New JJ Interview

[ForceInfinity]

In fairness to JJ, I can't stand FS, and the fact that FS comes off as an aloof control freak does stand to reason with just some first hand observations and what not. When they were out here in Reno a few years back, FS was true to form doing the god awful eternal solo in the midst of "I See You in Everyone" that just friggin dragged. I'm sure JJ told FS that fans don't like it, yet FS persists anyways. Connecting the dots, it would lend some truth to what he says. It's funny. For the longeest time we as fans clammor for some of the dirt that goes on behind the scenes in these bands that we never hear about. But god forbid if one of them spills the beans, everyone gets their shorts in a wad. I don't get it.

I also wonder if JJ got his voice back in order as well because he sounded like hell in Reno and trying to shout/sing over the music mix didn't help either (the instruments did seem to be mixed on the loud side relative to the vocal). His voice started sounding really ragged about half way through the concert.

And what is it with these guitarists behaving like ego-tistical asshats? Between NS and FS, about the only one I've not lost respect for is JP of Dream Theater (seems MP wears the pants in that band)

[Slander]

[quote="ForceInfinity"]In fairness to JJ, I can't stand FS Connecting the dots, it would lend some truth to what he says. It's funny. For the longeest time we as fans clammor for some of the dirt that goes on behind the scenes in these bands that we never hear about. But god forbid if one of them spills the beans, everyone gets their shorts in a wad. I don't get it.
quote]

The only person who has their shorts in a wad is JJ. I will ask anyone to answer this question: If it was so bad why did he stay with Survivor for 6 years 2000-2006? Why doesn't JJ sue if he didn't get paid? These are honest questions. The only thing I don't get is why JJ would stay if this incredible injustice had been done to him. Answer the questions and maybe we can get somewhere. For JJ to rant is unprofessional as hell.

[Journey/Survivor]

Since I somewhat know, and have been treated well by, all of the members of Survivor, I am not taking sides in this.

So don't read anything into what I am going to say!

I have known for 20 years or so that Jim Peterik is a great guitarist in his own right. And last year I saw the Ides Of March in concert and was blown away by how great of a solo Peterik played.

But with that said, I have to say that Frankie is a better guitarist than Jim. Frankie is one of the most underrated guitarists in the business.

I also did like it when Frankie would play long solos in concert. Maybe 20 minute solos were a bit too much? But I would have no problem at all with 10 minute long solos. The only problem in my mind that there was with his long solos was that they could have fit a couple of more songs in the set list, and that I know that casual music fans don't usually get into long guitar solos the way that I do.

In one of the other posts that was made here on the Survivor forum it mentioned Neal Schon. I don't consider Neal to have nearly as big of an ego as many on this site like to make him out to have. I'm NOT directing that at the member who brought him up on the Survivor forum. I'm talking about some of the cry babies over on the Journey forum.

I'll say this, from my experiance, singers and guitarists usually are the 2 most ego driven members of almost any band.

[RockInDetroit]

In fairness to JJ, I can't stand FS Connecting the dots, it would lend some truth to what he says. It's funny. For the longeest time we as fans clammor for some of the dirt that goes on behind the scenes in these bands that we never hear about. But god forbid if one of them spills the beans, everyone gets their shorts in a wad. I don't get it.
quote]

The only person who has their shorts in a wad is JJ. I will ask anyone to answer this question: If it was so bad why did he stay with Survivor for 6 years 2000-2006? Why doesn't JJ sue if he didn't get paid? These are honest questions. The only thing I don't get is why JJ would stay if this incredible injustice had been done to him. Answer the questions and maybe we can get somewhere. For JJ to rant is unprofessional as hell.

Actually Slander. You go on and on and on and on. Why do you freakin care what JJ said about FS so much.? You are going to contact Frankie? Go right ahead. I am sure JJ is shaking in his boots.

