New Rythm Section Announced

[The_Noble_Cause]

Neal has now officially confirmed Narada Walden on drums and Randy Jackson (back) on bass. With these musically bold choices, the band feels vibrant again. Bring it on.

[Jubilee]

Wow! Narada Michael Walden is a legend in his own right. Narada Michael Walden AND Randy Jackson? Journey just got a whole lot funkier. This should make for some interesting writing sessions.

[JourneyHard]

Narada Walden was born in Michigan! Journey just became interesting.

[youkeepmewaiting]

I'm interested

[Eric]

As I mentioned in another thread - Schon said he was gonna fix things and he has.

I'm so excited for a new album and can't wait to see this lineup live. Journey needs to evolve. They always have changed and thrived. They needed a change in 2014-ish but for whatever reason Smith rejoining the band in 2016 didn't create any kind of spark. All it did was add someone who apparently wasn't TeamSchon into the mix. What a waste the last several years have been.

I think Journey is at their best when Schon is engaged, excited and driving the bus with passengers who help get the bus to the destination Schon has in mind. He can't get their on his own, but the band isn't going to get where they need to be unless he is driving. Too bad Herbie can't be the navigation voice still! Although, with powerhouse Merck Mercuriadis I don't think Journey is effing around.

My thoughts on the replacements:

Randy Jackson: I read where someone suggested this and Schon responded "you might get your wish" but I was still a little surprised when I saw him last night (I was really thinking Mendoza would be the choice). I don't know musically what this means exactly, but you're bringing in a guy who is ridiculously popular... and someone who has history with the band.

Narada Michael Walden: I've seen Schon tag him on more than one occasion and the name was familiar but I kept thinking this was their new producer for the upcoming album. Reviewing his resume the only conclusion you could come up with is that this guy is a monster. You get a drummer, producer and songwriter. You get someone who is well respected in the music community.

Together: It would be easier to list who these 2 have NOT worked with than have. And I think it's safe to say Journey's back beat just got funkier. When Foreigner had Pilson/Bonham as their rhythm section it really kicked that band in the ass. That was more of a rock duo but I expect the same thing to happen with Journey here. I also think their harmonies will be back to where they should be.

[The_Noble_Cause]

As I mentioned in another thread - Schon said he was gonna fix things and he has.

I'm so excited for a new album and can't wait to see this lineup live. Journey needs to evolve. They always have changed and thrived. They needed a change in 2014-ish but for whatever reason Smith rejoining the band in 2016 didn't create any kind of spark. All it did was add someone who apparently wasn't TeamSchon into the mix. What a waste the last several years have been.

I think Journey is at their best when Schon is engaged, excited and driving the bus with passengers who help get the bus to the destination Schon has in mind. He can't get their on his own, but the band isn't going to get where they need to be unless he is driving. Too bad Herbie can't be the navigation voice still! Although, with powerhouse Merck Mercuriadis I don't think Journey is effing around.

My thoughts on the replacements:

Randy Jackson: I read where someone suggested this and Schon responded "you might get your wish" but I was still a little surprised when I saw him last night (I was really thinking Mendoza would be the choice). I don't know musically what this means exactly, but you're bringing in a guy who is ridiculously popular... and someone who has history with the band.

Narada Michael Walden: I've seen Schon tag him on more than one occasion and the name was familiar but I kept thinking this was their new producer for the upcoming album. Reviewing his resume the only conclusion you could come up with is that this guy is a monster. You get a drummer, producer and songwriter. You get someone who is well respected in the music community.

Together: It would be easier to list who these 2 have NOT worked with than have. And I think it's safe to say Journey's back beat just got funkier. When Foreigner had Pilson/Bonham as their rhythm section it really kicked that band in the ass. That was more of a rock duo but I expect the same thing to happen with Journey here. I also think their harmonies will be back to where they should be.

I share your enthusiasm Eric. With these additions, an already great classic rock band just elevated to super-group status. Narada's funk and fusion influences will continue the trajectory set by Arnel in making the band a "world band." Exciting times right now in Journey world.

[scarab]

hope this changes up some of the music on the next album. Revelation was too much a paint by colors Journey CD and Eclipse was a welcome change. With this Rhythm section maybe a mixture of classic 80s ( but mosty 70s sound would be great with a the R&B influenced ROR thrown in.

