Why Jeff Scott Soto is the man of the hour...

[RedWingFan]

Yes, VERY BAD decision. If that's the case, 7/22/06 was my last Journey concert.

I actually bought tickets when I learned Jeff was singing. I guess that cancels out your boycott.

Who said anything about a boycott? I prefer to hear singers who can sing in key.

That's exactly why I bought my tickets.

Listen objectively and let me know what you hear. Get a boot if of SIL if you can. I'd like to hear differently, but It'd take a miracle I think for any significant improvement.

[RedWingFan]

Yes, VERY BAD decision. If that's the case, 7/22/06 was my last Journey concert.

I actually bought tickets when I learned Jeff was singing. I guess that cancels out your boycott.

Who said anything about a boycott? I prefer to hear singers who can sing in key.

That's exactly why I bought my tickets.

See what I'm talking about with the rose colored glasses, Larry?

[Kaj]

Stand up and shout into the set?????? Are you out of your mind,Journey is not a metal band.
In that case,they could throw in a bunch of Priest covers as well.

[i]

I’d like to give JSS props for jumping in at the drop of his fur hat to help keep this tour going, and give him time before deciding he if can cut it.

If you’ve heard any of his live recordings from youtube, you know he has the pipes.

I haven’t heard enough yet to know if he’s a good fit here. But then, I think I’m in the minority that would like to see journey move on from the dirty dozen. I LOVED Perry, but I don’t even want to hear HIM sing the same twelve songs, over and over.

I liked many of the Augeri songs, and was always disappointed that they didn’t play more live.

I think I’m also in the minority in not wanting anyone to do exact covers from the Perry years, but rather do their own takes on a few of the hits.
I have the CDs at home.

I’d love someone to take Journey in a new direction, though it will take someone going stones to stones with Neal’s and Jon’s egos. Is JSS that guy? We’ll see. Imo, Augeri was definitely not that guy. Maybe he is too nice. He needs to start a new project with less established people so that he can have some control. I’d look into anything he does in the future. He is a great vocalist (on CD anyway).

And, dare I say, I wish they’d change the name. That’s right, I said it.
“Journey” can be IN the name to keep the familiarity, but change it enough that they are not chained to the dirty dozen.
Though if there is a silver lining to this whole thing, maybe it’s that it made enough of a stink in the media, that they could use it to go in a whole new direction while keeping the name Journey. Use the controversy to get a little grittier...
Lol, that’s a can o’worms for another time….

Well on that note, I bid you a good night. I feel the arrows heading my way, lol









Not sure if the people chasing are Perryheads or Augeriheads, but they’re just a little too happy for
me, lol. They’re drinking somebody’s kool aid.
See ya!

[MartyMoffatt]

.... But then, I think I’m in the minority that would like to see journey move on from the dirty dozen. ....

I'd agree with this. In my opinion Journey should reduce the dirty dozen to maybe 5 or 6, and fill the set with some of their equally good but less well known material. And, dare I say it, some NEW stuff. They may lose one or two fans who want to hear the same set over and over and over again, but they will also gain new fans who will accept that Journey still has relevance to the Rock scene.

Marty

[JrnySuxBalls]

Yes, VERY BAD decision. If that's the case, 7/22/06 was my last Journey concert.

I actually bought tickets when I learned Jeff was singing. I guess that cancels out your boycott.

Who said anything about a boycott? I prefer to hear singers who can sing in key.

That's exactly why I bought my tickets.

See what I'm talking about with the rose colored glasses, Larry?

Hey I've sat thru many a show with, ahem, the previous singer (pre tapegate) and believe
me nothing rose colored goin on here.

[cetera]

Jesus Christ....Jeff is THE singer of Journey.

Love him or hate him, he is THE singer. Get used to it.

So long Augeri.

IMO, BAD decision. So long Journey.

In that case, does that mean 'So long Deano'?

[RubyTequila]

What a great post, Stuart! I hope to share your optimism and passion after I've experienced the show on the 26th.

You will, Barb! Have a great time!!

[Moon Beam]

Not sure if the people chasing are Perryheads or Augeriheads, but they’re just a little too happy for me, lol. They’re drinking somebody’s kool aid.
See ya!

Screw the Kool-Aid we are the Jello Shooters kind

[FormerJrnyFan]

I actually bought tickets when I learned Jeff was singing...

Hey, me too - and I don't think we're the only ones

[brywool]

After hearing the recordings of him live, I can't understand why folks would think this is a good decision. I haven't seen them yet with JSS but I've heard them. When there's a new guy in the band, especially a singer, the honeymoon phase kicks in because it's all new. I've done it, I know. But after a while, it gets back to normal. Is it possible that Journey is digging this and has new energy just because it's New and different? I can't get behind him as a choice yet. What I heard in Atlanta and Charlotte was worse than any live singer I've heard. Those shows at least were terrible vocally, without question. It's possible that those may have been off nights for JSS, so it'd be good to hear him on top of his game with Journey. Then I might be convinced. Having said that, I'm still an Augeri fan and support the guy 100%. If he doesn't make it back to Journey (and he probably won't) I definitely hope that he does something on his own or with Tall Stories.

