Another Great Steve Smith Interview

[brywool]

And we all know about Soto being persona non grata in the band's camp but it is a business after all.

YUP

I guarantee you that once Eclipse is released, all the sudden, we'll start hearing from Steve Perry (not musically of course).

[Michigan Girl]

I knew you'd jump in here...
Some in the band still keep in touch with former members (Rolie/Schon, Smith/Schon, Augeri/Deen, Deen/Smith, etc.). Hardly a conspiracy theory. Fact of the matter is that Steve Perry came out better than ANY of them and yet he has broken off all ties with any of them. Seems pretty lame to me. They did all that magic together. They wrote those songs together (eye to eye- to use McCartney's term) and yet, they can't even seem to share a phone conversation? nutty

I understand, Bry ...but it doesn't seem completely abnormal to me, except, like I said above ...Steve Smith
seems like the type of guy one just wouldn't say no to ...but that's ME!! G~boy is right, once you leave a job,
it's very rare to keep in regular contact with the people who you spent more/as much time with as you did
your own family ...fact is, you had to, but are you willing to give up the time with your family/your free time
to get together when you're no longer working together?!?! Sadly, the answer is "no" most of the time, people
are busy!! I've heard it from the Perry, Augeri, Soto slammers forever, THIS IS A BUSINESS, you can't
pick and choose when the slamming suits you!! Of course some of the members still get along and make
time for one another ...that's their choice!! The band members, all of them, seem to pick and choose WHO
they stay in contact with ...not just SP, which was my point!!

And what do you mean you knew I would jump in ...is that a problem?!?

[Don]

And we all know about Soto being persona non grata in the band's camp but it is a business after all.

YUP

I guarantee you that once Eclipse is released, all the sudden, we'll start hearing from Steve Perry (not musically of course).

We already have. In the first UK interviews promoting the new album and tour. Neal couldn't stop himself from crying about the big bad wolf whether anyone wanted to hear it or not. Fortunately, Mick Jones showed nothing but class when it was necessary to say something about Lou and he put the interview back on track as far as promoting the tour, not bitching about shit that happened two decades ago.

[brywool]

I knew you'd jump in here...
Some in the band still keep in touch with former members (Rolie/Schon, Smith/Schon, Augeri/Deen, Deen/Smith, etc.). Hardly a conspiracy theory. Fact of the matter is that Steve Perry came out better than ANY of them and yet he has broken off all ties with any of them. Seems pretty lame to me. They did all that magic together. They wrote those songs together (eye to eye- to use McCartney's term) and yet, they can't even seem to share a phone conversation? nutty

I understand, Bry ...but it doesn't seem completely abnormal to me, except, like I said above ...Steve Smith
seems like the type of guy one just wouldn't say no to ...but that's ME!! G~boy is right, once you leave a job,
it's very rare to keep in regular contact with the people who you spent more/as much time with as you did
your own family ...fact is, you had to, but are you willing to give up the time with your family/your free time
to get together when you're no longer working together?!?! Sadly, the answer is "no" most of the time, people
are busy!! I've heard it from the Perry, Augeri, Soto slammers forever, THIS IS A BUSINESS, you can't
pick and choose when the slamming suits you!! Of course some of the members still get along and make
time for one another ...that's their choice!! The band members, all of them, seem to pick and choose WHO
they stay in contact with ...not just SP, which was my point!!

And what do you mean you knew I would jump in ...is that a problem?!?

That was in reference to anytime I seemingly dis Perry, you come back at me. Wasn't just dissing him, it just seems true. That's all. Not a problem, I was just expecting it.
A "Job" is so much different than an activity that was highly creative, highly rewarding, etc. I mean, if it was "I never call those cats that I used to work at the Car Wash with" that'd be one thing. But to say "I never call those cats that I made such great money, music, memories, toured the world with, and a reputation" seems odd to me. I've played in bands with guys over the past 30 years. Most of them, I'm still friendly with. I don't socialize with them much, but I also don't go out of my way to avoid them and tell anyone who will listen how tough it was to be a part of those things. I mean, jeez, everyone grows up and time moves on. To hold grudges just is dopey.

