Jonathan comments on Augeri

[Barb]

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/06256/721215-42.stm

Music Preview: Journey tours on with its hits despite changes in band lineup
Wednesday, September 13, 2006

By Scott Mervis, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette



What is it with the singers of those corporate rock bands of the '70s?

They just can't seem to stick with their mates. This week there's a rash of '70s bands on their way to Pittsburgh without the vocalists that made them stars. Styx and Foreigner are playing the Chevrolet Amphitheatre Sunday without Dennis DeYoung and Lou Gramm.

But, first, Journey, touring with Def Leppard, hits the stage at the Post-Gazette Pavilion tonight without Steve Perry, the high-pitched wailer who served up such hits as "Any Way You Want It," "Don't Stop Believin' " and "Lovin, Touchin, Squeezin." Perry, who said on an episode of VH1's Behind the Music in 2001 that he "never really felt like part of the band," broke off from Journey in 1998 after having hip replacement surgery.

"It's pretty hard to get a guy going for so long," says Journey keyboardist and songwriter Jonathan Cain. "It wears people out. In the end, though, it becomes more about the music than the guys. We've got the core band here."

Not only is Journey missing Perry, the band is missing its replacement singer. Steve Augeri, who left the tour due to a throat condition, is now replaced by a non-Steve, Jeff Scott Soto, who previously worked with Journey guitarist Neal Schon. (Filling out the band are longtime members bassist Ross Valory and drummer Deen Castronovo.)

"It wasn't easy to change," Cain says. "[Augeri's] my friend and you hate to see that happen, but it wasn't working and that was a tough deal. Jeff was working with Neal in a project called Soul Circuits. He already knew Jeff and knew he was able to do this. I think it's about the songs now, from what I can tell. They have to be done with good energy, and he's got great energy."

Like many bands from that bygone era, Journey comes to town to play the hits but continues to release records that fly under the radar. The latest was last year's "Generations," with Augeri, which was given to the fans who bought tickets to the shows.

"We make the records for the fans," Cain says. "We don't have unrealistic expectations. It's really a young market. There's not much focus on bands like us, but we're happy to deliver new music to the fans. There's a core audience that's going to buy it and support it, but, in the end, even if you had a giant hit, would they play it? Who knows. I don't think so."

Cain, who joined Journey in 1981 when he left the power-pop band The Babys, has his own musical missions outside of Journey, as displayed on "Where I Live," his first solo record in 12 years. Far from the grandiose pop of Journey, Cain's solo outing is an intimate singer-songwriter record that would fit on a WYEP-like format alongside David Gray and Bruce Cockburn.

"It's more of a personal statement," Cain says. "I try to go in different places musically than Journey would go. I kind of wrote the music to be able to do it myself. When you're doing songs about your kids, it's a different deal than Journey."

[Voyager]

Thanks for the article Barb.

[Greg]

Soul Circuits <------ Bhaa haaa haaa haaa haaa haaa!!!!

[Matthew]

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/06256/721215-42.stm


"It wasn't easy to change," Cain says. "[Augeri's] my friend and you hate to see that happen, but it wasn't working and that was a tough deal. I think it's about the songs now, from what I can tell. They have to be done with good energy, and JSS has got great energy."

Has Cain forgotten about the 'Augeri is taking time off due to a throat infection' story? He's talking like a friend and colleague of a guy who has just been fired....

[Citygirl]

Has Cain forgotten about the 'Augeri is taking time off due to a throat infection' story? He's talking like a friend and colleague of a guy who has just been fired....

That's the problem with talking shite. Sometimes you forget what you've said.

[NealIsGod]

Yeah, sounds like they had a problem with Augie's energy level as well as his voice.

Good thing Neal knew Jeff thru Soul Circuits.

[Matthew]

Has Cain forgotten about the 'Augeri is taking time off due to a throat infection' story? He's talking like a friend and colleague of a guy who has just been fired....

That's the problem with talking shite. Sometimes you forget what you've said.

[Rockindeano]

Maybe Augeri is getting better, and they are not allowing him back until he pays for a new drum cymbal. Remember that eventful night in Carolina, when Mr. I needtogetthefuckoffstageandoutofsite, threw his mic stand 20 feet in the air, and it came crashing down on Castros' set? OMG. Dude, just leave already.

[Citygirl]

Dude, just leave already.

You said they fired him.

[Rockindeano]

Dude, just leave already.

You said they fired him.

Read my post.... I was talking in a current tense on that fateful day...

They did fire him...Jesus Christ...Do I have to spell out everything.

