MR

Neal Schon Says "Door Has Always Been Open" for Steve Perry to Sing with Journey Again

Wednesday, July 29, 2015

http://abcnewsradioonline.com/music-new ... ry-to.html

It's been about 17 years since Steve Perry and Journey parted ways, and while the reclusive singer has rarely performed since then, the group's founding guitarist, Neal Schon, says he and his current band mates would welcome him with open arms if he wanted to sing with them again.

"The door has always been open, like I've said a zillion times," Schon tells ABC Radio. "People ask me every day, 'Are you reuniting?' Steve says, 'No,' and I say, 'You never know'.

Schon explains that he and the rest of Journey, including current frontman Arnel Pineda, would be happy to have Perry join them for at least a one-off performance, if not more.

"[We] are always like, 'You ever want to come on and just sing a portion of one song, sing a part of a song with Arnel or sing the whole set, you're welcome anytime you want to come,'" Neal maintains. "[Arnel is] not threatened. Nobody's on any ego trip. We don't have any bad feelings."

Having said that, Schon admits that and he and Perry aren't on the best of terms these days, although he insists that he has tried to keep the avenue of communication open.

"[Steve] says that we love each other but we don't like each other. I don't know him well enough anymore to know if I like him," Neal says with a laugh. "I know that I love him, but…I mean, he won't allow me to speak to him directly on the phone, and I write to him all the time and just say, 'Hey, what's up? I hope you're doing well,' and that's it, you know? And sometimes he writes back and sometimes he doesn't."

Schon tells ABC Radio that regardless of the status of their relationship, he truly appreciates what he and Perry accomplished together when they were band mates.

"All's we did was create timeless music. And so for that I'm very grateful," says Neal. "And I'm sure he is too. He said that he is. But, you know, we're grown men and so it's time to take the chips off the shoulder and to grow up and let the kids be kids."

He calls Perry "truly one of the greatest [vocalists] of all time."

Meanwhile, Schon says he was glad to see that Steve took to the stage to perform again last year, referring to the handful surprise guest appearances Perry made at club shows by the indie-rock act Eels.

"I was just happy to see him get out there," Neal maintains, adding, with a chuckle, "I thought it was quite ironic the places that he chose to do it. But, you know, I was glad to see him sing and hope that he would do more, actually."

Schon currently is on a Canadian tour with Journey that winds down this Monday, August 3, in St. Johns, Newfoundland. Neal's own side project has been opening the shows, playing songs from his recent solo album, Vortex.

No direct line of communication doesn't help that situation. I think it would do some good for the two of them to get in the same room and talk for awhile.

I'd agree that at some point I'd like to see the two of them finally "mend their fences", so to speak.

I don't know that we can ever realistically expect to see Steve on stage with Journey singing again. I'd love it, even if just a few songs or a one off thing.

But, I do hold out some tiny slice of hope that perhaps the two can work together on something, at some point, before they are both too old for it to be meaningful.

That alone would be a victory in regards to their current situation.

I am of the same opinion...SP will never sing with the band again. It would be nice, though, if the two of them could mend some fences, and at least talk to each other. I think all of their fans would love for this feud, or whatever it is, to end, before it's too late. Some kind of collaboration would just be the icing on the cake!!

Still, Paul and John never did find a way to mend their friendship, so things may end the same way for Steve and Neal. It seems a shame, but then, SP doesn't seem to be a vindictive person, so whatever his reasons are for keeping his distance, I have to believe it's important to him.

.

NEAL SCHON INTERVIEW 7.29.15

Mike The Intern

https://youtu.be/TglRPyY_xlI

tater1977 wrote:NEAL SCHON INTERVIEW 7.29.15

Mike The Intern

https://youtu.be/TglRPyY_xlI

Neal gets my respect for his attitude and responses here. Whatever was wrong before, and who ever's fault it was, I think it is unfortunate the Perry cannot overcome it and move on. It would be better for him, even if he never performs again. Bitterness and grudges never accomplish anything but eat you alive. I would like Perry to check out of this world with class, because he sure is an amazing talent.

