Steve Augeri
Steve Augeri (born January 30, 1959) is an American rock singer best known as the lead vocalist of the band Journey from 1998 to 2006.[1][2] During his tenure with Journey, Augeri contributed to three studio albums—Arrival (2001), Generations (2005), and the EP Red 13 (2002)—and performed on multiple world tours, helping the band reach millions of fans with hits like "Don't Stop Believin'" and "Open Arms."[3][4] His powerful, gritty tenor voice brought a fresh energy to the group's classic rock sound, blending influences from artists like Steve Marriott and Rod Stewart.[5] Born in the Bensonhurst neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York, to parents of Italian descent—father Joseph from Sicily and mother Emma from Calabria—Augeri developed an early passion for music inspired by classic rock acts such as The Beatles and Humble Pie.[6] He began his professional career in the late 1980s as a founding member of the melodic rock band Tall Stories, which released a self-titled debut album in 1992 that earned Augeri a nomination for Best Debut Male Vocalist at the New York City Music Awards.[2][6] Following Tall Stories' disbandment in 1995, he briefly joined the hard rock group Tyketto, contributing vocals to their 1995 album Shine, before taking a hiatus from music to focus on family and odd jobs, including retail work at The Gap and construction.[2][5] Augeri's breakthrough came in 1998 when he auditioned for Journey—initially prompted by a connection with guitarist Joe Cefalu—and was selected to replace longtime frontman Steve Perry, debuting on the 2× platinum Armageddon soundtrack.[4][5][7] Despite the pressure of filling Perry's shoes, Augeri received positive fan reception and helped revitalize the band's touring presence in the early 2000s.[3] He parted ways with Journey in 2006 due to vocal cord damage sustained from rigorous touring, after which he underwent therapy and rehabilitation.[6][3] Since leaving Journey, Augeri has pursued a solo career, forming the Steve Augeri Band in 2012 to perform selections from his Journey catalog alongside original material.[6] The band has toured internationally, including appearances at venues like the Arcada Theatre and rock festivals.[6] In December 2022, he released his debut solo album, Seven Ways 'Til Sunday, featuring 11 tracks with collaborations from Journey guitarist Neal Schon and keyboardist Jonathan Cain, showcasing his enduring melodic rock style.[2] As of 2025, Augeri continues to tour with his band, performing Journey classics and original songs at events across North America.[8] Known for his soaring vocals and commanding stage presence, Augeri continues to blend rock and soul elements in his performances.[4]Early life
Family and upbringing
Augeri was born on January 30, 1959, in the Bensonhurst neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York, to parents of Italian descent—father Joseph from Sicily and mother Emma from Calabria. He grew up in the Italian-American enclave of Bensonhurst, where the vibrant neighborhood culture, filled with family gatherings and community sounds, provided an early cultural backdrop for his artistic development.[6]Education and early influences
His formal musical education began in grammar school, where a music teacher encouraged his talent, leading to his first performance in a fourth-grade musical singing Puccini's "La Donna è Mobile."[9] He later attended New York City's prestigious High School of Music and Art during the 1970s, initially studying woodwinds before switching to the bassoon, an instrument that deepened his immersion in classical music and honed his appreciation for orchestral performance.[9][10] During his time there, Augeri participated in school ensembles, blending his growing vocal interests with instrumental training to explore both classical repertoires and emerging rock elements. Augeri's early musical influences were shaped by his father, Joseph, who introduced him to crooners like Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, and Nat King Cole, as well as R&B, soul, and country sounds played on a family clock radio.[9] These were soon complemented by the British Invasion and rock acts, with the Beatles having a profound and lasting impact on his style as a young musician.[10] His high school experiences further broadened this foundation, exposing him to classical composers and encouraging vocal experimentation through school performances and local jam sessions. After graduating, Augeri spent summers at the French Woods Festival for the Performing Arts, where he both attended and taught rock band classes for young campers aged 6 to 16, refining his skills in group dynamics and songwriting.[9] A brief attempt at college ended when his tuition check bounced, prompting him to return home and take on odd jobs such as bartending, waiting tables, and session vocal work to support himself while continuing to develop his singing voice.[9]Career
