Journey: Blast from the Past, or Steppin' Into the Future?

[fred_journeyman]

Okay, I'd like to know how many of you really, truly, honestly believe that Journey WILL rise to the top with Jeff? Come on, don't be shy. Lay it on the line and place your bets.

Deano just typed a huge letter about how great and energetic Journey is right now, etc., etc. The truth remains though that until they actually produce new music AND play it in concert, they will not advance. They can pull as many "gems" from the past as they want to, but they are still pulling "gems" from the past. They are NOT moving forward.

I, for one, would like to hear NEW music, both on a CD and IN Concert. I tend to believe that creating a new CD won't be that tough. Maybe they'll even give it away at concerts like they did with GENERATIONS (although I DID just see it at my local Best Buy!). However, the second part of the equation will be the toughest one for Journey to implement. I would really like to know how many here think they will accomplish BOTH?

I'm not trying to rain on anyone's parade, least of all Journey's. I'm simply trying to find out if I'm the only one who believes that Journey has made its bed and they are doomed to lay in it until Neal decides it's time to hang it up.

In spite of all the energy, creativity and musicianship that the boys of Journey possess, I do NOT think they have enough to persevere in delivering an abundance of new music in concert. I'm challenging them to prove me wrong, but I think when push comes to shove and the ticket receipts are being counted, they will - of necessity - have to go with what the crowd wants: a blast from the past.

[Granny]

Okay, I'd like to know how many of you really, truly, honestly believe that Journey WILL rise to the top with Jeff? Come on, don't be shy. Lay it on the line and place your bets.

Deano just typed a huge letter about how great and energetic Journey is right now, etc., etc. The truth remains though that until they actually produce new music AND play it in concert, they will not advance. They can pull as many "gems" from the past as they want to, but they are still pulling "gems" from the past. They are NOT moving forward.

I, for one, would like to hear NEW music, both on a CD and IN Concert. I tend to believe that creating a new CD won't be that tough. Maybe they'll even give it away at concerts like they did with GENERATIONS (although I DID just see it at my local Best Buy!). However, the second part of the equation will be the toughest one for Journey to implement. I would really like to know how many here think they will accomplish BOTH?

I'm not trying to rain on anyone's parade, least of all Journey's. I'm simply trying to find out if I'm the only one who believes that Journey has made its bed and they are doomed to lay in it until Neal decides it's time to hang it up.

In spite of all the energy, creativity and musicianship that the boys of Journey possess, I do NOT think they have enough to persevere in delivering an abundance of new music in concert. I'm challenging them to prove me wrong, but I think when push comes to shove and the ticket receipts are being counted, they will - of necessity - have to go with what the crowd wants: a blast from the past.

I am an old journey fan from way back, and i am dying to hear some new stuff from the boys. they are talented muscians and songwriters and now that they have a new singer and songwriter amongst them they can produce a new style of music for us fans. The old journey sound is still great and still want to hear the oldies but I also want to hear new songs! so saying that the old fans only want the old stuff is not true. I WANT BOTH!!!!

[Clasicrockldy]

Okay, I'd like to know how many of you really, truly, honestly believe that Journey WILL rise to the top with Jeff? Come on, don't be shy. Lay it on the line and place your bets.

Deano just typed a huge letter about how great and energetic Journey is right now, etc., etc. The truth remains though that until they actually produce new music AND play it in concert, they will not advance. They can pull as many "gems" from the past as they want to, but they are still pulling "gems" from the past. They are NOT moving forward.

I, for one, would like to hear NEW music, both on a CD and IN Concert. I tend to believe that creating a new CD won't be that tough. Maybe they'll even give it away at concerts like they did with GENERATIONS (although I DID just see it at my local Best Buy!). However, the second part of the equation will be the toughest one for Journey to implement. I would really like to know how many here think they will accomplish BOTH?

I'm not trying to rain on anyone's parade, least of all Journey's. I'm simply trying to find out if I'm the only one who believes that Journey has made its bed and they are doomed to lay in it until Neal decides it's time to hang it up.

In spite of all the energy, creativity and musicianship that the boys of Journey possess, I do NOT think they have enough to persevere in delivering an abundance of new music in concert. I'm challenging them to prove me wrong, but I think when push comes to shove and the ticket receipts are being counted, they will - of necessity - have to go with what the crowd wants: a blast from the past.

