New JJ Interview

[Lark]

I think he was trying hard to make a living, he was singing with RPM, Voices, etc. It is hard to schedule gigs with another group when you are committed to do a Survivor gig and then it ends up getting cancelled. Like I said, some money is better than no money when you are struggling financially. Yes, we agree, he is a AOR legend and is doing very well for himself, has dates sheduled in Europe, a new CD promised, etc. Oh, isn't that the same things you said Survivor had going for it, just a few months back, rememba? about the same time you asked what was JJ doing, pouring beers in a bar.

Slander for the last two pages of this thread you keep saying , Why doesn't he sue" now that we have answered that question, you say "forget the legal action" and move on to another issue. The fact is and will always be is that you take negative comments about FS way to personal, as though you are somehow a part of him, or separated at birth, in one thread you say you like JJ and the next you are taking personal digs at how he makes a living, well, at least he is supporting himself, whether is be by pouring beers in a bar, as you indicated, which I am sure he has never done, to playing in parking lots, as you have also indicated. I have seen Survivor (ooops I might get served) play in many parking lots. To be a journalist, you have the most narrowminded view. How can you be a responsible journalist and not say to yourself, Maybe he is right, maybe I am wrong, maybe I should get to the bottom of this instead of challenging other people to do it for me.

[Abitaman]

If what he says is true than the disgrace is his stupidity as a businessman.

Not if your to be paid after the cd is finished. Which is how a lot of things are done-ERIC

[Abitaman]

As for the interview not containing objectivity....the interviewer didn't push Jimi one way or another or have any bias for or against either/any individual.

Hmmm. I guess I don't see it that way. I wish I could have actually seen him ask the questions. That might change my opinion a bit. I felt he soft balled JJ. I don't think you would have done that Andrew. JJ implied Frankie ripped him off. He doesn't really ask for any specifics or ask for evidence. I have to be honest Andrew. I have been a fan of your sight since I stumbled on in it 1999. I can't recall an interview where someone issued personal attacks like Jamo. I think this is much worse than anything EVH said about DLR and that's saying something. I don't think this is one that isn't going to go away any time soon. It really saddens me. I also don't think FS interview from 2006 balances JJ's out. When did FS in that interview criticize JJ? I don't think FS accused JJ of anything. I think it's fair to allow FS to respond to allegations that he ripped off Jamison. Keep up the good work.

JJ gave is side of how he sees things, what is wrong with that? I saw Survivor in New Orleans in 2001 with Styx and REO. They were good, but only played 6 songs. The guitar solo was way too long. It was so long I had time to be bored go to the bathroom, come back and be bored again, before the singing started. Almost no applause when the solo was over. FS needs to wake up-ERIC

[Andrew]

STOP it Red. I have nothing but the utmost respect for Andrew and his passion for MR.com. I have been enoying the sight since 1999. Having said that I don't have to agree with Andrew on everything. Where have I dissed Andrew or the sight? Show me? I said I like good journalism and getting both sides of the story. That's is not a dis on Andrew but merely my opinion on reporting. Red wouldn't it be great for all of us if FS weighed in?

Before you or anyone else accuses me of poor journalism, consider this. One could only be called out on this fact if they REFUSED to give the other side any chance to respond. If I was not interested in doing so or didn't care for the other side of the story.

Well, that is 100% NOT true and therefore the remark should not ba bandied about the way it has been.

I am absolutely happy for Frankie to have his say, to put forward a response and he knows precisely where and how to find me.

However, I am lead to believe that he won't be commenting on this interview or contacting me regarding it.

So - that little accusation can be laid to rest thank you.

[Abitaman]

Since I somewhat know, and have been treated well by, all of the members of Survivor, I am not taking sides in this.

So don't read anything into what I am going to say!

I have known for 20 years or so that Jim Peterik is a great guitarist in his own right. And last year I saw the Ides Of March in concert and was blown away by how great of a solo Peterik played.

But with that said, I have to say that Frankie is a better guitarist than Jim. Frankie is one of the most underrated guitarists in the business.

I also did like it when Frankie would play long solos in concert. Maybe 20 minute solos were a bit too much? But I would have no problem at all with 10 minute long solos. The only problem in my mind that there was with his long solos was that they could have fit a couple of more songs in the set list, and that I know that casual music fans don't usually get into long guitar solos the way that I do.