Early bands (1980s–1990s)
Steve Augeri entered the professional music scene in the late 1980s as a founding member of the New York-based band Tall Stories, formed in 1988 alongside guitarist Jack Morer, bassist Kevin Totoian, and drummer Tom De Faria.[6][11] The group specialized in melodic hard rock and AOR, drawing on Augeri's powerful, classically influenced vocal style to craft arena-ready anthems.[11][12] Tall Stories signed with Epic Records and released their self-titled debut album in 1991, produced by Frank Filipetti and featuring tracks like "Sister of Mercy" and "Let Me Change Your Mind Tonight," which highlighted the band's harmonious melodies and Augeri's soaring leads.[13][14][15] The album earned critical notice for its polished production and Augeri's Perry-esque delivery, leading to a nomination for Best Debut Album at the 1992 New York Music Awards, with Augeri himself nominated for Best Debut Male Vocalist.[6][16] Despite initial promise, Tall Stories disbanded in 1995 amid the music industry's shift toward grunge and alternative rock, which diminished opportunities for AOR and hair metal acts like theirs.[6][15] Augeri then joined Tyketto in 1995, providing lead vocals and contributing to songwriting on their album Shine, released that year on Music for Nations, a stylistic pivot toward more introspective hard rock.[17][18] He also appeared on vocals for live performances featured in Tyketto's 1996 compilation Take Out & Served Up Live, marking his final contributions to the band before its hiatus.[19]Time with Journey (1998–2006)
In 1998, following Steve Perry's departure from Journey, Augeri was recommended by mutual acquaintance Joe Cefalu and submitted an audition tape to the band. He received a call from keyboardist Jonathan Cain and guitarist Neal Schon inviting him to audition, which consisted of a week of rehearsals, songwriting sessions, and bonding with the group. Augeri, who had been working as a store manager at The Gap while pursuing music with his band Tall Stories, was selected as the new lead vocalist after impressing the band with his vocal range and style reminiscent of Perry. Augeri's first recording with Journey was providing lead vocals on the track "Remember Me" for the 1998 film soundtrack album Armageddon.[20] Before his first performance with Journey at a club in San Francisco, Augeri experienced severe stage fright, vomiting from nerves due to the pressure of replacing one of rock's iconic singers.[6][9][5][3] Augeri served as Journey's lead vocalist on three releases: the studio album Arrival (2001), the independent EP Red 13 (2002), and the studio album Generations (2005). On Arrival, his debut full-length with the band, Augeri provided lead vocals across all tracks and co-wrote the song "World Gone Wild," a mid-tempo rock track highlighting his emotive delivery. Red 13, self-released and distributed for free at concerts to test new material, featured Augeri co-writing all four songs with Schon, including the hard-driving opener "State of Grace." For Generations, Augeri contributed vocals to most tracks and received composing credits on several, such as "Faith in the Heartland," though drummer Deen Castronovo sang lead on a few due to Augeri's emerging vocal strain. These albums marked Journey's attempt to revive their sound in the early 2000s without Perry; Arrival peaked at No. 56 on the Billboard 200, the band's highest charting release since 1996 but their first without gold certification since 1977's Next. Red 13 did not chart significantly, serving primarily as a promotional tool, while Generations reached only No. 170 on the Billboard 200, reflecting diminishing commercial momentum.[3][21][22][23][24][25] During Augeri's tenure, Journey undertook extensive touring to support their revival, including arena shows and the high-profile co-headlining tour with Def Leppard in 2006, which drew large crowds and showcased their enduring catalog. Fans and critics often praised Augeri's vocal timbre as a close match to Perry's, allowing seamless performances of classics like "Don't Stop Believin'," though some noted he lacked Perry's raw intensity on ballads. Early tours received positive reception for Augeri's energy and the band's revitalized sound, contributing to Journey's resurgence as a live act in the late 1990s and early 2000s, with sold-out venues signaling renewed popularity among classic rock audiences. However, toward the end of the Def Leppard tour, Augeri's performances showed signs of strain, with reviews highlighting occasional pitch issues amid the demanding schedule.[26][27][28] Augeri's time with Journey ended abruptly in July 2006 during the Def Leppard tour when he suffered a vocal cord injury—a chronic throat infection—while performing in Cincinnati, forcing him to exit mid-show after struggling through songs. The band sent him to specialists, but the damage proved too severe for continued touring, leading to his departure after eight years. This incident capped a period where Augeri had helped stabilize Journey post-Perry, enabling three albums and numerous tours that rekindled fan interest, though commercial peaks fell short of the band's 1980s heyday.[6][29][3]Post-Journey work (2007–present)
