Andrew wrote:
Let me say this. In MY opinion, this whole affair could and should have been delt with in a far better and less divisive way.
I disagree 100%, and am probably the only one who thinks they (Journey, Inc) have handled it brilliantly.
The readers on these message boards ( I will assume a number of 5 total), number around 1000 posters. Add in their wives, husbands and friends and the number grows by say, 5-10, for a total of anywhere from say 5-10k. Journey plays to a total of about 300,000 a year. Of those 300,000, I would say 25,000 were multiple trippers. So we have 300K and 10% of that is about 3K. By doing what Journey did, spinning, and basically not telling it the way it actually does, is common sense. We here are hardcore. We already know what really happened. The other 95% have no idea or no clue whatsoever that Augeri mimed. I would say the majority of those don't much care who is singing the songs in concert, they are just happy to go sing along for a night under the stars while enjoying some beverages.
I was pissed last week at what Ross said in his interview, and then I thought, what's the big deal? I see myself as a huge fan. To me, the number on the front of the jersey, "Journey" is bigger than any name on the back, be it "Schon," "Friga," "Valory,' or even "Azoff." To me, I hope they
do deny it, and if they feel the need, go ahead and say ""The delusional fan" was well, delusional. I don't care. I am at the point where I did something to change the history of my favourite band, and it was for the betterment of everyone involved, be it the band as it is now, Mr. Azoff(I bet he is happy as Hell right now), or even Mr. Augeri, and
especially the Fans. What Journey
does have to understand is that Fans are even bigger than they are. Not some cliche mind you. Before you laugh, just remember it only took a fan and his PC (and help from a couple others)to affect change on a huge scale. One certain person told me, "You can't beat them. They are too powerful." I wasn't interested in "beating them," but just wanted them to be Journey again.
So yes, in my opinion, Journey Mgt are very very clever. They knew the numbers, the demographics. They knew at the current state of Journey, that touring pays the bills, that it was best to not say anything. The huge fighting on message boards was huge....however, it was in a small hive...lots of buzzing, but no real stinging. Now, as time goes on, the fanbase is is settling into each crack and group, and as the new release nears and is released, in a year, which I think is a very calculated timetable, the majority will not bring it up anylonger. Only a few people actually know the whole entire story. I would say that group of people is limited to under 15 people. Hell, I haven't told all I know, and don't plan to anytime soon.
So Augeri supporters, I have some advice for you all. If you think that berating Journey, and trying to implicate them into the crime, well, it's basically falling on deaf ears. Anyone with a God given brain knows what happened and who was involved. The band will deny forever. Mr. Augeri cannot say anything at all, due to confidentiality parameters. There will be no suing of any kind, including defamation of character, libel or intentful injury to one's career. Just will not happen. To be fair, I would like everyone on the new lineups' side to not bash Mr. Augeri anylonger as it serves absolutely no purpose whatsoever. I can only speak to my own actions and can promise anyone reading this now, that you will never hear me, or read any writing from me, discrediting or insulting Mr. Augeri from this point forward.
So, in my opinion, I think it's better to drop the entire thing. I no longer bring it up, nor will I ever again. Steve
did do Journey a great deal of good for almost a decade, and for that I am grateful.
Posted: Wed Mar 07, 2007 4:33 am
.