And you're right, Smith seems to be a helluva nice guy. I've got his drumming video somewhere. Talk about a laid back guy! He's like this little, meek dude, who just WAILS on the drums.

[brywool]

And we all know about Soto being persona non grata in the band's camp but it is a business after all.

YUP

I guarantee you that once Eclipse is released, all the sudden, we'll start hearing from Steve Perry (not musically of course).

We already have. In the first UK interviews promoting the new album and tour. Neal couldn't stop himself from crying about the big bad wolf whether anyone wanted to hear it or not. Fortunately, Mick Jones showed nothing but class when it was necessary to say something about Lou and he put the interview back on track as far as promoting the tour, not bitching about shit that happened two decades ago.

Well, that was Neal. Neal- you REALLY need to let that go. In fact, the band should collectively just try and avoid the subject if possible- unless it can be with some kind of "he's doing what he wants, so are we" vibe. They need to talk abou the NOW and the Future. The past is over. If they want fans to move on with them, they need to move on too. Not a slam, just a perception.

[Michigan Girl]

That was in reference to anytime I seemingly dis Perry, you come back at me. Wasn't just dissing him, it just seems true. That's all. Not a problem, I was just expecting it. .

Oh geez, don't feel singled out, my response to g~boy wasn't in re: to just your comment,
read the gangbangers, ..."Oh, I can't believe SP won't talk to SM", "he's probably embarrassed",
what can I say, shit draws flies ...

When Neal & Co call SA and JSS, let me know ...I'll retract my thoughts/words!!

[brywool]

That was in reference to anytime I seemingly dis Perry, you come back at me. Wasn't just dissing him, it just seems true. That's all. Not a problem, I was just expecting it. .

Oh geez, don't feel singled out, my response to g~boy wasn't in re: to just your comment,
read the gangbangers, ..."Oh, I can't believe SP won't talk to SM", "he's probably embarrassed",
what can I say, shit draws flies ...

When Neal & Co call SA and JSS, let me know ...I'll retract my thoughts/words!!

Neal never was that into SA from what I know. With JSS, I don't really know that story, though I've heard things. Who knows whether true or not.

[portland]

I knew you'd jump in here...
Some in the band still keep in touch with former members (Rolie/Schon, Smith/Schon, Augeri/Deen, Deen/Smith, etc.). Hardly a conspiracy theory. Fact of the matter is that Steve Perry came out better than ANY of them and yet he has broken off all ties with any of them. Seems pretty lame to me. They did all that magic together. They wrote those songs together (eye to eye- to use McCartney's term) and yet, they can't even seem to share a phone conversation? nutty

I understand, Bry ...but it doesn't seem completely abnormal to me, except, like I said above ...Steve Smith
seems like the type of guy one just wouldn't say no to ...but that's ME!! G~boy is right, once you leave a job,
it's very rare to keep in regular contact with the people who you spent more/as much time with as you did
your own family ...fact is, you had to, but are you willing to give up the time with your family/your free time
to get together when you're no longer working together?!?! Sadly, the answer is "no" most of the time, people
are busy!! I've heard it from the Perry, Augeri, Soto slammers forever, THIS IS A BUSINESS, you can't
pick and choose when the slamming suits you!! Of course some of the members still get along and make
time for one another ...that's their choice!! The band members, all of them, seem to pick and choose WHO
they stay in contact with ...not just SP, which was my point!!

And what do you mean you knew I would jump in ...is that a problem?!?

