Question For Andrew...Or anyone else

[stevew2]

Let me say this. In MY opinion, this whole affair could and should have been delt with in a far better and less divisive way.

I disagree 100%, and am probably the only one who thinks they (Journey, Inc) have handled it brilliantly.

The readers on these message boards ( I will assume a number of 5 total), number around 1000 posters. Add in their wives, husbands and friends and the number grows by say, 5-10, for a total of anywhere from say 5-10k. Journey plays to a total of about 300,000 a year. Of those 300,000, I would say 25,000 were multiple trippers. So we have 300K and 10% of that is about 3K. By doing what Journey did, spinning, and basically not telling it the way it actually does, is common sense. We here are hardcore. We already know what really happened. The other 95% have no idea or no clue whatsoever that Augeri mimed. I would say the majority of those don't much care who is singing the songs in concert, they are just happy to go sing along for a night under the stars while enjoying some beverages.

I was pissed last week at what Ross said in his interview, and then I thought, what's the big deal? I see myself as a huge fan. To me, the number on the front of the jersey, "Journey" is bigger than any name on the back, be it "Schon," "Friga," "Valory,' or even "Azoff." To me, I hope they do deny it, and if they feel the need, go ahead and say ""The delusional fan" was well, delusional. I don't care. I am at the point where I did something to change the history of my favourite band, and it was for the betterment of everyone involved, be it the band as it is now, Mr. Azoff(I bet he is happy as Hell right now), or even Mr. Augeri, and especially the Fans. What Journey does have to understand is that Fans are even bigger than they are. Not some cliche mind you. Before you laugh, just remember it only took a fan and his PC (and help from a couple others)to affect change on a huge scale. One certain person told me, "You can't beat them. They are too powerful." I wasn't interested in "beating them," but just wanted them to be Journey again.

So yes, in my opinion, Journey Mgt are very very clever. They knew the numbers, the demographics. They knew at the current state of Journey, that touring pays the bills, that it was best to not say anything. The huge fighting on message boards was huge....however, it was in a small hive...lots of buzzing, but no real stinging. Now, as time goes on, the fanbase is is settling into each crack and group, and as the new release nears and is released, in a year, which I think is a very calculated timetable, the majority will not bring it up anylonger. Only a few people actually know the whole entire story. I would say that group of people is limited to under 15 people. Hell, I haven't told all I know, and don't plan to anytime soon.

So Augeri supporters, I have some advice for you all. If you think that berating Journey, and trying to implicate them into the crime, well, it's basically falling on deaf ears. Anyone with a God given brain knows what happened and who was involved. The band will deny forever. Mr. Augeri cannot say anything at all, due to confidentiality parameters. There will be no suing of any kind, including defamation of character, libel or intentful injury to one's career. Just will not happen. To be fair, I would like everyone on the new lineups' side to not bash Mr. Augeri anylonger as it serves absolutely no purpose whatsoever. I can only speak to my own actions and can promise anyone reading this now, that you will never hear me, or read any writing from me, discrediting or insulting Mr. Augeri from this point forward.

So, in my opinion, I think it's better to drop the entire thing. I no longer bring it up, nor will I ever again. Steve did do Journey a great deal of good for almost a decade, and for that I am grateful.

Deano, that was the best thought out post you or anyone has written here. I beleive you are being honest,and I applaud what you did to give us the truth, and the post you just made. You are a true Journey fan. Thanks Deano!!

[ohsherrie]

Dean,

I'm so glad you proved to the rest of the messageboard world that the few of us who know how intelligent and articulate you are aren't totally nuts.

[Crazie Scarab]

Let me say this. In MY opinion, this whole affair could and should have been delt with in a far better and less divisive way.

I disagree 100%, and am probably the only one who thinks they (Journey, Inc) have handled it brilliantly.

The readers on these message boards ( I will assume a number of 5 total), number around 1000 posters. Add in their wives, husbands and friends and the number grows by say, 5-10, for a total of anywhere from say 5-10k. Journey plays to a total of about 300,000 a year. Of those 300,000, I would say 25,000 were multiple trippers. So we have 300K and 10% of that is about 3K. By doing what Journey did, spinning, and basically not telling it the way it actually does, is common sense. We here are hardcore. We already know what really happened. The other 95% have no idea or no clue whatsoever that Augeri mimed. I would say the majority of those don't much care who is singing the songs in concert, they are just happy to go sing along for a night under the stars while enjoying some beverages.

