Herbie Herbert Appreciation Thread

by **Tito** » Fri Jun 20, 2008 5:40 am

Walter "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

by **Michigan Girl** » Fri Jun 20, 2008 5:47 am

OH JEEZ!!!! What next!!! :wink:

THANKS, HERBIE......for STEVE PERRY!!!! :wink:

by **Rhiannon** » Fri Jun 20, 2008 5:58 am

Herbie is/was one of the best managers in rock. Not many people can pull of what he did. If not for him, Journey might not have made it out of the starting gates... much less survived the drama of member's conflicting diva personalities. He is a smart dude. Managers tend to take a lot of the blame though. So yeah, a lot of people don't like him. But he speaks his mind. That's cool.

by **bluejeangirl76** » Fri Jun 20, 2008 6:22 am

Well done. Dislikable he may be, but that dude put together one hell of a ball of magic, you can't deny that. He wasn't gettin' paid to be liked, he was getting paid to make that band a success and that he achieved with flying freakin' colors.

by **S2M** » Fri Jun 20, 2008 6:24 am

I agree, he was a real cool dude.......

by **bluejeangirl76** » Fri Jun 20, 2008 6:31 am

ROFL!!!!

by **Tito** » Fri Jun 20, 2008 6:32 am

What's there to dislike. He's a funny and entertaining guy. Smart man.

by **Deb** » Fri Jun 20, 2008 6:49 am

As much as I don't like the man he seems to have become. Just too cranky, gives me bitter beer face whenever I read any of his interviews. Saying that, I give the guy kudos for knowing a couple great lead singers when he hears them

......and extremely talented musicians too. Introduced me to 2 of my 3 all time favorite singers through Journey and Mr. Big/Eric Martin Band.

by **Rhiannon** » Fri Jun 20, 2008 7:20 am

Deb has a good point... without him, the world might not would've ever known who the eff Steve Perry, Neal Schon, Eric Martin, Gregg Rolie, Jon Cain, Eric Martin, etc etc were.

He has an excellent eye for talent.

by **Deb** » Fri Jun 20, 2008 7:22 am

Rhiannon wrote:Deb has a good point... without him, the world might not would've ever known who the eff Steve Perry, Neal Schon, Eric Martin, Gregg Rolie, Jon Cain, Eric Martin, etc etc were.

He has an excellent eye for talent.

LOL, I'm impressed.........mentioned EM twice.

by **Rhiannon** » Fri Jun 20, 2008 7:32 am

Deb wrote:LOL, I'm impressed.........mentioned EM twice.

I was hoping you'd catch that Deb... did that just for you. :wink:

by **S2M** » Fri Jun 20, 2008 7:34 am

Rhiannon wrote:
Deb wrote:LOL, I'm impressed.........mentioned EM twice.

I was hoping you'd catch that Deb... did that just for you.

I'm Goin' Sane is a kick-arse CD!!!!

by **Deb** » Fri Jun 20, 2008 7:37 am

StocktontoMalone wrote:
Rhiannon wrote:
Deb wrote:LOL, I'm impressed.........mentioned EM twice.

I was hoping you'd catch that Deb... did that just for you.

I'm Goin' Sane is a kick-arse CD!!!!

Ahh, now there is a man with stellar taste!

Was thrilled when EM signed my copy of that in Southbend!

by **Rhiannon** » Fri Jun 20, 2008 7:39 am

This is NOT the Eric Martin Appreciation thread!!!!

by **Tito** » Fri Jun 20, 2008 7:40 am

Andrew, anything to add to the Herbie thread? You have to have a good moment during your interview? Anyone else? Cindy and Lora, not singling you out, but you did work for him. There has to be a good moment/story.

by **Deb** » Fri Jun 20, 2008 7:41 am

Rhiannon wrote:This is NOT the Eric Martin Appreciation thread!!!!

by **S2M** » Fri Jun 20, 2008 7:42 am

'The lord works in mysterious ways.......'

by **Rhiannon** » Fri Jun 20, 2008 7:43 am

Wikipedia wrote:Since then, Herbert has moved from backstage into the spotlight, recording three albums as Sy Klopps and touring the San Francisco Bay Area with the Sy Klopps Band, which includes Journey band members Neal Schon, Gregg Rolie, Prairie Prince, and Ross Valory.

I want to see one of these shows.

by **Saint John** » Fri Jun 20, 2008 10:05 am

If there's a manager's HOF Herbie would have to be on the first ballot. Changed the industry, went to bat for his team, and made decisions others didn't have the balls to make. Great story teller, too! :lol:

by **ymsf** » Fri Jun 20, 2008 2:53 pm

He's awesome. His interviews are legendary. Much props to this guy.

by **DracIsBack** » Fri Jun 20, 2008 11:29 pm

Tito wrote:What's there to dislike. He's a funny and entertaining guy. Smart man.

No doubt he's highly skilled at what he does.

We all have character flaws ... Herbie's seems to be a complete utter lack of modesty.

I'm the greatest
I'm the most
I'm so good
I don't have to boast

Every time I read an interview with him ripping up Perry, I always come away thinking the same thing: "hmm ... a loud asshole and a quiet asshole not getting along. Imagine that?". I don't know either, but Herbie never comes across great to me in interviews. Skilled? Sure. Arrogant, you bet. Sometimes he also sounds like he's trying to convey that he knows more than he does ... particularly when he gets into musical discussions.

Ie. "I don't know how JSS who's an alto can sing those high tenor songs" or "you take these songs and you get a tape of that and they took them down two whole steps. I mean, this is from E to A"

I have respect for what he did. I have respect for his skills. but man ... take a modesty pill once in a while!

by **Tito** » Sat Jun 21, 2008 12:02 am

DracIsBack wrote:
Tito wrote:What's there to dislike. He's a funny and entertaining guy. Smart man.

No doubt he's highly skilled at what he does.

We all have character flaws ... Herbie's seems to be a complete utter lack of modesty.

I'm the greatest
I'm the most
I'm so good
I don't have to boast

He can back it up though. That aint' shit talkin'.

by **Enigma869** » Sat Jun 21, 2008 12:39 am

Fuck Herbie, and his miserable attitude!

John from Boston

by **Rhiannon** » Sat Jun 21, 2008 12:41 am

Enigma869 wrote:Fuck Herbie, and his miserable attitude!

Good morning, sunshine! :lol:

by **Enigma869** » Sat Jun 21, 2008 12:43 am

Rhiannon wrote:Good morning, sunshine!

Good morning Former Ms. Southern Belle :lol:

John from Boston

by **NealIsGod** » Sat Jun 21, 2008 1:09 am

Rhiannon wrote:
Enigma869 wrote:Fuck Herbie, and his miserable attitude!

Good morning, sunshine!

by **frfksakes** » Sat Jun 21, 2008 2:03 am

Enigma869 wrote:Fuck Herbie, and his miserable attitude!

John from Boston

Very smart, great manager, funny, funny, funny,,,,CAN be very, very sweet...

But,,,can also be a bitter, bitter, "miserable" old fuck, with absolutely no self reflection....

jmho :wink:

by **DracIsBack** » Sat Jun 21, 2008 7:03 am

Tito wrote:He can back it up though. That aint' shit talkin'.

Didn't suggest he was shit talking. Lots of people do great things and don't need to brag about it as much as Herbie.

MR

Herbie Herbert Appreciation Thread

Herbie Herbert Appreciation Thread

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