Saga

There are multiple artists named "Saga".

1. Saga is a Canadian rock band from Oakville, Ontario. Bassist and keyboardist Jim Crichton and Welsh-born vocalist and keyboardist Michael Sadler are the principal songwriters.

Saga has undergone numerous line-up changes over the years. Ian Crichton and Jim Crichton were the only original members to appear on every album. Sadler appeared on all releases except the 2009 album "The Human Condition". Keyboardist Jim Gilmour joined the band in 1979, making his debut on "Silent Knight". Drummer Steve Negus performed with Saga until 1986. From the late 1980s through the late 2000s, the band was frequently supported by session musicians and live performers.

Saga has received gold and platinum certifications internationally and has sold more than eight million albums.

Originally known as Pockets, Saga formed in 1977 from the remaining members of the Canadian rock band Fludd. In 1978, they released their self-titled debut album "Saga", which achieved moderate success in Canada and later sold over 30,000 copies in Germany as an import. Their second album, "Images at Twilight" (1979), produced their first charting single in Canada with "It's Time", which reached No. 84 on the Canadian charts. Songs such as "See Them Smile" and "Slow Motion" received radio airplay in other markets.

The band released "Silent Knight" in 1980, which included the singles "Don't Be Late" and "Careful Where You Step" and further increased their international profile. In 1981, Saga released "Worlds Apart". Its lead single "On the Loose" reached No. 22 in Canada in 1982 and later peaked at No. 26 on the US Billboard chart in 1983, marking the band's commercial breakthrough in the United States. The second single, "Wind Him Up", also charted in the US and received significant exposure through MTV airplay. "Worlds Apart" was certified gold in the United States, and the band supported Jethro Tull on a North American tour in 1982.

Following this period, Saga received the Juno Award for Most Promising Group of the Year in 1982. Their fifth album, "Heads or Tales" (1983), included the single "The Flyer", which charted in Canada and became their final US charting single. The follow-up single "Scratching the Surface" also charted in Canada in 1984. The album "Behaviour" was released in 1985 and included singles such as "Listen to Your Heart" and "What Do I Know?", the latter of which also charted in Canada.

In 1986, Steve Negus and Jim Gilmour left the band due to disagreements related to management and subsequently formed the Gilmour-Negus Project, releasing the album "Safety Zone" in 1988. Saga continued with Sadler and the Crichton brothers, supported by session musicians. The 1987 album "Wildest Dreams", released on Atlantic Records, did not achieve expected commercial performance in the United States, although "Only Time Will Tell" received some Canadian chart activity and MTV airplay. The album incorporated increased use of synthesizers, sequencers and drum machines compared with earlier recordings.

In 1989, "The Beginner's Guide to Throwing Shapes" marked a stylistic return toward the band’s earlier progressive rock approach. In 1992, Negus and Gilmour rejoined Saga. The album "The Security of Illusion" (1993) was positively received among fans in Canada and Europe. "Steel Umbrellas" (1994) followed and included material originally developed for the television series Cobra. Although sales were limited, the band continued touring during this period.

Jim Crichton led production on the 1995 concept album "Generation 13", which tells a narrative centred on a character named Jeremy searching for his biological father. The album has been compared in theme to works such as The Who's "Quadrophenia" and features a heavier sound associated with progressive rock influences.

"Pleasure and the Pain" was released in 1997, followed by the 20th anniversary tour. During this period, the album "Phase 1" was issued, containing early and alternate recordings from the "Images at Twilight" sessions. In 1998, the live album "Detours" was released. Subsequent studio albums included "Full Circle" (1999), "House of Cards" (2001), and "Marathon" (2003), each maintaining a consistent audience among established fans. "House of Cards" included the single "Money Talks", which received notable video airplay in Canada. These albums continued the band’s use of episodic "chapters" within their progressive rock style. "Network" followed in 2004, and "Trust" was released in 2006 with drummer Brian Doerner, who first appeared in live performances in 2005.

Despite both Jim Crichton and Michael Sadler residing in Los Angeles, the band has not undertaken extensive full-scale US touring since 1986. Limited performances and promotional appearances occurred in the mid-2000s, including a small West Coast tour and a 2006 New York show.