Following his departure from Journey in 2006 due to vocal cord damage sustained during an intense touring schedule, Augeri underwent surgery in 2008 and embarked on a period of extensive vocal therapy and rehabilitation.[3] This recovery process lasted approximately a year and a half, allowing him to gradually regain his vocal capabilities, though he did not return to full performances until around 2010 with limited appearances before committing to larger projects.[3][6] In 2012, Augeri formed the Steve Augeri Band as a tribute outfit dedicated to performing Journey's catalog alongside original material.[6] The band's core lineup has included his son Adam Augeri on guitar, bassist Adam Holland, keyboardist Craig Pullman, drummer Gerard Zappa, and sound engineer Steve Leopard, with occasional rotations such as Blue Öyster Cult's Jules Radino on drums and former Queen + Paul Rodgers bassist Danny Miranda.[2] The group has focused on extensive touring across the United States and internationally, emphasizing high-energy live shows that blend Augeri's Journey-era hits with newer compositions to engage longtime fans.[2] This legacy from his Journey tenure continues to influence the band's setlists, providing a bridge between past successes and contemporary performances.[6] Augeri released his debut solo album, Seven Ways 'Til Sunday, on December 24, 2022, marking a significant milestone in his independent career.[30] Produced with contributions from former Journey collaborators, including co-writes with Jonathan Cain on "Never Far From Home" and Neal Schon on "Desert Moon," the album features 11 tracks of melodic rock, highlighted by singles such as "If You Want," "Bated Breath," and the title track, which showcase introspective lyrics and soaring melodies.[30] The project was self-released through Hi Hat Records, emphasizing Augeri's songwriting depth and studio control post-Journey.[31] In 2020, Augeri co-founded the supergroup Bad Penny alongside guitarist Mike Holtzman and musicians from Blue Öyster Cult (drummer Jules Radino) and Queensrÿche (vocalist Todd LaTorre on select tracks), creating a collaborative rock outfit known for its all-star lineup.[32] The project debuted with singles like "Lose Myself" (featuring Augeri's lead vocals in 2021), blending classic hard rock with power ballads and epic arrangements, and has since released additional tracks such as "Push Comes to Shove" with guest vocalists including Rob Halford.[32] Bad Penny's style draws on the members' diverse backgrounds to deliver high-octane, guitar-driven rock without a full-length album as of 2025, focusing instead on strategic single releases to build momentum.[33] As of 2025, Augeri remains active with the Steve Augeri Band, including performances at the Alameda County Fair in Pleasanton, California, on June 29, and Juana's Pagodas in Niagara Falls, New York, on August 3.[34][35] The band continues ongoing tours, such as stops in Atlantic City in May and St. Charles in July, while Augeri engages fans through social media updates, live streams, and merchandise tied to his solo work, fostering a dedicated community around his enduring rock performances.[34][36] Post-injury, Augeri's vocal style has evolved to embrace a more mature range, shifting from the high-register demands of Journey's arena anthems to a deeper, richer timbre that suits his age and experience.[3] This adaptation allows for greater emotional nuance in ballads and a sustainable approach to live singing, as evidenced in his recent recordings and tours where he prioritizes resonance over strain.[3]Personal life
Family and residence
Steve Augeri has been married to Lydia Cirillo since June 1986.[37][38] The couple maintains a close partnership, with Augeri frequently crediting Lydia for her emotional support and shared values, such as a belief in karma and ethical living.[39] Augeri and Lydia are parents to a son, Adam Augeri, born in 1996.[38] The family shares a passion for music, evident in Adam's role as a drummer who has performed alongside his father in live settings, including joining the HUGO Journey tribute band in 2025, fostering a dynamic of mutual musical influence within the household.[40][41] As of 2023, Augeri resides in Staten Island, New York, where he has established a stable home base for his family.[3] Following his departure from Journey in 2006, Augeri prioritized family life during his career transition, stepping back from intensive touring to focus on home responsibilities and recovery from professional demands.[39] He and Lydia channel their family-oriented values into philanthropy, supporting organizations like the Little Baby Face Foundation and March of Dimes through appearances and performances.[38]Health challenges and philanthropy
