Saga: The Rock Band that Changed Music

Saga was a rock band that was ahead of its time, and their influence can still be felt in music today. Learn more about this groundbreaking band and their influence on music.

Introduction

Saga was a rock band from Canada that was active in the 1970s and 1980s. The band was influential in the development of progressive rock, and their music incorporated elements of classical, jazz, and symphonic rock. Saga was formed in Oakville, Ontario in 1977 by guitarist and vocalist Michael Sadler, keyboardist Jim Gilmour, drummer Steve Negus, and bassist Ian Crichton. They released their self-titled debut album in 1978, which was followed by a string of successful releases including Worlds Apart (1981), Heads or Tales (1983), and Behaviour (1985). The band disbanded in 1987, but reunited for a series of successful tours in the 1990s and 2000s.

The Early Years

Saga was formed in 1977 by four musicians who shared a passion for progressive rock. The band quickly gained a following in their native Canada, and their debut album, “Saga”, was met with critical acclaim.

Saga’s success continued with the release of their second album, “Images at Twilight”, which reached #1 on the Canadian charts. The album included the hit single “On the Loose”, which became a radio staple.

Saga’s third album, “Worlds Apart”, was released in 1981 and cemented the band’s reputation as one of the premier progressive rockacts of their era. The album included the hits “Wind Him Up” and “Don’t Be Late (Chapter 8)”, both of which received heavy airplay on radio and MTV.

The early years of Saga were marked by a series of personnel changes, as the band members pursued various solo projects. In 1984, drummer Steve Negus left the band and was replaced by Jim Crichton. This lineup would remain intact for the next decade.

The Band’s First Album

Saga released their self-titled debut album in 1978. The album was a commercial success, reaching #5 on the Canadian albums chart. It included the singles “On the Loose” and “Wind Him Up”, both of which were radio hits. The album established Saga as a leading force in the Canadian rock scene.

The Band’s Second Album

Saga’s second album, “Images at Twilight,” was released in April of 1979. It would be the last album to feature original keyboardist Greg Chilton, who left the band during the recording sessions. The album was a commercial disappointment, only reaching #61 on Billboard’s Top 200 albums chart. However, the album would later be seen as a critical favorite and is considered by many to be the band’s best work.

The Band’s Third Album

Saga’s third album, Silent Knight, was released in 1981. It was a huge success, reaching #2 on the charts and selling over a million copies. The album featured the hit singles “On the Loose” and “Wind Him Up”, which are still two of the band’s most popular songs.

The Band’s Later Years

As the band members got older, they decided to take a break from touring and recording new music. They got back together in 1992 for a reunion tour, but this was short-lived. The band members went their separate ways and pursued other projects.

In 2009, the band announced a reunion tour, which was met with much excitement from fans. The band played sold-out shows all over the world and released a new album, Back to Saga, which was well-received by fans and critics alike.

The band is currently still touring and their music continues to be loved by fans old and new.

The Band’s Legacy

Saga was a highly influential rock band during the 1980s. They were one of the first bands to mix elements of classical music with rock, and their unique sound helped them to gain a large following. The band’s members included singer Michael Sadler, keyboardist Jim Gilmour, guitarist Ian Crichton, and drummer Steve Negus.

Saga released their debut album in 1978, and it was met with critical acclaim. The album featured the hit single “On the Loose”, which became a staple of radio stations across the world. The band’s popularity increased with each subsequent release, and they soon became one of the biggest acts in the music industry.

The band continued to produce successful albums throughout the 1980s and early 1990s, but they eventually disbanded in 1997. Despite this, Saga’s music continues to be popular among fans of classic rock, and their influence can be heard in the work of many modern bands.

Conclusion

Saga was a rock band that formed in the late 1970s. They were one of the first bands to sign with a major label and their debut album, “Images at Twilight”, was released in 1979. The band was highly successful in the early 1980s, releasing a string of hit singles and multiple gold and platinum albums. However, by the mid-1980s, Saga’s popularity had begun to decline and they parted ways with their record label in 1988. The band continued to tour and release albums independently until their dissolution in 2007.

Saga was a groundbreaking band that helped to shape the sound of rock music in the 1980s. Their catchy melodies and hard-hitting guitar riffs influenced a generation of musicians. Although they are no longer together, their music continues to inspire new generations of rock fans.