Steve Smith seems like such a down to earth and cool guy. Also, he is extremely innovative in his craft. Journey would not be the smash hit they were without his contribution. Modern Drummer named his one of the top drummers of all time.
I stumbled on this by accident, downloaded the podcasts, and they are GREAT! I downloaded all episodes, and have listened to about ten of them so far. Very interesting, not the normal drummer interviews, more road stories and experiences, raw and unedited. The only negative is some of the background noise, very annoying when listening with phones. Keep up the good work.
A great, great artist with a sense of humility. Very smart to have listened to the financial advice given him by trusted people. He set himself up to continue doing what he loves, instead of needing to play the 'casino circuit' (not that it's a bad gig for the rest of us) to pay his mortgage and bills.
Nice interview. Good insights into the financial reality of leaving a big band like Journey. Smith is a smart guy, living his own dream. Hats off to him.
Ansley Dunbar is an amazing rock drummer, especially his contributions to Whitesnake album. But Steve Smith brought Journey to where they needed to go-he is Journey’s Drummer.
You have to respect Steve. He did the rock thing as big as it gets and pursued his goals to do something else and sounds like he is happy. Same with Sting. He went out on top and also had another avenue he wanted to pursue. We all would've loved for both of those bands to continue forever, but... Some other bands could learn from this lesson.
I hung out with Steve Smith a few times at his house in Marin county around his first or second year with Journey. Got to play(well, sort of) his Sonor double bass kit! I was 19 at the time? Anyway, even back then I got the vibe he was itching to play jazz/fusion etc. I also recall us talking about money and I remember something about him saying he was being carful about saving money. In fact I was paying for drum lessons with him while he was in Journey!(we also sat on the floor in his living room digging on the UK live album with T. Bozzio that had just came out! Fond memories.)
This is an informative interview. Most people think that the lifestyle of a Rock musician is all glamourous. However, they don't realize how cutthroat this business is. Also, Steve mentioned how his lifestyle changed after being with Journey. I know popular musicians who had to get on welfare once they broke from their group or when their "hits" died down... Also, the selling of one's house or car is reality at it's core.
I always liked this guy from time as a kid and having gotten into journey , Neal schon as the 2 nd inspiration behind Ace Frehley . Steve is all to level headed as a muscian and " adult " . A guy that clearly understand the " money want " , the " lifestyle " aspect and the idea that at some point " all muscians " reach a point and should " pack it in " in favor of another direction in life . Ansley Dunbar another " icon " of the drumming circuit was friends with Steve also and this is how he ended up in Journey
Sadly, I personally knew musicians who played for major acts, and on sight, one thought they were in the band making a heap of cash. However, I learned that they were on salary, and only got paid $150 per gig... no pension, no medical coverage, nothing. Today, they are working as a waiter in TGIFridays or in Walmart...
I predict it will happen one day.He will get back with Journey for a few years.have a fall out, and there will be lawsuites involved. That's my prediction. JK I was surprised when he got back with Journey as well.
Steve Smith seems like such a down to earth and cool guy. Also, he is extremely innovative in his craft. Journey would not be the smash hit they were without his contribution. Modern Drummer named his one of the top drummers of all time.
I stumbled on this by accident, downloaded the podcasts, and they are GREAT! I downloaded all episodes, and have listened to about ten of them so far. Very interesting, not the normal drummer interviews, more road stories and experiences, raw and unedited. The only negative is some of the background noise, very annoying when listening with phones. Keep up the good work.
detailed and honest. Love Steve's playing love his real answers to the questions here.
A great, great artist with a sense of humility. Very smart to have listened to the financial advice given him by trusted people. He set himself up to continue doing what he loves, instead of needing to play the 'casino circuit' (not that it's a bad gig for the rest of us) to pay his mortgage and bills.
Delighted to hear that he's now back with Journey again, hopefully he'll stay long enough for them to tour with him in Europe!
Nice interview. Good insights into the financial reality of leaving a big band like Journey. Smith is a smart guy, living his own dream. Hats off to him.
Ansley Dunbar is an amazing rock drummer, especially his contributions to Whitesnake album. But Steve Smith brought Journey to where they needed to go-he is Journey’s Drummer.
Really like Steve Smith. I like the Journey with Steve Smith.
You have to respect Steve. He did the rock thing as big as it gets and pursued his goals to do something else and sounds like he is happy. Same with Sting. He went out on top and also had another avenue he wanted to pursue. We all would've loved for both of those bands to continue forever, but... Some other bands could learn from this lesson.
I hung out with Steve Smith a few times at his house in Marin county around his first or second year with Journey. Got to play(well, sort of) his Sonor double bass kit! I was 19 at the time? Anyway, even back then I got the vibe he was itching to play jazz/fusion etc. I also recall us talking about money and I remember something about him saying he was being carful about saving money. In fact I was paying for drum lessons with him while he was in Journey!(we also sat on the floor in his living room digging on the UK live album with T. Bozzio that had just came out! Fond memories.)
+panzerken wow
sky stryker Oh yeah, "Time and Feel" is what he told me to always keep in mind! I never forgot that advise.
***** Nice drumming advice. Everything is timing after all.
This is an informative interview. Most people think that the lifestyle of a Rock musician is all glamourous. However, they don't realize how cutthroat this business is. Also, Steve mentioned how his lifestyle changed after being with Journey. I know popular musicians who had to get on welfare once they broke from their group or when their "hits" died down... Also, the selling of one's house or car is reality at it's core.
I always liked this guy from time as a kid and having gotten into journey , Neal schon as the 2 nd inspiration behind Ace Frehley . Steve is all to level headed as a muscian and " adult " . A guy that clearly understand the " money want " , the " lifestyle " aspect and the idea that at some point " all muscians " reach a point and should " pack it in " in favor of another direction in life . Ansley Dunbar another " icon " of the drumming circuit was friends with Steve also and this is how he ended up in Journey
Very informative, down to earth interview. Steve please decide to do some shows with Journey...especially in the Boston market.
now.....that was a drum lesson!!!!!
Sadly, I personally knew musicians who played for major acts, and on sight, one thought they were in the band making a heap of cash. However, I learned that they were on salary, and only got paid $150 per gig... no pension, no medical coverage, nothing. Today, they are working as a waiter in TGIFridays or in Walmart...
Always thought he was a sweet soul.
Steve is looking like Paul Schaefer.
Here after he was just fired from journey again
The question I would have asked is... would you consider getting back and touring with Journey if Steve Perry was back in?
It's NEVER going to happen, sorry to say. Steve Smith is done with rock & roll. He is into Jazz now, which is more challenging.
I predict it will happen one day.He will get back with Journey for a few years.have a fall out, and there will be lawsuites involved. That's my prediction. JK I was surprised when he got back with Journey as well.