I am an old journey fan from way back, and i am dying to hear some new stuff from the boys. they are talented muscians and songwriters and now that they have a new singer and songwriter amongst them they can produce a new style of music for us fans. The old journey sound is still great and still want to hear the oldies but I also want to hear new songs! so saying that the old fans only want the old stuff is not true. I WANT BOTH!!!!

Amen, Granny ! I second that !

[FormerJrnyFan]

What we are experiencing now with Jeff is something that's been missing from the band for too many years. Journey needs to grab hold of this opportunity and take off with it - write, record, tour, and put that new music into the setlist every night. We need more than just the classics. This is Journey's chance to shine once again. Jeff's made it possible.

[McNeil]

What we are experiencing now with Jeff is something that's been missing from the band for too many years. Journey needs to grab hold of this opportunity and take off with it - write, record, tour, and put that new music into the setlist every night. We need more than just the classics. This is Journey's chance to shine once again. Jeff's made it possible.

people goin waaay over the top ... lets just sit back a bit n see

[Matthew]

In spite of all the energy, creativity and musicianship that the boys of Journey possess, I do NOT think they have enough to persevere in delivering an abundance of new music in concert. I'm challenging them to prove me wrong, but I think when push comes to shove and the ticket receipts are being counted, they will - of necessity - have to go with what the crowd wants: a blast from the past.

I fear this might be true as well. It's great that Journey are playing the songs they wrote 25 years ago with renewed energy...but we've got a long, long way to go before they become anything more than a high-powered nostalgia act. I hope they do go on to release a fantastic new album and have the balls to keep playing it live...but after nearly a decade of complacency and cynicism Journey might give into the temptation of easy money all over again.

Overall though...I'm feeling cautiously optimistic.

[The Ghost Rider]

I think Journey could put out an album that's better than Dark Side Of The Moon...and it wouldn't sell 50,000 copies. I think they could tour behind it, and play most of that new album live...and they wouldn't fill 5,000 seats as headliners. I don't like it...but I think that is just being realistic. That's just the way I see it. I could be wrong...and I hope I am.


I've said it before...if they DO put out a killer album, I don't really care if the "masses" get it or not. As long as it kicks MY ass...that's all I care about.

[Matthew]

I think Journey could put out an album that's better than Dark Side Of The Moon...and it wouldn't sell 50,000 copies. I think they could tour behind it, and play most of that new album live...and they wouldn't fill 5,000 seats as headliners. I don't like it...but I think that is just being realistic. That's just the way I see it. I could be wrong...and I hope I am.


I've said it before...if they DO put out a killer album, I don't really care if the "masses" get it or not. As long as it kicks MY ass...that's all I care about.

If Journey played 30% new stuff and 70% old hits it wouldn't make any difference to the amount of seats they could fill, I reckon.

[FormerJrnyFan]

What we are experiencing now with Jeff is something that's been missing from the band for too many years. Journey needs to grab hold of this opportunity and take off with it - write, record, tour, and put that new music into the setlist every night. We need more than just the classics. This is Journey's chance to shine once again. Jeff's made it possible.

people goin waaay over the top ... lets just sit back a bit n see

You telling me that I'm over the top?

[The Ghost Rider]

I think Journey could put out an album that's better than Dark Side Of The Moon...and it wouldn't sell 50,000 copies. I think they could tour behind it, and play most of that new album live...and they wouldn't fill 5,000 seats as headliners. I don't like it...but I think that is just being realistic. That's just the way I see it. I could be wrong...and I hope I am.


I've said it before...if they DO put out a killer album, I don't really care if the "masses" get it or not. As long as it kicks MY ass...that's all I care about.

If Journey played 30% new stuff and 70% old hits it wouldn't make any difference to the amount of seats they could fill, I reckon.

Well, it's like Joe Perry told me several years ago. He said, "You know, we'd love to play a lot of deep albums cuts and stuff we haven't played (live) in a long time...or never. But the fact is, there are a LOT of people that come to see us that are going to go away disappointed if we don't play Angel, Dude (Looks Like A Lady), Crying, and so on. So, is it fair to THEM if we leave those songs out?"


I understand why bands like Journey and Aerosmith play "the hits". I may not like it...but I understand. Not all fans attending a show are "hardcore" (like most of us), and seen the band 5, 10, or 20 times. They may be seeing them for the first or second time. And they came to see THOSE songs. They (the bands) are just trying to please as many fans as possible...and I guess I can't fault them for that. Because let's face it...you're NEVER going to please everyone.