[The_Noble_Cause]

"[Augeri's] my friend and you hate to see that happen, but it wasn't working..."

Umm, that's a little more frank than I expected from Jon.
I can only wonder what Neal will say.

[Citygirl]

My guess is Neal will say nothing about SA.

But I agree... it's probably the closest thing to the truth we've heard from them.

[Rockindeano]

I hope for the Bands sake, Neal doesn't say anything. I am guessing it won't be butterflyish at all.

[lights1961]

after seeing the band in Ames last week.. and no comments regarding Augeri.. 99% certain that JSS is the guy now. MHO... and thats a GREAT thing...

Rick

[Liz22562]

Kind of classless way to let the fans know what happened to Steve Augeri, if that is his non-official way of saying it.

[Barb]

I expect a total meltdown over this comment today. I don't see how anyone could still think Augeri is coming back after reading this.

[The_Noble_Cause]

I expect a total meltdown over this comment today. I don't see how anyone could still think Augeri is coming back after reading this.

People could easily interpret this to mean that Augeri simply "wasn't working" during THIS tour.

[perryfaithful]

"[Augeri's] my friend and you hate to see that happen, but it wasn't working..."[/b]


Yup....."but it wasn't working" sounds like a whole different ballgame than out for a throat infection

Sounds like a done deal to me

[Lula]

Has Cain forgotten about the 'Augeri is taking time off due to a throat infection' story? He's talking like a friend and colleague of a guy who has just been fired....

That's the problem with talking shite. Sometimes you forget what you've said.

Management released that ridiculous press statement... maybe Jon is having his first opportunity to speak his mind. I tend to believe the band members are much more forthcoming and truthful- management spews shit, imho .

[Red13JoePa]

What's the big deal?

He meant SA trying to sing through the voice problems wasn't working, not SA as our lead singer wasn't working overall.

[RossValoryRocks]

Well evidently they give a degree in Journalism to anyone...just a LITTLE basic research and Mr. Mervis would have known the name of the band is NOT Soul Circuits...though I am intrigued with the notion of taking that name for my new band.

[Monker]

Cain, who joined Journey in 1981 when he left the power-pop band The Babys, has his own musical missions outside of Journey, as displayed on "Where I Live," his first solo record in 12 years. Far from the grandiose pop of Journey, Cain's solo outing is an intimate singer-songwriter record that would fit on a WYEP-like format alongside David Gray and Bruce Cockburn.

When was this new solo album released? I haven't read much about it...anybody here have it? Is it anything like "Back to the Innocence?"

[RossValoryRocks]

Cain, who joined Journey in 1981 when he left the power-pop band The Babys, has his own musical missions outside of Journey, as displayed on "Where I Live," his first solo record in 12 years. Far from the grandiose pop of Journey, Cain's solo outing is an intimate singer-songwriter record that would fit on a WYEP-like format alongside David Gray and Bruce Cockburn.

When was this new solo album released? I haven't read much about it...anybody here have it? Is it anything like "Back to the Innocence?"

It's on the front page of Journey's web site. Looks like it was just released.

[Greg]

Yeah, sounds like they had a problem with Augie's energy level as well as his voice.

Good thing Neal knew Jeff thru Soul Circuits.

LOL!!! Maybe he was thinking about that movie "Short Circuit" at the time....lol.....

[Wheels Of Fyre]

Dude, just leave already.

You said they fired him.

Read my post.... I was talking in a current tense on that fateful day...

They did fire him...Jesus Christ...Do I have to spell out everything.

I thought you were Jesus Christ...?

[Matthew]

What's the big deal?

He meant SA trying to sing through the voice problems wasn't working, not SA as our lead singer wasn't working overall.

I guess the big deal is that Jonathan Cain didn't say "Steve Augeri is the lead singer of Journey and he is recovering well from a throat infection and we look forward to him rejoining the band as soon as possible."

[bionic]

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/06256/721215-42.stm

Music Preview: Journey tours on with its hits despite changes in band lineup
Wednesday, September 13, 2006

By Scott Mervis, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette



What is it with the singers of those corporate rock bands of the '70s?

They just can't seem to stick with their mates. This week there's a rash of '70s bands on their way to Pittsburgh without the vocalists that made them stars. Styx and Foreigner are playing the Chevrolet Amphitheatre Sunday without Dennis DeYoung and Lou Gramm.

