Early Eclipse interview from Deen

[slucero]

SJ you just can't let it go can you..... lol

[Saint John]

you just can't let it go can you..... lol

Yeah, I don't think he should have chimed in either.

[slucero]

lol fixed it...

[Argus]

SJ you just can't let it go can you..... lol

Yeah, I don't think he should have chimed in either.

lol fixed it...

Hold on to that feeling That is one thing that keeps reprising with JRNY, the band, their fans, their crew, their family and friends somehow can't stop holding on to their feelings. It's a Blessing and a curse

[jrnyjetster]

....and to be public about what others have wondered, YES, i think Arnel is a tremendous singer, his voice fits them like a glove and then some and I happy to see him being accepted as the future of Journey…and I mean it!

Jeff, you're the best, man! Nice to see you chime in, long time , no see! Hope everything is going well with you. Please visit more often...

[Andrew]

However after asking a former Soul SirkUS member to be add even a sentence, he declined as Neal got wind of it thought the book was a tell-all...word is he opted out because of that

Man, you're 0 for Journey and 0 for Soul SirkUS. You seem to have a tough time keeping friends!.

I nearly hit the delete button on this post and on YOU Dan. Have just a little bit of respect on here will ya? This kind of shit is just cringeworthy and embarrasing to see.

[JSS]

1st of all, I took the high road and stayed away from the internet about my personal dealings with these guys

This might be a new record for you! I couldn't get through the first two sentences without finding something that I find questionable. So, let me get this straight, you took "the high road" and "stayed away from the internet," huh? At face value, I find this to be generally true. However, it was pretty obvious that for some time you had other "couriers" post exactly what you wanted to be said right here ... and some things that you probably didn't. I'll keep names out of this, as I, too, use the "high road.":lol: Anyway, do you care to toss around any theories as to how exactly the story of a certain member's momentary lapse landed him in rehab, and just how that information found its way onto here (and elsewhere)? Seems to me that, ironically, that's pretty close to the time that the other members of Journey finally unplugged you, and you never really heard from them again.

I'll take a stab at this, just cuz you crack me up Dan, always the one who reads between lines that aren't there....for starters, I never had any couriers or henchmen come on here to fight for me, come on man, that's just silly and juvenile. If anyone did so, it was based on their decision(s) to do so. Like I said, this is a small community of Journey 101 and as much as the guys in the band did come on here from time to time, maybe still do, and even that it was more in tune with their lives than say their own site, I didn't think saving face with the dozen or so on here that weren't into me would save my job, it was more that I was part of this little community and enjoyed interacting...you have to remember, I used to come onto the messageboards well before my tenure with them or Neal (SS). I found it fun to interact and even argue with the 'fans', it was never a problem until it became a problem. Regarding rehab, I never even knew anyone went into rehab during that time, I swear to God, I had no clue...so any info on someone relapsing is news to me which makes me wonder now, how the hell do you know it was reportedly me who mentioned it when I didn't even know?

For starters Deen needs to get some facts straight

Um, no he doesn't. He didn't purport anything as "fact." His exact quote states what they were "told." Here it is: "We were told he was gonna write a book and spilling the dirt on Journey ... "

If you read the part I wrote about Neal hearing about the book, you would have seen I wrote 'Neal heard about the book'...Deen stating what he had 'heard' is not the part people remember, they remember the fact that when they hear or read I am writing a book, it's probably the one 'Deen was told I was writing about and spilling the dirt on Journey'! So yes, the facts are incorrect, I am not writing a tell-all.

there is a chapter of my time with Journey but it is not a tell-all, not a diary of day to day occurrences

Hell, we had that in "real time" while you were in the band! You can saunter from European bar gig to gig, and continue to think that there isn't a contingent that doesn't know about the escapades during your time in the band, and most may not say anything about them, but it doesn't mean that they didn't happen! Listen, no one in the band, including you, was/is a complete sinner or a complete saint, but there are more than a few eyewitness accounts and reliable stories that you cast you in a less than gleaming light. And to be fair, you're not the only one. I can't imagine the sea of temptations that a gig of this magnitude brings ... but I do know that I'd probably succumb to them!

