OT: Soul Sirkus

[jrnyman28]

This is such a crock of shit!!

From the JSS Tour Diary:

"Now this 1 is a difficult 1 because the ink aint dried on it yet but bottom line 2 answer a lot of your questions as 2 why we're not on a major label, why we're not being properly promoted, why our shows have been small in attendance, well it can only be based on these 3 simple words...'conflict of interest'! It has been the downfall of this band from the get go in that the people working with/4 Journey simply do not want 2 see this thing get 2 'big'. It's fully understandable & I don't hold grudges but bottom line is we are suffering from it where we do deserve the same shot as bands like Velvet Revolver or Audioslave but as long as the representation end of things are combined, there is a 'conflict of interest'. It has become desperately apparent 2 us now that 4 Soul SirkUS 2 have it's own legs, we must move forward with someone(s) who share(s) our vision & dream of where this band needs 2 be. We nor Neal want 2 take anything away from Journey, the band stands on it's own legacy & will continue 2 do so 4 as long as the remaining members wish 2, but love it or lump it, SS WILL also have it's own reign & our course of action will begin very soon. With this, u can expect 2 see things as they should have & will be 4 this band. We are beyond ecstatic about what we have here & plan on showing just how serious we are."


Journey and SS were in a position to help each other, not hold each other back! This really pisses me off! The only nice thing I can say is that I hope this will lead to a bigger outcome for SS. Having learned from this, and finding the right "people" for the job, SS has the potential to really benefit from this set back!

And now we see why the band had to cancel Ventura, and why the other venues were not very full...

"We're really bummed we had 2 cancel the Ventura show but bottom line it just wasn't financially sensible 2 the promoter or us, as well as the embarrassment of playing in front of a handful of people. We had little or no promotion on this tour in the US whereas we have been informed our shows overseas have been selling extremely well & we're playing places twice the size as we just did here at home...do u see the pattern here...Journey doesn't tour Europe so promote SS there, Journey tour the US so keep SS on a leash? Ah, it gets clearer the more I blab, eh? I wish the news had come sooner about Ventura so maybe alternate plans could have been made, but with my little scoop of news above, please understand u will see bigger & brighter things 4 us in the future, things done 4 our advantage, not against it!"

[LAWoman]

People are sometimes afraid of change. The business side of the music business seems to be screwed up a lot of the time. Fortunately there are artists who are so driven they cannot be held back. Europe will be the changing point, I think. SS is a fabulous live band and nothing can keep them down.

[The_Noble_Cause]

Journey has it's own problems.
As Herbie once stated, "it's nowhere near the money making machine it once used to be".
I can't imagine that those involved both with Journey and SoulSirkus (*ahem* Azoff management *ahem*) would wish to see SoulSirkus do anything but succeed immensely.
Why would those involved, such as Azoff co., wish to see Sirkus fail?
By having two succesful touring bands in their repetoire, instead of only one, wouldn't those involved stand to do nothing but win?
Thoughts?

[LAWoman]

Journey has it's own problems.
As Herbie once stated, "it's nowhere near the money making machine it once used to be".
I can't imagine that those involved both with Journey and SoulSirkus (*ahem* Azoff management *ahem*) would wish to see SoulSirkus do anything but succeed immensely.
Why would those involved, such as Azoff co., wish to see Sirkus fail?
By having two succesful touring bands in their repetoire, instead of only one, wouldn't those involved stand to do nothing but win?
Thoughts?

Because if SS is huge the fear is that Neal will prefer to do that rather than Journey.

[Argus]

Journey has it's own problems.
As Herbie once stated, "it's nowhere near the money making machine it once used to be".
I can't imagine that those involved both with Journey and SoulSirkus (*ahem* Azoff management *ahem*) would wish to see SoulSirkus do anything but succeed immensely.
Why would those involved, such as Azoff co., wish to see Sirkus fail?
By having two succesful touring bands in their repetoire, instead of only one, wouldn't those involved stand to do nothing but win?
Thoughts?

Because if SS is huge the fear is that Neal will prefer to do that rather than Journey.

But who is the fearful party here? Certainly not the Band Journey and their workers. They are always supportive of Neal's music. Jon's studio was used to record the cd, Journey's crew is working the SS tour. Sort of leaves you thinking, eh?

[The_Noble_Cause]

Journey has it's own problems.
As Herbie once stated, "it's nowhere near the money making machine it once used to be".
I can't imagine that those involved both with Journey and SoulSirkus (*ahem* Azoff management *ahem*) would wish to see SoulSirkus do anything but succeed immensely.
Why would those involved, such as Azoff co., wish to see Sirkus fail?
By having two succesful touring bands in their repetoire, instead of only one, wouldn't those involved stand to do nothing but win?
Thoughts?

Because if SS is huge the fear is that Neal will prefer to do that rather than Journey.