Majestic wrote:

tater1977 wrote:NEAL SCHON INTERVIEW 7.29.15

Mike The Intern

https://youtu.be/TglRPyY_xlI

Neal gets my respect for his attitude and responses here. Whatever was wrong before, and who ever's fault it was, I think it is unfortunate the Perry cannot overcome it and move on. It would be better for him, even if he never performs again. Bitterness and grudges never accomplish anything but eat you alive. I would like Perry to check out of this world with class, because he sure is an amazing talent.

Let's say for the sake of the argument...
SP has gotten over it and has moved on. He has said
many times 'NO reunion' .
OK cool...it's over and done with.
The fans and Neal need to get over it and move on too.

Now think back to your youth.
Did you have a few close friends, or a group you hung with or a close knit work family...where you all worked, played, ate, partied, got into some legal and illegal mischief together, traveled together for a period of years ?

And probably this group knew you better than your own
family did, at that time.

Over the years tensions build, for whatever reason/s.
You forgive and go on, but the tension and cold shoulder is there, from either one or both sides.

Something small ... lights that last short fuse and the shit hits the fan... whatever it was big or small.

Legal problems surface. You and your former friend/s
go your separate ways.

Your mad, your pissed... may even hate them at that time.

As the years pass you get on with your life, enjoying
your family, picking up some parts from your old life
you didn't have time for before...whatever it is / was.

Over time you may run into them somewhere in
public, make small talk or even smile or give them
a nod.

As we grow older we learn and with that comes
wisdom. Unfortunately, common sense doesn't come along with wisdom for some folks.

Now say 15-20 years down the road ... with that wisdom and maturity ... you cherish the good times and good things you've done and wish nothing but the best for each other or for all involved.

Hell you may even chuckle or smirk, thinking back on
some of the shit you did and think...man how did we live thru that. Or I would kill my kid if I found out
they did a certain this or that. It's called growing up, making mistakes and learning.

Years have come and gone. They haven't been part of
your life for years... you've changed, they've changed.
You wish each other the best and life moves on.

Neal keep it classy and just leave at 'SP says NO reunion' .

Journey reunion? Neal Schon says 'door has always been open' for Steve Perry (Yeah ... right)

Stuck in the ʼ80s

Steve Spears Wednesday, July 29, 2015

http://www.tampabay.com/blogs/80s/journ ... ry/2239201

Journey founder and guitarist Neal Schon has told ABC News Radio that he's open to the idea of Steve Perry returning to sing with the band, according to Blabbermouth.net. Should Journey fans rejoice? Not quite. The devil's in the details.

"The door has always been open, like I've said a zillion times," Schon told ABC News Radio. "People ask me every day, 'Are you reuniting?' Steve says, 'No,' and I say, 'You never know.'"

Last time I saw Journey in concert (March 2015 onboard the Carnival Liberty), Schon took cheap shots at Perry from the stage over songwriting credits (and presumably the royalties), so I consider his latest offer dubious at best. Perry and the band called in quits in 1998 and haven't been on good terms since, though the former lead singer has handled the producing a concert DVD and best-of album.

"[We] are always like, 'You ever want to come on and just sing a portion of one song, sing a part of a song with Arnel or sing the whole set, you're welcome anytime you want to come,'" Schon said in the radio interview. "[Arnel Pineda is] not threatened. Nobody's on any ego trip. We don't have any bad feelings."

My thoughts? Nobody gets ahead by saying the "door is closed" to a reunion. But as a longtime fan of the band and Steve Perry, I stopped believin' in a reunion a long time ago.

tater1977 wrote:

Majestic wrote:

tater1977 wrote:NEAL SCHON INTERVIEW 7.29.15

Mike The Intern

https://youtu.be/TglRPyY_xlI

Neal gets my respect for his attitude and responses here. Whatever was wrong before, and who ever's fault it was, I think it is unfortunate the Perry cannot overcome it and move on. It would be better for him, even if he never performs again. Bitterness and grudges never accomplish anything but eat you alive. I would like Perry to check out of this world with class, because he sure is an amazing talent.

