Cain Interview 9.25.05

[SuiteMadameBlue]

This is from Classic Rock News.

http://www.al.com/entertainment/huntsvi ... xml&coll=1

Jonathan Cain says there's a reason he escaped school fire

Sunday, September 25, 2005
By BOB LABBE
For the Times, bob0873@yahoo.com

As a third-grade student at Chicago's Our Lady of the Angels Catholic School, Jonathan Cain escaped a school fire that killed nearly 100 of his schoolmates. Since that tragic day on Dec. 1, 1958, Cain has used the memory of his fallen schoolmates to write some of the most potent songs in rock music history as a member of Journey.

The current lineup for the group, which was formed in 1973 in San Francisco, includes Cain on keyboards, drummer Deen Castronovo, original group members Neal Schon on guitar, bassist Ross Valory and vocalist Steve Augeri, who replaced original lead vocalist Steve Perry, who has retired.

The fire "changed my life because of what I had seen that day. I know I was saved for a reason. It made me a better person," said Cain by telephone while on the road with the group that has sold more than 75 million records.

"It's been grounding for me to know I was spared from such a disaster that I guess I always was destined to do something good and to leave my mark."

Born in Chicago in February 1950, Cain grew up listening to all of the marvelous music coming out of the Windy City and soon chose to be a rock 'n' roll performer and songwriter with his brother, Tommy. Playing local clubs for little pay, Cain saved what little money he did earn and made a couple of records as a solo artist and appeared on "American Bandstand" in 1977.

But things didn't go as planned. Cain quit music for nearly two years before auditioning for a British band called The Babys. Cain said, "joining the Babys was my second chance in rock and the members of The Babys and I had a lot in common." The group had a handful of hits before dissolving behind its leader John Waite, who went onto a solo career.

Before exiting the music scene, The Babys were tour partners with Journey, which was beginning to make its mark on the rock world. Steve Perry, leader of Journey, invited Cain to join Journey as a keyboardist and songwriter.

"Yeah, there was no audition and I had no idea the songwriting thing would click like it did," said Cain.

Officially joining the group in 1981, Cain and Perry would begin a songwriting partnership that would produce more than a dozen consecutive Top 40 singles. The hits mostly came from Cain's penmanship, but on stage and in the studio Perry would be the performer out front.

"He always made sure he was the focal point," said Cain. "Steve had a lot of natural ability and passion for the songs and his performances. He was a solid force in our rock world but always felt his personal life was being intruded. He was very sensitive and finally could not handle the limelight and retired from music in 1997.

"Steve was one talented man with a great voice and we try and carry on his legacy," said Cain. "Physically Steve may not be there on stage, but spiritually he is, and he will always be a brother to us."

With Augeri as the group's lead singer Journey continues to release albums, like this year's "Generations" CD that has not been associated with a label. Instead, Journey has taken the CD and given away copies to the fans at its concerts. The group plans on selling it in retail outlets in October. It's the first Journey album in which all band members get a shot at singing.

"I truly believe the group has come a long way, as with this new project, as the band has established itself as a personality," said Cain. "Before, Journey was a vehicle for Steve Perry's vocals. The beautiful thing you'll see about our concert is we get to play the old and new music. With the free CDs, it's our chance to give back to the fans who have given so much to us."

For Cain, who is married to wife Elizabeth and has three children including a set of twins, being a normal dad with children now makes his life complete. He even helps with an annual school music event at Christmas. Cain said the parents of the other children in the school know who he is and respect what he has done and continues to do as a rock 'n' roll performer. Those fellow parents give him space and do not bombard him as a rock star.

"My days in my children's schools are special, especially considering my history as a student," said Cain. "When I write songs and perform up there (on stage) as a member of Journey, I'm always remembering where I came from. My fellow classmates who died in that fire changed the way we look at schools and fire safety. They were messengers from God."

[The_Noble_Cause]

Thanks.
Interesting article.
The article states that Perry invited Cain into the band. This is at odds with Herbie's version that states that Gregg Rolie was the driving force to push Cain into the group. Maybe Rolie recommended him and then Perry gave the invite?

[jrnyman28]

"He always made sure he was the focal point," said Cain. "Steve had a lot of natural ability and passion for the songs and his performances. He was a solid force in our rock world

"Steve was one talented man with a great voice and we try and carry on his legacy," said Cain. "Physically Steve may not be there on stage, but spiritually he is, and he will always be a brother to us."

"I truly believe the group has come a long way, as with this new project, as the band has established itself as a personality," said Cain. "Before, Journey was a vehicle for Steve Perry's vocals.

Great thoughts about Perry and a great description of the band today compared to back then.

Thank you SMB!

[NealIsGod]

Thanks.
Interesting article.
The article states that Perry invited Cain into the band. This is at odds with Herbie's version that states that Gregg Rolie was the driving force to push Cain into the group. Maybe Rolie recommended him and then Perry gave the invite?

Wouldn't the entire band have to "invite" a new member? I heard Rolie recommended Cain, but maybe Perry "invited" him as a spokesman for the entire band.

[yandtguy]

Did everybody miss the "brother" comment by Jon. There has been a campaign in interviews with the band over the last several months to mend fences between the band and Perry.

I wouldn't be suprised if they tried to get Perry to make an appearance for the DVD taping or are paving the way for future collaborations. If they don't get some action on the release of Generations in the US, they'll need some publicity for future projects, and a guest appearance by Perry can do that.

It's like the publicity generated when Kerry Livgreen gets back with Kansas for a project or special concert.

Greg

[ohsherrie]

Did everybody miss the "brother" comment by Jon. There has been a campaign in interviews with the band over the last several months to mend fences between the band and Perry.

Greg

I've picked up on a little bit of that too.

[jrnyman28]

I think it has more to do with the effort of the band (mostly Neal) to show that they are "over it". It also seems to re-iterate that the only reason Perry is not doing anything with Journey is because Pery chooses not to. I think it is more or less a PR move. But I do not think it will lead to anything, except maybe an easier path to releasing Perry-era Journey material.

I did speculate about the possibilities of special guests for the Dallas show, but I still don't think it would be Perry.

[ohsherrie]

I think it has more to do with the effort of the band (mostly Neal) to show that they are "over it". It also seems to re-iterate that the only reason Perry is not doing anything with Journey is because Pery chooses not to. I think it is more or less a PR move. But I do not think it will lead to anything, except maybe an easier path to releasing Perry-era Journey material.

I did speculate about the possibilities of special guests for the Dallas show, but I still don't think it would be Perry.

I think it's mostly PR, and I don't mean that in a sarcastic way, . When I noticed it I thought it was mostly to take advantage of the positive side of Steve showing up at the WOF thing.

I don't think it will change anything between them. Steve's made it pretty clear that he has no intention of making any guest appearances.

[The_Noble_Cause]

I think it's mostly PR, and I don't mean that in a sarcastic way, . When I noticed it I thought it was mostly to take advantage of the positive side of Steve showing up at the WOF thing.

I don't think it will change anything between them. Steve's made it pretty clear that he has no intention of making any guest appearances.

That echoes my sentiments to a tee.
That is why I didn't even bother to bring it up.
Just thought it was spin.
Nothing more, nothing less.