In one of the other posts that was made here on the Survivor forum it mentioned Neal Schon. I don't consider Neal to have nearly as big of an ego as many on this site like to make him out to have. I'm NOT directing that at the member who brought him up on the Survivor forum. I'm talking about some of the cry babies over on the Journey forum.

I'll say this, from my experiance, singers and guitarists usually are the 2 most ego driven members of almost any band.

I for one did not Jp was so talented until I started buying his solo and other projects. Made me realize it was JP, not JJ, FS, RB or any other member of Survivor that wrote the hits. JP is Survivor, if you disagree listen to his stuff away from Survivor, then listen to Survivor without JP.-ERIC

[Red13JoePa]

If what he says is true than the disgrace is his stupidity as a businessman.

Not if your to be paid after the cd is finished. Which is how a lot of things are done-ERIC

This would answer the one question thrown: "Forget suing. Why did he record that album, why not just walk?"

Simple, like most people in a famous band, he counted on being paid for his work on Reach.

[MarcelJordan]

Since I somewhat know, and have been treated well by, all of the members of Survivor, I am not taking sides in this.

So don't read anything into what I am going to say!

I have known for 20 years or so that Jim Peterik is a great guitarist in his own right. And last year I saw the Ides Of March in concert and was blown away by how great of a solo Peterik played.

But with that said, I have to say that Frankie is a better guitarist than Jim. Frankie is one of the most underrated guitarists in the business.

I also did like it when Frankie would play long solos in concert. Maybe 20 minute solos were a bit too much? But I would have no problem at all with 10 minute long solos. The only problem in my mind that there was with his long solos was that they could have fit a couple of more songs in the set list, and that I know that casual music fans don't usually get into long guitar solos the way that I do.

In one of the other posts that was made here on the Survivor forum it mentioned Neal Schon. I don't consider Neal to have nearly as big of an ego as many on this site like to make him out to have. I'm NOT directing that at the member who brought him up on the Survivor forum. I'm talking about some of the cry babies over on the Journey forum.

I'll say this, from my experiance, singers and guitarists usually are the 2 most ego driven members of almost any band.

I for one did not Jp was so talented until I started buying his solo and other projects. Made me realize it was JP, not JJ, FS, RB or any other member of Survivor that wrote the hits. JP is Survivor, if you disagree listen to his stuff away from Survivor, then listen to Survivor without JP.-ERIC

JP is talented. No one questioned that. Survivor was his brainchild, but as far I know its the full unit that makes the songs magic AND the Sales.

[RockInDetroit]

This Slander cat, is a real piece of work. The one poster has it right when Frankie made comments Slander could careless if the others had a rebuttal.

Look Andrew is very partial. I remember when there was a fued with in Night Ranger. Andrew is close with Jack and Kelly. When Jeff was out Andrew posted both Jeff's viewpoint and the officail Night Ranger statement. If FS had a statement Slander, do you deny Andrew would print it?

As one poster said where there is smoke there is fire. There has been plenty of smoke with this band for a while.

I don't care who is at fault. This band has been ripped apart. I think it is good to have someone comment on what has happened. All us Survivor fans want is the best badn possible. We are not getting that because of what many speculated even before this article. JJ just filled in the blanks.

A 6 song concert with which over half of it being a guitar solo is ridiculous. If Survivor somehow got a 2 hour show and Frankie wants to play a solo for 20 minutes fine......actually I would love it because that would be a great time to go to the bathroom...I would not miss a thing I cared about.

[Journey/Survivor]

Since I somewhat know, and have been treated well by, all of the members of Survivor, I am not taking sides in this.

So don't read anything into what I am going to say!

I have known for 20 years or so that Jim Peterik is a great guitarist in his own right. And last year I saw the Ides Of March in concert and was blown away by how great of a solo Peterik played.

But with that said, I have to say that Frankie is a better guitarist than Jim. Frankie is one of the most underrated guitarists in the business.

I also did like it when Frankie would play long solos in concert. Maybe 20 minute solos were a bit too much? But I would have no problem at all with 10 minute long solos. The only problem in my mind that there was with his long solos was that they could have fit a couple of more songs in the set list, and that I know that casual music fans don't usually get into long guitar solos the way that I do.

In one of the other posts that was made here on the Survivor forum it mentioned Neal Schon. I don't consider Neal to have nearly as big of an ego as many on this site like to make him out to have. I'm NOT directing that at the member who brought him up on the Survivor forum. I'm talking about some of the cry babies over on the Journey forum.

