How would you deal with it?

[jrny84]

It always comes back to the tapes.......

It has to. If Journey was any other type of band, maybe it wouldn't be that big of a deal. Say a Van Halen where the guitarist is the best known member. Unfortunately, Journey is most identified with the high tenor voice of Perry. When you are known predominantly as a vocalist band, faking the one element that is your trademark IS a big deal.
The MAJORITY of people don't go the shows because of Neal's guitar or Jon's keys; It's all about the vocals. The new Doc reinforces that even more when Arnel is pretty much told to go out there and sound like Steve Perry. The voice, that is the meal ticket for Journey, the claim to fame. You defraud the fans of that, you deserve the flack you get.
Anyway, we are the only ones who talk about it.

Fans at the real Journey sites have no notion of it or would be in denial even if they did know. Just give them the dirty dozen and someone who can imitate Steve Perry and they're happy.

Exactly. Journey is a band that was built on and around the vocals of Steve Perry, who was the main ingredient and trademark of the band. Like Don said, this band more so than really anyother band of that time period and similar genre is a vocal band. Journey is very fortunate that they are still selling out and playing to 5,000+ seat venues without the main part that rose them to fame. Also, I am sure that without a doubt Arnel has nothing to worry about. Steve Perry has said in interviews he always preferred doing albums over touring. Hes 64, not working, and still making good money...why would he come back? His voice would not be able to live up to most people's expecations of one of the greatest voices of all time, and he knows it.

[STORY_TELLER]

It always comes back to the tapes.......

It has to. If Journey was any other type of band, maybe it wouldn't be that big of a deal. Say a Van Halen where the guitarist is the best known member. Unfortunately, Journey is most identified with the high tenor voice of Perry. When you are known predominantly as a vocalist band, faking the one element that is your trademark IS a big deal.
The MAJORITY of people don't go the shows because of Neal's guitar or Jon's keys; It's all about the vocals. The new Doc reinforces that even more when Arnel is pretty much told to go out there and sound like Steve Perry. The voice, that is the meal ticket for Journey, the claim to fame. You defraud the fans of that, you deserve the flack you get.
Anyway, we are the only ones who talk about it.

Fans at the real Journey sites have no notion of it or would be in denial even if they did know. Just give them the dirty dozen and someone who can imitate Steve Perry and they're happy.

Exactly. Journey is a band that was built on and around the vocals of Steve Perry, who was the main ingredient and trademark of the band. Like Don said, this band more so than really anyother band of that time period and similar genre is a vocal band. Journey is very fortunate that they are still selling out and playing to 5,000+ seat venues without the main part that rose them to fame. Also, I am sure that without a doubt Arnel has nothing to worry about. Steve Perry has said in interviews he always preferred doing albums over touring. Hes 64, not working, and still making good money...why would he come back? His voice would not be able to live up to most people's expecations of one of the greatest voices of all time, and he knows it.

Arnel has nothing to worry about. Perry has no desire to talk with Neal or Jon much less get back together, and he's said in interviews this was a divorce. He looks back on their time together fondly, but he has no interest in revisiting the past.

The breakup after TBF was a bridge burning event. He's done with Journey.

[The_Noble_Cause]

It always comes back to the tapes.......

Does it? With the exception of a recent band interview on the Huffington Post website, I haven't noticed anyone in the media discussing it. On your own CBS Sunday Morning Show, the topic was also not raised. Seems most people have moved on.

[steveo777]

It always comes back to the tapes.......

Does it? With the exception of a recent band interview on the Huffington Post website, I haven't noticed anyone in the media discussing it. On your own CBS Sunday Morning Show, the topic was also not raised. Seems most people have moved on.

The only people who care about it anymore are people here.....the Journey purists who dwell in the 81-96 range. Any drama after that was just a blip on the radar and forgotten by most normies.

[The_Noble_Cause]

The only people who care about it anymore are people here.....the Journey purists who dwell in the 81-96 range. Any drama after that was just a blip on the radar and forgotten by most normies.

If a scandal happens on an isolated music message forum, does it really happen? "Normies" don't care because it didn't get significant attention. Rolling Stone's website picked it up. As Herbie said, they lucked out. It could have been the beginning of the end.

[The Sushi Hunter]

Arnel has nothing to worry about. Perry has no desire to talk with Neal or Jon much less get back together, and he's said in interviews this was a divorce. He looks back on their time together fondly, but he has no interest in revisiting the past.

