Jeff Scott Soto at a UK Queen convention in 2003
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yob0WpgcxnsMet him at the North American convention around that time. Had the 'star' attitude, along with being down to earth. Spoke a few times, and his Queen IQ and love of the band was way up there. 'Stone Cold Crazy' and the redo before 'Dear Friends' are worth checking out. As well as 'Somebody To Love' and a pretty good accounting on 'The Show Must Go On'.
I've been following this thread from the outset. I was hoping SoA would get a good roll going, so that next year they'd be playing to decent to larger sized crowds. Would like to see JSS as THE front man of a band of this type. MP is what really drew me into a band back in 2003 when I went to see Queensryche, knowing nothing of DT. Bought just about everything under the sun that was offered afterwards. Followed him on his forum occasionally, which is where I learned of his departure. I have the two Flying Colors' releases, but nothing else. AMob and MA songs weren't worth more than a ten second check in per track (just not my style of music). Sheehan and Bumblefoot are more than talented, down to earth, clever and fun guys to be around from viewing the interviews. And they have a talented and known keyboardist in these circles.
The often negative comments directed towards a majority of what should be their fan base, seems to be a wash/rinse/repeat as far as shooting themselves in the foot. You can't afford to alienate a
single fan, because the numbers grow. If it's only a hundred or so, that's a significant portion of your fan base. I really enjoy Mike's enthusiasm and passion during his interviews. It's missed in Dream Theater. The stress and drama are not. That was apparent during the 'Tour of Events' concert I attended.
I've gone from all out enthusiasm to varying degrees on a daily basis of 'will I buy this or not?' Which is a shame. I can only assume that there are others who feel the same way.