That was in reference to anytime I seemingly dis Perry, you come back at me. Wasn't just dissing him, it just seems true. That's all. Not a problem, I was just expecting it.
A "Job" is so much different than an activity that was highly creative, highly rewarding, etc. I mean, if it was "I never call those cats that I used to work at the Car Wash with" that'd be one thing. But to say "I never call those cats that I made such great money, music, memories, toured the world with, and a reputation" seems odd to me. I've played in bands with guys over the past 30 years. Most of them, I'm still friendly with. I don't socialize with them much, but I also don't go out of my way to avoid them and tell anyone who will listen how tough it was to be a part of those things. I mean, jeez, everyone grows up and time moves on. To hold grudges just is dopey.

And you're right, Smith seems to be a helluva nice guy. I've got his drumming video somewhere. Talk about a laid back guy! He's like this little, meek dude, who just WAILS on the drums.

I thought that was my job???

[brywool]

I knew you'd jump in here...
Some in the band still keep in touch with former members (Rolie/Schon, Smith/Schon, Augeri/Deen, Deen/Smith, etc.). Hardly a conspiracy theory. Fact of the matter is that Steve Perry came out better than ANY of them and yet he has broken off all ties with any of them. Seems pretty lame to me. They did all that magic together. They wrote those songs together (eye to eye- to use McCartney's term) and yet, they can't even seem to share a phone conversation? nutty

I understand, Bry ...but it doesn't seem completely abnormal to me, except, like I said above ...Steve Smith
seems like the type of guy one just wouldn't say no to ...but that's ME!! G~boy is right, once you leave a job,
it's very rare to keep in regular contact with the people who you spent more/as much time with as you did
your own family ...fact is, you had to, but are you willing to give up the time with your family/your free time
to get together when you're no longer working together?!?! Sadly, the answer is "no" most of the time, people
are busy!! I've heard it from the Perry, Augeri, Soto slammers forever, THIS IS A BUSINESS, you can't
pick and choose when the slamming suits you!! Of course some of the members still get along and make
time for one another ...that's their choice!! The band members, all of them, seem to pick and choose WHO
they stay in contact with ...not just SP, which was my point!!

And what do you mean you knew I would jump in ...is that a problem?!?

That was in reference to anytime I seemingly dis Perry, you come back at me. Wasn't just dissing him, it just seems true. That's all. Not a problem, I was just expecting it.
A "Job" is so much different than an activity that was highly creative, highly rewarding, etc. I mean, if it was "I never call those cats that I used to work at the Car Wash with" that'd be one thing. But to say "I never call those cats that I made such great money, music, memories, toured the world with, and a reputation" seems odd to me. I've played in bands with guys over the past 30 years. Most of them, I'm still friendly with. I don't socialize with them much, but I also don't go out of my way to avoid them and tell anyone who will listen how tough it was to be a part of those things. I mean, jeez, everyone grows up and time moves on. To hold grudges just is dopey.

And you're right, Smith seems to be a helluva nice guy. I've got his drumming video somewhere. Talk about a laid back guy! He's like this little, meek dude, who just WAILS on the drums.

I thought that was my job???

[The_Noble_Cause]

Well, that was Neal. Neal- you REALLY need to let that go. In fact, the band should collectively just try and avoid the subject if possible- unless it can be with some kind of "he's doing what he wants, so are we" vibe. They need to talk abou the NOW and the Future. The past is over.

Disagree. Thanks to VH1- Behind the Music, there was a perception that the band kicked Perry out once he got ill, instead of the truth - they waited for twelve years for him. The more Herbie and Neal speak out about that, the better.

[Don]

Well, that was Neal. Neal- you REALLY need to let that go. In fact, the band should collectively just try and avoid the subject if possible- unless it can be with some kind of "he's doing what he wants, so are we" vibe. They need to talk abou the NOW and the Future. The past is over.

Disagree. Thanks to VH1- Behind the Music, there was a perception that the band kicked Perry out once he got ill, instead of the truth - they waited for twelve years for him. The more Herbie and Neal speak out about that, the better.