[Slander]

In fairness to JJ, I can't stand FS Connecting the dots, it would lend some truth to what he says. It's funny. For the longeest time we as fans clammor for some of the dirt that goes on behind the scenes in these bands that we never hear about. But god forbid if one of them spills the beans, everyone gets their shorts in a wad. I don't get it.
quote]

The only person who has their shorts in a wad is JJ. I will ask anyone to answer this question: If it was so bad why did he stay with Survivor for 6 years 2000-2006? Why doesn't JJ sue if he didn't get paid? These are honest questions. The only thing I don't get is why JJ would stay if this incredible injustice had been done to him. Answer the questions and maybe we can get somewhere. For JJ to rant is unprofessional as hell.

Actually Slander. You go on and on and on and on. Why do you freakin care what JJ said about FS so much.? You are going to contact Frankie? Go right ahead. I am sure JJ is shaking in his boots.

What am I going on and on about? I just want FS to get his side of the story. I care because I care about good journalism. I care about both sides of the story getting put out. I could careless if JJ's shaking in his boots. He sounds like a coward to me anyway. Aren't discussing issues what these boards are all about or am I missing something? Sorry you take offense to me wanting both sides of the story. How about we make this the Jimi Jamison love fest bulletin board instead.

[Slander]

I'll say this, from my experiance, singers and guitarists usually are the 2 most ego driven members of almost any band.

Thank you Journey/Survivor for bring some common sense to the board.

[Red13JoePa]

What am I going on and on about? I just want FS to get his side of the story. I care because I care about good journalism. I care about both sides of the story getting put out.

More veiled barbs at Andrew and the site. This passive/aggressive approach to ripping all things JJ that the Frankie Stepfords deploy is now being applied to Andrew and the site.

How many times does Andrew have to say it in this thread, Frankie never gets back to him?

This site did not do the interview, it merely relayed it.

[Slander]

What am I going on and on about? I just want FS to get his side of the story. I care because I care about good journalism. I care about both sides of the story getting put out.

More veiled barbs at Andrew and the site. This passive/aggressive approach to ripping all things JJ that the Frankie Stepfords deploy is now being applied to Andrew and the site.

How many times does Andrew have to say it in this thread, Frankie never gets back to him?

This site did not do the interview, it merely relayed it.

STOP it Red. I have nothing but the utmost respect for Andrew and his passion for MR.com. I have been enoying the sight since 1999. Having said that I don't have to agree with Andrew on everything. Where have I dissed Andrew or the sight? Show me? I said I like good journalism and getting both sides of the story. That's is not a dis on Andrew but merely my opinion on reporting. Red wouldn't it be great for all of us if FS weighed in?

[Slander]

This site did not do the interview, it merely relayed it.

And Andrew has appropriately taken responsiblity for dispensing the interview.

[Red13JoePa]

Translate that.

Andrew's responsible for Jamison's opinions, what Jamison said?

What's wrong with it anyway, Jimi Jamison feels like he's gotten jammed for years.

The irony of this is that you were the one mocking Jamison when he left last year with post after post of "Good luck with the bar, JJ" and "Pour me a beer, Jimi" and now you mock him for saying he maxed out his cards and we find out WHY Jamison still had to work hard playing solo gigs and running the club.
He overtrusted your idol and allowed himself not to be compensated well enough leaving him poorer than anybody named Jimi Jamison Survivor lead vocalist had a right to be.

[Slander]

Translate that.

Andrew's responsible for Jamison's opinions, what Jamison said?

What's wrong with it anyway, Jimi Jamison feels like he's gotten jammed for years.

The irony of this is that you were the one mocking Jamison when he left last year with post after post of "Good luck with the bar, JJ" and "Pour me a beer, Jimi" and now you mock him for saying he maxed out his cards and we find out WHY Jamison still had to work hard playing solo gigs and running the club.
He overtrusted your idol and allowed himself not to be compensated well enough leaving him poorer than anybody named Jimi Jamison Survivor lead vocalist had a right to be.

Like I said Red...Why didn't he just leave? Why did he sing on REACH? He's a grown man. Answer the questions. Oh yeah Frankie held him hostage with mind control. What garbage.

[Red13JoePa]

This is bad.
I've posted my share of negativity here (which our own lead singer Joe Vana will be happy to point out when he wades in to look ) but the one thing I WILL say is sour grapes on Double J's part is the guitar comments, I think Frankie IS a topflight rocknroll guitarist who carves out killer riffs and hooks unconcsiously.

