Another Great Steve Smith Interview

by **RocknRoll** » Wed May 04, 2011 2:03 am

Another great interview with Steve Smith. He definitely has that nice guy vibe.

http://www.mikedolbear.com/story.asp?StoryID=2690

I thought the whole interview was interesting although nothing much we haven't heard before, but I really liked this part on working with Neal. I just wish Schon would hurry up and get this thing released!!

"Do you keep in contact?
I keep in contact with all of the band members except for Steve Perry. I would like to but he wants his privacy so he’s not communicating directly with anyone in the group. We do make decisions together all the time about licensing, any time someone wants to license a song we all have to agree. We do it through email and lawyers. It’s not that difficult a process, basically we have lawyers that get the requests and ask “do you want to pursue this or not”? I mainly keep in touch with Neal and I talk to Deen from time-to-time, we get along great. I played on Neal’s instrumental solo album in August of 2010. That should come out sometime in 2011. We spent 4 days in a San Francisco studio and had a sudden burst of creativity. I ended up playing on 11 songs, which were all developed spontaneously in the studio. We had a great time and the music is strong."'

by **STORY_TELLER** » Wed May 04, 2011 2:40 am

Ah you beat me to the post, lol... GREAT article. Love Smitty. Can't wait for his collaboration with Neal to come out. I think I'm more excited about that project than Eclipse. They just have amazing chemistry.

by **Michigan Girl** » Wed May 04, 2011 2:48 am

Great article, thanks RNR ~always good to hear from SS!!!
I concur w/ST ^^^up there!! :wink:

by **cinkidd** » Wed May 04, 2011 2:57 am

Thanks for posting this it was a great read.

Rich the Posting guy

by **Jana** » Wed May 04, 2011 3:21 am

RocknRoll wrote:Another great interview with Steve Smith. He definitely has that nice guy vibe.

http://www.mikedolbear.com/story.asp?StoryID=2690

I thought the whole interview was interesting although nothing much we haven't heard before, but I really liked this part on working with Neal. I just wish Schon would hurry up and get this thing released!!

"Do you keep in contact?
I keep in contact with all of the band members except for Steve Perry. I would like to but he wants his privacy so he’s not communicating directly with anyone in the group. We do make decisions together all the time about licensing, any time someone wants to license a song we all have to agree. We do it through email and lawyers. It’s not that difficult a process, basically we have lawyers that get the requests and ask “do you want to pursue this or not”? I mainly keep in touch with Neal and I talk to Deen from time-to-time, we get along great. I played on Neal’s instrumental solo album in August of 2010. That should come out sometime in 2011. We spent 4 days in a San Francisco studio and had a sudden burst of creativity. I ended up playing on 11 songs, which were all developed spontaneously in the studio. We had a great time and the music is strong."'

How strange Steve Perry won't even stay in contact with Steve Smith, who wants to. They worked together on the last album and Steve Smith never moved on with the reformation of the band without Steve Perry.

by **Saint John** » Wed May 04, 2011 3:38 am

Jana wrote:
How strange Steve Perry won't even stay in contact with Steve Smith, who wants to. They worked together on the last album and Steve Smith never moved on with the reformation of the band without Steve Perry.

I doubt he can face him. Can't blame him, after all he did. Seems to me like all of the official band members, past and present, get along ... except for one. :lol:

by **Majestic** » Wed May 04, 2011 3:40 am

That was a great read, and the videos are cool. Thanks for sharing that!

by **Michigan Girl** » Wed May 04, 2011 3:41 am

The only thing that's weird about it is that SS is such a cutie~pie, sweetheart
how could anyone not want to have a drink with him ...other than
that ...nope!! There are band members who don't associate with
one another while still in the band and the only together time they share
is on the stage ...not weird at all!! *eyeroll* to the above players^^^

by **kgdjpubs** » Wed May 04, 2011 1:10 pm

Jana wrote:
RocknRoll wrote:Another great interview with Steve Smith. He definitely has that nice guy vibe.

http://www.mikedolbear.com/story.asp?StoryID=2690

I thought the whole interview was interesting although nothing much we haven't heard before, but I really liked this part on working with Neal. I just wish Schon would hurry up and get this thing released!!

"Do you keep in contact?
I keep in contact with all of the band members except for Steve Perry. I would like to but he wants his privacy so he’s not communicating directly with anyone in the group. We do make decisions together all the time about licensing, any time someone wants to license a song we all have to agree. We do it through email and lawyers. It’s not that difficult a process, basically we have lawyers that get the requests and ask “do you want to pursue this or not”? I mainly keep in touch with Neal and I talk to Deen from time-to-time, we get along great. I played on Neal’s instrumental solo album in August of 2010. That should come out sometime in 2011. We spent 4 days in a San Francisco studio and had a sudden burst of creativity. I ended up playing on 11 songs, which were all developed spontaneously in the studio. We had a great time and the music is strong."'

