Project2011...or...Plan B

[texafana]

I'd say if you're going to do it, do it justice by adding as much content as possible. There's alot of mystery behind this band, Steve Perry, etc, etc. How they were labeled "corporate rock sellouts" and still were successful as they were, all the behind the scenes bs, etc, etc. A small coffee table fan club book? cmon...we need the juicy bits, the details, the "unofficial" comments, the stories behind the stories, etc, etc. For this..the die hards would pay a premium and you just might be sell a shit load. Granted a coffee table book might allow you to run the forum and write the book at the same time, but you may only get this chance once, with your connections you just might be the one source to do a "tell all" book justice. It might be worth having RockinDeeno run the place for you for a year while you write the book. Go for it, and don't hold anything back...or don't do it at all.

[Jana]

andrew there is also a guy on Pineda's website that is writing a very similar book as we speak. He used to be on the Journey forum but is not there anymore and is on Pineda's and is he from the US although I forgot his name. Look into this because lord knows you don't want two seperate entities working on the same project. Seems like it might be Jounrneyman but not sure.

He hasn't said anything about it for a very long time and he had no publisher. The guy is shady as far as I'm concerned and hope Journey put the kabash on it.

I say write a book on Journey with or without their cooperation. What a fascinating story. If they all cooperate with the Escape book, fine, I would enjoy it, but don't see the point without them.

[Jana]

we need thI'd say if you're going to do it, do it justice by adding as much content as possible. There's alot of mystery behind this band, Steve Perry, etc, etc. How they were labeled "corporate rock sellouts" and still were successful as they were, all the behind the scenes bs, etc, etc. A small coffee table fan club book? cmon...e juicy bits, the details, the "unofficial" comments, the stories behind the stories, etc, etc. For this..the die hards would pay a premium and you just might be sell a shit load. Granted a coffee table book might allow you to run the forum and write the book at the same time, but you may only get this chance once, with your connections you just might be the one source to do a "tell all" book justice. It might be worth having RockinDeeno run the place for you for a year while you write the book. Go for it, and don't hold anything back...or don't do it at all.

Agreed.

[Don]

If the story is only told from one side, we'll have comparisons to BTM and the supposed editorial control of Perry again. When it comes to Journey history, the band had to be bashed incessantly just to put a proper bio on their own official website that went back further than 2007. They don't want to acknowledge the past in any other way than playing the dirty dozen. Find another band to write about, Andrew. This group is too dysfunctional to ever get anything vaguely resembling the truth put into print.

[Eric]

I actually like the more encompassing book of Journey's career. Someone needs to tell a very objective, straight forward, no pulled punches retrospective on this band. The good, the bad, the ugly, the despicable. You are one of the few people that could do it objectively....

I am in favor of this.....

[Gin and Tonic Sky]

I would certainly buy a book about ESCAPE if one comes out. Would love to see one generally about Journey

If you are looking for other ideas to launch a writing career Wombat, would love to see someone come out with a history of the aor / melodic rock scene focusing on both some of the big acts and the smaller but significant ones. There wouldn't be anyone better placed to write one than you.

[Saint John]

Without Schon, Cain, Perry and Valory on board the idea seems doomed to fail. The book would only be interesting with present day quotes and no one seems to want to allow that. If you can get Nostrildamus to say yes or Schon, Cain and Valory it might be worth it. But that seems highly unlikely.

Save yourself the headache, Drew. Anything not officially endorsed by the band and Nostrildamus is certain to eventually have you legally tied up and in worse pain than David Carradine's nut sack. I say scrap the idea unless you can get one or both of the aforementioned parties on board. This isn't worth it. Think long and hard about it, my friend.

[Peartree12249]

A book about Escape wouldn't excite me. I would however buy a book about Journey. But I don't want to read the same rehashed stuff that's already been published on the internet or in radio or TV interviews. I've read/seen all the interviews. If I can't find out some real behind the scenes stuff, personal relationships, business dealings, etc. etc. I'm not interested. Given Neal, Jon and Ross' lack of participation there isn't a snowball's chance...Find something else to write about.

