Why Steve Smith will never return to Journey

[Saint John]

I think Smitty would come back for a one off mercy retirement of the Journey name if Steve Perry would. Other than that (IMO) no way in hell would he be a part of this catastrophe that's been abusing the Journey name since 1997.

By the way, Storyteller, I enjoy your posts and even agree with some of your points. However, the drummer for the band currently abusing the Journey name is DEEN. The guy that posts on here with the Rock'nDeano nic is DEAN.

I don't mean to seem like a nitpicking bitch, but so many people misspell the names that it begins to be like the old "nails on the blackboard" thing after a while.

Why stop now?

[Eric]

That close to being asked or that close to considering? Two differnt things completely.

I'm curious as to which myself? I know when Castronovo broke his hand in '99 Smitty turned Schon down, and Tichy from Foreigner filled in.....

[Eric]

I think trying to compare Castronovo to Smith is kinda like comparing Augeri to Perry. You simply can't do it. If it weren't for Deen's ability to fill in as a decent frontman in an emergency, and provide very good backing vocals, he would have been gone long ago. His original drumming in Journey has been nothing more than month old dog shit.

Hmm. I don't know music well enough myself, but I have never heard any negativity about Castronovo's drum skills before?

[Saint John]

I think trying to compare Castronovo to Smith is kinda like comparing Augeri to Perry. You simply can't do it. If it weren't for Deen's ability to fill in as a decent frontman in an emergency, and provide very good backing vocals, he would have been gone long ago. His original drumming in Journey has been nothing more than month old dog shit.

Hmm. I don't know music well enough myself, but I have never heard any negativity about Castronovo's drum skills before?

Deen is a great drummer for a faster, heavier style/genre. For AOR he's mediocre at best.

[ohsherrie]

I think Smitty would come back for a one off mercy retirement of the Journey name if Steve Perry would. Other than that (IMO) no way in hell would he be a part of this catastrophe that's been abusing the Journey name since 1997.

By the way, Storyteller, I enjoy your posts and even agree with some of your points. However, the drummer for the band currently abusing the Journey name is DEEN. The guy that posts on here with the Rock'nDeano nic is DEAN.

I don't mean to seem like a nitpicking bitch, but so many people misspell the names that it begins to be like the old "nails on the blackboard" thing after a while.

Why stop now?

Hey Dan, .

[Calbear94]

I know when Castronovo broke his hand in '99 Smitty turned Schon down, and Tichy from Foreigner filled in.....

Tichy filled in at the Reno Hilton show I was at in '99. He did a fantastic job on a trimmed down set of the classics. If I remember correctly, Muggs Cain was brought in the next day to do a couple(?) of shows until Deen return.

I agree with storyteller about Castronovo...he's always seemed to beat the drums just a bit too hard, in my opinion.

[inaweofschon]

You have no idea just how close he came to returning last tour.

Deano,

Were they considering Deen for the frontman spot at that time? I can't think of another reason to dump Deen for Smitty. Of course, I can't think of a reason why they would dump JSS either.

[Benzman]

Love the analogy Art! Now, where are my omelettes and burgers? Oh right, I am more in the mood for lobster souffle - bring on Steve Smith!

[Rockindeano]

Deen is a great drummer for a faster, heavier style/genre. For AOR he's mediocre at best.

I'm not a drummer, but I would think Smitty is a faster player than Deeno.

As far as Deen, Neal has told me, "he is my drummer." I would think Neal will take DC wherever he goes.

[Rockindeano]

You have no idea just how close he came to returning last tour.

Deano,

Were they considering Deen for the frontman spot at that time? I can't think of another reason to dump Deen for Smitty. Of course, I can't think of a reason why they would dump JSS either.

I wish I wouldn't have chimed in here, as I need to be somewhat careful, but no, Deen was never going to front the band.

[brandonx76]

That close to being asked or that close to considering? Two differnt things completely.

I'm curious as to which myself? I know when Castronovo broke his hand in '99 Smitty turned Schon down, and Tichy from Foreigner filled in.....

