Entertaining ...

[StyxCollector]

I have to say watching some of the Journey fans flail around like fish out of water is kinda entertaining. There was Journey before Steve Perry and there was Journey before Steve Augeri. I'm sure many of you were skeptical about Augeri in 1998. Some of you just remained Perry fans. For those of you who Augeri won over and you loved the now previous lineup, I feel for you, but hate to be harsh - get over it. It's just music and a band. The band is the same - you just have a new singer. It's not like Journey is going to turn into a jazz combo or metal act. You'll still see and hear the dirty dozen.

I say give Jeff Scott Soto the benefit of the doubt. As I said elsewhere, this is the best move NOT to get a soundalike or lookalike. Styx went through the same thing and while Gowan is not Dennis by any stretch, I'm glad he's not. It takes more balls to do what Styx did initially than what Journey did in 1998. Looks like they finally came to the party. I saw JSS with Soul SirkUS and was impressed. I think he'll bring a good energy and stage presence to Journey shows.

The best thing is that this seems to have taken some people and woke them up out of the haze they were in that all was well in Journeyland. No one develops this condition in two weeks after a successful run of dates where your voice is on. Whether or not Deano had any influence in this final decision, shame on Journey for even letting it happen in the first place. I highly doubt Augeri will be back. This was the nicest way - although the press release is lacking - they could do what they did without fully addressing the issue that has hung over the band like a black cloud for the past month.

So let's sit back, let Journey get their sea legs with JSS, and see what happens. It's bound to be a fun ride.

EDIT: For the record, I will say this again - I like Journey with Gregg and both Steves as well.

[NealIsGod]

Some people are just resitant to change. Some just don't like Soto. Some still long for Perry.

Whatever your POV, I say listen to JSS with an open mind, then make the call. He may surprise you. After all, the Fleischmann-loons still don't accept Perry to this day.

[Red13JoePa]

After all, the Fleischmann-loons still don't accept Perry to this day.

True 'dat.

They're both still crying for his return.

[*Laura]

After all, the Fleischmann-loons still don't accept Perry to this day.

LOL! Fleischman-loons? Now that's all we need to really go crazy here!
Thanks for the laugh,NIG!

[Monker]

I'm sure many of you were skeptical about Augeri in 1998. Some of you just remained Perry fans. For those of you who Augeri won over and you loved the now previous lineup, I feel for you, but hate to be harsh - get over it. It's just music and a band. The band is the same - you just have a new singer. It's not like Journey is going to turn into a jazz combo or metal act. You'll still see and hear the dirty dozen.

There is one a HUGE difference.

They didn't dump Perry after a tour had already started with him. Imagine how Perry fans would have reacted if they had bought tickets and then Augeri replaced Perry a couple weeks into the tour.

Simply put, I would have never bought tickets to see Journey with JSS. Sure, cheap tickets, or a free cocnert, but NOT $175.

As I said elsewhere, this is the best move NOT to get a soundalike or lookalike.

I never felt Augeri was either. The truth is that some people say that JSS can sound exactly like Perry when he wants to. I have NO DOUBT that eventualy people will make the comparison.

Styx went through the same thing and while Gowan is not Dennis by any stretch, I'm glad he's not.

Styx was in a completely different situation. They had to hire a keyboardist AND someone who could sing the songs. With Journey, they didn't need to hire a keyboardist/singer, or a guitarist/singer. They just needed a singer.

Also, with Gowan, they didn't go and hire an Axl Rose (although Froy will disagree). They hired somebody whose history would fit into Styx. Gowan was a good choice. So was Augeri, for the same reasons. JSS isn't...he would be good to replace the G. brothers in Hardline, but not Perry/Augeri.

I highly doubt Augeri will be back.

If JSS is the guy for the future, then it's over for me.

Let's make another comparison...with LRB. I saw them twice on their 25th anniversary tour, with Glen Shorrock singing. They were FANTASTIC, one of the best concerts I have ever seen. The next year, Glen was replaced by Steve Wade...He also has an awesome voice, comparable to Augeri or Perry, IMO. The shows were not as good as before, but they were still VERY much worth going to. Next, Steve Wade quits and they decide not to replace him and use the bassist, Wayne Nelson as the singer. But, I've had it with that, and I haven't seen a show since...Some people still love them, but I've washed my hands from the mess.