[Ehwmatt]

A book about Escape wouldn't excite me. I would however buy a book about Journey. But I don't want to read the same rehashed stuff that's already been published on the internet or in radio or TV interviews. I've read/seen all the interviews. If I can't find out some real behind the scenes stuff, personal relationships, business dealings, etc. etc. I'm not interested. Given Neal, Jon and Ross' lack of participation there isn't a snowball's chance...Find something else to write about.

I'd say this is probably about right...

I LOVED Sterling Whitaker's The Grand Delusion. Lots of hard-hitting quotes and I feel like he captured all sides of the story as best as he possibly could. He left it very much up to the reader to draw their own conclusions... a luxury a writer only has when his sources give him enough hard-hitting stuff to weave a tale like Sterling did. That obviously takes cooperation it doesn't seem like you're going to get.

[Matthew]

Without Schon, Cain, Perry and Valory on board the idea seems doomed to fail. The book would only be interesting with present day quotes and no one seems to want to allow that. If you can get Nostrildamus to say yes or Schon, Cain and Valory it might be worth it. But that seems highly unlikely.

Save yourself the headache, Drew. Anything not officially endorsed by the band and Nostrildamus is certain to eventually have you legally tied up and in worse pain than David Carradine's nut sack. I say scrap the idea unless you can get one or both of the aforementioned parties on board. This isn't worth it. Think long and hard about it, my friend.

All good points...but many authorized books are stifled by compromise, blandness and censorship...whereas some of the most interesting and successful books are by writers who retain their independence.

Plus...are Schon and Cain likely to say anything revelatory now even if they did back the project? Wouldn't older quotes - but rare ones, well-researched - be as interesting? And what about new quotes from the lesser known people involved?

And then there's...Herbie Herbert.

[Andrew]

Good input folks....keep it coming....will respond soon.

[Saint John]

Without Schon, Cain, Perry and Valory on board the idea seems doomed to fail. The book would only be interesting with present day quotes and no one seems to want to allow that. If you can get Nostrildamus to say yes or Schon, Cain and Valory it might be worth it. But that seems highly unlikely.

Save yourself the headache, Drew. Anything not officially endorsed by the band and Nostrildamus is certain to eventually have you legally tied up and in worse pain than David Carradine's nut sack. I say scrap the idea unless you can get one or both of the aforementioned parties on board. This isn't worth it. Think long and hard about it, my friend.

All good points...but many authorized books are stifled by compromise, blandness and censorship...whereas some of the most interesting and successful books are by writers who retain their independence.

Plus...are Schon and Cain likely to say anything revelatory now even if they did back the project? Wouldn't older quotes - but rare ones, well-researched - be as interesting? And what about new quotes from the lesser known people involved?

And then there's...Herbie Herbert.

Great points, Matthew. It would just be cool to get some quotes about what it's like singing and performing the songs now post-Sopranos and though there are quotes out there they're not specifically catered toward the then/now comparison. While I think you're right that the older quotes are certainly valid and interesting, it would also be just as important to have some up to date "full circle" quotes to really make the book the best it could possibly be.

Mainly, I fear that Drew will put a lot of time, thought, and creativity into this and be "rewarded" with legal bullshit...not to mention the risk of non-interest. It just doesn't seem worth it to me. He needs the main 3 guys guys on board (Schon, Perry and Cain)...even if that means the parameters are strict.

PS You're right about Herbie. That fucking guy could talk about sea barnicles and I'd be interested!

[Don]

Without Schon, Cain, Perry and Valory on board the idea seems doomed to fail. The book would only be interesting with present day quotes and no one seems to want to allow that. If you can get Nostrildamus to say yes or Schon, Cain and Valory it might be worth it. But that seems highly unlikely.

Save yourself the headache, Drew. Anything not officially endorsed by the band and Nostrildamus is certain to eventually have you legally tied up and in worse pain than David Carradine's nut sack. I say scrap the idea unless you can get one or both of the aforementioned parties on board. This isn't worth it. Think long and hard about it, my friend.