How strange Steve Perry won't even stay in contact with Steve Smith, who wants to. They worked together on the last album and Steve Smith never moved on with the reformation of the band without Steve Perry.

There was an interview at the time with Steve Smith where he basically said he did TBF (and would do the tour) for the fans, but once it was over he was gone. Basically, the gist was that he was willing to go back in for one album and tour with the classic lineup, but had moved on from Journey into things that were more challenging for him musically. It didn't matter if Perry stayed or not. After that tour, Journey would still need a new drummer. Once Perry left, the classic lineup was fractured, so Smith left also.

by **Arkansas** » Wed May 04, 2011 3:13 pm

I think it's FANTASTIC that he & Deen keep in touch. To me, if I were the current drummer, that would be an ultimate compliment. I think I remember an interview with Deen, where he'd got the gig, and he said he went to SS' house and went over all the material.

That is soooo darned cool! That says that Deen has such great respect, and that SS respects Deen in return for making sure that he got the material down.

Overall, drummers probably have the greatest brotherhood. And why not? No need to be pissy...like others.

I wonder if JC and GR ever talked much, or even touch base?

later~

by **RockInDetroit** » Thu May 05, 2011 12:02 am

Saint John wrote:
Jana wrote:
How strange Steve Perry won't even stay in contact with Steve Smith, who wants to. They worked together on the last album and Steve Smith never moved on with the reformation of the band without Steve Perry.

I doubt he can face him. Can't blame him, after all he did. Seems to me like all of the official band members, past and present, get along ... except for one.

Only one?? Does Gregg Rolie get along with everyone?

by **Ehwmatt** » Thu May 05, 2011 12:07 am

Arkansas wrote:
Overall, drummers probably have the greatest brotherhood. And why not? No need to be pissy...like others.

Probably because they fly the most under the radar with very limited exceptions (e.g., people would notice if Neal Peart got replaced in Rush).

by **Jana** » Thu May 05, 2011 12:11 am

RockInDetroit wrote:
Saint John wrote:
Jana wrote:
How strange Steve Perry won't even stay in contact with Steve Smith, who wants to. They worked together on the last album and Steve Smith never moved on with the reformation of the band without Steve Perry.

I doubt he can face him. Can't blame him, after all he did. Seems to me like all of the official band members, past and present, get along ... except for one.

Only one?? Does Gregg Rolie get along with everyone?

He played with them on stage their last tour in Texas in 2009. He seems to .

by **RocknRoll** » Thu May 05, 2011 2:01 am

RockInDetroit wrote:
Saint John wrote:
Jana wrote:
How strange Steve Perry won't even stay in contact with Steve Smith, who wants to. They worked together on the last album and Steve Smith never moved on with the reformation of the band without Steve Perry.

I doubt he can face him. Can't blame him, after all he did. Seems to me like all of the official band members, past and present, get along ... except for one.

Only one?? Does Gregg Rolie get along with everyone?

Well, it looks like he and Neal still keep in touch.

From this interview

http://www.forums.melodicrock.com/phpBB ... regg+rolie

"DeRiso: In the 1990s, you mounted successful reunions with members of Journey – first in the Storm featuring Steve Smith and Ross Valery and then in Abraxas Pool with Schon. Any thoughts of working with Journey again?
Rolie: You never say never, and Neal and I have talked about that here and there. But they are on a rampage right now. Journey is doing quite well since they found Arnell (Pineda, the Steve Perry sound alike who joined in 2007). They are as busy as can be."

by **Art Vandelay** » Thu May 05, 2011 2:33 am

Saint John wrote:
Jana wrote:
How strange Steve Perry won't even stay in contact with Steve Smith, who wants to. They worked together on the last album and Steve Smith never moved on with the reformation of the band without Steve Perry.

I doubt he can face him. Can't blame him, after all he did. Seems to me like all of the official band members, past and present, get along ... except for one.

In 1996 you got back with Journey didn't you?
Yes, we did get together in 1996 and resolved our differences of how and why things fell apart in 1985. It was a very good experience and we made an album of new material called "Trial By Fire". I feel it’s one of our best records and it sold over a million copies when it was released.

Do you think you would ever go back out there as the original members?
If Steve Perry was involved I would be interested in being in a one-time reunion tour. But that doesn’t seem likely; he doesn’t seem interested in doing that.

by **Michigan Girl** » Thu May 05, 2011 2:39 am

Art Vandelay wrote:
Saint John wrote:
Jana wrote:
How strange Steve Perry won't even stay in contact with Steve Smith, who wants to. They worked together on the last album and Steve Smith never moved on with the reformation of the band without Steve Perry.

