Why did Smith leave The Storm

[tj]

I know that Steve Smith left The Storm after the first album and was replaced by Ron Wikso, but don't recall ever hearing why. Was it because he wanted to continue with his jazz work?

[Monker]

I know that Steve Smith left The Storm after the first album and was replaced by Ron Wikso, but don't recall ever hearing why. Was it because he wanted to continue with his jazz work?

''

He only joined to record the album. He did not sign on to tour. So, when they decided to tour, he was no longer in the band. This was the plan from the beginning...he was essentially a hired session drummer.

There were interviews around that time where Steve Smith said, repeatedly, that Jazz was his priority and he had no desire to be in a pop band like Journey ever again. He didn't mind doing the occasional session work...but being a full time member is something he had no desire to do.

This attitude also explains TBF. Like the Storm, he signed on for a specific plan. When all the plans went on hold he had to leave the reunion because so much time had past that it was hurting his Jass career. Turning down the Arrival Journey was not because of Perry not being involved...it was simply because he was damaging his Jazz career by spending so much time with Journey.

[tj]

I know that Steve Smith left The Storm after the first album and was replaced by Ron Wikso, but don't recall ever hearing why. Was it because he wanted to continue with his jazz work?

''

He only joined to record the album. He did not sign on to tour. So, when they decided to tour, he was no longer in the band. This was the plan from the beginning...he was essentially a hired session drummer.

There were interviews around that time where Steve Smith said, repeatedly, that Jazz was his priority and he had no desire to be in a pop band like Journey ever again. He didn't mind doing the occasional session work...but being a full time member is something he had no desire to do.

This attitude also explains TBF. Like the Storm, he signed on for a specific plan. When all the plans went on hold he had to leave the reunion because so much time had past that it was hurting his Jass career. Turning down the Arrival Journey was not because of Perry not being involved...it was simply because he was damaging his Jazz career by spending so much time with Journey.

Makes sense. It's not too often that you find a musician who takes his path.