All good points...but many authorized books are stifled by compromise, blandness and censorship...whereas some of the most interesting and successful books are by writers who retain their independence.

Plus...are Schon and Cain likely to say anything revelatory now even if they did back the project? Wouldn't older quotes - but rare ones, well-researched - be as interesting? And what about new quotes from the lesser known people involved?

And then there's...Herbie Herbert.

Great points, Matthew. It would just be cool to get some quotes about what it's like singing and performing the songs now post-Sopranos and though there are quotes out there they're not specifically catered toward the then/now comparison. While I think you're right that the older quotes are certainly valid and interesting, it would also be just as important to have some up to date "full circle" quotes to really make the book the best it could possibly be.

Mainly, I fear that Drew will put a lot of time, thought, and creativity into this and be "rewarded" with legal bullshit...not to mention the risk of non-interest. It just doesn't seem worth it to me. He needs the main 3 guys guys on board (Schon, Perry and Cain)...even if that means the parameters are strict.

PS You're right about Herbie. That fucking guy could talk about sea barnicles and I'd be interested!

You've been watching Sponge Bob, haven't you?

[Saint John]

Without Schon, Cain, Perry and Valory on board the idea seems doomed to fail. The book would only be interesting with present day quotes and no one seems to want to allow that. If you can get Nostrildamus to say yes or Schon, Cain and Valory it might be worth it. But that seems highly unlikely.

Save yourself the headache, Drew. Anything not officially endorsed by the band and Nostrildamus is certain to eventually have you legally tied up and in worse pain than David Carradine's nut sack. I say scrap the idea unless you can get one or both of the aforementioned parties on board. This isn't worth it. Think long and hard about it, my friend.

All good points...but many authorized books are stifled by compromise, blandness and censorship...whereas some of the most interesting and successful books are by writers who retain their independence.

Plus...are Schon and Cain likely to say anything revelatory now even if they did back the project? Wouldn't older quotes - but rare ones, well-researched - be as interesting? And what about new quotes from the lesser known people involved?

And then there's...Herbie Herbert.

Great points, Matthew. It would just be cool to get some quotes about what it's like singing and performing the songs now post-Sopranos and though there are quotes out there they're not specifically catered toward the then/now comparison. While I think you're right that the older quotes are certainly valid and interesting, it would also be just as important to have some up to date "full circle" quotes to really make the book the best it could possibly be.

Mainly, I fear that Drew will put a lot of time, thought, and creativity into this and be "rewarded" with legal bullshit...not to mention the risk of non-interest. It just doesn't seem worth it to me. He needs the main 3 guys guys on board (Schon, Perry and Cain)...even if that means the parameters are strict.

PS You're right about Herbie. That fucking guy could talk about sea barnicles and I'd be interested!

You've been watching Sponge Bob, haven't you?

I have never watched one minute of that cartoon...and I like cartoons! That fucker seems creepy and he scares me.

[Behshad]

With all due respect Drew , you need a (better) shrink. As if you dont spent enough time babysitting this bands fans, now you're gonna write a book for them too ?!
Seems like you DO want to end up in the looney bin intentionally , no pun intended.

whatever you decide , you know we will support it as long as you spend some of your incond on done fancy smileys here and a different LOCKED pic

Best of luck to you mate

[Blueskies]

If you can't get any members of Journey's cooperation I don't think an unauthorized book would do that well, especially just on the limited basis of one album.

I think you should do a biography on Herbie Herbert...if you can get him to join you in the project then write his autobiography. Not only would fans of Journey have an interest in reading it, but maybe others in the music business and just other music fans who know who he is as well as entrepreneurs and others who would be interested in the business aspect of what he would have to say. It could be marketed towards music fans and people in the industry as well as others in the business world for that aspect and also maybe market it as an inspirational rags to riches story, too.

He seems to be, in what interviews he has done, a colorful character who says what he thinks.....and if he's completely honest about himself and his perspective I'm sure it would be an interesting read. I think he's getting old enough and his ego is big enough that he may go for it. That way all aspects would be covered, biased from just his viewpoint of course...but thats how all bio's are and if the band members don't like things he has to say then maybe they may change their minds down the line to cooperating on a bio themselves.

