Survivor Tour 2012

[Red13JoePa]

I like Frankie on lead vox better than JP.

Frankie's 2 lead vox were 2 of the stronger songs on Reach I thought.

My top 4 were FMS, Reach, Nevertheless, Talking Bout Love.

[Abitaman]

I like Frankie on lead vox better than JP.

Frankie's 2 lead vox were 2 of the stronger songs on Reach I thought.

My top 4 were FMS, Reach, Nevertheless, Talking Bout Love.

IMO, Frankie is the weak link vocally.
Above the Storm CD by JP is great. He sings his own songs on this recording, and you can tell that he influenced Survivor a great deal.

Heck, IMO Frankie is jsut the weak link in the band.

[Journey/Survivor]

I don't want to turn this into a Frankie Sullivan bashing thread.

But here's something that annoys me...

I had heard many years ago that the reason Jim Peterik had left Survivor was because he wanted to play more guitar in the band again, but that Frankie wouldn't let him.

Since then, it has been said that Peterik wanted to do more lead vocals in Survivor again, but that Frankie wouldn't allow it.

Now, I agree that Peterik should NOT be the only lead vocalist in Survivor. He's a good singer, but he couldn't do justice to the lead vocals of Jamison and Bickler.

However, I could see him wanting to sing one or two songs on each new album, that is if there ever is another new Survivor album.

But after refusing to allow Peterik to play more guitar in the band, Sullivan is having the new keyboardist play some guitar in concert. And Sullivan sang the lead vocals on two songs on the Reach album.

Not accurate.

JV

What part/s not accurate?

[Joe Vana]

I don't want to turn this into a Frankie Sullivan bashing thread.

But here's something that annoys me...

I had heard many years ago that the reason Jim Peterik had left Survivor was because he wanted to play more guitar in the band again, but that Frankie wouldn't let him.

Since then, it has been said that Peterik wanted to do more lead vocals in Survivor again, but that Frankie wouldn't allow it.

Now, I agree that Peterik should NOT be the only lead vocalist in Survivor. He's a good singer, but he couldn't do justice to the lead vocals of Jamison and Bickler.

However, I could see him wanting to sing one or two songs on each new album, that is if there ever is another new Survivor album.

But after refusing to allow Peterik to play more guitar in the band, Sullivan is having the new keyboardist play some guitar in concert. And Sullivan sang the lead vocals on two songs on the Reach album.

Not accurate.

JV

What part/s not accurate?

JP "left" because he wanted to FRONT the band....and sing alot of the leads....and play guitar along side of FS...

Only someone delusional could think he could pull off fronting this band.....JJ or DB....no one else....

Just because you "hear" something does NOT make it true....the magic of the internet....

The unaccurate stories I have heard about this band are amazing....

JP was a HUGE part of this band...NO QUESTION....but he was not everything....FS has a big part.....and so did JJ and DB....

And the post that FS is the weak link vocally....OMG he was the MAIN guy in the backgrounds in this band!! AND...since I have sang with BOTH JP and FS for a long time I know how important those parts were....person is obviously NOT a musician, or have a clue what comprises a band, and its ability to deliver.....

I am NOT an FS fanboy, but Jesus Christ keep somethings in perspective....

JV

[G.I.Jim]

I don't want to turn this into a Frankie Sullivan bashing thread.

But here's something that annoys me...

I had heard many years ago that the reason Jim Peterik had left Survivor was because he wanted to play more guitar in the band again, but that Frankie wouldn't let him.

Since then, it has been said that Peterik wanted to do more lead vocals in Survivor again, but that Frankie wouldn't allow it.

Now, I agree that Peterik should NOT be the only lead vocalist in Survivor. He's a good singer, but he couldn't do justice to the lead vocals of Jamison and Bickler.

However, I could see him wanting to sing one or two songs on each new album, that is if there ever is another new Survivor album.