Cant wait to hear something live cause that DSB version showed little promise.

[The_Noble_Cause]

Based on the DSB clip, Neal and Walden were in the same studio. They are probably working on demos. The final thing will be recorded in Nashville at Cain's place.

[ebake02]

Based on the DSB clip, Neal and Walden were in the same studio. They are probably working on demos. The final thing will be recorded in Nashville at Cain's place.

With Walden’s resume, I think it’s a safe bet that Kevin Shirley won’t be involved with this album and thank god for that. I wasn’t impressed at all with what he did on the last couple albums.

[JourneyHard]

I don't know what to expect from the new Journey album. But I am excited.

I wonder if it will be in the style of a harder rocking Raised on Radio. Imagine if Happy to Give and Eyes of a Woman would have been rockers instead. That album would have been much better. And if they have more harmonies like classic Journey, this album will be something worth the wait.

Now, they need to tour by themselves in 2021. "An Evening with Journey" could have a warm-up band for 45 minutes and then a full two hours of Journey. This way they can have room to play their new songs and any old deep cuts they want to play as well as the dirty dozen.

[Eric]

Based on the DSB clip, Neal and Walden were in the same studio. They are probably working on demos. The final thing will be recorded in Nashville at Cain's place.

With Walden’s resume, I think it’s a safe bet that Kevin Shirley won’t be involved with this album and thank god for that. I wasn’t impressed at all with what he did on the last couple albums.

Agreed.

[Eric]

And if they have more harmonies like classic Journey, this album will be something worth the wait.

I think they have that harmony capability back now.

Now, they need to tour by themselves in 2021. "An Evening with Journey" could have a warm-up band for 45 minutes and then a full two hours of Journey. This way they can have room to play their new songs and any old deep cuts they want to play as well as the dirty dozen.

It's absolutely necessary to do this. They have Narada and JasonD to give Arnel a spell. There seems to be a creative vibe back.

[JourneyHard]

You know what's funny? I know Steve Perry isn't coming back, but this is the exact band he would want to be in. Perry is probably eating his heart out. Journey is going to be more rhythm and blues than they have been in a long time. With that, means the harmonies come back, and Neal is there to give it a harder edge. I am excited about this.

[Loneman1]

I don't know what to expect from the new Journey album. But I am excited.

I wonder if it will be in the style of a harder rocking Raised on Radio. Imagine if Happy to Give and Eyes of a Woman would have been rockers instead. That album would have been much better. And if they have more harmonies like classic Journey, this album will be something worth the wait.

Now, they need to tour by themselves in 2021. "An Evening with Journey" could have a warm-up band for 45 minutes and then a full two hours of Journey. This way they can have room to play their new songs and any old deep cuts they want to play as well as the dirty dozen.

My thoughts almost exactly. This is kinda uncharted territory right now, with new musical influences coming in. I do find the ROR comparison to be a little difficult, because since Perry was really heavy handed in all facets of that album its a bit unclear how much actual input Randy had on it. I loved the hell out of his presence live however, and I hope they let him have a bit of free reign in the studio.

I'm totally down for another long overdue "Evening with Journey" tour setup, and change it up quite a bit set-wise. Its gonna be REALLY telling if we get the same dirty dozen setlist with this new lineup. lol

[Abitaman]

Ok....I may actually care if Journey has a new album

[youkeepmewaiting]

Harmonies is a great point, vocal wise the band are going to sound fantastic, plenty to give Arnel a help in hand when needed

[annie89509]

We know Randy Jackson. Who is this guy, Narada? Is he mostly sessions player, or been with other bands?
From what you guys are saying about him, he can really add something to the songwriting.

[SusieP]

Don't come in here much.
Haven't posted regularly for ages.
Was here during Deano's tenure and Tapegate etc.
I bought the first album with Arnel and liked some of the tracks.
Still haven't played the classic songs recorded with him singing lead.
Haven't seen them live since Steve Augeri in the UK.

Got the recent Perry album and was disappointed in it.
Received a bit of flak for not worshipping every song and every note he sang.

I also listened to most of the interviews Steve gave.
I do see some of what Neal posts on Social Media.
I have also heard about this so called coup being staged by Steve Smith and Ross Valory and about jonathan Cain's current wife.

oh boy.
Journey still gives us plenty of entertainment on and off stage.


