Early Eclipse interview from Deen

[Saint John]

The only thing I know from an acquaintance who is pretty close to SA, regarding Deen's comments, is that unless not discussed, the only band member SA has heard from or continues to hear from on occasion since he was let go is Cain....nobody else. So for whatever reason, Deen continues to vocally proclaim the lovefest with Steve, but actions don't seem to back that up.

I, too, have heard bits and pieces surrounding this, but what *I* heard was that Steve Augeri is on good speaking terms with all of them ... except Neal. Whether that's true or not, though, I have no idea.

[marco17]

The only thing I know from an acquaintance who is pretty close to SA, regarding Deen's comments, is that unless not discussed, the only band member SA has heard from or continues to hear from on occasion since he was let go is Cain....nobody else. So for whatever reason, Deen continues to vocally proclaim the lovefest with Steve, but actions don't seem to back that up.

I, too, have heard bits and pieces surrounding this, but what *I* heard was that Steve Augeri is on good speaking terms with all of them ... except Neal. Whether that's true or not, though, I have no idea.

I could see this, I mean the guy is only gone because he blew his pipes out singing their catalog, and he's never said a bad thing about any of them. Neal, if anything, probably displayed his usual sh*tty bedside manner during his departure. It's too bad, because I think he's singing decent enough that they could always give the NYC area fans a treat and have him pop out for an Arrival track of something for fun when they tour that area. But, if Neal is being a douche, that would never happen.

[Saint John]

I think he's singing decent enough that they could always give the NYC area fans a treat and have him pop out for an Arrival track

This is a great idea, especially considering their trimmed down set list, which appears to be a precautionary measure to save Arnel's voice.

[ebake02]

I always assumed Cain with the asshole in the band but it sounds like he is the only decent guy among the four core members.

[onmyjrny]

I think Cain gets a bad rep a lot of times because he is the one who has to do Neal's and Steve P's dirty work.

It's sad though that this bad with all of its positive music seems to leave so many broken relationships behind in its wake.

[ebake02]

I think Cain gets a bad rep a lot of times because he is the one who has to do Neal's and Steve P's dirty work.

It's sad though that this bad with all of its positive music seems to leave so many broken relationships behind in its wake.

I think Cain get stuck with the dirty work because Neal doesn't possess the level and tact and intelligence that Jon does.

[WykkedSensation]

The only thing I know from an acquaintance who is pretty close to SA, regarding Deen's comments, is that unless not discussed, the only band member SA has heard from or continues to hear from on occasion since he was let go is Cain....nobody else. So for whatever reason, Deen continues to vocally proclaim the lovefest with Steve, but actions don't seem to back that up.

I, too, have heard bits and pieces surrounding this, but what *I* heard was that Steve Augeri is on good speaking terms with all of them ... except Neal. Whether that's true or not, though, I have no idea.

I could see this, I mean the guy is only gone because he blew his pipes out singing their catalog, and he's never said a bad thing about any of them. Neal, if anything, probably displayed his usual sh*tty bedside manner during his departure. It's too bad, because I think he's singing decent enough that they could always give the NYC area fans a treat and have him pop out for an Arrival track of something for fun when they tour that area. But, if Neal is being a douche, that would never happen.

Neal being a douche? He is THE biggest douche of all and always has been. And whats with that stupid pimp hat he's wearing nowdays?

[Gideon]

He is THE biggest douche of all and always has been.

[AR]

I think Cain gets a bad rep a lot of times because he is the one who has to do Neal's and Steve P's dirty work.

It's sad though that this bad with all of its positive music seems to leave so many broken relationships behind in its wake.

Just my opinion but from when I was around them:

Ross = funny as hell
Deen = very nice guy
Augeri = Still a very nice humble dude
Cain = standoffish, but will do the photo op thing. Polite.
Neal = well I did drink with him.

[SilvioRodrigues]

What really happened between Journey and JSS is something that only the 5 envolved + Arzoff know. I felt very disappointed when they fired JSS, especially with the way they treated him, but for those who don't want to give credit to JSS...the FACT is that if Journey is still active because of him. If the tour with Def Leppard had been canceled...the damage would be huge for the band. Jeff saved the band, period.

[AR]

WOW Didn't even read Jeff's earlier post.

I know he's moved on. Very surprised about Deen's comments.

As Silvio said above, that band was lucky to have him. Who else could have bailed out that tour on such short notice?