I disagree. Fans in the UK don't give a fuck about the VH1 interview. If he is asked about the departure, fine set the record straight but to just whine about Perry and even introduce the subject himself when he is supposed to be promoting a new album/tour just makes him look like a bitter troll baby.
There's the ability to have a fresh start in Europe, why drag Perry's ghost around with him over there too. The focus should be on Arnel, not the band intentionally putting the spot light on an ex-member from decades past. The UK media does enough of that on their own with the Island's obsession over DSB.

[The_Noble_Cause]

I disagree. Fans in the UK don't give a fuck about the VH1 interview. If he is asked about the departure, fine set the record straight but to just whine about Perry and even introduce the subject himself when he is supposed to be promoting a new album/tour just makes him look like a bitter troll baby.
There's the ability to have a fresh start in Europe, why drag Perry's ghost around with him over there too. The focus should be on Arnel, not the band intentionally putting the spot light on an ex-member from decades past. The UK media does enough of that on their own with the Island's obsession over DSB.

I don't mean the UK, specifically. In general, the band should never pass up an opportunity to hammer home the point that Arnel is up on that stage (or SA or JSS or whoever) cuz Perry refuses to do so. I think the public respects those who swing a punch. At least I do.

[Don]

I disagree. Fans in the UK don't give a fuck about the VH1 interview. If he is asked about the departure, fine set the record straight but to just whine about Perry and even introduce the subject himself when he is supposed to be promoting a new album/tour just makes him look like a bitter troll baby.
There's the ability to have a fresh start in Europe, why drag Perry's ghost around with him over there too. The focus should be on Arnel, not the band intentionally putting the spot light on an ex-member from decades past. The UK media does enough of that on their own with the Island's obsession over DSB.

I don't mean the UK, specifically. In general, the band should never pass up an opportunity to hammer home the point that Arnel is up on that stage (or SA or JSS or whoever) cuz Perry refuses to do so. I think the public respects those who swing a punch. At least I do.

Oh, they don't miss those opportunities. It's very much like they have a new baby to show off with Pineda. I'd say it's tenfold over the selling job they ever tried to do with Augeri but then again, they never had the built in PR department that Arnel has championing his cause ( the multiple dedicated fansites, the RP media keeping tabs on him as a Filipino success story, among other things)

[The_Noble_Cause]

Oh, they don't miss those opportunities. It's very much like they have a new baby to show off with Pineda. I'd say it's tenfold over the selling job they ever tried to do with Augeri but then again, they never had the built in PR department that Arnel has championing his cause ( the multiple dedicated fansites, the RP media keeping tabs on him as a Filipino success story, among other things)

Yes, its markedly clear they now have a frontman they proudly stand behind. SA was always kept in the shadows.

[Majestic]

I disagree. Fans in the UK don't give a fuck about the VH1 interview. If he is asked about the departure, fine set the record straight but to just whine about Perry and even introduce the subject himself when he is supposed to be promoting a new album/tour just makes him look like a bitter troll baby.
There's the ability to have a fresh start in Europe, why drag Perry's ghost around with him over there too. The focus should be on Arnel, not the band intentionally putting the spot light on an ex-member from decades past. The UK media does enough of that on their own with the Island's obsession over DSB.

I don't mean the UK, specifically. In general, the band should never pass up an opportunity to hammer home the point that Arnel is up on that stage (or SA or JSS or whoever) cuz Perry refuses to do so. I think the public respects those who swing a punch. At least I do.

I'd say it's tenfold over the selling job they ever tried to do with Augeri but then again, they never had the built in PR department that Arnel has championing his cause ( the multiple dedicated fansites, the RP media keeping tabs on him as a Filipino success story, among other things)

Moreover, with all due respect to Augeri, Arnel is a much stronger and more impressive vocalist. I don't think pushing and promoting Augeri would have made as much difference as people think because by the time he was singing for Journey he was only a shadow of the vocalist he was for Tall Stories (which was superb) or Tyketo. Arnel brings a lot more to promote.