I got excited when we knew a new album was FINALLY coming from Perry.


So, should I be excited about this new line up?

I only ever heard of Narada Michael Walden from that single 'I should have loved ya' - YEARS AGO and I have since heard his name bandied about as record producer.
Never knew he was a drummer.
Hasn't Neal worked with him on some of his solo stuff? Or is that false memory.
Have looked at clips of him drumming on YouTube and he has a certain style. He's a bit 'tssst tsst' and his style is a bit tippy tappy and wrist flicky but that kind of drumming has its place.
I feel the funk from him.
So this could get interesting. He has drumming skills and producing skills to bring to the table. is he a good songwriter? Dunno. Will need to Google.

I know Randy - and his polka dot Bass - have been in the Band before [last time Ross got fired] and I saw him on American Idol when it was shown over here.
Don't know anything else about him. Is he a songwriter? Any good?

Apart from anything else, these two will bring in a whole different energy and we may just get a departure [excuse the pun] from the usual 'dirty dozen' repetition everyone has been bored with for ages.


New blood.
New energy.
Can only be a good thing, right?

[The_Noble_Cause]

Don't come in here much.
Haven't posted regularly for ages.
Was here during Deano's tenure and Tapegate etc.
I bought the first album with Arnel and liked some of the tracks.
Still haven't played the classic songs recorded with him singing lead.
Haven't seen them live since Steve Augeri in the UK.

Got the recent Perry album and was disappointed in it.
Received a bit of flak for not worshipping every song and every note he sang.

I also listened to most of the interviews Steve gave.
I do see some of what Neal posts on Social Media.
I have also heard about this so called coup being staged by Steve Smith and Ross Valory and about jonathan Cain's current wife.

oh boy.
Journey still gives us plenty of entertainment on and off stage.


I got excited when we knew a new album was FINALLY coming from Perry.


So, should I be excited about this new line up?

I only ever heard of Narada Michael Walden from that single 'I should have loved ya' - YEARS AGO and I have since heard his name bandied about as record producer.
Never knew he was a drummer.
Hasn't Neal worked with him on some of his solo stuff? Or is that false memory.
Have looked at clips of him drumming on YouTube and he has a certain style. He's a bit 'tssst tsst' and his style is a bit tippy tappy and wrist flicky but that kind of drumming has its place.
I feel the funk from him.
So this could get interesting. He has drumming skills and producing skills to bring to the table. is he a good songwriter? Dunno. Will need to Google.

I know Randy - and his polka dot Bass - have been in the Band before [last time Ross got fired] and I saw him on American Idol when it was shown over here.
Don't know anything else about him. Is he a songwriter? Any good?

Apart from anything else, these two will bring in a whole different energy and we may just get a departure [excuse the pun] from the usual 'dirty dozen' repetition everyone has been bored with for ages.


New blood.
New energy.
Can only be a good thing, right?

Objective and well-said.

[SusieP]

Don't come in here much.
Haven't posted regularly for ages.
Was here during Deano's tenure and Tapegate etc.
I bought the first album with Arnel and liked some of the tracks.
Still haven't played the classic songs recorded with him singing lead.
Haven't seen them live since Steve Augeri in the UK.

Got the recent Perry album and was disappointed in it.
Received a bit of flak for not worshipping every song and every note he sang.

I also listened to most of the interviews Steve gave.
I do see some of what Neal posts on Social Media.
I have also heard about this so called coup being staged by Steve Smith and Ross Valory and about jonathan Cain's current wife.

oh boy.
Journey still gives us plenty of entertainment on and off stage.


I got excited when we knew a new album was FINALLY coming from Perry.


So, should I be excited about this new line up?

I only ever heard of Narada Michael Walden from that single 'I should have loved ya' - YEARS AGO and I have since heard his name bandied about as record producer.
Never knew he was a drummer.
Hasn't Neal worked with him on some of his solo stuff? Or is that false memory.
Have looked at clips of him drumming on YouTube and he has a certain style. He's a bit 'tssst tsst' and his style is a bit tippy tappy and wrist flicky but that kind of drumming has its place.
I feel the funk from him.
So this could get interesting. He has drumming skills and producing skills to bring to the table. is he a good songwriter? Dunno. Will need to Google.

