The new group’s fate would soon be sealed during attempted contract renewal negotiations, but before the all too familiar ‘musical differences’ party could get started, Jonathan Cain unexpectedly bolted for the newly-vacated keyboard position with Journey in early ’81.


                       

~ Jonathan Cain ‘Stepping’ into his new role with JOURNEY ~

Waite’s enticement to go it alone broke up the band forever…

~ Photograph by Brad Elterman Courtesy of Ed Winfield ~

http://www.rockretrospect.com/sunshine/

“I stayed with The Babys until 1981, and when I left, the band was still performing together, but is subsequently broke up. Chrysalis kept John Waite on but not the others”

~ Ray Sheriff (former equipment manager & confidante) ~

~ Proof of Evidence Case: CH1987-S-No.406 filed in the High Court of Justice Chancery Division ~

“In all the time I spent with The Babys on the 1980 tour, they NEVER talked about Mike Corby. For a time, I didn’t even know who he was or that the band was ever anything but the guys I was working for. However, I understood that ‘what went down’ must have been real bad…”

~ Monty Foster (former drum & keyboard technician) ~



~ Stage Crew Laminate Courtesy of Monty Foster ~

“One day on the spring tour of 1978 (I think) there was a fight on the bus between Mike and John Waite. I do not remember what or who started the argument, but I think it may have been John criticizing some aspect of Mike’s stage performance. In the course of the fight, on of them, probably John, produced a broken bottle, and Mike received a cut in the face, although fortunately it was not a serious one. But clearly, John and Mike hated each other, and they tended to communicate with each other through me. In fact, there were frequently fights of greater or lesser seriousness between the two, but I do not think it ever affected their stage performances”

~ Marc Salter (former stage manager & personal assistant) ~

~ Proof of Evidence Case: CH1987-S-No.406 filed in the High Court of Justice Chancery Division ~




~ Photographs by Michael N. Marks © 1977 & 1978, All Rights Reserved ~



~ Narration Courtesy of ‘International Man of Mystery’ ~

“The sense of humor [about the band] disappeared in the studio [for Head First, the album then in progress], it became a bit tense. There were plenty of bad feelings…Corby was dismissed…The guy hates me, I know he does”

~ John Waite (Circus Magazine – April 1980) ~


~ Photograph by Unknown Fan ~


“Initially, it appeared as though Chrysalis had gotten their man. Hate John? I could never truly hate him; rather I play the part very well. What disturbs me most is the ongoing purporting of the truth. I just don’t think he ever quite understood the consequences of his wickedness. I’ll be content with allowing father time be the judge on this one…”

~ Michael Corby ~

“The closest anyone came to filling the image of a ‘pop star’ was Corby, and it amazes me that Waite, with his lack of personality, is even able to hold an audience today. When considering the fates of Tony Brock and Walt Stocker, I can say with a reasonable amount of certainty that even with their musical offerings, the solo offers [for super stardom], didn’t exactly come pouring in. Particularly sad is the case with Mike Corby, whom the music business turned its back on completely. Sadly, the questions now are more interesting than the answers.”

~ Adrian Millar ~

Q.  So Adrian, how would YOU describe each member…musically?

Walt Stocker:

A.  A natural guitarist, who'd probably led a happier life if left alone...just driving his truck.

Tony Brock:

A.  Could have built an entire band around him alone…any band!

Q. Irreplaceable…?

A.  It’s already been done, with the invention of the drum machine.

Q. And your thoughts on John…?

John Waite:

A.  I don’t have thoughts on John...

Q. What about Mike…?

Mike Corby:

A.  My sentiments…exactly!

~ the ever Flamboyant, Magnetically Glittering, Streetwise Rock-and-Roll Outlaw ~

~ Photograph by Alan Ballard ~

"The inherent built-in design fault that's always going to come back and trip you up, electrocute or drown you in a cup of coffee was the fact that Mike Corby had all the looks and should have been the lead singer. The only problem here was that Mike didn't [rather couldn't] sing, and it just goes to show how a tiny little element can change everything. If Mike had been the one with 'the voice,' it would have balanced the status quo between him and John. Then, if you want to look at the bright side of things, we wouldn't have been forced into employing somebody like John Waite...

A person who was so completely opposite of Mike Corby"

~ Adrian Millar ~


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