So what?
Who stands to lose from Neal touring with SoulSirkus?
Certainly not Azoff management. They are representing both Journey and SoulSirkus. If Sirkus takes off, Azoff management stands to make more money, not lose.
As far as I can tell, the only people that would personally lose (besides the fans) is Augeri, Cain, Valory and Castronovo- and so far, they have been nothing but supportive.

[jrnyman28]

SOMEONE apparantly feels that if Soul SirkUS is successful in the US that Journey will have less of an audience. Neal even mentioned that there was the idea of having SS open for Journey and that 'the concern' was that if the audience sees Neal before Journey it would somehow take away from Journey's impact. This may have to do with the fact that Neal truly is the only constant in Journey. Somehow he is now the one who holds it all together.

[Argus]

Journey has it's own problems.
As Herbie once stated, "it's nowhere near the money making machine it once used to be".
I can't imagine that those involved both with Journey and SoulSirkus (*ahem* Azoff management *ahem*) would wish to see SoulSirkus do anything but succeed immensely.
Why would those involved, such as Azoff co., wish to see Sirkus fail?
By having two succesful touring bands in their repetoire, instead of only one, wouldn't those involved stand to do nothing but win?
Thoughts?

Because if SS is huge the fear is that Neal will prefer to do that rather than Journey.

So what?
Who stands to lose from Neal touring with SoulSirkus?
Certainly not Azoff management. They are representing both Journey and SoulSirkus. If Sirkus takes off, Azoff management stands to make more money, not lose.
As far as I can tell, the only people that would personally lose (besides the fans) is Augeri, Cain, Valory and Castronovo- and so far, they have been nothing but supportive.

That is if Azoff continues to manage SS. Whatever JSS meant, it reads like A&co are the ones with the conflict of interest. We shall see what happens.

[Monker]

Quite honestly, I have to wonder if this is conspiracy theory with nothing 'real' behind it.

I never thought SS would 'take off' the way so many others did. I just don't see it happening. To compare them to Velvet Revolver is a bit of a stretch. To me, it's almost like comparing U2 to Journey...two completely different situations.

But, whatever. Kinda ironic that they are blaming a sorta Journey 'stigma' for their problems.

[jrnyjetster]

Velvet Revolver can equate much of their success to BIG LABEL support, something that SoulSirKUS wanted and probably could use right about now.

[JourneyTroll]

This is such a crock of shit!!

From the JSS Tour Diary:

"Now this 1 is a difficult 1 because the ink aint dried on it yet but bottom line 2 answer a lot of your questions as 2 why we're not on a major label, why we're not being properly promoted, why our shows have been small in attendance, well it can only be based on these 3 simple words...'conflict of interest'! It has been the downfall of this band from the get go in that the people working with/4 Journey simply do not want 2 see this thing get 2 'big'. It's fully understandable & I don't hold grudges but bottom line is we are suffering from it where we do deserve the same shot as bands like Velvet Revolver or Audioslave but as long as the representation end of things are combined, there is a 'conflict of interest'. It has become desperately apparent 2 us now that 4 Soul SirkUS 2 have it's own legs, we must move forward with someone(s) who share(s) our vision & dream of where this band needs 2 be. We nor Neal want 2 take anything away from Journey, the band stands on it's own legacy & will continue 2 do so 4 as long as the remaining members wish 2, but love it or lump it, SS WILL also have it's own reign & our course of action will begin very soon. With this, u can expect 2 see things as they should have & will be 4 this band. We are beyond ecstatic about what we have here & plan on showing just how serious we are."


Journey and SS were in a position to help each other, not hold each other back! This really pisses me off! The only nice thing I can say is that I hope this will lead to a bigger outcome for SS. Having learned from this, and finding the right "people" for the job, SS has the potential to really benefit from this set back!

And now we see why the band had to cancel Ventura, and why the other venues were not very full...

"We're really bummed we had 2 cancel the Ventura show but bottom line it just wasn't financially sensible 2 the promoter or us, as well as the embarrassment of playing in front of a handful of people. We had little or no promotion on this tour in the US whereas we have been informed our shows overseas have been selling extremely well & we're playing places twice the size as we just did here at home...do u see the pattern here...Journey doesn't tour Europe so promote SS there, Journey tour the US so keep SS on a leash? Ah, it gets clearer the more I blab, eh? I wish the news had come sooner about Ventura so maybe alternate plans could have been made, but with my little scoop of news above, please understand u will see bigger & brighter things 4 us in the future, things done 4 our advantage, not against it!"

Dave, do you kiss your children with the same mouth that spews profanity? I too am disappointed at how unsuccessful the Soul Sirkus tour has been. I too am disappointed at the apathy of people towards Soul Sirkus, yet I am not resorting to swearing.