European bar? Dude, we played proper gigs on that tour as we always had and as I do with my own band...I/we played some smaller venues but you make it seem like I am on tour at Joe's Crab Shacks! Take it easy on the undermining the level of which I do my thing, who cares that I don't sell out arenas every night, since when has it ever been about every artist in Journey being at the same level as Journey? I am content in my progress and am lucky to do what I do for a living. The last part of your mail, I have no clue what you're talking about, it's like you were there but not there so you take inklings of what others say and exploit them into something, don't get it dude?

However after asking a former Soul SirkUS member to be add even a sentence, he declined as Neal got wind of it thought the book was a tell-all...word is he opted out because of that

Man, you're 0 for Journey and 0 for Soul SirkUS. You seem to have a tough time keeping friends!

Actually no, I don't...but I know others that do...and this is one guy in SS I'm talking about, the other I still keep in regular contact with.

I was a "permanent member" which yes, meant I became a partner

I'll take this opportunity to say that I don't think you're a bad guy or any sort of indecent human, but I also think you made a shitload of mistakes in your time in Journey. And I think you know that, too. Let me ask you an honest question, and maybe you can answer it on here and maybe you can't ... but what, in your mind, is the primary reason that you think you were let go and never talked to again by the four remaining members in Journey?

Who doesn't make mistakes? But in life, does that mean we're not worthy of a slap on the wrist, a scolding, a sitting down, a warning or fine, etc.,? I certainly wont get into any more personal parameters of my letting go, as I said, I dont care anymore and to say I should have cared then is not the point, it's about the here and now, how we move forward from it that I brought up. But to be perfectly honest, why I haven't spoken to any of them in 4 years...your guess is as good as mine...well, I wont say you have to guess as you seem to know all like you were privy to details of how things went down.

I honestly don't give a shit about any of this until my dignity and pride are continuously poked at, should I not then defend it?

Perhaps now you should, but you shouldn't have while in Journey. That was a big mistake. It comes with the territory. "Thick skin," remember? You think Perry, Schon and Cain come here to fight online wars. Well, okay, maybe just Perry and Cain! From cussing out a faceless fan right on here to allowing far too many people to be privy to far too much information, you seemed to be a Double-AA player flailing in the Big Leagues. Live and learn. I hope you get a second chance that's just as big. You're a very decent guy, you were (too) great to the fans and you've worked your tail off for 25 years. Good luck.

Yes, 'thick skin', as in what others have to say about me....not when it comes to the guys I was with saying it! Cussing out a faceless fan? Come on man, people on here are brutal and I was brutal back, human nature in between having fun with the fans, 'comes with the territory', like I said, been on here for some time before working with Neal & Co., it's a messageboard and things get ugly all around. But I never revealed anything on here to hurt or turn on the guys, all I ever did was tease about certain songs we might be adding and things to this nature. Defending my pride and image, of course I do if I post on here, what kind of pussy would I be if I just nod and say 'that's ok'? I didn't mind getting my hands dirty when I used to post on here but it shouldn't paint me as this sugar coating yes man, too old for that. So instead I backed off and removed myself a bit, simple as that.

now I find myself 4 years later feeling like I have to say 'hey guys, I'm not this bad dude I'm being painted as', kinda sucks!

I've never, until this interview, read/heard a word regarding you from the Journey guys. And while I tend to agree with you that Deen should have probably reined it in a bit, I can't help but think he needed to let that out, as he may subscribe to the "relapse" theory, too. But that's something that only you probably know.

Again, have no clue what that's about, if it's out there how am I just hearing about it now? That would actually make sense too but my knowledge of anyone's personal vices, not just Journey, remained with me, I would NEVER publicly air things of this nature and if that's what they think or heard I did, then my firing DEFINITELY was out of line!

I have email after email, text after text to them all extending my hand in friendship and hope that we could be civil, during & after the firing

Regardless of circumstance and blame, if there is any, this was a classy move. Kudos.

