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Welcome to JourneyRock UK
This website was initially created as a petition to encourage the UK promoters to bring Journey to the UK and Europe. Given that the band toured the UK in 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009, it was decided that UK and European fans might want to continue with the friendships forged through this site. We are crossing our fingers for another extensive UK/Euro tour this year.
Don't Stop Believin'
Journey 2009
Arnel Pineda, Deen Castronovo, Neal Schon,
Jonathan Cain, Ross Valory.
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If you experience any problems registering with the JRUK forum please contact cathy@journeyrock.co.uk
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***Latest News***
Steve Augeri talks about his new venture.
"I am working with a great team behind me and look forward to introducing them to you shortly and getting out and doing these songs for you on stage, however small or large.
So take good care of yourselves until next time.
With much love and gratitude, Steve Augeri."
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JourneyRockUK Fan of the Month February Russ Kirk
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Steve Perry On Planet Rock
29th January 2010
Planet Rock will be speaking to former Journey frontman on Monday 1 February.
Perry will be appearing on Nicky Horne's show on Monday from about 7pm, so make sure that you tune in to hear a rare interview with one of the most famous voices in rock.
Nicky will no doubt be asking Steve about the recent resurgence of Journey's Don't Stop Believin' which has been hanging around the UK's top 10 singles charts for nearly two months now.
Steve Perry on Nicky Horne from 7pm
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Glee
We hope everyone has been watching 'Glee' now that it has hit UK TV. Watch it on Channel 4. In the first episode we were thrilled to hear 2 legendary Journey songs, Lovin' Touchin' Squeezin and of course Don't Stop Believin'. This has sent the Glee version, as well as the original Journey (Steve Perry) version, soaring up the UK charts.
Link to the official Glee site
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Journey meets Metallica
This is Jess Harnell merging Metallica's Enter the Sandman and Journey's Don't Stop Believin' into one song.
Watch the band Rock Sugar's amazing mix
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JourneyRockUK Fan of the Month January 2010 Jules Kirk
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Steve Augeri
Coming in 2010, Steve Augeri's first Solo Album and World Tour.
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The Arrival of Departure
Gig review by Cathy Smith
Last night saw the launch of a new UK Journey tribute band “Departure”. First gig was a well organised event at the Eastwood View Working Men’s Club in Rotherham. The venue was a large concert room with an ample stage area. The worry was that there may be a low turnout as, on Saturday, a few other events unfortunately coincided with their launch show. Locally there were two other Journey tribute bands playing in the area and to cap it all it was a big night on X Factor with Joe McElderry competing for a place in the finals having already performed two Journey songs in the run up to the semis. Then there was a dance off on the BBC’s “Strictly” too.
The Rotherham gig was well attended by the regulars and visitors to this club with a great atmosphere and enthusiastic audience. There were a few tour shirts on show.
“Departure” hold an important advantage to other bands by having the classic 5 man line up –
Lead Vocals: Andrea Oggiano
Lead Guitar: Alex Ward
Keyboards: Craig Harrison
Bass / backing vocals: Andy Ritson
Drums / backing vocals: Colin Wild
Then, included in the comprehensive set list was a scattering of lesser played but much loved songs – which always goes down well with the die hard fans. They did look a little apprehensive when they first walked on stage, which is perfectly acceptable in the circumstances but I would say within two verses of the first number they were really warming up and starting to enjoy themselves. It became very apparent that every member of this band love playing Journey music, which may sound a bit of an obvious comment but not every musician enjoys singing and playing what can be very difficult, complex music. Rarely have we seen Journey music played so well and so authentically. Andrea hit the high notes effortlessly; he has the makings of a great front man. He certainly has the looks and maybe needs to acquire a talent for a certain, much loved and sorely missed, Augeri wiggle to be seen on the Arrival 2001 DVD. Alex Ward certainly has been paying attention to Mr. Neal Schon’s guitar techniques and again he was very confident, enjoyed the music, what a fantastic talent. Keyboard, bass and drums were rock solid and the backing vocals confident.
Highlights –‘Patiently’ (not heard that played live by the ‘real’ band since 30th Anniversary tour) also ‘When you love a woman’ and for me, one of the best versions of ‘Escape’ a particular favorite of mine so this is the one song I could, and would, be critical of but certainly no complaints from this fan.
It was an amazing first gig and I can’t wait to hear them again and again.
We will be following this amazing band very closely – they are bound to be very popular both locally and further afield. Be advised Journey fans – these are a fantastic band to seek out and see live - well worth a detour.
Cathy Smith
Other comments received by this website..............
