on June 4, 2026, as part of their "Prelude To Madness" European tour. Fan-filmed footage from the performance is circulating online, marking a significant moment in the band's ongoing reunion story.
Elias was called in to replace SAVATAGE's regular drummer JEFF PLATE, who was forced to sit out the opening dates of the European run due to a recurring health condition. Plate revealed via social media that he has been dealing with the issue for several years: "Three years ago I experienced very intense, chronic nosebleeds which resulted in some dangerous blood loss and serious health concerns." The situation required medical intervention, and Plate made the difficult decision to prioritize his recovery.
Despite the circumstances, Plate was gracious and optimistic, praising his replacement warmly: "In my place will be Blas Elias, who has been part of the SAVATAGE/TSO family for a decade and is the perfect man for the job." Elias brings deep familiarity with the SAVATAGE catalog through his years of work with TRANS-SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA — the TSO is built largely on SAVATAGE compositions, and Elias has been a central part of that operation for years. He has also performed with SLAUGHTER and in projects surrounding STEPHEN PEARCY.
Plate expressed confidence in his recovery timeline: "I am confident my doctors will take care of this problem and I will be back with the band in July for the next run in Europe."
SAVATAGE's reunion has been one of metal's most emotional stories in recent years. The band's comeback began with an unforgettable Wacken Open Air performance in 2015 before 80,000 fans, ending a lengthy hiatus. Their Sweden Rock appearance put them on the same bill as IRON MAIDEN — fitting company for one of the genre's most theatrical and enduring acts.