NEW YORK (CelebrityAccess MediaWire) — A chronic throat infection has sidelined Journey's lead singer, Steve Augeri, during the band's current US tour with Def Leppard. Jeff Scott Soto, who has previously performed with Journey guitarist
Neal Schon, will take over lead vocal duties starting with the July 7
show in Bristow, VA. In the meantime, Augeri’s condition will be closely monitored by his physician to determine when he may be able to rejoin the tour.
“Steve’s been suffering with an acute throat condition
since before we kicked off the tour with Def Leppard," the band said in a statement. "We were hoping he’d be in well condition to handle the rigors of the road but unfortunately it appears to be a chronic condition requiring total voice rest. We all wish Steve a speedy recovery.”– Jane Cohen and Bob Grossweiner