I never knew that. How many shows did he do? Any boots?

NVM....saw a response to this.

[STORY_TELLER]

By the way, Storyteller, I enjoy your posts and even agree with some of your points. However, the drummer for the band currently abusing the Journey name is DEEN. The guy that posts on here with the Rock'nDeano nic is DEAN.

I don't mean to seem like a nitpicking bitch, but so many people misspell the names that it begins to be like the old "nails on the blackboard" thing after a while.

LOL... Well, umm, thanks for pointing that out! (you nitpicking bitch <jk>)

The really funny thing is I went out of my way to look up the correct spelling of Deen's name on google and came up with ton's of hits using the 'DEAN' spelling, so I thought it was correct.

D'OH!

Stupid Google...

[STORY_TELLER]

I wish I wouldn't have chimed in here, as I need to be somewhat careful, but no, Deen was never going to front the band.

Ummm... this of course begs the question: Why else would Neal have considered or 'come very close' to getting Smitty to join them on the last tour? Was Deen having problems? (<-NOTE: Proper spelling of name used )

[jrnyjetster]

I wish I wouldn't have chimed in here, as I need to be somewhat careful, but no, Deen was never going to front the band.

There you go again Dean, leaving us hanging with bits and pieces of information...you need to be somewhat careful? We're not talking about Jeff's situation here...are we? I really don't see how that could be related. Just tell us Deano...
WAS Castronovo going to leave or get fired, or what?? I know him and Augeri were pretty close, so I'm sure he was pissed about how all that went down....would you like me to speculate some more? Just finish what you started and fuckin' tell us, dude! Please??

[Art Vandelay]

You have no idea just how close he came to returning last tour.

Deano,

Were they considering Deen for the frontman spot at that time? I can't think of another reason to dump Deen for Smitty. Of course, I can't think of a reason why they would dump JSS either.

I wish I wouldn't have chimed in here, as I need to be somewhat careful, but no, Deen was never going to front the band.

Props and respect given to you for needing to be careful. I only questioned your first response to this thread because a SS fan like myself seeks answers, not riddles. Regardless, he's not behind their drum kit. No need for me to lose sleep over it.

Peace, Deano.

[Soto All The Way]

I wish I wouldn't have chimed in here, as I need to be somewhat careful, but no, Deen was never going to front the band.

Ummm... this of course begs the question: Why else would Neal have considered or 'come very close' to getting Smitty to join them on the last tour? Was Deen having problems? (<-NOTE: Proper spelling of name used )

I think Deen was having some minor health issues that a break at that time would have made for a nice recovery.

e-

[Saint John]

Deen is a great drummer for a faster, heavier style/genre. For AOR he's mediocre at best.

I'm not a drummer, but I would think Smitty is a faster player than Deeno.

As far as Deen, Neal has told me, "he is my drummer." I would think Neal will take DC wherever he goes.

Yeah, but Neal also told you how much he loved Jeff and we know how that ended up. I wouldn't believe him if he told me tomorrow was Friday.

[conversationpc]

Deen is a great drummer for a faster, heavier style/genre. For AOR he's mediocre at best.

I'm not a drummer, but I would think Smitty is a faster player than Deeno.

As far as Deen, Neal has told me, "he is my drummer." I would think Neal will take DC wherever he goes.

Yeah, but Neal also told you how much he loved Jeff and we know how that ended up. I wouldn't believe him if he told me tomorrow was Friday.

He's got a much longer history with Deen, though. He's been playing in bands with him since, what, 1989 or something like that?

[Saint John]

Deen is a great drummer for a faster, heavier style/genre. For AOR he's mediocre at best.

I'm not a drummer, but I would think Smitty is a faster player than Deeno.

As far as Deen, Neal has told me, "he is my drummer." I would think Neal will take DC wherever he goes.

Yeah, but Neal also told you how much he loved Jeff and we know how that ended up. I wouldn't believe him if he told me tomorrow was Friday.

He's got a much longer history with Deen, though. He's been playing in bands with him since, what, 1989 or something like that?

