a new blog

[xflajrnylvr]

Jeff, as others have said, you and Jeremey don't need those scumbags. Both of you are terrific singers and I have a feeling things will be looking up!

Ver y Well said

Jeremy if you ever hit florida I will make it a point to come see you guys

Jeff you have gained so much from this I could give a rats ass about the former band called Journey

[stevew2]

Although I already knew much of what I just read, it is nonetheless heartbreaking for both Jeff and Jeremey. We had such a wonderful time that weekend, and looking back, not knowing what shit was about to hit the fan, fills me with incredible sadness. Especially given everything that has happened since.

I would just like to say how much I respect both of these men for the way that they have handled this eff'd up situation. Your professionalism and class are certainly hard to come by in such a crazy business. I just think so much of both of you, and feel confident that in the end, BOTH OF YOU will come out on top in this situation.

I look forward to future Frontiers shows, and I'm am SOOO psyched about the JSS performances in LaPlata and South Bend.

Thank you Jeff and Jeremey for all you've given me in the past year.

I feel the same way Donna. I felt a weird vibe that friday night ,I felt something wasnt right.Jeff and Jeremey are first class people and can only move forward and upwards.Journey wont move forward they will just ride the train all the way down the fucking tubes till there isnt anything left. Jeff and Jeremey have there dignity and there voices they will succeed. Im looking forward to monday night

[JSS]

Comforting to know I was being ousted before that gig, I knew about them calling Chalfant already but it's amazing how cool & collect they remained all the while backstage & during the gig although Oscars shouldn't be handed out just yet....I felt there was something in the air!

Dude, you are among the coolest and most down to earth people I have ever met in this business. Whatever was going on behind the scenes among the band at that point, i wasn't privy to, but having gotten my taste of the way things are handled and considered in that organization, I can only imagine how you must feel. Thanks for your words of support once this thing broke open...I know you've landed on your feet and in the long run are in a better place than you would have been staying in that organization. Your experience must have been extra shitty, knowing the previous relationship you had with the Schonalator.

Jeff, as a PS, you should know at this point i wasn't approached from "we are looking for a new singer," only that JC wanted to hear me since they had time off. More details @ that conversation in the next entry...

Normally for PM or personal email but I wanted others to publicly see my feelings are mutual for you bro, I don't think you could have hid it that well or would have even wanted to that evening in VA when we jammed if you knew in advance. The reason I am probably amongst the coolest or down to Earth you know is because I am & always have been just a regular 'Joe' (or 'Jo'), like you & the others here. I've been in this biz professionally 23 years & have cement boots on to keep me grounded as this fickle, rollercoaster business is enough to send you packing tenfold at times. U too sir, have always been a stand up guy, talented vocalist (beyond the Perry tunes) & I am proud to know u as simply that. All the best with your family, musical endeavors & future overall, thanks for the little sidebar, shows your character big time!

[stevew2]

That is awesome!!!

[T-Bone]

"Total Class" would be a huge understatement here

[stevew2]

You got that right

[NealIsGod]

Yeah, I guess if you have class, Journey doesn't want you. The internet sure has ruined my opinion of them.

[Indyjoe]

"Total Class" would be a huge understatement here

You read my mind.

~Wendy

[Deb]

"Total Class" would be a huge understatement here

Exactly!

[Rocker Chic]

Just read your blog, Jeremey. I am very interested in reading your story. Thanks so much for putting it out there.

Comforting to know I was being ousted before that gig, I knew about them calling Chalfant already but it's amazing how cool & collect they remained all the while backstage & during the gig although Oscars shouldn't be handed out just yet....I felt there was something in the air!

That really bites! Then why the Hell did they even bother with that press release months later announcing you, Jeff, as the new permanent singer for Journey??? It just goes to prove that you can't believe a thing they say, even if it is in writing! I was done before, but now there's no salvaging it for me. No wonder Steve Perry keeps insisting that he'll never return to Journey! He knows full well what he'd be coming back to.

