Well my bat phone went off in recent days and it has led me to post on the MR board for the first time in years. This will be the first of two posts. This one will give the Top 5 options to replace our friend, Deen Castronovo. The second one is crisis management related and will put out the fires, so to speak. Long story short, don’t worry, Cain has got this.
On to the first post.
Obviously, everyone’s first choice is Steve Smith. But, assuming Smith isn’t going to want to do this long term, here are the Top 5 realistic choices to fill the drummer’s chair, IMO. These are not the Top 5 best drummers or necessarily my Top 5 choices per se. But, there is definitely a lot of crossover in those lists. Without further ado, here are the Top 5 REALISTIC choices (in order):
1. Ron Wikso – Already has replaced Steve Smith once (The Storm) and has worked extensively with Gregg Rolie over the past decade or so. Has also worked with Foreigner in the past among others, so won’t be in awe. Season vet.
Although not a Deen Castronovo vocally, does sing some background vocals. Ross can verify his experience with him 23 years ago. Rolie can also be a good reference due to his long term relationship with him (Schon and Cain respect Rolie’s opinion). Can’t recall, if he was with Foreigner when they toured with Journey back in ’99. If so, they can use any interactions with him as a plus or minus. At least they’ll know if they have a good dude on their hands or not.
2. Virgil Donati – will Journey go to the Soul Sirkus well one more time? Ironically, Donati replaced Castronovo in that venture, so there is precedent. Neal has a history of going to his guys he has worked with in the past, so that will definitely work in his favor. If I recall, he does a little background vocals as well but not much. Premier drummer.
The big question is will Journey go back to the Soul Sirkus squad after their last experience. They had to endure attacks for years on end by the Soto Ricans. If the Donati era doesn’t end well, will they have to worry about abusive attacks by the Donatitalians? Is it worth it?
3. Tommy “Mugs” Cain – a sentimental choice no doubt. When you’re in trouble, you turn to blood. You turn to family. Another pride and joy of Mr. and Mrs. Leonard Friga. Mugs has had a cup of coffee with Journey, years ago by substituting for an injured Castronovo.
I’m sure Jonathan wants him as this will be a stable pick and bring a much needed neighborhood and family feel back to the band.
A couple of decades ago, I would think Neal would say no to this choice as he wouldn’t want one “family” to have too much power. However, with very few major decisions going forward, this should be of no concern. Most decisions nowadays are probably relegated to which type of t-shirts to sell. That in itself, could pay dividends as this Franklin Park duo may be able to find some nice black t-shirts that have “fallen off the truck” and in turn increase profit margins on the t-shirt sales.
Although a solid drummer in his own right, probably the weakest drummer on this list…but it’s great company.
4. Simon Phillips – an elite drummer with extensive touring experience with Toto over the past two decades. Possibly the best drummer on this list and definitely most respected. Seems like a very good dude. One call to Lukather and the Toto guys will give them the answers they need to verify if this would be a good match. Has already replaced one legend, Jeff Porcaro. So, there will be no problem replacing Steve Smith by way of Deen Castronovo in this band. From a classic drumming style, probably the best fit for the band. Not sure of any past relationships with any band members or if he wants to tour anymore (since he left Toto to focus on solo career).
5. Todd Sucherman – alright this one is out of left field and admittedly my bias may be coming in on this. To the point, this is probably at best, only a borderline realistic option (hence #5 on this list but if a personal choice, he'd be #1).
I always thought he would be good fit for Journey as he is similar to Deen…but better (without vocals of course).
A Chicago native, which could score him points with Cain (Chicago people stick together). With all due respect, to me, the Styx thing has run its course. Twelve years ago or so, Styx was basically on par with Journey as far as touring, etc. But, I think they have become victims of their own success by constantly touring, non-stop for years. To the point, they have gone from the sheds and arenas to local fairs and village commons. I’m going to assume, Sucherman is probably tired and bored of playing the same catalog for 20 years. Let him join Journey and he can become tired of this catalog in a few years as well. It would probably be a better paying gig than Styx with less touring. They have done a couple of tours with Styx over the years, so they probably have had some interactions with him. So, they should know if he will fit in.
Not sure, if they want to rock the Classic Rock boat by stealing a guy from another band. But, hey, this is the music business, will they even care if they make waves?
It will also help the band continue their diverse, multi-cultural ways by bringing in the 2nd Jewish member in band history and first one in nearly 40 years. A tour of Israel may not be far behind.
That’s it for now. I will be back either later tonight or most likely tomorrow, to calm and allay any fears of this band’s future. Don’t worry, we’ll be fine. Remember, Cain has got this all under control.
