The Real Reason Gregg Rolie Left Journey

rolie

While Keyboardist Gregg Rolie gained fame the first time via Carlos Santana 's titular musical group, the musician found even more recognition in the mid-1970s via Journey , a new hard rock group that paved the way to 19 Top 40 singles in the U.S. The keyboardist also took on lead vocalist duties, for the albums Journey and Look into the Future , as well as backing vocal duties on I nfinity, Evolution , and Departure.

Besides keyboards, Rolie had been lead vocalist on iconic Santana hits like "Black Magic Woman" and "Oye Como Va," reports Rolling Stone . As Santana launched its Welcome album in 1973, Rolie and lead guitarist Neal Schon had already broken off to begin what is now known as Journey. But the band that Rolie first signed up for was far from the arena rock megastars that took the world by storm in the mid-1980s with hits such as "Don't Stop Believin": "It was a jam band, based on a lot of soloing and a different kind of music, progressive rock," Rolie later said, per Best Classic Bands . "If it were a new band today, we'd be playing with the Dave Matthews Band and Phish. Then after three albums we got hold of Steve Perry through our manager, and we started writing songs for singing, instead of songs where we're going to jam and take this as high as we can."

Family first

Per Neil Daniels' biography  The Untold Story of Journey , Rolie left Journey following the 1980 Departure tour to start a family and undertake various solo projects. It was the second time in his career he had departed from a successful act — he'd also left Santana on a commercial and artistic high. Keyboardist Stevie "Keys" Roseman was brought in to record the single studio track "The Party's Over (Hopelessly in Love)" on the band's live album Captured , with Rolie suggesting that pianist Jonathan Cain of The Babys take over duties as his permanent replacement, according to We Are Classic Rockers.

"I left because I didn't like my life anymore. I've said this a million times and I know there's people that say, 'That's not the reason.' But I left because I was unhappy with what I was doing in my own life," Rolie told Rolling Stone . "I loved the management. I loved the music. I loved what we built. I just wasn't happy, so I had to blow the horn on it and just stop it ... everyone thinks it was because [Steve] Perry came in and started singing all the leads."

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Gregg Rolie Talks About Why He Really Left Journey

Gregg Rolie of Journey performs on stage in New York in 1979. (Photo by Richard E. Aaron/Redferns)

As a teenager, keyboardist Gregg Rolie was a co-founding member of the band Santana, playing at Woodstock and on such classic albums as Abraxas . After Santana III , he left the band to strike out on his own, eventually starting a new band: Journey.

Rolie rocked with Journey through the band's scrappy early years through early breakout albums including Departure and Evolution . After 1981 live album, Captured , Rolie would leave Journey. The band's next studio effort, Escape , would be Journey's biggest album, featuring the timeless hit, "Don't Stop Believin'."

Over the years, rumors circulated that Rolie left the band due to conflicts with singer Steve Perry, who joined the group on fourth album, Infinity . The keyboardist says now that couldn't be further from the truth.

"I left because I didn’t like my life anymore. I’ve said this a million times and I know there’s people that say, 'That’s not the reason.' But I left because I was unhappy with what I was doing in my own life," Rolie told Rolling Stone . "I loved the management. I loved the music. I loved what we built. I just wasn’t happy, so I had to blow the horn on it and just stop it.

"Everyone thinks it was because Perry came in and started singing all the leads. My God! Again, I was spread so thin with all these keyboards parts and singing leads, he was a welcome sight to me," the keyboardist continued. "And he could sing like a bird! It wasn’t too hard to figure out. I was never against it. I still wanted to sing, but that kind of fell by the wayside [ laughs ]. That’s another story. That’s kind of it, man. I loved the fact we were going to write something different."

When Rolie was pushed on the matter, with the interviewer pointing out that the singer had fewer vocal moments on Departure , he stuck to his story. Perry was never the problem.

"It’s totally wrong! The whole thing is wrong! It doesn’t matter how many times I say this. Maybe you’ll get it right. That’ll be really phenomenal. No matter how many times I tell people very simply: 'Here is the deal. I was unhappy. I drank too much. Blah, blah, blah. I didn’t feel like it was for me anymore. And most of all, I wanted to start a family.' And by the way, my family was my best work. It truly is. My son and daughter, my wife, it’s extraordinary. I did the right thing, but it just doesn’t play well with the guys on Facebook."

Rolie said that he doesn't begrudge Journey for their massive success that came after he left the band. For him, none of that would have been possible without his initial involvement in the band. So the feelings are all positive.

"I felt very proud that I helped to build something that went to that extreme. I’ve always felt that way. Yeah, without me doing this, that might never have happened," he explained."But it’s not about me. It’s about all of it. It’s a misconception in this business of, “Who does what?” We all did something. I gotta tell you, without manager Herbie Herbert, that s--- would not have happened."

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Journey’s Bassist Ross Valory Opens Up About the Band’s Saga — And His Adventurous Solo Album

  • By Andy Greene

Andy Greene

Ross Valory has dreamed of making a solo album ever since he started gigging around San Francisco in the late Sixties, but other projects kept getting in the way. He was in the process of amassing original songs in 1971 when the Steve Miller Band brought him into the fold to play bass on Rock Love . Later, he teamed up with ex-members of Santana to form the Golden Gate Rhythm Section. Within a few months, they changed their name to Journey .

The upside to all this is that Valory has finally been able to finish his solo LP All of the Above, which arrives April 12. “I took the energy and the focus of what I was doing on tour with Journey and began recording my own material,” he tells Rolling Stone via Zoom from his home in East Bay, California. “All of these songs have been waiting. Some of them go back decades. I wanted to finish what I started.”

Growing up in Lafayette, California, Valory heard his parents playing Nat King Cole, Bing Crosby, Perry Como, and Andy Williams around the house at a young age. He sang with a men’s chorus while in high school, competed in a cappella tournaments around the state, and learned to play clarinet, ukulele, and guitar. He didn’t pick up the bass until he was 16 and a new kid at school invited him into his soul band under the condition he learn the instrument.

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Valory has done very few interviews over the years, preferring to let his bandmates tell the story of Journey. We took this opportunity to hear the saga from his perspective, and learn all about the creation of All of the Above.

You were briefly in the Steve Miller Band prior to Journey. What was your experience like making Rock Love ? Rock Love was very experimental. Steve Miller was going through his last throes with Mercury Records. So to him, Rock Love was an obligation. It didn’t matter whether they promoted it or sold it or not. But he met his contract, so he was very experimental.

And [drummer] Jack King and I, having come from the experimental music scene of San Francisco, were very agreeable to that. So Rock Love is probably the one-off album of Steve’s career. It’s unlike anything else he did before or afterwards.

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You were a supergroup of sorts. This was a time when a lot of supergroups were forming. Known members of bands would get together and do an album project and even do a tour. But there was also a stigma attached to the supergroup thing. It was becoming very unpredictable. A lot of supergroups were getting together, they’d make an album, and then they’d split. They wouldn’t even play, or they’d do half a tour and then split up. So the supergroup idea only worked so far for us.

You guys made three records. You toured a ton. Did you start to get frustrated that the records weren’t selling better despite all the hard work? Actually, it’s quite the opposite. All three of those albums went gold, and gold in those days means 500,000 copies. The standard changed in later years to $500,000 worth of product. But for each of those three albums to sell 500,000 copies is no sharp stick in the eye. However, we were signed with a major record label who goes, “Okay, that’s fine, but let’s look at the long term here. Let’s see how we can sell more records.”

And so the band appreciably and agreeably was able to adapt, and it changed to a more popular music, song oriented, vocally oriented format, and the eventual arrival by 1978 of Steve Perry .

What’s your first memory of Steve Perry? I was in the position to actually hear the demo album that he had done with the band he had been working with prior to Journey, the Alien Project, in which the bassist had died in a car accident and the project fell apart. I had the opportunity to listen to that cassette, and I was simply amazed by it. What a voice.

Did you feel a spark the first time you played with him? Absolutely. Some of the first songs we developed were “Lights” and “Wheel in the Sky.” It was absolute magic.