Jeez, Jeff, I'm so sorry they did this to you. I was a fan of yours before Journey (although I missed seeing you with Journey, which I will forever kick myself for) and will remain a fan of yours because not only are you a truly talented human being, but from all Internet accounts (met briefly at BB Kings w/ Soul SirkUS), an all-around great guy! I hope to get an opportunity to meet you again in Buffalo, so we can give ya a hug and buy you a drink for putting up with all this crap. UGH!

I am *SO* done with these idiots! They're never getting another penny from me!

This is the lowest I've seen anyone in my own species stoop to! Uh, God, I'm just disgusted all over again...

[AR]

that evening in VA when we jammed

Hmmmmm, that must have been interesting.

[NealIsGod]

that evening in VA when we jammed

Hmmmmm, that must have been interesting.

Yeah, first I've heard of that.

[Jeremey]

One thing I learned about Journey over the past several months is why I am not quick to throw them under the bus or get bent out of shape about how things turned out for me...It's this - No one here can understand on what plane they operate, or how they look at themselves and their organization. We are a very small microcosm of fans here, but Journey - the band, the members, the "trademark" if you will - Is so much bigger than all of this, and none of the members of that band have really ever operated or functioned in the same world that you or I have. They've all been millionaires several times over. They've seen and done things that few of us will ever experience. And their music, their legacy lives on...They didn't only have 2 or 3 hits, and they're certainly not a footnote in the music business - their management and their "machine" had almost as much impact on the industry through the early eighties that Peter Grant and Led Zep did in the late 60's/early 70's. Their perception of the world is so different than how we look at things. And I will grant them that perception - The things we quibble about and pick over generally mean nothing to them, and it's not through any sense of true arrogance or anything, it's simply because they've been in a bubble, in their own world, for so long...And to move forward & survive, they have developed a very strong sense of "what does this mean for us - what is the impact this decision would have on our company, and is this important to us? If not - Move on. Don't pore or ponder, just make a decision and go from there." Does that mean they've made the best decisions? Of course not - For you and I as fans, we may vehmentently agree or disagree about the decisions they've made over the past 20 years, but for the band, it's a matter of survival of the fittest.

[Deb]

One thing I learned about Journey over the past several months is why I am not quick to throw them under the bus or get bent out of shape about how things turned out for me...It's this - No one here can understand on what plane they operate, or how they look at themselves and their organization. We are a very small microcosm of fans here, but Journey - the band, the members, the "trademark" if you will - Is so much bigger than all of this, and none of the members of that band have really ever operated or functioned in the same world that you or I have. They've all been millionaires several times over. They've seen and done things that few of us will ever experience. And their music, their legacy lives on...They didn't only have 2 or 3 hits, and they're certainly not a footnote in the music business - their management and their "machine" had almost as much impact on the industry through the early eighties that Peter Grant and Led Zep did in the late 60's/early 70's. Their perception of the world is so different than how we look at things. And I will grant them that perception - The things we quibble about and pick over generally mean nothing to them, and it's not through any sense of true arrogance or anything, it's simply because they've been in a bubble, in their own world, for so long...And to move forward & survive, they have developed a very strong sense of "what does this mean for us - what is the impact this decision would have on our company, and is this important to us? If not - Move on. Don't pore or ponder, just make a decision and go from there." Does that mean they've made the best decisions? Of course not - For you and I as fans, we may vehmentently agree or disagree about the decisions they've made over the past 20 years, but for the band, it's a matter of survival of the fittest.

Great post Jeremey.

[dcvader]

Comforting to know I was being ousted before that gig, I knew about them calling Chalfant already but it's amazing how cool & collect they remained all the while backstage & during the gig although Oscars shouldn't be handed out just yet....I felt there was something in the air!

Dude, you are among the coolest and most down to earth people I have ever met in this business. Whatever was going on behind the scenes among the band at that point, i wasn't privy to, but having gotten my taste of the way things are handled and considered in that organization, I can only imagine how you must feel. Thanks for your words of support once this thing broke open...I know you've landed on your feet and in the long run are in a better place than you would have been staying in that organization. Your experience must have been extra shitty, knowing the previous relationship you had with the Schonalator.

