Trans-Siberian Orchestra

When Paul O'Neill first conceived Trans-Siberian Orchestra, his goal was as straightforward as it was incredibly ambitious. "The whole idea," he explains, "was to create a progressive rock band that would push the boundaries (of the genre) further than any group before... Way, way further." Trans-Siberian Orchestra was formed in 1996 by Paul O'Neill who immediately approached long time friends and collaborators Robert Kinkel, Jon Oliva and Al Pitrelli to form a core writing team. The year was 1939. Franklin Delano Roosevelt was President, and Hitler had invaded Poland. The New York Yankees won their 11th pennant. Hollywood introduced the miracle of technicolor with the release of The Wizard of Oz. A loaf of bread cost 8 cents, and on January 23, the Brothers Hildebrandt were born.