So, if Augeri doesn't come back, or if they don't find a bettr replacement, I'm finished with this. It's definitely a good way to get me off the Journey forums...which I'm sure will make a lot of people happy.

[StyxCollector]

There is one a HUGE difference.

They didn't dump Perry after a tour had already started with him. Imagine how Perry fans would have reacted if they had bought tickets and then Augeri replaced Perry a couple weeks into the tour.

No hiding the fact that Journey handled this poorly at best. This should have happened prior to Europe IMHO, or at least before the tour started with Def Leppard.

But to many people's points in other threads, I'll bet most people don't even know Steve Perry left the band, so like the Augeri/Perry thing, this won't affect 80%+ of the general fans who just want to hear the hits live.

Styx was in a completely different situation. They had to hire a keyboardist AND someone who could sing the songs. With Journey, they didn't need to hire a keyboardist/singer, or a guitarist/singer. They just needed a singer.

They could have hired two people. They hired one to do both. There was no hard rule to my knowledge the person had to play keys and sing, but I'm sure it was more of a "we'd like that" than a "nice to have".

[jrnyman28]

Some people are just resitant to change. Some just don't like Soto. Some still long for Perry.

Whatever your POV, I say listen to JSS with an open mind, then make the call. He may surprise you. After all, the Fleischmann-loons still don't accept Perry to this day.

I am amused by the people saying "Now I know how the Perryheads felt".

Maybe the fans will finally accept that change and Journey go hand in hand and they will be more tolerant of each other's views.

[Monker]

But to many people's points in other threads, I'll bet most people don't even know Steve Perry left the band, so like the Augeri/Perry thing, this won't affect 80%+ of the general fans who just want to hear the hits live.

Yes it will. Those people want somebody who fits into the Journey mold...not somebody who will need to reshape it as, IMO, JSS will do.

They could have hired two people. They hired one to do both. There was no hard rule to my knowledge the person had to play keys and sing, but I'm sure it was more of a "we'd like that" than a "nice to have".

True, but Gowan fits into the mold. In addition, Styx has two other 'lead' singers...and Tommy takes up at least %50 of the duties today. Journey tried to make a switch to more lead singers, but it will never happen to the point that Styx did. There were never a bunch of 'hits' with Jonathan singing, for example...There WERE hits with Tommy and radio stapes with JY, and album cuts from both of them.

Dennis was a LOT easier to replace the Perry, or Augeri, IMO.

[StyxCollector]

True, but Gowan fits into the mold. In addition, Styx has two other 'lead' singers...and Tommy takes up at least %50 of the duties today. Journey tried to make a switch to more lead singers, but it will never happen to the point that Styx did. There were never a bunch of 'hits' with Jonathan singing, for example...There WERE hits with Tommy and radio stapes with JY, and album cuts from both of them.

Dennis was a LOT easier to replace the Perry, or Augeri, IMO.

Disagree on easier to replace. DDY had a distinctive keyboard style, sound, and vocal. His voice is easily identifiable. Styx fans want what Journey fans want - someone to fit in but to some degree he or she has to be like DDY in some way. JY and Tommy wanted someone to fill the shoes but not want to be the person DDY was in front. Gowan is up front, but he's in check.

Yes, Styx shares lead vox on songs, but now Jon is doing some of the old Gregg stuff. But yes, % wise, a Journey lead singer has a tougher job singing nearly 90% of a show.

[Monker]

Disagree on easier to replace. DDY had a distinctive keyboard style, sound, and vocal. His voice is easily identifiable.

My point is that they could diminish the impact by performing fewer Dennis songs, more Tommy/JY songs, and new songs for Gowan. The result is you have maybe 1/3 of the set being old Dennis songs. Journey can't do that.

Styx fans want what Journey fans want - someone to fit in but to some degree he or she has to be like DDY in some way.

Tell me, what way is JSS's performance like that of Perry or Augeri?

JY and Tommy wanted someone to fill the shoes but not want to be the person DDY was in front. Gowan is up front, but he's in check.

In the "Notes From the Band" on the old Styx site, Tommy mentions talking to Jonathan about replacing Perry. It would be interesting to know exactly what advice he gave him.