The band is also known for "The Chapters", a long-running conceptual series of songs released out of narrative order across multiple albums. The series forms a science fiction storyline involving themes such as the preservation of Albert Einstein’s brain, extraterrestrial observers, and technological resurrection. The first eight chapters appeared across albums released between 1978 and 1981, with additional chapters released between 1999 and 2003. The complete sequence was later issued as "The Chapters Live" in 2005.

Saga has maintained particularly strong popularity in Germany and has also developed a significant following in Puerto Rico, where the band has performed multiple times. A 1981 concert in Puerto Rico attracted a large audience and was associated with crowd disturbances outside the venue. Material from the island was also used in the artwork for the 1982 release "In Transit". In 2005, the band received formal recognition from the Puerto Rican legislature.

In 2007, lead vocalist Michael Sadler announced his intention to leave the band for personal reasons following the release of "10,000 Days", which was issued the same year. The album title references approximately 10,000 days of his tenure with the band. During the associated touring period, drummer Brian Doerner was temporarily replaced after health issues, and Chris Sutherland filled in for live commitments. The band later auditioned vocalists to continue its activities.

In 2008, Rob Moratti joined as lead vocalist. The album "The Human Condition" was released in 2009 during his tenure. Michael Sadler returned to the band in 2011. In 2012, Mike Thorne replaced Brian Doerner as drummer, and the album "20/20" was released. "Sagacity" followed in 2014 and received generally positive reception in Europe.

A reissue programme covering material from 1989 to 2007 began in 2015 but was discontinued after several releases. A live recording, "Live in Hamburg 2015", was issued in limited quantities. In 2017, the band announced plans for a farewell tour titled The Final Chapter Tour, marking its 40th anniversary. Jim Crichton departed shortly before the final shows in 2018 and was replaced by Dusty Chesterfield for live performances. A live album, "So Good So Far – Live at Rock of Ages", was released the same year.

Following fan interest, Saga continued to perform live after the farewell tour. In 2020, the band toured in Germany and Scandinavia as part of the Out of the Shadows World Tour. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the members recorded an acoustic album titled "Symmetry", released in 2021. The album included singles such as "Tired World", "Wind Him Up" and "Always There", with the latter accompanied by a fan-contributed video.

Full Wikipedia article: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saga_(band)

Studio albums
Saga (1978)
Images at Twilight (1979)
Silent Knight (1980)
Worlds Apart (1981)
Heads or Tales (1983)
Behaviour (1985)
Wildest Dreams (1987)
The Beginner's Guide to Throwing Shapes (1989)
The Security of Illusion (1993)
Steel Umbrellas (1994)
Generation 13 (1995)
Pleasure & the Pain (1997)
Full Circle (1999)
House of Cards (2001)
Marathon (2003)
Network (2004)
Trust (2006)
10,000 Days (2007)
The Human Condition (2009)
20/20 (2012)
Sagacity (2014)
Symmetry (2021)

2. Saga is a Swedish singer associated with the far-right nationalist music scene. She began her career as a vocalist in the band Symphony of Sorrow and later became known for recording tribute albums dedicated to Ian Stuart and Skrewdriver, as well as releasing solo material. Her work and public image have been the subject of criticism due to associations with racist and nationalist ideology. A 2005 Discovery Times production described her as attempting to present a more mainstream appearance while maintaining her political views. She has also been profiled in publications associated with far-right groups.

3. Saga is a Swedish rock band active during the 1970s.

4. Saga is a Dutch progressive rock band that released one album, "To Whom It Concerns", in 1977.

5. Saga is a Japanese band known for contributing music to the opening and ending themes of the television adaptation of the video game "Viewtiful Joe".

6. Saga is a Portuguese progressive and symphonic rock band from the 1970s, best known for the 1976 album "Homo Sapiens". Following the band's dissolution, its members pursued careers in different musical directions.

7. Saga is a Mexican progressive and hard rock band whose debut album, "El Camino a Titán", was released in 2006 on the independent label Gravis Records.

8. Saga is a Lithuanian jazz quartet consisting of Andrė Pabarčiūtė (vocals and piano), Liudas Mockūnas (reeds), Vytis Nivinskas (bass), and Marijus Aleksa (percussion). The group has released an eponymous album.

9. Saga is an Irish grime producer based in London, who released a debut EP titled "Crescent" on the Lost Codes label associated with producer Visionist.

10. Saga is a hip hop artist from Brooklyn, New York.