[Michigan Girl]

I disagree. Fans in the UK don't give a fuck about the VH1 interview. If he is asked about the departure, fine set the record straight but to just whine about Perry and even introduce the subject himself when he is supposed to be promoting a new album/tour just makes him look like a bitter troll baby.
There's the ability to have a fresh start in Europe, why drag Perry's ghost around with him over there too. The focus should be on Arnel, not the band intentionally putting the spot light on an ex-member from decades past. The UK media does enough of that on their own with the Island's obsession over DSB.

I don't mean the UK, specifically. In general, the band should never pass up an opportunity to hammer home the point that Arnel is up on that stage (or SA or JSS or whoever) cuz Perry refuses to do so. I think the public respects those who swing a punch. At least I do.

With all due respect, and I mean that sincerely, who really
gives a shit anymore?!?! The new fan base doesn't even care about the history of the
band unless they're singing the DD, and the old fans have chosen sides and they
aren't budging. If Neal and/or JC were capable of making such a statement without making
themselves look like complete whiny, juvenile, jealous grudge holding jackasses, it may have
worked in their favor ...in 1998 and only the kneelers, who have Neal's mentality, love it now!! ...
They should continue moving FORWARD!!!:wink:

[The_Noble_Cause]

With all due respect, and I mean that sincerely, who really
gives a shit anymore?!?! The new fan base doesn't even care about the history of the
band unless they're singing the DD, and the old fans have chosen sides and they
aren't budging. If Neal and/or JC were capable of making such a statement without making
themselves look like complete whiny, juvenile, jealous grudge holding jackasses, it may have
worked in their favor ...in 1998 and only the kneelers, who have Neal's mentality, love it now!! ...
They should continue moving FORWARD!!!:wink:

You'd be surprised. There are still some holdovers with a "no perry, no journey" mentality. In fact, a few of them lurk in the forum directly below this one. I love it when Herbie or Neal talk trash.

[steveo777]

With all due respect, and I mean that sincerely, who really
gives a shit anymore?!?! The new fan base doesn't even care about the history of the
band unless they're singing the DD, and the old fans have chosen sides and they
aren't budging. If Neal and/or JC were capable of making such a statement without making
themselves look like complete whiny, juvenile, jealous grudge holding jackasses, it may have
worked in their favor ...in 1998 and only the kneelers, who have Neal's mentality, love it now!! ...
They should continue moving FORWARD!!!:wink:

You'd be surprised. There are still some holdovers with a "no perry, no journey" mentality. In fact, a few of them lurk in the forum directly below this one. I love it when Herbie or Neal talk trash.

What they don't understand is what a Perry fronted Journey might sound like today. There was noone better, back when Steve had the
ability to sing.

[brywool]

Well, that was Neal. Neal- you REALLY need to let that go. In fact, the band should collectively just try and avoid the subject if possible- unless it can be with some kind of "he's doing what he wants, so are we" vibe. They need to talk abou the NOW and the Future. The past is over.

Disagree. Thanks to VH1- Behind the Music, there was a perception that the band kicked Perry out once he got ill, instead of the truth - they waited for twelve years for him. The more Herbie and Neal speak out about that, the better.

But it's old news. If someone asks and they say "We waited 12 years for him"- I have zero problem with that. It's the truth. Just like now, Perry apparently didn't want, or couldn't work. But if Perry wanted to be working, he would be. Journey wants to work. That tells me each camp is doing what they want.

[Michigan Girl]

Well, that was Neal. Neal- you REALLY need to let that go. In fact, the band should collectively just try and avoid the subject if possible- unless it can be with some kind of "he's doing what he wants, so are we" vibe. They need to talk abou the NOW and the Future. The past is over.

Disagree. Thanks to VH1- Behind the Music, there was a perception that the band kicked Perry out once he got ill, instead of the truth - they waited for twelve years for him. The more Herbie and Neal speak out about that, the better.