I was pissed last week at what Ross said in his interview, and then I thought, what's the big deal? I see myself as a huge fan. To me, the number on the front of the jersey, "Journey" is bigger than any name on the back, be it "Schon," "Friga," "Valory,' or even "Azoff." To me, I hope they do deny it, and if they feel the need, go ahead and say ""The delusional fan" was well, delusional. I don't care. I am at the point where I did something to change the history of my favourite band, and it was for the betterment of everyone involved, be it the band as it is now, Mr. Azoff(I bet he is happy as Hell right now), or even Mr. Augeri, and especially the Fans. What Journey does have to understand is that Fans are even bigger than they are. Not some cliche mind you. Before you laugh, just remember it only took a fan and his PC (and help from a couple others)to affect change on a huge scale. One certain person told me, "You can't beat them. They are too powerful." I wasn't interested in "beating them," but just wanted them to be Journey again.

So yes, in my opinion, Journey Mgt are very very clever. They knew the numbers, the demographics. They knew at the current state of Journey, that touring pays the bills, that it was best to not say anything. The huge fighting on message boards was huge....however, it was in a small hive...lots of buzzing, but no real stinging. Now, as time goes on, the fanbase is is settling into each crack and group, and as the new release nears and is released, in a year, which I think is a very calculated timetable, the majority will not bring it up anylonger. Only a few people actually know the whole entire story. I would say that group of people is limited to under 15 people. Hell, I haven't told all I know, and don't plan to anytime soon.

So Augeri supporters, I have some advice for you all. If you think that berating Journey, and trying to implicate them into the crime, well, it's basically falling on deaf ears. Anyone with a God given brain knows what happened and who was involved. The band will deny forever. Mr. Augeri cannot say anything at all, due to confidentiality parameters. There will be no suing of any kind, including defamation of character, libel or intentful injury to one's career. Just will not happen. To be fair, I would like everyone on the new lineups' side to not bash Mr. Augeri anylonger as it serves absolutely no purpose whatsoever. I can only speak to my own actions and can promise anyone reading this now, that you will never hear me, or read any writing from me, discrediting or insulting Mr. Augeri from this point forward.

So, in my opinion, I think it's better to drop the entire thing. I no longer bring it up, nor will I ever again. Steve did do Journey a great deal of good for almost a decade, and for that I am grateful.

Excellent post!

I posted this in another thread recently: "Truth is, SA lost his voice and Journey got caught with tapes being played to cover for SA. Journey will not, and I repeat "WILL NOT" ever confess to this ever happening, anywhere, to protect their credibility as a "live" touring band." http://forums.melodicrock.com/phpBB/vie ... &start=210

The numbers you've put forth may not be exact.. However, I believe they are pretty close.

Again.. excellent post, Dean!

It would be good if we could all get on with the next chapter of Journey. Journey already has.

[fightingilliniJRNY]

Good post Dean. I think that basically sums everything that people have gone back and forth on for the last six months. Good read.

Can you explain your thoughts on this calculated timetable for the new release? I'm curious what you think their strategy will be with this album release and subsequent tour.

Now, as time goes on, the fanbase is is settling into each crack and group, and as the new release nears and is released, in a year, which I think is a very calculated timetable, the majority will not bring it up anylonger.

[larryfromnextdoor]

wow dean! that was well said,, im glad you got over what was said recently,, a new blog would have been scary!!! ok,, ill admit,, in a strange was , i was excited,,

[larryfromnextdoor]

this thread made me think of a post a few days ago,, i cant remember who posted it ,, but it was brilliant,, the poster brought out the point that sometimes you can get too close to the band and things are never the same,, sometimes its best just to be a fan and have a boot or two and almost have all the albums and get giddy as a little kid when the band comes to town ,, just go to the show and enjoy without overly critiquing it ect... ...not know any of the inside stories...

[Red13JoePa]

I agree with Andrew, too, though.

At first I thought this was a tempest in a teapot so to speak, and to a great extent, speaking to Deano's post it IS that but in hindsight I agree with Drew tackling it EARLIER would've led to less division amongst the fanbase.

I love SA's work in this band but looking back JSS should've been the guy first show 2006.

I just hope the great Augeri pipes weren't irreperably damaged doing this so many nights in 05/06.

[Daza]

Augerri obviously gets crucified with every post that gets started. So......

Is Augerri solely to blame...Or..are the band fellow conspirators (this issue conveniently gets skipped all the time) Obviously, Andrew..Don't answer if it will compromise future Interviews with the band. But does one person deserve to be crucified over this? I just cannot believe that Augerri acted alone..If the rest of the band knew..they are just as guilty..regardless if management ordered them to go along with it.

