Suicidal Tendencies band photo

Remembering Criss Oliva: A Heavy Metal Legend Lost Too Soon

By Jason •
On this day, we mourn the tragic loss of a guitar virtuoso while celebrating the milestones of metal history.

Today, we stand in solemn remembrance of Christopher Michael “Criss” Oliva, the towering talent behind SAVATAGE, who was cruelly taken from us 33 years ago on October 17th, 1993, by the hands of a drunk driver just north of Tampa, Florida. Oliva’s guitar riffs echoed through the metal scene, leaving an indelible mark on the genre that resonates to this day. His legacy continues to inspire a legion of musicians and fans alike, a testament to his genius.

As we reflect on the loss of Oliva, it's also a day to recognize the birthdays of some of metal and rock's most influential figures. Michael John McKean, the comedic powerhouse from SPINAL TAP, turns 79 today, reminding us how humor and heavy music often intertwine in the hearts of fans. Meanwhile, the legendary Allen West, known for his shredding prowess in OBITUARY and SIX FEET UNDER, celebrates his 59th birthday, a reminder of the relentless spirit of death metal that continues to thrive.

October 17th is a date saturated with heavy music milestones. It marks the anniversaries of iconic albums like LYNYRD SKYNYRD’s 'Street Survivors', which turns 49, and KISS’ 'Hot In The Shade', celebrating its 37th year of rocking our faces off. SUICIDAL TENDENCIES’ 'Controlled By Hatred / Feel Like Shit… Déjà Vu' also hit the shelves on this day in 1989, a brutal reminder of the band’s raw energy and relentless attitude.

Additionally, we salute SKYCLAD’s 'The Wayward Sons Of Mother Earth', which celebrates 35 years, and YNGWIE MALMSTEEN’s 'Magnum Opus', marking its 31st anniversary. Both records are a testament to the virtuosic talent and creative prowess that define the metal genre.

Let us not forget the 26th anniversary of NEVERMORE’s 'Dead Heart In A Dead World', an album that encapsulates the despair and beauty of life through its intricate compositions. This day is also marked by the release of AC/DC’s 'Black Ice', which turns 18, and ICED EARTH’s 'Dystopia', celebrating 14 years of melodic thrash madness. As we honor these milestones, let us lift a glass to the legends we've lost and the ones that continue to shape the heavy metal landscape.