An Image Thing?

[cscott]

Here's some food for thought that covers many topics. It's no secret that a large part of the role of a frontman/ lead vocalist is to present the proper visual image for the band which they are fronting. Sometimes its a pretty boy thing (Bon Jovi, Winger, Europe) a rugged thing (AC/DC), a bad boy thing (Guns and Roses, Motley Crue) or whatever. For Journey, Steve Perry was the face of the band that most people recognize and associate with the band, so it make sense that they would want to preserve a similiar image, thus the decision to hire SA even though there were other vocalists that had as much if not better vocal capabilites. Geoff Tate - Too metal looking and probably a shaved head at the time. John West - not bad, but still very much like a 80's pop metal look. Kevin Chalfant - close, but maybe a little short on stature. Augeri - tall, slender, in good physical shape, and had many facial characteristics that were similiar to Perry's - ie - The Nose. Which brings us to JSS - More alternative Rock or possibly metal depending on how he is wearing his hair at the time, and a much more youthful style of dress. Did they think that the older fans can't relate to him? Was he too young looking for a "classic rock" act?
And what about Jeremey? Don't take this the wrong way, but I've seen videos and pictures of him, and quite frankly he looks like just a regular Joe Lunchbucket guy. That's not an insult, as I bet most people who post here probably look like ordinary people. But then again, none of us are in the running to get up in front of thousands of people and front a legendary rock band. Could it be that the reason that Journey is on hold for the rest of the year is to do a make-over on Jeremey? You know, lose some weight, grow out the hair, work on stage presence, and more importantly, build up vocal endurance. It will be interesting to see if Jeremey's appearance begins to change over the next several months. That above all elese could be the smoking gun that will tell us if has the gig or not.

[Rick]

Here's some food for thought that covers many topics. It's no secret that a large part of the role of a frontman/ lead vocalist is to present the proper visual image for the band which they are fronting. Sometimes its a pretty boy thing (Bon Jovi, Winger, Europe) a rugged thing (AC/DC), a bad boy thing (Guns and Roses, Motley Crue) or whatever. For Journey, Steve Perry was the face of the band that most people recognize and associate with the band, so it make sense that they would want to preserve a similiar image, thus the decision to hire SA even though there were other vocalists that had as much if not better vocal capabilites. Geoff Tate - Too metal looking and probably a shaved head at the time. John West - not bad, but still very much like a 80's pop metal look. Kevin Chalfant - close, but maybe a little short on stature. Augeri - tall, slender, in good physical shape, and had many facial characteristics that were similiar to Perry's - ie - The Nose. Which brings us to JSS - More alternative Rock or possibly metal depending on how he is wearing his hair at the time, and a much more youthful style of dress. Did they think that the older fans can't relate to him? Was he too young looking for a "classic rock" act?
And what about Jeremey? Don't take this the wrong way, but I've seen videos and pictures of him, and quite frankly he looks like just a regular Joe Lunchbucket guy. That's not an insult, as I bet most people who post here probably look like ordinary people. But then again, none of us are in the running to get up in front of thousands of people and front a legendary rock band. Could it be that the reason that Journey is on hold for the rest of the year is to do a make-over on Jeremey? You know, lose some weight, grow out the hair, work on stage presence, and more importantly, build up vocal endurance. It will be interesting to see if Jeremey's appearance begins to change over the next several months. That above all elese could be the smoking gun that will tell us if has the gig or not.

Definitely a valid point as far as Augeri is concerned. While I'm sure Journey are concerned with visual image to an extent, I think they are more concerned with getting the vocal resonance that most closely fits their catalog. Good points you have made here though.

[Greg]

Here's some food for thought that covers many topics. It's no secret that a large part of the role of a frontman/ lead vocalist is to present the proper visual image for the band which they are fronting. Sometimes its a pretty boy thing (Bon Jovi, Winger, Europe) a rugged thing (AC/DC), a bad boy thing (Guns and Roses, Motley Crue) or whatever. For Journey, Steve Perry was the face of the band that most people recognize and associate with the band, so it make sense that they would want to preserve a similiar image, thus the decision to hire SA even though there were other vocalists that had as much if not better vocal capabilites. Geoff Tate - Too metal looking and probably a shaved head at the time. John West - not bad, but still very much like a 80's pop metal look. Kevin Chalfant - close, but maybe a little short on stature. Augeri - tall, slender, in good physical shape, and had many facial characteristics that were similiar to Perry's - ie - The Nose. Which brings us to JSS - More alternative Rock or possibly metal depending on how he is wearing his hair at the time, and a much more youthful style of dress. Did they think that the older fans can't relate to him? Was he too young looking for a "classic rock" act?
And what about Jeremey? Don't take this the wrong way, but I've seen videos and pictures of him, and quite frankly he looks like just a regular Joe Lunchbucket guy. That's not an insult, as I bet most people who post here probably look like ordinary people. But then again, none of us are in the running to get up in front of thousands of people and front a legendary rock band. Could it be that the reason that Journey is on hold for the rest of the year is to do a make-over on Jeremey? You know, lose some weight, grow out the hair, work on stage presence, and more importantly, build up vocal endurance. It will be interesting to see if Jeremey's appearance begins to change over the next several months. That above all elese could be the smoking gun that will tell us if has the gig or not.

Well, speak for yourself, but I'm pretty hot! (joking! ) Although I'm not in the running as lead singer for Journey!

I hear what you're saying, and there could be some credibility in those thoughts. I do think JSS had "the look" though. Definitely the talent. Honestly though, when it comes to Steve Perry, I think it was more of his voice rather than his face.

[X factor]

Here's some food for thought that covers many topics. It's no secret that a large part of the role of a frontman/ lead vocalist is to present the proper visual image for the band which they are fronting. Sometimes its a pretty boy thing (Bon Jovi, Winger, Europe) a rugged thing (AC/DC), a bad boy thing (Guns and Roses, Motley Crue) or whatever. For Journey, Steve Perry was the face of the band that most people recognize and associate with the band, so it make sense that they would want to preserve a similiar image, thus the decision to hire SA even though there were other vocalists that had as much if not better vocal capabilites. Geoff Tate - Too metal looking and probably a shaved head at the time. John West - not bad, but still very much like a 80's pop metal look. Kevin Chalfant - close, but maybe a little short on stature. Augeri - tall, slender, in good physical shape, and had many facial characteristics that were similiar to Perry's - ie - The Nose. Which brings us to JSS - More alternative Rock or possibly metal depending on how he is wearing his hair at the time, and a much more youthful style of dress. Did they think that the older fans can't relate to him? Was he too young looking for a "classic rock" act?
And what about Jeremey? Don't take this the wrong way, but I've seen videos and pictures of him, and quite frankly he looks like just a regular Joe Lunchbucket guy. That's not an insult, as I bet most people who post here probably look like ordinary people. But then again, none of us are in the running to get up in front of thousands of people and front a legendary rock band. Could it be that the reason that Journey is on hold for the rest of the year is to do a make-over on Jeremey? You know, lose some weight, grow out the hair, work on stage presence, and more importantly, build up vocal endurance. It will be interesting to see if Jeremey's appearance begins to change over the next several months. That above all elese could be the smoking gun that will tell us if has the gig or not.

Some good points, Cscott. I had the same ideas regarding Jeff's "look" during his tenure with the band.

Even so, it was still a dumass move!

[Jeremey fan forever]

Eat shit! My mom says I'm a hell of a good looker!