[donnaplease]

The only thing I know from an acquaintance who is pretty close to SA, regarding Deen's comments, is that unless not discussed, the only band member SA has heard from or continues to hear from on occasion since he was let go is Cain....nobody else. So for whatever reason, Deen continues to vocally proclaim the lovefest with Steve, but actions don't seem to back that up.

I, too, have heard bits and pieces surrounding this, but what *I* heard was that Steve Augeri is on good speaking terms with all of them ... except Neal. Whether that's true or not, though, I have no idea.

Steve P, Steve A, JSS... seems like Neal has a hard time keeping friends...

[AR]

The only thing I know from an acquaintance who is pretty close to SA, regarding Deen's comments, is that unless not discussed, the only band member SA has heard from or continues to hear from on occasion since he was let go is Cain....nobody else. So for whatever reason, Deen continues to vocally proclaim the lovefest with Steve, but actions don't seem to back that up.

I, too, have heard bits and pieces surrounding this, but what *I* heard was that Steve Augeri is on good speaking terms with all of them ... except Neal. Whether that's true or not, though, I have no idea.

Steve P, Steve A, JSS... seems like Neal has a hard time keeping friends...

How was the trip home Donna?

[Saint John]

The only thing I know from an acquaintance who is pretty close to SA, regarding Deen's comments, is that unless not discussed, the only band member SA has heard from or continues to hear from on occasion since he was let go is Cain....nobody else. So for whatever reason, Deen continues to vocally proclaim the lovefest with Steve, but actions don't seem to back that up.

I, too, have heard bits and pieces surrounding this, but what *I* heard was that Steve Augeri is on good speaking terms with all of them ... except Neal. Whether that's true or not, though, I have no idea.

Steve P, Steve A, JSS... seems like Neal has a hard time keeping friends...

His band, Journey, made the first two millionaires and gave the third, I believe, the highest grossing 12 month period of his career. I'd say that he's a pretty good "friend" when it comes to making people money. And he even has a few ex-wives to vouch for that.

[AR]

And he even has a few ex-wives to vouch for that.

[Gideon]

The only thing I know from an acquaintance who is pretty close to SA, regarding Deen's comments, is that unless not discussed, the only band member SA has heard from or continues to hear from on occasion since he was let go is Cain....nobody else. So for whatever reason, Deen continues to vocally proclaim the lovefest with Steve, but actions don't seem to back that up.

I, too, have heard bits and pieces surrounding this, but what *I* heard was that Steve Augeri is on good speaking terms with all of them ... except Neal. Whether that's true or not, though, I have no idea.

Steve P, Steve A, JSS... seems like Neal has a hard time keeping friends...

Do we want to get into Perry? (Metaphorically speaking.)

[Tito]

I always assumed Cain with the asshole in the band but it sounds like he is the only decent guy among the four core members.

I've been saying this for years! Although I will say the rest of them are pretty cool too.

[Tito]

Steve P, Steve A, JSS... seems like Neal has a hard time keeping friends...

I couldn't disagree more. Neal always works with people from his past over and over again. He's on good terms with many people. There are only two documented cases where there may be issues...and that's not necessarily his fault either.

[Archetype]

I think he's singing decent enough that they could always give the NYC area fans a treat and have him pop out for an Arrival track

This is a great idea, especially considering their trimmed down set list, which appears to be a precautionary measure to save Arnel's voice.

I'm definitely on board with this idea. Would love to hear him do "Kiss Me Softly" "Loved By You" or "With Your Love" live. Some great tracks came out of the Augeri era. He seems like a real decent guy too.

[Saint John]

I think he's singing decent enough that they could always give the NYC area fans a treat and have him pop out for an Arrival track

This is a great idea, especially considering their trimmed down set list, which appears to be a precautionary measure to save Arnel's voice.

I'm definitely on board with this idea. Would love to hear him do "Kiss Me Softly" "Loved By You" or "With Your Love" live. Some great tracks came out of the Augeri era. He seems like a real decent guy too.

I heard Kiss Me Softly a number of years back and it was great live.

[donnaplease]

Steve P, Steve A, JSS... seems like Neal has a hard time keeping friends...

I couldn't disagree more. Neal always works with people from his past over and over again. He's on good terms with many people. There are only two documented cases where there may be issues...and that's not necessarily his fault either.

It's a fucking JOKE, people... Sheesh!!! Somehow I doubt what you say is the truth, but I don't care to debate the who's and why's on the subject.

