More Journey talk...

[Journey69]

A little more information from my experience, since this appears to be breaking news and not really that confidential at this point.

Wal Mart approached Journey to rerecord the greatest hits so they could sell a Journey record without having to pay Sony it's pound of flesh. It wasn't to "one up" Perry or to introduce a new singer or anything, just a business opportunity that couldn't be passed up.

Now, my initial thought was that they could redo classics with a different take on them. Acoustic versions, new arrangements, a few mashups or something. It was clear after a little while that this would be a no-brainer, easy money deal. Why bust balls trying to make something new and interesting when truly the songs could be recorded over the course of a week, mixed, edited, and mastered in less than 3 or 4 weeks.

This was to bring Journey some much-needed cash flow during an off year, and a portion of which would be used to "retain" the new singer until the new tour began. Keep in mind, the new singer wouldn't be even a half partner in the band, just a salaried employee who would produce the vocals for this record and be paid essentially the same as a guy who loaded Neal's road cases into the studio. In one respect, that's understandable, the new singer of course had no stake in the creation of the material...In another respect, the record couldn't be made without a Perry soundalike, as there was a very specific reason to rerecord the classics...See above. No one is going into WalMart to buy what they think is a Journey record and find out that the singer sounds like Barry White (RIP).

So all in all, some interesting points to ponder.

Thanks for clearing that up J. Much appreciated.

Ditto..Also,what the hell do they need cash for? And don't say Neal's 5 ex wives.. Seriously,how do you piss away all that money.. Did they put it all on black #7 in Vegas?

[Andrew]

Andrew, Dean, AR, Lula, SJ I know someone will be able to answer my question. This 9 yr agreement gave SP some control over the music, but doesnt he have a life long control over the songs that he contributed to as in writing?

It seems not. He'll always get publishing payments obviously as a co-writer, but it seems his era of control is over.

[scarygirl]

Andrew, Dean, AR, Lula, SJ I know someone will be able to answer my question. This 9 yr agreement gave SP some control over the music, but doesnt he have a life long control over the songs that he contributed to as in writing?

It seems not. He'll always get publishing payments obviously as a co-writer, but it seems his era of control is over.

Can't he come out for one last hurrah? To show their asses up?

[Jeremey]

Also, some further insight on Perry's involvement in this. I wasn't aware of any agreement with Perry regarding use of the old songs or anything, except for how it related to songs recorded for Sony Music - In other words, all recorded material produced while under contract with CBS/Columbia/Sony.

The major point of concern initially regarding Perry was that as a principal songwriter of ALL the greatest hits, he WOULD have say in the promotion of any rerecording of those songs - Namely, video - Point of purchase video commercials, commercials on VH1Classic, online videos promoting the release, etc. The concern that I was privy to was that Perry wouldn't allow video promotion of the record, and thus WalMart, being a huge corporate entity with no time for bullshit, would simply scuttle the whole deal. The fact that they moved forward with it tells me that either a) Perry made a compromise that Journey will ultimately pay dearly for in order to give his permission to promote the release in video (which I HIGHLY doubt), or b) WalMart felt that the CD would sell itself no matter what, with or without video promotion....The casual consumer would see a new WalMart exclusive release and slap down their $12 none the wiser, perhaps even thinking that they were buying a new release with Perry at the helm.....Which leads one to surmise that on further consideration, maybe WalMart felt the record would sell better WITHOUT video promotion (ie Arnel on all the flat panel TV screens in the WalMart electronics department), and so it became a non-issue.

Anyway, all speculation and not really going to make one difference whether any of us can afford groceries or pay our gas bill tomorrow. But fun to speculate on in a fantasy football kind of way.

[ProgRocker53]

What about all-original albums? Will Arnel have any creative say in anything after this GH fiasco, or continue to be an underpaid muppet? Nothing takes away my disappointment that Journey isn't going on with JSS or JH... BUT.. I'd still listen to and support a new all-original album, IF one is going to be made.

I just won't ever go to another show... the two I witnessed with JSS will be extremely hard to top.

[Journey69]

Also, some further insight on Perry's involvement in this. I wasn't aware of any agreement with Perry regarding use of the old songs or anything, except for how it related to songs recorded for Sony Music - In other words, all recorded material produced while under contract with CBS/Columbia/Sony.