I doubt he can face him. Can't blame him, after all he did. Seems to me like all of the official band members, past and present, get along ... except for one.

In 1996 you got back with Journey didn't you?
Yes, we did get together in 1996 and resolved our differences of how and why things fell apart in 1985. It was a very good experience and we made an album of new material called "Trial By Fire". I feel it’s one of our best records and it sold over a million copies when it was released.

Do you think you would ever go back out there as the original members?
If Steve Perry was involved I would be interested in being in a one-time reunion tour. But that doesn’t seem likely; he doesn’t seem interested in doing that.

This is the way I remembered it ...SS ...class act, smart man!!! :wink:

by **Saint John** » Thu May 05, 2011 8:38 am

Smith's comments pertained to a farewell tour. They all wanted that ... except one liar.

by **Eric** » Thu May 05, 2011 9:11 am

Perry could have managed, produced, shown up occasionally on a tour date, written songs, handpicked and mentored his replacement. He would be 3x as rich...prolly more because the fanbase wouldn't be fractured. He would be giving back to his fans.

Not sure what he's doing, except that he likes having total control without putting forth any effort.

by **slucero** » Thu May 05, 2011 8:53 pm

Arkansas wrote:I think it's FANTASTIC that he & Deen keep in touch. To me, if I were the current drummer, that would be an ultimate compliment. I think I remember an interview with Deen, where he'd got the gig, and he said he went to SS' house and went over all the material.

That is soooo darned cool! That says that Deen has such great respect, and that SS respects Deen in return for making sure that he got the material down.

Overall, drummers probably have the greatest brotherhood. And why not? No need to be pissy...like others.

I wonder if JC and GR ever talked much, or even touch base?

later~

GR left on his own terms... and its been 21 years since he left...

by **NoMoreTails** » Thu May 05, 2011 11:06 pm

Eric wrote:Perry could have managed, produced, shown up occasionally on a tour date, written songs, handpicked and mentored his replacement. He would be 3x as rich...prolly more because the fanbase wouldn't be fractured. He would be giving back to his fans.

Not sure what he's doing, except that he likes having total control without putting forth any effort.

He's too proud and probably too egotistical to support someone else being the "voice" of Journey and obviously unwilling to admit he just doesn't have it anymore.

by **NoMoreTails** » Thu May 05, 2011 11:07 pm

slucero wrote:
Arkansas wrote:I think it's FANTASTIC that he & Deen keep in touch. To me, if I were the current drummer, that would be an ultimate compliment. I think I remember an interview with Deen, where he'd got the gig, and he said he went to SS' house and went over all the material.

That is soooo darned cool! That says that Deen has such great respect, and that SS respects Deen in return for making sure that he got the material down.

Overall, drummers probably have the greatest brotherhood. And why not? No need to be pissy...like others.

I wonder if JC and GR ever talked much, or even touch base?

later~

GR left on his own terms... and its been 21 years since he left...

Gregg saw the writing on the wall in regards to how difficult Perry was about to become.

by **Art Vandelay** » Fri May 06, 2011 12:30 am

Saint John wrote:Smith's comments pertained to a farewell tour. They all wanted that ... except one liar.

You mean the comment that he just made in this new interview about how he would be interested in a one time reunion tour only if Perry were involved? :wink:

by **brandonx76** » Fri May 06, 2011 1:06 am

slucero wrote:
Arkansas wrote:I think it's FANTASTIC that he & Deen keep in touch. To me, if I were the current drummer, that would be an ultimate compliment. I think I remember an interview with Deen, where he'd got the gig, and he said he went to SS' house and went over all the material.

That is soooo darned cool! That says that Deen has such great respect, and that SS respects Deen in return for making sure that he got the material down.

Overall, drummers probably have the greatest brotherhood. And why not? No need to be pissy...like others.

I wonder if JC and GR ever talked much, or even touch base?

later~

GR left on his own terms... and its been 21 years since he left...

More like 31

by **brywool** » Fri May 06, 2011 4:37 am

Eric wrote:Perry .... Not sure what he's doing, except that he likes having total control without putting forth any effort.

ding ding ding

This whole "I want to be alone" thing...