“Wheel in the Sky” was partially credited to your wife at the time, Diane Valory. My now ex-wife was a part composer along with Gregg Rolie, Neal Schon, and Robert Fleischman, who briefly was in the band before Steve Perry. He began to work that song up until Perry’s involvement.

Why did Gregg Rolie leave the band? I think he just got tired of slogging it out. It was his second career after a lengthy one in Santana, and so it was time for him to bow out.

How did the addition of Jonathan Cain change the sound of the group? He completely added the magical combination that we already had with me, Neal, and Steve Perry. He had a different style of playing for sure. It solidified everything. That was obvious on Escape and Frontiers , which was some of the best work we ever did.

Were you stunned when the group suddenly scaled up into arenas and landed these giant hits on the radio? There was something that we all felt, especially with Steve Perry’s arrival. We knew that this was going to work. It was just intuitive, a gut feeling. But I must tell you, to be driving in a car and have the radio on and to hear “Wheel in the Sky” play was momentous. And then beyond that, to be performing in the larger venues and having audiences that were attuned to what we were doing and loving it was also momentous.

The tour schedule back then was pretty grueling. You went out for months and months without any breaks. Did it ever start to burn you out? I can’t say grueling, but it was certainly a lot of work. So many people have this impression of rock stars where it’s all la-dee-da and martinis by the pool. Not really. It’s a whole lot of work. And Journey was so busy from 1972 through at least 1984 or so. It was a lot of work. It can be tiring, especially for a singer.

When the group took that break after 1983 and Steve had those solo hits, did you think the band was over? No, I didn’t. But certainly people had their own solo projects that they wanted to pursue. I didn’t think it was over at the time.

How did you find out that you and Steve Smith were out of the band in 1986? Well, that was something that Herbie imparted, but it was pretty evident that the majority of the players wanted to take a different direction, a different approach in style, and that was their prerogative.

Steve Perry said later that it was a mistake and he regrets it. Well, good for him. But you can look back at all that…it’s so long ago. There’s no judgment at this point. It was probably a wrong move, but it was a short move. It was one album and one tour. There were some good songs on that album, and it did keep the band’s brand alive.

Why didn’t the band last longer? We were the first band signed to Interscope Records. They loved the album. They did pretty well promoting it. We landed a very good spot opening up for Bryan Adams for an entire tour. But then again, it was a Bryan Adams crowd, and I can’t say that the audiences were entirely tuned into the Storm and its music, but as the tour progressed, it started to really work.

Then we went back and recorded the second album and presented it to Interscope, and they said, “This is great. This is brilliant. It’s even better than the first one. But while you were away, we no longer have a promotional department for that kind of music.”

The industry decided way back then, “We don’t want to sell this. We’d rather get new bands that we can get a lot less expensively and that we can get a piece of their publishing on. And if it doesn’t work, we have not lost an investment. And if it does, we are in the money.” That’s a very cynical but accurate outlook of what the industry was at the time.

A few years later, you reunited with Steve Perry and Journey for Trial by Fire. What a pleasant surprise. What a great idea. And it was by the efforts of John Kalodner, a major exec at CBS/Sony. It’s a project that I’m very proud of with some great music. What a great occasion to bring those people back together and accomplish what we did.

It was the thing everyone wanted to see, which was the five of you back in a room together. Yeah. There was some good material with “When You Love a Woman,” Message of Love,” and “If He Should Break Your Heart.” Unfortunately, Steve was suffering from systemic arthritis that attacked his hips. He just could not continue well enough to do the subsequent tour. So the project for the five of us ended with the recording of the album and the one video for “When You Love a Woman.”

Steve Smith decided that without the original members, it would not be worth his while. But there’s another aspect there. Steve is a major jazz artist. So that’s when we brought in Deen Castronovo from Bad English. And Steve Augeri, to answer your question, I think was a great, great candidate.

You guys toured like maniacs and really built the band up again. Right. It was just reinventing ourselves. We continued to work with Steve Augeri until 2006 when his voice failed. Now I should comment about this to give perspective on why and how something like that happens. At that point, we were not flogging it as much as we were in the old days. We were paying more attention to spacing out the number of shows, especially the number of consecutive shows in a week, to give the singer a break.

There are about 18 hits that any given audience would generally like to hear. To perform all of those songs in one night, four to five nights a week, is something that not even Steve Perry could have done.

This is not to disrespect his talent and his strength in those days, but to perform all of those hits in one night, I wouldn’t want the job. It is no surprise that Steve Augeri’s voice failed. That’s a big workload.

Many fans felt Steve Augeri was lip-syncing in his final shows. Is that true? Oh, that’s not true. But that’s the old Milli Vanilli thing. Not at all.

You brought in Jeff Scott Soto after that. He’s a great singer, but maybe not quite right for that material. Jeff is a fine singer and a great entertainer, but it just was a little different. And in the process of writing new material for another album, Jeff and the other writers didn’t really fall into sync. There was not enough in common. So Jeff certainly stepped in and did what he did on short notice. What a guy.

And then suddenly the band is on Oprah and seemingly everywhere. It was just this crazy resurgence. Yes, it was. All that time and energy in building the band’s presence and validity from 1998 to around 2008, that played a big part in it. I think all the time and energy spent by all of us, including Steve Augeri, really helped. The arrival of Arnel is striking and notable, but it is really based on all the footwork we had done to work our way back into the industry.

Did you talk to Steve Perry during the band’s Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction? I sure did. I went and paid a little visit. He had a little room in the back. And what a pleasant experience that was. On a side note, there was a very brief soundcheck, and I was having problems hearing my own instrument. There was distortion and glitches in the system, and the soundcheck ended before I could sort that out. It was like, “I’m sorry, we’re out of time.” So the performance likewise was equally difficult for me.

That’s just the way it goes. It was like, “Gee, here it is. This is the moment, and I don’t have time to fix a problem.” That’s a distraction from the greater magic of that night.

A few years later, all these feuds erupt in the press between members of the band. You were largely on the sidelines, but it must have been painful to watch. Yeah. It was painful for everybody involved.

Do you regret visiting the Trump White House with Arnel and Jonathan? Not at all. My intention there was to privately have a VIP tour of the White House, regardless of who was sitting in the Oval Office. That’s what I wanted. It was an opportunity. I wanted to see the White House and get the special tour, which I did. It was amazing. I didn’t see any of it as a political statement or an alignment, whatever.

Do you miss the concerts and being part of the band? Of course. What an amazing experience. I am so blessed to have spent the better part of 50 years in a band that’s remarkable. All the fine players and singers that have come through the room that I had the privilege of performing with, including the current players. These are all brilliant, talented people, whether they are present in the band or not. What an experience, from this experimental fusion band into one of the top-rated popular bands. This is a band that reinvented itself twice. But to answer your question, certainly I miss it. I miss performing, and eventually I will be doing so on my own.

Tell me about the history of your solo album All Of The Above. It goes back a long time, and it does stem from all the influences I’ve taken on since childhood. I was very busy for decades with Journey and other bands. The material that I’d been writing over the years since 1970 began piling up on the back shelf and were just sitting there. Many of these songs were complete or at least a solid concepts for songs. And I decided about 10 years ago, “Why wait till I retire? Why not get started now?” So I took the energy and the focus of what I was doing on tour with Journey, and began recording my own material here in the East Bay 10 or 12 years ago.

Who plays on it with you? It begins with [keyboardist] Eric Levy. He’s an amazing talent that played in the [jazz fusion band] Garaj Mahal. He’s been performing with Night Ranger for many years. The first song we recorded together for the album was “Wild Kingdom.” And he’s the only player besides myself who appears on all the songs.

He came in, and Eric and I had put together a demo of the arrangement. Karl brought in Walfredo de los Reyes Jr., a fine Cuban-American drummer who had played with Santana before. And both of them laid down the basic tracks for that song. Eric and I worked our parts up, and then we brought in Marc Russo of the Yellowjackets and the Doobie Brothers to do the saxophone work.