The major point of concern initially regarding Perry was that as a principal songwriter of ALL the greatest hits, he WOULD have say in the promotion of any rerecording of those songs - Namely, video - Point of purchase video commercials, commercials on VH1Classic, online videos promoting the release, etc. The concern that I was privy to was that Perry wouldn't allow video promotion of the record, and thus WalMart, being a huge corporate entity with no time for bullshit, would simply scuttle the whole deal. The fact that they moved forward with it tells me that either a) Perry made a compromise that Journey will ultimately pay dearly for in order to give his permission to promote the release in video (which I HIGHLY doubt), or b) WalMart felt that the CD would sell itself no matter what, with or without video promotion....The casual consumer would see a new WalMart exclusive release and slap down their $12 none the wiser, perhaps even thinking that they were buying a new release with Perry at the helm.....Which leads one to surmise that on further consideration, maybe WalMart felt the record would sell better WITHOUT video promotion (ie Arnel on all the flat panel TV screens in the WalMart electronics department), and so it became a non-issue.

Anyway, all speculation and not really going to make one difference whether any of us can afford groceries or pay our gas bill tomorrow. But fun to speculate on in a fantasy football kind of way.

Great info,but why even do it.. Leave the old stuff alone.. Also,even the casual Journey fan is going to look at the back of the cd and see that SP isn't in the group..Or are they arrogant enough to not have any pics or names on the front or back? That would piss a lot of casual fans off after they bought the thing.. Also,maybe they would be hoping that the suprise would hook some people..

[ProgRocker53]

IF they do have a picture, I wonder if Ross is going to be holding a small animal and if Neal is going to have a smug grin and if Friga is going to have a perm...

[Andrew]

Also, some further insight on Perry's involvement in this. I wasn't aware of any agreement with Perry regarding use of the old songs or anything, except for how it related to songs recorded for Sony Music - In other words, all recorded material produced while under contract with CBS/Columbia/Sony.

There has always been a contol deal in place...since Steve left in 1998. I heard 10 years, but a well placed source tells me it was 9 and it has now expired.

FACT - The band wanted to do this earlier than now, but Perry's control and issues with the idea stopped it happening.

[Aaron]

Jeremey,

Thanks for clearing that one up and for the inside info. Those guys need to remember it's a two way street in any relationship. Good luck to the fuckheads ...

L8r bro,

Aaron

A little more information from my experience, since this appears to be breaking news and not really that confidential at this point.

Wal Mart approached Journey to rerecord the greatest hits so they could sell a Journey record without having to pay Sony it's pound of flesh. It wasn't to "one up" Perry or to introduce a new singer or anything, just a business opportunity that couldn't be passed up.

Now, my initial thought was that they could redo classics with a different take on them. Acoustic versions, new arrangements, a few mashups or something. It was clear after a little while that this would be a no-brainer, easy money deal. Why bust balls trying to make something new and interesting when truly the songs could be recorded over the course of a week, mixed, edited, and mastered in less than 3 or 4 weeks.

This was to bring Journey some much-needed cash flow during an off year, and a portion of which would be used to "retain" the new singer until the new tour began. Keep in mind, the new singer wouldn't be even a half partner in the band, just a salaried employee who would produce the vocals for this record and be paid essentially the same as a guy who loaded Neal's road cases into the studio. In one respect, that's understandable, the new singer of course had no stake in the creation of the material...In another respect, the record couldn't be made without a Perry soundalike, as there was a very specific reason to rerecord the classics...See above. No one is going into WalMart to buy what they think is a Journey record and find out that the singer sounds like Barry White (RIP).

So all in all, some interesting points to ponder.

[larryfromnextdoor]

Also, some further insight on Perry's involvement in this. I wasn't aware of any agreement with Perry regarding use of the old songs or anything, except for how it related to songs recorded for Sony Music - In other words, all recorded material produced while under contract with CBS/Columbia/Sony.

There has always been a contol deal in place...since Steve left in 1998. I heard 10 years, but a well placed source tells me it was 9 and it has now expired.

FACT - The band wanted to do this earlier than now, but Perry's control and issues with the idea stopped it happening.

Augeri needs to write a book..

[E5C4P3ING]

A good mate and long time source of mine tells me the next Journey album is in the can, ready to go...featuring re-recording the classics. No new material as far as I have been told.

Why now and why was the idea with JSS scuttled? Talk is that Mr. Perry had a 9 year deal where he had a say in what the band could do with the classic material and that has only just now expired, hence the band can now do what they like....and this is what they like!

This makes absoultely no sense to me! There are already several Journey "best of" products available. "Time", "Greatest Hits", "Greatest Hits Live" and "The Essential Journey" are all readily available in any music store or on itunes.

Not sure what their motivation would be here, but I can't help but wonder if this is someone's fucked up way of sticking it to Steve Perry!

[Aaron]

Yep, Augeri was a good guy, sang well for the bastards for years, helped put out a good cd (Arrival) and took the pipe in the end. I'd buy his book.

Also, some further insight on Perry's involvement in this. I wasn't aware of any agreement with Perry regarding use of the old songs or anything, except for how it related to songs recorded for Sony Music - In other words, all recorded material produced while under contract with CBS/Columbia/Sony.

