SAGA is a Progressive rock quintet, formed in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Bassist-keyboardist Jim Crichton (b. February 26th, 1953) and Welsh-born vocalist Michael Sadler (b. July 5th, 1954) have been the principal songwriters for SAGA. Ian Crichton (b. August 3rd, 1956) is the band's guitarist. Apart from his work with SAGA, he has recorded two solo albums and done session as well as studio work for several bands including Asia. The band's keyboardist, Scottish born Jim "Daryl" Gilmour (b. February 25th, 1958), replaced Greg Chadd in 1980 (Chadd replaced original member Peter Rochon after the first album). After the 2003 "Marathon" tour, Steve Negus (b. February 19th, 1952) announced his retirement as SAGA's original drummer. Christian Simpson, a Canadian-American, replaced Negus for 2004's "Network" album, until sidelined by a neurological condition that affected his drumming. In late 2005, former Helix member Brian Doerner became SAGA's third drummer in as many years.
So far SAGA has sold albums in the area of 10 million copies world wide and have received platinum and gold records in countries like Canada, Germany, U.S.A. and Denmark.
Originally known as The Pockets, SAGA formed in 1977 from the nucleus of popular Canadian rock band Fludd. In June 1978, they released their self-titled debut album. A modest success in Canada, it would eventually sell over 30,000 copies in Germany as an import. Their 1979 follow-up album "Images At Twilight" gave them their first hit in Canada with the lead single "It's Time" peaking at 84 in the Canadian Charts. A third album "Silent Knight" followed in 1980. This album contains some of the most popular SAGA songs such as "Don't Be Late" and "Careful Where You Step".
In 1981, the band's 4th album "Worlds Apart" was released. The lead single "Wind Him Up", a song about a compulsive gambler, finally broke them into the Top 40, peaking at 22 on the Canadian Charts in January of 1982. A second single "On The Loose" also fared well, and in December of 1982, proved to be their breakthrough in America where it peaked at 26 on the Billboard Charts. "Wind Him Up" became the second single in America, and peaked at 64 on Billboard in April of 1983.
In 1982 SAGA released the live album "In Transit". This album was recorded in Münich and Copenhagen during their '82 European Tour.
A 5th album "Heads Or Tales" was released in late 1983 and became another success. The lead single "The Flyer" fared well in Canada and also became their final U.S. hit, peaking at 79 on Billboard in November of 1983. A follow-up single "Scratching The Surface" was popular in Canada, peaking at 45 in April of 1984.
Their 6th album "Behaviour" was released in 1985, and launched hits in Canada with "Listen To Your Heart" and "What Do I Know"
In 1986, Steve Negus and Jim Gilmour left SAGA amicably, recording one album as the Gilmour-Negus Project (GNP). Meanwhile, SAGA continued with Michael Sadler and the Crichton brothers augmented by session musicians.
Their 1987 release "Wildest Dreams" enjoyed better distribution under new label, Atlantic Records, but it failed to match expectations in America. The lead single "Only Time Will Tell" became a popular Chart favourite in Canada.
For 1989's "The Beginner's Guide To Throwing Shapes", SAGA refocused on their earlier European popularity which marked a return to their earlier Progressive style. In 1993, Steve Negus and Jim Gilmour returned to SAGA. The band's next album, "The Security Of Illusion", was well received by SAGA fans in Canada and Europe. The 1994 followup, "Steel Umbrellas", was considered uneven when compared to their previous release, perhaps due the material originally being produced for the short-lived television series Cobra. However, despite lackluster album sales, SAGA's 1993 and 1994 tours helped maintain some of the band's early popularity their reputation as live performers was not lost among the band's long time fans.
In 1995, Jim Crichton composed and produced the majority of SAGA's next album, the conceptual "Generation 13". Inspired by a popular political treatise by the same name, the story follows main character Jeremy's troubled search for his real father. The concept is somewhat reminiscent of the storyline in The Who's Quadrophenia. The album's heavier compositions have a sound similar to fellow Canadians, Prog legends Rush and even early Kansas. Michael Sadler's vocal performances on the more softer tracks were another album highlight. SAGA's next release, "Pleasure & The Pain" was released on the eve of their 20th anniversary tour in 1997. The album failed to maintain the interest created by the previous release. On the same anniversary tour the album "Phase 1" was released. "Phase 1" was an album containing demo songs from the 1979 album "Images At Twilight" - some of them were songs found not good enough for the album, some of them were different version songs. The album quickly sold out and a second issue was printed. The album was hard to get and it soon became a most wanted item for SAGA collectors and fans. Today this album is released as a remastered version and easy to get.
Their 1998 tour was captured on the next album, "Detours", a double-live album released worldwide. SAGA's next three albums, 1999's "Full Circle", 2001's "House Of Cards" and "Marathon" released in 2003 have all been popular with the band's longtime and loyal fanbase. "House Of Cards", in particular enjoyed renewed interest. Its acoustic-flavored single, "Money Talks" received Top 5 video airplay in Canada. All three albums included new "chapters", representing a return to the progressive rock of the band's early days. SAGA released a new studio album, "Network", in the fall of 2004. Their next album, "Trust", was released in 2006, featuring Brian Doerner as their new drummer. Doerner made his debut on a live Canadian television Broadcast in late 2005. "Trust" is one of their best albums in many years according to fans and people in the music business.
Even though Jim Crichton and Michael Sadler both live in the Los Angeles area, they have not committed SAGA to any full-length American tours since 1986. However, in late 2005, Michael Sadler announced a limited tour on the West Coast to promote his solo album, "Clear". The trek featured Ian Crichton as touring guitarist. SAGA also played one show in New York City during their summer 2006 tour in support of Trust.
In mid January 2007, Michael Sadler announced that he's leaving SAGA by the end of the year - a year where SAGA can celebrate their 30th year's anniversary.
2008: The search for a new singer has begun
After several auditions Rob Moratti was chosen as the new singer of SAGA.
ALBUMS
Saga (1978)
Images at Twilight (1979)
Silent Knight (1980)
Worlds Apart (1981)
In Transit (Live) (1982)
Heads or Tales (1983)
Behaviour (1985)
Wildest Dreams (1987)
The Beginner's Guide to Throwing Shapes (1989)
The Works (Best of) (1991)
The Security of Illusion (1993)
Steel Umbrellas (1994)
Defing Moments vol. 1 (Best of) (1994)
The Very Best of. (Best of) (1994)
Generation 13 (1995)
The Saga Softworks (CD-ROM) (1995)
Pleasure & the Pain (1997)
Phase 1 ('78 demo's) (1997)
Detours (Live) (1998)
Full Circle (1999)
House of Cards (2001)
Marathon (2003)
Network (2004)
The Chapters Live (Live) (2005)
Remember When - The Very Best of Saga (Best of) (2006)
Trust (2006)
Worlds Apart Revisited (Live) (2007)
10.000 Days (2007)
Contact (Live) (2009)
The Human Condition (2009)
Heads Or Tales Live (2011)
DVD's
Silhouette (2003)
Marathon World Tour 2003 [The Official Bootleg] (2003)
All Areas - Live in Bonn 2002 (2004)
Worlds Apart Revisited (2007)
Contact (2009)
Here's a view of 'The Human Condition' artwork. It was created by Balázs Pápay who also designed the artwork for the 'Trust' album.
Contact - Live In Munich Limited Edition.
Release date: January 26th, 2009
SAGA: Intermission (1983)
Ian Crichton in the studio (2006)
Saga Concert Interview - Sound Academy Toronto (2010)
