I feel sad.
I just found out that Paul O'Neill (co-founder, co-creator, co-producer of Trans-Siberian Orchestra) passed away yesterday.
This guy was one of my biggest inspirations when I was taking piano lessons in high school. My friend Liz and I saw TSO for the first time at the Civic Center in Des Moines back in 2003 or 2004... They were slowly building traction. As I recall, they may have filled up half of it -but they played like they had sold out Wembley Arena. They put the sound board in Liz and my seats, so they escorted us to front row / center. Needless to say, it was phenomenal!
After the show, Paul and the band did a free meet and greet after the concert. Paul talked with Liz and I, gave us autographs, and also gave us Susan B. Anthony dollars for good luck on our tests in high school. I was crushed when my silver dollar went missing in college -after all, I needed all the luck I could get on those tests! The line to talk with him wasn't incredibly long, but I vividly remember that it moved slow -because he gave EVERYBODY his full attention when they were face to face. It's a fond memory for sure. I remember asking him about working with Aerosmith on the Classics Live 2 album. I'm sure I told him he was great and that his music inspired me (as eloquently as a 16/17 year old is capable of). He was amped to answer our questions and seemed legitimately excited to be talking to all of us. The guy made legendary music, but he cared deeply for the fans of his art.
This guy made some phenomenal music. He and Robert Kinkel's powers combined to create Trans-Siberian Orchestra was a serious game changer. The show will go on -but his memory will remain.
I certainly will not forget Paul O'Neill.
Thank you for your music.
Thank you for the inspiration.
Thank you for your time!
-T.
Here's my abridged cover version of "A Mad Russian's Christmas". This was the first Trans-Siberian Orchestra song I ever learned how to play on the piano. You inspired me deeply.
RIP, Paul O'Neill.