John Waite Calls Out Journey as ‘Super White Music’

There's little we like more, especially on a lazy Friday summer afternoon, than the beginnings of a good, old-fashioned musician slap-fight. And while it's not a shock that the newest one involves Journey, it is surprising that it isn't between past and former members of the band. Instead, it came out of nowhere, with John Waite, late of Bad English and the Babys, firing the first shot at the rock legends.

"I mean, I hate to say it, but I listen to Journey and think, 'Jesus Christ, that is just wrong,'" he told Metal Sludge. "That's why there will never be a Bad English reunion. It's for super white people listening to super white music. F--- that. I'd rather shoot myself."

Waite, whose main connection to soul music is through Tina Turner's cover of his 'Missing You' which reached No. 84 in 1996, worked with three members of Journey -- Neal Schon, Jonathan Cain and Deen Castronovo -- in Bad English. Their power ballad, 'When I See You Smile,' went to No. 1 in 1989. The group broke up two years later.

On Aug. 10, Waite will play his next show in Santa Cruz, Calif. as part of their FREE Friday Night Bands on the Beach series, which also includes the Fixx and Eddie Money. Incidentally, former Journey member Gregg Rolie is the series headliner tonight (Aug. 3).