But after refusing to allow Peterik to play more guitar in the band, Sullivan is having the new keyboardist play some guitar in concert. And Sullivan sang the lead vocals on two songs on the Reach album.

Not accurate.

JV

What part/s not accurate?

JP "left" because he wanted to FRONT the band....and sing alot of the leads....and play guitar along side of FS...

Only someone delusional could think he could pull off fronting this band.....JJ or DB....no one else....

Just because you "hear" something does NOT make it true....the magic of the internet....

The unaccurate stories I have heard about this band are amazing....

JP was a HUGE part of this band...NO QUESTION....but he was not everything....FS has a big part.....and so did JJ and DB....

And the post that FS is the weak link vocally....OMG he was the MAIN guy in the backgrounds in this band!! AND...since I have sang with BOTH JP and FS for a long time I know how important those parts were....person is obviously NOT a musician, or have a clue what comprises a band, and its ability to deliver.....

I am NOT an FS fanboy, but Jesus Christ keep somethings in perspective....

JV

Yeah, Jesus CHRIST! What's WRONG WITH YOU YOU IDIOT??? Joe, one thing you have to realize is that 1. we don't "know" the band" like you do. 2. We are beneath you and are dumbasses. People here read shit on the internet and they have no way of knowing what is true or false. All he was doing was asking you what part you were talking about that wasn't accurate. I think your reply to him was pretty rude and disrespectful. Just saying.

[MarcelJordan]

JV saying like IT IS. Thanks JV for the proper insight. And I don't think there was ANY disrespect on JV's part.

Why suddenly gophers here?

MJ

[Journey/Survivor]

Whereas I don't claim to know any of the Survivor members as well as JV knew/knows Peterik and Sullivan, I have had many conversations with all of the main members of the band, as well as some of the lesser known members, and also with other people who have worked with the members of the band. I have received my fair-share of "Inside information," much of which I know to be fact. But I won't get into what that information is. It's far more reliable than internet rumors, I can assure you of that.

I like the lead vocals of both Peterik and Sullivan. But neither one is in the league of Jamison and Bickler on lead vocals.

However, it should be pointed out that who was a better singer between Peterik and Sullivan is purely opinion.

[Abitaman]

And the post that FS is the weak link vocally....OMG he was the MAIN guy in the backgrounds in this band!! AND...since I have sang with BOTH JP and FS for a long time I know how important those parts were....person is obviously NOT a musician, or have a clue what comprises a band, and its ability to deliver.....

I am NOT an FS fanboy, but Jesus Christ keep somethings in perspective....

JV

Based on what I have heard on record and in concert, I do not think FS is a good singer. But at the same time as much as I like JP he is not Survivor lead singer caliber. I was not talking background vocals or anything like that, just straight out singing. I do not like FS vocals on lead. and as I said IMO he is the weak link in the band. I did not like any of the songs he sang on. Not a one. Yes I have a very good clue about a band and what it takes for it to function....but as I said IMO I think Frankie is the weak link period! He has run the band into the ground over the past few years or decade. He promises and promises and promises and promises, and IMO is full of hot air. Now am I saying Survivor could go without him...yes a band can carry on without a key person (Styx, Journey, REO, Van Halen, AC/DC, Foreigner). Does that make the band band, sometimes, sometimes the rise above the past, but most of the time they ride the coattails of what they did. Survivor with Frankie is the last, without Jimi in the band. The band would be the same if it were Frankie gone and Jimi in. Frankie IMO need someone to kick him in the butt and get him inspired. A weak link in a bunch of talented people doesn't make you bad. JY was the weak link in Styx, the worst singer, but it JY that balanced out the harmonies in the band and his added to the back ground vocals and made their vocals what they are. JY is the weak link. But he could still made Styx the group they were.
JV nothing against you or anyone else online, but it is easy for yall to say stuff about people (kind of like I am doing now ) with out knowing them, take things out of context (which my comments were) or miss read what was sad. At work I am not an email person, unless it is to back up what I had said. I talk in person or on the phone. Just for this reason. But I have know music both in a band (which I sucked) and production in home studio and production on stage. have a good day and carry on................I am tired and rambling on, trying to finish this on my break at work....