I know Randy - and his polka dot Bass - have been in the Band before [last time Ross got fired] and I saw him on American Idol when it was shown over here.
Don't know anything else about him. Is he a songwriter? Any good?

Apart from anything else, these two will bring in a whole different energy and we may just get a departure [excuse the pun] from the usual 'dirty dozen' repetition everyone has been bored with for ages.


New blood.
New energy.
Can only be a good thing, right?

Objective and well-said.

Thanks TNC.

[Monker]

Don't come in here much.
Haven't posted regularly for ages.
Was here during Deano's tenure and Tapegate etc.
I bought the first album with Arnel and liked some of the tracks.
Still haven't played the classic songs recorded with him singing lead.
Haven't seen them live since Steve Augeri in the UK.

Got the recent Perry album and was disappointed in it.
Received a bit of flak for not worshipping every song and every note he sang.

I also listened to most of the interviews Steve gave.
I do see some of what Neal posts on Social Media.
I have also heard about this so called coup being staged by Steve Smith and Ross Valory and about jonathan Cain's current wife.

oh boy.
Journey still gives us plenty of entertainment on and off stage.


I got excited when we knew a new album was FINALLY coming from Perry.


So, should I be excited about this new line up?

I only ever heard of Narada Michael Walden from that single 'I should have loved ya' - YEARS AGO and I have since heard his name bandied about as record producer.
Never knew he was a drummer.
Hasn't Neal worked with him on some of his solo stuff? Or is that false memory.
Have looked at clips of him drumming on YouTube and he has a certain style. He's a bit 'tssst tsst' and his style is a bit tippy tappy and wrist flicky but that kind of drumming has its place.
I feel the funk from him.
So this could get interesting. He has drumming skills and producing skills to bring to the table. is he a good songwriter? Dunno. Will need to Google.

I know Randy - and his polka dot Bass - have been in the Band before [last time Ross got fired] and I saw him on American Idol when it was shown over here.
Don't know anything else about him. Is he a songwriter? Any good?

Apart from anything else, these two will bring in a whole different energy and we may just get a departure [excuse the pun] from the usual 'dirty dozen' repetition everyone has been bored with for ages.


New blood.
New energy.
Can only be a good thing, right?

IMO, there has been too much legal maneuvering by Schon/Cain to say this is a "good thing". Ross has asked the court to determine who owns the Journey name. If it turns out that Nightmare (which includes Steve Smith, Ross Valory, and Steve Perry) owns the name and Neal fired Steve Smith and Ross "ilegally" then what will that mean for this current lineup? Schon/Cain's argument also indicates that they (Schon/Cain) are the "vital" contributers creatively. So, I find it questionable that the new guys, and Arnel, will do much writing with them....so it could be a very irrelevant thing musically, too.

[SusieP]

Don't come in here much.
Haven't posted regularly for ages.
Was here during Deano's tenure and Tapegate etc.
I bought the first album with Arnel and liked some of the tracks.
Still haven't played the classic songs recorded with him singing lead.
Haven't seen them live since Steve Augeri in the UK.

Got the recent Perry album and was disappointed in it.
Received a bit of flak for not worshipping every song and every note he sang.

I also listened to most of the interviews Steve gave.
I do see some of what Neal posts on Social Media.
I have also heard about this so called coup being staged by Steve Smith and Ross Valory and about jonathan Cain's current wife.

oh boy.
Journey still gives us plenty of entertainment on and off stage.


I got excited when we knew a new album was FINALLY coming from Perry.


So, should I be excited about this new line up?

I only ever heard of Narada Michael Walden from that single 'I should have loved ya' - YEARS AGO and I have since heard his name bandied about as record producer.
Never knew he was a drummer.
Hasn't Neal worked with him on some of his solo stuff? Or is that false memory.
Have looked at clips of him drumming on YouTube and he has a certain style. He's a bit 'tssst tsst' and his style is a bit tippy tappy and wrist flicky but that kind of drumming has its place.
I feel the funk from him.
So this could get interesting. He has drumming skills and producing skills to bring to the table. is he a good songwriter? Dunno. Will need to Google.

I know Randy - and his polka dot Bass - have been in the Band before [last time Ross got fired] and I saw him on American Idol when it was shown over here.
Don't know anything else about him. Is he a songwriter? Any good?