Let's say for the sake of the argument...
SP has gotten over it and has moved on. He has said
many times 'NO reunion' .
OK cool...it's over and done with.
The fans and Neal need to get over it and move on too.

Now think back to your youth.
Did you have a few close friends, or a group you hung with or a close knit work family...where you all worked, played, ate, partied, got into some legal and illegal mischief together, traveled together for a period of years ?

And probably this group knew you better than your own
family did, at that time.

Over the years tensions build, for whatever reason/s.
You forgive and go on, but the tension and cold shoulder is there, from either one or both sides.

Something small ... lights that last short fuse and the shit hits the fan... whatever it was big or small.

Legal problems surface. You and your former friend/s
go your separate ways.

Your mad, your pissed... may even hate them at that time.

As the years pass you get on with your life, enjoying
your family, picking up some parts from your old life
you didn't have time for before...whatever it is / was.

Over time you may run into them somewhere in
public, make small talk or even smile or give them
a nod.

As we grow older we learn and with that comes
wisdom. Unfortunately, common sense doesn't come along with wisdom for some folks.

Now say 15-20 years down the road ... with that wisdom and maturity ... you cherish the good times and good things you've done and wish nothing but the best for each other or for all involved.

Hell you may even chuckle or smirk, thinking back on
some of the shit you did and think...man how did we live thru that. Or I would kill my kid if I found out
they did a certain this or that. It's called growing up, making mistakes and learning.

Years have come and gone. They haven't been part of
your life for years... you've changed, they've changed.
You wish each other the best and life moves on.

Neal keep it classy and just leave at 'SP says NO reunion' .

To me, going out with class has nothing to do with them recording or performing together, although if they wanted to, that's also great. Just burying the hatchet, talking, sharing mutual respect and admiration, reminiscing about the glory days over a cup of coffee would be going out with class in my book.

They should be standing firm with Arnel IMHO. NOT because I don't love Steve Perry, but because Arnel is JOURNEY'S SINGER NOW. Stand by him and quit kind of dangling the carrot. I mean, when you're divorced, do you say to your new wife "Hey, I would like to bring the old wife over to cook a favorite dish because she made it her own way"? No.

I would think that the band would be sick of answering the eternal SP questions. Much like in the 70s how The Beatles were constantly getting asked about reuniting, that'd get old, especially after almost 20 years. I'm always surprised when Neal seemingly plays into it (reposts of the question on his FB, etc.). Both parties need to move on . Perry needs to do something. Doesn't have to tour, but recording would be awesome.

No Steve Perry hate here, btw. Just seems the right thing to be doing- even though Arnel says he's open to it. What's he supposed to say?

The wife analogy doesn't work here.....as far as I know Arnel is not blowing Neal and/ or Jon ,there is a huge difference once sex is involved

brywool wrote:They should be standing firm with Arnel IMHO. NOT because I don't love Steve Perry, but because Arnel is JOURNEY'S SINGER NOW. Stand by him and quit kind of dangling the carrot.

Neal and the guys have been petty loud and clear that Arnel IS their singer. Deen has gone so far as to say that once Arnel leaves, the band is kaput. Arnel has been celebrated as the focal point of this lineup in a way that Augeri never ever was. Not sure what more Neal can say. On the issue of Perry possibly making an appearance or sitting in, is Neal supposed to say "Fuck that guy. He had his chance."? Neal knows perfectly well that Perry isn't coming back and is taking the high road. As he should.

The_Noble_Cause wrote:

brywool wrote:They should be standing firm with Arnel IMHO. NOT because I don't love Steve Perry, but because Arnel is JOURNEY'S SINGER NOW. Stand by him and quit kind of dangling the carrot.

Neal and the guys have been petty loud and clear that Arnel IS their singer. Deen has gone so far as to say that once Arnel leaves, the band is kaput. Arnel has been celebrated as the focal point of this lineup in a way that Augeri never ever was. Not sure what more Neal can say. On the issue of Perry possibly making an appearance or sitting in, is Neal supposed to say "Fuck that guy. He had his chance."? Neal knows perfectly well that Perry isn't coming back and is taking the high road. As he should.