Yes, Styx shares lead vox on songs, but now Jon is doing some of the old Gregg stuff. But yes, % wise, a Journey lead singer has a tougher job singing nearly 90% of a show.[/quote]

[johnroxx]

Let's make another comparison...with LRB. I saw them twice on their 25th anniversary tour, with Glen Shorrock singing. They were FANTASTIC, one of the best concerts I have ever seen. The next year, Glen was replaced by Steve Wade...He also has an awesome voice, comparable to Augeri or Perry, IMO. The shows were not as good as before, but they were still VERY much worth going to. Next, Steve Wade quits and they decide not to replace him and use the bassist, Wayne Nelson as the singer. But, I've had it with that, and I haven't seen a show since...Some people still love them, but I've washed my hands from the mess.

Monker, I have to completely agree with you on LRB. The band that tours under that name today is a farce.

If you wanted to hear a real Little River Band concert in 2006, you'd have to go to a BSG (Birtles, Shorrock, & Goble) show. A planned 2004 US tour by the trio never materialized, and even though I had been in fairly extensive contact with Gobles via email about the proposed tour at the time, his replies to my emails suddenly came to an abrupt stop, and I never found out exactly why the tour never happened. A damned shame... just listen to the excellent "Full Circle" live CD or DVD from last year and you'll understand.

And yes, Monk...I'm guessing that you already have that recording, lol!

;^)

[ladyinblack94]

I recently heard JSS's cover of 'Send Her My Love'. I think he will be a great vocalist for Journey. His voice is distinctive and carries a passion which will come off wonderfully in a concert setting. As far as I know, he's only replacing Augeri until Augeri recovers. I may be wrong on that point, though.

[McNeil]

What Ive seen and heard of JSS.. he is cerainly a good singer... no doubt.

But the problem is that Journey, almost uniquely have evolved around "that" type of voice !! I dont think Soto's "clear" sounding vouice is gonna do the legacy justice.

The good thing is though... that the "Perry" sound seems to be available to a whole raft of singers out there... strange isnt it...that such a great voice like Perry's can be mimicked by so many. You only have to enter the words "Journey Tribute" into Google to come up with at least a half dozen who sound pretty fantastic, and who can all sing live no prob!!

Lets make it clear... whilst all the band members contribute so much to the Journey sound.... this band have been made on the "voice"

Yes.. Chalfant really was a good choice they didnt go for... I remember reading an interview with The Storm guitarist Josh Ramos..who said that oftentimes when rehearsing.. they wld play Journey songs..and Chalfant blew them away with his renditions of the songs.

No one has mentioned him here yet.. but what about American singer Terry Brock?? Those educated AOR'sters among you will remember his 2 albums in the early eighties with Brit band "Strangeways" esp the first revered classic "Native Sons" Brocks recording brief was to do a "Journey" and outdo Perry.. and he certainly did that. The album was out shortly after "Frontiers" and hallowed metal/rock mag "Kerrang" said at the time, that the Strangeways" album was the one that Journey probably wished they had released. check out the tracks "Where do we go from here" or maybe "Only A Fool" in fact any of the 10 tracks on the album

Anyone not heard this classic album?? if you want me to send you an mp3 clip in e mail to yr own e mail ad... please mail me ...any Jrny fan will be impressed to the rafters..I assure you!

my mail ad neilo.tudor@ntlworld.com

Having said all of the above.. I still look forward to hearing the efforts of JSS ..esp if he tries to inject a little "Perry..ism" into his singing.. which I think he will have to do.... some of the phrasing that Perry created is essential for these songs
regards

NT

[TRAGChick]

No one has mentioned him here yet.. but what about American singer Terry Brock?? Those educated AOR'sters among you will remember his 2 albums in the early eighties with Brit band "Strangeways" esp the first revered classic "Native Sons".

Brocks recording brief was to do a "Journey" and outdo Perry.. and he certainly did that. The album was out shortly after "Frontiers" and hallowed metal/rock mag "Kerrang" said at the time, that the Strangeways" album was the one that Journey probably wished they had released. check out the tracks "Where do we go from here" or maybe "Only A Fool" in fact any of the 10 tracks on the album.

Hey - is that the song that goes:

"Where do we go from here,
Now that all of the children are growin' up?

And, how do we live our lives,
Knowing nobody lends us a hand?"

That's a great song! And yeah, it IS very "Journeyesque"...