Good point....however, if a situation arose where Neal could replace Deen and make more money somehow, Deen would be gone faster than a 20 piece McNugget in front of Rich Meyers.

[Rockindeano]

Dan, why is it you are so against Deeno? The guy is pretty fucking good. If you think about it, he was probably the band's MVP last year. Without him, could you imagine how it would have went with a ailing Augeri?

[Saint John]

Dan, why is it you are so against Deeno? The guy is pretty fucking good. If you think about it, he was probably the band's MVP last year. Without him, could you imagine how it would have went with a ailing Augeri?

I'll tell you why. Remember when Deen was having problems and everyone rallied around him? It was great...everyone stepped up and did/said what they needed to in order to ensure his safety. Fast forward. He left Augeri and Soto in the dust...not even a phone call. Tells me a lot about the guy.

PS If for some reason I have the story wrong and he did remain in contact with them and/or was a shoulder to lean on, I retract my statements and sentiments. If not, fuck him.

PSS I still think his original drumming in Journey sucks.

[STORY_TELLER]

Dan, why is it you are so against Deeno? The guy is pretty fucking good. If you think about it, he was probably the band's MVP last year. Without him, could you imagine how it would have went with a ailing Augeri?

I'll tell you why. Remember when Deen was having problems and everyone rallied around him? It was great...everyone stepped up and did/said what they needed to in order to ensure his safety. Fast forward. He left Augeri and Soto in the dust...not even a phone call. Tells me a lot about the guy.

PS If for some reason I have the story wrong and he did remain in contact with them and/or was a shoulder to lean on, I retract my statements and sentiments. If not, fuck him.

PSS I still think his original drumming in Journey sucks.

I think this is an over the top reaction. I'm not crazy about Deen's original playing in Journey either, but only because I've heard Journey with Steve Smith and there's no comparison. It's steak vs. meatloaf. But am I going to attack the guy for how he may or may not have behaved within the Journey political structure? Hell no. You know why? Because I don't know the full story and neither do you. For all you know, Deen keeping in touch with Augeri might have the same result for him as Michael Anthony playing a solo show with Sammy Hagar.

Bottom line is, the guys in this band aren't running for public office. They're musicians. Flawed human beings just like the rest of us, only our own lives aren't under an internet microscope 24/7. They just want to make music and have us buy it.

It's time to stop judging them on anything but the merits of the music they create. They're not our personal friends. We're not in their daily lives, nor are they in ours. How they behave amongst themselves doesn't affect us personally. They haven't screwed us.

The only judgment I pass is based on my opinion of the music they create and how their choices affect that. You know how I react? If I don't like what I hear, I don't go to a concert. I don't buy the album. I don't support the direction they're taking. It's that simple. The rest is just silly.

[Matthew]

Bottom line is, the guys in this band aren't running for public office. They're musicians. Flawed human beings just like the rest of us, only our own lives aren't under an internet microscope 24/7. They just want to make music and have us buy it.

It's time to stop judging them on anything but the merits of the music they create. They're not our personal friends. We're not in their daily lives, nor are they in ours. How they behave amongst themselves doesn't affect us personally. They haven't screwed us.

The only judgment I pass is based on my opinion of the music they create and how their choices affect that. You know how I react? If I don't like what I hear, I don't go to a concert. I don't buy the album. I don't support the direction they're taking. It's that simple. The rest is just silly.

Well said Storyteller! This should be emblazoned in red type and capitals on a giant banner above the forum.

[SF-Dano]

Bottom line is, the guys in this band aren't running for public office. They're musicians. Flawed human beings just like the rest of us, only our own lives aren't under an internet microscope 24/7. They just want to make music and have us buy it.

It's time to stop judging them on anything but the merits of the music they create. They're not our personal friends. We're not in their daily lives, nor are they in ours. How they behave amongst themselves doesn't affect us personally. They haven't screwed us.

The only judgment I pass is based on my opinion of the music they create and how their choices affect that. You know how I react? If I don't like what I hear, I don't go to a concert. I don't buy the album. I don't support the direction they're taking. It's that simple. The rest is just silly.