No, he's supposed to say "Well Mr. Reporter, Steve has made his feelings quite clear and has for the last 19 years. We are extremely satisfied with Arnel. He's our guy. Now, will you please go bug Jon about making new Journey music?"

brywool wrote:

The_Noble_Cause wrote:

brywool wrote:They should be standing firm with Arnel IMHO. NOT because I don't love Steve Perry, but because Arnel is JOURNEY'S SINGER NOW. Stand by him and quit kind of dangling the carrot.

Neal and the guys have been petty loud and clear that Arnel IS their singer. Deen has gone so far as to say that once Arnel leaves, the band is kaput. Arnel has been celebrated as the focal point of this lineup in a way that Augeri never ever was. Not sure what more Neal can say. On the issue of Perry possibly making an appearance or sitting in, is Neal supposed to say "Fuck that guy. He had his chance."? Neal knows perfectly well that Perry isn't coming back and is taking the high road. As he should.

No, he's supposed to say "Well Mr. Reporter, Steve has made his feelings quite clear and has for the last 19 years. We are extremely satisfied with Arnel. He's our guy. Now, will you please go bug Jon about making new Journey music?"

He'll never do that. He did that for a while when Augeri was in the band. All it did was anger Perry fans. It may be irrelevant in today's world (angering the Perry fans who are still around who would be angry about such things) but answering the "Perry question" the way he does now has no negatives associated between the band and fans. Also, it puts the issue squarely on Perry's shoulders. Finally, it is done with no risks because he knows Perry can barely get through a couple songs with the Eels, and sounds like crap...he CAN'T perform for an entire concert, or tour...and would embarrass himself next to Arnel for a song or two even if he did take up the offer. So, the strategy Neal is using is a no lose situation for himself and Journey.

yulog wrote:The wife analogy doesn't work here.....as far as I know Arnel is not blowing Neal and/ or Jon ,there is a huge difference once sex is involved

Well, you never know. It seems Neal is always on the lookout for a new ex Mrs. Schon. Desperate times, and all that.

Arnel IS their singer now and for longer than Steve Perry was. I think Neal and the band do stand by Arnel but what is Neal supposed to say when he is asked over and over again about a reunion with Steve? He HAS taken the high road. Whether truly heartfelt or not, his answers do throw a better light on Journey than if he said otherwise.

IF he kept his answer short without going into what Steve COULD do if he chose to return, interviewers would still press and Neal knows that. Besides, when Steve Perry talk is in the media, Journey stays in the media also. They still win.

Gina3008 wrote:Arnel IS their singer now and for longer than Steve Perry was.

I saw where Neal Schon said this on Facebook recently and the numbers weren't adding up for me ...

Neal found Arnel by listening to hundreds of lead singers on YouTube. He punched in male rock - R&B singers and when he heard Arnel's pipes he knew right away he was the man for the job. Now ARNEL is going on his 9th year with the band and has been there the longest of Any lead singer.

If we jump ahead a few months just to make the math easier, December 2007 – December 2015 is still 8 years right? So 2016 will be Arnel's 9th year ... But if Steve Perry joined in 1977 and walked away from the band in early 1987, 10 years is still longer than 9 years correct?

I remember one guy in Journey told me this regarding a former member, "He's touched in the head ... I think at this point he may actually believe all the lies he tells ..." Lesson here is, simply saying things loud and often enough doesn't necessarily make them true.

Jeremey wrote:I remember one guy in Journey told me this regarding a former member, "He's touched in the head ... I think at this point he may actually believe all the lies he tells ..." Lesson here is, simply saying things loud and often enough doesn't necessarily make them true.

Juicy stuff. I'm guessing that quote is Neal about Perry. No other former member is really out there in the public eye. And even Perry keeps a low profile.

Jeremey wrote:

Gina3008 wrote:Arnel IS their singer now and for longer than Steve Perry was.

I saw where Neal Schon said this on Facebook recently and the numbers weren't adding up for me ...
If we jump ahead a few months just to make the math easier, December 2007 – December 2015 is still 8 years right? So 2016 will be Arnel's 9th year ... But if Steve Perry joined in 1977 and walked away from the band in early 1987, 10 years is still longer than 9 years correct?also.

