Neal Schon chat on Compuserve
Complete transcript of master guitarist Neal Schon
in conference at the CompuServe Convention Center
July 10, 1995.
Sponsored by the Rock Online Forum of CompuServe.
GO ROCKON
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Glenn: Neal Schon IS HERE tonight and we're happy to have him
as our guest.
Neal Schon: I'm very happy to be everybody's guest
Glenn: thanks Neal...who at age 15...
Neal Schon: you're welcome!
Glenn: was offered the job of guitarist for Santana. Eric Clapton
offered him the same job in Derek and The Dominoes in the same week.
Pretty good week. I rip that verbatum from Neal's new
Neal Schon: yeah, was a great week!
Glenn: BEYOND THE THUNDER a finely crafted guitar album.
I'd say that was a great week...Neal..thanks for coming...
I'm going to go right to the floor as we have a bunch of fans
w/questions
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Joseph S. Suma asks: Neal, do you plan to support the new CD? Will
Jonathan Cain join you if so?
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Neal Schon: Yeah, eventually I'm going to do another solo record before
I do a tour mainly because I want to have a full show... more music to
mix in...do different things with the live show.
Jonathan... yep, unless something happens between now & then!
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Kathy Boynton asks: Your new CD is Wonderful, I love it! Why do you
say that you think Steve Perry is going to like it?
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Neal Schon: I was right, he did!
Glenn: here's hoping nothing happens!
Neal Schon: I thought he would like it because it's a very melodic
guitar record and he likes melodic guitar
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Jose E. Castro asks: Neal, your new album is superb! How long did
you work on it? What were your inspirations behind it?
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Neal Schon: I worked on it for about 3 months on & off, prolly
one solid month of recording and my inspiration for making it
was all the music I ever listened to...there's a lot of blues roots,
on here...I wanted the guitar to sound like a vocal, kinda like
Aretha Franklin. there's a lot of R&B in here.
Glenn: there is also the Wolf sound that does indeed sound like
a wolf! How'd you get that?
Neal Schon: yeah, all those guys were tremendous influences on me..
oh ... a friend of mine brought over a tape of a wolf's howling...
I tried to simulate it on the guitar with a whammy bar & some echo &
came up with it.
Glenn: it works. and now the question...
Neal Schon: thanks!
Glenn: way cool. but we move on to THE QUESTON
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Jeff Yeramian asks: Neal, is a Journey reunion in the future, and
if so, which members will participate in the reunion?
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Glenn: tada
Neal Schon: we're working on it.. watch for a press release in the
future !
Glenn: there ya go
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Bernie Labarge asks: Hi Neal...The first Santana album you played
on is still one of my faves! You and Carlos were SMOKIN'!!
What was it like playing with that band at such an early age? By
the way, you can't get that CD in Canada...Pity!
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Neal Schon: Well, it was really a lot of fun for me to play with
that band...I'm playing with the same band now (minus Carlos),
and it's still a lot of fun!
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Edward Bonny asks: Neal, It is really great to have you here on
Compuserve. I have been a fan of yours since 1980!! Thank you
for coming online with all of us.....my question --> What musicians
worked with you on Beyond the Thunder? Did you pick them yourself
or did it all just fall together?
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Neal Schon: It was a small group of musicians, some of them I've
worked with before...I picked Steve Smith & Billy Peterson...
I knew Tony Saunders had a great sound...and Jonathan Cain had seen
him play with Tommy Bradford, so I checked them out and got them on
the record. And thanks for the welcome!
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P. Balmer asks: Any plans to do another album with Jan Hammer, the
first two were smokin...
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Neal Schon: Yeah, actually I've been in touch with Jan and he
apparently really liked the record...we're talking about working
together on the next solo record...
Glenn: fantastic! more Smokin on the agenda!
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Rob Lowe asks: Neal, glad to have you back!
1. Coming to Chicago anytime soon?
2. What was the inspiration for Rythm from a Red Car?
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Neal Schon: Chicago... yeah, eventually. I'm not touring right now...
I just finished an Abraxas record, so the next thing on the agenda is to
get this Journey thing happening.... who knows who's going to tour
first!
Rhythm... I supposed Van Halen was the inspiration
Glenn: hahahaha
Neal Schon: It was the first song written with a guitar that STeve
VAi gave me, also.
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Mark C. Holley asks: recently I attended an Abraxas show, and i see
you are still using the buried speaker. Could you give us a quick
run through of your live rig? Also, Did you have a chance to check
out the SEDONA cd we gave you?
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Neal Schon: I've been changing it through the shows...