What’s the oldest song on the album? “Tomland” goes back to about 1970.

Pretty amazing you’ve been working on this stuff for well over 50 years. There’s the date of inspiration or inception, and then there’s the date of recording that could be decades apart. And the order of the songs in the album is not chronological either.

It’s largely a collection of original instrumentals, but you also include a cover of War’s “Low Rider.” That was just almost willy-nilly. It just so happened that I had the availability of Les Stroud, the harmonica player who’s better known as Survivorman on television. He happened to be rolling through town. I got his harmonica parts laid down. I also had the benefit of having [drummer] Greg Errico from Sly Stone. That’s the perfect guy for that kind of song. It just all happened very, very quickly.

After all these years or being in a band, how did it feel to finally be the one calling the shots? There’s so many aspects of the project, in terms of not just writing and arranging the songs, but also publicizing it. I’m familiar with all of that, but it’s surreal because I’m doing it on my own. I’m talking to a guy from Rolling Stone right now. It’s not like this is my first rodeo, but it’s my first rodeo by myself.

Are you going to tour it? Not at this time. Right now I’m in the process of promoting the album. I’m also at the same time, in my off hours, working on the new material, so there’s this balance there. I’d love to play shows, but I am not yet equipped to do that. I would want it to be right. I would want it to be sophisticated. I would want to have the right players for the right songs in the same room at the same time.

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Are you contact with any of them? No. We’ve all moved on. That’s not to say that I couldn’t or wouldn’t. It just happens to be that way at this time. They continue to play and they will do well. I wish everyone the best.

Is it a strange thought that they’re onstage most every night with someone else playing your parts? It’s not strange anymore. It’s become something that was a long time ago. I’m immersed into something now that’s equally fulfilling to me.

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Gregg Rolie Says Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Nomination Is for Journey’s Fans

After years of being snubbed by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Journey is finally on the ballot, all thanks to their loyal fans.

By Gary Graff

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Journey photographed in 1978.

Journey co-founder Gregg Rolie had resigned himself a bit to the thought that the band would never be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. So his reaction to the group’s first-ever nomination this week is understandably cautious.

“It’s taken a long trip to get here,” Rolie — who was inducted into the Rock Hall with Santana in 1998, and was with Journey from 1973-1980 — tells Billboard . “I have to admit the only thing I thought is it might not ever happen, because of whatever politics were involved. I just didn’t know. But here we are now, so…we’ll see.”

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The 2017 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Nominees: Who Will Actually Get In?

Journey has, in fact, long been a poster child for bands snubbed over the years by the Rock Hall — particularly late-’70s mainstream rock favorites such as Foreigner , Boston , Styx , etc. Rolie credits the tenacity of Journey’s fans with finally getting the group placed on the nominating ballot for the class of 2017.

“The way I look at this is it’s all those Journey fans that have petitioned for this for years — and they have,” Rolie notes. “They’ve written in many, many times, and their support made this happen. It’s funny the way they go about doing this, but this time evidently there’s a fan base of voters that are beyond the current inductees and the people that run us that support (Journey). So it’s for them as well.” 

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Rolie recently wrapped up a North American tour with Ringo Starr ‘s All-Starr Band, and is now off to Japan with the group. In addition to the All-Starrs, Rolie is also playing with Journey guitarist Neal Schon in Santana IV, a reunion of the 1970-71 lineup of that band that jettisoned the two musicians to go and form Journey. Santana IV has just released the new Live at the House of Blues, Las Vegas on CD and home video, and after playing just four dates this year, is looking to do more during 2017.

Journey on Steve Perry, Releasing New Music & Whether They'd Even Accept a Rock Hall Invitation

“Y’know, Journey’s still out there doing this, big time,” Rolie says. “It never quit. That was part of the dilemma of why it doesn’t seem right (that the band’s not in the Rock Hall). It’s really current, on top of making the music that we did back then.”

“There’s a lot of people I believe ought to be in there,” Rolie continues. (All-Starr bandmate) Todd Rundgren , for sure. There’s a whole list of bands that have been overlooked, Bad Company , there’s a whole list. And we were one of them, so now we’re in this other situation.”

Rolie hasn’t had a chance to speak with any of his former bandmates about the nomination. But if he’s elected, he will definitely serve. “I know I’d do it,” Rolie says. “I’ll have to talk to everybody, I guess. As far as Steve Perry goes, I have no clue.”

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Gregg Rolie Talks Journey, Santana, Ringo & More

why did gregg rolie quit journey

Gregg Rolie

How many musicians can say they’ve co-founded not one—but two—classic rock bands with Rock and Roll Hall of Fame credentials? And of those musicians, how many can claim status as a longstanding member of a former Beatle’s backing band? With Journey’s 2017 induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame,  Gregg Rolie now occupies that rarefied position.

Furthermore, he became only the 23rd musician to be inducted into the Hall a second time.

Fans with Woodstock-era memories are likely familiar with Rolie’s legacy, but perhaps a brief summary is in order. As the original lead vocalist and keyboardist for Santana , Rolie was a driving force behind such hits as “Black Magic Woman,” “Oye Como Va” and “Evil Ways.”

Watch Santana (with Rolie on keyboards) performing “Evil Ways” at Woodstock in 1969

Dissatisfied with a change in Santana’s musical direction, Rolie left the group in late 1971, and subsequently teamed with former Santana bandmate Neal Schon to form Journey . His eight-year tenure with Journey ended in 1980, just as the group was entering its greatest period of commercial success.

The ensuing years have been filled with a variety of projects—including a brief reunion in the late ’90s with former Santana members, under the name Abraxas Pool. For the most part, however, Rolie has forged an independent path characterized by bands he formed himself, or by solo endeavors. One thing is certain: the past five years have been exceptionally active ones for the veteran musician.

why did gregg rolie quit journey

An acclaimed Santana studio album—titled, fittingly, Santana IV —was released by the group in 2016. Later that year the band issued Santana IV: Live at the House of Blues Las Vegas  that documented one of a handful of reunion concerts. Future projects from the revived Santana lineup remain a distinct possibility.

“I don’t think I’ve ever been this busy,” says Rolie, born June 17, 1947. “I’ve never played before with several bands at the same time. Between Santana and Ringo, and working on my own projects, the music couldn’t be more diverse.” Best Classic Bands spoke with Rolie about his time with Journey, the Santana reunion and what it was like working with Ringo.

How surprised were you when you first got news of Journey’s Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction? Gregg Rolie: I was really shocked. There’s been such a political pull, evidently, [against] Journey even getting nominated. I think the fans had a lot to do with pounding the idea of Journey getting in. They kept at it, kept petitioning. The band started a new genre of music in the ‘80s, which I believe is what the Hall is about—making a difference in music, doing something recognizable that changed things. That describes Journey.

Given that critics have sometimes been unkind to Journey, does the induction feel like a validation? GR: That’s not really a concern of mine—I can’t live like that. Things happen for all sorts of reasons. If I wrap myself up in thoughts like that I’ll never get out of that cocoon. It’s great to be recognized, irrespective of the fact that it’s taken some time.

Related: Recap of Journey’s Class of 2017 induction

Were your feelings different from when you were inducted as a member of Santana? GR: It’s different in a lot of ways. I think the biggest difference, for me, is that I’m now in that rare group of musicians to go in there twice. I’m sort of astounded by that—it’s really exciting. And I’m happy for Journey. I left in 1980, and they went on to do more and more. They wrote some great songs and became very popular. I helped build it, and I’m proud as hell about that. The same is true of Santana. I’m proud of my role there as well.

why did gregg rolie quit journey

Journey in 1977 (l. to r.): Gregg Rolie, Ross Valory, Aynsley Dunbar, Neal Schon, and Robert Fleischman

You left both those bands as they were on the cusp of great commercial success. In retrospect, do you feel those were courageous moves on your part? GR: No. In the case of Santana, I’ve always said it was just too much, too soon. It was great fun when we all got back together [for the reunion album]. The music was terrific and it just started rolling out. At one point Carlos said, “You know, we just weren’t very kind to one another.” And that’s actually true. We took it so seriously that it became personal. Plus, at the time I left, the music was going in a direction I didn’t want to go, with the Caravanserai album. The exploration was great, but there was more exploration than playing the songs I loved to do. In the case of Journey, by that time I had been on the road for 13 or 14 years, and helped build two bands. For me, that gypsy life—traveling all the time, not having your feet on the ground, going all over the world—is cool, until it’s not. I reached a point where I wanted to change my life, start a family. I wasn’t happy, and therefore I wasn’t making anyone else happy. Why should I stay there and do that to people?