Jeff, as a PS, you should know at this point i wasn't approached from "we are looking for a new singer," only that JC wanted to hear me since they had time off. More details @ that conversation in the next entry...

Normally for PM or personal email but I wanted others to publicly see my feelings are mutual for you bro, I don't think you could have hid it that well or would have even wanted to that evening in VA when we jammed if you knew in advance. The reason I am probably amongst the coolest or down to Earth you know is because I am & always have been just a regular 'Joe' (or 'Jo'), like you & the others here. I've been in this biz professionally 23 years & have cement boots on to keep me grounded as this fickle, rollercoaster business is enough to send you packing tenfold at times. U too sir, have always been a stand up guy, talented vocalist (beyond the Perry tunes) & I am proud to know u as simply that. All the best with your family, musical endeavors & future overall, thanks for the little sidebar, shows your character big time!

Thanks again to Jeff and Jeremey for attending the VA party at my place. You 2 are the best!

[stevew2]

That sure was a blast Dave, thank you for hosting it.It was the event of the summer for me

[Clasicrockldy]

If they are living in a bubble, that fucker needs to be popped!

[Arkansas]

When I re-read it I almost got pissed at myself for the tone that seemed to have. Feel free to let more "asshole cards" fly my way when I step out of bounds temporarily.

Here you go Dan

Don't forget this Dennis Leary song either... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MNzZzsvOClc


later~

[Rick]

I know if Carlito was here, he would be plugging his "Bastards of Journey" tour.

[AR]

T-Bone never says I'm a class act.

[EightyRock]

Jeremey said:
"The things we quibble about and pick over generally mean nothing to them, and it's not through any sense of true arrogance or anything, it's simply because they've been in a bubble, in their own world, for so long...And to move forward & survive, they have developed a very strong sense of "what does this mean for us - what is the impact this decision would have on our company, and is this important to us? If not - Move on. Don't pore or ponder, just make a decision and go from there." Does that mean they've made the best decisions? Of course not - For you and I as fans, we may vehmentently agree or disagree about the decisions they've made over the past 20 years, but for the band, it's a matter of survival of the fittest."

Not unlike any other big corporation. Id say they have lived up to the corporate image they were accused of in the early days. Now they are outsourcing their labor (singer) in order to keep the CEO's in luxury. That's not a platform I agree with, whether it is Journey, or any other American corporation. Screw anybody who gets in their way.

Jeremey, you are better off not getting involved with the geriatric Journey.

Jeff, you are one saavy dude. They must have laid awake at night trying to figure out HOW to screw you without you being wise to it. You are better off in the long run, with the ties cut now. I think you are on a totally different level than the rest of them. If anybody is in a "higher place"....it is you.

[Jeremey]

I've changed direction...Sorry to disappoint to all, but I've read and reread yesterday's blog entry, and I've just come to the realization that I can't maintain that level of detail about my experiences without it seeming both self-serving, and dragging others into the spotlight that don't need private matters of their own scrutinized for the sake of my "purging" if you will. There's a lot of people, family members, and friends that are all involved in the story, and leaving out a lot of that wouldn't make for much of a story - though I just wouldn't feel right about discussing them in public without their desire for me to do so.

So, I guess I keep my tale to myself, or at least the level of detail I had commited myself to with yesterday's entry. I'd be happy to post an "Ask Jeremey" thread or something if people wanted to hear about things like what songs we performed or why Neal wears sunglasses all the time, or whatever...But I think blogs are cool, and I'm keeping my space open...Probably for movie reviews or something. Who knows. I feel like I jumped the shark with this one, but hope you all understand.

J.