Apart from anything else, these two will bring in a whole different energy and we may just get a departure [excuse the pun] from the usual 'dirty dozen' repetition everyone has been bored with for ages.


New blood.
New energy.
Can only be a good thing, right?

IMO, there has been too much legal maneuvering by Schon/Cain to say this is a "good thing". Ross has asked the court to determine who owns the Journey name. If it turns out that Nightmare (which includes Steve Smith, Ross Valory, and Steve Perry) owns the name and Neal fired Steve Smith and Ross "ilegally" then what will that mean for this current lineup? Schon/Cain's argument also indicates that they (Schon/Cain) are the "vital" contributers creatively. So, I find it questionable that the new guys, and Arnel, will do much writing with them....so it could be a very irrelevant thing musically, too.

I've only read snippets of what's going on with regard to Ross and Smitty.

is it about who can 'own the name' or is it about who 'has the legal right to use the name?'

I'm just thinking of other legal cases about the latter.

Whereby band personnel split into separate factions but all wanted to use the name of the band they were in together.
I'm thinking of a couple of Pop Acts [in the UK] and Status Quo.
Didn't John Coghlan walk out of Quo and then have a legal wrangle with The others about the right to use the name?
If I remember correctly he was granted legal permission to go out as 'John Coghlan's Quo'

Then there was a huge stink - I'm working from memory here - with the band 'Hot Chocolate.' I think the lead singer, Errol Brown left but the band continued with a new guy who looked like him. I think people who bought tickets kicked off because they thought he was still fronting the Band and wanted refunds when they got to the show and it wasn't him. So I think the Band had to go to court to get the legal right to continue to use the name.
Then there was a pop act - Buck's Fizz. Four singers. They split into Duos and a long winded court case ensued about who could be called Buck's Fizz. Turned out one of them had registered the band name as a trademark so ownership was ruled to be his.


Its a murky business and I'm sure there are loads more such cases.


So if Ross and Steve are seeking the legal right to use the name, that's different to saying they think they are the owners or joint owners.
And yes, as you say, if Ross and Steve are ruled to have been fired 'illegally' or whatever....... well, that will get REALLY interesting.

As I said, Journey continue to be as entertaining off stage as they are on it!

One thing for sure, there are a lot of Lawyers who will be making a load of money over this.


Also it WOULD be nice to get some new music.
Well, if it's any good, of course.


Further thoughts,.......
What we have come to call 'the classic Journey line-up' is Schon, Cain, Perry, Valory and Smith.
The creative engine room of that line-up was Schon, Cain and Perry.
So do those three have the only right to the name?
Does right to use only go to creatives?
What about tenure/logevity/seniority? If that counts, then Ross is included there.

if its playing on the songs during the time period of that line-up, then Smitty is in there.

Oh yes.
Some interesting stuff to come.

[The_Noble_Cause]

IMO, there has been too much legal maneuvering by Schon/Cain to say this is a "good thing". Ross has asked the court to determine who owns the Journey name. If it turns out that Nightmare (which includes Steve Smith, Ross Valory, and Steve Perry) owns the name and Neal fired Steve Smith and Ross "ilegally" then what will that mean for this current lineup? Schon/Cain's argument also indicates that they (Schon/Cain) are the "vital" contributers creatively. So, I find it questionable that the new guys, and Arnel, will do much writing with them....so it could be a very irrelevant thing musically, too.

None of this is a serious threat. How many side projects or solo musical projects has Ross done in the past twenty years? The answer is a good indication as to whether Ross really wants the Journey name. All he wants is a payday. There is very little risk of this become a Little River Band or Queensryche scenario.

As for Schon/Cain excluding new members from the creative process. It's possible. I think it would be a waste of Narada's talent to just be a sideman.

[Monker]

is it about who can 'own the name' or is it about who 'has the legal right to use the name?'

Both. This all started when Neal filed for a trademark for "Journey Through Time". Nightmare then filed a complaint against him saying it violated the Journey trademark. The next day Schon/Cain filed a complaint against Smith/Valory saying that Schon/Cain owned the name and that Valory/Smith were doing this coup thing. Then Ross counter sued and part of it has evidence that Nightmare owns the name because Perry/Schon/Cain signed a document that said they did.

