Shawn McNair

It’s impossible to put into words what the experience of playing at the Amphitheatre Of Pompeii with Savatage was like.

Every show of this tour so far has been so amazing and special in its own right, and I plan on writing a little something about each of them at some point in a different post - But what made this show even more special to me was that my family came all the way from the US to see it.

For some personal context, I have been a Savatage fan for as long as I can remember. Those of you that have known me, even back to my middle school days, know that I am not just saying that! This type of music is practically in my DNA. I started listening to them because my dad was a longtime fan and had a bunch of their CDs around the house. He, as well as my entire family, have been nothing but supportive since I started pursuing music as a career. So to have them there to see me up on stage playing with this band that has been a huge part of all of our lives was such an incredible blessing. I can’t thank every single person who was involved with this enough. I am profoundly grateful to be a part of this.

Someone I especially want to thank, as well as congratulate, is Al Pitrelli

The arrangements that he (and of course the Mountain King himself, Jon Oliva!) came up with for these songs are nothing short of incredible. It is an honor to work with him. He is a genius in every sense of the word.

“Uncle Al”, thank you for giving me a shot.

📸
Mark Kurtzner
Claudia Nappi | Foto e Video di Concerti ed Eventi di Formazione

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4 days ago | [YT] | 13

Shawn McNair

I’ve noticed that my “Ride The Lightning” in the style of “St. Anger” video has been getting a lot of love recently! There seems to be a lot of interest in full versions as well, so I will absolutely do some 🙂 Just wanted to make a quick post here to let you know that I am currently on the road with Savatage getting ready for the upcoming run which lasts through mid-August, but after the tour is over…get ready for some more ANGER 👊

https://youtu.be/dw2k9ofltGc?is=nDYzu...

3 weeks ago | [YT] | 6

Shawn McNair

Here’s a cool recap video from the Savatage show in France this past Friday 🤘🇫🇷

1 month ago | [YT] | 4

Shawn McNair

One year ago today my life changed forever.

Today is the anniversary of the Monsters of Rock festival in São Paulo - my first show with Savatage. Not only is Savatage one of my favorite bands ever, but they were a huge inspiration for me when I was first getting into music. I distinctly remember hearing the main riff from “Hall of the Mountain King” and thinking “I have to learn how to do that somehow”.

I’d always dreamed of seeing them live, but I never thought I would have the chance. I was four years old the last time they toured as Savatage. I had seen @transsiberianorchestra a handful of times over the years, and I was always so excited when they would throw in one or two Savatage songs in the set. (If you didn’t know, TSO is very closely related to Savatage, and the history of the two bands is very interesting and worth looking into!) I had always hoped though that along with TSO, Savatage would one day play again.

I’m sure you can imagine my excitement when I got the call to audition for the band! I couldn’t believe it. And in a way…I still can’t. Being able to call these guys that I’ve looked up to pretty much all my life band mates, as well as my friends, is a feeling I can’t even describe. Last year’s tour was the greatest experience of my life, and I can’t wait to do it all again this summer.

To every single person in the band, crew, and management - I can’t thank you all enough.

See you on the road
🤘🤘🤘

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3 months ago | [YT] | 22

Shawn McNair

Somebody pinch me 😱

Savatage will be playing Sweden Rock on June 4th with (I can’t believe I’m saying this)…Iron Maiden 😭🙌

5 months ago | [YT] | 24

Shawn McNair

I am very excited to announce that I will be joining The Four Horsemen as their new lead guitarist!

These guys are the real deal when it comes to delivering the prime Metallica experience. I can’t wait to hit the road and jam some old school Metallica 🎸 I’ll be playing my first official show with them on March 13th in Sauget, IL.

2026 is shaping up to be a busy year! See you out on the road 🤘

5 months ago | [YT] | 27

Shawn McNair

I used to play this song on Guitar Hero all the time. I'd argue that it's easier to play on the real guitar than it is on that dang game haha. I truly stunk at GH, but it sure was fun...on medium difficulty at least. Anyway, here's a video I just put up where I am breaking down this absolutely classic guitar solo!

Downloadable Tabs and Backing Tracks available on Patreon: patreon.com/ShawnMcNair?utm_medium=unknown&utm_sou…

7 months ago | [YT] | 11

Shawn McNair

Which of the 3 Megadeth singles do you like the best so far?

7 months ago | [YT] | 83

Shawn McNair

Uncle Al tearing it up with TSO last night in Birmingham!

7 months ago (edited) | [YT] | 15

Shawn McNair

Thank you guys for all the love on the Ride The Lightning / St. Anger video! Going to start working on some full versions for some of the songs ⚡️ Which would you want to see first?

7 months ago | [YT] | 7