It saddens me to see this acrimony and have them lose the best rock vocalist in the biz.

[weatherman90]

WOW!

Never knew this side of Frankie....or any side of Frankie for that matter!

Thanks for the interview!

Its too bad that one guy can ruin a great band!

[MarcelJordan]

WOW!

Never knew this side of Frankie....or any side of Frankie for that matter!

Thanks for the interview!

Its too bad that one guy can ruin a great band!

This kind of interview paints FS as the demon incarnate, while FS is actually a god fearing dude with a strong family base. And he's also a businessman extraordinaire I must add. JJ SHOULD have walked away much much earlier, IF this is exactly how it went down.

[Lark]

JJ did leave, officially, as soon as he finished Reach, to my knowledge, I think he played one more gig. If you are living off credit cards, not getting paid royalties and monies due, shows are being cancelled left and right, then how in the hell can you afford to hire an attorney? What attorney would take the case, they would eventually end up working for free. In all realitiy, if he did sue and there was a judgment rendered, it would be hell trying to collect and then if collected, the attorney would get most of it. Legal action is not always the best action. It has also been stated before that Dunaway was never paid for his work on Reach. Like they say, where there's smoke there's fire.

I think it is a shame that JJ had to purchase his own copy of Reach and was never afforded the respect to have been sent one from FS or the label. By the way, he was not the only band member that did not get a copy of Reach. That's the music business for you.

I also believe that JJ took the high road for a very long time and would not comment on the band or reasons for leaving. FS made a statement in an interview "when we made the decision to replace Jimi" and threw a few other unprofessional jabs/comments (IMO) into the interview, JJ probably thought, what the hell and finally came out and told his side of the story.

IMO JJ has done well for himself since leaving Survivor. He didn't need a "nationally televised" program on ABC or anything like that, just hard work, persistence, keeping a close circle of good friends. I believe he is much better off w/o FS.

[Lark]

By the way Slander, it's a slow night at the Bar tonight.

[MarcelJordan]

JJ did leave, officially, as soon as he finished Reach, to my knowledge, I think he played one more gig.

That's the thing, he shouldn't have bothered with REACH and left earlier. Don't tell me FS became a demon, only before REACH started production?

[Lark]

I believe Reach was a project that span over a long period of time. He probably wanted to finish what he started or maybe he was hanging on until something else came along, who knows the reason any of us stay at a job long after it is clearly time to leave. I believe at some point, we are all guilty of hanging on to the familiar. Perhaps in JJ's case, some money is better than no money coming in, so perhaps that was his reasons. It is always easier to find work while you are actually working and visable.

[MarcelJordan]

Here goes...not a long one, but an interesting one...

http://www.melodicrock.com/interviews/j ... son07.html

Are you more happy about this interview Andrew?

What do you mean? I didn't conduct this particular interview. And as with any interview, no one is responsible for the content apart from the subject being interviewed.
In all my years of experience, Jimi has been nothing but fabulous to me, including performing at my show recently. So don't expect a bad word from me about him.

Sorry Andrew, I should have made it clearer. Earlier you said you were'nt happy with the previous JJ interview that you did with him. Hope you get to interview him sometime.

[MarcelJordan]

I believe Reach was a project that span over a long period of time. He probably wanted to finish what he started or maybe he was hanging on until something else came along, who knows the reason any of us stay at a job long after it is clearly time to leave. I believe at some point, we are all guilty of hanging on to the familiar. Perhaps in JJ's case, some money is better than no money coming in, so perhaps that was his reasons. It is always easier to find work while you are actually working and visable.

Ok tks.

[MarcelJordan]

In fairness to JJ, I can't stand FS, and the fact that FS comes off as an aloof control freak does stand to reason with just some first hand observations and what not. When they were out here in Reno a few years back, FS was true to form doing the god awful eternal solo in the midst of "I See You in Everyone" that just friggin dragged. I'm sure JJ told FS that fans don't like it, yet FS persists anyways. Connecting the dots, it would lend some truth to what he says. It's funny. For the longeest time we as fans clammor for some of the dirt that goes on behind the scenes in these bands that we never hear about. But god forbid if one of them spills the beans, everyone gets their shorts in a wad. I don't get it.

