Being a fan of The Script:

Not only is Danny O’Donoghue one of the tallest lead singers I’ve ever met, he’s also one of the most charismatic and truly does sing. The moment I heard the “Going back to the corner where I first saw you” line from ‘The Man Who Can’t Be Moved’ – what a heartbreaker! – I knew they were a band of real substance. When I was living back in Vegas, I’d go and see The Script every time they were passing through town and they were always phenomenal.

There was a song I wanted to do with Danny but our respective schedules didn’t allow it – next time!

I was very saddened by the news of Mark Sheehan’s passing and send my love and condolences to the guys.

The Script. Photo: Kevin Westenberg

Releasing a new single, ‘The Streets Of Kinsale’ , with The High Kings:

Originally being a drummer myself, I’ve really bonded with Glen from The Script. He sent me this demo and I was immediately struck by how beautiful the melodies are.

Then I looked into the White Lady of Kinsale and the other folkore aspects of the song and realised the emotional possibilities as well.

I’ve always been a bit in love with Irish music, elements of which can be heard in Appalachian folk, early country, American Civil War songs and, well, pretty much everything! When the Irish travel, they bring their instruments with them.

As for the High Kings – wow, their tonality, their delivery and the soul they bring to the track is off the scale.

For my part, I went into the studio here in LA and gave the song the additional harmonies it was asking for.

Steve in the studio

Working with Dolly Parton:

This girl is the same age as Uncle Steve – who’s no spring chicken – and singing her booty off. I mean, she was killing it! Dolly told me on the phone that Journey’s ‘Open Arms’ has always been one of her favourite songs, so we had to sing it together for her new album. She did it in the original key so I found a harmony to support her. Lucky for me, I didn’t have to reach up to the notes she was reaching. We just completed the final mix of that and it’s pretty huge.

I saw a YouTube clip where Dolly goes (puts on southern drawl) “I’m Irish!” and, yes, she comes from that original strain of Appalachian music we were talking about earlier.

Dolly Parton

Making Journey’s classic Escape album:

While ‘Don’t Stop Believin’’ is the one that’s had this extraordinary afterlife, I love all of the songs on that record equally.

I’ve just overseen the re-mastering of the Live In Houston 1981 concert film from the Escape tour, which is the moment that Journey really knew who they were and what they were best at.

Escape by Journey. Cover artwork: Stanley Mouse

Soundtracking The Sopranos:

The creator of the show was consistently trying to get ‘Don’t Stop Believin’’ cleared for the last episode. At that point in time, the other band members would pretty much say “Yes” to anything but I wanted to know how it was going to be used. I asked for a clip but they wouldn’t send it because the ending was such a big secret.

The girl who does my licensing kept in touch with the music supervisor of The Sopranos and, finally, on the Thursday before the airing on the Sunday, they said, “We’ll tell you!” Which they did apart from the bit where Tony thumbs through the little jukebox at the table. There was Heart, other rock bands and Tony Bennett. It cuts back to him reaching into his pocket for a coin. You imagine with him being a New Jersey kind of guy that Tony Bennett will be the one selected but, no, he puts his quarter in, pushes some buttons and ‘Don’t Stop Believin’’ starts. They didn’t tell me that was going to happen. Therefore I was as shocked as everyone else and cursed the cable company when the screen went blank!

‘The Streets Of Kinsale’ featuring Steve Perry is out now with a High Kings 15th anniversary album to follow.