I'll say this, from my experiance, singers and guitarists usually are the 2 most ego driven members of almost any band.

I for one did not Jp was so talented until I started buying his solo and other projects. Made me realize it was JP, not JJ, FS, RB or any other member of Survivor that wrote the hits. JP is Survivor, if you disagree listen to his stuff away from Survivor, then listen to Survivor without JP.-ERIC

Believe me, I know what a HUGE part of Survivor Jim Peterik was!!!

I wish he was still in the band to this day!

IMO he's the greatest songwriter of all time. He's a great keyboard player. And a damn good guitarist. And I know first hand that he's a great guy.

The guy is a song writing machine.

So believe me I'm one of his biggest fans, and have been for the last 25 years now.

[Journey/Survivor]

Interestingly, Frank, Marc and Chris were only given 5 coppies each of Reach. I don't know if Billy got any or not since he wasn't on the entire album.

And Frontiers should have also given Jimi an equall amount of coppies of Reach.

[patrick Colin]

"I have known for 20 years or so that Jim Peterik is a great guitarist in his own right. And last year I saw the Ides Of March in concert and was blown away by how great of a solo Peterik played.

But with that said, I have to say that Frankie is a better guitarist than Jim. Frankie is one of the most underrated guitarists in the business.

I also did like it when Frankie would play long solos in concert. Maybe 20 minute solos were a bit too much? But I would have no problem at all with 10 minute long solos. The only problem in my mind that there was with his long solos was that they could have fit a couple of more songs in the set list, and that I know that casual music fans don't usually get into long guitar solos the way that I do."
[/quote]

Thanks "Journey Survivor" for speaking about music! I'm not interesting in band internal affairs (and sad things)!

As a Survivor i missed the most the Survivor lineup including FS and JP ( not the FS/JJ as i enjoyed DB or JJ as lead singer).

Just waiting to seperate future releases (a reunion in the present situation can be dreaming only with Santa Claus' help! ) and seperate shows (only saw one time Survivor in in Europe 2001 with FS and JJ) from all Survivor members: JP, JJ, FS with Robin. I will miss Dave's voice.

Keep on rocking!

[ForceInfinity]

I was the one who brought up NS. Yes I think the guy has an ego problem. Shit, if JJ and JP got together 3 other guys, we'd have Survivor sound more like Survivor again and not whatever it was I heard on Reach. Come to think of it, if you replaced Toby Hitchcock with JJ, you get more of the flavor of Survivor on a few of the songs.

And in fairness, I doubt JJ is completely innocent and probably hasn't made some very bright moves himself. ;I still stand by my opinioin that FS is an aloof, egotistical ass-hat. And I honestly think he's not that great of a guitarist either. If I want a 10 minute guitar piece, that's what John Petrucci or Steve Vai is for.

[Abitaman]

I was the one who brought up NS. Yes I think the guy has an ego problem. Shit, if JJ and JP got together 3 other guys, we'd have Survivor sound more like Survivor again and not whatever it was I heard on Reach. Come to think of it, if you replaced Toby Hitchcock with JJ, you get more of the flavor of Survivor on a few of the songs.

And in fairness, I doubt JJ is completely innocent and probably hasn't made some very bright moves himself. ;I still stand by my opinioin that FS is an aloof, egotistical ass-hat. And I honestly think he's not that great of a guitarist either. If I want a 10 minute guitar piece, that's what John Petrucci or Steve Vai is for...

...or a sober Eddie Van Halen

[Journey/Survivor]

Eddie Van Halen is way too 1 dimensional for me, IMO he's one of the most overrated guitarists ever.

Vai and Petrucci are much better overall guitarists than Eddie IMO.

But IMO none of them plays with nearly as much heart and Feeling as Frankie Sullivan, and Frankie's definitely the better riff guitarist.

[Journey/Survivor]

"I have known for 20 years or so that Jim Peterik is a great guitarist in his own right. And last year I saw the Ides Of March in concert and was blown away by how great of a solo Peterik played.

But with that said, I have to say that Frankie is a better guitarist than Jim. Frankie is one of the most underrated guitarists in the business.

I also did like it when Frankie would play long solos in concert. Maybe 20 minute solos were a bit too much? But I would have no problem at all with 10 minute long solos. The only problem in my mind that there was with his long solos was that they could have fit a couple of more songs in the set list, and that I know that casual music fans don't usually get into long guitar solos the way that I do."

