INDIANAPOLIS, May 23, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Leading up to the
big Memorial Day Weekend Indianapolis
500, a lot of magic takes place before that actual flag goes down,
and magic it was for Journey's Neal
Schon who took the ride of his life Friday with longtime
hero, Mario Andretti, a gift given
him by his wife Michaele Schon.
Neal Schon said, "It was the most
exhilarating experience I've ever had. I've watched Mario since I
was a kid at my Grandmother's house (Pauline Gulli) with my uncles, aunts and
cousins. Meeting and driving with Mario was a thrill of a lifetime
that my wife Michaele (Real Housewives) set up for me as a
birthday gift February
27th. Well, yesterday it happened!
"When Michaele and I arrived at the Indianapolis Hotel, Mario
and some of his family and close friends met us in the lobby. He
couldn't have been more gracious and kind. It made me recall all
the good times I had with my mom's Italian side of the family. We
clicked."
About the driving experience, Neal
Schon stated, "Like no other I'm sure that I will ever
experience in a lifetime, it was amazingly insane. I loved it but
honestly thought, oh my God, how can he drive so effortless,
amazing and at such high speeds? I couldn't help thinking what
it would be like to be in a race with so many other cars -
accidents, everything that happens in real high-speed races like
this, truly not an easy gig. They have to love it.
"Before we went on the track, we exchanged gifts and I gave him
one of my PRS NS-14 guitars and wrote him a personal note on top of
the guitar. He gave me one of his Mario
Andretti winning racing suits.
"All and all, a thrilling time I'll never forget! He insisted my
wife get in the car after me to share the experience!
"I met so many other great drivers and people affiliated with
the Indy 500 and they all want Journey to play next year for the
100th anniversary celebration. I'm on it! Loved it and will play
our National Anthem next year if Journey does play. Fingers crossed
until then."
This ride of a lifetime with Mario
Andretti is just one more amazing adventure in a string of
main events for the iconic founding member of Journey. Schon
just wrapped up a month long residency with Journey at the Las
Vegas Hard Rock Hotel and Casino and has a new solo album, "Vortex"
coming out internationally on June
22nd and in the U.S. on June
23rd. Fittingly, Vortex is a nickname that
Carlos Santana gave to Neal because
his music is so powerful and pulls you right in. There
couldn't be a more descriptive title for Neal Schon's newest solo release and for the
"powerful" year he is having personally and professionally.
http://www.schonmusic.com/
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Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150523/218243
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SOURCE Schon Productions