But it's old news. If someone asks and they say "We waited 12 years for him"- I have zero problem with that. It's the truth. Just like now, Perry apparently didn't want, or couldn't work. But if Perry wanted to be working, he would be. Journey wants to work. That tells me each camp is doing what they want.

Bry, I agree w/you 100%, would it be
too out of character for me to say so?!?!
And the fans are doing what they want to do ...

[The_Noble_Cause]

But it's old news. If someone asks and they say "We waited 12 years for him"- I have zero problem with that. It's the truth. Just like now, Perry apparently didn't want, or couldn't work.

The fact that a new "Perry is returning to Journey" rumor breaks out every 3-6 months tells me that some people still are not getting the message.

[steveo777]

But it's old news. If someone asks and they say "We waited 12 years for him"- I have zero problem with that. It's the truth. Just like now, Perry apparently didn't want, or couldn't work.

The fact that a new "Perry is returning to Journey" rumor breaks out every 3-6 months tells me that some people still are not getting the message.

It's an affliction and there is a psych term for it - delusional thinking. Hence the term "loon".
There is nothing wrong with loving what SP gave us, but to believe that there will ever be
anything new is just not rational thinking. Has Steve himself not said he was done?

[Don]

But it's old news. If someone asks and they say "We waited 12 years for him"- I have zero problem with that. It's the truth. Just like now, Perry apparently didn't want, or couldn't work.

The fact that a new "Perry is returning to Journey" rumor breaks out every 3-6 months tells me that some people still are not getting the message.

It's an affliction and there is a psych term for it - delusional thinking. Hence the term "loon".
There is nothing wrong with loving what SP gave us, but to believe that there will ever be
anything new is just not rational thinking. Has Steve himself not said he was done?

Well, as been said before; If Neal refuses to get over it and enjoys feeding the fire, why shouldn't the fans sling it back at him? They've all proven to be assholes at one time or another. No one has the high ground, per se.

There doesn't need to be apologies or anything of that sort. It's done, water under the bridge. Look at Foreigner, you don't hear Mick bitching about Lou (and Gramm has talked some serious shit about Jones), it's all about Kelly now. The fans will move on when the band does, and if their are those who won't, nothing is ever going to change that, short of a reunion, which we know isn't on the horizon.

[Michigan Girl]

But it's old news. If someone asks and they say "We waited 12 years for him"- I have zero problem with that. It's the truth. Just like now, Perry apparently didn't want, or couldn't work.

The fact that a new "Perry is returning to Journey" rumor breaks out every 3-6 months tells me that some people still are not getting the message.

It's an affliction and there is a psych term for it - delusional thinking. Hence the term "loon".
There is nothing wrong with loving what SP gave us, but to believe that there will ever be
anything new is just not rational thinking. Has Steve himself not said he was done?

Well, as been said before; If Neal refuses to get over it and enjoys feeding the fire, why shouldn't the fans sling it back at him? They've all proven to be assholes at one time or another. No one has the high ground, per se.

There doesn't need to be apologies or anything of that sort. It's done, water under the bridge. Look at Foreigner, you don't hear Mick bitching about Lou (and Gramm has talked some serious shit about Jones), it's all about Kelly now. The fans will move on when the band does, and if their are those who won't, nothing is ever going to change that, short of a reunion, which we know isn't on the horizon.

I swear we share a brain (sometimes) and you just got the larger portion!!

[JourneyHard]

I wonder if they will package Neal Schon's new solo album as a bonus with Eclipse. It would save me a trip to the store!

[Saint John]

I wonder if they will package Neal Schon's new solo album as a bonus with Eclipse. It would save me a trip to the store!

No chance of that happening.

[Don]

I wonder if they will package Neal Schon's new solo album as a bonus with Eclipse. It would save me a trip to the store!

What are you smoking this morning?