Thanks "Journey Survivor" for speaking about music! I'm not interesting in band internal affairs (and sad things)!

As a Survivor i missed the most the Survivor lineup including FS and JP ( not the FS/JJ as i enjoyed DB or JJ as lead singer).

Just waiting to seperate future releases (a reunion in the present situation can be dreaming only with Santa Claus' help! ) and seperate shows (only saw one time Survivor in in Europe 2001 with FS and JJ) from all Survivor members: JP, JJ, FS with Robin. I will miss Dave's voice.

Keep on rocking![/quote]

No problem!

I wish that we could ALL stick to the music on here much more so than we ever do.
But at the same time there seems to be more drama behind the scenes with Survivor than just about any other band, and that's coming from a huge Journey fan too.

I also have major issues with some of the decisions that some of the band members have made related to the band, but since I unfortunatelly am never consulted by the band as how to run the band, I try to bite my tongue.

Obviously all of the major players in Survivor have made some very big mistakes, and it's a shame for sure!

[Andrew]

For the record - I would not want to go to a Survivor show and be forced to live through a 30, 20 or even 10 minute solo (nor would I want ANY band to do that to me!!), but I could listen to classic Survivor and Frankie's playing for days on end.

The JP/FS magic sure turned in some classics. And when you look at a highly priased band like Journey - Survivor's consistency matches if not surpases them at times!

[Journey/Survivor]

For the record - I would not want to go to a Survivor show and be forced to live through a 30, 20 or even 10 minute solo (nor would I want ANY band to do that to me!!), but I could listen to classic Survivor and Frankie's playing for days on end.

The JP/FS magic sure turned in some classics. And when you look at a highly priased band like Journey - Survivor's consistency matches if not surpases them at times!

I'm a guitarist myself, and am a huge fan of Sullivan's guitar playing, so a ten minute solo is cool with me.

I'll say this, I feel that there are a small handfull of Journey songs that weren't all that great. I don't hate any Journey songs. A "bad" Journey song is still better than almost any other band. But Journey have had a few subpar songs, and I'm even talking during the Perry era.

Survivor on the otherhand have never had a bad song, especially during the Peterik era. IMO Peterik is the greatest songwriter in Rock & Roll history.

[MarcelJordan]

Once again, before this interview, one year before even, FS said he was NOT having a great time being alone on a solo. Its too bad so many think otherwise.

[Andrew]

Once again, before this interview, one year before even, FS said he was NOT having a great time being alone on a solo. Its too bad so many think otherwise.

Hey MJ - what did Frankie say? Not sure I understand your post. If he wasn't having a great time, why do a 20+ minute solo?

I was getting all kinds of complaints from people about seeing the band live and the length of the solo.

[Red13JoePa]

Once again, before this interview, one year before even, FS said he was NOT having a great time being alone on a solo.

I don't what in hell you're talking about.

Is the implication that the OTHER bandmembers make Sullivan do the self-indulgent spotlight moment solo?

[axecrew]

As I said I would....my friend ask Jim Peterik on Saturday night if he'd seen the interview,he said he hadn't but he would have to go read it.

Has anyone noticed how QUIET Slander has become?

[Slander]

Has anyone noticed how QUIET Slander has become?

Please AXE! Maybe you can relate. Christmas shopping and NFL this weekend man!

[Slander]

Once again, before this interview, one year before even, FS said he was NOT having a great time being alone on a solo.

I don't what in hell you're talking about.

Is the implication that the OTHER bandmembers make Sullivan do the self-indulgent spotlight moment solo?

OMG! Breaking News! A rock guitarist does a solo in concert. Rock musician and self indulgence? Say it isn't so! And this makes FS different from other rockers in what way? And yes I have been on the stage for that solo and it was great. Secondly this is starting to get like a FISH STORY. The solo legend gets longer and longer as you guys tell it. It's really quite amusing.

[Red13JoePa]

Remember when someone leaked/blamed Jamison as being the culprit behind Beethoven Sullivan's perpetual solo's?

His voice needed the rest was the leaked scuttlebut?

[Slander]

This Slander cat, is a real piece of work. The one poster has it right when Frankie made comments Slander could careless if the others had a rebuttal.

Look Andrew is very partial. I remember when there was a fued with in Night Ranger. Andrew is close with Jack and Kelly. When Jeff was out Andrew posted both Jeff's viewpoint and the officail Night Ranger statement. If FS had a statement Slander, do you deny Andrew would print it?