Tell us more about the Santana reunion. Before the idea to reunite began to coalesce, did you ever think that might happen? GR: I had no idea. I had gotten to a place in my life where I believed anything is possible. When Neal [Schon] began pursuing Carlos, I was playing with Ringo in the Pacific Rim. We were ahead of Carlos, who was also coming to the Pacific Rim, and then Journey was coming in behind him. We were all sort of chasing one another around. Neal was really the catalyst in getting things going. When he came to me, I said, “Let me first talk with Carlos.” I gave Carlos a call of couple of days later and asked him if what I was hearing was true, that he really wanted to do this. He said, “Yeah, and I want to call it Santana IV, since this band left off with the Santana III album.” First off, I told him that was brilliant, and then I said, “I’d love to.” It was that simple. I just wanted to hear it from him.

What was it like when you first played together, after all those years? GR: It was like riding a bicycle. We picked up where we left off, but with a lot more knowledge and a lot more patience. Maturity is a wonderful thing sometimes.

Are there plans to work together again, to make another album? GR: Actually we discussed that as we were working. I would never close the door on that. Everybody gets busy, but if I get the call I would certainly entertain the idea. It so happens that every time I sit down to try to write a new song, it sort of goes in that direction.

why did gregg rolie quit journey

Rolie and Ringo (photo from Rolie’s website)

Let’s talk about the All-Starrs. You became a member in 2012. How does being in that configuration compare to being in a regular band? GR: Actually, it is a regular band, one that’s made up of really good musicians and great guys. Ringo really knows how to run a band. There are just a few basic rules: show up, and don’t be late, or I’ll leave you on the tarmac. He gives us a lot of room to play—we’re not copying people. It’s a matter of taking the music and doing what we can to make it as good as possible, just like any other band. The fact that I’ve been doing this for four-and-a-half years with Ringo just blows me away. It took me about a year and a half to get used to seeing him there whenever I would turn around onstage. But you get to know him and he’s such a regular guy, and a great human being.

Watch Rolie perform “Evil Ways” as a member of the All-Starr Band

How did you go about fitting a Hammond B-3 into Beatles songs? GR: You know, when I got the call from Mark Rivera, Ringo’s music director, I told him he had better send me [the material] right away. Whenever I’ve played anyone else’s music, I’ve had to learn it and then play it my own way, as opposed to just copying somebody. When I sat down and played these songs with the B-3, everyone loved it—especially Ringo. He said, “Man, this just fills up the room.” The thing is, if you hear too much of a B-3, it becomes an organ band, and I don’t care for that. With rock music I prefer that it just sits there and does what it’s supposed to. In Santana it can be pretty predominant, but that’s a different kind of thing. With rock music, you might not even consciously hear the organ, but if you take it away, people will say, “What happened?”

Watch the All-Starr Band perform a Beatles favorite on the last show of the 2019 tour

Is the social aspect of making music—being in a band—especially important to you? GR: Absolutely. That’s a big part of being in the All-Starrs. It’s like a tremendous boys’ club, except we get to stop and play music. It’s the way I always dreamt it could be. There’s no politics involved, nothing like that. It’s all about playing and having a good time and going on to the next place, with a bunch of great people—including the crew. It’s truly one of the best things I’ve ever done. I told that to Ringo.

Related: Our review of the All Starr Band in 2018

And here is Rolie singing his tune “Everybody’s Everything” with Ringo’s All-Starr Band in 2012

Rolie and his wife, Lori, celebrated their 42nd wedding anniversary on December 20, 2022.

Related: Rolie shared more insights with us in 2019 about his packed career

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4 Comments so far

Quiet Riot

Thank you so very much for this info on Gregg Rolie. I love Santana & Journey but have always been curious about Gregg. Love to watch him play & sing. Thanx again!

Mr P

One of the best interviews with Gregg I’ve seen. Met him once. Nice guy. And very successful, even though he got out of Journey before they got insanely popular. Not to mention rich as hell. What he says about getting sick of the road and wanting to have a family and a more normal life says a lot about what a real person he is. And I seriously doubt he’s short on cash. He’s still working, and enjoying his life. And he damn well deserves it.

n/a

It was a great interview. I’ve always liked Gregg a lot, and was saddened when he left Journey, but I understood why, I think. I read so many reasons why he left, but never really believed any of them. Only he knows why he left. I just wish he was back with them. But, you can never go back. Steve Perry said that, himself, when he was fired from Journey. I still think Gregg looks fantastic, too!

Da Mick

Aside from being THE definitive voice of Santana, Gregg is my favorite organ player of all time, which is saying a lot, up against some of the other greats. But the fact is that every time he’s given some space in a song, he really heats it up, and creates excitement. And even though he’s in the HOF with two different bands, i think he’s still terribly underrated behind that B3. I guess that could happen pretty easily when you’ve played with iconic guitarists much of your career.

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Gregg Rolie Addresses Journey Comeback In Cryptic Post

By Andrew Magnotta @AndrewMagnotta

January 5, 2023

why did gregg rolie quit journey

Journey founder and guitarist Neal Schon made headlines late-Wednesday when word got around of his declaration that fans will "be seeing" original Journey keyboardist Gregg Rolie on the band's 50th anniversary tour this year.

Rolie himself has stayed mum on the subject publicly, except for one comment left in reply to Q104.3 New York's recent Instagram post regarding the rumor.

Said the two-time Rock and Roll Hall of Famer: "👀"

While Rolie's comment is mysterious, it certainly doesn't amount to a denial.

Journey's 'Freedom' tour hits the road again on February 4 with Toto as special guest, so an official announcement regarding Rolie's involvement should come within a few weeks.

Rumors of Rolie's return to Journey come at a strange time in the band, as Schon and longtime keyboardist Jonathan Cain (to whom Rolie passed the reigns in 1980) are embroiled in a lawsuit over the band's finances .

Despite the turmoil, the prevailing assumption is that Cain and Rolie will coexist during each show or perhaps trade places to perform material from their respective eras.

While Rolie was the lead singer/keyboardist on Journey's early albums, he is best known as the lead singer/keyboardist for Santana and as a longtime member of Ringo Starr's All-Starr Band .

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Q104.3 (@q1043)

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why did gregg rolie quit journey

NEAL SCHON's Wife Says Two JOURNEY Bandmembers Are 'Adamantly' Against GREGG ROLIE's Return

Two members of JOURNEY are adamantly against the return of the band's co-founder Gregg Rolie for the upcoming 50th-anniversary tour, according to guitarist Neal Schon 's wife.

Earlier this month, Schon hinted that Rolie would make an appearance on the band's upcoming trek, presumably in the place of longtime keyboardist Jonathan Cain , with whom Neal has been publicly feuding.

However, Michaele Schon says that not every member of JOURNEY is on board with the lineup change. On Thursday (January 12),she took to social media to let fans know that she and her husband were looking forward to "seeing everyone soon on tour" and noted that legendary guitarist Jeff Beck 's recent passing "has shown us that along with so many who are in Heaven now we see how very precious time is." She then added: "TWO BAND MEMBERS are 'adamant 'NO ' fighting against Gregg Rolie to return .

"Life is so precious Neal and Gregg agree , who wants to have that feeling , truly sad . Music is for inspiration and joy!

"Everyone LOVES you Gregg ROLIE and respects who you are and ALL You have been and are to JOURNEY , for without YOU picking up Neal Schön from school , JOURNEY would not exist .