[donnaplease]

The only thing I know from an acquaintance who is pretty close to SA, regarding Deen's comments, is that unless not discussed, the only band member SA has heard from or continues to hear from on occasion since he was let go is Cain....nobody else. So for whatever reason, Deen continues to vocally proclaim the lovefest with Steve, but actions don't seem to back that up.

I, too, have heard bits and pieces surrounding this, but what *I* heard was that Steve Augeri is on good speaking terms with all of them ... except Neal. Whether that's true or not, though, I have no idea.

Steve P, Steve A, JSS... seems like Neal has a hard time keeping friends...

How was the trip home Donna?

Loooooong. Took an extra hour to get to the softball tourney, and had to sit in the blistering sun watching Alexa playing a few games. Had a blast (as usual!) and can't wait to see everyone again.

[AR]

The only thing I know from an acquaintance who is pretty close to SA, regarding Deen's comments, is that unless not discussed, the only band member SA has heard from or continues to hear from on occasion since he was let go is Cain....nobody else. So for whatever reason, Deen continues to vocally proclaim the lovefest with Steve, but actions don't seem to back that up.

I, too, have heard bits and pieces surrounding this, but what *I* heard was that Steve Augeri is on good speaking terms with all of them ... except Neal. Whether that's true or not, though, I have no idea.

Steve P, Steve A, JSS... seems like Neal has a hard time keeping friends...

How was the trip home Donna?

Loooooong. Took an extra hour to get to the softball tourney, and had to sit in the blistering sun watching Alexa playing a few games. Had a blast (as usual!) and can't wait to see everyone again.

Well hopefully we can get the band back together again soon.

[kgdjpubs]

the FACT is that if Journey is still active because of him. If the tour with Def Leppard had been canceled...the damage would be huge for the band. Jeff saved the band, period.

Not so sure I agree with this. It would have been a large monetary sum to cancel out of the contract, but in the grand scheme of things, it would have been a blip on the radar at best. It wouldn't be the first time a band has cancelled a tour due to a legitimate medical issue (aka singer with no voice), and tours are cancelled for various reasons all the time.

All the credit to JSS for stepping up to a very daunting task, and pretty much landing on his feet with very little warmup. To be perfectly blunt though, he saved Journey a fair amount of money by agreeing to sub. Nothing more, nothing less.

[donnaplease]

the FACT is that if Journey is still active because of him. If the tour with Def Leppard had been canceled...the damage would be huge for the band. Jeff saved the band, period.

Not so sure I agree with this. It would have been a large monetary sum to cancel out of the contract, but in the grand scheme of things, it would have been a blip on the radar at best. It wouldn't be the first time a band has cancelled a tour due to a legitimate medical issue (aka singer with no voice), and tours are cancelled for various reasons all the time.

All the credit to JSS for stepping up to a very daunting task, and pretty much landing on his feet with very little warmup. To be perfectly blunt though, he saved Journey a fair amount of money by agreeing to sub. Nothing more, nothing less.

Sub my ass! He was made a member of the band AFTER that tour ended. Eight months or so later they changed their minds and kicked him to the curb. We can all speculate (*cough cough Dan*) but just as most other things Journey related, we may never really know the REAL reason. It's almost as if they're trying an 'eternal sunshine of the spotless mind' trick and erasing him from their history. Some of us won't let that happen.

[marco17]

the FACT is that if Journey is still active because of him. If the tour with Def Leppard had been canceled...the damage would be huge for the band. Jeff saved the band, period.

Not so sure I agree with this. It would have been a large monetary sum to cancel out of the contract, but in the grand scheme of things, it would have been a blip on the radar at best. It wouldn't be the first time a band has cancelled a tour due to a legitimate medical issue (aka singer with no voice), and tours are cancelled for various reasons all the time.

All the credit to JSS for stepping up to a very daunting task, and pretty much landing on his feet with very little warmup. To be perfectly blunt though, he saved Journey a fair amount of money by agreeing to sub. Nothing more, nothing less.

Sub my ass! He was made a member of the band AFTER that tour ended. Eight months or so later they changed their minds and kicked him to the curb. We can all speculate (*cough cough Dan*) but just as most other things Journey related, we may never really know the REAL reason. It's almost as if they're trying an 'eternal sunshine of the spotless mind' trick and erasing him from their history. Some of us won't let that happen.

True, but I'd be more concerned about them trying to erase an 8yr relationship with Augeri like it never happened long before I'd be worried about 12 months or so of Jeff.

[SilvioRodrigues]

the FACT is that if Journey is still active because of him. If the tour with Def Leppard had been canceled...the damage would be huge for the band. Jeff saved the band, period.

