Journey in

2006

Steve Augeri has to leave through illness - Jeff Scott Soto steps in

Journey - Steve Augeri has had to fly home early with a chronic throat infection. Jeff Scott Soto has stepped in to fill the slot. This is a break Jeff has long since deserved and we wish him luck. Early reports from the shows say Jeff is awsome (did we really expect anything else)...... here's what Jeff had to say....

A New Journey - In My Own Words

As you may have heard by now, I have accepted the opportunity the team up with Journey & help them continue their current tour with Def Leppard. I must start with my heart goes out to my dear friend, Steve Augeri, who has been dealing with some potentially threatening throat problems for some time. He is a BRAVE soul to go in & tackle these songs night after night, year after year & an amazing job he has done. Unfortunately he is only human, he is not bionic & the road can takes it's toll on the best of us out there. I couldn't be more sympathetic myself, I too experienced problems a few years back & had to go through nodule removal surgery. It is a risky operation with no guarantees that one's voice will be as it once was ever again. I pray that Steve's condition is not too severe & with the proper down time, he will come back stronger than ever!!

In the meantime, this in itself is a bit of a dream for me...1st, starting a group with the mighty Neal Schon and Soul SirkUS was one thing, but now singing all of these songs, as I did in my teens on a daily basis in my car, in the shower, etc., with the creators is pretty mind boggling. I take on this responsibility with absolute pride & respect to the legacy Journey have created. It's no surprise to anyone who knows of my musical history & background that Journey cuts into my influence quite deeply, strange but true, I know some of these songs better than my own. There were 3 singers who did impact & mold my style during my teens, Steve Perry, Sam Cooke & Freddie Mercury, my mentors in song, performance & of course voice!

I understand there will be many naysayers in this decision to continue the tour, especially for those who are expecting at least one of the 'Steve's', instead seeing yours truly up front, but I will do my best to uphold the reputation of the band & it's fans. It's a tough decision for a band, especially at this caliber, to take such a risk like this mid-tour but I couldn't be more proud to be a part of it. Remember, I too am & always will be a fan, with that I hope we can enjoy this ride together!

JSS

Steve Augeri flys home - doctors advise to rest
Jeff Scott Soto joins Journey
Journey do first tour of UK in 26 years
Journey tour USA with Def Leopard
 

In 2006 Journey toured along with Def Leopard in America with the first show being at the Tweeter Centre in Camden, NJ. And then running on through the year with various dates Journey - Neal Schon(guitar), Ross Valory(bass guitar), Dean Castronova(drums), Johnathan Cain(keyboard).

Def Leopard – Joe Elliott (vocals), Vivian Campbell (guitar), Phil Collen (guitar), Rick “Sav” Savage (bass)and Rick Allen (drums) have sold over 65 million albums worldwide to date. The band is touring in support of Yeah! - their 12th studio album, which is scheduled for release on May 23 rd.

Journey's legacy has spanned over 30 years with 19 U.S. releases, the most recent being “Generations” in 2005

PRESS RELEASE from Journey's Official Site........

JOURNEY NAMES JEFF SCOTT SOTO - OFFICIAL NEW LEAD SINGER

Image December 19, 2006 -- Jeff Scott Soto has been officially named the new lead singer of Journey. He had been filling in for Steve Augeri, who had to leave the U.S. tour with Def Leppard shortly after it began on June 23 due to illness. “We are so grateful to Steve for all the years he dedicated to Journey,” says Journey in a joint statement. “We thank Steve for all his hard work and we wish him only the best in his future endeavors.

 Over the past few months, we’ve come to realize that Jeff has proven himself above and beyond that he can sing the hell out of our songs and we’re happy to officially welcome him as part of the family. We’re excited to start a new chapter with Jeff and we’re excited about what the future may bring.”

Steve Augeri states: “Singing for Journey these last eight years have been the most challenging and the most rewarding of my career. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the band, and especially the fans, for the privilege of being part of a musical legacy that has touched so many hearts and souls. I wish my fellow bandmates success and happiness as they continue to make great music in the future, as I will strive to do the same myself.”

Jeff Soto also adds, “With delight & pleasure, I am accepting the offer to continue my tenure with Journey now as their permanent vocalist after the amazing past months we've spent together on tour. I also pay high respect to Steve Augeri for coming in and helping Journey continue their legacy for nearly the last decade and to Steve Perry for co-creating this legacy. I hope to now add and help drive Journey into the next stage of this band's future.”

Since Soto’s first appearance with Journey on July 7 in Bristow, VA, his performances have been garnering rave reviews. To wit:

Image “Right off the bat, Journey's new lead singer is fantastic. Jeff Scott Soto is a supremely talented vocalist who handled with ease the many sky-high notes and the mile-long range in Journey's repertoire. Steve Perry fans have never gotten over the original lead singer's departure from the band, but I'm here to tell you this guy rocks the role. And yes, if you close your eyes he sounds just like Perry, but -- dare I say it? -- maybe even more passionate and full of verve. Hits such as ‘I'll Be Alright Without You’ and ‘Wheel in the Sky’ showcased his mighty voice.” --Lorilee Craker, Grand Rapids Press

“The one-time Yngwie Malmsteen vocalist channeled (Steve) Perry flawlessly, nailing all the high notes and then some…Soto’s got it going on.” --Christopher John Treacy, Boston Herald

“Could Soto cut it? Yes. And then some. His vocals and stage presence were impressive.” --Dave Ferman, Ft. Worth Star-Telegram

“Soto is a really strong vocalist, so instead of struggling to emulate (Steve) Perry’s laser-beam vibrato, he can get away with a style that mixes grainy power with effortless key changes.” --Johnny Loftus, Metro Times Detroit

Steve Augeri is currently recording his debut solo album, IN THE MOMENT, due out the summer of 2007. He’s also putting the finishing touches on the much-anticipated follow-up to the AOR classic TALL STORIES album, launching early next year. For more info, visit www.steveaugeri.com.

Journey--Neal Schon (guitar), Ross Valory (bass), Jonathan Cain (keyboards), Deen Castronovo (drums) and Jeff Scott Soto (vocals)—are currently mapping out plans for 2007.