But, first, Journey, touring with Def Leppard, hits the stage at the Post-Gazette Pavilion tonight without Steve Perry, the high-pitched wailer who served up such hits as "Any Way You Want It," "Don't Stop Believin' " and "Lovin, Touchin, Squeezin." Perry, who said on an episode of VH1's Behind the Music in 2001 that he "never really felt like part of the band," broke off from Journey in 1998 after having hip replacement surgery.

"It's pretty hard to get a guy going for so long," says Journey keyboardist and songwriter Jonathan Cain. "It wears people out. In the end, though, it becomes more about the music than the guys. We've got the core band here."

Not only is Journey missing Perry, the band is missing its replacement singer. Steve Augeri, who left the tour due to a throat condition, is now replaced by a non-Steve, Jeff Scott Soto, who previously worked with Journey guitarist Neal Schon. (Filling out the band are longtime members bassist Ross Valory and drummer Deen Castronovo.)

"It wasn't easy to change," Cain says. "[Augeri's] my friend and you hate to see that happen, but it wasn't working and that was a tough deal. Jeff was working with Neal in a project called Soul Circuits. He already knew Jeff and knew he was able to do this. I think it's about the songs now, from what I can tell. They have to be done with good energy, and he's got great energy."

Like many bands from that bygone era, Journey comes to town to play the hits but continues to release records that fly under the radar. The latest was last year's "Generations," with Augeri, which was given to the fans who bought tickets to the shows.

"We make the records for the fans," Cain says. "We don't have unrealistic expectations. It's really a young market. There's not much focus on bands like us, but we're happy to deliver new music to the fans. There's a core audience that's going to buy it and support it, but, in the end, even if you had a giant hit, would they play it? Who knows. I don't think so."

Cain, who joined Journey in 1981 when he left the power-pop band The Babys, has his own musical missions outside of Journey, as displayed on "Where I Live," his first solo record in 12 years. Far from the grandiose pop of Journey, Cain's solo outing is an intimate singer-songwriter record that would fit on a WYEP-like format alongside David Gray and Bruce Cockburn.

"It's more of a personal statement," Cain says. "I try to go in different places musically than Journey would go. I kind of wrote the music to be able to do it myself. When you're doing songs about your kids, it's a different deal than Journey."

Steve is out,the moment Jeff took over he was history,not sure why they wont just admit it? If only for the directionless souls on BT waiting for Steve's return.They should have asked John a lot more

[Eric]

Lula,

It is quite clear that their official site, their management and the band itself are operating completely independent of each other.

[Carlitto H@kk]

What's the big deal?

He meant SA trying to sing through the voice problems wasn't working, not SA as our lead singer wasn't working overall.

This is what all the 'Wigglers' are saying too...

Its kinda sad, all this blind faith is just steering all the Augeri fans to a devastating let down real soon.

[Mandi]

After reading the comments made by JC, it does appear that Steve Augeri will not be returning to Journey. I know this is going to get me attacked and flamed, but I was holding out for the hope that he may get better and come back. I liked him. He made Journey fun for me. It does appear that RND was correct with his "inside" information, and I now believe what he says. Jeff is the new lead singer, that is a fact.
I read here alot, and so many of you have very strong opinions about Journey and the music. Most of your opinions are interesting and I can see many of you have a great knowledge of music and an insight to what this band is all about. I respect that.
I have a question, and I know I am setting myself up to be blasted, but I just can't remain silent on this any longer. Why the constant bashing of Steve Augeri? Its over for him. He didn't sing live at shows, probably because he simply couldn't do it any longer. Maybe he should have stepped down, but for reasons we really don't know of, he didn't. He and the rest of the band continued to put on concerts, and did what they could with a lead singer that was losing his ability to sing. I am not saying this was right, but maybe it was their only choice at that time. I believe Steve Augeri gave it his best shot, and maybe he hung in there, hoping his vocal problems would resolve with time. They didn't, and he is gone.
Why can't he be remembered for the eight years of contribution he made to Journey with a little more respect than what he is getting?? I understand how some of you feel cheated, but I don't feel that way. I attended many many concerts with Steve Augeri possibly singing live or maybe I was fooled. I paid to be entertained by Journey and I was entertained. Were all of you not entertained at the shows you attended?
I don't want to start trouble here, and I don't intend to stay and preach the virtues of SA. I just wonder why his years with the band are so maligned and so hated. Arrival is a great cd, Generations has some good songs on it. Surely those eight years he spent with Journey count for something good. I guess I don't like to see a person kicked when they are down, and I guess I feel he deserves more consideration than what he is presently getting.
That is just my opinion. Thanks for reading my post.
Mandi