"I went to see Departure in Rotherham last night and they were absolutely awesome. Andrea and Alex are mind-blowing, such talent. I’ll certainly look out for when I can see them again. Fantastic! "
Cath Bolwer (by email)
"What a great night on Saturday, Departure was just amazing so glad I made the trip to see them. I like EJ but in my opinion they out shone them. The setlist was fantastic, Alex can certainly play that guitar and Andrea's vocals were spot on." - Karen Bassett (Fife)
"What a great night, they were outstanding so glad I went to see them and on their 1st gig they were well worth seeing. Cannot wait to see them again." - Jules from Nottingham
"I thought they were awesome!" Martin.
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X Factor
Has Simon Cowell offended Journey fans from the UK and all over the world by this comment made on Saturday nights X FACTOR?
Simon: “So your mentor decides on the most important night of your life to give you a song nobody knows. And you know what? It was 100% the right decision. Absolutely brilliant.”
(Quote taken from www.playingfieldpromotions.com/blog/2964/joe-mcelderry-sings-open-arms-x-factor-semi-finals/)
Join our forum to discuss this.
(If you have a delay in confirmation joining the forum please mail cathy@journeyrock.co.uk)
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**Gigs List for UK tribute bands**
A Foreigners Journey
4 Dec 2009
Transport Club, Rochdale Rochdale
12 Dec 2009
Sincere Support Charity Show, Birdwell Club Barnsley
18 Dec 2009
Rangers Club, Stafford Stafford
19 Dec 2009
Hark 2 Towler Bury Bury
9 Jan 2010
Jesters, Ackworth Pontefract
15 Jan 2010
The Diamond, Sutton-in-Ashfield Mansfield
16 Jan 2010
The 12 Bar, Swindon
29 Jan 2010
Yardbirds, Grimsby
The Essential Journey
Saturday 5th December
Tackeroo Bar Hednesford
Saturday 12th December
Monk Bretton Working Mens Club
Cross Street
Moknbretton
Barnsley
Saturday 19th December
Trades Club Barnsley
Oakhouse
33, Racecommon Rd,
Barnsley
Departure
Saturday December 12th
Eastwood View Working Men’s Club
Fitzwilliam Rd
Rotherham
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Don't Stop Believin' covered on X Factor -
Singer Joe McElderry sang his version of Don't Stop Believin' on the ITV programme on 31st October.
JourneyRock UK wish him the best of luck in his journey to the top
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**Convention News**
£1000 is being sent to the breast cancer charity Journey to the Cure
JTTC website
and
£1000 has been sent to
Bluebell Wood Children's Hospice
North Anston
Sheffield
from their website...........................
"Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice offers care and support to children with life limiting conditions who are not expected to reach adulthood, both in their own homes and at our hospice in Sheffield.
Bluebell Wood is a place filled with laughter and love. We give families the chance to relax, take a break and have fun, and we help support the whole family.
It costs £2.5 million every year to offer this support. With no statutory government funding, without the help of our supporters we simply couldn’t help all the children that we do."
A big thanks goes out to all who supported on the day.
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New UK Journey Tribute band
JourneyRock UK are pleased to announce the launch of a brand new Journey tribute band.
Line up -- ......... Lead Vocals: Andrea Oggiano
Lead Guitar: Alex Ward
Keyboards: Craig Harrison
Bass / backing vocals: Andy Ritson
Drums / backing vocals: Colin Wild
They are called Departure and are based in Rotherham. Their launch show is to be at...............
Eastwood View Working Men’s Club
Fitzwilliam Rd
Rotherham,
S65 1NA
Tel - 01709 363 459
Saturday December 12th.
7.00pm entry £5 on the door.
We are lucky to be offered a great deal on tickets £3 for this fantastic tribute launch event.
Anyone interested in joining us for the show and how to get the fan club tickets please contact cathy@journeyrock.co.uk or mike@journeyrock.co.uk
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Convention Photos
Jason with the Neal signed guitar
Mika with his prize
Babs
Howard and son
Helen
Chris
Jason
Penny
Aileen
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Message from Steve Augeri
Hi everybody,
Thanks to you and the overwhelming demand, we have run out of our autographed 8x10 glossy photos. But, for the short time being, we will ship the New "Skyscraper" CD ITSELF autographed by Steve Augeri! Thank you for your patience in the matter and for your purchases.
Steve and the Tall Boys
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It’s all over for another year. The 6th Journey UK Fans Convention was very successful raising an amazing £2060 for charity.
We will post photos soon and also details of the charities you have supported but in the mean time BIG thanks go out to all the generous fans who attended and all who donated prizes – including
Journey and their management for the fantastic messages, signed items and, as always, for all their support
Steve and Lydia Augeri for the signed items and the message
Jonathan Cain’s Fan Club – Tracy and Rhonda
Ross Valory’s Fan Club – Barb Keim
Val Patterson for her donations
Marty Moffatt Photographer
Mark Ridley for the fantastic prizes for children’s colouring competition
Steve Briscoe for the framed photo
Paul and Helen Smith
Dave and Jen Blackburn
Sue Strathearn
Steve Parr
Stevie E
ETA
The Essential Journey – as always an essential part of the day and Joe for his generously donated items for the auction
Graham, Kate, Alan and the staff at the Birdwell Venue.
