Jeff Watson?

[Deuce]

A while ago, there was concern that Jeff Watson was no longer in the band because of an interview posted here with Jack Blades in which he mentioned every member's name except for Jeff's. But the fear was quelled shortly after and it seemed that Jeff was still in the band. However, now Jeff isn't listed under "Band Members" on Night Ranger's MySpace page. Unless he was accidentally removed during an update, then there isn't really any other explanation.

If he is out of the band, then my only personal theory is that he doesn't agree with the band's new direction.

All of this is purely speculation at the moment.

[7 Wishes]

Rubicon rules!

[Deuce]

Interesting. How do you know?

[7 Wishes]

I can't reveal my sources other than to say the source is VERY connected to the band. Don't expect an announcement anytime soon, either. It's not going to happen.

[Deuce]

Do you know the reason(s)? Is it the new musical direction? Personal reasons among members? Personal reasons for Jeff? I don't know why they wouldn't make an official announcement. Are they hoping that things will change? They seem to hate informing their fans these days (years). This site acts as more of an official site than their actual official site. It hasn't been updated in almost two years.

[Andrew]

There will be a clarification of rumors very soon.

[RockInDetroit]

Bad news is coming. Damn this sucks. First Michael Sadler leaving Saga. Now a Night Ranger shake up. 2007 sucks!

My opinion is this if in fact there was a disagreement about the direction of the band on a new cd...just forget about it. Look Night Ranger only puts out a cd every decade almost. The guys will be 60 in 10 years. A new cd will never happen. Just tour. Besides only select individuals will even know about the cd...those buying it will be very small numbers. I am sorry it sucks to see your favorite bands and half the band is new guys. I still don't consider Michael Lardie Night Ranger.....this will be his first cd. Without Jeff Watson and Fitz...Night Ranger is a skeleton crew. Now if Night Ranger ever does a live dvd we will get no Jeff on it.....I don't want a live dvd without Jeff.

GUYS WORK IT OUT!

[JohnH]

I can't log into the No Need for Andrew thread, I spose this is what's in it. . Jeff has confirmed it on his site:

http://lists.digitalforest.com/pipermai ... 00285.html

Hello Everyone,
Thanks for all the e-mails and your concerns. I can't go too far into this,
as there are now legal concerns regarding the band situation, but I can tell
you that the other three guys decided to throw me out and try to replace me.
I was expecting to tour this year, as we had just finished a new CD and mixed
a live one. Brad and I had worked with an attorney for most of last year to
secure an operating agreement with everyone to protect the name, etc. It was
unsuccessful, as Jack and Kelly refused to agree to anything with us. (which is
the reason we needed an agreement, no one had registered the name for 13
years, as well as many other potentially devastating business management
oversights)
In November, Yolande and I traveled to Australia to see her gravely ill
father, and since then I've not gotten a returned phone call or e-mail from anyone
in the band.
Evidently, Brad decided to join up with Jack and Kelly, take the name and
split the money three ways. Sadly, it appears that their personal greed has
trumped the loyalty to our fans.
After returning home, I received a one page letter from an attorney saying I
was out, and that's all I know. They were actually booking shows without me
before I was told anything.
In the meantime, I'm playing, writing and recording constantly, while trying
to figure out how people can behave so badly after 27 years of working
together.
Anyone thinking of buying tickets to see the show should know that it won't
be Night Ranger they're going to see. (although I've heard that my name and
picture are wrongly being used in ads in some markets)
Other than that, my father was diagnosed with lung cancer and is going into
surgery today, so I'm very worried.
I hope this answers your questions. Please let anyone that asks know that I'm
fine, and have positive thoughts for my Dad. He needs 'em.
All the best, Jeff Watson

Im looking forward to the new album but this will slightly taint that enjoyment. This really really is shameful and it sucks!!!!

JH

[raptor]

Just to update you all.. I saw night ranger at the Napa Town & country Fair in Napa California 2 nights ago for $8 a ticket. well to my surprise
the replacement for Jeff Watson was none other than the great Reb Beach! I couldn't believe it. I like him alot but in Winger or Dokken not in Night Ranger playing backup to pampus ass brad gillis..I sure hope thats temporary because he's way better than that..as for Micheal Lardie he's back where he belongs in the reunited Great White..(will be seeing them in oct at the casino in Oroville, CA). the new keyboardist - I have no idea, never heard of him before. big tall guy. he sounded ok played sister christian & goodbye right to a tee..

[Journey/Survivor]

Just to update you all.. I saw night ranger at the Napa Town & country Fair in Napa California 2 nights ago for $8 a ticket. well to my surprise
the replacement for Jeff Watson was none other than the great Reb Beach! I couldn't believe it. I like him alot but in Winger or Dokken not in Night Ranger playing backup to pampus ass brad gillis..I sure hope thats temporary because he's way better than that..as for Micheal Lardie he's back where he belongs in the reunited Great White..(will be seeing them in oct at the casino in Oroville, CA). the new keyboardist - I have no idea, never heard of him before. big tall guy. he sounded ok played sister christian & goodbye right to a tee..

I have always thought that Jeff Watson is a better guitarist than Brad Gillis. Don't get me wrong, I love Brad's playing too. but I never understood why some people act as if Brad is the main guitarist and Jeff some kind of secondary guitarist.

And then after I met all of the NR guys I have always thought that Jeff Watson is the nicest guy in the band. It sucks how they screwed him over. Jeff is definitely in my top ten favorite guitarists list.