I also wonder if JJ got his voice back in order as well because he sounded like hell in Reno and trying to shout/sing over the music mix didn't help either (the instruments did seem to be mixed on the loud side relative to the vocal). His voice started sounding really ragged about half way through the concert.

And what is it with these guitarists behaving like ego-tistical asshats? Between NS and FS, about the only one I've not lost respect for is JP of Dream Theater (seems MP wears the pants in that band)

Dream Theater is awesome!

[Eyeof]

This is an awesome thread...and it's funny, because Slander just can't stand it...

Now, Slander, accouding to you we should fall down and worship every word that Joe Vana says because "He's on the inside"....after all, wouldn't I rather get my info from Tom Brady rather than a fan? Well, come to think of it Slander...you are correct. With that said, who better to get info from that Jimi Jamison...two time lead singer of Survivor...I mean, he's on the 'inside' that you refer to so much correct? I mean he would know more about it than anyone else, correct?

But lots of that was opinion, but with some facts...

The guitar solo was insane...I've spoken numerous times about a show I saw in Charlotte where it was 100 degrees and he went on and on and on...Now that is my opinion...

Here is the fact - What crowd was there started to Boo. FACT...One guy yelled up at the stage and Barry Dunaway and Dunaway just held his hands up like, 'man we can't stop him either'....

I guess it's not fact, but the fact that Reach is not a very good album is pretty close to very, very strong opinion. And as Andrew himself said, the vocals were rushed and Frankie took the lead on the best songs...That's pretty much fact.

Man, this makes me wish we could hear what Dave Bickler and JP really think...of course...I think we know the answer.

And as for FS's side of the story, I don't really care to hear it. He proved to me he was nothing but a bold faced liar years ago, so I discount most of what he says...

And as Slander always ask then why we are Survivor fans? Well, as JJ would say...maybe we just like the songs that JP wrote...Dave Sung and Marc and Stephen pounded on...and we have that right...

[Slander]

This is an awesome thread...and it's funny, because Slander just can't stand it...

Now, Slander, accouding to you we should fall down and worship every word that Joe Vana says because "He's on the inside"....after all, wouldn't I rather get my info from Tom Brady rather than a fan? Well, come to think of it Slander...you are correct. With that said, who better to get info from that Jimi Jamison...two time lead singer of Survivor...I mean, he's on the 'inside' that you refer to so much correct? I mean he would know more about it than anyone else, correct?

But lots of that was opinion, but with some facts...

The guitar solo was insane...I've spoken numerous times about a show I saw in Charlotte where it was 100 degrees and he went on and on and on...Now that is my opinion...

Here is the fact - What crowd was there started to Boo. FACT...One guy yelled up at the stage and Barry Dunaway and Dunaway just held his hands up like, 'man we can't stop him either'....

I guess it's not fact, but the fact that Reach is not a very good album is pretty close to very, very strong opinion. And as Andrew himself said, the vocals were rushed and Frankie took the lead on the best songs...That's pretty much fact.

Man, this makes me wish we could hear what Dave Bickler and JP really think...of course...I think we know the answer.

And as for FS's side of the story, I don't really care to hear it. He proved to me he was nothing but a bold faced liar years ago, so I discount most of what he says...

And as Slander always ask then why we are Survivor fans? Well, as JJ would say...maybe we just like the
songs that JP wrote...Dave Sung and Marc and Stephen pounded on...and we have that right...

Eye this is a great thread I agree. I'm all for open discussion. I have no problem with the back and forth. What I do have a problem with is allegations made by JJ that imply shady business dealings or downright illegalities. All I'm asking force is FS side of the story. That's it. I also don't buy that JJ couldn't walk away from Survivor or that he was forced to sing on REACH. Sounds like pure bullshit. As for REACH I agree with you it's not a strong album at all. Actually Frankie only sang on 2 songs. Nevertheless which was written for him years ago and Talkin' Bout Love which JJ didn't want to sing.

If what JJ claims is true why didn't he sue? Why didn't he walk away? My god if things were so torturous why did he stay 6 years? None of you really attempt to answer these questions. The fact is any normal person would have. It's sounds like bullshit. The interview is so full of over the top comments it loses credibility. It shows JJ for the act he is which is no act.