In 2006, during Journey's tour, Steve Augeri experienced severe vocal cord damage that forced him to leave the band mid-tour, as the injury rendered him unable to perform consistently.[6] The damage stemmed from recurring vocal problems that had begun as early as 2003, exacerbated by the demands of extensive touring and high-energy performances, including a diagnosis of vocal cord paralysis.[9][3] Although specific medical diagnosis details such as nodules or polyps are not publicly detailed in primary accounts, Augeri was promptly referred to specialists by the band, highlighting the acute nature of the condition.[6] Treatment involved surgery, extensive vocal therapy, and a prolonged period of rest and healing, which Augeri described as essential for rebuilding his voice after the initial year of recovery.[3][29] The long-term effects included a permanently altered vocal quality—often noted as slightly raspy—but he adapted by treating his voice with athlete-like discipline, incorporating careful warm-ups, hydration, and pacing to sustain performances.[6] This resilience enabled a full return to the stage in 2012, when he formed the Steve Augeri Band to deliver Journey-inspired sets, marking the end of a six-year recovery timeline and demonstrating his determination to reconnect with fans despite the setback.[6][3] Augeri has channeled his experiences with health adversity into philanthropy, supporting causes that promote healing and community through personal appearances and live performances alongside his wife, Lydia.[42] A key focus is Journey to the Cure, a breast cancer research foundation, where he contributes to fundraising efforts that advance treatment and awareness.[9] He has also participated in charity concerts, such as the 2019 Killebrew-Thompson Memorial Concert for Cancer in Idaho, which raised funds for life-saving cancer treatments and research.[43] Beyond cancer-related initiatives, Augeri engages with organizations like the March of Dimes for maternal and infant health, the Little Baby Face Foundation for children with facial deformities, and Diamond Angels benefiting Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital.[42] His charitable work extends to music education through events like the Concerts For Our Own series, which he headlined on June 13, 2024, to support programs providing access to music instruction for underprivileged youth via the Joy of Music School.[44] Additionally, as an Italian-American, he has performed at cultural events such as the 2019 West Virginia Italian Heritage Festival, his third appearance there, fostering heritage preservation and community engagement.[45] These efforts underscore how Augeri's personal trials have inspired deeper fan connections, often sharing stories of perseverance during shows to motivate audiences facing their own challenges.[3]Discography
With Tall Stories
Tall Stories, featuring Steve Augeri on lead vocals, released their self-titled debut studio album in 1991 through Epic Records.[46] The album was produced, recorded, and mixed by Frank Filipetti at The Site in Marin County, California.[13] Key contributors included Augeri (lead vocals), Jack Morer (guitar), Kevin Totoian (bass, co-lead vocals on select tracks), and Tom DeFaria (drums).[47] The album's track listing is:- "Wild on the Run" – 4:18
- "Chain of Love" – 4:27
- "Crawling Back" – 5:04
- "Sister of Mercy" – 4:08
- "Stay with Me" – 5:19
- "Somewhere She Waits" – 4:50
- "World Inside You" – 4:35
- "Restless One" – 4:29
- "Never Enough" – 4:28
- "Close Your Eyes" – 4:54[48]
With Tyketto
Steve Augeri joined Tyketto in 1995 following the disbandment of Tall Stories, providing lead vocals for the band's third studio album and contributing to their final release during his tenure.[49] Augeri served as lead vocalist on Tyketto's album Shine, released in 1995 by Music for Nations.[17] The album was engineered and mixed by Steve Marinaccio at Dreamline Studio in New York City and mastered by [Bob Ludwig](/page/Bob Ludwig) at Gateway Mastering.[50] Augeri co-wrote all ten tracks alongside bandmates Brooke St. James (guitars), Jaimie Scott (bass), and Michael Clayton Arbeeny (drums), with additional backing vocals from G. Scott McKelvey and Kristin Mooney on select songs.[17][50] The tracklist for Shine is as follows:| No. | Title | Writer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jamie | St. James, Scott, Arbeeny, Augeri | 4:31 |