" Neal Schön and Gregg ROLIE will be somewhere Together at least one time this Year in Honor of what they began in 1972.

"Faith . Let's ask God to find a way for them. Let's pray for forgiveness for those who hurt Gregg ROLIE and hope they learn what spirituality is someday."

On Tuesday (January 10), Cain said that he will be hitting the road with JOURNEY next month despite Schon 's suggestions to the contrary.

Less than two weeks ago, Schon addressed Rolie 's participation in JOURNEY 's upcoming run of dates in a social media post. After Neal shared a graphic for JOURNEY 's 50th anniversary on his Facebook page, a fan commented: "I am SO looking forward to this. Please tell me Gregg Rollie is coming along for the ride! He's the better keyboard player and a co-founder it only seems right. Timing couldn't be better either!!!!" In response, Neal wrote: "you'll be seeing him".

Last month, Cain fired back at Schon when the JOURNEY guitarist called him a "hypocrite" for performing the band's 1981 hit song "Don't Stop Believin'" at Donald Trump 's Mar-a-Lago property. Cain , whose wife, Paula White-Cain , is the former president's self-styled spiritual adviser, played the track in November with a backup chorus of U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene , Donald Trump Jr. 's fiancée Kimberly Guilfoyle and former Arizona gubernatorial candidate Kari Lake .

" Neal Schon should look in the mirror when he accuses me of causing harm to the JOURNEY brand," Cain said in a statement. "I have watched him damage our brand for years and am a victim of both his — and his wife's — bizarre behavior."

An attorney for Schon sent a cease-and-desist letter to Cain after he performed at Trump 's Florida estate.

The latest legal move came a few weeks after Schon filed a lawsuit against Cain in California state court, alleging that Cain set up an American Express card without telling Schon and that "millions of JOURNEY funds have flowed through it." Cain , for his part, accused Schon of misusing the card, citing his "excessive spending and extravagant lifestyle."

A month earlier, former JOURNEY singer Steve Perry took legal action against both Schon and Cain , asking them to stop registering federal trademarks on the names of many of the band's hits.

Rolie was JOURNEY 's first singer, though his role quickly diminished when Perry arrived in 1977. Gregg left JOURNEY in 1980, just before the band achieved its commercial heights.

JOURNEY 's tour with TOTO will kick off on February 4 in Allentown, Pennsylvania. Presented by AEG Presents , the "Freedom Tour 2023" will make stops in Austin, Montreal and Memphis before wrapping April 25 at the brand-new Acrisure Arena in Palm Springs, California.

The 2023 run includes rescheduled dates in Washington, D.C., plus Hartford, Toronto and Quebec, which were postponed last year due to the coronavirus.

Repost from @nealandmichaeleschon • Life is Precious ✝️💜🙏🏻 Jeff Beck has shown us that along with so many who are in Heaven now we see how very precious time is . We look forward to seeing everyone soon on Tour !! NEAL SCHÖN & JOURNEY 50th Anniversary Freedom Tour !! OF A LIFETIME TOUR !! 50 !! TWO BAND MEMBERS of the Journey current LINE UP ARE “adamant “NO against Gregg Rolie to return . Life is so precious Neal and Gregg agree . Who wants to have that feeling , truly sad . Music is for inspiration and joy! Everyone LOVES you Gregg ROLIE and respects who you are and ALL You have been and are to Journey, for without YOU picking up Neal Schön from school , Journey would not exist . Neal Schön and Gregg ROLIE will be somewhere Together at least one time this Year in Honor of what they began in 1972 . Faith ✝️ let’s ask God to find a way for them 🙏🏻 let’s pray for forgiveness for those who hurt Gregg ROLIE and hope they learn what spirituality is someday .We all love you !! ❤️🎼♾️ #untilwemeetagain❤️ @greggrolie @nealschon @journeyofficial @nealandmichaeleschon #love #light #journey #faith @nealandmichaeleschon @carlossantana #amen #respect #fullcircle Posted by Neal & Michaele Schon on Thursday, January 12, 2023

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Ultimate Classic Rock

Journey Tears Through Deep Cuts With Gregg Rolie

Original keyboardist and lead singer  Gregg Rolie joined Journey onstage on Wednesday night during their show in Austin, Texas.

You can watch videos from the performance and see the full set list below.

"We have an extra special set tonight," stalwart leader Neal Schon told the crowd. "So when we go offstage at the end of the show, don't leave."

Schon kept his word, welcoming Rolie to the stage when Journey emerged for their encore. They were bandmates throughout the '70s, first with Santana and then in Journey. Schon credited Rolie for taking him under his wing and picking him up from high school when he was 15 years old, "'cause I wasn't going to school anyway."

Watch Journey Play 'Just the Same Way' With Gregg Rolie 

Journey then tore through several Rolie-era cuts: "Just the Same Way" from 1979's  Evolution , "Of a Lifetime" off 1975's Journey  and "Feeling That Way" and "Anytime" from 1978's Infinity . Rolie and Schon also revisited their shared Santana roots by covering "Black Magic Woman" with help from tourmate and Toto guitarist Steve Lukather . They finished out their set with the time-honored hit "Any Way You Want It."

"I just wanna say: 50 years?" Rolie marveled to the crowd about his former bandmates. "Fifty years of one band going through changes, but it's like a runaway freight train that just keeps going with no brakes." He also thanked past and present Journey members and, above all, the audience. "Without you guys, this place is empty," he said.

Schon teased Rolie's appearance earlier this month, posting that there will be a " special surprise " once the tour hit Austin. Some Twitter users hoped in vain for an appearance from ex-frontman Steve Perry , but many correctly predicted a cameo from Rolie, who lives near the Texas capital.

Rolie co-founded Journey with Schon in 1973 and handled lead vocals on the band's first three albums. He began ceding vocal duties to Perry on Infinity and continued until 1980, when Journey released the aptly titled Departure  and the soundtrack album  Dream, After Dream . Former Babys keyboardist Jonathan Cain then took over.

Watch Journey Play 'Of a Lifetime' With Gregg Rolie

Journey is currently in the midst of their 50th anniversary tour , which has gone off without a hitch despite the ongoing litigation between Schon and Cain. Schon filed suit against Cain in November, claiming the keyboardist had "improperly restricted" his access to financial documents related to Journey's joint American Express card. Cain countersued in January , accusing the guitarist of racking up more than $1 million in personal expenses to the card.

As they traded barbs and lawsuits publicly ahead of the tour kickoff, Schon also hinted at a lineup change . He tweeted a photo of himself and Rolie with the caption, "2 original founding members. I think my brother Gregg Rolie should join us for 2023 tour. What do you think, friends? He will spice it up and we will have a great variety of songs to choose from. What would you like to hear for the 50th anniversary tour?"

Watch Journey Play 'Feeling That Way' and 'Anytime' With Gregg Rolie

Schon later changed his tune , however, telling another Twitter user that Rolie would join the band "not at this moment. Both Gregg and I intend to shed some real light on the subject matter very soon." When that quote began to circulate, Schon  tweeted a response : "This is going out to all media of all your postings today that Gregg Rolie is out. FALSE – where would you get this information? Ex managers? PR stunt again."

Journey's 50th anniversary tour is scheduled to run through May. The band will revisit the Lone Star State in April to play at San Antonio's AT&T Center. Schon  suggested on Twitter that Rolie would also make an appearance there.

Watch Journey Play 'Any Way You Want It' With Gregg Rolie

Journey, 2/22/23, Moody Center, Austin "Only the Young" Neal Schon guitar solo "Stone in Love" "Don't Stop Believin'" "Lights" "Send Her My Love" "Escape" "Who's Crying Now" "Let it Rain" "Lovin', Touchin', Squeezin'" Jonathan Cain piano solo "Open Arms" "Faithfully" "Girl Can't Help It" "Just the Same Way" (with Gregg Rolie) "Of a Lifetime" (with Rolie) "Feeling That Way" (with Rolie) "Anytime" (with Rolie) "Black Magic Woman" (with Rolie and Steve Lukather) "Any Way You Want It" (with Rolie)

Watch Journey Play 'Black Magic Woman' With Gregg Rolie and Steve Lukather

Watch Gregg Rolie Sound Check With Journey 

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Greg Rolie photo by Mike Coppola and Getty Images

Journey reunited with long-term frontman Steve Perry at their recent induction to the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame, but their original lead vocalist, Gregg Rolie, has also revealed that he and lead guitarist Neal Schon have been discussing working together again.