[Lark]

No, Slander I think this interview shows FS as the act that he really is. Dunaway did not get paid for his work on Reach either. That is a fact that cannot be disputed. So now we have two members of the same group that didn't get paid by the same guy. Oh, and he had to go purchase his own copy of reach, just like another band memeber. Go figure.

FS gave an interview and made an unfavorable reference to Dunaway, that was totally uncalled for. Did you call up and demand that they get Dunaways side? When FS made remarks that they REPLACED JJ or made the decision to replace JJ, did you demand that anyone try to contact JJ for his side. NO, of course you didn't.

Marc made a remark that now with Robin they didn't have to play the same set list that they had played for the last 5 years because of Robin's vocal range, did you get JJ's side of that, No. You didn't.

And to repeat my reply from ealier, Legal action is not always the best action, especially if it is going to be a long, lengthy process, the attorney will end of getting most of the money, if you could even find an attorney to take the case. In JJ's case, he was living off credit cards that were maxed out, how the hell do you retain a lawyer when you are barely getting by. Obviously you are not living in the real world. No, no one forced him to stay, he even admits that he allowed these things to happen because he trusted FS. No everyone is a "smart business man". JJ is an entertainer and singer, that doesn't mean that he or any other singer out there are smart business men, they usually have management to handle these things for them. I believe this backs up FS stating that JJ went out and got his own management, yes, probably did because FS's management sure didn't haev his back. Yes, it is easier to find singing gigs while you are out in the publics eye, so I am sure that is why he stayed on, hoping things would change and keeping his options open.

The only time you demand fair and responsible journalism is when something has been printed unfavorably about FS.

[Lark]

And Slander, since you are a journalist, why don't you step up to the plate and contact FS for his side of the story, while you are at it contact Dunaway for his side and JJ for his side about being "replaced" and the comment that Marc made about the same set list. Since you demand fair and responsible journalism, go for it. You are the journalist, you know how to track people down.

[Lark]

Maybe he doesn't sue because he is afraid to make references to the word "Survivor" with fear of FS countersuing for using the name!!!! Heck, I have just about dropped it from my vocabulary from fear of a cease and decist order!!!!

[Slander]

Maybe he doesn't sue because he is afraid to make references to the word "Survivor" with fear of FS countersuing for using the name!!!! Heck, I have just about dropped it from my vocabulary from fear of a cease and desist order!!!!

Once again if he had a case why didn't he sue? He should so for the money he is owed. Why doesn't he sue Frontiers? Afterall they didn't even send poor JJ a copy of REACH. The lady (jj) doth protest too much, methinks. Yeah that's right poor JJ he's not a responsible kind of guy. He's not accountable for anything. He's a grown man and it seems like he made some bad decisions and now he's bitter. The issue isn't Frankie it's himself.

[Slander]

No, Slander I think this interview shows FS as the act that he really is. Dunaway did not get paid for his work on Reach either. That is a fact that cannot be disputed. So now we have two members of the same group that didn't get paid by the same guy. Oh, and he had to go purchase his own copy of reach, just like another band memeber. Go figure.

FS gave an interview and made an unfavorable reference to Dunaway, that was totally uncalled for. Did you call up and demand that they get Dunaways side? When FS made remarks that they REPLACED JJ or made the decision to replace JJ, did you demand that anyone try to contact JJ for his side. NO, of course you didn't.

Marc made a remark that now with Robin they didn't have to play the same set list that they had played for the last 5 years because of Robin's vocal range, did you get JJ's side of that, No. You didn't.

And to repeat my reply from ealier, Legal action is not always the best action, especially if it is going to be a long, lengthy process, the attorney will end of getting most of the money, if you could even find an attorney to take the case. In JJ's case, he was living off credit cards that were maxed out, how the hell do you retain a lawyer when you are barely getting by. Obviously you are not living in the real world. No, no one forced him to stay, he even admits that he allowed these things to happen because he trusted FS. No everyone is a "smart business man". JJ is an entertainer and singer, that doesn't mean that he or any other singer out there are smart business men, they usually have management to handle these things for them. I believe this backs up FS stating that JJ went out and got his own management, yes, probably did because FS's management sure didn't haev his back. Yes, it is easier to find singing gigs while you are out in the publics eye, so I am sure that is why he stayed on, hoping things would change and keeping his options open.