Regarding posting here now, I do it because you guys are the only ones that really care about this, the other 850,000 people I sang to during my time with the band don't even remember or care about 'where did that tall Puerto Rican guy we saw singing with them go?'...this tight knit community tells it like it is and it helps me sleep better knowing you don't have to conspire too much about things you read or hear....well, most of you don't have to

You wrote on another thread this is the 1st you heard or read them saying anything negative or out of context about me...without searching too hard out there, it's not for me!

Someday I hope to meet up with you and have a few beers in person, you're a great debater and an intelligent dude, just wonder why everything has to be so defensive, even someone's telling 'their side'. Later Dan/guys, I'm done on this subject, carry on!

[Vocalsmanvocals]

I know I'm kissing ass big time but that Journey/Def Leppard concert with JSS was hands down the best concert I've ever been to.

Ditto. Classic.

Hell ya! That was a classic concert! When Journey did perform that year at Darien Lake, the whole feel of the concert was just turned up a notch more rockin than other Journey concerts I have attended...it was due to JSS's voice and countless energy, which is one of the best rock voices I have heard and a heck of an entertainer! I would have loved to hear JSS sing Stand Up and Shouuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuttttttttttttttttt live! On another note, Deen was ill and did not perform that show...Deen's tech was the drummer that show...he was pretty good!

[Eric]

I know I'm kissing ass big time but that Journey/Def Leppard concert with JSS was hands down the best concert I've ever been to.

Ditto. Classic.

Hell ya! That was a classic concert! When Journey did perform that year at Darien Lake, the whole feel of the concert was just turned up a notch more rockin than other Journey concerts I have attended...it was due to JSS's voice and countless energy, which is one of the best rock voices I have heard and a heck of an entertainer! I would have loved to hear JSS sing Stand Up and Shouuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuttttttttttttttttt live! On another note, Deen was ill and did not perform that show...Deen's tech was the drummer that show...he was pretty good!

Great, great show. And it was cold and wet too.

[RumTumJM]

Well, as always, JSS sets the story straight, in the utmost classy way.

I want to make very clear, that with my past comments, I NEVER meant ANYTHING AGAINST JSS. I know he has always been a true example of class, and even so for myself when I spoke with him after a TSO show. If anything, I was ripping on Irv & Deen (who I still agree, seems to be the nicest guy in the band.)

Just thought, I should clarify that. I'll leave the REAL MANIAC BANTER for others on this board! It keeps this place interesting!

[Deb]

This might be a new record for you! I couldn't get through the first two sentences without finding something that I find questionable. So, let me get this straight, you took "the high road" and "stayed away from the internet," huh? At face value, I find this to be generally true. However, it was pretty obvious that for some time you had other "couriers" post exactly what you wanted to be said right here ... and some things that you probably didn't. I'll keep names out of this, as I, too, use the "high road.":lol: Anyway, do you care to toss around any theories as to how exactly the story of a certain member's momentary lapse landed him in rehab, and just how that information found its way onto here (and elsewhere)? Seems to me that, ironically, that's pretty close to the time that the other members of Journey finally unplugged you, and you never really heard from them again.

I'll take a stab at this, just cuz you crack me up Dan, always the one who reads between lines that aren't there....for starters, I never had any couriers or henchmen come on here to fight for me, come on man, that's just silly and juvenile. If anyone did so, it was based on their decision(s) to do so. Like I said, this is a small community of Journey 101 and as much as the guys in the band did come on here from time to time, maybe still do, and even that it was more in tune with their lives than say their own site, I didn't think saving face with the dozen or so on here that weren't into me would save my job, it was more that I was part of this little community and enjoyed interacting...you have to remember, I used to come onto the messageboards well before my tenure with them or Neal (SS). I found it fun to interact and even argue with the 'fans', it was never a problem until it became a problem. Regarding rehab, I never even knew anyone went into rehab during that time, I swear to God, I had no clue...so any info on someone relapsing is news to me which makes me wonder now, how the hell do you know it was reportedly me who mentioned it when I didn't even know?

Nothing new, Dan is always pulling these so called factoids out of his ass.

[Saint John]

Too much to quote and, I, like Soto, have no idea how to break down quotes and respond after more than one response. Anyway, I am not purporting any "facts" here, just asking some questions surrounding past events.

