chf34jmac wrote:Problem is, like Lula pointed out. Hardcore fans want new music and the general fan wants the dirty dozen. General fan will be beer run and a corndog or piss break every time they whip out one of the new "gems".
This is absolutely correct. This is the problem this band faces. No one will play the new music on the radio. So the majority of the concert going fans are not familiar with these songs. Hence the "lets get a beer, take a piss" actions during these songs in a live setting. Unfortunately Journey does not have Rush type fans who are all eager to hear new live music played by the band. Journey must tour the "dirty dozen" so the average fan can sing along and go home thinking "that was great. What a good time. I think I'll check them out again the next time around". If they played half or even a quarter set of new music, this leaves the average fan going " well they sounded good, but I am not to familiar with alot of their songs anymore. This was cool, but I think I'll check out a different group next time." It really is a problem. I have heard people shouting "Play something Journey" at concerts while the band had just finished playing MOL or WYLAW.
I can understand the die hard fan's opinion here, that they want to hear the new music performed live. But if Journey wants to continue to be a drawing act on the road year in and year out, they do have to cater to the masses, and unfortunately for us the average fan wants the "dirty dozen" year after year after year.
Minor exception. Journey used to add a few smaller venue shows at the end of their tours, and these were exceptions. In the west, these were mostly held at a place called Konocti Harbor in N. California. They would pull out some newer stuff, or play some rarer tracks. One time they even had some guests from the Santana band and pulled out La Raza Del Sol and did a Santana tune. Unfortunately these are the types of shows by Journey that we as die hard fans now need to seek out. It is just no going to happen at any of the "regular" stops along the tour.
Not saying I agree with it. It is just the way things are today. It all still starts with airplay, and the new Journey isn't gonna get any unless someone way up in the industry makes it happen for them.
That would trump it all, I can dream, can't I?
New cd from SP has always been #1 on the wishlist. 