Either Herbie or you could do one on another colorful character from the music industry...
John Kalodner, John Kalodner.
IF neither has been done. ...I don't know if they have or not. Heck, maybe even write both bio's....first one and if it does alright write the next...by that time maybe the band members, at least one or more members past and present may be ready to finally talk. Maybe then wanting to set the record straight from their perspectives would be a motivator since a book is more in depth and finite then an interview. I do think you would get quite a read and cover all of the history just with one person for now, though...HH.

Personally, I wouldn't buy a tell all book...but unfortunitely thats what people want to read, the dirt...so if it has enough it might sell.

[Lora]

Without Schon, Cain, Perry and Valory on board the idea seems doomed to fail. The book would only be interesting with present day quotes and no one seems to want to allow that. If you can get Nostrildamus to say yes or Schon, Cain and Valory it might be worth it. But that seems highly unlikely.

Save yourself the headache, Drew. Anything not officially endorsed by the band and Nostrildamus is certain to eventually have you legally tied up and in worse pain than David Carradine's nut sack. I say scrap the idea unless you can get one or both of the aforementioned parties on board. This isn't worth it. Think long and hard about it, my friend

Mainly, I fear that Drew will put a lot of time, thought, and creativity into this and be "rewarded" with legal bullshit...not to mention the risk of non-interest. It just doesn't seem worth it to me. He needs the main 3 guys guys on board (Schon, Perry and Cain)...even if that means the parameters are strict.

We can't believe it, but we agree with you. Stop making sense, Dan.

We have no experience in book publishing so have no idea of the cost to do a book, how many you would need to sell to make a profit, how much you would have to pay photographers, etc but we do know the effort involved in gathering content and having it proofed and approved. When we gathered photos & content for the Sony digi-pak remasters, just getting the photographers okay for the use of images was an INSANE amount of work, and that was with the backing of the record label and the band members. At least we knew the project was going to be completed, we would be compensated for some of our time, Sony would make their profit and the CDs would be distributed worldwide.

We would really hate to see Drew go into this not truly understanding all the road blocks that will probably be in his path. The timing just doesn't seem right as Journey has made it pretty clear they are not interested in focusing on the past right now. This might be a good idea a few years down the road when/if they retire and it would be a nice retrospective look at their career.

LB & CP

[Saint John]

Without Schon, Cain, Perry and Valory on board the idea seems doomed to fail. The book would only be interesting with present day quotes and no one seems to want to allow that. If you can get Nostrildamus to say yes or Schon, Cain and Valory it might be worth it. But that seems highly unlikely.

Save yourself the headache, Drew. Anything not officially endorsed by the band and Nostrildamus is certain to eventually have you legally tied up and in worse pain than David Carradine's nut sack. I say scrap the idea unless you can get one or both of the aforementioned parties on board. This isn't worth it. Think long and hard about it, my friend

Mainly, I fear that Drew will put a lot of time, thought, and creativity into this and be "rewarded" with legal bullshit...not to mention the risk of non-interest. It just doesn't seem worth it to me. He needs the main 3 guys guys on board (Schon, Perry and Cain)...even if that means the parameters are strict.

We can't believe it, but we agree with you. Stop making sense, Dan.

We have no experience in book publishing so have no idea of the cost to do a book, how many you would need to sell to make a profit, how much you would have to pay photographers, etc but we do know the effort involved in gathering content and having it proofed and approved. When we gathered photos & content for the Sony digi-pak remasters, just getting the photographers okay for the use of images was an INSANE amount of work, and that was with the backing of the record label and the band members. At least we knew the project was going to be completed, we would be compensated for some of our time, Sony would make their profit and the CDs would be distributed worldwide.

We would really hate to see Drew go into this not truly understanding all the road blocks that will probably be in his path. The timing just doesn't seem right as Journey has made it pretty clear they are not interested in focusing on the past right now. This might be a good idea a few years down the road when/if they retire and it would be a nice retrospective look at their career.