Let's nail this once and for all...It gets brought up often enough, but doesn't truly get answered.

I am not a Journey HATER but just want to know the truth.

The rest of the band just HAD to know.

Let me say this. In MY opinion, this whole affair could and should have been delt with in a far better and less divisive way.

Got to agree with this post

[Daza]

Let me say this. In MY opinion, this whole affair could and should have been delt with in a far better and less divisive way.

I disagree 100%, and am probably the only one who thinks they (Journey, Inc) have handled it brilliantly.

The readers on these message boards ( I will assume a number of 5 total), number around 1000 posters. Add in their wives, husbands and friends and the number grows by say, 5-10, for a total of anywhere from say 5-10k. Journey plays to a total of about 300,000 a year. Of those 300,000, I would say 25,000 were multiple trippers. So we have 300K and 10% of that is about 3K. By doing what Journey did, spinning, and basically not telling it the way it actually does, is common sense. We here are hardcore. We already know what really happened. The other 95% have no idea or no clue whatsoever that Augeri mimed. I would say the majority of those don't much care who is singing the songs in concert, they are just happy to go sing along for a night under the stars while enjoying some beverages.

I was pissed last week at what Ross said in his interview, and then I thought, what's the big deal? I see myself as a huge fan. To me, the number on the front of the jersey, "Journey" is bigger than any name on the back, be it "Schon," "Friga," "Valory,' or even "Azoff." To me, I hope they do deny it, and if they feel the need, go ahead and say ""The delusional fan" was well, delusional. I don't care. I am at the point where I did something to change the history of my favourite band, and it was for the betterment of everyone involved, be it the band as it is now, Mr. Azoff(I bet he is happy as Hell right now), or even Mr. Augeri, and especially the Fans. What Journey does have to understand is that Fans are even bigger than they are. Not some cliche mind you. Before you laugh, just remember it only took a fan and his PC (and help from a couple others)to affect change on a huge scale. One certain person told me, "You can't beat them. They are too powerful." I wasn't interested in "beating them," but just wanted them to be Journey again.

So yes, in my opinion, Journey Mgt are very very clever. They knew the numbers, the demographics. They knew at the current state of Journey, that touring pays the bills, that it was best to not say anything. The huge fighting on message boards was huge....however, it was in a small hive...lots of buzzing, but no real stinging. Now, as time goes on, the fanbase is is settling into each crack and group, and as the new release nears and is released, in a year, which I think is a very calculated timetable, the majority will not bring it up anylonger. Only a few people actually know the whole entire story. I would say that group of people is limited to under 15 people. Hell, I haven't told all I know, and don't plan to anytime soon.

So Augeri supporters, I have some advice for you all. If you think that berating Journey, and trying to implicate them into the crime, well, it's basically falling on deaf ears. Anyone with a God given brain knows what happened and who was involved. The band will deny forever. Mr. Augeri cannot say anything at all, due to confidentiality parameters. There will be no suing of any kind, including defamation of character, libel or intentful injury to one's career. Just will not happen. To be fair, I would like everyone on the new lineups' side to not bash Mr. Augeri anylonger as it serves absolutely no purpose whatsoever. I can only speak to my own actions and can promise anyone reading this now, that you will never hear me, or read any writing from me, discrediting or insulting Mr. Augeri from this point forward.

So, in my opinion, I think it's better to drop the entire thing. I no longer bring it up, nor will I ever again. Steve did do Journey a great deal of good for almost a decade, and for that I am grateful.

And I can also agree partly with this post as well.

[Saint John]

Let me say this. In MY opinion, this whole affair could and should have been delt with in a far better and less divisive way.

I disagree 100%, and am probably the only one who thinks they (Journey, Inc) have handled it brilliantly.

The readers on these message boards ( I will assume a number of 5 total), number around 1000 posters. Add in their wives, husbands and friends and the number grows by say, 5-10, for a total of anywhere from say 5-10k. Journey plays to a total of about 300,000 a year. Of those 300,000, I would say 25,000 were multiple trippers. So we have 300K and 10% of that is about 3K. By doing what Journey did, spinning, and basically not telling it the way it actually does, is common sense. We here are hardcore. We already know what really happened. The other 95% have no idea or no clue whatsoever that Augeri mimed. I would say the majority of those don't much care who is singing the songs in concert, they are just happy to go sing along for a night under the stars while enjoying some beverages.

