a new blog

[Jeremey]

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

We were standing outside the warehouse during a break, and Neal and his girlfriend were standing around smoking a cig while most everyone else was on cell phones, etc. Neal had on sleek black shades with green lenses, so I walked up to him and said, "So how in the fuck do you get away with wearing sunglasses 24 hours a day?" He laughed and took them off and said, "They help me see - They cut out the glare, but they're prescription glasses, otherwise I can't see." I tried on the glasses, and sure enough, things looked much clearer! So now I can say I got to wear Neal Schon's sunglasses.

[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

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..

OK, I get ya. It just seems like someone like Herbie or whatever would have gotten them to realize sooner or later that you don't treat people like that no matter what bubble you live in. They are after all part of the same human race as us and manners should apply to them as well. I can't say much for their management if they let them still act like this.

Ed

[SteveForever]

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, you are such a cool cat. Thanks for sharing.

[ohsherrie]

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!

This old girl is sitting here with leaky eyes after reading this. Both of you guys are amazing people and performers and I consider myself so very lucky to have met you both and heard the musical magic you can bring.

And besides that, ditto Donna's post.

[ohsherrie]

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!

That was truly the most amazing social gathering of my life. I would rather get together again with that same group of people (+ NIG) than socialize with what's left of Journey anytime.

[Tom Jrnyfn]

All I can say, These guys better think real hard before they fuck over the new guy. I hope they did their home work.

[tammy]

It's hard to understand how this "bubble" they live in prevents them from common decency - as in calling Jeff instead of him hearing through a third party? Success & power has gone to their head & blown it out of proportion - I'd rather stick with the grounded, nice, non-backstabbing kind. And, how smart was SP to jump out & live in the real world? Very.

[Moon Beam]

It's hard to understand how this "bubble" they live in prevents them from common decency.

I scratch my head and wonder about that myself.

[conversationpc]

It's hard to understand how this "bubble" they live in prevents them from common decency - as in calling Jeff instead of him hearing through a third party? Success & power has gone to their head & blown it out of proportion - I'd rather stick with the grounded, nice, non-backstabbing kind. And, how smart was SP to jump out & live in the real world? Very.

It's the same kind of reasoning that some bosses fire their employees via email or delegate it to someone else. They're too scared to do the right thing.

[Behshad]

All I can say, These guys better think real hard before they fuck over the new guy. I hope they did their home work.

They dont have to think real hard no more,,,, its like second nature to them to fuck singers over. So rest assured, you have nothing to worry about, cause the next singer shall get fucked real good , considering they have done they're homework real good over and over

[nikki]

It's hard to understand how this "bubble" they live in prevents them from common decency - as in calling Jeff instead of him hearing through a third party? Success & power has gone to their head & blown it out of proportion - I'd rather stick with the grounded, nice, non-backstabbing kind. And, how smart was SP to jump out & live in the real world? Very.

It's the same kind of reasoning that some bosses fire their employees via email or delegate it to someone else. They're too scared to do the right thing.

They just don't care. I'm personally not buying into the idea that they are all 'jaded' by money and success. There is a way to treat people and a way not to, and all of them are damned old enough to know the difference. Why make excuses for the inexcusable?? In regards to Jeff and Jeremey, your comments in this thread speak volumes for both of you. The two of you are the level of human being that the guys from Journey should aspire to be and never will. As for this ex-fan, I respect the artists within them, but not as people. I will listen to my old CD's and enjoy what was once one of the great rock bands of our time.

[Granny]

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...

Jeremey and Jeff, you two are the coolest, most down to earth, decent human beings I have ever met. I will always have the memory of the 2 of you on stage together. A moment in life to remember.
Hope someday it happens again.
You are both better off without the Journey Organization, as you are well aware and the two of you have a great future in store for you.

Hugs and kisses to you both. xoxoxoxoxoxoxo

[Calbear94]

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.

Bummer! I thought we were going to find out what really went on this summer. I respect your decision to shield family members, but not to go soft on Schon and Cain. They don't get a carte blanche to treat people like crap, just because they happen to run a corporation. Anyone who is let go deserves a face to face explanation for the dismissal. If Journey is really as you say "on another plane," what would be the harm in burning bridges?

[Matthew]

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.

Yes, that's understandable. Hope you carry on writing it all in private though - and maybe when there's some distance you can post it then. Anyway...just wanted to say that you came across really well in the entry you did post.

[larryfromnextdoor]

It's hard to understand how this "bubble" they live in prevents them from common decency - as in calling Jeff instead of him hearing through a third party? Success & power has gone to their head & blown it out of proportion - I'd rather stick with the grounded, nice, non-backstabbing kind. And, how smart was SP to jump out & live in the real world? Very.

like St. Dan wrote originally,, its all neal knows.. remember in'88 when he rehearsed with mick jagger for a
world tour.. met with each other daily and went over the show and the songs.. then when neal showed up at
the airport the band had already split.. they had secretly hired joe satch and left early so they wouldnt have
to confront him... what is it about neal and airports??