[Abitaman]

Also you have to remember we do have the ability to meet theses people like you do and only know what we see, hear or read. FS needs a PR person because we do hear anything new, see nothing but his false statements on his web page and what we read here since nowhere else is talking Survivor.

Talk to him, have him hire you. And while you at it put a fire under his butt!!! I would like a new CD, if not that a new song or two a year on Itunes would be nice.

[Joe Vana]

JV saying like IT IS. Thanks JV for the proper insight. And I don't think there was ANY disrespect on JV's part.

Why suddenly gophers here?

MJ

Got me....but don't let it bother you MJ....

JV

[Eyeof]

"JP was a HUGE part of this band...NO QUESTION....but he was not everything....FS has a big part.....and so did JJ and DB...."

JV now you have me outraged! Where is the respect for Stephen Ellis and Bill Syniar...without those guys, there would be no Survivor and you know it! Damn it JV!

[Joe Vana]

"JP was a HUGE part of this band...NO QUESTION....but he was not everything....FS has a big part.....and so did JJ and DB...."

JV now you have me outraged! Where is the respect for Stephen Ellis and Bill Syniar...without those guys, there would be no Survivor and you know it! Damn it JV!

Since Bill is here at my house twice a week, I will let him kick my ass!!!! hahahahah....

You funny!!

JV

[Joe Vana]

"JP was a HUGE part of this band...NO QUESTION....but he was not everything....FS has a big part.....and so did JJ and DB...."

JV now you have me outraged! Where is the respect for Stephen Ellis and Bill Syniar...without those guys, there would be no Survivor and you know it! Damn it JV!

On that note I will say this...Survivor was very lucky that they had a rhythm section that really fit their material....In another band these guys might not have fit so well...but perfect for Survivor....

Plus Marc is still slamming them....perfect drummer for this band...

JV

[Joe Vana]

"JP was a HUGE part of this band...NO QUESTION....but he was not everything....FS has a big part.....and so did JJ and DB...."

JV now you have me outraged! Where is the respect for Stephen Ellis and Bill Syniar...without those guys, there would be no Survivor and you know it! Damn it JV!

I forwarded it to Bill....his response..."Say Thanks!! and what's with your disrespect!! hahahah"

JV

[Red13JoePa]

And the post that FS is the weak link vocally....OMG he was the MAIN guy in the backgrounds in this band!!

Agreed.
Plus he sings a damn passable lead when called upon. BG vox, as long as his mic is regualted (a challenge last few years), he is a mini Michael Anthony as far as IMPROTANCE of bg/harmony vox. Not saying they SOUND alike just good complementary singers in their own right.

[Abitaman]

And the post that FS is the weak link vocally....OMG he was the MAIN guy in the backgrounds in this band!!

Agreed.
Plus he sings a damn passable lead when called upon. BG vox, as long as his mic is regualted (a challenge last few years), he is a mini Michael Anthony as far as IMPROTANCE of bg/harmony vox. Not saying they SOUND alike just good complementary singers in their own right.

Agian it is only part of the vocals. Michael Anthony was not on the VH cd and it is still good. Thye could pull background off with FS, but he is not the whole thing.

[Joe Vana]

And the post that FS is the weak link vocally....OMG he was the MAIN guy in the backgrounds in this band!!

Agreed.
Plus he sings a damn passable lead when called upon. BG vox, as long as his mic is regualted (a challenge last few years), he is a mini Michael Anthony as far as IMPROTANCE of bg/harmony vox. Not saying they SOUND alike just good complementary singers in their own right.

Agian it is only part of the vocals. Michael Anthony was not on the VH cd and it is still good. Thye could pull background off with FS, but he is not the whole thing.

