Jimi replaces Survivor at Lewiston, Idaho Gig

[Slander]

I drove 7 hours this weekend to see Survivor play at HOT AUGUST NIGHTS in Lewiston, Idaho. The date was listed on the bands website and Robins Mcauley's website. To my surprise after my long trek it turned out Jimi Jamision and members of his Memphis blood band were in town instead! Does anyone have a clue has to why they would swap gigs? I was furious after making the long trip. I was also ticked because everyone kept calling them Survivor. The guy from local radio station called Jimi the voice of Survivor. It was rediculous. But not as rediculous as the show. Jimi is a great vocalist. No doubt. I think that's consensus on this bulletin board, but he's not what he used to be. The show was AWFUL. It appeared to be thrown together at the last minute. I was in the front row. Jimi had the set list taped to the floor. The band took long breaks in between songs. They made it up as they went along. I can only figure they were last minute replacements. The weak link was the lead guitarist. I don't think he's even a member of Memphis Blood. My god for all of you guys who rip on Frankie, it really showed me how important a talented lead guitarist is to Survivor's music. There were no backing vocals. It was just awful. To top it off at one point during the show Jimi said this next song is off Vital Signs...It was REBEL SON! Then he said during the course of the show he mentioned POOR MAN'S SON, and said oh wait we don't play that one. It was terrible. In Jimi's defense he did the best that he could. He's a great guy. I talked to him after the show and he really wouldn't get into the gig swap. I don't get it. Can someone help me. Why did Survivor and Jimi trade gigs. Why are people calling Jimi the voice of Survivor. Why are opening acts calling Memphis Blood Survivor. I'm a big fan of the band and Jimi but what happened to me after a 7 hour car ride is no way to treat a fan. I will post Jimi's set list later.

[jrnyman28]

I drove 7 hours this weekend to see Survivor play at HOT AUGUST NIGHTS in Lewiston, Idaho. The date was listed on the bands website and Robins Mcauley's website. To my surprise after my long trek it turned out Jimi Jamision and members of his Memphis blood band were in town instead! Does anyone have a clue has to why they would swap gigs? I was furious after making the long trip. I was also ticked because everyone kept calling them Survivor. The guy from local radio station called Jimi the voice of Survivor. It was rediculous. But not as rediculous as the show. Jimi is a great vocalist. No doubt. I think that's consensus on this bulletin board, but he's not what he used to be. The show was AWFUL. It appeared to be thrown together at the last minute. I was in the front row. Jimi had the set list taped to the floor. The band took long breaks in between songs. They made it up as they went along. I can only figure they were last minute replacements. The weak link was the lead guitarist. I don't think he's even a member of Memphis Blood. My god for all of you guys who rip on Frankie, it really showed me how important a talented lead guitarist is to Survivor's music. There were no backing vocals. It was just awful. To top it off at one point during the show Jimi said this next song is off Vital Signs...It was REBEL SON! Then he said during the course of the show he mentioned POOR MAN'S SON, and said oh wait we don't play that one. It was terrible. In Jimi's defense he did the best that he could. He's a great guy. I talked to him after the show and he really wouldn't get into the gig swap. I don't get it. Can someone help me. Why did Survivor and Jimi trade gigs.

Sorry to hear about that. At first I figured it was a simple case of the wrong promotion. But if the show was listed on Robin's site as well, I can only think that the venue did not want Survivor w/o Jimi so they got Jimi.

Why are people calling Jimi the voice of Survivor.

That's pretty easy...most people only KNOW Survivor with Jimi. Even if they are aware that EOTT was sung by someone else, the rest of the hits are Jimi's. And I do not see a large amount of promotion that Survivor has a new vocalist and are out on tour...

[Red13JoePa]

Bizarre. The cancel gigs with JJ.
Now they cancel gigs w/out JJ and JJ's the replacement.

In a roundabout way that makes him that night, his replacement's replacement.

Crazy... Abitaman, you in the house?

[silvergirl66]

wow, that is very strange. I will see what I can find out and post it here. I can imagine the disapointment. I'd be pissed to.

[survivorfan2005]

what's next Dave Bickler getting Jamestown Masscre back together and swapping gigs w/ Survivor or JJ?

[silvergirl66]

Now that would be something I wouldn't mind seeing. I wouldn't be disappointed!!