Journeytroll

[LAWoman]

Journey has it's own problems.
As Herbie once stated, "it's nowhere near the money making machine it once used to be".
I can't imagine that those involved both with Journey and SoulSirkus (*ahem* Azoff management *ahem*) would wish to see SoulSirkus do anything but succeed immensely.
Why would those involved, such as Azoff co., wish to see Sirkus fail?
By having two succesful touring bands in their repetoire, instead of only one, wouldn't those involved stand to do nothing but win?
Thoughts?

Because if SS is huge the fear is that Neal will prefer to do that rather than Journey.

But who is the fearful party here? Certainly not the Band Journey and their workers. They are always supportive of Neal's music. Jon's studio was used to record the cd, Journey's crew is working the SS tour. Sort of leaves you thinking, eh?

I think the implication is that it is management who is fearful. The implication also seems to be that management is changing so I guess we will see what happens!

[jrnyman28]

Dave, do you kiss your children with the same mouth that spews profanity?

Yes I do. I still shower my children with love and affection. My children know what "family" means and they know how to behave in the world.

If you will notice, you can pretty much count the number of times I swear on this board on one hand. Quite trying to divert attention away from the thoughts expressed in people posts.

I too am disappointed at how unsuccessful the Soul Sirkus tour has been. I too am disappointed at the apathy of people towards Soul Sirkus, yet I am not resorting to swearing.

Journeytroll

As I said before, not swearing does not make your posts any more palatable...

[NealIsGod]

Like it or not, Soul SirkUS is not a supergroup, certainly not the way PlanetUS was going to be. The labels look at the band as a bunch of classic rockers. The type of music they play does not pull in most Journey fans, so having Neal is of no benefit. The people who listen to radio stations that should play Soul SirkUS are age 16-30 (and I am being generous with 30). A band like Soul SirkUS just isn't marketable to people of that age, sad as that is. And music is all about marketing these days, no longer about the music.

I welcome your thoughts on these opinions, unless you are JourneyTroll.

[JourneyTroll]

Dave, do you kiss your children with the same mouth that spews profanity?

Yes I do. I still shower my children with love and affection. My children know what "family" means and they know how to behave in the world.

If you will notice, you can pretty much count the number of times I swear on this board on one hand. Quite trying to divert attention away from the thoughts expressed in people posts.

I too am disappointed at how unsuccessful the Soul Sirkus tour has been. I too am disappointed at the apathy of people towards Soul Sirkus, yet I am not resorting to swearing.

Journeytroll

As I said before, not swearing does not make your posts any more palatable...

So you are proud of yourself for expressing profanity in your opinion. Plus, it's not my fault that Soul Sirkus is a lousy band.

Journeytroll

[JourneyTroll]

Like it or not, Soul SirkUS is not a supergroup, certainly not the way PlanetUS was going to be. The labels look at the band as a bunch of classic rockers. The type of music they play does not pull in most Journey fans, so having Neal is of no benefit. The people who listen to radio stations that should play Soul SirkUS are age 16-30 (and I am being generous with 30). A band like Soul SirkUS just isn't marketable to people of that age, sad as that is. And music is all about marketing these days, no longer about the music.

I welcome your thoughts on these opinions, unless you are JourneyTroll.

Again, you are trying to censor me. Won't happen.

Journeytroll

[Hippie]

Like it or not, Soul SirkUS is not a supergroup, certainly not the way PlanetUS was going to be.

All the more of a bummer considering how quickly Van Halen fizzled! (as per today's news post).

I think World Play is outstanding, but I can't help wondering how it would've been with Hagar & Anthony.

A whole CD of songs like "Peephole" ?! That would've smoked!

[jrnyman28]

So you are proud of yourself for expressing profanity in your opinion.
Journeytroll

It completely baffles me how you can come to that conclusion based on what I wrote. Just what reality do you live in?

[perryfaithful]

from Herbie also

Journey is your WIFE!

[JourneyTroll]

So you are proud of yourself for expressing profanity in your opinion.
Journeytroll

It completely baffles me how you can come to that conclusion based on what I wrote. Just what reality do you live in?

You could have edited your post. Instead, you are proud of your salty language and left it in the post.

Journeytroll

[Monker]

So you are proud of yourself for expressing profanity in your opinion.

Well, maybe he's not, but I am!

Who cares...you are really running out things to whine about, huh?

[Monker]

from Herbie also

Journey is your WIFE!

Also from Herbie (paraphrasing):

"This is great. The lights swing around, miss the giant piano and don't kill the lead guitar player. I love it! It's better then sex!"

[JourneyTroll]

So you are proud of yourself for expressing profanity in your opinion.

Well, maybe he's not, but I am!

Who cares...you are really running out things to whine about, huh?

Am I whining? Why are you happy that he is swearing?