I've been using a Roland ME-10 powered by a couple of Marshall heads..
in stereo into two 4X12 cabinets. the buried speaker was cut down
the volume because it's really loud on stage
the Sedona CD... yeah, I listened to it, it sounded good!
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Bill M. Long asks: I saw the article about you in Jazziz magazine.
You own a lot of beautiful guitars. Which are your favorite(s)?
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Neal Schon: It's tough for me to pick a favorite, they're all great
guitars... which I use is dependant on what project I'm working on,
so I don't really have a fave.
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Tom Ewing asks: Have you been doing much producing in your down
time...if so with whom???
Do you think the same core listeners will follow you into this
style of music from the Journey years???
Is that "Savage Steve Smith" doing the drumming work on "Thunder"???
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Neal Schon: the first record that I ever produced was a Hard Line
record... I'm often involved in the production even if my name's not
on it on my own records...
as for Journey fans... who knows? I would hopefully think so, but
this is a completely new audience...we'll have to wait & see!
It depends on how much Higher Octave wants to get the record out
Yeah, STeve plays on some of the tracks...
the CD specifies which drummer plays on which tracks... Tommy Bradford
also plays on some of the tracks.
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dan asks: NEAL, HAVE YOU HEARD ANY NEW BANDS IN THE LAST YEAR OR
TWO THAT YOU PARTICULARLY ENJOY?
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Neal Schon: I can't really say that I've heard anything that's really
twisted my head around, unless it's something completely avant garde
like Nine Inch Nails...
I can understand where that's coming from, but overall, nothing new has
really grabbed me.
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George C. Patrick asks: What percentage of the album was written by
you and how often do you practice these days?
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Neal Schon: Some days I play all day long, but that's usually when
I'm writing..I don't necessarily practice every day
I wrote about 60% of the record.
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JDCorey asks: Hey, buddy...Let me first say it's musicians like
you that make music worth listening to. Any plans on doing any
interviews out here in L.A. live on the radio. I'm sure Uncle
Joe Benson would like for you to drop by........
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Neal Schon: hehe I don't have anything planned right now, but you
never know Thanks!
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Steve G. Haney asks: I love your guitar work on the journey
album "Dream after Dream"---Does any of your solo projects have
the same guitar feel as that album? oh, and keep up the great work,
I'm a big fan with a poster of you over my Strat.
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Neal Schon: I'm going to be on Conan O'Brien tomorrow night, btw
Glenn: playing with the Max W. Seven?
Neal Schon: yes, Glenn. Beyond the THunder is much more in the
mode that you're talking about...
Glenn: playing "Thunder" stuff?
Neal Schon: if you liked Dream After Dream, you'll love the new one,
I think. Conan... yeah, we'll be playing Boulevard of Dreams from
the new record...
Glenn: ooo...
Glenn: Steve...
Neal Schon: and Everybody's Everything ( a Santana song) and maybe
a blues tune...
Glenn: that will tell you how it sounds. great cut.
Neal Schon: yes, with the Max W. 7
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Rob Coy asks: Any plans to tour down to Puerto Rico? The weather
is nice..... [:)
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Neal Schon: I'd love to! Can't wait to! I think Abraxas will be
the first band to play in Puerto Rico, the music fits perfectly there..
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Robert Rennert asks: Hi Neal.. another big fan of yours. Q: Steve's
work on the album is great, adding his usual creative genius. Have
you kept in touch with him since Journey, (what's he up to these days?)
Will you be working with him again soon?
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Neal Schon: Yeah, I've been in constant contact with Steve, and
I hope to work with him quite a lot in the future!
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Jose E. Castro asks: Neal, What did you really think about Steve
Perry's last album? Ditto for Jonathan Cain? Also, what ever happened
to your "SCHON" line of guitars?
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Neal Schon: I thought STeve's album was a good record. I enjoyed
listening to his voice again, even if it wasn't Journey.
I can't speak for Jonathan...
I stopped making the Schon guitars a few years ago due to legal
troubles...now I'm talking to Paul Reed Smith, so we'll see if
he agrees to make them again
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Jeff Harris asks: Are you using a lot of outboard gear these days
(i.e. a Bradshaw rig) or are you going straight into the amp for
most things?
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Neal Schon: No, I'm not using a Bradshaw rig. I go direct into
the board in the studio and hardly every use amplification
these days...I'm using sound processors.
Glenn: this next question is more of an FYI from Hong Kong.
wrong...it has been deleted next
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JIM KOHLHOEFER asks: On the Raised on Radio album the song Suzanne
was about someone one of you knew in school,
was it Suzanne Sommers?