You are absolutely correct. My bad. Thanks, Jeremey.

Well I have always believed that is Steve said he wanted to come back, Neal would jump on it for pure money reasons. Steve doesn't need any money and as much as I wish a reunion would happen, I sure don't think it will.

On a side note, a few months ago I saw them in Columbia and when they sang lights, Neal said he wrote the song with his best friend.

The best (and maybe last) chance at any sort of reconvening (I don't believe a real reunion will ever happen) would be should Journey tour with Santana next year. As Carlos says here:
http://lasvegasweekly.com/ae/2015/may/2 ... ates-new-/

I could see the 'original' Santana band playing early tunes (would love to hear Neal & Carlos trading off on Jungle Strut), followed by Journey, followed by the reunited Santana band. I could see SP coming out to sing something in his current range wheelhouse and departing. Kind of like how he showed up at the Walk of Fame in Hollywood. Feeling That Way / Anytime paired with Rolie could be quite tasty before Arnel does the 'Escape-era classics' requiring a tenor in original keys.

Ah, we can dream (after dream)

Had to look at the dates to find out if this is a rehashed article. It’s not…but same old “door is always open” and “it’s him that don’t wanna, not us (or me)” response from Neal.

Granted, every interviewer brings up the same old topic, what’s he supposed to say? Well, Neal could try to be a little more like Jon … use tactful language instead of being so damn confrontational.

Some posts in this thread showed the inconsistencies of Neal when it has to do with Steve P. So, another example is Neal’s public statement that Arnel is now Journey’s longest tenured lead singer. (Thanks, Jeremey). Reminds me of the Journey press release in early 2006 that “Steve Augeri is the longest tenured Lead Singer the band has ever had” – to the delight and relish of Augie fans throwing it in the face of Perry fans on the BackTalk forums. We all know how that worked out for SA and the band. Just months into that year’s tour, the sky was falling, and they threw their “longest tenured” lead singer under the bus.

SA joined in 1997…2006 was his 9th year, but he didn’t make it out. Arnel joined in 2007… 2015 is only his 8th year. As Jeremey pointed out, SP spent 10 yrs. in the band (1977-1987…not to mention, the short-lived reunion, 1995-96).

Great guitar player, but math is not Neal’s strong suit.

annie89509 wrote:Had to look at the dates to find out if this is a rehashed article. It’s not…but same old “door is always open” and “it’s him that don’t wanna, not us (or me)” response from Neal.

Granted, every interviewer brings up the same old topic, what’s he supposed to say? Well, Neal could try to be a little more like Jon … use tactful language instead of being so damn confrontational.

Some posts in this thread showed the inconsistencies of Neal when it has to do with Steve P. So, another example is Neal’s public statement that Arnel is now Journey’s longest tenured lead singer. (Thanks, Jeremey). Reminds me of the Journey press release in early 2006 that “Steve Augeri is the longest tenured Lead Singer the band has ever had” – to the delight and relish of Augie fans throwing it in the face of Perry fans on the BackTalk forums. We all know how that worked out for SA and the band. Just months into that year’s tour, the sky was falling, and they threw their “longest tenured” lead singer under the bus.

SA joined in 1997…2006 was his 9th year, but he didn’t make it out. Arnel joined in 2007… 2015 is only his 8th year. As Jeremey pointed out, SP spent 10 yrs. in the band (1977-1987…not to mention, the short-lived reunion, 1995-96).

Great guitar player, but math is not Neal’s strong suit.

Actually, there was an interview posted on YouTube that also circulated here where Perry himself more or less said the same thing, that it ain't happening. That was to shoot down some early rumor that a reunion could be in the works based on a misreading of his early remarks "we're trying" that were misconstrued by many media outlets.

If you take into account what Perry said, I would say that Neal's story is straight and is exactly what is going on.

annie89509 wrote:Had to look at the dates to find out if this is a rehashed article. It’s not…but same old “door is always open” and “it’s him that don’t wanna, not us (or me)” response from Neal.