The breakup after TBF was a bridge burning event. He's done with Journey.

Does anybody even have any type of proof that SP can even sing anymore? Just because a lead vocalist leaves a band for whatever reaon(s) that wouldn't stop them from continuing on with other work in the same field. SP hasn't been heard singing live for how many years now? Going on two decades in a few years. It's over. He's moved on and everyone else needs to as well.

[STORY_TELLER]

Arnel has nothing to worry about. Perry has no desire to talk with Neal or Jon much less get back together, and he's said in interviews this was a divorce. He looks back on their time together fondly, but he has no interest in revisiting the past.

The breakup after TBF was a bridge burning event. He's done with Journey.

Does anybody even have any type of proof that SP can even sing anymore? Just because a lead vocalist leaves a band for whatever reaon(s) that wouldn't stop them from continuing on with other work in the same field. SP hasn't been heard singing live for how many years now? Going on two decades in a few years. It's over. He's moved on and everyone else needs to as well.

Lora has stated she's met with Steve and heard some of his latest solo work. He's sung background on a Laidlaw track. He's sung background on a Boheme track (very recently). He sang on a David Pack track. He sang on a Jeff Golub track.

He can sing.

Perry's problem is emotional. He's a self admitted perfectionist who isn't happy with his own work, so he chooses not to put it out. To this day he has pieces recorded which haven't seen the light of day save for leaked bootlegs (Home At Last is one. I heard he recorded with Nuno Bettencourt and never released it.).

Is he Journey tour worthy? Doubtful at his age. The band tours like they're still in their 20's. A singer's instrument is affected by age and wear and tear. A guitar or keyboard isn't.

He can sing, he's just insecure, and that's a difficult thing to overcome. Not many people here seem to understand it.

[Archetype]

My question is this:

Dennis DeYoung sings in a similar range as Steve Perry, and was/is active for a longer time. If Dennis's voice right now is arguably the best it has ever been, why does everyone assume that Steve's voice is shot?

[MCC620]

My question is this:

Dennis DeYoung sings in a similar range as Steve Perry, and was/is active for a longer time. If Dennis's voice right now is arguably the best it has ever been, why does everyone assume that Steve's voice is shot?

because its easier for people to bitch about that than resign themselves to the fact that maybe he just doesn't want to sing anymore as a career.

[The Sushi Hunter]

My question is this:

Dennis DeYoung sings in a similar range as Steve Perry, and was/is active for a longer time. If Dennis's voice right now is arguably the best it has ever been, why does everyone assume that Steve's voice is shot?

because its easier for people to bitch about that than resign themselves to the fact that maybe he just doesn't want to sing anymore as a career.

I would agree that this is also one of the possibilities. For me anyways, the reason(s) that I suggest that he can no longer sing is because, first off music is/was his greatest success/employment. I can't imagine anyone just completely shutting that off on a dime. Second, natural age progression shows that, like with pretty much everything else, there comes a time in one's life regardless of how great they are/were, that they can no longer do "it" like when they did when they were younger and at their "prime". I think I recall a movie in the late 80's that comes to mind about a professional pitcher who lost his "throw" and it was very hard for him to live with that. Happens to the majority of people and in the majority of careers. I also brought up the possibility years ago that perhaps he's lost some or a huge portion of his hearing which he then can't sing as well. This thought did occur to me after one of my favority Japanese solo artists stopped singing because she became deaf in one ear which then prevented her from singing well like she did before.

Simply, if SP wanted to change careers, what is his career now, what is the career he gave up singing for?

[Archetype]

My question is this:

Dennis DeYoung sings in a similar range as Steve Perry, and was/is active for a longer time. If Dennis's voice right now is arguably the best it has ever been, why does everyone assume that Steve's voice is shot?

because its easier for people to bitch about that than resign themselves to the fact that maybe he just doesn't want to sing anymore as a career.

I would agree that this is also one of the possibilities. For me anyways, the reason(s) that I suggest that he can no longer sing is because, first off music is/was his greatest success/employment. I can't imagine anyone just completely shutting that off on a dime. Second, natural age progression shows that, like with pretty much everything else, there comes a time in one's life regardless of how great they are/were, that they can no longer do "it" like when they did when they were younger and at their "prime". I think I recall a movie in the late 80's that comes to mind about a professional pitcher who lost his "throw" and it was very hard for him to live with that. Happens to the majority of people and in the majority of careers. I also brought up the possibility years ago that perhaps he's lost some or a huge portion of his hearing which he then can't sing as well. This thought did occur to me after one of my favority Japanese solo artists stopped singing because she became deaf in one ear which then prevented her from singing well like she did before.

