Journey Jukebox is Tribute Band honoring and playing the iconic music of Journey.
- Lead Vocals – Franky Dee
- Guitar/Vocals – Curtis Fornadley
- Keyboards/Vocals – Bill McFadden
- Drums – Tony Ross
- Bass/Vocals – Bobby H.Q. Storm
Franky Dee, Lead Singer. Franky Dee is originally from New York, New York. He went south from there spending a number of years in Florida and now resides in Southern California. Besides singing live throughout SoCal, Franky is a vocal instructor, bringing his knowledge and talents to the next generation of singers. Franky has been a lead singing front man with some top Rock musicians over his career. In NY, Franky sang in a cover band with Vito Bratta, guitar player from White Lion and rocked a six month tour throughout England, opening for Iron Maiden. While in England, Franky had the amazing opportunity to audition for Black Sabbath, when Ozzy left the band. Franky has opened for Night Ranger, Blue Oyster Cult and many other National Acts here in the States. Franky has released two albums over his career, releasing his second album ‘If I Had A Fortune’, a project involving a number of top musicians here in SoCal. Fred Durst from Limp Bizkit, did a Killer Rap on his song ‘Sexy Dancer’ and Robert Sarzo, from the band Hurricane, Brother of Rudy Sarzo ( Whitesnake, Dio, Quiet Riot ) played a ripping lead solo on the cover of Journey’s ‘Anyway You Want It’. Singing Journey songs and formerly being in a Journey tribute band during his career, Franky is poised and ready to make it happen with Journey Jukebox.
When asked about singing in a Journey Tribute Band: “I have been singing and teaching for years. I have always been a big fan of Steve Perry and Journey. Steve Perry’s voice has been a big influence on me since the Infinity Album grabbed my attention and the attention of the world. I have Journey tribute band experience and it is always an honor to represent Journey, one of the greatest bands in Rock history. I am proud to be bringing it as the lead singer and front man for Journey Jukebox.”
Curtis Fornadley, Guitar, Vocals. Curtis has a saying, “There are two types of music: music I like and music I don’t like”. This genre inclusive approach has exposed Curtis Fornadley to a wide variety of music. Distilled over time, these influences have emerged and helped shape his unique musical voice. The primary vehicle of his musical expression is the guitar. Starting with classical guitar at the age of 11, Curtis has spent his life dedicated to learning, creating and pushing the boundaries of his guitar playing and music. To the new listener his Guitar Driven Music sounds like Rock but quickly the currents of Jazz, Blues, Surf, and Country can be heard along with the common thread that ties them all together: great melodies, virtuosity, and soulful playing. Here are some of Curtis’ musical career highlights. In 2007, Curtis was One of Ten finalists in Guitar Player Magazine’s “Guitar Superstar Competition. In 2015, Curtis released the “Tone Wizards” book, which includes 17 interviews with famous guitarists and gear gurus on the quest for the ultimate sound. This book is available in both print and eBook formats. In June 2023 Curtis Fornadley released “A Half Step Away“, his 6th full album. You can learn more about Curtis at www.curtisguitar.com.
When asked about being in a tribute band for the first time: “I am new to the tribute band scene, but over the years I have occasionally thought, if I was to be in a tribute band, which bands could I represent? Journey was one of the bands on the short list. Journey has so many great songs and Neil Schon’s incredible guitar playing is right in my wheelhouse. Neil’s playing is legendary and combines fierce technical ability paired with strong, musical melodies. His solos are very memorable and are integral parts of so many Journey songs. When I was presented with the opportunity to join Journey Jukebox, I considered it an honor to perform with these talented musicians and respectfully and authentically represent the great guitar work of Neil Schon.”
Bill McFadden, Keyboards, Vocals. (aka Billy Mack) Bill hails from Rochester, New York and was born into a musical family. His father (piano) and mother (singer) were professional musicians and inspired Bill to play piano (Age 4), trumpet (Age 9), vocals (age 12) and bass (age 14). Exceptional music programs in high school led Bill to the Vienna Music Festival (2nd), National Jazz (2nd) and various competitions. Meanwhile, Bill purchased his first synthesizer in 1982 and keyboards continue to be his passion today. Pursuing a degree in chemical engineering and reaching executive level positions in the materials industry, Bill continued to pursue music as a professional hobby. His Journey Tribute band, “Escape”(1997-98) opened for Hall & Oates, Pat Benatar, Ambrosia, Jefferson Starship, and more… A career move to California introduced Bill to his friend and partner Rodney Pino. From studio tracks, to band manager, to band member of “The Rodney Band” (2002-2004), to partners in a rehearsal facility (GrooveWorks) to co-inventors and partners of No Nuts Percussion, a growing percussion accessory business.
When asked how he feels about being in a Journey tribute for the second time…. “Journey’s Escape album was the first record I ever purchased. I must have played it 1000 times as a teenager and was playing some of the songs for my friends in High School. Being able to emulate Greg Rollie and even more so, Jonathan Cain is a challenge and an honor. It has been my dream to do it again, start another Journey Tribute band. This time around, I am just as, if not more, excited to bring to life a mix of the studio and live performances from these two iconic keyboard vocalists.”
Tony Ross, Drummer. Tony has been passionate about drumming since he was a boy, finding every pot and pan he could to practice as often as possible. Tony has mastered his craft for decades, performing multitudes of styles and genres with a variety of local and well-known musicians.
How do you feel about being on the Drummer’s throne?….“I am honored to be a part of Journey Jukebox. I have literally been listening to Journey since I was a kid. Learning the music has been a wonderful and challenging experience, especially digging into Steve Smith’s drum tracks. Replicating Journey will be amazing in so many ways for me, personally, with the band and entertaining the Journey fans coming to see us. I am very grateful for this opportunity.”
Bobby HQStorm Bass, Vocals. Bobby is an ASCAP Recording Artist and International Performer. Making his start during the Hollywood Sunset Strip heyday of the 1980’s and early 90’s. He’s shared the stage with Internationally known musicians ranging from Blues, Contemporary Pop/Soul and Rock.
When asked what this next musical endeavor means… “Being involved in many projects which includes both originals and tributes. I have to say the music of Journey remains timeless. It’s not just nostalgic, it sets off real-time emotions whether listening or performing and as far as bass players, Ross Valory doesn’t get the credit he is so rightfully due.”