I was pissed last week at what Ross said in his interview, and then I thought, what's the big deal? I see myself as a huge fan. To me, the number on the front of the jersey, "Journey" is bigger than any name on the back, be it "Schon," "Friga," "Valory,' or even "Azoff." To me, I hope they do deny it, and if they feel the need, go ahead and say ""The delusional fan" was well, delusional. I don't care. I am at the point where I did something to change the history of my favourite band, and it was for the betterment of everyone involved, be it the band as it is now, Mr. Azoff(I bet he is happy as Hell right now), or even Mr. Augeri, and especially the Fans. What Journey does have to understand is that Fans are even bigger than they are. Not some cliche mind you. Before you laugh, just remember it only took a fan and his PC (and help from a couple others)to affect change on a huge scale. One certain person told me, "You can't beat them. They are too powerful." I wasn't interested in "beating them," but just wanted them to be Journey again.

So yes, in my opinion, Journey Mgt are very very clever. They knew the numbers, the demographics. They knew at the current state of Journey, that touring pays the bills, that it was best to not say anything. The huge fighting on message boards was huge....however, it was in a small hive...lots of buzzing, but no real stinging. Now, as time goes on, the fanbase is is settling into each crack and group, and as the new release nears and is released, in a year, which I think is a very calculated timetable, the majority will not bring it up anylonger. Only a few people actually know the whole entire story. I would say that group of people is limited to under 15 people. Hell, I haven't told all I know, and don't plan to anytime soon.

So Augeri supporters, I have some advice for you all. If you think that berating Journey, and trying to implicate them into the crime, well, it's basically falling on deaf ears. Anyone with a God given brain knows what happened and who was involved. The band will deny forever. Mr. Augeri cannot say anything at all, due to confidentiality parameters. There will be no suing of any kind, including defamation of character, libel or intentful injury to one's career. Just will not happen. To be fair, I would like everyone on the new lineups' side to not bash Mr. Augeri anylonger as it serves absolutely no purpose whatsoever. I can only speak to my own actions and can promise anyone reading this now, that you will never hear me, or read any writing from me, discrediting or insulting Mr. Augeri from this point forward.

So, in my opinion, I think it's better to drop the entire thing. I no longer bring it up, nor will I ever again. Steve did do Journey a great deal of good for almost a decade, and for that I am grateful.

You think they handled it brilliantlly? Are you SERIOUS? HOPEFULLY, by "handled" you are referring to what happened AFTER they got caught. HOWEVER, there should NOT have been anything to handle. They shouldn't have been fucking their fans in the first place. I find it hard to put ANY faith into management that opted for this. In fact, knowing that Azoff is still in charge of this band makes me fuckin' sick. I blame all members equally, but in the end I'm only not able to forgive one (Augeri). They ALL knew EXACTLY what was going on. Personally, I think Soul Sirkus was nothing more than Neal trying to escape the lie that "his" band had become. He seemed exponentially happier on that stage playing seedy bars. That coming from a guy who HATES losing money tells me that he knew.

[NealIsGod]

Personally, I think Soul Sirkus was nothing more than Neal trying to escape the lie that "his" band had become. He seemed exponentially happier on that stage playing seedy bars.

Then he must be delirious now playing with JSS in front of huge crowds.

[Rockindeano]

You think they handled it brilliantlly? Are you SERIOUS? HOPEFULLY, by "handled" you are referring to what happened AFTER they got caught.

Of course that is what I was talking about. SJ, if I thought that going the route of Casper doing Lead Vocals, why would I have devoted a year of my life to this?

Come on?

[Saint John]

You think they handled it brilliantlly? Are you SERIOUS? HOPEFULLY, by "handled" you are referring to what happened AFTER they got caught.

Of course that is what I was talking about. SJ, if I thought that going the route of Casper doing Lead Vocals, why would I have devoted a year of my life to this?

Come on?

Sorry Dean. It's just that when I see Azoff and any form of the word "brilliant" used in the same sentence my brain overloads. I despise his managing of Journey THAT much.

[Rockindeano]

You think they handled it brilliantlly? Are you SERIOUS? HOPEFULLY, by "handled" you are referring to what happened AFTER they got caught.

Of course that is what I was talking about. SJ, if I thought that going the route of Casper doing Lead Vocals, why would I have devoted a year of my life to this?

Come on?

Sorry Dean. It's just that when I see Azoff and any form of the word "brilliant" used in the same sentence my brain overloads. I despise his managing of Journey THAT much.