The two Journey co-founders previously worked together on Santana’s 2016 album, Santana IV , while Schon is due to appear on Rolie’s forthcoming solo album. During an interview with Radio.com ahead of the induction ceremony, Rolie hinted at the possibility of them working together in the context of Journey.

The topic initially came up when Rolie was asked why he didn’t jam with Journey when they played a show with Santana last year. “Well, I’m not quite sure, other than there’s a couple of guys; I’m not in the band,” he said in response. “Neal wanted me to do that, and I wanted to do it, and I think it would be tremendous for fans, but there was a couple guys that voted no.”

He elaborated further, saying, “And so that’s the way it went. I think it’s a shame. People would’ve loved to have seen everybody on the stage gelling together. That’s what I got into doing this for, and having it be otherwise is kind of silly. I don’t know the reasoning. I don’t care about it. If that’s what it is, that’s what it is. Neal and I will do more stuff, and that’s really where it’s at. Remember, between [former Santana manager] Herbie Herbert and Neal Schon, that’s who started this band. It’s always been Neal’s band.”

Rolie concluded the interview by saying, “I love playing with him [Schon], I always have. I’ve known him since he was 15. I got him into Santana, for God sakes. So he and I have crossed paths so many times, and we’re older and kinder, so we’ll see what happens.”

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26 Comments

Chris Hammond

April 29, 2017 at 6:46 am

Totally awesome for Gregg Rolie to hook up with Journey, Neal AND the other members. I know that each member has a vote, everybody should be mature enough to let this happen. Seems like the only threat would be to Jonathan Cain??? The only other would be If Steve Smith has a beef w/Gregg???

Josephine R

July 6, 2019 at 3:20 am

Mr. Rollie I loved what you did in Journey I do love your singing. However you are no Steve Perry. I loved what Steve brought to Journey and were he took Journey. I Love were Arinal is taking Journey. All of you are are so Bless with a gift that only God could have given. During that time you all needed one another. You all still do. No one is greater than another.. Look where you all have been! Steve Perry as well; his path was for time and for always. He well always remain in time. He is timeless. He was meant to do what he did for a season. Now his return will be timeless as I said . He only needs to come out on stage not even sing. He was born for this. God had other plans for him. Mr. Rolie he still has wonderful plans for you listen for it. If you think where you’ve been is all that. You have see nothing yet. Even at this of your life God has his hand on you your music and everything you do in it. I will be listening for Journey, Steve Perry and many others from our time period. I just love music form those that put their heart into music. I want to repeat this so you’ll hear me; because you need to. There are not many Steve Perry’s is this world. Why God choses send them into the world only He knows. Steve Perry is one of a kind. He was sent to Journey for a season. Has you God put it upon his heart to stop. I want you to know I have been praying for Journey for a very long time. Also many other Artist I make it my business to keep you all in prayer. I know that being in TV business over a decade I see a lot. Sometimes more than I care to. Being a Producer it’s no easy when I see who had a gift and who thinks they do and doesn’t. I see it all the time. Some times while I’m recording. I have do what I got to do.Well on I pray you receive this. I email this with a lot of respect. Josephine

synthonaplinth

July 27, 2019 at 5:16 pm

First you say ‘However, you are no Steve Perry’, then you go on to say that ‘No one is greater than another’.

You might want to change one of those comments.

April 29, 2017 at 9:21 am

No doubt Cain. He always looks like he is irritated about something. Maybe he should leave the band and go do his Christian Misic.

April 29, 2017 at 9:24 am

No doubt Cain. He always looks irritated about something.

ElectricFrank

April 29, 2017 at 1:05 pm

Bring the guy back that was replaced by Steve Perry on vocals . Great move

Ed Olsiewicz

April 29, 2017 at 4:00 pm

Honestly I love Journey, but the first three albums are Progressive Rock Classics. I still listen to them at least once a week.

April 29, 2017 at 6:55 pm

That would be Great!Greg and Neal… the icing on the cake would be to get Steve to join you guys.. and to see the MAGIC again… Give us some Blue’s and Soul Again.. Congratulations again to All you guys… thanks for the MAGIC music!

April 29, 2017 at 7:23 pm

Original four piece journey reuniting playing material off of the first three albums would be a dream gig. I would travel thousands of miles to see this.

February 10, 2018 at 11:46 pm

That show happened last night (2/9/18) in SF. Neal Schon, Greg Rolie, Dean Castronovo, and Marco Medoza played for 3+ hours, covering tons of material from the first three Journey albums and the first three Journey with Steve Perry albums when Rolie was still in the band. Amazing show. Check out some of the vids on YouTube.

April 30, 2017 at 1:09 am

I’d love to see that reincarnation of Journey…Schon, Rollie, Dunbar and Valory…wondering who said no…me thinks it was probably Cain…

April 30, 2017 at 4:16 am

I would love to see all the originals back together for a reunion tour.Its time guys!

April 30, 2017 at 7:20 am

How come Steve Perry didn’t perform tonight?

Journey Fan

April 30, 2017 at 9:25 am

Jonathan Cain likes to portray himself as being a good Christian. He even recently released a Christian rock cd. But the guy is all about the almighty dollar these days. He no doubt does not want to share band profits with a sixth member, and his ego is too fragile to be willing to share the stage with another keyboardist of high reputation. Pretty un-Christian-like traits if you ask me. Cain needs to either dedicate himself to continuing to move Journey foreword, or step aside. No more halfheartedly being in Journey. Work on new Journey music or step aside for someone who wants to work.

Roman Picco

April 30, 2017 at 12:59 pm

both keyboardist bring entirely different skills and sounds, plus being that Perry can’t sing like he used to any assistance from Rolie in the vocal department could only help. How awesome would it be to have both Cain and Rolie in the band, Cain also can double up on guitar where needed. The sum of all these attributes could only make Journey even better and truely a super group!

August 25, 2017 at 6:29 am

Here comes the bullshit about the fact that Steve Perry can not sing the way he use to sing! This is not true! He is older now,but his voice still beautiful and perfect like always! He is a great singer and he does not need any help from anybody to sing! Stop making stupid comments like that! Love to see how you can sing any of his songs! Try to do what he does with his voice! If you do well you can perhaps pass this kinda judment!

July 6, 2019 at 1:05 pm

Roman Steve Perry is one of a kind, I repeat one of a kind. This man has something most Artist donor have. He still has his voice class, one thing he doesn’t care what people think. Amen to that he real like you & me. He knows he human. He will always be timeless because of his voice & because of the way he relates to his fans people in central. God not only gave him a voice; He gave him a very special gift to know when to stop . Move on where I want you to go. We’ll revisit music shy. God is not done with Steve Perry Roman not by far. All he has to do is walk on stage not sing the crowd will go wild. This is another gift God has given this man. If he chooses to tour I for one will go see him. If he chooses not to; that’s alright by me. Don’t say he can’t sing with out assistance. Everyone has been judging this man enough already. Let him live has God intents him to. He don’t have that right. May peace be with you. Josephine

Mr P's R&R Riot

April 30, 2017 at 6:59 pm

And the crap continues to fly . They’re not getting any younger . Better get while the gettin’s good .

May 1, 2017 at 2:29 am

That’s probably why Steve Perry is out of all this. Congrats to Steve Perry and Journey for the RRH of F induction!

May 1, 2017 at 3:01 am

The irony is that Rolie recommend Cain to replace him since Journey was going in a more pop direction and Cain had co-written a bunch of hits for the Babys. Now Cain has turned into a big baby…

June 9, 2017 at 12:14 am

Arnel pineda has given 10 years to journey and I for one dont want to see him replaced by Steve or Greg they are the ones that left and Arnel has given his all! As long as he is included Im all for it yes Neal you’ve made it clear its your band but dont forget the ones that have stood beside you thru the years your fans and their fans have been loyal!