Journeytroll

[Monker]

Like it or not, Soul SirkUS is not a supergroup, certainly not the way PlanetUS was going to be. The labels look at the band as a bunch of classic rockers. The type of music they play does not pull in most Journey fans, so having Neal is of no benefit. The people who listen to radio stations that should play Soul SirkUS are age 16-30 (and I am being generous with 30). A band like Soul SirkUS just isn't marketable to people of that age, sad as that is. And music is all about marketing these days, no longer about the music.

I completely agree...and have said from the beginning that SS would never be where Journey is today. Sammy Hagar is a name that gets attention from hard rock fans. Neal Schon isn't. Neither is JSS. Neal and JSS may bring in SOME fans, but not enough to get the attention of an entire genre. At least that is how I feel it is in the US...maybe things are different in Europe and Japan.

[Gaffguitars]

This is a RANT so get out of the way if you're not into it.
I saw SS at BB Kings in NYC. First off the sound man should be shot! Now that's out of the way. They are a really good band. How can they not be? Neal is one of the best, if not the best. Marco is awesome. Virgil is unreal and JSS is an excellent vocalist. However, I'm still not convinced this team has the chemistry yet. I bought the CD (no cover). It's real good but I wouldn't call it great. Peephole is definitely a song Hagar should have sang. Coming Home should have been a Journey song. JSS has a great voice but there just seems to be something missing. I don't know if it's production and the overall sound or quality of the songs. It doesn't knock me out the way the HSAS did or the way the first Hardline album did. Still the best tone Neal ever had. I think JSS Believe In Me song was better than most of the songs on this album. I don't want to sound like I'm bad mouthing it because I do like it, just don't love it.
Anyway, I think JSS has to stop blaming management. The buck stops with the band. He was bitching about the "caberet set up" in NYC which, in his defense, blew. But at 9:30pm they bolted. He said it was house rules. I heard they had another private showcase somewhere so we didn't get the whole show. Anyway if it's house rules then break the friggin rules! You don't like people sitting down? It's the band that should get them standing. And they almost accomplished that a couple of times. I mean we are the one's paying for an original act we never any songs from. I saw the Dixie Dregs there the very next night and the show didn't end until 11:30pm. And they tore the house down (tables & everything). SS had the talent to do that but they seemed rushed and just bolted at 9:30. No encore. Nothing. Made no sense.
This band has potential. I think they could be great. I don't believe Journey management is trying to keep this from getting too big. It's going to be a tough road for a band like this to become "big". No matter who their management is. Journey's not even big anymore. I'm sorry but Azoff Management is in this to make money and they would focus on Soul Sirkus if there was a real movement for it. Unfortunately SS may disappear like Hardline did. And Hardline was better than this. Hopefully they'll fare better across in Europe, Japan and Australia because I would like some more albums from these guys. They have a lot of potential. But blaming promoters and management is scapegoating. Great bands rise above that shit.

[perryfaithful]

Oh Yea.....time to ditch the mistress and go home to the wife!!

[heardonthestreet]

Journey will always be Neals one claim to fame in my opinion. To me his style is only outstanding with a band like Journey was and I do mean WAS. His part in Classic Journey showed quality which is lost in the quantity of what he is now doing. But if he's happy, what does it matter?

[The_Noble_Cause]

His part in Classic Journey showed quality which is lost in the quantity of what he is now doing.

Boy, that's a doozy.

So far, what Neal is "now doing" has been nominated for a Grammy (Voice). His new cd "I on U" is even better than "Voice" and "World Play" undeniably displays some of Neal's finest and most intricate axe work to date, so I gotta ask; just what the hell are you talking about?

Even Neal has admitted that he has only gotten better through the years and it's partly what prompted him to create a new more guitar driven band (i.e. Soul Sirkus).

HOTS- you spout negativity solely for the sake of being negative. How can you defend the claim that qualitatively speaking Neal's guitar work has somehow gone down in quality through the years? Do you have ears? Have you seen him live? Obviously not.

The guy is performing better than ever before.

[Monker]

Journey will always be Neals one claim to fame in my opinion.

Well, I think that is simply bad judgement on your part. His story of joining Santana, and he Grammy for Voice are also 'claims to fame". The fact is that he is the ONLY member of Journey to receive a Grammy.

To me his style is only outstanding with a band like Journey

Well, I think you'll find many who disagree with you. The debut Hardline album has absolutely outstanding guitar work. So do his solo albums.

[Rockindeano]

I sort of am trying to see what HOTS is saying. Neal will be more widely known for his work in JOURNEY. But think about it, hardly anybody really knew what band Neal Schon was in, and a lot sadly, still don't.
If that is not what she is saying, I say that line is utter bullshit.

Monker, what did Schon receive a grammy for? Curious.


Oh, and coincidentally, Neal Schon has gotten better, and does sound much better live and in studio. That is an indisputable fact, since the man himself said it.