[JrnyScarab]

One thing I learned about Journey over the past several months is why I am not quick to throw them under the bus or get bent out of shape about how things turned out for me...It's this - No one here can understand on what plane they operate, or how they look at themselves and their organization. We are a very small microcosm of fans here, but Journey - the band, the members, the "trademark" if you will - Is so much bigger than all of this, and none of the members of that band have really ever operated or functioned in the same world that you or I have. They've all been millionaires several times over. They've seen and done things that few of us will ever experience. And their music, their legacy lives on...They didn't only have 2 or 3 hits, and they're certainly not a footnote in the music business - their management and their "machine" had almost as much impact on the industry through the early eighties that Peter Grant and Led Zep did in the late 60's/early 70's. Their perception of the world is so different than how we look at things. And I will grant them that perception - The things we quibble about and pick over generally mean nothing to them, and it's not through any sense of true arrogance or anything, it's simply because they've been in a bubble, in their own world, for so long...And to move forward & survive, they have developed a very strong sense of "what does this mean for us - what is the impact this decision would have on our company, and is this important to us? If not - Move on. Don't pore or ponder, just make a decision and go from there." Does that mean they've made the best decisions? Of course not - For you and I as fans, we may vehmentently agree or disagree about the decisions they've made over the past 20 years, but for the band, it's a matter of survival of the fittest.

I see what you are saying Jeremey, but "They" (either themselves or management) should have some class when it comes to moving on and decision making. Just drop kicking JSS off the bus without an explanation is just wrong no matter what planet they are living on. A little honesty would go a long way.

Ed

[Matthew]

I've changed direction...Sorry to disappoint to all, but I've read and reread yesterday's blog entry, and I've just come to the realization that I can't maintain that level of detail about my experiences without it seeming both self-serving, and dragging others into the spotlight that don't need private matters of their own scrutinized for the sake of my "purging" if you will. There's a lot of people, family members, and friends that are all involved in the story, and leaving out a lot of that wouldn't make for much of a story - though I just wouldn't feel right about discussing them in public without their desire for me to do so.

So, I guess I keep my tale to myself, or at least the level of detail I had commited myself to with yesterday's entry. I'd be happy to post an "Ask Jeremey" thread or something if people wanted to hear about things like what songs we performed or why Neal wears sunglasses all the time, or whatever...But I think blogs are cool, and I'm keeping my space open...Probably for movie reviews or something. Who knows. I feel like I jumped the shark with this one, but hope you all understand.

J.

Jeremey - I hope you aren't saying this because of that idiotic comment someone wrote on your blog. I didn't think there was even the slightest hint of self-pity or bitterness in your blog entry - and this is true of the classy posts from both you and JSS in this thread. Jumped the shark? Not remotely. I really hope you carry on with the blog

[Jeremey]

Jeremey - I hope you aren't saying this because of that idiotic comment someone wrote on your blog. I didn't think there was even the slightest hint of self-pity or bitterness in your blog entry - and this is true of the classy posts from both you and JSS in this thread. Jumped the shark? Not remotely. I really hope you carry on with the blog

Matthew, that's not the reason. It's really just because the more I thought about the detail I set out with, the more I realized that I wanted to talk about specific people and events to round out the entire story, and realized that they didn't deserve to have me write publically about them or their involvement in the whole process. I couldn't tell the story completely without going into details about our drummer's family tragedy, or my wife's pregnancy and her condition (which is VERY integral to the entire story), or even Jonathan Cain's family and some of his friends, who played a part in the story, though I have no right to make them a part of the blog. It just didn't seem sustainable without a full commitment, and it isn't my place to commit for some of those who had no idea I'd be writing about them.

[NealIsGod]

Jeremey - I hope you aren't saying this because of that idiotic comment someone wrote on your blog. I didn't think there was even the slightest hint of self-pity or bitterness in your blog entry - and this is true of the classy posts from both you and JSS in this thread. Jumped the shark? Not remotely. I really hope you carry on with the blog

Matthew, that's not the reason. It's really just because the more I thought about the detail I set out with, the more I realized that I wanted to talk about specific people and events to round out the entire story, and realized that they didn't deserve to have me write publically about them or their involvement in the whole process. I couldn't tell the story completely without going into details about our drummer's family tragedy, or my wife's pregnancy and her condition (which is VERY integral to the entire story), or even Jonathan Cain's family and some of his friends, who played a part in the story, though I have no right to make them a part of the blog. It just didn't seem sustainable without a full commitment, and it isn't my place to commit for some of those who had no idea I'd be writing about them.

I think you made the best decision.