No he wasn't...but he was the CO-writer of all their songs...the MAIN Producer....their guitarist...co-arranger....

oh yea, he sang most of the backgrounds with usually another guy...like Richard Page, or Kevin Cronin, or Mickey Thomas.....

He was EQUALLY as important as JP....BUT, JP was the thrust behind their songwriting....and a melodic genius....brilliant....

Michael Anthony was not 50% of Van Halen....FS is and was 50% of Survivor...

JV

[Abitaman]

And the post that FS is the weak link vocally....OMG he was the MAIN guy in the backgrounds in this band!!

Agreed.
Plus he sings a damn passable lead when called upon. BG vox, as long as his mic is regualted (a challenge last few years), he is a mini Michael Anthony as far as IMPROTANCE of bg/harmony vox. Not saying they SOUND alike just good complementary singers in their own right.

Agian it is only part of the vocals. Michael Anthony was not on the VH cd and it is still good. Thye could pull background off with FS, but he is not the whole thing.

No he wasn't...but he was the CO-writer of all their songs...the MAIN Producer....their guitarist...co-arranger....

oh yea, he sang most of the backgrounds with usually another guy...like Richard Page, or Kevin Cronin, or Mickey Thomas.....

He was EQUALLY as important as JP....BUT, JP was the thrust behind their songwriting....and a melodic genius....brilliant....

Michael Anthony was not 50% of Van Halen....FS is and was 50% of Survivor...

JV

JV I am not going to argue with you on this. IMO JP is the main guy, seems like after he left, Survivor feel apart. But I do not know the inside info.
You have your opinion , I have mine. I really do not see anything that is going to change my mind, unless the newCDd, "if there is ever one", is a total knock out. I am not talking sales, but just great music. IMO Reach fell way short. I really liked it when it came out, I think I likedbecausee it was something new from the band. But now, it is near the bottom of my Survivor pile. There was no JP on thatCDd was there? Production was boring, as were most of the songs. I will not bring sales up, for 1 this isn't 20 years ago and 2, big sales does not always mean a great or even goodCDd.
As far a backup vocals, seem if wasn't FS, KC is one of my favorite singer as is Tommy Shaw, who sang back up on When Seconds counCDcd. So that is why is back up vocals rock, he had superstar help . But I never said backup vocals is 50% of the band. Just said Vmusicic still sounds good with out M. Anthony on back up vocals. Did not think I would like the new VCDcbecauseue of it.
Another reason I think JP is the lead guy is as you said ".BUT, JP was the thrust behind their songwriting....and a melodic genius....brilliant...." without that thrust in the songwriting, FS has done what in the last 10 years?
But with FS as "but he was the CO-writer of all their songs...the MAIN Producer....their guitarist...co-arranger...." that is not anything if you can't right a song on your own to produce, play guitar on, arrange or sing back up with outside talent.
Again I was not taking anything away from Frankie, I just think he is the weak link of the band. He might as well be playing air guitar andsyncingching to other back up singers if their isn't a song to write, record or produce. I am hoping that Jimi will inspire him to write, or you will step in or someother writer to help out.
To put this in a better light is....
Calling FS the weak link in Survivor would be calling
Neal, Jon or Perry the weak link in Journey
Dennis, Tommy or JY the waek link in Styx
Even being a weak link, in one of those is still doing good.

[Joe Vana]

And the post that FS is the weak link vocally....OMG he was the MAIN guy in the backgrounds in this band!!

Agreed.
Plus he sings a damn passable lead when called upon. BG vox, as long as his mic is regualted (a challenge last few years), he is a mini Michael Anthony as far as IMPROTANCE of bg/harmony vox. Not saying they SOUND alike just good complementary singers in their own right.

Agian it is only part of the vocals. Michael Anthony was not on the VH cd and it is still good. Thye could pull background off with FS, but he is not the whole thing.

No he wasn't...but he was the CO-writer of all their songs...the MAIN Producer....their guitarist...co-arranger....

oh yea, he sang most of the backgrounds with usually another guy...like Richard Page, or Kevin Cronin, or Mickey Thomas.....

