Why Journey died when JSS was let go

[jrny10]

I saw JSS last night in London and it truly was an amazing display of melodic rock. His band was excellent (no going through the motions at all) and I thought to myself how, in a way, it was fortunate that JRNY let him go because now we can still enjoy his voice (rather than it being trashed through extensive road work with JRNY).

But he's such an excellent performer and watching him onstage it's clear that he was too much of his own man for Cain (and Schon?) to swallow. He made Journey look like backing musicians, and maybe that was the 'problem'.

I think it gave them an edge though. A singer with great stage presence. It made them fun to watch and JSS having his own voice ensured JRNY sounded like a real band (sort of when VH was given a new lease of life when Hagar replaced DLR) and not like the karaoke machine they have become today, feeling more like a business than a band.

What do you think?

[Majestic]

I'm not sure about "stage presence" but I do think his live vocal performances are fantastic. I love Jeff's music and have recently become more of a fan and picked up a lot of his releases. For the money end of things, I feel bad for Jeff. Journey was a big gig, and I don't think want happened to him was class at all. As an artist, I am happy for Jeff and for the fans, because Jeff puts out consistently great music, and I agree with you, that in Journey his work would be diminished since he would not likely be able to make key musical decisions or be an equal partner in the band, and the result would have been negative for Jeff, Journey, and fans. I just wish people would wake up to how good Jeff is and buy more of his stuff! I am really looking forward to his next album. It sounds tough, and I also like "Soto" as a moniker. Short and to the point.

[Eric]

I love the short-lived JSS era and would have loved to hear an entire album with him on vocals...thinking about Believe in Me.

But in no way is Journey dead.

[verslibre]

But in no way is Journey dead.

True. Journey's on life support. There's a difference.

[youkeepmewaiting]

Love JSS but journey ain't dead

[RedWingFan]

Journey is still alive....kinda how the lobsters in the tank at the local seafood restaurant are still alive.

[steveo777]

This thread is one of the most retarded I have ever seen here.

[The_Noble_Cause]

Why is JSS no longer with TSO? I don't want to stir up shit, cuz JSS is a cool and fan-friendly guy, but maybe the Journey guys have their own reasons?

[FamilyMan]

Captain Obvious here, perhaps, but JSS wasn't the fit Journey fans would have been satisfied with. His voice and presence would have inevitably taken the band in a new direction, with a new identity -- much the way Sammy Hagar did when he joined Van Halen. In the 80's, you could get away with it. I think Cain and Co. were right when they decided to stay with the legacy sound. It's preserved them. That said, how they handled the JSS thing was a disaster and they'd probably admit it now.

[Rick]

Journey is still alive....kinda how the lobsters in the tank at the local seafood restaurant are still alive.

[brywool]

Journey's doing great. Those of you that keep ringing the death bell for Journey, seriously, give it up. The same thing poeple have said since tapegate.

[JohnH]

Why is JSS no longer with TSO? I don't want to stir up shit, cuz JSS is a cool and fan-friendly guy, but maybe the Journey guys have their own reasons?

Isn't TSO winter only? Where did you see that?

Linked in : He's still in TSO.

Jeff Scott Soto's Overview

Current
Vocalist at Trans-Siberian Orchestra
President at Sewtoe Music Inc
Vocalist
Trans-Siberian Orchestra
October 2008 – Present (5 years 10 months)

[Majestic]

Why is JSS no longer with TSO? I don't want to stir up shit, cuz JSS is a cool and fan-friendly guy, but maybe the Journey guys have their own reasons?

Isn't TSO winter only? Where did you see that?

Linked in : He's still in TSO.

Jeff Scott Soto's Overview

Current
Vocalist at Trans-Siberian Orchestra
President at Sewtoe Music Inc
Vocalist
Trans-Siberian Orchestra
October 2008 – Present (5 years 10 months)

Could be his linkedin is due for an update. I think I read in a recent interview (maybe the one about upcoming through the vertigo release but not sure) something suggesting that he is not doing TSO anymore.

[JSS]

Very much still with TSO...on new album, upcoming tour, plans going through 2016...dont use Linked In very often, but until it says on my own sites, don't believe the hype...the only fact that was true and circulating before I made it official was my exiting Journey, yes, they certainly have their own reasons...someday I might be enlightened of them!

[JSS]

I saw JSS last night in London and it truly was an amazing display of melodic rock. His band was excellent (no going through the motions at all) and I thought to myself how, in a way, it was fortunate that JRNY let him go because now we can still enjoy his voice (rather than it being trashed through extensive road work with JRNY).

But he's such an excellent performer and watching him onstage it's clear that he was too much of his own man for Cain (and Schon?) to swallow. He made Journey look like backing musicians, and maybe that was the 'problem'.

