Paul O'Neill (rock producer)

Paul O'Neill ( born 1956 in New York City ) is an American composer, lyricist, guitarist and music producer who was best known for his work with the heavy metal band Savatage and the Trans -Siberian Orchestra.

Career

O'Neill began his career as a guitarist in small bands until he as a touring guitarist for the musicals Jesus Christ Superstar and Hair ventured into the professional music business about 20 years ago. Between 1980 and 1985 he worked for Liver Cancer Inc., a music production company that produced bands like Aerosmith, AC / DC and Michael Bolton among others. In the 80s he worked mainly as a rock promoter in Japan.

In 1986 he began to concentrate fully on the songwriting and producing. He produced, for example, the Aerosmith album Classics Live I and II and the Savatage album Hall of the Mountain King. In the further cooperation with Savatage he developed his own style of rock opera, which in the albums Streets - A Rock Opera and was significantly Dead Winter Dead.

Along with Jon Oliva and Robert Kinkel, he founded the Trans-Siberian Orchestra, a music project that combines elements of classical with rock music. For this band he is a producer, co- composer and lyricist.