[RockInDetroit]

I drove 7 hours this weekend to see Survivor play at HOT AUGUST NIGHTS in Lewiston, Idaho. The date was listed on the bands website and Robins Mcauley's website. To my surprise after my long trek it turned out Jimi Jamision and members of his Memphis blood band were in town instead! Does anyone have a clue has to why they would swap gigs? I was furious after making the long trip. I was also ticked because everyone kept calling them Survivor. The guy from local radio station called Jimi the voice of Survivor. It was rediculous. But not as rediculous as the show. Jimi is a great vocalist. No doubt. I think that's consensus on this bulletin board, but he's not what he used to be. The show was AWFUL. It appeared to be thrown together at the last minute. I was in the front row. Jimi had the set list taped to the floor. The band took long breaks in between songs. They made it up as they went along. I can only figure they were last minute replacements. The weak link was the lead guitarist. I don't think he's even a member of Memphis Blood. My god for all of you guys who rip on Frankie, it really showed me how important a talented lead guitarist is to Survivor's music. There were no backing vocals. It was just awful. To top it off at one point during the show Jimi said this next song is off Vital Signs...It was REBEL SON! Then he said during the course of the show he mentioned POOR MAN'S SON, and said oh wait we don't play that one. It was terrible. In Jimi's defense he did the best that he could. He's a great guy. I talked to him after the show and he really wouldn't get into the gig swap. I don't get it. Can someone help me. Why did Survivor and Jimi trade gigs. Why are people calling Jimi the voice of Survivor. Why are opening acts calling Memphis Blood Survivor. I'm a big fan of the band and Jimi but what happened to me after a 7 hour car ride is no way to treat a fan. I will post Jimi's set list later.

The answer to that question is easy. He sang more hits for Survivor than any other singer. Pretty easy answer.

[silvergirl66]

It wouldn't matter, Jimi Jamison is not Survivor. Period! I would have been majorly pissed if I drove that far to see survivor and all I got was a lead singer of the band.

Slander, just wondering if you tried to find out who put on this show to see why it was Jamison and not the band?

[Abitaman]

Had that happen a couple of years back with Lou gramm. Foreigner was "Billed" at a casino in Gulfport, MS. advertised in paper as Foreigner, ticket said Foreigner, get there the sign said Foreigner. Get in and go to by a shirt, and they all say The Lou Gramm Band. I looked at my wife and said "this ain't good". Not that it wouldn't be a good show, but was talking about trouble in the Foreigner camp.
Show was ok...Lou struggled on some songs, but by the half way mark, he got it together, and the place started to rock. was too mad about the false advertising, and I only lived about 20 minutes from the place they played, but if I had drove a long way....-ERIC

[Slander]

Folks I could careless if Jimi sang most of the hits. That's not who I was going to see. I went to go see Survivor. The gig was posted on both Robin's and Survivor's website. I wanted to see this 'edition' of the group. Seeing Jimi was hardly a substitute. As I said the concert was sub par at best. MUSICIANSHIP is everything. I also think to run around throwing out the word Survivor to the crowd is wrong. I spoke to Jimi afterward and he was very nice but would not elaborate on anything. Survivor isn't just about a singer it's about great musicianship. I think one thing the one constant in this group over the years is too sound tight. Jimi's band clearly hasn't performed these songs and it showed. The lead guitarist was beyond awful. Hmmm on searing guitar on High on You. Call me picky but this is the stuff that I drove 7 hours to see. I drove 7 hours to see Frankie shred on Caught in the Game. You guys get the idea. Singing the songs just ain't enough. Just Jimi ain't enough. I payed for the talent of Frankie, Robin, Chris, and Billy. They are a talented group. I didn't pay to see a bar band with Jimi singing lead. Sorry I had to get that off my chest.

