Herbie Herbert Appreciation Thread
Posted: Fri Jun 20, 2008 5:40 amWalter "Herbie" Herbert, you are the Jim Finks of rock n' roll. You created one of the greatest rock bands of all time. You hand picked all the members and when the situation called, replaced them with as good, if not better players.
From his beginnings as a roadie for another legendary band, Santana, he took the music industry by storm. During his time with Santana, he improved their live performance by giving them the best sound, lighting, and transportation. He was already revolutionizing the concert scene. Also, during this time, he noticed a young guitar player named Neal Schon. Herbie said to himself, “This is one bad muv.” With that, Herbie started a new band around this guitar prodigy and the other key piece of Santana, Gregg Rolie.
He also added Ross Valory and George Tickner (from Frumious Bandersnatch, which he managed in the past) along with drummer, Prairie Prince. Although Prince only lasted a very short time, Herbie made his first of many excellent replacement hires, by hiring Aynsley Dunbar. Shortly after that, Tickner left and Herbie said, “Screw it. We don’t need a second guitar player; we got the baddest muv already.”
When Columbia Records, put the pressure on you to change Journey’s style, you not only rose to the occasion, you flat out punked them, by selecting one the greatest singers of all time, Steve Perry. You were slick by getting Journey to the top as well. From getting Journey played anywhere you could, to promotion (infamous point of purchase included), and netting your band the most dollars you could.
When the first of many personality conflicts arose, you fired Dunbar and selected arguably the best drummer in the world, Steve Smith. This lineup would release two (three if you count Captured) outstanding, multi-platinum albums. Soon after, another personality conflict arose resulting in the retirement of Gregg Rolie. Again, you faced adversity and spit into its eye. You pulled out the missing piece to take this band to new heights, Jonathan Cain.
Besides taking the band to the top during this era, you helped, fuck it, you single-handedly revolutionized the music industry. You came up with concepts which have become standards. You invented the most efficient logistical systems. You handled every aspect for the band in house. From the parent company, Nightmare, Inc. to all the subsidiaries like Nocturne Productions, Fan Asylum, and Daydream Partnerships just to name a few. Nocturne and Fan Asylum, after all these years (no pun intended) are still leaders in the music industry.
Unfortunately, over time other conflicts arose. Again, you had the tough job of firing the great Steve Smith and co-founding member, Ross Valory. But, you showed great loyalty by demanding they still be paid. This time, you did not have control over the hiring of their replacements as evidence by the Mike Baird selection.
As Journey went on hiatus, your successful management of the catalog and business savvy really paid dividends. Journey’s catalog became an evergreen and continues to sell to this day. Also during this period, you successfully managed the bands Europe, Roxette, and Mr. Big. You helped them sell a combined 50 million albums worldwide. Not bad for a side job. This proves anything you touch turns to gold (or platinum for that matter).
When the band decided to resume in the mid-90’s, you did all you possibly could and in your last act of love, you set the band free.
In closing, Herbie Herbert you are much appreciated and respected. Your stories are fantastic and your interviews are must reads. I say, thank you Herbie Herbert.
Others feel free to post your kind words, thoughts, and thanks to this great man. Also, if you haven’t had a chance yet, please feel free to add your kind words about Jon Cain, here: http://forums.melodicrock.com/phpBB/vie ... hp?t=35500
From his beginnings as a roadie for another legendary band, Santana, he took the music industry by storm. During his time with Santana, he improved their live performance by giving them the best sound, lighting, and transportation. He was already revolutionizing the concert scene. Also, during this time, he noticed a young guitar player named Neal Schon. Herbie said to himself, “This is one bad muv.” With that, Herbie started a new band around this guitar prodigy and the other key piece of Santana, Gregg Rolie.
He also added Ross Valory and George Tickner (from Frumious Bandersnatch, which he managed in the past) along with drummer, Prairie Prince. Although Prince only lasted a very short time, Herbie made his first of many excellent replacement hires, by hiring Aynsley Dunbar. Shortly after that, Tickner left and Herbie said, “Screw it. We don’t need a second guitar player; we got the baddest muv already.”
When Columbia Records, put the pressure on you to change Journey’s style, you not only rose to the occasion, you flat out punked them, by selecting one the greatest singers of all time, Steve Perry. You were slick by getting Journey to the top as well. From getting Journey played anywhere you could, to promotion (infamous point of purchase included), and netting your band the most dollars you could.
When the first of many personality conflicts arose, you fired Dunbar and selected arguably the best drummer in the world, Steve Smith. This lineup would release two (three if you count Captured) outstanding, multi-platinum albums. Soon after, another personality conflict arose resulting in the retirement of Gregg Rolie. Again, you faced adversity and spit into its eye. You pulled out the missing piece to take this band to new heights, Jonathan Cain.
Besides taking the band to the top during this era, you helped, fuck it, you single-handedly revolutionized the music industry. You came up with concepts which have become standards. You invented the most efficient logistical systems. You handled every aspect for the band in house. From the parent company, Nightmare, Inc. to all the subsidiaries like Nocturne Productions, Fan Asylum, and Daydream Partnerships just to name a few. Nocturne and Fan Asylum, after all these years (no pun intended) are still leaders in the music industry.
Unfortunately, over time other conflicts arose. Again, you had the tough job of firing the great Steve Smith and co-founding member, Ross Valory. But, you showed great loyalty by demanding they still be paid. This time, you did not have control over the hiring of their replacements as evidence by the Mike Baird selection.
As Journey went on hiatus, your successful management of the catalog and business savvy really paid dividends. Journey’s catalog became an evergreen and continues to sell to this day. Also during this period, you successfully managed the bands Europe, Roxette, and Mr. Big. You helped them sell a combined 50 million albums worldwide. Not bad for a side job. This proves anything you touch turns to gold (or platinum for that matter).
When the band decided to resume in the mid-90’s, you did all you possibly could and in your last act of love, you set the band free.
In closing, Herbie Herbert you are much appreciated and respected. Your stories are fantastic and your interviews are must reads. I say, thank you Herbie Herbert.
Others feel free to post your kind words, thoughts, and thanks to this great man. Also, if you haven’t had a chance yet, please feel free to add your kind words about Jon Cain, here: http://forums.melodicrock.com/phpBB/vie ... hp?t=35500
......and extremely talented musicians too. Introduced me to 2 of my 3 all time favorite singers through Journey and Mr. Big/Eric Martin Band. 
Was thrilled when EM signed my copy of that in Southbend! 