Simply, if SP wanted to change careers, what is his career now, what is the career he gave up singing for?

He didn't give up singing for another career. He gave up singing for retirement! I suspect that his great grandchildren could never work a day in their lives and be just fine.

[portland]

My question is this:

Dennis DeYoung sings in a similar range as Steve Perry, and was/is active for a longer time. If Dennis's voice right now is arguably the best it has ever been, why does everyone assume that Steve's voice is shot?

because its easier for people to bitch about that than resign themselves to the fact that maybe he just doesn't want to sing anymore as a career.

I would agree that this is also one of the possibilities. For me anyways, the reason(s) that I suggest that he can no longer sing is because, first off music is/was his greatest success/employment. I can't imagine anyone just completely shutting that off on a dime. Second, natural age progression shows that, like with pretty much everything else, there comes a time in one's life regardless of how great they are/were, that they can no longer do "it" like when they did when they were younger and at their "prime". I think I recall a movie in the late 80's that comes to mind about a professional pitcher who lost his "throw" and it was very hard for him to live with that. Happens to the majority of people and in the majority of careers. I also brought up the possibility years ago that perhaps he's lost some or a huge portion of his hearing which he then can't sing as well. This thought did occur to me after one of my favority Japanese solo artists stopped singing because she became deaf in one ear which then prevented her from singing well like she did before.

Simply, if SP wanted to change careers, what is his career now, what is the career he gave up singing for?

He is a full time collector of royalties and keeper of the keys

[jrnyman28]

My question is this:

Dennis DeYoung sings in a similar range as Steve Perry, and was/is active for a longer time. If Dennis's voice right now is arguably the best it has ever been, why does everyone assume that Steve's voice is shot?

Simply because Dennis DeYoung has continued singing and touring and recording unlike Perry.

[Jeremey]

These posts make me scratch my head...

Why is it that in virtually any other field - pro sports, marketing, wall street, whatever...that when people get into it young, with the goal of making as much money as they can, and then get out of it having already made enough money to support themselves and live life with the kind of freedom that average people can only dream of...we call that "winning..."

But for some reason, when it comes to musicians, it seems like if they don't tour until they have walkers or canes in their hands - no matter how successful they've been or how much money they've made - that's not viewed in the same light?

When some musicians, just like some entrepreneurs or athletes or CEOs, decide they never have to work another day in their lives - and want to go off and travel the world or live on exotic beaches or collect stamps or whatever the hell they want to do with their time - that's somehow not "noble." It's not allowed. They have to work. If they don't then they are hiding something.

I'm not saying this specifically in Steve Perry's case, but true he seems to be called out for it the most around here.

[slucero]

These posts make me scratch my head...

Why is it that in virtually any other field - pro sports, marketing, wall street, whatever...that when people get into it young, with the goal of making as much money as they can, and then get out of it having already made enough money to support themselves and live life with the kind of freedom that average people can only dream of...we call that "winning..."

But for some reason, when it comes to musicians, it seems like if they don't tour until they have walkers or canes in their hands - no matter how successful they've been or how much money they've made - that's not viewed in the same light?

When some musicians, just like some entrepreneurs or athletes or CEOs, decide they never have to work another day in their lives - and want to go off and travel the world or live on exotic beaches or collect stamps or whatever the hell they want to do with their time - that's somehow not "noble." It's not allowed. They have to work. If they don't then they are hiding something.

I'm not saying this specifically in Steve Perry's case, but true he seems to be called out for it the most around here.

+1

[Aaron]

I agree with your post 100%. I think the reason people put Perry in this light is due to their passion regarding his work. People love Perry's voice and long to hear it again. I personally think his voice is the best voice ever recorded. I think people long to hear that voice again which leads to speculation, longing, etc to Steve's current voice capability. I think pro atheletes are perceived differently as competition drives older players out. Music allows some singers to have a long career. I think when people are so passionate about Steve's voice and have not heard it for years, it drives folks to speculate about his current capability, etc. From my view, Perry is the best singer to walk the planet. I don't really GAF if he can sing now or not. His recorded art is proof enough he was one of the best, if not THE best, singer ever.

He, Lou Gramm's and Brad Delp's voices are why I started singing in a band later in life. I think it's the passion around Steve's recorded art that drives people to speculate with passion. I think most folks understand Jordan is too old to play pro ball. I don't think most folks think that Perry is too old sing his material.