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Neal Schon: I didn't write the song... it wasn't about anybody
in high school that I knew!
Glenn: hehehe Maybe John Ritter in drag
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Miss Liss asks: Congratulations on your new CD! Here's my
question--> How do you feel about the Ticketmaster "Scandal"
and will you support the fight against unfair ticket marketing
by using another avenue to sell tickets if and when you go on
tour? Thanks and Good Luck!
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Neal Schon: heheh Glenn. The ticketmaster thing is out of
my league... I just want to stick to the music and let the
management deal with that. Our tickets won't be too expensive,
I don't think.
As for Pearl Jam, I respect what they're doing, but it sounds like
a big headache!
Glenn: now this next person sounds deparate...
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David N. Shettlesw asks: Neal, PLEASE tell us about HARDLINE!!!!
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Neal Schon: Johnny & Joey Gioeli are working on a deal in Japan
& I know that MCA wants to rerelease the album over there...
they're working on a new album, a different
band, but the 2 brothers are still there.
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Dan Cloninger asks: How is the relationship with Steve Perry and
the rest of Journey members?
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Neal Schon: It's good, very healthy...I mentioned before that
a reunion is in the works.
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Melanie Owen asks: Neal, after 15 odd years of contemplation,
what is your opinion on the three journey albums done before
steve perry? i think some of the coolest music you've done is on
'next' or the first one.
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Neal Schon: It's completely a different thing... different strokes
for different folks! I like it, it's just different...
I like different things about each album, every record is different.
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Edward G. Murray asks: Hi Neal...Lets say the JOURNEY reunion does
work out...Will the tour be encompassing ARENAS or just small
venues ?? Steve Perry likes the small venues but they wouldn't
give the band the justice it deserves..THANKS
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Neal Schon: I don't know yet... too many things that have to
happen before we can even think about that.
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Vincent A. Smith asks: Neal,
I've been a fan since the early 70's. I named my son after you
(he's 13yrs old now). How can I get an autographed picture for him?
When are you coming to the Atlanta area?
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Glenn: Neal...he either has a dad named Neal..or this guy's serious
quite a gesture.
Neal Schon: You can send a photo to Higher Octave (the address is on
the record)...and I'll sign it & send it back.
Glenn: that's great...thanks Neal
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Phil asks: Neal, how did you and Paul Rodgers get together, that
was an inspired pairing, and did you guys tour together last summer?
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Neal Schon: Thanks, btw, that's an honor!!
Glenn: I'd say!
Neal Schon: I met Paul Rodgers... he just called me up one day &
asked me to come down and play on his Muddy Waters record... then
he asked me to tour with him, and I did for a year and a half
straight in Europe and the States...
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Bernardo Merizalde asks: How do you help yourself to maintain
creativity up and producing new sounds? Do you get involved in
studying other artists' music?
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Neal Schon: No, I get involved in my studio by myself with all kinds
of different sound gear... that makes me create different things,
you have to explore different things, try new sounds, experiment a lot.
Glenn: didn't you really spend a lot of time emulating others when
you were a kid? learning the guitar?
Neal Schon: Yeah, I did... a lot of the blues masters...
Albert King, BB King, Michael Bloomfield...Eric Clapton, Hendrix,
JEff Beck, Jimmy Page... the list goes on & on
Glenn: now budding guitarists study Neal Schon
Neal Schon: lots of jazzy guys like Larry Coryell, Wes Motgomery,
Joe Pass..etc. There's a lot of info in my playing that I've sucked
in from other players.I've definitely been inspired, though I don't
try to copy them at all.
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Jose E. Castro asks: Neal, What did you think about the release of
Jorney's CD Box Set "TIME"? Do you think it represented the true
essence of Journey? Did you have any input on the compilation?
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Neal Schon: All of us tried to have input on it. I think we
got 1/2 - 3/4 of what we wanted on it, and the record co. had
their cuts as well. there were also a few new tracks on it that
were originaly vocal songs, but they ended up as instrumentals
(Steve was busy with his solo record at the time)
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Steve Palombo asks: Neal! Love Beyond the Thunder CD!! Keep it
up... Will you be signing autographs in Manhattan after you do
Conan's Late Show? I take it you will be perfoming. Will
Conan be interviewing you?
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Neal Schon: I don't know yet about the interview...if you're
outside after we do the show, I'll sign autographs!
It's great to be in NY, btw. thanks!
Glenn: New York is a great town!