He was EQUALLY as important as JP....BUT, JP was the thrust behind their songwriting....and a melodic genius....brilliant....

Michael Anthony was not 50% of Van Halen....FS is and was 50% of Survivor...

JV

JV I am not going to argue with you on this. IMO JP is the main guy, seems like after he left, Survivor feel apart. But I do not know the inside info.
You have your opinion , I have mine. I really do not see anything that is going to change my mind, unless the newCDd, "if there is ever one", is a total knock out. I am not talking sales, but just great music. IMO Reach fell way short. I really liked it when it came out, I think I likedbecausee it was something new from the band. But now, it is near the bottom of my Survivor pile. There was no JP on thatCDd was there? Production was boring, as were most of the songs. I will not bring sales up, for 1 this isn't 20 years ago and 2, big sales does not always mean a great or even goodCDd.
As far a backup vocals, seem if wasn't FS, KC is one of my favorite singer as is Tommy Shaw, who sang back up on When Seconds counCDcd. So that is why is back up vocals rock, he had superstar help . But I never said backup vocals is 50% of the band. Just said Vmusicic still sounds good with out M. Anthony on back up vocals. Did not think I would like the new VCDcbecauseue of it.
Another reason I think JP is the lead guy is as you said ".BUT, JP was the thrust behind their songwriting....and a melodic genius....brilliant...." without that thrust in the songwriting, FS has done what in the last 10 years?
But with FS as "but he was the CO-writer of all their songs...the MAIN Producer....their guitarist...co-arranger...." that is not anything if you can't right a song on your own to produce, play guitar on, arrange or sing back up with outside talent.
Again I was not taking anything away from Frankie, I just think he is the weak link of the band. He might as well be playing air guitar andsyncingching to other back up singers if their isn't a song to write, record or produce. I am hoping that Jimi will inspire him to write, or you will step in or someother writer to help out.
To put this in a better light is....
Calling FS the weak link in Survivor would be calling
Neal, Jon or Perry the weak link in Journey
Dennis, Tommy or JY the waek link in Styx
Even being a weak link, in one of those is still doing good.

Abaitmen...I don't argue online....no problems...no issues, you have your opinion, I have mine...all good!!!

And....I have stepped in....and the material was fucking great!!! but it is up to FS to do an album, to put one out....AND...I will NEVER minimize JP's effect, and what he meant to Survivor.....but It sure wasn't 70/30 like most feel, FS is his own worst enemy on that front with the fans....and I was around for most of it.....BUT....WITHOUT JP's melodies they would be nowhere....and I do feel he was not givin his due.....but that is another story.....

By the way....as a songwriter....and one that has written with BOTH guys seperately....I have a certain insite as to their styles, caliber and where they both shine....BOTH of them IMHO are WAYYYY better CO writers than alone...in fact I do not dig tunes JP writes alone for the most part, no disrespect....and Writing alone, or with a cowriter IS NOT a determination of a guys writing prowess...trust me........and Survivor was ALL Cowrites....38 Special was ALL CO writes....and that put the Lamorghini in the garage...not songs he wrote alone.....besides Vehicle....and that is a great tune...just not my thing....either way you slice it, JP is a monster writer....period!!

Have a GREAT night!!!!

JV

[Abitaman]

And....I have stepped in....and the material was fucking great!!! but it is up to FS to do an album, to put one out....AND...I will NEVER minimize JP's effect, and what he meant to Survivor.....but It sure wasn't 70/30 like most feel, FS is his own worst enemy on that front with the fans....and I was around for most of it.....BUT....WITHOUT JP's melodies they would be nowhere....and I do feel he was not givin his due.....but that is another story.....