[nikki]

It's hard to understand how this "bubble" they live in prevents them from common decency - as in calling Jeff instead of him hearing through a third party? Success & power has gone to their head & blown it out of proportion - I'd rather stick with the grounded, nice, non-backstabbing kind. And, how smart was SP to jump out & live in the real world? Very.

like St. Dan wrote originally,, its all neal knows.. remember in'88 when he rehearsed with mick jagger for a
world tour.. met with each other daily and went over the show and the songs.. then when neal showed up at
the airport the band had already split.. they had secretly hired joe satch and left early so they wouldnt have
to confront him... what is it about neal and airports??

You would think that someone with a notorious Napolean complex would not be afraid of confrontation !

[lidobar]

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

We were standing outside the warehouse during a break, and Neal and his girlfriend .

So Neal's really divorced eh? Not that it matters.

Thanks for communicating with us Jeremey and JSS. I'm still a fan of Journey and any info about the band is great since we never hear from the bandmembers themselves. Even I'm curious as hell to know what happened, you made the right decision about not going into too much detail about your experiences. It shows that you have great class to respect the privacy of others.

[Rick]

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

We were standing outside the warehouse during a break, and Neal and his girlfriend .

So Neal's really divorced eh? Not that it matters.

Thanks for communicating with us Jeremey and JSS. I'm still a fan of Journey and any info about the band is great since we never hear from the bandmembers themselves. Even I'm curious as hell to know what happened, you made the right decision about not going into too much detail about your experiences. It shows that you have great class to respect the privacy of others.

Yeah, Jeremey's news is the newest news we have. That's a disgrace as this band doesn't give enough of a shit to keep their fans informed. Jermey's news is great to hear, but it's months old and that's the best we have. Thanks Journey. You are yet another failure.

I'm not bitter.

[SunshineTwilight]

Jeff will tour a bit, put on some great shows, but ultimately continue to fly under the radar as an artist.

WRONG ANSWER!!!!

Jeff has a stronger fanbase now that this Journey debaucle is over and he will continue to gain more fans as he tours and with the release of his new material! This is just the beginning of Jeff's "journey"!!

[treetopovskaya]

you said it pam! }=C))

jssb paladino's 9/21...

*this song should be on the radio... i hear a hit!*

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CZNN4Z_ZSOI

(thanks so much cindi for taping this & sharing it with us... you ROCK!!!!!)

Jeff will tour a bit, put on some great shows, but ultimately continue to fly under the radar as an artist.

WRONG ANSWER!!!!

Jeff has a stronger fanbase now that this Journey debaucle is over and he will continue to gain more fans as he tours and with the release of his new material! This is just the beginning of Jeff's "journey"!!

[Indyjoe]

you said it pam! }=C))

jssb paladino's 9/21...

*this song should be on the radio... i hear a hit!*

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CZNN4Z_ZSOI

(thanks so much cindi for taping this & sharing it with us... you ROCK!!!!!)

Jeff will tour a bit, put on some great shows, but ultimately continue to fly under the radar as an artist.

WRONG ANSWER!!!!

Jeff has a stronger fanbase now that this Journey debaucle is over and he will continue to gain more fans as he tours and with the release of his new material! This is just the beginning of Jeff's "journey"!!

KLOS will be hearing from me regularly with my "request"!!

~Wendy

[Behshad]

Jeff will tour a bit, put on some great shows, but ultimately continue to fly under the radar as an artist.

WRONG ANSWER!!!!

Jeff has a stronger fanbase now that this Journey debaucle is over and he will continue to gain more fans as he tours and with the release of his new material! This is just the beginning of Jeff's "journey"!!

As much as I hate to agree with Dan on this one, I think he may be right about it....(I hope he is wrong though)
Sure, Jeff gained a fan base through the Journey tour, but not strong enough to carry on his name and put it on the map the way he deserves it.
At this point I think THE ONLY WAY for Jeff to become real famous is to get Talisman together and tour and open for a big band. A 2 hour set of Talisman songs will get people not to only love and recognize Jeff but also Talisman amazing catalog of great songs!

[JSS]

"Saint John"] Jeff will tour a bit, put on some great shows, but ultimately continue to fly under the radar as an artist.

You sir are amongst the reasons I do what I do for a living...that kind of statement drives me harder than my own ambition, to shut your & all the negative threads down on such a ridiculous idea! Watch me soar dude, it'll be my pleasure to prove u wrong!

[larryfromnextdoor]

Jeff will tour a bit, put on some great shows, but ultimately continue to fly under the radar as an artist.

WRONG ANSWER!!!!

Jeff has a stronger fanbase now that this Journey debaucle is over and he will continue to gain more fans as he tours and with the release of his new material! This is just the beginning of Jeff's "journey"!!