The only time you demand fair and responsible journalism is when something has been printed unfavorably about FS.

Lark stop yourself. Forget the legal action. Why didn't JJ just walk? You folks can't seem to answer that question. He is an aor legend. Why did he need FS and Survivor to make a living?

[Lark]

When is the last time you sued someone Slander? Why would he sue Frontier's, I am sure they cut the check to FS and company who had total control of how it was to be distributed to the appropriate people. Frontier's doesn not pay each musician individually, you of all people know that. For a journalist, it amazes me that you cannot say to yourself that perhaps there is merit in what he says. He was not the only person that did not get paid for Reach, yet you fail to address that issue. All you say is sue, hell you sound just like FS himself, sue happy!

[axecrew]

Well.........Having not been on the board for a couple of days,as soon as I saw this interview the first thing I said to myself was......" Here it comes.....". And of course I was right.

Slander.....while you might not think so,you have questioned Andrew and his integrity. This is an INTERVIEW....not a newspaper story where you need to question all the parties.
As far as Frankie's side of the story....what the hell do you think he's gonna say? You think he's going to admit to any of it,no matter how much of it might or might not be true? As for getting his viewpoint, I believe Andrew addressed that fine in stating that if Frankie wants to chime in,he knows where to reach him. The FACTS are that Frankie disconnected or changed the very number that he gave Andrew to reach him and not so coincidently right before or right after Jimi's leaving....kinda hard to get an opinion from someone you can't reach huh? And I'm sure that SOMEONE has already informed him of the interview .

Now as for all of the allegations.....We can't prove that any of them are true nor can we prove that they are false,BUT...as someone has said on here Where there's smoke, there's fire.
Did you ever think that the reason Jimi didn't bail a long time ago is the fans? Maybe his pride told him to stick it out for the fans......and Slander that weakass arguement about why didn't he leave earlier is crap........tell me Slander....using your argument in another light it could be made to say that why didn't the woman who was getting the shit beat out of her by her husband leave a long time ago?
Because he told her that he'd change and it wouldn't happen again....sound familiar? Now take this into account.....if you are in a terrible marriage,but you only see your spouse once every 3 weeks or so,how do you know the marriage is bad?
Admittedly Survivor really only played a handful of dates over those 6 years you speak of and believe me, I saw first hand that there was no love lost between Sullivan and Jimi....I was at the hotel after a show and can say that when they arrived there,Frankie went one way and Jimi stopped and BS'd with us for about an hour and a half.
Again, Slander you sit here mocking Jimi on the board and NOBODY has attacked you in the way that YOU attack when we mock Frankie!!!

Tell something....your only bone of contention with what Jimi said was the part about the illegal IRS stuff correct? Then I guess it's safe to say that what I said was true....Jim Peterik was Survivor as if you read the interview Jimi states that Jim wrote all the songs and Frankie only contributed a small lick or lyric here and there. So why didn't Jim protest giving him any credits???? Maybe because for the good of the band???
And why did Jim Peterik.....the guy who STARTED the band leave and give Frankie all control of the band????? Maybe because he was fed up with all the bullshit and he just wanted to be rid of him once and for all, at whatever cost.
I have a friend who is going to see Jim tonight and I ask her to ask Jim 2 questions...1) Has he seen the interview....2) If he has is it accurate. If he answers I'll post his answer. I ask for a simple 1 word answer YES or NO.
Slander....in a court of law, there would be enough circumstancial eveidence to bind this over for trial, not because of the IRS thing,but because of all the other stuff. There's a lot of circumstancial evidence of Frankie's character.
Hey where's Droubay??????????? Why hasn't he chimed in and defended Frankie? Maybe he isn't aware of all this,but then again....maybe he is. Anyone know??????? Where are the other band members? Maybe that aren't aware....or maybe they are .
And Slander lets not even get into the turning down of shows by Frankie......would explain the lite schedule they kept for years.