[animalfarm83501]

I understand that you were disappointed that it wasn't actually Survivor. Media and tickets had been distributed when the change came with Jimi leaving the band. No one intentionally mislead anyone. I was actually glad that it was Jimi Jamison, and not Survivor without Jimi Jamison. In my opinion, his voice is the voice of Survivor, and I don't think too many would argue with that. We enjoyed the show. Granted it was a last minute thing, and it showed in the musicians, but I thought Jamison did a great job. You sing your guts out for 30 years and tell me that your vocals would still be as stellar as back in the day. Eye of the Tiger is my least favorite Survivor song anyway, so he could have left that out of the set as far as I am concerned. And just for clarification, he sang Bad Company's "Ready for Love", not Feel Like Makin Love. (I saw the set list you gave) Rock on Jimi, you did great with the hand you were dealt, and we here in Lewiston were happy to have you

[Slander]

Thanks for your post Animal. Yes I made an error. It was ready for love by Bad Company. Sorry it was a long weekend. Jimi may be the vocalist for Survivor but he is not the SOUND of Survivor. That was really missed that evening. Once again I will say that Jimi was fine but the band wasn't. I just didn't think it was a professional gig. Having said that I had a good time at Hot August Nights.

[Red13JoePa]

Thanks for your post Animal. Yes I made an error. It was ready for love by Bad Company. Sorry it was a long weekend. Jimi may be the vocalist for Survivor but he is not the SOUND of Survivor. That was really missed that evening. Once again I will say that Jimi was fine but the band wasn't. I just didn't think it was a professional gig. Having said that I had a good time at Hot August Nights.

Yea, but S, you asked why people consider JJ The Voice of Survivor....he's the singer on most of the hits and has the longest singing tenure. That is why....I don't consider him Survivor, though, when he's solo. It may not have been a professional show but what of the band cancelling? Is that professional?

[RockInDetroit]

It wouldn't matter, Jimi Jamison is not Survivor. Period! I would have been majorly pissed if I drove that far to see survivor and all I got was a lead singer of the band.

Slander, just wondering if you tried to find out who put on this show to see why it was Jamison and not the band?

Yes, but a lot of people would be pissed if they drove far to see Survivor and the only real members were the guitarist and drummer. I know people that went to see Survivor on one of Robin early gigs and they were disappointed to find a new singer. it is not like Surivor is telling you that before you see them either. You show up and you find out. You can't win.

[silvergirl66]

Actually, it's like it was before. JJ is performing with his band and singing Survivor songs, at least he's not calling his band Survivor..........YET! JJ has his set of fans that will follow him anywhere. Then there is Dave. I was a fan of Survivor with Dave in the band. My favorite albums are the first 4, I only like one with JJ singing, VS. But there is also the signature sound of Survivor and the reason we love Survivor and that's Frankie Sullivan AND JP if he was still with them. Without Frankie though we wouldn't have those signature guitar riffs that make Survivor songs different from others. I could listen to any song and tell you if Frankie was playing guitar on it, he's so unique. And, what about the songs, it's the words that touched us all in a different way, not who was singing it. One of the songs I absolutely hate the most is It's the Singer not the song........it's so not true for me. Seems to be only true for JJ fans cause it's the same ol thing I've heard for years now. JJ is the voice of Survivor.....NOT! I wish life was perfect and we could all get what we want. Wouldn't it be nice if JJ, JP, FS, MD, SE and DB could all be back together and all get along? Dave could sing a few, JJ could sing a few, the world would be a happy place again, but it ain't happening. I'm just happy Dave's not out trying to make a living singing Survivor songs too. I have the upmost respect for him. It's not like Dave abandoned Survivor, they are the ones that bailed on him. He's moved on, JJ hasn't. If I was him, I wouldn't have went back for a third time. JJ is the one that bailed this time, it's obvious from the interview. Frankie didn't have much choice, he needed a singer and Robin was who he picked. I'm not saying Robin is the best choice but at least give the guy a chance. I'm willing.

[RockInDetroit]

Actually, it's like it was before. JJ is performing with his band and singing Survivor songs, at least he's not calling his band Survivor..........YET! JJ has his set of fans that will follow him anywhere. Then there is Dave. I was a fan of Survivor with Dave in the band. My favorite albums are the first 4, I only like one with JJ singing, VS. But there is also the signature sound of Survivor and the reason we love Survivor and that's Frankie Sullivan AND JP if he was still with them. Without Frankie though we wouldn't have those signature guitar riffs that make Survivor songs different from others. I could listen to any song and tell you if Frankie was playing guitar on it, he's so unique. And, what about the songs, it's the words that touched us all in a different way, not who was singing it. One of the songs I absolutely hate the most is It's the Singer not the song........it's so not true for me. Seems to be only true for JJ fans cause it's the same ol thing I've heard for years now. JJ is the voice of Survivor.....NOT! I wish life was perfect and we could all get what we want. Wouldn't it be nice if JJ, JP, FS, MD, SE and DB could all be back together and all get along? Dave could sing a few, JJ could sing a few, the world would be a happy place again, but it ain't happening. I'm just happy Dave's not out trying to make a living singing Survivor songs too. I have the upmost respect for him. It's not like Dave abandoned Survivor, they are the ones that bailed on him. He's moved on, JJ hasn't. If I was him, I wouldn't have went back for a third time. JJ is the one that bailed this time, it's obvious from the interview. Frankie didn't have much choice, he needed a singer and Robin was who he picked. I'm not saying Robin is the best choice but at least give the guy a chance. I'm willing.