LB & CP

Thank you, ladies. And BTW, Red13JoePa was the one that pointed out the work the two of you did on the remasters and it was outstanding. That said, and I think you'd agree, Drew better be prepared for this project to be thankless, a legal nightmare and/or a complete flop. Because those possibilities do exist and I think he's underestimating the likelihood of that happening.

PS I laughed out loud pretty long at your first sentence.

[Andrew]

AlteredDNA gets a free CD for uncovering the domain names Very Happy

Are you gonna tell us? Or keep it a state secret?

Mmmmm.... Any other takers?

[Lora]

And BTW, Red13JoePa was the one that pointed out the work the two of you did on the remasters and it was outstanding.

Thanks, Dan. The ONLY thing that got me through that whole process was my deep love for Journey and their history. CP and I spent more than a few sleepless nights working on the remasters project trying to get things together to meet deadlines. We're talking hundreds of hours spent by dozens of people to get that product out on time. But it was a labor of love and one we are proud of.

[fredinator]

Andrew, have you like approached Neal by himself and asked him about a biography? I remember I think it was Dean who said Neal wanted to write a book... I bet the man has a thousand stories to tell--for example, I enjoyed Gregg Rolie's story about Carlos and the tomato patch, lol. I bet Neal has a story about nearly every great guitarist that is or was alive during the last 40 years... Damn, I wish you would consider asking him and I wish he would cooperate... Maybe it wouldn't be as hard as getting 3 peoples' permission? I wish he would do something; time is a-flittin'.

[PianoMan1986]

Well, personally, I don't think it's a bad idea, but I would PREFER to see an overall book come out. I thought a while back "Rockwriter" mentioned considering doing a book similar to his "The Grand Delusion" book (which I thought was great). Would an overall project be more feasible if you two were to collaborate on it (if that were an option)?

Any thoughts?

[Andrew]

Andrew, have you like approached Neal by himself and asked him about a biography?

I approached Neal about this and he and Jon are not interested.

As for a Neal bio - that's still coming I believe. I know it was in the works (underway) in 2006.

[Andrew]

Well, personally, I don't think it's a bad idea, but I would PREFER to see an overall book come out. I thought a while back "Rockwriter" mentioned considering doing a book similar to his "The Grand Delusion" book (which I thought was great).

That was one idea I was considering, but useless without all co-operating.

[SP Fan in Oregon]

Andrew. Wow, the MR folks have really given you some good food for thought. From a legal perspective, if there are gag orders
related to settlement agreements in place, then I would guess that the band members would be instructed by their lawyers to not say anything
that could even be remotely construed to be violating the order, if one exists. Even if they wanted to talk with you, those orders
and the consequences of violating the settlement agreement is not worth it. I do not know if something like that exists, but if it it
does then your sources will have to be someone other than the main band members. That just feels like a huge roadblock before
you have even started. Combine that problem with the limitation on time and resources that you have indicated are also problems and
things are not looking positive towards a successful venture. On the other hand, many people, against all odds, realize their dreams. I would be the first to tell you that if it really burns in your soul to do this, then just do it. Taking risks in your life is what makes life worth living. Sometimes those risks pay off big time! Goodluck to you. I would love the Coffee Table Version with glossy pictures...

[PianoMan1986]

Well, personally, I don't think it's a bad idea, but I would PREFER to see an overall book come out. I thought a while back "Rockwriter" mentioned considering doing a book similar to his "The Grand Delusion" book (which I thought was great).

That was one idea I was considering, but useless without all co-operating.

Yeah, that's true...just giving my input

[fredinator]

A coffee table book on the Escape era with tons of pictures would be absolutely marvy for me, too, SFPofOR. I still love the Time3 booklet. Maybe a book with more pictures than verbiage might be easier to put together? Perhaps with your contacts you could get some really awesome, unusual pics. 2012, eh?

[Monker]

Here are my thoughts:

First of all, anybody who takes the time to write a novel length book and gets it published by a respectable publisher has my total respect. Anybody who has even thought about going down that road knows it is a LOT more work then what most people expect.

