Who was Paul O’Neill?
Paul O’Neill was an American composer, lyricist, record producer, and guitarist who founded the progressive metal band Trans-Siberian Orchestra (TSO) in 1996. He was also the producer and co-writer of the band Savatage, and worked with other artists such as Aerosmith, AC/DC, and Madonna. [^1^][1] [^2^][2]
O’Neill was born in Flushing, Queens, New York City, in 1956, the second of his parents’ ten children. He grew up in a home where learning and creativity were encouraged, and he developed a passion for music, literature, history, and philosophy. He started playing guitar in middle school and later joined several rock bands in high school and college. He also learned the recording and concert touring business from the inside out, working as a personal assistant for a management company that launched the careers of many famous rock bands. [^1^][1] [^2^][2]
O’Neill had a vision for a band that was conceptual, art-focused, and ever-changing, as well as ever-lasting. He wanted to combine the best of all the forms of music he grew up on and merge them into a new style. He achieved that dream with Trans-Siberian Orchestra, which became one of the most beloved touring acts of the new millennium, playing in front of more than 14 million fans across the globe, and selling more than 10 million albums. TSO was known for its elaborate rock operas, featuring symphonic, classical, and heavy metal elements, as well as spectacular light shows and pyrotechnics. [^1^][1] [^2^][2]
How did Paul O’Neill die?
Paul O’Neill died on April 5, 2017, at the age of 61, in a hotel room in Tampa, Florida, where he was preparing for a TSO tour. The Hillsborough County medical examiner’s office determined the official cause of Paul O’Neill’s death as accidental, resulting from an unexpected reaction to prescribed medications to treat his numerous chronic illnesses. [^3^][3] [^4^][4]
According to the autopsy report, O’Neill had a mix of methadone, codeine, diazepam, and doxylamine in his system, which caused respiratory depression and cardiac arrest. He also had a history of bone augmentation surgery, complications from spinal fusion surgery, heart disease, and hypertension. [^3^][3] [^4^][4]
O’Neill had always wanted to lead from the front, and he kept his health issues private. He was dedicated to his music and his fans, and he never wanted to disappoint them. He was also a generous and compassionate person, who supported many charitable causes and helped many aspiring musicians. [^2^][2] [^5^][5]
What is the legacy of Paul O’Neill?
Paul O’Neill left behind a legacy of music, stories, and inspiration that will continue to live on through his band, his family, his friends, and his fans. He was the creative force behind TSO, and he wrote and produced most of the band’s albums and shows. He also created a unique musical genre that transcended boundaries and appealed to people of all ages and backgrounds. He was a visionary, a storyteller, and a mentor, who touched millions of lives with his art and his heart. [^2^][2] [^5^][5]
TSO has continued to perform and record after O’Neill’s death, honoring his memory and his wishes. The band has released two albums since then, Letters from the Labyrinth (2017) and The Christmas Attic (2018), and has toured annually during the holiday season. The band has also announced plans to create new rock operas based on O’Neill’s original ideas and stories. [^5^][5]
Paul O’Neill’s death was a tragic loss for the music world, but his spirit and his vision remain alive and strong. He once said, “The best thing about music is that when it hits you, you feel no pain.” He gave the gift of music to millions of people, and he will always be remembered as the founder and mastermind of Trans-Siberian Orchestra. [^5^][5]