The difference here is that Nightmare was formed in part as a corporation to manage the Journey name, and it owned it. Basically, the band and Herbie owned shares of Nightmare stock and Nightmare owned the name. This changed during ROR where Perry/Cain/Schon grouped together as "Elmo partners" and Nightmare allowed them to manage the name. At this point is where the argument begins. Schon/Cain say that the agreement with Elmo was forever, as long as they stayed active with the name "Journey". When Perry "left", it went to Schon/Cain. Valory counter sued and part of it asked the court to rule on who owns the name. They offer as evidence a letter Herbie wrote saying the Elmo agreement was no longer valid because Journey was not active...This was in the early 90's, prior to the Journey reunion and TBF. I speculate that this may have been done because he wanted to reunite Journey with Keven Chalfant and not Steve Perry. Ross also has as evidence a document that Perry/Cain/Schon signed where they agreed that Nightmare would own it. I'd have to go back and look, but I think this was done just prior to the TBF reunion.

IMO, when looking at these, Valory has the evidence to show that Perry/Schon/Cain gave up the name and it went back to Nightmare. Also, if Nightmare did not own the name, how could they file a trademark complaint against Neal for JTT? It looks pretty obvious who owns Journey to me ...... Nightmare.

I'm just thinking of other legal cases about the latter.

There are lots of examples of this.

"Creedence Clearwater Revisited" was sued by John Fogerty. I don't know all the details of that, but I think it stopped them from touring for years.

Dennis DeYoung sued Styx for touring without him and keeping all of the earnings. They ended up settling where Styx (JY/Tommy) keep the name and DDY can only use it if it attaches his own name to it, "Dennis DeYoung and the Music of Styx".

Little River Band was a huge fiasco. One by one, the "original" members quit. It ended up where the guitarist (who is NOT an original member) now owns the name. It went to Australian court to determine who owns the name...and there were several other lawsuits over how the original singers were using the name by putting "Little River Band" in too large of print, or some stupid thing like that.

IMO, when you start taking things like this to court you never KNOW how things will turn out. It is MUCH better to do what Journey did with Perry and negotiate a person out. I think Neal made a HUGE mistake that may end up kicking his ass in the end. A *POSSIBILITY* is Nightmare gets the name, declares that Ross and Steve Smith were fired illegaly (or whatever) and then fires Neal and replaces him. the new drummer, and Randy Jackson.

So if Ross and Steve are seeking the legal right to use the name, that's different to saying they think they are the owners or joint owners.

Ross's document argues that NIGHTMARE owns the name. Neal's document says that is a mistake and Schon/Cain own the name as the remaining members of Elmo. Also, Ross's document specifically asks the court to rule on who owns the name.

One thing for sure, there are a lot of Lawyers who will be making a load of money over this.

And, if Nightmare, or Ross, ask for a "cease and dissist" order to stop Journey from releasing any albums or touring until these cases are ruled on...then the remaining fans lose, too. And, IMO, it is in Nightmare's best interest to do this.

What we have come to call 'the classic Journey line-up' is Schon, Cain, Perry, Valory and Smith.
The creative engine room of that line-up was Schon, Cain and Perry.
So do those three have the only right to the name?
Does right to use only go to creatives?
What about tenure/logevity/seniority? If that counts, then Ross is included there.

Well, all that is now up for the court to decide. For LRB, in Australian court, I think the argument was that all of the original members left the band and the name went to the one who was with the band the longest. But, they did not have a corporation owning the name like Journey does. Herbie was SMART to do this. It avoids all of what you are talking about above. Then it passed to Perry/Schon/Cain as Elm Partners...which, again, was a smart move to have the name incorporated. What happened after Elmo is what the court has to decide...and, IMO, Ross has enough detail in his filing that it seems obvious that will go back to Nightmare...and Herbie, Perry, Schon, Cain, Steve Smith, Valory would all own a stock in the company that owns Journey.

But, it's still up to the court...so nobody REALLY knows.

As for using the name...I think it is up to Nightmare (or Schon/Cain, if they win) to grant that usage. For example, Neal could have asked Nightmare for permission to continue on with JTT and then signed some legal document that spelled out what they could and could not do.

if its playing on the songs during the time period of that line-up, then Smitty is in there.

I don't think that matters at all.

Oh yes.
Some interesting stuff to come.

Yep...and we'll see if Nightmare reacts to this new lineup.