"I think I’m in the minority that would like to see journey move on from the dirty dozen. I LOVED Perry, but I don’t even want to hear HIM sing the same twelve songs, over and over.

I liked many of the Augeri songs, and was always disappointed that they didn’t play more live. "

I'm with ya! If I hear "Who's Crying Now" or "Anyway you Want it" one more time, I'm going to hurl. How about "Where Were You?", "We Will Meet Again", "La Do Da", "Remember Me", etc. etc.?

[larryfromnextdoor]

"I think I’m in the minority that would like to see journey move on from the dirty dozen. I LOVED Perry, but I don’t even want to hear HIM sing the same twelve songs, over and over.

I liked many of the Augeri songs, and was always disappointed that they didn’t play more live. "

I'm with ya! If I hear "Who's Crying Now" or "Anyway you Want it" one more time, I'm going to hurl. How about "Where Were You?", "We Will Meet Again", "La Do Da", "Remember Me", etc. etc.?

your not in the minorty here, most of us would love the obscure stuff,, but the journey jedi are only maybe what? 1000-2000 members around the country, the hard core folks?

but they tried some crazy stuff on the last tour and people left, they have to take those folks back to high school at each concert,, that dozen seems to do it ,,

[Lula]

.... But then, I think I’m in the minority that would like to see journey move on from the dirty dozen. ....

I'd agree with this. In my opinion Journey should reduce the dirty dozen to maybe 5 or 6, and fill the set with some of their equally good but less well known material. And, dare I say it, some NEW stuff. They may lose one or two fans who want to hear the same set over and over and over again, but they will also gain new fans who will accept that Journey still has relevance to the Rock scene.

Marty

Count me in!! It is only fair to admit going to more shows than the average fan, but if I did not hear Open Arms, Lights, Faithfully, and a few others at every gig I would be okay

[JrnySuxBalls]

It's possible that those may have been off nights for JSS, so it'd be good to hear him on top of his game with Journey.

Check the Clarkston MI boot. Those other nites he had a virus he caught from the guy that sets up his mic.

[brywool]

Any idea where that'd be?
Wasn't that Last Train to Clarkston?

[NealIsGod]

Any idea where that'd be?
Wasn't that Last Train to Clarkston?

[Monker]

If it's more than a fill in gig, we're all probably in for a major pleasant surprise at what the next record is gonna sound like. I say it all knowing full well, I haven't heard anything but a few kickass boot recordings since JSS took over.

I still may be critisized for saying this, but if Journey departs too much from their signature sound on tape, I just think they should come up with a different name. How much different was "When I See You Smile" from "Why Can't This Night Go On Forever?" Despite the fact that Dianne Warren wrote it, I mean.

If they depart too far from the albums and the 'past' sound, then they will alienate a huge portion of their audience. If that happens, they will be performing the same venues as Styx. They may as well continue as Soul SirkUS, since Journey will end up not much more of a crowd.

You could say the same about "Price of Love" as "When I See You Smile"...and I like PoL better anyway.

[Monker]

I say stop worrying about the "signature sound" and let them create something really good.
You can't duplicate "Escape" or whatever, it's already been done. JSS has proved he can
write, and with the rest of the band, the newfound energy, let them do what comes naturally.

Let them do what they want. Give them the freedom to create "art" not "product".

Whatever they do in the studio is irrelevant when they tour. When they tour they HAVE to reproduce the 'signiture sound'. If they can't, then all of those peopel who bought tickets hoping to feel a bit nostalgic are going to leave disapointed.

[Just Mindy]

When JSS came onboard to continue the tour for Journey, my interest perked up ! I am all for JSS fronting the band if it comes to pass that Augeri cannot come back. Just my worth.

Same here. They just added a date at the PNC again, I have to see if I can get tix.

Hubby really isn't too interested, he just doesn't "get it"

[Monker]

IMO, BAD decision. So long Journey.

...far far from it....

Correct. We'll see if they are playing balloon festivals and bars in two years. THEN we'll KNOW if this is a bad decision.

[Monker]

Jesus Christ....Jeff is THE singer of Journey.

Love him or hate him, he is THE singer. Get used to it.

So long Augeri.

IMO, BAD decision. So long Journey.

Yes, VERY BAD decision. If that's the case, 7/22/06 was my last Journey concert.

Well, I don't doubt that fans also said that when Perry exited, and Augeri was hired. Augeri did keep the Journey going. And now, I believe that it is time to go into a new direction. JSS is, to me, a good choice, and I wouldn't want to have someone in there that sounds like Perry to do the hits. I like JSS take on the hits. At least his style is his own, and he isn't trying to sound like anyone. And what JSS can bring to the band is a fresh direction musically for Journey.