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David Cornelius asks: Neal, my wife and I love your new album.
We bought it sound unheard just because it was from the greatest
guitarist in all the land!
I noticed a classic guitar in the photography from Beyond the
Thunder...Is that one of YOUR prizes?
Also, does your wife offer any creative input to your work?
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Neal Schon: My wife inspires me because she doesn't get in my
hair . She gives me time to do my thing and that's inspiration
in itself..the classic guitar... yes, it's mine!
Glenn: it's purrrty
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George C. Patrick asks: Did you ever have any formal training on
guitar, if so when, where, and how did it go?
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Neal Schon: I wrote a song called Send Me an Angel for my wife, btw.
Glenn: awwwww
Neal Schon: training... I took about 3 lessons to learn how to tune
the guitar & play
Glenn:
Neal Schon: about 3 chords, then I learned by myself, then I took
jazz lessons from Art Bergmann after awhile. he gave me great
insight into jazz improvisation.after about 3 mos with him, I went
off & did my own thing
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Edward G. Murray asks: Just me again...Have you listened to the
band "THE STORM" it seems as though the Lead Gutiarist was
influenenced by your sounds ???
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Neal Schon: Glenn, Gail S. says hi
Glenn: Hey there Gail!!!!!!!
Neal Schon: Yeah, he definitely was influenced by me....
Glenn: Wish I was in NYC.
Neal Schon: He had always liked my playing... we've known each other
throughout the years
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Brian D. Cain asks: can you expain the timing for wheel in the
sky i've been working on and I can't get the count right
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Glenn: try answering that on computer!
Neal Schon: it's 4/4... I'm not sure what you mean. I can't count
either, I just know where to come in...stop trying to count &
just try to feel it.
Glenn: that's a good answer. keep on turning. it'll come.
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Rod Kelly asks: Neal, Good to see you back in the highlite. Loved
it when you did that gig with Sammy Hagar. Question:
Are you and Steve Perry working on anything other than Journey
projects? Steve used to play at my high school dances and you
two are great together.
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Neal Schon: No, Steve & I aren't working on anything right now...
we're talking, that's about it. Thanks for the compliments!
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Rob Lowe asks: Neal, the Paul Rodger's tour was news to me.
How can I get an updated Discography of the albums you have played on?
Also, I really enjoyed the instrumentals that you recorded with
Jonathon Cain on "Time". Are the lyrics from "With a Tear" and
"Into Your Arms" available anywhere?
Thanks.
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Neal Schon: the album is called Muddy Water Blues... I believe it's
distributed by PolyGram... there's also a live tribute to Jimi
Hendrix that we did...it's a true live album ... called the Hendrix
Set. It's a smokin' record I think
the lyrics were never finished, so no they're not available.
we started on them, but just went on to other projects.
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marty mccray asks: neal,i am a friend of todd jensen who lives here in
portland. can you tell us anything about hardline? that was a great
short lived band. i'll be seeing todd in about three weeks here at
my home so i'll tell him about this conference.
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Neal Schon: Thanks very much...it was a great band, but yeah,
short-lived. Tell Todd I said hello!
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Jeff Harris asks: Do you really get into computer technology these
days along with online services like Compuserve, or is this sort of
a one time shot?
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Neal Schon: This is pretty much a one-time shot.. My son's the
computer wiz in the house! I'm old fashioned, I guess
Glenn: aren't all the sons and daughters kicking our cyber-butts?
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Sam Reid asks: Just a quick hello from one of the Glass Tiger boys.
We toured with you & Jorney in 1986 across America - It was one of
our best tours ever! Are you coming to Canada in support of your
new album? Interested in doing some co-writing?
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Neal Schon: yeah, definitely, Glenn!
Glenn: no doubt.
Glenn: I ask for the parents kid when I try to help
Neal Schon: Hello, Sam! I remember the tour well...
Neal Schon: Yeah, I don't know when I'm coming to Canada...
after the next solo record, then I'll try to tour..
sometime next year, prolly.
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JDCorey asks: Howdy, again... Have you checked out Boston on their
recent tour? Something about those "older" bands that sound better
with the original singer......Brad "Steve Perry" Delp is heading it
up......(hallelujia).... :) What did you think of their latest
album without Brad?
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Neal Schon: Unfortunately, I never heard it.
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ChrisPV asks: I love your live shows! I've seen you with Bad Eng.,
Hardline and the Paul Rodgers thing... what do you think about
when you're onstage?
