Negus vs SAGA

[peterkre]

All this internet garbage initiated

I don't understand why people here produce more and more internet garbage - and after the results are not like the expected ones - cry for the band to limit the damage.
Here in germany we have a liitle saying: sweep in front of your own entry door !

It is not necessary, when thrown into a sandbox with children, to remain there and play.

You jumped into the sandbox yourself - why ? Do you want to play ?


Please, close this dispensable thread !


Tschüss,

Peter

[keithm]

I have to agree with everything cdn guy says. Saga and subsiquent drummers should respect Steve for what he did. It doesn't matter whether he is or isn't the best drummer in the world, he played great parts on all the classic Saga albums.

Somehow I doubt Brian will ever be accepted by Saga fans after his outbursts. While I accept he has been ill and his recoevry is important - he has no right to slag off Steve Negus.

[jeeep]

Of course Brian will still be accepted by the fans. This will be forgotten as he does great things for Saga...

This is between him/Saga and Steve.... let's leave them wash their dirty clothes...if there are any... Blown out of proportion I think

[keithm]

Actually: if the reason Saga can't use Steve Negus on the tour is poor health (because they can't insure him) then Brian must be out of the band. He's had a back injury and a heart attack, and while I wish him well, I don't see how saga can tour with him on drums.

[Xenon4U2C]

OK, I just got back from a trip and I can't believe the
crap I'm reading about all these drummer issues.

First off ... I was in Barrie, Ontario, Canada and saw
Brian perform the night before he had his medical issue ...
and I have to say he was awesome.
You couldn't tell he was sick at all. then again his problem
was of the nature where one can be surprised suddenly,
as we all were.
The band sounded really really good. I even have video
of his drum solo and more from that night.

The band was really caught by surprise the next day as of
course so was Brian.
Since Negus was local they had a quick back-up for the
last two Canadian dates.

I went and saw the band again 4 days later with Negus on
the drums.
I will tell you all now .... He is a good drummer, but he is
most definitely NOT what he used to be.
I will be the first to tell you that Brian is by far at this point
in time a much better drummer.

So, as you see the band knew exactly what I saw that night,
and knowing that the band just wants to give the fans the best
sound possible, they had a choice to make.
I feel they made the right choice ...
Negus had his day, and he was great ....
but seriously folks, he's in semi retirement and makes CD's from
his basement home studio to pass the time.
I feel so sorry for what happened to Brian, becuase I know from
talking to him that night, he was really looking forward to the last
shows in Germany with Michael and the band.

You really can't blame him for getting a little pissed off at all the
stupid comments that were flying in his direction.

Anyway, that's my scope on the situation, and that's from someone
that was on the front lines when all this went down.
Hope this clears some issues up a bit for everyone.
Remember, It's fine being faithful to someone ( Negus ) is fine,
but as Brian stated, you have to progress to be progresive, and the
band needs to be that way to give us, the fans the best performance possible.
I personnaly stand behind the band's position and wholeheartedly wish them
all the sucess which is coming for them in the future .

Xenon

[Xenon4U2C]

Me agian,

By the way .... I was in no way saying that
Steve is a "bad" drummer, so don't take my comments
out of context. I have his latest home studio CD
and like some of it most definitely.

Both Steve and Brian are talented in their own unique
style of drumming. Like I stated though, at "this" moment in
time and from what I witnessed from both drummers....
I would most definitely choose Brian over Steve if I had to.

In any case, both men know where they stand as musicians
and people outside of the situation can really make things
worse than need be by getting involved with matters that
they probably shouldn't have in the first place.

Xenon

[Ole]

I tend to agree, Steve didnt seem very inspired/innovative on the last 3 albums. But what he created in his heyday was absolutely spectacular and defined Saga in many ways! His groove and style was/is unique.

As for the post-Steve albums, I have to say I choose Christian!

[keithm]

who is, or isn't the best drummer is not the issue: the fact that Saga were not straight with Steve Negus is the issue. So sorry I can't agree; if the guys needed a stand in for two gigs I'm sure Steve would have done it, but 'using' him for two shows then going on tour with some one else without telling him is pretty crap. Steve has stood in quite a few times and he deserved to be treated better - that's the point.

I know band members are not always the best of buddies, but after the way he has helped Saga I just think he deserved better.

[Ole]

Perhaps this is simply a question of finances? SAGA would have had to pay Steve Negus a lot more than some "sideman". SAGA probably won't be touring for some time until they find another singer, so, they need the cash. I think the podcast is a big issue. I wonder if Chris Sutherland is only being paid for the show and nothing for that.

[Social Orphan]

OK, I just got back from a trip and I can't believe the
crap I'm reading about all these drummer issues.

First off ... I was in Barrie, Ontario, Canada and saw
Brian perform the night before he had his medical issue ...
and I have to say he was awesome.
You couldn't tell he was sick at all. then again his problem
was of the nature where one can be surprised suddenly,
as we all were.
The band sounded really really good. I even have video
of his drum solo and more from that night.

The band was really caught by surprise the next day as of
course so was Brian.
Since Negus was local they had a quick back-up for the
last two Canadian dates.

I went and saw the band again 4 days later with Negus on
the drums.
I will tell you all now .... He is a good drummer, but he is
most definitely NOT what he used to be.
I will be the first to tell you that Brian is by far at this point
in time a much better drummer.

So, as you see the band knew exactly what I saw that night,
and knowing that the band just wants to give the fans the best
sound possible, they had a choice to make.
I feel they made the right choice ...
Negus had his day, and he was great ....
but seriously folks, he's in semi retirement and makes CD's from
his basement home studio to pass the time.
I feel so sorry for what happened to Brian, becuase I know from
talking to him that night, he was really looking forward to the last
shows in Germany with Michael and the band.

You really can't blame him for getting a little pissed off at all the
stupid comments that were flying in his direction.

Anyway, that's my scope on the situation, and that's from someone
that was on the front lines when all this went down.
Hope this clears some issues up a bit for everyone.
Remember, It's fine being faithful to someone ( Negus ) is fine,
but as Brian stated, you have to progress to be progresive, and the
band needs to be that way to give us, the fans the best performance possible.
I personnaly stand behind the band's position and wholeheartedly wish them
all the sucess which is coming for them in the future .

Xenon

Seriously why can we not just let this all rest? I read your email and if I were Steve reading it I would feel very sad. You talk about feeling for Brian. Show the same compasion for Steve, Saga, Chris, etc. Look I feel for them and am going to do them all a favor and let this topic rest. Please, how about the rest of you do the same. My best to all.