Sounds like a lot of damage there. I hope he is getting some psychiatric help. I mean, it just sounds like such paranoia. Man, Steve Smith was willing to work with Perry AND reach out to him even though Perry fired him (and replaced him with Mike Baired... MIKE F'ING BAIRED?!?!?). That's sure a lot classier than "I don't want to be disturbed". Sorry, but the more I learn about Steve, the more screwed up he seems to be. Some perspective is needed there. He made a ton of money. He had international stardom. He's still very well respected by the world. He's set for life. Yet he always seems to be pretty unhappy. Maybe he is enjoying life and he just doesn't enjoy the "old days" but man, there had to be some good times there too.

He was just in a rock band for God's sake. He's still making money from it. Enjoy it. Life's too short to carry those kinds of grudges. Sorry, but the whole "I'm hurting inside" deal is just so tiresome.

by **The_Noble_Cause** » Fri May 06, 2011 4:43 am

Staying in touch with people is a pain in the ass. If Perry would rather sit atop mounds of cash and go to ball games, I can't blame him.

by **Don** » Fri May 06, 2011 4:50 am

If Perry sent Steve Smith a friend request and de-friended him a day later, that might be an issue but from all accounts, since Perry left the band, he just decided he didn't want to stay in touch, no different than a lot of us when we leave a job. He has his lawyers handle band business like licensing agreements just like the rest of them do. From all accounts it's people seeking him out for interviews and what not, not the other way around. He gets credit on anything that has his name on it, and if it's going to stay out there via the band or media, then he deserves the accolades he still gets.

by **brywool** » Fri May 06, 2011 4:53 am

Maybe Smitty was asking him for money... yeah, that'd get old.

by **Michigan Girl** » Fri May 06, 2011 5:33 am

Don wrote:If Perry sent Steve Smith a friend request and de-friended him a day later, that might be an issue but from all accounts, since Perry left the band, he just decided he didn't want to stay in touch, no different than a lot of us when we leave a job. He has his lawyers handle band business like licensing agreements just like the rest of them do. From all accounts it's people seeking him out for interviews and what not, not the other way around. He gets credit on anything that has his name on it, and if it's going to stay out there via the band or media, then he deserves the accolades he still gets.

Absolutely!! Good post, g~boy!! Geez, talk about conspiracy theories!! I wonder
if Neal & Co keep in touch w/SA and JSS?!?!

by **Don** » Fri May 06, 2011 5:44 am

Michigan Girl wrote:
Don wrote:If Perry sent Steve Smith a friend request and de-friended him a day later, that might be an issue but from all accounts, since Perry left the band, he just decided he didn't want to stay in touch, no different than a lot of us when we leave a job. He has his lawyers handle band business like licensing agreements just like the rest of them do. From all accounts it's people seeking him out for interviews and what not, not the other way around. He gets credit on anything that has his name on it, and if it's going to stay out there via the band or media, then he deserves the accolades he still gets.
Absolutely!! Good post, g~boy!! Geez, talk about conspiracy theories!! I wonder
if Neal & Co keep in touch w/SA and JSS?!?!

I believe Steve Augeri mentioned that he never heard from the band again after his vocal issues. Being the nicest guy in the world doesn't necessarily get you a 'Get Well Soon' card when it comes to Journey I guess.

And we all know about Soto being persona non grata in the band's camp but it is a business after all.

by **brywool** » Fri May 06, 2011 5:44 am

Michigan Girl wrote:
Don wrote:If Perry sent Steve Smith a friend request and de-friended him a day later, that might be an issue but from all accounts, since Perry left the band, he just decided he didn't want to stay in touch, no different than a lot of us when we leave a job. He has his lawyers handle band business like licensing agreements just like the rest of them do. From all accounts it's people seeking him out for interviews and what not, not the other way around. He gets credit on anything that has his name on it, and if it's going to stay out there via the band or media, then he deserves the accolades he still gets.
Absolutely!! Good post, g~boy!! Geez, talk about conspiracy theories!! I wonder
if Neal & Co keep in touch w/SA and JSS?!?!

I knew you'd jump in here...
Some in the band still keep in touch with former members (Rolie/Schon, Smith/Schon, Augeri/Deen, Deen/Smith, etc.). Hardly a conspiracy theory. Fact of the matter is that Steve Perry came out better than ANY of them and yet he has broken off all ties with any of them. Seems pretty lame to me. They did all that magic together. They wrote those songs together (eye to eye- to use McCartney's term) and yet, they can't even seem to share a phone conversation? nutty

MR

Another Great Steve Smith Interview

Another Great Steve Smith Interview

Re: Another Great Steve Smith Interview

Re: Another Great Steve Smith Interview

Re: Another Great Steve Smith Interview

Re: Another Great Steve Smith Interview

Re: Another Great Steve Smith Interview

Re: Another Great Steve Smith Interview

Re: Another Great Steve Smith Interview

Re: Another Great Steve Smith Interview

Who is online