But, to clarify, the "rehab" thing didn't occur while you were in the band. It was, I believe, while Augeri was in the band. The "story" surrounding it was released and began making its way through the rumor mill while you were in the band ... making it appear as though you *may* have been the source. Nothing more, nothing less. I have never once on the board or off said that you did anything intentionally egregious to anyone in or out of Journey.

If those are the best answers to the questions I asked that Soto can give, and I think they are, there's really nothing else left to talk about. I'll follow his lead and leave it at that.

[Intell]

Regarding posting here now, I do it because you guys are the only ones that really care about this, the other 850,000 people I sang to during my time with the band don't even remember or care about 'where did that tall Puerto Rican guy we saw singing with them go?'...this tight knit community tells it like it is and it helps me sleep better knowing you don't have to conspire too much about things you read or hear....well, most of you don't have to

[/quote]

JSS- Met you in Tampa in the lobby at the Hard Rock. You were VERY down to earth and we carried on a nice, but short conversation. The question you asked me (which I will not share) showed me just how genuine and humble you were and hope still are. I also know a musician friend of yours and we converse from time to time when I go and watch him play. He has NOTHING but good to say about you.

That is my 2 cents worth.

Hope to meet and visit with you again some day.

Blessings,
Kim (a/k/a Intell)

[Archetype]

The fact that Neal is so concerned about a "tell-all" is more than enough info for me to believe that Rockindeano was right the whole time...

[ebake02]

I know I'm kissing ass big time but that Journey/Def Leppard concert with JSS was hands down the best concert I've ever been to.

Ditto. Classic.

Hell ya! That was a classic concert! When Journey did perform that year at Darien Lake, the whole feel of the concert was just turned up a notch more rockin than other Journey concerts I have attended...it was due to JSS's voice and countless energy, which is one of the best rock voices I have heard and a heck of an entertainer! I would have loved to hear JSS sing Stand Up and Shouuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuttttttttttttttttt live! On another note, Deen was ill and did not perform that show...Deen's tech was the drummer that show...he was pretty good!

Great, great show. And it was cold and wet too.

It was damn cold! I remember Neal walking on stage sporting big heavy leather jacket like he was stepping out into the arctic. I think Deen's tech was named Jim Handley or something like that.

[Rick]

I know I'm kissing ass big time but that Journey/Def Leppard concert with JSS was hands down the best concert I've ever been to.

Ditto. Classic.

Hell ya! That was a classic concert! When Journey did perform that year at Darien Lake, the whole feel of the concert was just turned up a notch more rockin than other Journey concerts I have attended...it was due to JSS's voice and countless energy, which is one of the best rock voices I have heard and a heck of an entertainer! I would have loved to hear JSS sing Stand Up and Shouuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuttttttttttttttttt live! On another note, Deen was ill and did not perform that show...Deen's tech was the drummer that show...he was pretty good!

Got to see him do that in Fort Worth. Had a great time at that show.

[ebake02]

I know I'm kissing ass big time but that Journey/Def Leppard concert with JSS was hands down the best concert I've ever been to.

Ditto. Classic.

Hell ya! That was a classic concert! When Journey did perform that year at Darien Lake, the whole feel of the concert was just turned up a notch more rockin than other Journey concerts I have attended...it was due to JSS's voice and countless energy, which is one of the best rock voices I have heard and a heck of an entertainer! I would have loved to hear JSS sing Stand Up and Shouuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuttttttttttttttttt live! On another note, Deen was ill and did not perform that show...Deen's tech was the drummer that show...he was pretty good!

Got to see him do that in Fort Worth. Had a great time at that show.

I'm hoping he brings his next solo tour to my neck of the woods, I would love to see it.

[donnaplease]

However after asking a former Soul SirkUS member to be add even a sentence, he declined as Neal got wind of it thought the book was a tell-all...word is he opted out because of that

Man, you're 0 for Journey and 0 for Soul SirkUS. You seem to have a tough time keeping friends!.

I nearly hit the delete button on this post and on YOU Dan. Have just a little bit of respect on here will ya? This kind of shit is just cringeworthy and embarrasing to see.

Agreed. Not cool, Dan.