I think it gave them an edge though. A singer with great stage presence. It made them fun to watch and JSS having his own voice ensured JRNY sounded like a real band (sort of when VH was given a new lease of life when Hagar replaced DLR) and not like the karaoke machine they have become today, feeling more like a business than a band.

What do you think?

Thanks for that, I was pretty fried as it was my 7th show in 8 days with a lot of travel and sleep deprivation...my voice warmed up by the 2nd half and by then I wanted to do another hour but curfews in UK clubs blow, they're rock gigs in the eve, discos at night. Glad you made it out!

[Majestic]

Very much still with TSO...on new album, upcoming tour, plans going through 2016...dont use Linked In very often, but until it says on my own sites, don't believe the hype...the only fact that was true and circulating before I made it official was my exiting Journey, yes, they certainly have their own reasons...someday I might be enlightened of them!

Hey Jeff,

Really excited about your new album coming out, the clips sound VERY promising! You sound great as usual, and I definitely like the sound of the new guitarist.

When will we get some more news or clips on this?

[perryswoman]

Well I can tell you I saw Jeff that year with Journey/Def Leppard and back then I didn't even know what forums were and did not have a clue who he was but the minute he sat foot on stage I was sold! He definitely gave them an edge and and alot of energy and strong stage presence. I am not trying to take away from Arnel but I have been a sold JSS fan ever since. Would have luved to see what they could have come up with together but my theory is he would have stolen too much of the show from Cain and Schon and that wouldn't have set well with them. It was the best concert I have ever seen.

[The_Noble_Cause]

Very much still with TSO...on new album, upcoming tour, plans going through 2016...

A female vocalist and keyboardist I know, with some sort of contact with TSO, kept telling me they "let you go." Clearly she is a moron. I should have just PMed you or Andrew first. I apologize.

[jestor92]

I first saw Jeff with Soul SirkUS at their first gig in Allentown, PA and I've been hooked on the man's voice since. I wish Journey didn't screw him over like they did because I really think he could've lifted the band to a new level both in terms of performance as well as creativity that they haven't had since Perry was with the band. They could've use Deen to sing the key songs like Open Arms and Faithfully to stay true to legacy.

In a way it's good for us fans that they let him go though because he's put out some amazing material in recent years since he was cut loose. The W.E.T. album were fantastic, the last two JSS solo albums have been quite good, and I'm excited about the upcoming SOTO project.

As for Journey dying when he was left go, I don't believe that. The band still sells quite well and since they were one of the bigger 80's bands they'll continue to sell tickets. In terms of music I think think they're fried at this point because the two main song writers seemingly want two completely different directions.

[brywool]

As for Journey dying when he was left go, I don't believe that. The band still sells quite well and since they were one of the bigger 80's bands they'll continue to sell tickets. In terms of music I think think they're fried at this point because the two main song writers seemingly want two completely different directions.

Totally agree with this.
It's too bad SoulSirkus didn't take off. That's a great CD and JSS is a great vocalist. Just wasn't "Journey" enough for me. Doesn't mean I don't like that guy. I'm a huge Paul McCartney fan. But I wouldn't want to see him front The Partridge Family.

[slucero]

I always thought this would have been a great direction for Soto and Journey...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HNoeAmHXpGE


Has all the "classic Journey" things... modulation of key to pre-chorus, soaring vocal lines, sing along parts... and a very classic Journey pre-lead. The solo is also a pretty good compromise of Neal shredding with melody.. and it's short.

[Gina3008]

I don’t know the specifics of how or if this relates to Journey music, but IMHO I thought this JSS post-Journey song from his album W.E.T would have been a good fit for him and Journey:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QRjPNLFZBjs

Not so much a Journey sound but one of my favorites when he was in Talisman pre-Journey (warning, cheesy video):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X97eOsHrXXg

[Deb]

I always thought this would have been a great direction for Soto and Journey...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HNoeAmHXpGE

Has all the "classic Journey" things... modulation of key to pre-chorus, soaring vocal lines, sing along parts... and a very classic Journey pre-lead. The solo is also a pretty good compromise of Neal shredding with melody.. and it's short.

Ditto, same with Coming Home............love this one! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qo4fLyhMkY4

Besides, if I can't have a Perry or Soto fronted Journey, then DSB is my Journey. Juan's got the pipes and the emotion to deliver the Journey material. LOL, and I love how these guys can bring in a crowd of over $10K on their own in Cali https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-07sxpBpfpk

I've seen DSB live and they are excellent, never find a nicer bunch either. I like how you get a real mix with their setlists, love all the old gems they bring out of the catalogue, never just the same dirty dozen played.