Not so sure I agree with this. It would have been a large monetary sum to cancel out of the contract, but in the grand scheme of things, it would have been a blip on the radar at best. It wouldn't be the first time a band has cancelled a tour due to a legitimate medical issue (aka singer with no voice), and tours are cancelled for various reasons all the time.

All the credit to JSS for stepping up to a very daunting task, and pretty much landing on his feet with very little warmup. To be perfectly blunt though, he saved Journey a fair amount of money by agreeing to sub. Nothing more, nothing less.

Maybe I was a little bit dramatic on my post, but IMO Journey was going downhill between 2002-2006. They released a controversial EP, a more controversial album (Generations), which was given by free for the concert goers , then a 30th Anniversary tour not so well recieved because the long set-list with obscure songs and the problems with Steve Augeri and his voice. All of these things happened in a sequence and, in my opinion, if they had missed the tour it would contribute to go down a bit more.

That's the real importance of JSS. He was on the fire and quickly took over the responsability and helped to make that tour be one of the most succesful tours at that time. It reopened doors for Journey, and that's why I believe that the band was unfair with Jeff...he helped to put Journey back on track, and after that they decided to move on with another singer.

Of course Arnel don't have any blame on this situation. He is an amazing singer and I had the privilege to see him performing live.

All of the past members helped the band in many ways and to deny their contribution is a sort of disrespect. They can't erase SA and even JSS of their story.

[Greg]

the FACT is that if Journey is still active because of him. If the tour with Def Leppard had been canceled...the damage would be huge for the band. Jeff saved the band, period.

Not so sure I agree with this. It would have been a large monetary sum to cancel out of the contract, but in the grand scheme of things, it would have been a blip on the radar at best. It wouldn't be the first time a band has cancelled a tour due to a legitimate medical issue (aka singer with no voice), and tours are cancelled for various reasons all the time.

All the credit to JSS for stepping up to a very daunting task, and pretty much landing on his feet with very little warmup. To be perfectly blunt though, he saved Journey a fair amount of money by agreeing to sub. Nothing more, nothing less.

Absolutely incorrect. Jeff was made a full time member of the band shortly after the tour, or at least close to that time.

[Greg]

the FACT is that if Journey is still active because of him. If the tour with Def Leppard had been canceled...the damage would be huge for the band. Jeff saved the band, period.

Not so sure I agree with this. It would have been a large monetary sum to cancel out of the contract, but in the grand scheme of things, it would have been a blip on the radar at best. It wouldn't be the first time a band has cancelled a tour due to a legitimate medical issue (aka singer with no voice), and tours are cancelled for various reasons all the time.

All the credit to JSS for stepping up to a very daunting task, and pretty much landing on his feet with very little warmup. To be perfectly blunt though, he saved Journey a fair amount of money by agreeing to sub. Nothing more, nothing less.

Sub my ass! He was made a member of the band AFTER that tour ended. Eight months or so later they changed their minds and kicked him to the curb. We can all speculate (*cough cough Dan*) but just as most other things Journey related, we may never really know the REAL reason. It's almost as if they're trying an 'eternal sunshine of the spotless mind' trick and erasing him from their history. Some of us won't let that happen.

True, but I'd be more concerned about them trying to erase an 8yr relationship with Augeri like it never happened long before I'd be worried about 12 months of so of Jeff.

I think they have pretty much tried to erase both Steve Augeri and Jeff Scott Soto.

[kgdjpubs]

the FACT is that if Journey is still active because of him. If the tour with Def Leppard had been canceled...the damage would be huge for the band. Jeff saved the band, period.

Not so sure I agree with this. It would have been a large monetary sum to cancel out of the contract, but in the grand scheme of things, it would have been a blip on the radar at best. It wouldn't be the first time a band has cancelled a tour due to a legitimate medical issue (aka singer with no voice), and tours are cancelled for various reasons all the time.

All the credit to JSS for stepping up to a very daunting task, and pretty much landing on his feet with very little warmup. To be perfectly blunt though, he saved Journey a fair amount of money by agreeing to sub. Nothing more, nothing less.

Absolutely incorrect. Jeff was made a full time member of the band shortly after the tour, or at least close to that time.

Totally irrelevant to the bolded part in question. The point was that JSS's main contribution was saving the band a fair amount of money for not pulling out of the DL tour. What happened after the tour doesn't matter. No disrespect to him, but it's a joke to say he "saved the band".