July 27, 2017 at 4:50 pm

I BELIEVE CAIN IS THE ONE WHO GOT RID OF STEVE BY GOING THERE AND TELLING STEVE TO COME BACK NOW OR ELSE. DO IT NOW OR WE WILL REPLACE YOU. HOW DARE HE THE LITTLE HYPOCRITE. AND NEAL WENT ALONG WITH IT..THIS IS A GREAT DISAPPOINTMENT TO ME FROM NEAL WHO PERRY WAS GREAT FRIENDS WITH. STEVE HAD A MEDICAL PROBLEM. I KNOW OF THE BITCH’IN PAIN HIP SURGERY IS. BITCH’EN I TELL YOU. AT THAT TIME I HAD MINE I WONDERED HOW OUR TROOPS COULD BE SO TERRIBLE WOUNDED IN THE FIELD AND SURVIVE THE PAIN BEFORE GETTING MEDICAL HELP. I BELIEVE THE PAIN ALONE COULD KILL A MAN.. THERE’S ONLY SO MUCH A MAN CAN TAKE. I’M TALKIN ANYONE WOULD AND THERE WOUNDS ARE HUGE! I LOVE STEVE SO MUCH FOR DOING WHAT WAS RIGHT FOR HIM. HE GAVE UP SO MUCH BUT THE EYES TRULY ARE THE MIRROR TO THE SOUL AND I COULD SEE LONELINESS, HURT, SORROW MANY TIMES IN HIS EYES FROM HIS PICTURES AND HIS MUSIC. BUT WHEN HE LAUGHS ….THE SUN IS IN THAT LAUGH AND I JUST WANT TO HUG HIM. HIS BEST LOOK, WHEN HE’S AT GIANTS GAME IN HIS CAP AND HIS LUMBER JACK SHIRTS. HE LOOKS LIKE A KID. I LOVE THIS MAN. HE TRULY IS A NICE MAN. I JUST FEEL IT! GO STEVE!

August 25, 2017 at 6:39 am

PJ i really respect and love your comment! This is what I really think about Steve Perry! I first heard him singing when I was 8 years old and my brother kept listen to his music throughout the years and I just felt in love with his voice and the lyrics on each song that he did sing! He really can show his feeling with his voice and with his eyes! His smile is just like a child smiling! I really admire his work and as well his beautiful personality! Big hug to you B

January 24, 2018 at 3:13 am

If Ross was the other holdout, I know an easy to get along with 53-year-old bass player who is clean, straight, and healthy, can play Journey’s stuff and sing some backings.

Alan Arnold

June 10, 2018 at 10:44 pm

I just hope they include Aynsley Dunbar in the reunion. His drumming is what gave the original Journey the progressive sound that was so awesome. One of the best rock drummers of our time…. amazing track record and helped elevate Journey as well. http://Www.aynsleydunbar.com

December 5, 2018 at 11:17 am

No matter how hard you try You and the rest will never be the Greatest rock band again (without Steve) yourjust another retro band that old and done!! Steve Perry is was always will be Journey and his awesome Solo albums prove it they stand on they’re own! Texas

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Why did Arnel Pineda leave Journey? Celebrity.fm #1 Official Stars, Business & People Networ

In 2005, he remembered, “I had to resign from my band because I lost my voice . … It was a tough and cruel path until I met Journey.” Things began turning around for him in 2007, when guitarist Neal Schon made contact.

Second, Does Steve Perry still get royalties from Journey? Since Perry left, Journey has released four studio album, and one EP. On top of that, Perry receives the same exact lump sum payments for each of Journey’s tours as well, 50% after the first two without him, 25% after the third, and 12.5% for every tour following that.

however What is Neal schons net worth?

Neal Schon Net Worth

Is Arnel Pineda American citizen?

Arnel Campaner Pineda (born September 5, 1967) is a Filipino singer and songwriter. He came to prominence in the Philippines during the 1980s and internationally in 2007 as the lead singer of the American rock band Journey.

Still, Does Journey still have original members?

The band currently consists of guitarist/vocalist Neal Schon (the only constant original member), keyboardists/vocalists Jonathan Cain and Jason Derlatka, drummer/vocalist Deen Castronovo, and lead vocalist Arnel Pineda.

Who owns Journey songs?

An entity called Nightmare Productions Inc. owns the “Journey” trademark. According to the complaint, it has six equal shareholders: Schon, Cain, Smith, Valory, former vocalist Steve Perry and former band manager Walter Herbert.

Are Steve Perry and Jonathan Cain friends?

JOURNEY Keyboardist JONATHAN CAIN Has No Relationship With STEVE PERRY: ‘That’s His Loss’ JOURNEY keyboardist Jonathan Cain has confirmed in a new interview that he has had almost no direct contact with the band’s former singer Steve Perry since they were inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame two years ago.

How rich is Sammy Hagar?

As of 2022, the net worth of Sammy Hagar is $150 million. He would be the richest Van Halen member if he was still a member of the band.

How much is Eric Clapton?

What is Eric Clapton’s net worth? Eric Clapton is estimated to have a net worth of around $250 million (£190 million).

How rich is Steve Lukather?

Lukather is the original lead guitarist for Toto as well as a lead and backing vocalist and composer.

Steve Lukather Net Worth.

How much does the band Journey make a year?

The graph shows the revenue generated by the American rock band Journey in the United States in 2018, broken down by source. The band generated 15.9 million U.S. dollars with their tour activities in that year.

Why did the lead singer of Journey quit?

They presented him with an ultimatum: If he did not undergo hip replacement surgery so the tour could proceed upon his recovery, the band would hire a replacement singer. Still hesitant to undergo surgery, and now upset at his bandmates, Perry announced that he was permanently leaving Journey.

How much do rock bands make per show?

Each band member (4) makes $27.50 before tax. or 0.7% of face value of each ticket. Sure the band members might make $500-$800 bucks a show in their best markets on a friday or saturday night. But if you are very lucky that’s 25 shows a year. The other hundred shows a year look like this.

Is Steve Perry back with Journey 2021?

Steve Perry doesn’t have any imminent plans to perform again, but the iconic former Journey frontman is open to arranging something in 2022.

What happened between Steve Perry and Journey?

It took a major toll on Journey to have intermittent recording sessions and a vocalist who was not with the band much of the time. Eventually, Perry became exhausted from the ordeal. Journey then went into hiatus in 1987 after the Raised on Radio tour.

Who is lead singer of Journey Now?

Arnel Pineda is best known as the new lead singer for the rock group Journey.

What is Journey’s biggest hit?

Track listing

Did Journey members get along?

“The members of the band Journey who were parties to a recent lawsuit (Neal Schon, Jonathan Cain, Steve Smith, and Ross Valory) are pleased to announce that they have resolved their differences and reached an amicable settlement agreement,” the band said in a statement to Rolling Stone.

Why did Steve Perry leave Journey?

Since leaving Journey officially in 1996 due to a crippling hip injury that prevented him from touring, Perry has been surprisingly absent from music. His lack of creative output was a stark change from his time in Journey, a band that was seemingly either on tour or in the studio for the entirety of the 1980s.

What happened to Gregg Rolie?

“I left because I didn’t like my life anymore. I’ve said this a million times and I know there’s people that say, ‘That’s not the reason. ‘ But I left because I was unhappy with what I was doing in my own life,” Rolie told Rolling Stone. “I loved the management.

Where does Jonathan Cain from Journey live?

In April 2015, he married minister Paula White. This is the third marriage for both. They reside in Apopka, Florida.

Whats Ted Nugent worth?

Ted Nugent Net Worth: Ted Nugent is an American rock musician who has a net worth of $10 million dollars.

Ted Nugent Net Worth.

How much is Guns N Roses worth?