And especially you, the fans for your generosity and continued support.
Cathy, Sue, Mike and Marty
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Message from Tall Stories about autographed CD offer at Amazon
Hey Everybody Tall & Small,
To show our appreciation, Back by popular demand (and while supplies last) we are including an autographed 8x10 glossy photo of the band with the purchase of the exciting , new "SKYSCRAPER" CD through Amazon. com Marketplace only!
Be sure the advertisement states the price at only $14.99 (not $21.49) and be sure that the "seller" is BALLETGUITARDOTCOM. This is the only Authorized seller on Amazon for the U.S. release!
We have encountered some difficulties with Amazon and this should help clear up some of the confusion.
So, again: RED COVER (U.S. release), $14.99 (+S&H), BALLETGUITARDOTCOM = Autographed 8x10 Tall Stories "Skyscraper" Promotional Photo while supplies last!
*Autograph(s) will consist of, at minimum, STEVE AUGERI and JACK MORER.
Link to Amazon CD with autographed photo
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JourneyRock UK granted exclusive interview with Steve Augeri.
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Tall Stories release Skyscraper in the USA
Available from 25th March from
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'Skyscraper' from Tall Stories 23rd January 2009
Copies available on line from..............
Also available in store at HMV and good indie stores.
To the unsuspecting public the name of Tall Stories is known because their singer Steve Augeri, became the new Journey frontman after Steve Perry left. But looking at things more carefully this should be the last reason to bring Tall Stories back to memory.
Born in New York in 1987, Tall Stories released their debut on Epic Records four years later, after a few lineup changes (including Anthony Esposito, later with Lynch Mob and Michael Cartellone who found fame in Damn Yankees and Lynyrd Skynyrd later) and regular shows in the New York downtown areas. Completing the line up, together with Augeri, there were Jack Morer (guitars), Kevin Totoian (bass) and Tom DeFaria (drums), all experienced musicians that played and recorded with Company of Wolves, Edgar Winter, Joe Cocker among others. With such a varied background and exposure to such diverse sounds from Blues to Rock, Funk, Punk, Country, Reggae, Tall Stories music couldn't help but be a little different and personal.
Signed by Bud Prager’s ESP Management (Foreigner, Mountain, Damn Yankees) they finally entered the studio with Frank Filipetti (Deep Purple, Kiss, Foreigner) at the production helm. While the musical climate in the USA in 1991 was already starting to change, Tall Stories self titled debut album was nothing else than a breath of fresh air in the Melodic Rock scene at the time. The band exposed a very personal and inspired sound rich of melodies and feeling, still keeping a very personal musical trademark which became immediately a sensation between the Rock fans and critics.
A tour with Mr. Big followed, but notwithstanding the excellent responses, the changing musical climate brought the band into oblivion, even if Tall Stories worked feverishly on new songs from 1993 to 95. Steve Augeri went on to join Tyketto and then Journey. As they say the rest is history, however there was something unfinished that, when time was right, took its toll.
Tall Stories are now reborn in the original line-up and offer the fans the possibility to rightfully enjoy the songs that would be the band’s second chapter. Due to the original recording quality and the availability of drummer Tom DeFaria, Tall Stories were forced to make the difficult decision of hire a handful of stellar drummers to complete the picture. First was the talent of Rodney Howard (Avril Lavigne) on “Stay” and “No Justice”. Then the legendary Bobby Rondinelli on the "bombastic" “River Rise”. And last but not least, a drummer that played and recorded with Genesis, Nir Z.
Produced by guitarist Jack Morer, “Skyscraper” stays true to the original concept of what Tall Stories was about: music and songs that are diverse as the band members are. From the opening track, “Tomorrow”, an uptempo/upbeat song reminiscent of U2 and Led Zeppelin, to the final song “You Shall be Free” a Gospel number in every sense of the word, the new album is filled with different colours and textures.
“It's been quite awhile since the first Tall Stories release and this new one. We're happy to, if nothing else, put an end to some unfinished business and to share these songs with our ever patient fans. Maybe even make some new ones. We love making music and hope to continue, on any level. But, you know... you can always dream big. So, long live life, love and above all, long live Rock!” – Steve Augeri.
Quoted from the Frontiers website
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We are currently planning the next UK Convention for 2009, sign up for our mailing list to receive the latest on these events.
Are there photos of you meeting the band?We are currently building a photo gallery of 'fans with the band' if you would like to submit a photo or two please send them in to martymoffat@uk2.net - Remember to include the names of the fans in the photo.
As some of your may be new to the band Journey or even maybe a young fan that wants to know more about the history of the band and it's members past and present see our band history page.
The Band Gallery has photos from the recent UK tour.
Contact us -