Rock I have no doubt it my mind Andrew would print it. This is getting silly. I have never questioned Andrew's integrity. I love the sight. Damn I visit daily. I respect Andrew but I don't think I have to agree with him on everything. I didn't accuse Andrew of poor journalism but I don't think the interviewer pressed JJ in a way that I or another reporter would have or for the matter Andrew. It's just my opinion. I'm sorry you don't like. To answer your original question of course I think Andrew would want to get both sides of the story. Can we make that clear.

[Slander]

Remember when someone leaked/blamed Jamison as being the culprit behind Beethoven Sullivan's perpetual solo's?

His voice needed the rest was the leaked scuttlebut?

I hope JJ's voice is better. Many of us who heard JJ back then know Damn well it was not at 100 percent.

[Slander]

STOP it Red. I have nothing but the utmost respect for Andrew and his passion for MR.com. I have been enoying the sight since 1999. Having said that I don't have to agree with Andrew on everything. Where have I dissed Andrew or the sight? Show me? I said I like good journalism and getting both sides of the story. That's is not a dis on Andrew but merely my opinion on reporting. Red wouldn't it be great for all of us if FS weighed in?

Before you or anyone else accuses me of poor journalism, consider this. One could only be called out on this fact if they REFUSED to give the other side any chance to respond. If I was not interested in doing so or didn't care for the other side of the story.

Well, that is 100% NOT true and therefore the remark should not ba bandied about the way it has been.

I am absolutely happy for Frankie to have his say, to put forward a response and he knows precisely where and how to find me.

However, I am lead to believe that he won't be commenting on this interview or contacting me regarding it.

So - that little accusation can be laid to rest thank you.

Andrew I have no doubt in my mind that you did your best to get both sides of the story. My issue is with the interview itself. I feel like I keep repeating myself here. I disagree with the way it was done. I also disagree with the lack of follow up. Is that okay? I will say this again. You do a Great job. I don't know what else I can say.

By the way I am led to believe that FS will not dignify the personal attacks in the interview.

[Slander]

.
I for one did not Jp was so talented until I started buying his solo and other projects. Made me realize it was JP, not JJ, FS, RB or any other member of Survivor that wrote the hits. JP is Survivor, if you disagree listen to his stuff away from Survivor, then listen to Survivor without JP.-ERIC

Be careful here Eric. JP is a great songwriter. I love POL. Love his Survivor stuff. You have to give FS some credit on this even if you don't want to. I have heard JP give interviews where he gives credit to FS. In one interview I remember Jim talking about his tendency to get carried away and FS would reel him in a bit. By the way there were some damn catchy tunes on REACH without JP even though I will admit it's not my fav album. Ever hear Eddie Money's
"Don't Say No Tonight." ? Mr. Sullivan has skills! That tune has Frankie all over it. My point is that FS was very much a part of that Survivor signature sound. To admit that does not take away from JP's talents.

[Red13JoePa]

Andrew I have no doubt in my mind that you did your best to get both sides of the story. My issue is with the interview itself. I feel like I keep repeating myself here.

Why do you keep subtley linking Andrew with direct involvement in that interview?

He made it abundantly clear it was from an independant source and a source who interviewed Jamison only, not Amadeus Sullivan.

[Slander]

Slander for the last two pages of this thread you keep saying , Why doesn't he sue" now that we have answered that question, you say "forget the legal action" and move on to another issue. The fact is and will always be is that you take negative comments about FS way to personal, as though you are somehow a part of him, or separated at birth, in one thread you say you like JJ and the next you are taking personal digs at how he makes a living, well, at least he is supporting himself, whether is be by pouring beers in a bar, as you indicated, which I am sure he has never done, to playing in parking lots, as you have also indicated.

The fact that JJ didn't take legal action if things were so unjust convinces me that his claims may lack substance. Secondly I don't work for FS or Survivor. I have no relationship with FS whatsoever. I don't take attacks against him personally. I do have a problem when a bulletin board wants to use him as a human pinata. It really is rediculous lark. Seriously. I have met JJ. He is a nice guy. He is a great vocalist. There is no denying that. I just think JJ should grow a pair and take some accountability for his own finances and career instead of pointing fingers at Frankie Sullivan. My problem with the board is that JJ gets a free pass on everything and FS gets the blame for everything. Gee I don't know seems a little biased to me. You guys all get wound up because I try to create a little balance.