Granted, every interviewer brings up the same old topic, what’s he supposed to say? Well, Neal could try to be a little more like Jon … use tactful language instead of being so damn confrontational.

Some posts in this thread showed the inconsistencies of Neal when it has to do with Steve P. So, another example is Neal’s public statement that Arnel is now Journey’s longest tenured lead singer. (Thanks, Jeremey). Reminds me of the Journey press release in early 2006 that “Steve Augeri is the longest tenured Lead Singer the band has ever had” – to the delight and relish of Augie fans throwing it in the face of Perry fans on the BackTalk forums. We all know how that worked out for SA and the band. Just months into that year’s tour, the sky was falling, and they threw their “longest tenured” lead singer under the bus.

SA joined in 1997…2006 was his 9th year, but he didn’t make it out. Arnel joined in 2007… 2015 is only his 8th year. As Jeremey pointed out, SP spent 10 yrs. in the band (1977-1987…not to mention, the short-lived reunion, 1995-96).

Great guitar player, but math is not Neal’s strong suit.

Ha ha and neither is grammar or spelling lol!!

annie89509 wrote:Had to look at the dates to find out if this is a rehashed article. It’s not…but same old “door is always open” and “it’s him that don’t wanna, not us (or me)” response from Neal.

Granted, every interviewer brings up the same old topic, what’s he supposed to say? Well, Neal could try to be a little more like Jon … use tactful language instead of being so damn confrontational.

Some posts in this thread showed the inconsistencies of Neal when it has to do with Steve P. So, another example is Neal’s public statement that Arnel is now Journey’s longest tenured lead singer. (Thanks, Jeremey). Reminds me of the Journey press release in early 2006 that “Steve Augeri is the longest tenured Lead Singer the band has ever had” – to the delight and relish of Augie fans throwing it in the face of Perry fans on the BackTalk forums. We all know how that worked out for SA and the band. Just months into that year’s tour, the sky was falling, and they threw their “longest tenured” lead singer under the bus.

SA joined in 1997…2006 was his 9th year, but he didn’t make it out. Arnel joined in 2007… 2015 is only his 8th year. As Jeremey pointed out, SP spent 10 yrs. in the band (1977-1987…not to mention, the short-lived reunion, 1995-96).

Great guitar player, but math is not Neal’s strong suit.

I don't think they threw Augeri under the bus. It was certainly an unfortunate situation, but the fact is he couldn't sing anymore and they needed to finish the tour. His voice was shredded doing those songs and he always struggled with them even when he was doing a fair job of them. It seems to me they realized they would either need to shut it down or get a new singer at that point. Perhaps it would have been better if they hung it up over some ethical principle and not "throw him under the bus" but I fail to see how that would be good for the band or how it would even be good for Augeri. As it is, he still gets to sing Journey songs as he is able to, he is performing, he is making music and seems to be in a happy place. Part of the reason he is able to do that is because of the money he made with Journey. As bad as things were, it seems like everything turned out as well as one could hope.

Majestic wrote:

annie89509 wrote:Had to look at the dates to find out if this is a rehashed article. It’s not…but same old “door is always open” and “it’s him that don’t wanna, not us (or me)” response from Neal.

Granted, every interviewer brings up the same old topic, what’s he supposed to say? Well, Neal could try to be a little more like Jon … use tactful language instead of being so damn confrontational.

Some posts in this thread showed the inconsistencies of Neal when it has to do with Steve P. So, another example is Neal’s public statement that Arnel is now Journey’s longest tenured lead singer. (Thanks, Jeremey). Reminds me of the Journey press release in early 2006 that “Steve Augeri is the longest tenured Lead Singer the band has ever had” – to the delight and relish of Augie fans throwing it in the face of Perry fans on the BackTalk forums. We all know how that worked out for SA and the band. Just months into that year’s tour, the sky was falling, and they threw their “longest tenured” lead singer under the bus.

SA joined in 1997…2006 was his 9th year, but he didn’t make it out. Arnel joined in 2007… 2015 is only his 8th year. As Jeremey pointed out, SP spent 10 yrs. in the band (1977-1987…not to mention, the short-lived reunion, 1995-96).