Well said Storyteller! This should be emblazoned in red type and capitals on a giant banner above the forum.

I'll second that. Great post!!

[Art Vandelay]

Deen is a great drummer for a faster, heavier style/genre. For AOR he's mediocre at best.

I'm not a drummer, but I would think Smitty is a faster player than Deeno.

As far as Deen, Neal has told me, "he is my drummer." I would think Neal will take DC wherever he goes.

Actually, it's more about accuracy than speed. That really goes for all instruments. Anyone could play fast if they wanted to. But it's accuracy that separates the good musicians from the great ones. And from what I've seen and heard, Deen is pretty effing accurate with his playing.

[Rick]

Deen is a great drummer for a faster, heavier style/genre. For AOR he's mediocre at best.

I'm not a drummer, but I would think Smitty is a faster player than Deeno.

As far as Deen, Neal has told me, "he is my drummer." I would think Neal will take DC wherever he goes.

Actually, it's more about accuracy than speed. That really goes for all instruments. Anyone could play fast if they wanted to. But it's accuracy that separates the good musicians from the great ones. And from what I've seen and heard, Deen is pretty effing accurate with his playing.

I'm sure you've seen "Mr. Hi hat" He's incredible.

[STORY_TELLER]

Actually, it's more about accuracy than speed. That really goes for all instruments. Anyone could play fast if they wanted to. But it's accuracy that separates the good musicians from the great ones. And from what I've seen and heard, Deen is pretty effing accurate with his playing.

Accuracy is important. Timing is important. But the most important thing for a musician is artistic choices. It's what makes him/her unique. Hence the term 'recording artist'.

Anyone can learn how to play chords on a guitar, learn timing on on a drum kit and train to be fast with the rolls and double bass drum, but it's their choices which makes them stand out above the norm.

Some guys are limited. Simple one trick ponies who come up with the same solution (or 'lick') on everything they do. Sure, they play faster than the average schmo. They 'shred' on a guitar. But it's the guys who come up with the sophisticated choices who are more impressive, and more importantly, difficult to emulate, let alone duplicate. Neal knows how to play notes you feel, not just hear. Same thing with Steve Smith. A drummer like Smith knows how to pound impressively, but he also knows how to play his instrument to convey emotion in a song. Not everyone knows how to do that. In fact, most don't.

That's an artist and that's why Journey is weaker without Smith on the kit.

[Journey/Survivor]

Steve Smith is IMO the greatest all around drummer of all time. I could go on all day long about what a great drummer I consider him to be, as well as how well respected he is in the music world.

But seriously, some of you on here are not giving Castronovo the credit he deserves!

If your talking strictly about Rock drummers, and you leave out jazz players, then Castronovo is probably one of the 5 best drummers at this time.
He can't play jazz at the same level as Smith or some other top jazz players, but as far as Rock goes he can play it all.

And as for Castronovo's speed drumming...I've got one of his Wild Dogs speed metal albums, and he's blazingly fast to say the least.

[Monker]

If Perry came back, Smith would come back.

He wouldn't be 'back'. If you read what Smith says about TBF, he approached it like a session player...not a member of a band. He was there for the reunion and that was it. His Jazz thing has been his main thing for years now...he's not going to leave that to 'go back' to Journey in any permanent basis. If he was smart, and I think he is, he would even stay away for an album/tour...he doesn't need it.

[Monker]

He has no interest in the band anymore. And there are others here who have said the same from when they met him as well.

Yep...that has been said many times....In fact, Smith said in interviews following TBF that he wasn't interested in pop music any longer...except for an occasional session type gig.

There is no way I will ever believe he seriously considered joining a band like Journey on some type of permanent basis...But, finsh a tour cuz Deen is ill (or is fired, or whatever), and then record an album and tour again, rinse, wash, repeat...NO WAY. It's not in his nature.

He's even stated that if he had not joined Journey, he would have never been in a rock band. Why would he do so now, at the end of their career?