I like the idea of a full history more then a snapshot of Escape. I would probably buy a full history novel and I doubt I would buy an Escape book with lots of pics. That sounds a bit like the Robyn Flans 'book'...and one of those is enough.

I don't think you 'need' direct involvement of the band members you mentioned...as you said, you already have some interviews that you can use. There are also other members and other very close who may be interested. So, I think you could get a full picture without Neal/Jon/Perry.

If you do Escape, things I think you need to include:
- Go prior to Escape and detail Gregg leaving the band and Jonathan entering. Everybody knows the general picture, but there has to be more details that can be written.
- Detail out what really changed when Gregg exited and Jonathan entered...and any resistence to that change that was experienced (Herbie not wanting Gregg to leave, etc.)
- Things that add a bit of drame, like the "Open Arms" conflict between Perry and the band, and maybe even more of a history of the song and exactly why Perry has a writing credit on a song that was presented to the Babys and rejected.
- Detail out some of the stories behind the inspiration to the songs. Again, we get bits and pieces through some of the old interviews and such, so any detailed that can be told would really add a lot.
- Talk about the 'success' prior to Escape and the mega-success and superstar status Journey was propelled into following Escape - and how that changed the band, the individual band members, and those close to the band (like Herbie). I think this is a key piece to why any book about Escape would be written in the first place.

I know it sounds odd, but you will need to inject as many ups and downs as you can to keep it an interesting read, even tho it is non-fiction. Even a 'true story' has to have a bit of a story to tell, or it is not worth reading.

Ok, here’s the deal.

Sometime back I was approached by a publisher to write a book on Journey and their long colourful history.
I would love to do this, but a few things stood in the way.
1 – The time and effort to do it right; covering a 30+ year history and as many interviews as would need to be done, plus the fact no one has written a Journey book before.
2 – There are so many gag orders in place, how could I write a complete history covering the ins and outs of everything and get it right – and have everyone involved.
Seriously complicated and perhaps impossible.
I do however have direct and indirect contacts with all associated, so maybe I could pull off the impossible?
3 – Do I have the mental strength to put myself through this? Not convinced of that either! Haha.

After much contemplation I came up with a compromise. 2011 is the 30th Anniversary of the Escape album, so the idea was to write a smaller book concentrating on this album.
More a coffee table style book – size of a LP with lots of glossy pics and replications of memorabilia at the time etc… A more expensive collectors item with a limited number printed.

The book would cover the lead up to writing the album; the actual writing process; the recording process and then the tour that followed.
Then I wanted to carry on the idea by documenting the history of the Escape tunes since 1981 – covers, reworkings, re-releases, use of tunes in media then and today etc…
And also cover the current line-up and Arnel, JSS and Augeri with their input on those songs and singing them night after night.
And of course, the fans – their stories on how the songs have influenced them, been a part of their lives and how they continue to flock to see the band and hear these classic songs.

Quite a wide scope and in my mind a genuinely interesting read.

I could get the involvement of most associated with the record at the time, but most pivotal to my idea was the input of Steve Perry, Steve Smith and Neal, Jon and Ross.

Unfortunately Neal, Jon and Ross are not interested in any way in participating.
I am yet to hear back from reps for Steve Perry, but I remain hopeful.

Without them I could interview as many others as possible and also include quotes from past interviews (some of my own included), plus historical magazine articles of the day, plus pictures from some of the photo guys back then and whatever else I can dig up and get permission to use (band permission not needed here, just the copyright holders permission).

So my general questions to you die-hard fans are:

- Would you be interested in this concept – do you like the idea?
- How does the involvement or non-involvement of the original band members affect your thinking? An official endorsed book vs an unofficial, “unauthorized” semi-biography?
- Can you imagine a book about a particular album without the involvement fo the 4 main people?? (I couldn’t for a while, but maybe I can now…)
- If you do like – what would you like to see included?
- Honest opinions for and against appreciated.
- Any other comments?


If this idea fails to get going then I won’t get too upset about it, nor will I be upset if the overall feedback to the idea is negative.