By the way....as a songwriter....and one that has written with BOTH guys seperately....I have a certain insite as to their styles, caliber and where they both shine....BOTH of them IMHO are WAYYYY better CO writers than alone...in fact I do not dig tunes JP writes alone for the most part, no disrespect....and Writing alone, or with a cowriter IS NOT a determination of a guys writing prowess...trust me........and Survivor was ALL Cowrites....38 Special was ALL CO writes....and that put the Lamorghini in the garage...not songs he wrote alone.....besides Vehicle....and that is a great tune...just not my thing....either way you slice it, JP is a monster writer....period!!

Have a GREAT night!!!!

JV

Have to agree about writng together, Steve Perry is a much better writer with rest of Journey. DDY is better with Styx. My favorite song of all time is Come Sail Away, and JY helped write that.

[Mikele]

Anyone knows whether Survivor has ever played Canada? Just curious about it.
Hope dates over here will pop up this year...

[BARON BLOOD]

I remember they played in Ontario......and they have a date set for next month in HALIFAX, NOVA SCOTIA May 25th (strange decision that is) but that's about it as far as i can remember.

[bomes]

Here are some reviews of the concert. Some are good, some bad...

http://www.ticketmaster.com/Survivor-ti ... ist/736232

[jaxmanjoe]

Here are some reviews of the concert. Some are good, some bad...

http://www.ticketmaster.com/Survivor-ti ... ist/736232

Ouch...

[MarcelJordan]

Here are some reviews of the concert. Some are good, some bad...

http://www.ticketmaster.com/Survivor-ti ... ist/736232

Ouch...

Which part of "Stole the show" did you take the ouch from?
MJ

[Eyeof]

" Even my kids recognized it was over the top, comparing it to Marty McFly's overzealousness at the end of "Johnny B. Goode."

Fs will just never learn on the guitar solo stuff, I just don't get it.

Why play 10 songs with 30 min of guitar solo?

[G.I.Jim]

Here are some reviews of the concert. Some are good, some bad...

http://www.ticketmaster.com/Survivor-ti ... ist/736232

I've said the same thing a couple of years ago after watching live footage. It was not impressive at all watching Frankie destroy the songs live. He was WAY to fucking high in the mix, and he tried to make it a damn guitar show, instead of just focusing on the many great songs that SURVIVOR (not Frankie freaking Sullivan) has under their belt. He was a key ingredient to Survivor, but has never been the ONLY ingredient. He really needs to learn that and try a little harder to give Survivor fans what they're looking for. Otherwise... just retire or become the solo artist he truly wants to become.

[Eyeof]

The one funny story I have was the last time I saw them, they were pretty much playing free in the street for me and about 10 other people...at any rate, his guitar solo went on so long and some people in the background started getting frustrated and yelling a bit...

The think I remember most was someone yelling at Barry Dunaway (then Bass player). He might have known them, i don't know, but he was just standing there with the keyboadist, Chris Grove at the time, and Dunaway just held his hands up (in a give up motion) and made a face like 'sorry, there is nothing we can do about this guy) and then they just laughed. It was Crazy...very Marty McFly moment!

Come to think of it, that was such a strange show. I drug my wife and little girl there. It was free and in the street. THere was me, some lady and a homeless guy dancing at the stage, for everyone else it was just background noise it seemed...I remember the deal with the 20 min solo and the other thing, JJ literally battling through the Search is Over. When we has done he said, almost under his breath, but loud enough to hear...'man that sucker is hard to sing...'

It was during the day (around noon) and very hot...they played a good sit, short with way, way, way too much guitar solos and then when it was over, they pretty much ran up the street, jumped in an old shinook motor home deal and took off....my wife still laughs at me over that...good times!

[Abitaman]

Once we are talking Survivor stories, when I saw them in New Orleans with Styx and REO, they were the opening band. They came on for about 30 to 35 minutes. They had a 10 plus minute guitar solo. I was front row, sat down after about 3 minutes and before it was over I had my head in my hands looking down at the floor, never once did I look over at FS when I sat down. He killed the whole momentum of their set.

[Eyeof]

Was that the 2000 concert? I saw it as well...JJ was blown out and I could not believe how long that solo lasted...