[slucero]

One thing I learned about Journey over the past several months is why I am not quick to throw them under the bus or get bent out of shape about how things turned out for me...It's this - No one here can understand on what plane they operate, or how they look at themselves and their organization. We are a very small microcosm of fans here, but Journey - the band, the members, the "trademark" if you will - Is so much bigger than all of this, and none of the members of that band have really ever operated or functioned in the same world that you or I have. They've all been millionaires several times over. They've seen and done things that few of us will ever experience. And their music, their legacy lives on...They didn't only have 2 or 3 hits, and they're certainly not a footnote in the music business - their management and their "machine" had almost as much impact on the industry through the early eighties that Peter Grant and Led Zep did in the late 60's/early 70's. Their perception of the world is so different than how we look at things. And I will grant them that perception - The things we quibble about and pick over generally mean nothing to them, and it's not through any sense of true arrogance or anything, it's simply because they've been in a bubble, in their own world, for so long...And to move forward & survive, they have developed a very strong sense of "what does this mean for us - what is the impact this decision would have on our company, and is this important to us? If not - Move on. Don't pore or ponder, just make a decision and go from there." Does that mean they've made the best decisions? Of course not - For you and I as fans, we may vehmentently agree or disagree about the decisions they've made over the past 20 years, but for the band, it's a matter of survival of the fittest.

I see what you are saying Jeremey, but "They" (either themselves or management) should have some class when it comes to moving on and decision making. Just drop kicking JSS off the bus without an explanation is just wrong no matter what planet they are living on. A little honesty would go a long way.

Ed

Jeremey answered yer comment there Ed...

The things we quibble about and pick over generally mean nothing to them, and it's not through any sense of true arrogance or anything, it's simply because they've been in a bubble, in their own world, for so long...

he's saying its simply not in the collective band "character" to be that way... its how they were "raised" to survive in the bubble they live in... even Herbie alluded to this when they auditioned new drummers when Smitty was left go..

[JrnyScarab]

I've changed direction...Sorry to disappoint to all, but I've read and reread yesterday's blog entry, and I've just come to the realization that I can't maintain that level of detail about my experiences without it seeming both self-serving, and dragging others into the spotlight that don't need private matters of their own scrutinized for the sake of my "purging" if you will. There's a lot of people, family members, and friends that are all involved in the story, and leaving out a lot of that wouldn't make for much of a story - though I just wouldn't feel right about discussing them in public without their desire for me to do so.

So, I guess I keep my tale to myself, or at least the level of detail I had commited myself to with yesterday's entry. I'd be happy to post an "Ask Jeremey" thread or something if people wanted to hear about things like what songs we performed or why Neal wears sunglasses all the time, or whatever...But I think blogs are cool, and I'm keeping my space open...Probably for movie reviews or something. Who knows. I feel like I jumped the shark with this one, but hope you all understand.

J.

So, why does Neal wear sunglasses all the time ??

[Rick]

I've changed direction...Sorry to disappoint to all, but I've read and reread yesterday's blog entry, and I've just come to the realization that I can't maintain that level of detail about my experiences without it seeming both self-serving, and dragging others into the spotlight that don't need private matters of their own scrutinized for the sake of my "purging" if you will. There's a lot of people, family members, and friends that are all involved in the story, and leaving out a lot of that wouldn't make for much of a story - though I just wouldn't feel right about discussing them in public without their desire for me to do so.

So, I guess I keep my tale to myself, or at least the level of detail I had commited myself to with yesterday's entry. I'd be happy to post an "Ask Jeremey" thread or something if people wanted to hear about things like what songs we performed or why Neal wears sunglasses all the time, or whatever...But I think blogs are cool, and I'm keeping my space open...Probably for movie reviews or something. Who knows. I feel like I jumped the shark with this one, but hope you all understand.

J.

So, why does Neal wear sunglasses all the time ??

I was thinking the same damn thing.

[WalrusOct9]

I understand your decision, although I'm a little disappointed we won't get to read the rest of it. I'm sure I'm not the only one who's curious about what those guys do and say behind the scenes, especially during the last 9 months or so.