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SOTO SIGNALS THE END OF SOUL SIRKUS:
Vocalist Jeff Scott Soto has signaled the end of Soul SirkUS, the all-sta project that included Journey guitarist Neal Schon.
This news will come of no surprise after Schon signaled he was left out of pocket by the venture and the continuing busy schedule of main band Journey.
Jeff posted the following message to one of the Soul SirkUS message boards:
"I wish I had good/positive news for you all about SS but the future seems dismal, something I/we swore up & down wouldn't be a 'one-off'. I'm saddened by the fact that it is very unlikely we will continue together, my honest opinion is it was doomed from the beginning based on Neal being so heavily involved with Journey still. One of the reasons Hardline & Bad English had their own legs is because of Journey's hiatus during those eras, we had no such luxury.
As a HUGE Journey fan, I would be the LAST person on Earth to want responsibility for their demise just so SS could continue, but unless this was the case, SS became a side project for Neal & us. Add the lack of professional motivation/management/US label/etc., we had no chance of leaving our mark the way we would necessary to have our own legs.
Again, thanks to all who did 'feel' the impact, understand what we were aiming for & did your best to make sure we were heard out there. I beg of you to keep tabs on all of us within our personal sites out there & know this isn't the end, only another beginning. Much love & respect to all," Jeff Scott Soto.

I read this yesterday on the site JSS posted to. I guess it is a shame that they feel the need to truly close the book. I am not sure they couldn't revisit it some other time. Maybe in a couple of years...

But I am also glad to see that, in some ways, it has to do with the fact that Neal has so much going on with Journey. Maybe Neal will be acting like Journey is a priority again....

I liked SS cd just because Neal was on it. Never been a JS fan. If neal wasn't on it, odds are I would not have bought it, unless I got really really good word of mouth.-ERIC

I am glad it is Journey, tyhat Neal is back into. Just think haow much better Generations would have been, if Neal had been more focused on it. Generations is awesome with out Neal's full attenetion.

Who says it's closed? I don't hear Neal officially claiming anything. So big deal, they can't make another CD this year. I was going to say that Journey only puts out a cd every 4 years, so why should it be any different with SS?

I for one want Neal to focus solely on Journey, especially THIS year, because he has a lot of shit to deal with; a lot of shit.

I for one, believe SS will see the light of day yet again.

Bummer. Really, really liked this CD. I was just listening to it on the drive home. Just great straight forward hard rock. The stuff that is hard to find around anymore.

Hopefull, as you've said, we'll get a reunion in a couple years.

I thought Neal would have more time for side projects now that the tours over... I honestly wasn't expecting another Journey release for 2 years.

Alright JSS needs to wake up and smell the coffee. Neal does this year after year; it's his way to spend his summer vacation. He gets a little
inspiration; gathers some talented musicians and makes some music. It just seems he uses the energy of the band to get into the ready to play his regular gig with Journey.

I am glad I got to see these guys in Alexandria last year. Not a great venue, but to sit 5 feet from Schon the whole show (yeah, you had to SIT), was worth the travel and tickets.

I never got into Soul Sirkus musically. There were parts of the show I really enjoyed, and other parts I kind of looked at my watch on. From what I heard, it seemed like SS would have been perfect openers for Journey on the road last year, but I think competing egos both in the band and management may have nixed that completely.

My impression of the group, just from the show, though, was a group of great musicians and performers that never really had the chance to gel musically. Everyone had their own solo sets, and then as a band they played a lot of tunes from everyone else's careers. I've always been excited by JSS' abilities, based on his influences (Terrence Trent D'Arby, Perry, etc), but I never really heard them in his music, and the live show had a little too many hip thrusts and finger lickings for my taste, but SS seemed a good vehicle that should have been given the chance to grow some legs on it's own.

Maybe this means that Neal is focusing more on Journey, which in my opinion, is what I'd rather see Schon do! I haven't gotten the SS cd, because I've heard very mixed reviews on it. The soundbytes didn't sound too bad, and JSS is a good singer, but not one of my favorites.

Rockn'deano Wrote:

Who says it's closed? I don't hear Neal officially claiming anything. So big deal, they can't make another CD this year. I was going to say that Journey only puts out a cd every 4 years, so why should it be any different with SS?

And who's to say Schon won't/can't do SS with S. Hagar if Soto doesn't want to come back?

Most of those songs fit Hagar's voice anyway.

Hippie wrote:Rockn'deano Wrote:

Who says it's closed? I don't hear Neal officially claiming anything. So big deal, they can't make another CD this year. I was going to say that Journey only puts out a cd every 4 years, so why should it be any different with SS?

And who's to say Schon won't/can't do SS with S. Hagar if Soto doesn't want to come back?

Most of those songs fit Hagar's voice anyway.

It is not JSS' choice, it sounds more like Neal's. But I would assume if Hagar were available, they would either go back to the PlanetUS moniker or something completely new....but not SS.

Greggie wrote:Maybe this means that Neal is focusing more on Journey, which in my opinion, is what I'd rather see Schon do!

Same here!

Rock'ndeano wrote:Who says it's closed? I don't hear Neal officially claiming anything.

Nor do I. You are right. There is nothing about this from Neal. Anywhere.

So big deal, they can't make another CD this year. I was going to say that Journey only puts out a cd every 4 years, so why should it be any different with SS?

I have no problem with waiting awhile for another SS CD and/or tour, either.

I for one want Neal to focus solely on Journey, especially THIS year, because he has a lot of shit to deal with; a lot of shit.

I would like for Neal to focus on Journey fully, too. But, what I don't get is this, "especially THIS year" and, "because he has a lot of shit to deal with; a lot of shit." What? He's got more "shit" this year to deal with than last year? What "shit" exactly, are you referring too that Neal has to deal with? Do you know Neal better than myself? I read up on Neal extensively - but, I don't "know" the guy. Do you?

I for one, believe SS will see the light of day yet again.

You know, I believe SS will see the light of day yet again, too!

Conservative Rocker wrote:
But, what I don't get is this, "especially THIS year" and, "because he has a lot of shit to deal with; a lot of shit." What? He's got more "shit" this year to deal with than last year? What "shit" exactly, are you referring too that Neal has to deal with? Do you know Neal better than myself?

Welcome to the best Site in the music industry. The best site, because it's an honest site. No bullshit cheering like another certain site.


This is the most pivotal year for Journey, by far. I really don't care what Neal focuses on anylonger, to be completely honest with you. If Neal wants to put 100% into SS other than Journey, I am all for it. I for one think SoulSirkus has much more future potential than Journey does. I really do. If Journey shut it down and closed up shop, I would be fine with it. In fact, I favor a reunion tour with Perry and a retirement, instead of more of the status quo. I say retire this horse now, and keep the legacy intact.

SoulSirkus has some serious power that could make monkey piss into holy water. Great singer, solid bassist, great drummer, and the best guitarist. I don't think you can say that with Journey anylonger.

Personally, and those on here know I love Journey, but in a battle of the bands, SS would blow Journey away....Just my 2 cents.

No, I don't really know Neal, but when he sees me, he remembers me...I am going to spend a week with the guy in February. No, we're not buddies, but I am slowly moving closer into the circle....