[Saint John]

However after asking a former Soul SirkUS member to be add even a sentence, he declined as Neal got wind of it thought the book was a tell-all...word is he opted out because of that

Man, you're 0 for Journey and 0 for Soul SirkUS. You seem to have a tough time keeping friends!.

I nearly hit the delete button on this post and on YOU Dan. Have just a little bit of respect on here will ya? This kind of shit is just cringeworthy and embarrasing to see.

Agreed. Not cool, Dan.

What was uncool about it? Neal, Jon, Nostrildamus and Pineda get put through the fucking ringer around here and I throw out a few questions and it's the God damned Holocaust? Or is there simply a different standard?

[Gideon]

Or is there simply a different standard?

I don't agree with what you tossed Jeff's way, but I do think that this was a good point.

[donnaplease]

However after asking a former Soul SirkUS member to be add even a sentence, he declined as Neal got wind of it thought the book was a tell-all...word is he opted out because of that

Man, you're 0 for Journey and 0 for Soul SirkUS. You seem to have a tough time keeping friends!.

I nearly hit the delete button on this post and on YOU Dan. Have just a little bit of respect on here will ya? This kind of shit is just cringeworthy and embarrasing to see.

Agreed. Not cool, Dan.

What was uncool about it? Neal, Jon, Nostrildamus and Pineda get put through the fucking ringer around here and I throw out a few questions and it's the God damned Holocaust? Or is there simply a different standard?

I don't see a question here. You know, you spend an awful lot of time commenting about others here who seem to be a 'mouthpiece' for the band. Sometimes I truly think that you are the one here trashing certain former members on behalf of certain current members. We all know that Neal Schon lurks here and has posted here under an alias. Interesting that those that you seem to continually put through that perverbial ringer are the same ones that our friend LocknLoad seems to detest.

Bottom line is that Jeff was far more gracious to you than you deserved. And you are a far nicer guy than you portray yourself to be sometimes. It makes me sad.

[donnaplease]

Or is there simply a different standard?

I don't agree with what you tossed Jeff's way, but I do think that this was a good point.

IDK, maybe there is a different standard. When Neal, Jon or any of the others come here and address the criticisms we have of them, then I can answer that. I can guarantee you that if they did, they wouldn't be treated with that level of disrespect.

[Saint John]

I don't see a question here.

Question 1-"Anyway, do you care to toss around any theories as to how exactly the story of a certain member's momentary lapse landed him in rehab, and just how that information found its way onto here (and elsewhere)?"

Question 2-"Let me ask you an honest question, and maybe you can answer it on here and maybe you can't ... but what, in your mind, is the primary reason that you think you were let go and never talked to again by the four remaining members in Journey?"

You know, you spend an awful lot of time commenting about others here who seem to be a 'mouthpiece' for the band. Sometimes I truly think that you are the one here trashing certain former members on behalf of certain current members.

Downright laughable! I turned down backstage passes at least 3 times, have never accepted free tickets, skipped the (cool) party at Ed's house upon learning that there would be Journey members there, turned down a small party/get together in Las Vegas in Arnel's room and have been as critical of past and present members as anyone.

We all know that Neal Schon lurks here and has posted here under an alias. Interesting that those that you seem to continually put through that perverbial ringer are the same ones that our friend LocknLoad seems to detest.

I've merely been a contrarian when it comes to the Soto love fest. And I ask a few tough tough questions that pale in comparison to the abuse that Schon and Cain take. Granted, when it comes to Tapegate they deserved what was hurled their way, but the handling of Soto's dismissal has been so wildly blown out of proportion that it's almost comical.

Bottom line is that Jeff was far more gracious to you than you deserved.

And I'm forever indebted.

And you are a far nicer guy than you portray yourself to be sometimes.

I ask questions on here and post comments that I would if he were standing next to me.

[Tito]

I know we mess around here a lot about band members, etc. But, if there's one guy that is genuinely a nice guy, good person, who I believe, and truly trust, it's a Deen Castronovo. I believe him. I take his words to the bank. He loves everybody too. No agendas.

If this came from Schon or even Cain, even though I would lean towards believing them, I could see there being some doubt to the comments. But, coming from Deen, speaks volumes.

