See, I truly love this band. Yes, TNC, I still do, as I know you do too. Anyway, what I failed to see was that a whole other lot of people did and do love the band as well. I was so encapsuled in self defence, that I had to save myself, before I saved others' feelings, but what people need to understand is my love and fondness for the band was true and I needed to get this information out to the masses; at least the masses that count. Us. The Journey fans that are still here anyway. I can recall doing heavy battle with Penny, and Craig Pitman (RIP), as well as battling my own faction of people like NIG, Red13Joepa, Liz, Father Eric, and then a new wave of newcomers....RossValoryRocks, ArrivalRules, and CarlittoH@@k among others. I knew there was indeed a light at the end of the tunnel. Hell, I had the love of my life sitting on my lap fighting me on this...thankfully, she came around and saw my point of view. However, this is NOT the point of this message.
My point is this, flatout, and honestly. I am a big Journey guy, no pun intended, and I would die for these fuckers. Neal knows this, as does Jeff, Deen and Ross. Jonathan will in time come around, I have faith in him. Anyway, can you imagine how difficult it was for me to do this? Honestly, these guys are not a flash in the pan. These guys are Journey. They need to be better than then they were and someone had to do something.
I truly wish I could do it over again. I would do it so much different if the need ever arises again (although I have been assured it NEVER will)
I can assure you all I will not be the one to do a blog like this ever again. By the way, I can also say it wasn't my idea to invent the blog. The person shall remain nameless. Anyway, let's move on.
During the fighting, and I sincerely hate that word, but it does in fact ring true, and we cannot be untruthful to ourselves here can we? The fighting was awful. I had sleepless nights, and I must say that although I appeared boastful, defiant and arrogant, the truth was I was harbouring on breakdown and despair. All I wanted was for "My" Band to "do it right" and God willing not only have they done so, they do it quite well, thankfully. I can honestly say there isn't a better able act out there right now. These guys are simply awe inspiring.
Continuing on, I want to say some sincere, forthright words to BackTalk and it's members. Look, representing this Board in this post, I openly and honestly want to ask all of you that I called names and degraded publicly online to forgive me. However, not only that, but I want us to tear down the wall that separates us. Yes, they are two entirely different Boards and in my opinion should remain that way, however, frank, Kim, Maria, Rusty, Marty, Marty's wife, Sarah, Rebecca, and CJ; and anyone else I degraded and shamed....I want to say "I am sorry" and will refrain from any future doing of that. I was so full in "soldier mode" that I forgot you were fans too, and also more importantly, "people." BackTalk might not be my kind of site, but that doesn't mean it is full of bad people. I got and still get so pissed at what comes out of your mouths' over there, but I am promising each and everyone of you, that I for one, will "grow up" and represent MR with respect towards your Board. Hopefully, some of my friends here at MR will heed my call and follow me in this endeavor.
I am not done.
Steve Augeri. Look, this is a touchy subject. Anyone who thinks I am an "Augeri Hater" should research posts from 2004 through October 2005. I supported him 100% all the time; sometimes at Mr. Perry's expense. I make no bones about this topic. Steve unfortunately was in fact not singing live, and he was indeed hindering the Band and its' future. Without going into detail, I will say this; Had they stopped doing the tape thing after the 30th Anniversary Tour, I would have probably forgotten it, but damned if they didn't continue doing the Fake thing. I am happy with where we are now as you all should be. We have a Journey that can flatout slay and kick ass now. Look at Soto. Dude is so energized and Neal picks up on his current and even Friga is feeling it. When is the last time you saw The Frig stand on stage in a football jersey?! Deen is always pumped but take a long look at Ross. That guy looks 33 instead of 53. By the way, he is one cool guy.
I wish Steve the best in his future endeavours. I also and more importantly wish Journey the best of luck in their future. After all, Journey the name is a Helluva lot more important than Schon, Soto, Castronova, Valory or Cain. This is a team that I am very proud of, and hopefully you all are too.
So let me say this. BackTalkers and MR members as well. I, personally are done abusing people, making fun, and calling names. Yeah, I will still go off on people when they are absolutley retarded in their ways and their argument is weak, but I promise to do my best in keeping with a restrained enviroment. However, I cannot lock the door on the old Rockin'deano returning. If things spiral out of control, I am sure he may return.
So here is the Olive Branch. I hope more take it than shove it back at me.