There has always been a contol deal in place...since Steve left in 1998. I heard 10 years, but a well placed source tells me it was 9 and it has now expired.

FACT - The band wanted to do this earlier than now, but Perry's control and issues with the idea stopped it happening.

Augeri needs to write a book..

[nolippin]

I wonder if the timing of the remasters was Perry's way of sticking it to them.

Also, some further insight on Perry's involvement in this. I wasn't aware of any agreement with Perry regarding use of the old songs or anything, except for how it related to songs recorded for Sony Music - In other words, all recorded material produced while under contract with CBS/Columbia/Sony.

There has always been a contol deal in place...since Steve left in 1998. I heard 10 years, but a well placed source tells me it was 9 and it has now expired.

FACT - The band wanted to do this earlier than now, but Perry's control and issues with the idea stopped it happening.

[Panther]

A little more information from my experience, since this appears to be breaking news and not really that confidential at this point.

Wal Mart approached Journey to rerecord the greatest hits so they could sell a Journey record without having to pay Sony it's pound of flesh. It wasn't to "one up" Perry or to introduce a new singer or anything, just a business opportunity that couldn't be passed up.

Now, my initial thought was that they could redo classics with a different take on them. Acoustic versions, new arrangements, a few mashups or something. It was clear after a little while that this would be a no-brainer, easy money deal. Why bust balls trying to make something new and interesting when truly the songs could be recorded over the course of a week, mixed, edited, and mastered in less than 3 or 4 weeks.

This was to bring Journey some much-needed cash flow during an off year, and a portion of which would be used to "retain" the new singer until the new tour began. Keep in mind, the new singer wouldn't be even a half partner in the band, just a salaried employee who would produce the vocals for this record and be paid essentially the same as a guy who loaded Neal's road cases into the studio. In one respect, that's understandable, the new singer of course had no stake in the creation of the material...In another respect, the record couldn't be made without a Perry soundalike, as there was a very specific reason to rerecord the classics...See above. No one is going into WalMart to buy what they think is a Journey record and find out that the singer sounds like Barry White (RIP).

So all in all, some interesting points to ponder.

I dunno.... Sure sounds like a bastardization of classic music to me. No offense, Jeremey, but tributes (which is exactly what this will be) belong outside the Journey name. From my view (and especially if they DON'T include band photos and/or names on the outside cover) they are banking on people purchasing this "unit" NOT realizing that this isn't Journey with Perry/Augeri (both of whom have been known in the commercial sense across the nation to even the casual fan). Sort of a form of bait and switch.

[E5C4P3ING]

Also, some further insight on Perry's involvement in this. I wasn't aware of any agreement with Perry regarding use of the old songs or anything, except for how it related to songs recorded for Sony Music - In other words, all recorded material produced while under contract with CBS/Columbia/Sony.

There has always been a contol deal in place...since Steve left in 1998. I heard 10 years, but a well placed source tells me it was 9 and it has now expired.

FACT - The band wanted to do this earlier than now, but Perry's control and issues with the idea stopped it happening.

Too bad Perry didn't have a 20 year deal!

[G.I.Jim]

You know, I agree with several of you in the "Why would anyone buy this stuff since it's already out there category", but what if they have something different up their sleeve? What if they've had YEARS to write and record a "New" album of old tunes? Maybe they were just waiting for their 9 year exclusive deal to expire to release this album! Think about it...If you had 9 years to write an album, do you think it'd be a good one?

Who knows, maybe it'll be like Journey Karaoke? Who knows? Maybe it's got a "New" twist with some drop-key guitar sounds that are so "Today"? I guess we'll find out soon enough, but I wouldn't count out the band just yet! I'll wait to pass judgement until I see the goods. If it sounds like KC's latest outing, I'll probably pass...Then again, no I won't. I own EVERY album this band has ever released. Some of them I just don't listen to (Generations comes to mind!).

Either way, no matter what they DO record, I'll wait to hear it before I think it sucks! That's just me...I know I'm probably out voted on this one...

[Andrew]

Augeri needs to write a book..

There's definitely a good story in the last few years...

[E5C4P3ING]

What if Steve Perry re-united with Steve Smith & Greg Rolie (and unnamed bassist and guitarist) to re-record the Journey Classics?

I Would bet plenty of money theirs would outsell Schon's tribute version!

Since the name Journey now legally belongs to Schon, They Perry group could call themselves "The Real Journey"!

[G.I.Jim]

Augeri needs to write a book..

There's definitely a good story in the last few years...

You got that right! I know there was an "Exclusive" deal for 9 years, but what about the gag order? Can we EVER know what really happened? I know it exists, but am just wondering if there's a number of years tied to that as well??? I bet there's some SERIOUS stories throughout the years we'd love to hear! Just curious...