My personal belief is with the right level of work, Steve could sing almost as well as he did in his hey day. It would take 6 months of daily work, but it's doable.

You know as much about vocal durability as anyone on this board singing in this range. What do you think?

Thanks for your contribution,

Aaron

These posts make me scratch my head...

Why is it that in virtually any other field - pro sports, marketing, wall street, whatever...that when people get into it young, with the goal of making as much money as they can, and then get out of it having already made enough money to support themselves and live life with the kind of freedom that average people can only dream of...we call that "winning..."

But for some reason, when it comes to musicians, it seems like if they don't tour until they have walkers or canes in their hands - no matter how successful they've been or how much money they've made - that's not viewed in the same light?

When some musicians, just like some entrepreneurs or athletes or CEOs, decide they never have to work another day in their lives - and want to go off and travel the world or live on exotic beaches or collect stamps or whatever the hell they want to do with their time - that's somehow not "noble." It's not allowed. They have to work. If they don't then they are hiding something.

I'm not saying this specifically in Steve Perry's case, but true he seems to be called out for it the most around here.

[MCC620]

My question is this:

Dennis DeYoung sings in a similar range as Steve Perry, and was/is active for a longer time. If Dennis's voice right now is arguably the best it has ever been, why does everyone assume that Steve's voice is shot?

because its easier for people to bitch about that than resign themselves to the fact that maybe he just doesn't want to sing anymore as a career.

I would agree that this is also one of the possibilities. For me anyways, the reason(s) that I suggest that he can no longer sing is because, first off music is/was his greatest success/employment. I can't imagine anyone just completely shutting that off on a dime. Second, natural age progression shows that, like with pretty much everything else, there comes a time in one's life regardless of how great they are/were, that they can no longer do "it" like when they did when they were younger and at their "prime". I think I recall a movie in the late 80's that comes to mind about a professional pitcher who lost his "throw" and it was very hard for him to live with that. Happens to the majority of people and in the majority of careers. I also brought up the possibility years ago that perhaps he's lost some or a huge portion of his hearing which he then can't sing as well. This thought did occur to me after one of my favority Japanese solo artists stopped singing because she became deaf in one ear which then prevented her from singing well like she did before.

Simply, if SP wanted to change careers, what is his career now, what is the career he gave up singing for?

Not suggesting he wanted a new career. Considering the royalties (like everyone has said) he doesn't need one. I sense that maybe it is more enjoyable for him to appear on this or that and have the joy of singing without all the pressure, business headaches, artistic differences etc.

[Yoda]

These arguments about the state of Steve Perry and/or his voice has been rehashed ad nauseum. I have no reason believe the man can no longer sing. Of course, that's because I haven't heard him sing lately, so I have nothing to base a strong opinion on. So, I'll just give him the benefit of doubt until proven wrong.

I have always enjoyed the man's vocal work, even when others felt his voice was "shot". Maybe I tend to appreciate other aspects that Perry emphasized when he realized he couldn't put as much emphasis on singing so operatically high. Too many fans and critics alike put way too much emphasis on how many high notes a singer can hit and not enough emphasis on the entire usage of that musical instrument. There is just so much more to a singing voice.

Anyway, I don't care what reason there is as to why Steve Perry isn't singing anymore. It doesn't effect me in my life directly, other than just being sad in realizing that another great artist from my childhood/teenage years has put himself out to pasture, further reinforcing the fact that I'm getting old, lol!

[The Sushi Hunter]

These posts make me scratch my head...

Why is it that in virtually any other field - pro sports, marketing, wall street, whatever...that when people get into it young, with the goal of making as much money as they can, and then get out of it having already made enough money to support themselves and live life with the kind of freedom that average people can only dream of...we call that "winning..."

But for some reason, when it comes to musicians, it seems like if they don't tour until they have walkers or canes in their hands - no matter how successful they've been or how much money they've made - that's not viewed in the same light?

When some musicians, just like some entrepreneurs or athletes or CEOs, decide they never have to work another day in their lives - and want to go off and travel the world or live on exotic beaches or collect stamps or whatever the hell they want to do with their time - that's somehow not "noble." It's not allowed. They have to work. If they don't then they are hiding something.

I'm not saying this specifically in Steve Perry's case, but true he seems to be called out for it the most around here.