Love that song.

As for Dave, honestly he would have to establish himself as a solo artist first or at least have a solo cd out before he could tour playing Survivor songs. As far as I know Dave never put out any music other than the Bud stuff. But if Dave ever chose to tour again I would bet my house he would play at least one Survivor song. Jimi does have some solo stuff which he slips into his set....he has too. I remember once seeing Stephen Pearcy from Ratt after he left Ratt. He tried to do shows without Ratt stuff and almost got booed off the stage...Chants of 'Play some Ratt!' everywhere. Interesting story there but not for a Survivor forum. Jimi is doing what he needs to do. If I remember correctly 'Survivor' was not even together when Jimi was calling himself Survivor....I see no problem with that as long as there are not two Survivors at the same time.

[jrnyman28]

Slander,
You should be a journey fan!

[silvergirl66]

I am a Journey fan and I know they are going through the very same things. I love both Steve's. I haven't heard the new guy yet but I'm willing to give him a chance at least.

[jrnyman28]

I just find it amusing I have had the exact same conversation about the Journey "sound" being more than just the vocalist!

[RockInDetroit]

I just find it amusing I have had the exact same conversation about the Journey "sound" being more than just the vocalist!

Journey is a little different because I think their sound evolved more than Journeys. With them rather than the guitarist and drummer it is the guitarist and bass player. But very similar situations if you think about it. Journey I feel has lacked something particularly in the studio with the absence of Steve Perry.

[silvergirl66]

It's kinda like this, I can't imagine AC/DC without Angus Young, Journey without Neil Schon, Boston without Tom Scholz, Styx without Tommy Shaw and SURVIVOR WITHOUT FRANKIE!!!

[Slander]

amen sister!

[RockInDetroit]

It's kinda like this, I can't imagine AC/DC without Angus Young, Journey without Neil Schon, Boston without Tom Scholz, Styx without Tommy Shaw and SURVIVOR WITHOUT FRANKIE!!!

Styx without Tommy Shaw???? Dennis DeYoung was Styx and he is gone. Tommy wasn't even an original member...they had a couple hits before he came on board.

I agree with Angus and Tom Scholtz.....other than that I don't see it. Another obvious choice is Eddie Van Halen. I believe Steve Perry could front a version of Journey without Neil....but Journey needs one or the other. I believe there are guitarists out there that can duplicate Frankie's sound. Say you have all four of the original Survivor guys.....Survivor would be just as good as they are now in my opinion. Or even Jimi with the Vital Signs lineup...minus Frankie. I guess you guys and Frankie all have big inflated heads over his value.....and enjoy his 20 minutes guitar solos.

[Slander]

Nope just like the sound. I also like the sound when he produces an album. By the way I hate long solos. I hate all the solos at Jimi's concert the other night. There were many.

[silvergirl66]

I was talking about lead guitar players. Tommy has always been my favorite anyway.

[jrnyman28]

I believe Steve Perry could front a version of Journey without Neil....but Journey needs one or the other.

No way. Without Neal the major sound of Journey is gone!

[jaxmanjoe]

How about we get Steve Perry together with Survivor? Survivor and Journey songs in one concert!

Someone make this happen. Now!

[Red13JoePa]

It's a fantasy, but I always thought Perry could cover at least the Dave era material well, and Bickler all Journey's stuff...

[silvergirl66]

Steve Perry could sing the phone book........I adore him!

[Journey/Survivor]

Back in the mid to late 90's Survivor were booked to do a show in my hometown of Cleveland Ohio, but were later replaced by Jimi Jamison's "Survivor" because they were willing to play the show for a lot less money than Frankie's Survivor were.

I was told that directly from the clubs promoter.