| 2 | Raw Thigh | St. James, Scott, Arbeeny, Augeri | 4:37 |
| 3 | Radio Mary | St. James, Scott, Arbeeny, Augeri | 4:37 |
| 4 | Get Me There | St. James, Scott, Arbeeny, Augeri | 5:00 |
| 5 | High | St. James, Scott, Arbeeny, Augeri | 4:06 |
| 6 | The Ballad of Ruby | St. James, Scott, Arbeeny, Augeri | 5:28 |
| 7 | Let It Go | St. James, Scott, Arbeeny, Augeri | 5:05 |
| 8 | Long Cold Winter | St. James, Scott, Arbeeny, Augeri | 4:42 |
| 9 | I Won't Cry | St. James, Scott, Arbeeny, Augeri | 5:14 |
| 10 | Shine | St. James, Scott, Arbeeny, Augeri | 4:30 |
| No. | Title | Details | Length | Vocals |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Forever Young | 1988 demo | 5:15 | Danny Vaughan |
| 2 | Tearin' Up the Night | 1988 demo | 4:25 | Danny Vaughan |
| 3 | Standing Alone | 1988 demo | 5:05 | Danny Vaughan |
| 4 | Drag the River | 1992 demo | 3:57 | Danny Vaughan |
| 5 | Wait Forever | 1994 B-side | 3:35 | Danny Vaughan |
| 6 | Burnin' Down Inside | 1992 live | 4:43 | Danny Vaughan |
| 7 | Lay Your Body Down | 1992 live | 5:59 | Danny Vaughan |
| 8 | Let It Go | 1996 live (London) | 5:05 | Steve Augeri |
| 9 | Seasons | 1996 live (London) | 4:48 | Steve Augeri |
| 10 | Nothin' But Love | 1996 live (London) | 5:47 | Steve Augeri |
| 11 | Shine | 1996 live (London) | 4:30 | Steve Augeri |
| 12 | The End of the Summer Days | 1996 live (London) | 4:25 | Steve Augeri |
| 13 | Get Me There | 1996 live (London) | 5:58 | Steve Augeri |
| 14 | High | 1996 live (London) | 4:06 | Steve Augeri |
| 15 | Jamie | 1996 live (London) | 6:17 | Steve Augeri |
With Journey
Steve Augeri joined Journey as lead vocalist in 1998, contributing to the band's revival through a series of recordings that blended classic rock elements with new material during his tenure until 2006. His first contribution was the single "Remember Me," recorded for the soundtrack to the film Armageddon. Written by Jonathan Cain, Steve Perry, and Neal Schon, the track served as Augeri's debut with the group and was released in June 1998.[54] The band's eleventh studio album, Arrival, marked Augeri's full-length debut and was released on April 3, 2001, by Columbia Records. Produced by Kevin Shirley and the band, it peaked at number 56 on the Billboard 200 chart.[55] The album featured singles including "Higher Place," "All the Way" (which reached the Top 40 on the US Adult Contemporary chart, and "With Your Love."[56] Augeri received co-writing credit on "All the Way" alongside Neal Schon, Jonathan Cain, and Taylor Rhodes. The track listing is as follows:- "Higher Place" (Jack Blades, Neal Schon) – 5:10
- "All the Way" (Neal Schon, Jonathan Cain, Taylor Rhodes, Steve Augeri) – 3:35
- "Signs of Life" (Neal Schon, Jonathan Cain) – 4:54
- "All the Things" (Neal Schon, Jonathan Cain) – 4:22
- "Loved by You" (Neal Schon, Jonathan Cain) – 4:02
- "Livin' to Do" (Neal Schon, Jonathan Cain) – 6:23
- "World Gone Wild" (Bernie Taupin, Jack Blades, Neal Schon) – 6:00
- "I Got a Reason" (Neal Schon, Jonathan Cain) – 4:10
- "With Your Love" (Neal Schon, Jonathan Cain) – 4:25
- "Lifetime of Dreams" (Neal Schon, Jonathan Cain) – 5:34
- "Live and Breathe" (Neal Schon, Jonathan Cain) – 5:18
- "Nothin' Comes Close" (Neal Schon, Jonathan Cain) – 5:42
13. "To Be Alive Again" (Neal Schon, Jonathan Cain) – 5:24 Arrival did not receive RIAA certification. In 2002, Journey independently released the EP Red 13 as a limited-edition item, primarily available during tours and through the band's website, with only about 10,000 copies produced. Self-produced and engineered by Jonathan Cain, the EP showcased new material and helped solidify Augeri's role in the band. It included four original tracks plus an introductory piece. The track listing is:[57]
- "Intro: Red 13 / State of Grace" (Jonathan Cain, Neal Schon, Steve Augeri) – 7:26
- "The Time" (Gary Cirimelli, Jonathan Cain, Neal Schon, Steve Augeri) – 6:27
- "Walking Away from the Edge" (Jonathan Cain, Steve Augeri) – 6:00
- "I Can Breathe" (Jonathan Cain, Neal Schon, Steve Augeri) – 5:32
- "Faith in the Heartland" (Neal Schon, Jonathan Cain, Steve Augeri) – 6:18
- "The Place in Your Heart" (Neal Schon, Jonathan Cain) – 4:23
- "A Better Life" (Neal Schon, Jonathan Cain, Steve Augeri) – 5:45
- "Every Generation" (Neal Schon, Jonathan Cain, Steve Augeri) – 5:54
- "Butterfly (She Flies Alone)" (Neal Schon, Jonathan Cain) – 5:59
- "Believe" (Neal Schon, Jonathan Cain, Steve Augeri) – 5:44
- "Knowing That You Love Me" (Neal Schon, Jonathan Cain) – 4:12
- "Out of Harms' Way" (Neal Schon, Jonathan Cain, Steve Augeri) – 5:10
- "In Self-Defense" (Neal Schon, Jonathan Cain) – 5:32
- "Better Together" (Neal Schon, Jonathan Cain) – 4:21
- "Gone Wild" (Neal Schon, Jonathan Cain) – 4:08
- "Beyond the Clouds" (Neal Schon, Jonathan Cain, Steve Augeri) – 7:08
- "Generations" (Neal Schon, Jonathan Cain) – 7:03