[Red13JoePa]

There has always been a contol deal in place...since Steve left in 1998. I heard 10 years, but a well placed source tells me it was 9 and it has now expired.

Thank God for that.
Maybe releases won't be staggered out half-decades apart now.

My mind still boggles that perry's pet producer would produce the Journey re-recording past songs album and it be a WalMart release, unless it's one of those exclusives The Eagles got.

[The Sushi Hunter]

It's one thing to replace a singer. Now, to me if they released this as a live album, it'd be one thing. That is more of a statement to say, "here's where we are now" without ruining what was. However, to do it in the studio? That's a big WTF. It's all downhill from here with no brakes.

Would that be anything like this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4-dDkc7bruU

[Rick]

It's one thing to replace a singer. Now, to me if they released this as a live album, it'd be one thing. That is more of a statement to say, "here's where we are now" without ruining what was. However, to do it in the studio? That's a big WTF. It's all downhill from here with no brakes.

Would that be anything like this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4-dDkc7bruU

OUCH!!

[TRAGChick]

###

[STORY_TELLER]

So why then didn't Journey go with Jeremey? He seemed to sing quite well from that clip of both JH and JSS together that was posted. Plus I would say that Jeremey blends into the Journey band look a bit more then Arnel does. So what gives?

Jeremey ended up turning them down because of family issues.

I beg to differ.

He turned them down because he felt like he was being asked to jump through yet another hoop after he was offered and accepted the gig. After Jeremey calmed down, realizing what a great opportunity he was missing, he came to his senses, called Cain to say he was still interested, but never heard back. Guarantee you Neal saw Jeremey standing up for himself as a final red flag (after the 'wife thing' rattled him). They want a workhorse puppet. Not someone who will have their own opinions or disagreements.

Jeremey might have saved himself some stomach ulcers, but even he'll agree he's missing out on a big paycheck and the unique experience of fronting a band he grew up loving. I'm sure being around for his sons early life is a saving grace though.

[STORY_TELLER]

What if Steve Perry re-united with Steve Smith & Greg Rolie (and unnamed bassist and guitarist) to re-record the Journey Classics?

I Would bet plenty of money theirs would outsell Schon's tribute version!

Since the name Journey now legally belongs to Schon, They Perry group could call themselves "The Real Journey"!

Oh for fucks sake...

WHAT PART OF PERRY DOESN'T WANT TO SING ANYMORE DON'T YOU PEOPLE GET???

[AlienC]

What if Steve Perry re-united with Steve Smith & Greg Rolie (and unnamed bassist and guitarist) to re-record the Journey Classics?

I Would bet plenty of money theirs would outsell Schon's tribute version!

Since the name Journey now legally belongs to Schon, They Perry group could call themselves "The Real Journey"!

The extreme cold from hell freezing over would prevent that from happening.

[Monker]

The only re-recording I'd be interested in hearing would be the post-Escape stuff recorded with Jason Kelty. Kelty belting out ROR stuff would be like a younger Perry version. Anything else is just pathetic with JSS, or Arnel.

Rerecording 30yr old music is pathetic no matter who is singing.

It's a STUPID idea...almost every decision this band has made for the past two years has been STUPID...so I'm not suprised.

[RedWingFan]

Jeremey might have saved himself some stomach ulcers, but even he'll agree he's missing out on a big paycheck and the unique experience of fronting a band he grew up loving. I'm sure being around for his sons early life is a saving grace though.

As a father who gets to be there for my 10 month old son every morning. Changing him, feeding him, spending mornings with him. I can honestly tell you there's no amount of money I would trade for that. Jeremey's getting the better end of the deal.

[STORY_TELLER]

The only re-recording I'd be interested in hearing would be the post-Escape stuff recorded with Jason Kelty. Kelty belting out ROR stuff would be like a younger Perry version. Anything else is just pathetic with JSS, or Arnel.

Rerecording 30yr old music is pathetic no matter who is singing.

It's a STUPID idea...almost every decision this band has made for the past two years has been STUPID...so I'm not suprised.

Ditto.

Like I said, Neal Jon and Ross are cashing in on their 401k plan. They're officially retired from being artists and are simply selling their souls to pay the bills.

[AlienC]

There has always been a contol deal in place...since Steve left in 1998. I heard 10 years, but a well placed source tells me it was 9 and it has now expired.

Thank God for that.
Maybe releases won't be staggered out half-decades apart now.

My mind still boggles that perry's pet producer would produce the Journey re-recording past songs album and it be a WalMart release, unless it's one of those exclusives The Eagles got.

You mean Kevin Shirley? What gave you that idea? Try Kalodner's 'Pet Producer' FTW.
KS is actually very good with those egos behind the board. He earns his money, fer sure.