[Gideon]

IDK, maybe there is a different standard.

There shouldn't be.

When Neal, Jon or any of the others come here and address the criticisms we have of them, then I can answer that. I can guarantee you that if they did, they wouldn't be treated with that level of disrespect.

The idea of Neal or Jon being treated with respect is something I find comical.
The bottom line is that I disagree with the way Dan went about it and Jeff was definitely composed and polite in his response. Where I do agree with Dan is the point that there shouldn't be a different standard for treating any of them, period.

But this board and administration has come a tremendous way in terms of equity. I used to think that Andrew was biased to hell and back, but he proved me wrong here. He voiced his concern with Dan's approach but let the post stand. Good for him, I've never been happier to be wrong. (Not that me being wrong happens often.)

[slucero]

yup... good on Drew for letting Dan's post stand...

... and now Dans' on "the List".....

[donnaplease]

IDK, maybe there is a different standard.

There shouldn't be.

When Neal, Jon or any of the others come here and address the criticisms we have of them, then I can answer that. I can guarantee you that if they did, they wouldn't be treated with that level of disrespect.

The idea of Neal or Jon being treated with respect is something I find comical.
The bottom line is that I disagree with the way Dan went about it and Jeff was definitely composed and polite in his response. Where I do agree with Dan is the point that there shouldn't be a different standard for treating any of them, period.

But this board and administration has come a tremendous way in terms of equity. I used to think that Andrew was biased to hell and back, but he proved me wrong here. He voiced his concern with Dan's approach but let the post stand. Good for him, I've never been happier to be wrong. (Not that me being wrong happens often.)

Again, when Neal has the balls to come here and address things said about him without hiding behind a fake persona, then we can address whether there is a double standard.

[donnaplease]

However after asking a former Soul SirkUS member to be add even a sentence, he declined as Neal got wind of it thought the book was a tell-all...word is he opted out because of that

Man, you're 0 for Journey and 0 for Soul SirkUS. You seem to have a tough time keeping friends!.

I nearly hit the delete button on this post and on YOU Dan. Have just a little bit of respect on here will ya? This kind of shit is just cringeworthy and embarrasing to see.

Agreed. Not cool, Dan.

What was uncool about it? Neal, Jon, Nostrildamus and Pineda get put through the fucking ringer around here and I throw out a few questions and it's the God damned Holocaust? Or is there simply a different standard?

I don't see a question here. You know, you spend an awful lot of time commenting about others here who seem to be a 'mouthpiece' for the band. Sometimes I truly think that you are the one here trashing certain former members on behalf of certain current members. We all know that Neal Schon lurks here and has posted here under an alias. Interesting that those that you seem to continually put through that perverbial ringer are the same ones that our friend LocknLoad seems to detest.

Bottom line is that Jeff was far more gracious to you than you deserved. And you are a far nicer guy than you portray yourself to be sometimes. It makes me sad.

[Saint John]

Oh ... that.

[marco17]

I consider myself somewhat of an outsider since I don't post that often and have never had the relationship with band members past or present that some here on the board have/had. The only guy I've met on a couple of occasions was SA. But, for what it's worth here's my 2 cents...

I can see both sides clearly on this discussion. From a talent perspective, I think Jeff is great, and if it weren't for this site, I probably would never had learned about him and bought his music. But, I think there was/is a portion of the fan-base that just needs to move on. It didn't work out, and yes the band could have been A LOT more professional but they weren't, and Arnel is there, and frankly everyone seems happy. I do respect Jeff for being connected enough with his fans that he would take the time to respond on a message board.

I don't know the relationship between Dan and Jeff, but one could definitely sense there were some confrontational attributes to it. Maybe not intentionally, but it reads that way, and that may be nothing more than an facet of their relationship, so I am not going to point fingers at St. John.

The only thing I know from an acquaintance who is pretty close to SA, regarding Deen's comments, is that unless not discussed, the only band member SA has heard from or continues to hear from on occasion since he was let go is Cain....nobody else. So for whatever reason, Deen continues to vocally proclaim the lovefest with Steve, but actions don't seem to back that up.