Use Your Imagination

[ohsherrie]

Perhaps.
But, it's really a moot comparison.
Perry wasn't replaced because his voice changed.
He was replaced because he didn't want to work.
If you'll recall, Journey was more then willing to tour behind a vocally-handicapped Steve Perry for the proposed 'Trial By Fire' tour.
His indolence is what ultimately cost him his job, his current state of vocal disrepair merely compunded numerous existing negative issues.
But it wasn't the primary one.

This isn't about why Steve was replaced, it's about whether or not the fans would continue to support Augeri if he lost his high range. Is the high range really what matters?

[ohsherrie]

My thoughts on this:
The band has to do what's in their best interests.

If Augeri lost his high range and could not sing the songs adequately, I believe he would be replaced.
From a pragmatic sense, I would totally understand the band's motivation for doing so (and more then likely, so too would Augeri).

I'm surprised at this answer TNC. I just don't think the high notes are that important, whether it's Perry or Augeri. A singer can be more than adequate in a lower range. I don't think the band would do that. I think they would adjust and adapt and so would most of the fans.

[The_Noble_Cause]

Is the high range really what matters?

Depends who you are asking about.
Steve Perry would have more leeway with sounding 'different'. He sang those songs originally and isn't trying to fill anyone's shows.
Audiences would be more apt to cut the vocal originator some slack.
For Augeri, yes, unequivocally it does indeed matter. Replacing Steve Perry is already a tough sell by itself. If he begins to sound NOTHING remotely like the original classic songs then casual masses would stop attending.
As Augeri has openly acknowledged, "Frankly, I know where my bread is buttered," he says, "and the reason why I'm here in the first place is because I sounded like Steve."

[The_Noble_Cause]

I think they would adjust and adapt and so would most of the fans.

The hardcore BT fans?
Yes, probably.
The casual masses that attend shows fully anticipant of hearing the songs the same way they sound on the radio?
Not on your life.

[ohsherrie]

Depends who you are asking about.
Steve Perry would have more leeway with sounding 'different'. He sang those songs originally and isn't trying to fill anyone's shows.
Audiences would be more apt to cut the vocal originator some slack.
For Augeri, yes, unequivocally it does indeed matter. Replacing Steve Perry is already a tough sell by itself. If he begins to sound NOTHING remotely like the original classic songs then casual masses would stop attending.
As Augeri has openly acknowledged, "Frankly, I know where my bread is buttered," he says, "and the reason why I'm here in the first place is because I sounded like Steve."

The hardcore BT fans?
Yes, probably.
The casual masses that attend shows fully anticipant of hearing the songs the same way they sound on the radio?
Not on your life.

I see your point in both posts.