Great guitar player, but math is not Neal’s strong suit.

Actually, there was an interview posted on YouTube that also circulated here where Perry himself more or less said the same thing, that it ain't happening. That was to shoot down some early rumor that a reunion could be in the works based on a misreading of his early remarks "we're trying" that were misconstrued by many media outlets.

If you take into account what Perry said, I would say that Neal's story is straight and is exactly what is going on.

I think you missed my point, Majestic. I was hypothesizing on the sincerity of Neal’s words or actions as they relate to SP. Plenty of inconsistencies toward Steve over the years that only the hardcore and readers of this forum can pick out. Speaking to an interviewer, in a controlled setting, complimentary stuff comes out of Neal’s mouth. Yet, we all know, behind the scenes or in free-flowing environment like a concert setting, the knife gets a little sharp.

Majestic wrote:

annie89509 wrote:Had to look at the dates to find out if this is a rehashed article. It’s not…but same old “door is always open” and “it’s him that don’t wanna, not us (or me)” response from Neal.

Granted, every interviewer brings up the same old topic, what’s he supposed to say? Well, Neal could try to be a little more like Jon … use tactful language instead of being so damn confrontational.

Some posts in this thread showed the inconsistencies of Neal when it has to do with Steve P. So, another example is Neal’s public statement that Arnel is now Journey’s longest tenured lead singer. (Thanks, Jeremey). Reminds me of the Journey press release in early 2006 that “Steve Augeri is the longest tenured Lead Singer the band has ever had” – to the delight and relish of Augie fans throwing it in the face of Perry fans on the BackTalk forums. We all know how that worked out for SA and the band. Just months into that year’s tour, the sky was falling, and they threw their “longest tenured” lead singer under the bus.

SA joined in 1997…2006 was his 9th year, but he didn’t make it out. Arnel joined in 2007… 2015 is only his 8th year. As Jeremey pointed out, SP spent 10 yrs. in the band (1977-1987…not to mention, the short-lived reunion, 1995-96).

Great guitar player, but math is not Neal’s strong suit.

I don't think they threw Augeri under the bus. It was certainly an unfortunate situation, but the fact is he couldn't sing anymore and they needed to finish the tour. His voice was shredded doing those songs and he always struggled with them even when he was doing a fair job of them. It seems to me they realized they would either need to shut it down or get a new singer at that point. Perhaps it would have been better if they hung it up over some ethical principle and not "throw him under the bus" but I fail to see how that would be good for the band or how it would even be good for Augeri. As it is, he still gets to sing Journey songs as he is able to, he is performing, he is making music and seems to be in a happy place. Part of the reason he is able to do that is because of the money he made with Journey. As bad as things were, it seems like everything turned out as well as one could hope.

Throwing SA under the bus, I was specifically referring to their forcing him to sing live (without tape) in what turned out to be SA’s final concert with the band. Was it really necessary to publicly humiliate him in front of tens of thousands of fans? And, out of curiosity, all the onlookers on yt? Even perryfans, who never thought much of SA in the first place, felt sorry for the poor guy. It was the most cringe worthy thing to watch…one wouldn’t wish on their worse enemy.

Immediately afterwards, management released statement that SA has chronic throat infection and being replaced by Jeff Scott Soto. I always wondered why they couldn’t have done that without showing everyone the gory details and ruining a good man’s legacy.

If one person has to go through a lawyer to have any communication with the other person, that is really not a relationship that is healthy in any way.

Not casting judgment, but I have a feeling there is a heck of a lot better chance of Neal being open to taking Perry's call then the other way around. Especially when Neal has to go through a lawyer to see if Steve just wants to have a beer or even a conversation.

Common sense goes a long way in these instances.

Onestepper wrote:If one person has to go through a lawyer to have any communication with the other person, that is really not a relationship that is healthy in any way.

Not casting judgment, but I have a feeling there is a heck of a lot better chance of Neal being open to taking Perry's call then the other way around. Especially when Neal has to go through a lawyer to see if Steve just wants to have a beer or even a conversation.

Common sense goes a long way in these instances.

Have to agree 100% with this. Always have and always will.