As much as I hate to agree with Dan on this one, I think he may be right about it....(I hope he is wrong though)
Sure, Jeff gained a fan base through the Journey tour, but not strong enough to carry on his name and put it on the map the way he deserves it.
At this point I think THE ONLY WAY for Jeff to become real famous is to get Talisman together and tour and open for a big band. A 2 hour set of Talisman songs will get people not to only love and recognize Jeff but also Talisman amazing catalog of great songs!

the name talisman sounds very metal ,, i like the band memebers , but with the name jeff scott soto in the lights and on the album cover... played on different radio stations..

[nikki]

"Saint John"] Jeff will tour a bit, put on some great shows, but ultimately continue to fly under the radar as an artist.

You sir are amongst the reasons I do what I do for a living...that kind of statement drives me harder than my own ambition, to shut your & all the negative threads down on such a ridiculous idea! Watch me soar dude, it'll be my pleasure to prove u wrong!

This is why we love you, because you ALWAYS try to outdo yourself creatively! You have never disappointed me as an artist and as a person, and I'm very proud to say I'm a fan and can't wait to see you in La Plata!!

[Indyjoe]

"Saint John"] Jeff will tour a bit, put on some great shows, but ultimately continue to fly under the radar as an artist.

You sir are amongst the reasons I do what I do for a living...that kind of statement drives me harder than my own ambition, to shut your & all the negative threads down on such a ridiculous idea! Watch me soar dude, it'll be my pleasure to prove u wrong!

Wish you didn't have to see any negative threads But what a great outlook you have on things! Your fans are watching you begin to soar and it is our pleasure! I hope you can feel what your audience is feeling!

I can't wait to hear your new songs on Southern California radio!!

~Wendy

[Wheels Of Fyre]

Jeff will tour a bit, put on some great shows, but ultimately continue to fly under the radar as an artist.

You sir are amongst the reasons I do what I do for a living...that kind of statement drives me harder than my own ambition, to shut your & all the negative threads down on such a ridiculous idea! Watch me soar dude, it'll be my pleasure to prove u wrong!

Slammed by JSS. Gotta love it.

I've been told through other members that JSS and other JOURNEY members laugh at me. That might be the case but I'd prefer that any day over a public slam like this one.

Youch! And he did it so respectfully, too. Class act!

[styxman]

"Saint John"] Jeff will tour a bit, put on some great shows, but ultimately continue to fly under the radar as an artist.

You sir are amongst the reasons I do what I do for a living...that kind of statement drives me harder than my own ambition, to shut your & all the negative threads down on such a ridiculous idea! Watch me soar dude, it'll be my pleasure to prove u wrong!

Answer me this Jeff, because it baffles the fuck out of me.......'If you're so confident in your own ability and I for one don't doubt that one bit, why did you join Journey Regardless of what might have been, don't you think it was a negative move on your part, it's not as if you just survived on youtube and hoped someone would pick up on you, you had and still do have a good core following.....what made you drop everything and jump on the boat. Okay its helped you now reach a slightly bigger audience but I'm guessing you were heading that way anyway. So why join a group on the decline in the first place just to be known as the replacement singer

[larryfromnextdoor]

I've been told through other members that JSS and other JOURNEY members laugh at me.

man, your just another aging fan like all of us,, wasting more of our lives waiting for new
writings they laugh at all of us.. ,, speaking of writing , we need to get Freedom some
life before the year ends....

[Behshad]

"Saint John"] Jeff will tour a bit, put on some great shows, but ultimately continue to fly under the radar as an artist.

You sir are amongst the reasons I do what I do for a living...that kind of statement drives me harder than my own ambition, to shut your & all the negative threads down on such a ridiculous idea! Watch me soar dude, it'll be my pleasure to prove u wrong!

Answer me this Jeff, because it baffles the fuck out of me.......'If you're so confident in your own ability and I for one don't doubt that one bit, why did you join Journey Regardless of what might have been, don't you think it was a negative move on your part, it's not as if you just survived on youtube and hoped someone would pick up on you, you had and still do have a good core following.....what made you drop everything and jump on the boat. Okay its helped you now reach a slightly bigger audience but I'm guessing you were heading that way anyway. So why join a group on the decline in the first place just to be known as the replacement singer

Im not trying to answer for Jeff, but my guess is the following:
1)Jeff has been a fan of Journey for a long time. Who wouldnt jump on the opportunity to sing for the band they listened to when they grew up!?
2)In addition to above, the fact that you get to sing for one of the most classic rock bands of US and the publicity you would get for it, would be the second reason.
3) This way , Jeff got a chance to show people that he is who he is and he isnt just the EX YNGWIE singer everyone know him the most for.

Of course he had no idea that he would get backstabbed like this, but as he said a while back in a Q&A, even if he wouldve known that things will go the way they did with Journey, he would still have chosen to sing for them. A dream come true for him regardless of how it ended.