Jon Oliva's Pain guitarist Matt LaPorte passes away

[wolfking]

https://www.bravewords.com/news/160511

News is still coming in, but JON OLIVA's PAIN guitarist and collaborator with many a Florida based metal outfit, guitarist Matt LaPorte has passed away. CIRCLE II CIRCLE bassist Mitch Stewart referenced the unfortunate event on his Facebook page. More information as it becomes available.

Christ, another great musician gone.  Matt has put on a lot of weight over the last few years, wouldn't surprise me if it was health related.  Poor Jon better get into shape.    Matt was a really great guitarist RIP.

[wolfking]

https://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=157117

JON OLIVA'S PAIN, the band led by SAVATAGE mastermind Jon Oliva, has released the following statement to BLABBERMOUTH.NET:

"It is with great heartache and sorrow that we relay the passing of our dear friend, bandmate, guitarist and brother Matthew LaPorte.

"Matt passed away in his home shortly after 6 p.m. on Wednesday. No information regarding his cause of death is currently available.

"Matt was a brilliant guitar player on all levels. He understood that instrument better than almost anyone. His knowledge of music in general was just amazing. His contributions to JON OLIVA'S PAIN and every band he ever played with was also without measure. He was truly a one-guitar army when he needed to be and his solo performances on all the JON OLIVA'S PAIN CDs will forever send chills down our spines. A near-20-year history and friendship with one of the true greats has now ended and we are deeply saddened.

"Matt was a fan of all kinds of music and instruments, having even embarked on a mission to conquer the hammered dulcimer...one of the hardest instruments to play. He was always trying to expand his musical horizons and influences. He marveled at the musical greats, both old and new. He was never one to rate his talents above others and often commented about the great new music and artists he had just discovered.

"Criss Oliva was without a doubt his most profound influence, and anyone who saw him play SAVATAGE songs knew that Criss was channeling his talents via Matt. Matt's attention to detail and always striving to play everything perfect is without comparison. We would sit for hours during rehearsals with him muddling over whether a guitar chord was played exactly as recorded. Sometimes frustrating, but always appreciated in the end. He was the professionals' professional when it came to his guitar skills, and the loss of such a talent will be forever felt.

"Matt was a gentle soul, and would avoid conflict at all costs. He got along with everyone and greeted all with a smile on his face. There was a shyness and almost embarrassment felt by him from the adoration of his fans around the world...and he had many. He was humbled by the love and respect music fans gave to him, but in a quiet way, that made him work just a little bit harder. His had a hilarious, twisted and often sarcastic sense of humor that was unique to him. A very funny man, indeed.

"We miss you terribly, Matt, and we will celebrate your music and life each and every day. That great band in the sky just got a whole lot better, and you are in the most peaceful place you could have ever hoped for.

"Until we meet again..."

Matthew Davis LaPorte was 40 years old at the time of his death.

[Ultimetalhead]

Good lord, so many bands are losing their guitar players recently. 

[The Dark Master]

Wow, that is very, very depressing.  I didn't start getting into JOP until a couple years ago cause I felt a lot of resentment towards the various side projects of former Savatage members (seriously, if Jon, Zack, Chris and the other guys have enough time for all these solo bands and TSO, why can't they do a Savatage album/ tour?), but once I gave them a chance, I realized that JOP is actually a damn good band.  I don't buy into the whole "Savatage: Phase 3" thing, but they really are a great band in their own right.  All their albums are rock solid, but Maniacal Renderings is a true thing of beauty.  Matt was such an amazing player, I think it was truly a miracle that Jon found someone to play with who was so close to Criss' style and proficiency. 

This kind of makes me wonder what the future of JOP will be.  Even though it was Jon's band, Matt was such a huge part of creating their music and sound, I have difficulty believing that Jon will simply find another dude.  I always got the impression that the big reason why JOP lasted as long as it did was because of the chemistry between Jon and Matt, and it gave Jon a vehicle for his really heavy music that he didn't really have since Doctor Butcher.  Without Matt, I'm not really certain is JOP anymore.  Damn shame too, I really wish I had gotten into them earlier so I could have seen them live.

RIP Matt   

[Gadough]

RIP. I've never listened to Jon Olivia's Pain. As much as I love Savatage, I should probably fix that.

[wolfking]

Wow, that is very, very depressing.  I didn't start getting into JOP until a couple years ago cause I felt a lot of resentment towards the various side projects of former Savatage members (seriously, if Jon, Zack, Chris and the other guys have enough time for all these solo bands and TSO, why can't they do a Savatage album/ tour?), but once I gave them a chance, I realized that JOP is actually a damn good band.  I don't buy into the whole "Savatage: Phase 3" thing, but they really are a great band in their own right.  All their albums are rock solid, but Maniacal Renderings is a true thing of beauty.  Matt was such an amazing player, I think it was truly a miracle that Jon found someone to play with who was so close to Criss' style and proficiency. 

This kind of makes me wonder what the future of JOP will be.  Even though it was Jon's band, Matt was such a huge part of creating their music and sound, I have difficulty believing that Jon will simply find another dude.  I always got the impression that the big reason why JOP lasted as long as it did was because of the chemistry between Jon and Matt, and it gave Jon a vehicle for his really heavy music that he didn't really have since Doctor Butcher.  Without Matt, I'm not really certain is JOP anymore.  Damn shame too, I really wish I had gotten into them earlier so I could have seen them live.

RIP Matt   

Nice words mate.  I would agree with everything you said here.  I don't know how Jon could possibly go on from here, I couldn't imagine how he is feeling.  I've always wished for the reunion too, I never really cared for TSO to be honest, always been a JOP and C2C fan.  Really, there's no reason why the DWD-WOM lineup couldn't reunite.

[wolfking]

RIP. I've never listened to Jon Olivia's Pain. As much as I love Savatage, I should probably fix that.

Check them out man, it's the closet thing to Savatage that we have had the last seven years.  All four of his albums are exceptional with terrific guitar playing.

[Dr. DTVT]

How is it that I miss these threads?

Lot's of shitty news lately.