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JOURNEY
NAMES JEFF SCOTT SOTO December 19, 2006 -- Jeff Scott Soto has been officially named the new lead singer of Journey. He had been filling in for Steve Augeri, who had to leave the U.S. tour with Def Leppard shortly after it began on June 23 due to illness. “We
are so grateful to Steve for all the years he dedicated to Journey,”
says Journey in a joint statement. “We thank Steve for all
his hard work and we wish him only the best in his future endeavors.
Over the past few months, we’ve come to realize that Jeff
has proven himself above and beyond that he can sing the hell out
of our songs and we’re happy to officially welcome him as
part of the family. We’re excited to start a new chapter with
Jeff and we’re excited about what the future may bring.” Jeff Soto also adds, “With delight & pleasure, I am accepting the offer to continue my tenure with Journey now as their permanent vocalist after the amazing past months we've spent together on tour. I also pay high respect to Steve Augeri for coming in and helping Journey continue their legacy for nearly the last decade and to Steve Perry for co-creating this legacy. I hope to now add and help drive Journey into the next stage of this band's future.” Since Soto’s first appearance with Journey on July 7 in Bristow, VA, his performances have been garnering rave reviews. To wit: “Right off the bat, Journey's new lead singer is fantastic. Jeff Scott Soto is a supremely talented vocalist who handled with ease the many sky-high notes and the mile-long range in Journey's repertoire. Steve Perry fans have never gotten over the original lead singer's departure from the band, but I'm here to tell you this guy rocks the role. And yes, if you close your eyes he sounds just like Perry, but -- dare I say it? -- maybe even more passionate and full of verve. Hits such as ‘I'll Be Alright Without You’ and ‘Wheel in the Sky’ showcased his mighty voice.”
“The one-time Yngwie Malmsteen vocalist channeled (Steve) Perry flawlessly, nailing all the high notes and then some…Soto’s got it going on.”
“Could Soto cut it? Yes. And then some. His vocals and stage presence were impressive.”
“Soto is a really strong vocalist, so instead of struggling to emulate (Steve) Perry’s laser-beam vibrato, he can get away with a style that mixes grainy power with effortless key changes.”
Journey--Neal Schon (guitar), Ross Valory (bass), Jonathan Cain (keyboards), Deen Castronovo (drums) and Jeff Scott Soto (vocals)—are currently mapping out plans for 2007. CONTACT: |
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