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Tuesday, December 12, 2006
T.S.O.


T.S.O. was a completely overwhelming experience. This is my first Christmas since my wife Sabrina passed away. The Trans-Siberian Orchestra shows, and our long friendships with several of the band members had become such a deep part of the holidays for us, that I knew it would be tuff to face.

As it turned out, the night was amazing. I got to the Palace early and said hello to the band, then sat down with Chris Caffery and Alex Skolnick to record the annual Chop Shop Christmas Special. This annual special usually airs on between 70 to 90 rock stations around the country each year.

Just about everyone in the band was aware of Sabrina’s passing and they all took the time to stop and say a few words. An unexpected surprise occurred when T.S.O. creator Paul O’Neill showed up. He was not scheduled to be at the Detroit show, but he wanted to see Doug Podell and he wanted to be at this show to honor Sabrina. Paul and I go back 15 years, 5 years before T.S.O. was even born. I found an old autograph he signed for Sabrina from the 1st T.S.O. tour, that reads "great taste in music, better taste in boyfriends". It’s strange to think that we had only been together for about a year at that point.

I had the opportunity to be on stage for the charity check presentation. I was able to share one of Sabrina’s written messages with the sold out crowd, and that made the whole night extra magical.

This year I went to the show with my dear friend Gina, who has been the single biggest stabilizing force in this strange emotional time for me. She’s the best friend I could have ever asked for. I also had the pleasure of treating our friend Linda and Gina’s daughter Katie to the show.

After the show I took the 3 of them back to meet Paul O’Neill, who is a magical musical genius, but even all that enormous talent pales in comparison, to what a terrific human being he is.

It was a night I’ll never forget. There were a few tears as predicted, but mostly it was a night of great joy.

Merry Christmas everyone.
9:35 AM

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