And today in 2022, one of Guns N’ Roses band founding members Axl Rose’s net worth is $230 million, as he also gets to be the richest member of the band.

How rich is Bret Michaels?

Bret Michaels Net Worth

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  1. The Real Reason Gregg Rolie Left Journey

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  2. The Real Reason Gregg Rolie Left Journey

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  3. Journey Reunion Stirs 50 Years of Memories for Gregg Rolie

    why did gregg rolie quit journey

  4. Gregg Rolie Addresses Journey Comeback In Cryptic Post

    why did gregg rolie quit journey

  5. Journey Band History

    why did gregg rolie quit journey

  6. Gregg Rolie Interview: Santana, Journey, Ringo Starr

    why did gregg rolie quit journey

COMMENTS

  1. The Real Reason Gregg Rolie Left Journey

    While Keyboardist Gregg Rolie gained fame the first time via Carlos Santana's titular musical group, the musician found even more recognition in the mid-1970s via Journey, a new hard rock group that paved the way to 19 Top 40 singles in the U.S.The keyboardist also took on lead vocalist duties, for the albums Journey and Look into the Future, as well as backing vocal duties on Infinity ...

  2. The Real Reason Gregg Rolie Left Journey

    Ethan Miller, Getty Images. Journey co-founder Gregg Rolie is attempting to dispel the myth that he quit the band because he was unhappy about Steve Perry 's arrival. Rolie bowed out in 1980 ...

  3. Gregg Rolie Talks About Why He Really Left Journey

    As a teenager, keyboardist Gregg Rolie was a co-founding member of the band Santana, playing at Woodstock and on such classic albums as Abraxas.After Santana III, he left the band to strike out on his own, eventually starting a new band: Journey.. Rolie rocked with Journey through the band's scrappy early years through early breakout albums including Departure and Evolution.

  4. NEAL SCHON Now Says GREGG ROLIE Won't Be Part Of JOURNEY's Upcoming

    January 17, 2023. Neal Schon now says that JOURNEY co-founder Gregg Rolie won't take part in the band's 50th-anniversary tour, which kicks off next month. A couple of weeks ago, JOURNEY 's co ...

  5. When Gregg Rolie Said Goodbye on Journey's 'Dream, After Dream'

    Gregg Rolie's studio work with Journey ended with 1980's Departure, a triple platinum-selling commercial splash that gave the band its first-ever Top 10 appearance on the Billboard album chart. He ...

  6. Gregg Rolie

    Gregg Alan Rolie (born June 17, 1947) is an American keyboardist, singer and songwriter. Rolie served as lead singer of the bands Santana and Journey - both of which he co-founded. He also helmed rock group The Storm, performed in Ringo Starr & His All-Starr Band until 2021, and since 2001 with his Gregg Rolie Band. Rolie is a two-time inductee of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, having been ...

  7. Journey Reunion Stirs 50 Years of Memories for Gregg Rolie

    Gregg Rolie is the rare two-time Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee, an architect who built foundations for Santana and then Journey.. Neal Schon was part of both construction projects, as a teen ...

  8. Journey brings original vocalist Gregg Rolie back into fold ...

    Photo: Kevin Mazur 2017. Journey 's original vocalist and keyboardist, Gregg Rolie, is set to join the band when it hits the road next month for its North American "Freedom Tour 2023," according to guitarist Neal Schon — marking the first time has performed with the diamond-selling Rock and Roll Hall of Fame group in more than four decades.

  9. Gregg Rolie on Santana, Woodstock and Journey

    A co-founder of that band as well, Rolie sang some of their best-known material: "Black Magic Woman," "Evil Ways," "Oye Como Va" and more. Gregg Rolie fully understands why, despite the accolades he's received, some fans still don't know all that he's done over his half-century-plus career. The band led by Carlos Santana was ...

  10. Gregg Rolie Interview: Santana, Journey, Ringo Starr

    Gregg Rolie Looks Back on His Days With Santana, Journey, and Ringo Starr. The voice behind "Black Magic Woman," "Evil Ways," and the first three Journey albums breaks down his five-decade saga in ...

  11. The Real Reason Gregg Rolie Left Journey

    This is an inspiring story that transends all of the drama. Gregg's wife ends up being the antithesis of the typical rock star groupie wife. She has her own ...

  12. GREGG ROLIE Says He 'Had A Blast' Reuniting With JOURNEY On Stage In

    During an appearance on the latest episode of Dean Delray's "Let There Be Talk" podcast, JOURNEY co-founder Gregg Rolie spoke about how he got to rejoin his former band during their February 22 ...

  13. The Story of Gregg Rolie's Departure From Journey

    With Gregg returning to Journey Through Time it's an interesting thing to look back at what could have been and what was a career on the uptick

  14. Journey's 'Don't Stop Believin'': What It Was Like to Play in the Band

    Why did Gregg Rolie leave the band? ... It was a collection of videos shot by Arnel's friend in a club in Manila in which Arnel did in one evening, not only Journey songs, but Led Zeppelin and ...

  15. Gregg Rolie Talks About How His Journey 50th Anniversary Reunion Came

    On Dean Delray's "Let There Be Talk" podcast, Journey co-founder and former singer Gregg Rolie talked about what his experiences were reuniting with the band on their February 22nd show in Austin ...

  16. Gregg Rolie Says Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Nomination Is for Journey's

    "Y'know, Journey's still out there doing this, big time," Rolie says. "It never quit. That was part of the dilemma of why it doesn't seem right (that the band's not in the Rock Hall).

  17. Gregg Rolie Talks Journey, Santana, Ringo & More

    Journey in 1977 (l. to r.): Gregg Rolie, Ross Valory, Aynsley Dunbar, Neal Schon, and Robert Fleischman. ... There are just a few basic rules: show up, and don't be late, or I'll leave you on the tarmac. He gives us a lot of room to play—we're not copying people. It's a matter of taking the music and doing what we can to make it as ...

  18. You've Probably Never Heard of Gregg Rolie, But He's Now in the Rock

    Gregg Rolie, who played keyboards in both Santana and Journey, is now being inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame for the second time. On April 7 at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, fans and red-carpet celebrities will watch as music legends like Pearl Jam, Tupac Shakur, and Yes are enshrined in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

  19. Gregg Rolie Addresses Journey Comeback In Cryptic Post

    Journey founder and guitarist Neal Schon made headlines late-Wednesday when word got around of his declaration that fans will "be seeing" original Journey keyboardist Gregg Rolie on the band's 50th anniversary tour this year.. Rolie himself has stayed mum on the subject publicly, except for one comment left in reply to Q104.3 New York's recent Instagram post regarding the rumor.

  20. NEAL SCHON's Wife Says Two JOURNEY Bandmembers Are 'Adamantly' Against

    Two members of JOURNEY are adamantly against the return of the band's co-founder Gregg Rolie for the upcoming 50th-anniversary tour, according to guitarist Neal Schon's wife.. Earlier this month ...

  21. Journey Tears Through Deep Cuts With Gregg Rolie

    Journey co-founder Gregg Rolie joined his former bandmates onstage in Austin on Feb. 22, 2023. ... "So when we go offstage at the end of the show, don't leave." Schon kept his word, welcoming ...

  22. Origina Journey Vocalist Gregg Rolie Hints At Working ...

    Photo: Mike Coppola/Getty Images. Journey reunited with long-term frontman Steve Perry at their recent induction to the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame, but their original lead vocalist, Gregg Rolie ...

  23. Journey

    0:00 Neal's Intro0:55 Gregg's Speech2:34 1. Just the Same Way6:38 2. Of a Lifetime13:44 3. Feeling That Way17:14 4. Anytime21:25 5. Black Magic Woman (w/ Ste...

  24. Why did Arnel Pineda leave Journey? Celebrity.fm #1 Official Stars

    Why did the lead singer of Journey quit? They presented him with an ultimatum: If he did not undergo hip replacement surgery so the tour could proceed upon his recovery, the band would hire a replacement singer. Still hesitant to undergo surgery, and now upset at his bandmates, Perry announced that he was permanently leaving Journey. ...