And, THAT is not a valid comparison. The VO tour was Augeri from start to finish. They didn't have the tour published and tickets sold while Perry was in the band, and Augeri coming in to replace him. If that had happened, I have a feeling a few Perry fans would have made some very 'discussionish' comments.

[Saint John]

Jesus Christ....Jeff is THE singer of Journey.

Love him or hate him, he is THE singer. Get used to it.

So long Augeri.

IMO, BAD decision. So long Journey.

Yes, VERY BAD decision. If that's the case, 7/22/06 was my last Journey concert.

Well, I don't doubt that fans also said that when Perry exited, and Augeri was hired. Augeri did keep the Journey going. And now, I believe that it is time to go into a new direction. JSS is, to me, a good choice, and I wouldn't want to have someone in there that sounds like Perry to do the hits. I like JSS take on the hits. At least his style is his own, and he isn't trying to sound like anyone. And what JSS can bring to the band is a fresh direction musically for Journey.

And, THAT is not a valid comparison. The VO tour was Augeri from start to finish. They didn't have the tour published and tickets sold while Perry was in the band, and Augeri coming in to replace him. If that had happened, I have a feeling a few Perry fans would have made some very 'discussionish' comments.

Very good point. I think Journey should have, if possible, offered refunds to those that wanted them. They DID advertise one thing and then gave another. I doubt many would've taken the refund, but it would have been a great gesture. Something they need a lot of work on.

[Monker]

.... But then, I think I’m in the minority that would like to see journey move on from the dirty dozen. ....

I'd agree with this. In my opinion Journey should reduce the dirty dozen to maybe 5 or 6, and fill the set with some of their equally good but less well known material. And, dare I say it, some NEW stuff. They may lose one or two fans who want to hear the same set over and over and over again, but they will also gain new fans who will accept that Journey still has relevance to the Rock scene.

Marty

One or two? On this tour with DL, where they play to 15,000 or more fans, I'd bet 13,000 of them are there to hear the GH CD....and don't give a damn about anything past Frontiers.

It's not like Journey hasn't tried to add a significant number of 'new' songs to their set. They did it MULTIPLE times with Augeri...and each time they cut it back to just a couple new songs - because it was OBVIOUS that is NOT what the crowd wanted to hear.

So, they have a choice...Perform what the CROWD wants and have 10,000+ fans in the audience...Or, play the new stuff and have MAYBE 2000 fans in the audience. It's their priorities, and I think playing to the larger crowds and getting more money is their priority - and there is nothing wrong with that.

[Just Mindy]

Very good point. I think Journey should have, if possible, offered refunds to those that wanted them. They DID advertise one thing and then gave another. I doubt many would've taken the refund, but it would have been a great gesture. Something they need a lot of work on.

I have to agree with this. I also don't agree with the radio commercials for their concerts, where most (or all?) of the clips are with SP singing....they should really discontinue that. I'd have to say that you can call that false advertising.

[Moon Beam]

Very good point. I think Journey should have, if possible, offered refunds to those that wanted them. They DID advertise one thing and then gave another. I doubt many would've taken the refund, but it would have been a great gesture. Something they need a lot of work on.

I have to agree with this. I also don't agree with the radio commercials for their concerts, where most (or all?) of the clips are with SP singing....they should really discontinue that. I'd have to say that you can call that false advertising.

That sure as hell is what I would call it

[NealIsGod]

Correct. We'll see if they are playing balloon festivals and bars in two years. THEN we'll KNOW if this is a bad decision.

The last two times I saw Journey were at bars. Soto won't bring them any more success than Augeri did, nothing against JSS. This is 2006. I don't think the other guys expect to ever have a hit single again, or a gold record. This tour with Lep is as good as it gets.

[jrnysc]

One thing I will say on this. Jeff has said before he needed a break, and I believe even mentioned the break this month. He was not feeling well at the Charlotte show when I saw them. Seems he mentioned one of the techs or someone had given him a cold or something. They absolutely do rock with JSS. It was about 90 minutes of wide open, non stop rockin. I have heard the boot, and it did not sound very good. However, they did not sound that bad when I was there. Perhaps the crowd noise around us had something to do with it, but they sounded great live (better than DL that particular night IMO). JSS will be just fine.

[NealIsGod]

One thing I will say on this. Jeff has said before he needed a break, and I believe even mentioned the break this month. He was not feeling well at the Charlotte show when I saw them. Seems he mentioned one of the techs or someone had given him a cold or something. They absolutely do rock with JSS. It was about 90 minutes of wide open, non stop rockin. I have heard the boot, and it did not sound very good. However, they did not sound that bad when I was there. Perhaps the crowd noise around us had something to do with it, but they sounded great live (better than DL that particular night IMO). JSS will be just fine.

I hope so. All I have heard are the boots of the first two shows, looking forward to hearing more.