[Monker]

IMO, there has been too much legal maneuvering by Schon/Cain to say this is a "good thing". Ross has asked the court to determine who owns the Journey name. If it turns out that Nightmare (which includes Steve Smith, Ross Valory, and Steve Perry) owns the name and Neal fired Steve Smith and Ross "ilegally" then what will that mean for this current lineup? Schon/Cain's argument also indicates that they (Schon/Cain) are the "vital" contributers creatively. So, I find it questionable that the new guys, and Arnel, will do much writing with them....so it could be a very irrelevant thing musically, too.

None of this is a serious threat. How many side projects or solo musical projects has Ross done in the past twenty years? The answer is a good indication as to whether Ross really wants the Journey name. All he wants is a payday. There is very little risk of this become a Little River Band or Queensryche scenario.

Dude, I didn't say Ross wants to own the name Journey. The Schon/Cain documents sorta argue that though, by talking about the coup and such.

As soon as Schon/Cain filed and made the coup accusation, it because a situation where the COURT will now decide who owns Journey. It is out of Schon/Cain , Steve Smith and Ross's hand's now.

[kmjrr]

Herbie mention the stockholders' meeting in his latest interview and was very nonchalant about it. The interviewers didn't ask about the lawsuits, so the interview must have been before they were filed.

“The More of the Story with Herbie Herbert”

As told to The Tails of Steve Perry
April 25, 2020

Part 44

The Tails: Do you still keep in touch with any of the Journey band members or crew members - are they still part of…

Herbie: Oh yeah…especially recently.

I was in involved in negotiations most recently with all of them really. We had a shareholder meeting where we all get on the phone - Steve Perry and Smith and Valory and Jon Cain…Neal Schon’s representative - and we do our annual Nightmare meeting and vote directors and officers and things of that nature.

I see Ross all the time. We go out to lunch probably once a month. I think, but now I think they’re on a long hiatus. Jon Bon Jovi the other day said, “I think this will be it.” He doesn’t want to wait for the business to come back and tour. He’ll probably retire. We’ll see. I think a number of artists might make that decision now…so much uncertainty about how the business will regroup or if it will.

[SusieP]

Thanks Monker for all that info.
Very interesting.


And thanks also TNC.

Both of you very informative.
Glad I came back in here.

[Art Vandelay]

I'm looking forward to seeing what the new lineup does. I also find it ironic that Steve Perry would have loved this lineup.

The only thing that Smith brought to the lineup by returning was nostalgia. He'll always be my favorite drummer. I got to sit five feet in front of his drum set at Zanzibar Blue when his band played in Philly years ago. One of my favorite live music moments ever.

Aside from his La Do Da solos, which is where he really shined on stage, there wasn't much more to it other than "hey look, it's Steve Smith on stage with them." You gotta remember, when he first signed on it was only for two years. He said he would be returning full time to his jazz music after that. Go to his website and read again what he said, word for word. http://www.vitalinformation.com/news.htm. Scroll down to the 11.24.15 entry. He says he was invited to join them on tour, and how he's been asked a number of times in the past to join them on tour, and how he's looking forward to play with them on tour. He never mentions recording. But he did say that after the two years of touring he would be returning full time to being a touring and recording jazz musician. It may have been at this point where he said "no recording," and Neal all of a sudden has a problem with it.

What happened after the initial two years, none of us really know. Obviously the band threw enough money at him to continue touring. He was back on the road or in the studio with his own band almost the second the Journey tours wrapped up. Again, none of us know the timelines of discussions no matter how much we pretend to. But the future looks fun!

[The_Noble_Cause]

Dude, I didn't say Ross wants to own the name Journey. The Schon/Cain documents sorta argue that though, by talking about the coup and such.

As soon as Schon/Cain filed and made the coup accusation, it because a situation where the COURT will now decide who owns Journey. It is out of Schon/Cain , Steve Smith and Ross's hand's now.

My larger point is, unlike some other bands, Journey is not at risk of having two versions out there touring.

[jrnyman28]

I gotta say this really strikes me as a band that NEEDS to record new music. Having a solid producer with a vested interest as a member of the band is huge. And the connections Randy brings to the table can't be overlooked either.

But I still won't hold my breath for a major change to the set list. The band is a business and it reaps the most reward when catering to the casual fans.