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Neal Schon: I stopped listening to rock'n'roll awhile ago... it's
different now than what I used to love listening to... working on
my own thing Chris> I think about playing the guitar...
it's great to look at women in the audience but for the most part,
I'm locked into the music that I'm playing.
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Edward G. Murray asks: Have you heard about the JOURNEY TRIBUTE band
that is being formed in LA ?? You should apply as the Lead Gutiarist
that is influenced by Neal Schon !!!!!! Great publicity Huh :)
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Glenn: HEHEHE
Neal Schon: I'm flattered, Edward, but we might beat 'em to it
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Mark C. Holley asks: Neal, of all of the instumental and vocal
tracks you've played on, which of each are your favorite to play?
Mother,Father always gets a great reception when my band performs
it @ New George's in Marin Co. CA, Ps, how's Miles?
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Glenn: little plug there for Mark;s band. Nice move there mark!
Neal Schon: I don't know... I don't really have any favorites...
they all have something special
nothing comes to mind right now... my catalog is really big!
Glenn: It's not how Big it is Neal...
Neal Schon: Miles is doing great!
Glenn: oh...different setup
Neal Schon: I'm really excited about how well my record's being received!
Glenn: deserves to be received well!
Glenn: now..we're bout to wrap..
Neal Schon: thanks, Glenn!
Glenn: we'll take two more questions from the queue. thank YOU Neal..
Neal Schon: It is, it's picked up a lot, and gaining momentum
every week!
Glenn: then we'll open the florr so you can applaud. love the record..
so do the fans here who have it!
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Paul Bonrud asks: Hi Neal! I'd like to thank you for inspiring me
to learn how to play the guitar. I love your melodic phrasing. Do
you work out most of your solos in advance or do you improvise them?
Thanks! :-)
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Neal Schon: THanks, first of all! I just improvise, I don't like
to work out the solos. I do my best when I play what comes out
of me & just let it go... the more I work it out, the worse it
gets, usually.
Glenn: ok and the last question is a sampling of how many "thanks yous"
etc are in the queue that have not been brought to the floor.
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JIM KOHLHOEFER asks: My cousin worked on the Hardline Eclipse album
with you and brought down a couple of albums for
you to sign, which you did. I just wanted to say
THANKS!!! from a long time fan.
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Glenn: we all thank you for coming here tonight Neal
Neal Schon: before that...
Glenn: continued luck woth Beyond The Thunder go Neal Go!
Neal Schon: question, I just want to say that these days I'm playing
much better since I'm not using drugs...
if you think that drugs will make you play better, they DON"T... the
real heart & emotion comes out when it's natural. I've been there &
it just doesn't help, I do much better now, I think.
Now, Jim, you're welcome!
Glenn: Yes! and everyone...watch Neal on Conan tomorow
and look for a complete transcript of this conferece
Neal Schon: Okay, everybody watch it tomorrow night!
Glenn: in Rock Online....GO ROCKON it will be posted tonight
Thanks Neal!!!!!
Neal Schon: thank you!
Glenn: % The floor is now OPEN
David Cornelius: Neal, I hope you make a fortune on Beyond the Thunder!
You Journey guys get back together real soon.
Neal Schon: Everybody go check out the new record!!
Glenn: everyone applaud!
ChrisPV: yeah!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Mark D. Wimmer: thanks Neal!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Mark C. Holley: THANK'S NEAL
Glenn: CLAP CLAP
mark: thanks
Glenn: CHEERS
James D. Andrade: yeah!!!!
Glenn: ETC
ChrisPV: now can we all go out and spread rumors about the
journey reunion?
JIM KOHLHOEFER: CLAP
Carl B.: ThankThanks neal!
mark: good luck
Neal Schon: Thanks everybody !
JDCorey: thanks bud....get to LA!
Phil: Good luck and continued success...........
Mark C. Holley: SEE YOU IN MARIN
TODD E. RIDNER: We appreciate you being here, Neal Clap!
Brian Smith: ThanThanksThanks Neal
Dr. Fuzztone: infinity remembered kla
Mark D. Wimmer: Rock On Neal!!!!!!!
Kat: Thanks love love you neal
Melanie Owen: Thanks for putting out so many great records!!!!!
rRANDY E. PORTER: thanks and applaud
Edward G. Murray: We'll welcome the reunion tour with "Open Arms"
but if not kepp on ROCKIN>>>>>
Neal Schon: Now I gotta go..
marty mccray: thanks neal keep it up
Steve Palombo: Way to go Neal!!! ClLAP!! CLAP!!! Keep up the
fantastic work and keep the Journey light burning bright!!!
Brian Smith: Lo
back to