[marco17]

I disagree. Fans in the UK don't give a fuck about the VH1 interview. If he is asked about the departure, fine set the record straight but to just whine about Perry and even introduce the subject himself when he is supposed to be promoting a new album/tour just makes him look like a bitter troll baby.
There's the ability to have a fresh start in Europe, why drag Perry's ghost around with him over there too. The focus should be on Arnel, not the band intentionally putting the spot light on an ex-member from decades past. The UK media does enough of that on their own with the Island's obsession over DSB.

I don't mean the UK, specifically. In general, the band should never pass up an opportunity to hammer home the point that Arnel is up on that stage (or SA or JSS or whoever) cuz Perry refuses to do so. I think the public respects those who swing a punch. At least I do.

I'd say it's tenfold over the selling job they ever tried to do with Augeri but then again, they never had the built in PR department that Arnel has championing his cause ( the multiple dedicated fansites, the RP media keeping tabs on him as a Filipino success story, among other things)

Moreover, with all due respect to Augeri, Arnel is a much stronger and more impressive vocalist. I don't think pushing and promoting Augeri would have made as much difference as people think because by the time he was singing for Journey he was only a shadow of the vocalist he was for Tall Stories (which was superb) or Tyketo. Arnel brings a lot more to promote.

Not so sure about the Augeri related comments. Agreed, vocally, Arnel possesses a voice that is more suitable to Journey at this stage, but had Augeri [of JSS] been in the band when the DSB thing broke on the Sopranos and Glee, I think that Journey would have been thrust back into the spotlight to some degree. Add the media interest in Journey at the time, and welcoming a new lead singer, who they found on YouTube, and is from another country, with all the tear jerking side issues, made for media gold for everyone involved, in retrospect the DSB stuff and Arnel joining is quite the PR phenomenon, moreso than I believe it was a lack of wanting to promote the band or Augeri. That said, due to the vocal issues towards the end, I doubt they were tripping all over themselves to do a lot of promoting, especially since albums and album sales aren't what it is about anymore and they were still selling a lot of tickets each tour.

[Arianddu]

I thought this was really interesting, and pretty much sums up what I always thought had happened - the band was burned out on their own success, and everyone - Neal, both Steves, everyone - wanted to go in different directions, but the pressure on them to stay together was huge; they kept the band and it cost them the friendships.

Q: And for what reason did you find enough was enough?

A: Well, that’s a whole drama unto itself when a band melts down. It all came to a head when we were working on the “Raised On Radio” record. Philosophically I’ve looked back at that time and I can see that when a band first gets together their energy is focused on writing songs and touring and being successful. There are common goals and a common focus that gives a band a synergy that is very unifying. Once those goals are met then the question is “okay, now what”? I do think for most creative musicians you don’t want to do the same thing over and over again and stay in the same group. Once the band goals are met with successful records and big tours what becomes important are the goals of the individuals, it’s a natural progression.

But some fans and gossip magazines always seem to look at that situation and ask “why did the band fall apart, why did they break up”? “Who was at fault, who were the prima-donnas and bad guys”? In my opinion, bands break up for a few main reasons: they get burned out because they work too much, they fall into petty squabbling because of being together all of the time, and they break up because the band members move to the next logical stage of personal and musical development. From my perspective all of that occurred with Journey.After we reached our group goals, I wanted to play jazz, the singer wanted to sing more R&B inspired rock, the guitar player wanted to play more progressive hard rock, so as far as I’m concerned it’s all okay, let’s just do our own things. But with so many pressures trying to keep a band together: the fans love the group, we’re making a lot money for the record company, we’re making money for promoters, and we’re all making money ourselves, there are a lot of conflicting interests. For me, I surrendered to the music I wanted to play, I let go of the financial aspect; “yes we’re making a lot of money which is really fun but I’d rather play the music I really want to play”. After a while it was not musically rewarding for me to continue in that direction. I can talk about it like this now but I wasn’t so insightful and clear thinking in those days. The decisions and the conflicts were difficult and at times painful.