I think you will see a much more active Azoff this time around....even this year...

[Red13JoePa]

Well, dude, you know what?

Say what one will but Azoff mgmt was behind the "Hell Freezes Over" Iggles comeback, Van Halen selling certifying TWO compilations platinum including a double disc which can be extremely hard to do platinum biz on and he was behind the Journey Trial By Fire going out of the box platinum. I say out of the box b/c they'd been gone for 10 years and Azoff Mgmt did NOT have the benefit of a Trial By Fire tour to push sales over a mil.
How many bands can just slip into limbo for a decade and come back and do what Journey did at record stores w/ no tour?

[Saint John]

Well, dude, you know what?

Say what one will but Azoff mgmt was behind the "Hell Freezes Over" Iggles comeback, Van Halen selling certifying TWO compilations platinum including a double disc which can be extremely hard to do platinum biz on and he was behind the Journey Trial By Fire going out of the box platinum. I say out of the box b/c they'd been gone for 10 years and Azoff Mgmt did NOT have the benefit of a Trial By Fire tour to push sales over a mil.
How many bands can just slip into limbo for a decade and come back and do what Journey did at record stores w/ no tour?

1) The EAGLES were behind the Eagles comeback, not Azoff.

2) The Van Halen thing was over 2 DECADES ago. Not to mention that neither is ACTUALLY diamond. They became diamond because outlets called in sales...this is long before computers calculated ACTUAL sales. Payola was king back then. Both are, in actuality, probably around 8 million each, but that is beside the point. And fuck VH, anyway.

3) TBF was going platinum regardless of who was managing. What about Azoff not "dotting his I's and crossing his T's?" In other words, why did your manager of the century not have Perry, who has a history of bailing, contractually bound to tour?

4) Azoff is also behind fleecing one of the most loyal fan bases ever in music. To schedule, plan and coordinate a tour KNOWING that your lead singer will not sing a live note for an ENTIRE tour should be grounds for lifetime banishment from music. This isn't a Britney Spears audience you're talking about. It's fuckin' Journey. An older, mature audience that demands LIVE shows.

5) This guy is a crook. I can't see why you guys can't see through it. Personally, I hate the guy. After what he pulled, anyone who paid for a fraudulent concert and can find anything decent to say about him simply lacks self-respect and respect for what Journey has stood for for so long....great LIVE music.

[Red13JoePa]

Respect you San Juan but I've talked with individuals who say NOONE but Irv could've made Hell Freeze Over, Edward feel like touring again or supercede a Journey reformation with a Journey reUNION.

But then I've seen him bashed from pillar to post so who knows?

[Saint John]

Respect you San Juan but I've talked with individuals who say NOONE but Irv could've made Hell Freeze Over, Edward feel like touring again or supercede a Journey reformation with a Journey reUNION.

But then I've seen him bashed from pillar to post so who knows?

Ok....I'll concede the Hell Freezes Over tour. That's it, though!

[AlienC]

Deano, is that you?

I agree on one thing...Azoff management know this business better than anyone (most people are not aware of just how powerful they are)...and there was/is a war plan in effect.

Jesus Christ, you complain when I insult, you complain when I name call, and now you complain when I wrote an articulate well thought out post...or was it really me?

Shall I go back to the old boozing bastard from Hell Deano?

No no no!!

You have out done yourself...a well thought out and very credible post. Keep up the good work

Oh I have a couple more in my head as we type.....This dieting and working out stuff is really inspiring.

AHHH, there it is..... He's light headed, NATURALLY !!! j/k Deano, that was pretty good. I was going to ask the Grey Aliens what they had done with you.....

They don't call Mr. Azoff "The Pit Bull of Rock" for nothing.

[AlienC]

this thread made me think of a post a few days ago,, i cant remember who posted it ,, but it was brilliant,, the poster brought out the point that sometimes you can get too close to the band and things are never the same,, sometimes its best just to be a fan and have a boot or two and almost have all the albums and get giddy as a little kid when the band comes to town ,, just go to the show and enjoy without overly critiquing it ect... ...not know any of the inside stories...

QFT.

Hence the Latin in my sig.

I can only now listen to Journey on the radio.

[stevew2]

Personally, I think Soul Sirkus was nothing more than Neal trying to escape the lie that "his" band had become. He seemed exponentially happier on that stage playing seedy bars.

Then he must be delirious now playing with JSS in front of huge crowds.

He is, cant you tell,really