[Matthew]

I think Journey could put out an album that's better than Dark Side Of The Moon...and it wouldn't sell 50,000 copies. I think they could tour behind it, and play most of that new album live...and they wouldn't fill 5,000 seats as headliners. I don't like it...but I think that is just being realistic. That's just the way I see it. I could be wrong...and I hope I am.


I've said it before...if they DO put out a killer album, I don't really care if the "masses" get it or not. As long as it kicks MY ass...that's all I care about.

If Journey played 30% new stuff and 70% old hits it wouldn't make any difference to the amount of seats they could fill, I reckon.

Well, it's like Joe Perry told me several years ago. He said, "You know, we'd love to play a lot of deep albums cuts and stuff we haven't played (live) in a long time...or never. But the fact is, there are a LOT of people that come to see us that are going to go away disappointed if we don't play Angel, Dude (Looks Like A Lady), Crying, and so on. So, is it fair to THEM if we leave those songs out?"


I understand why bands like Journey and Aerosmith play "the hits". I may not like it...but I understand. Not all fans attending a show are "hardcore" (like most of us), and seen the band 5, 10, or 20 times. They may be seeing them for the first or second time. And they came to see THOSE songs. They (the bands) are just trying to please as many fans as possible...and I guess I can't fault them for that. Because let's face it...you're NEVER going to please everyone.

Yes - but that was true for Journey in the 1980s too each time they released a new record.

But....I do take your point that a Greatest Hits set aimed at casual fans is the safest and most lucrative option for veteran bands. That's why I feel a bit skeptical about the claims about Journey's 'new direction' or 'new era'. I guess it all depends on how much Schon and Cain in particular want to challenge themselves...

[AR]

All I know is that whatever happens, I'm going to enjoy the ride. See ya on the other side.

[Ms_M]

All I know is that whatever happens, I'm going to enjoy the ride. See ya on the other side.

Excellent - short and to the point! And what a ride it's been so far!!!!

[fred_journeyman]

I realize that there are some who enjoy the classics and attend the concerts for those tunes. And I also realize that there are those who enjoy the classics and would like new music. That's fine. I'm certainly not here to dissuade anyone from those opinions.

My reality (and it may be my reality only) is that I'm tired of JUST the classics. I want more and I think Journey is certainly capable of it. All I wanted to know was if there were others here who think like I do - that Journey either needs to move on with new music (and play either a medley of classic tunes, or SOME classics), or they will decide that they are a nostaligia band and focus solely on that.

If Journey prefers the latter, then I have no reason to be a PRESENT-DAY Journey fan (as far as attending live concerts goes), because I have ALL the classics on numerous CDs.

I'm sitting here waiting as well to see what the future holds for Journey fans, and I'll continue to wait to see if they produce new music. If they do, I'll likely purchase it, but ultimately I want more IN CONCERT than what I'm getting...for the amount of money I'm paying to attend a concert. I do NOT need to hear the "essential Journey" year after year after year. I'm bored with it.

Those were my points. I'm entitled to think that way and was simply wondering if I was the only one. That's all. Thanks for your time.

[Matthew]

I realize that there are some who enjoy the classics and attend the concerts for those tunes. And I also realize that there are those who enjoy the classics and would like new music. That's fine. I'm certainly not here to dissuade anyone from those opinions.

My reality (and it may be my reality only) is that I'm tired of JUST the classics. I want more and I think Journey is certainly capable of it. All I wanted to know was if there were others here who think like I do - that Journey either needs to move on with new music (and play either a medley of classic tunes, or SOME classics), or they will decide that they are a nostaligia band and focus solely on that.

If Journey prefers the latter, then I have no reason to be a PRESENT-DAY Journey fan (as far as attending live concerts goes), because I have ALL the classics on numerous CDs.

I'm sitting here waiting as well to see what the future holds for Journey fans, and I'll continue to wait to see if they produce new music. If they do, I'll likely purchase it, but ultimately I want more IN CONCERT than what I'm getting...for the amount of money I'm paying to attend a concert. I do NOT need to hear the "essential Journey" year after year after year. I'm bored with it.

Those were my points. I'm entitled to think that way and was simply wondering if I was the only one. That's all. Thanks for your time.

You're not the only one, Fred.