I have other ideas for fictional writing and I’ll instead spend what time I have spare to develop those ideas.
I have 2 movie and 1 TV sitcom idea to develop – all based around music/rock n roll (hey, stick to what you know, right??!) – and all 3 ideas are something I strongly believe in and believe there is a definite market for.
In fact, all 3 ideas have titles and 2 of them are registered websites (although without any content apart from a mostly empty start page) (free CD to anyone that can find those 2 addresses!!!!).
1 idea is a little auto-biographical also….

The idea of stepping outside the site to write more has been something on my mind for 3 years now, but I don’t ever seem to have the time to do anything about it.
Basically I spend all of my time trying to stay up to date and chasing revenue to stay alive, so time to spread my creative wings has been minimal.

But perhaps putting this out there will spur me on to get cracking finally.

BTW – All/any of this has to fit around the site, so it’s not something that is going to happen quickly.

Over to you…

[Matthew]

Great points, Matthew. It would just be cool to get some quotes about what it's like singing and performing the songs now post-Sopranos and though there are quotes out there they're not specifically catered toward the then/now comparison. While I think you're right that the older quotes are certainly valid and interesting, it would also be just as important to have some up to date "full circle" quotes to really make the book the best it could possibly be.

Yes, that's true but this kind of involvement usually comes with a catch - which would probably be final copy approval by the band and management. In return for every insightful 'then and now' comparison from Cain there would be a hilarious and scurrilous quote from - say - Herbie Herbert taken out at the band's request.

Mainly, I fear that Drew will put a lot of time, thought, and creativity into this and be "rewarded" with legal bullshit...

Unless it makes serious allegations which open Andrew up to a libel writ I can't see what Journey could do to prevent it....but maybe I'm underestimating them.

not to mention the risk of non-interest.

That's the risk every writer takes and you're right - the odds are usually not on the writer's side. But authors do keep the advance from the publisher whether or not the book does well. Andrew would know what the basic income from the book would be right from the outset - and if it sold well then that would be a financial bonus. And then there's the high priced limited edition option....with full colour memorabilia...and you could sell most of the run on pre-order.

PS You're right about Herbie. That fucking guy could talk about sea barnicles and I'd be interested!

You know what...that would be a great book in itself wouldn't it? If it was a HH memoir then Andrew would simply need to commit to a set number of hours for interviews and the rest would essentially be a job of transcribing and editing them. Trouble is...how would you pitch it? I guess the trick would be - as Blue Skies says - to aim the book even beyond the Journey fan base and Herbert definitely has the charisma to capture the attention of any music fan.

Sharon Osbourne had a successful rock manager memoir although she had a big platform to build on - with the Osbournes and X Factor - which Herbert lacks. Maybe it would be more comparable to Black Vinyl White Powder by Simon Napier-Bell, who managed bands as varied as the Yardbirds and Wham. Unlike Herbert, he didn't even have the dedicated support of the fan bases but his book was full of great anecdotes about the music industry and was a hit in the UK. There must be a few others with a similar approach which have done well in the US.

I know that Jawbone Press from San Francisco are about to publish a memoir by the guy who ran Elektra Records - so there's every reason to think that HH could deliver a more entertaining and popular book than that one - even if it was published by a independent press with a good distribution with Barnes and Noble - which companies like Jawbone have.

[Aaron]

Mac,

I like the idea of the book. I'd be more interested in an all inclusive history of Journey book but I'd also be in for an Escape book too. It would be nice to have Neal, Jon, and Ross on board but I don't think it's a requirement. I'd like to see the following included:

1. The story behind each song
2. The conflict with Neal vs. Perry and Friga on the ballads
3. The contribution Rolie gave to band leading up to their big hit record
4. Direct input from Herbie Herbert on the record and band members
5. A reflection of each band member's perspective on the record then and now
6. The difficulty in singing these songs in their original key (input from Perry to Arnel)

I'm sure there is more but that is it for now. Good luck on the project, I'm looking forward to reading it!

Best regards,

Aaron