Very true. Let me ask you this though. Usually when the pro sports, marketing, wall street, whatever do decide to retire the career they make it known publically that they are doing this. I'm not so sure SP has ever really came out publically to say this is what he's doing or did. So without this communication, it leaves us with an unknown which everyone is left to speculate. I'm not talking "he said she said" type of communications. I'm talking from SP himself, no middle man, no rumors, no heresay.

If royalties is what he's living off of now, you know he's got to be loving AP for the new life he's brought to the band and the songs that SP would be receiving royalties for, over the past 5 or so years.

[FamilyMan]

These posts make me scratch my head...

Why is it that in virtually any other field - pro sports, marketing, wall street, whatever...that when people get into it young, with the goal of making as much money as they can, and then get out of it having already made enough money to support themselves and live life with the kind of freedom that average people can only dream of...we call that "winning..."

But for some reason, when it comes to musicians, it seems like if they don't tour until they have walkers or canes in their hands - no matter how successful they've been or how much money they've made - that's not viewed in the same light?

When some musicians, just like some entrepreneurs or athletes or CEOs, decide they never have to work another day in their lives - and want to go off and travel the world or live on exotic beaches or collect stamps or whatever the hell they want to do with their time - that's somehow not "noble." It's not allowed. They have to work. If they don't then they are hiding something.

I'm not saying this specifically in Steve Perry's case, but true he seems to be called out for it the most around here.

Only because Perry is most often the one who dangles himself and the possibility of new music out in front of Journey fans when it suits him. If he has no interest in recording and/or touring, and wishes to sit on a beach, I doubt anyone would begrudge him that. But the teased prospect of a new release is what frustrates fans.

[brywool]

My question is this:

Dennis DeYoung sings in a similar range as Steve Perry, and was/is active for a longer time. If Dennis's voice right now is arguably the best it has ever been, why does everyone assume that Steve's voice is shot?

Dennis does NOT sing in a similar range to SP. DDy's technique is quite different. The range he's in is lower than Perry's by a longshot. Not to begrudge DDY. Love the dude's voice. Perry's too (duh). But they're completely different. Tommy Shaw's closer to Perry than DDY in range and technique.

[STORY_TELLER]

These posts make me scratch my head...

Why is it that in virtually any other field - pro sports, marketing, wall street, whatever...that when people get into it young, with the goal of making as much money as they can, and then get out of it having already made enough money to support themselves and live life with the kind of freedom that average people can only dream of...we call that "winning..."

But for some reason, when it comes to musicians, it seems like if they don't tour until they have walkers or canes in their hands - no matter how successful they've been or how much money they've made - that's not viewed in the same light?

When some musicians, just like some entrepreneurs or athletes or CEOs, decide they never have to work another day in their lives - and want to go off and travel the world or live on exotic beaches or collect stamps or whatever the hell they want to do with their time - that's somehow not "noble." It's not allowed. They have to work. If they don't then they are hiding something.

I'm not saying this specifically in Steve Perry's case, but true he seems to be called out for it the most around here.

Only because Perry is most often the one who dangles himself and the possibility of new music out in front of Journey fans when it suits him. If he has no interest in recording and/or touring, and wishes to sit on a beach, I doubt anyone would begrudge him that. But the teased prospect of a new release is what frustrates fans.

+1

From Perry's own interviews, he's stated how much he misses performing, and says he's going to be recording. So by his own admission, he's not truly retired.

Having said that, as I stated before, and from Perry's own statements, he's his own worst enemy. He can't get out of his own way. The problem is emotional. It's not an intellectual choice. Go and listen to some of the interviews he's given in recent years. The stuff where he REALLY opens up about his personal demons. It's those demons that are preventing him from recording and performing. (not to mention his physical ailments -- arthritis I think? -- He's stated he takes all kinds of anti-inflammatory drugs)

Most people think: There must be something wrong with his voice because otherwise he would sing. That's really not true. Those who simplify it in this manner are looking at this situation from their own personal point of view, not Perry's. Creative and emotional burnout takes a HEAVY toll and it can shut you down completely. Perry has said this is what happened to him.

It's not just about his voice. It's about his mentality. Hard to understand unless you went through it yourself, and correct me if I'm wrong, but, I don't think anyone here has.

[slucero]

These posts make me scratch my head...

Why is it that in virtually any other field - pro sports, marketing, wall street, whatever...that when people get into it young, with the goal of making as much money as they can, and then get out of it having already made enough money to support themselves and live life with the kind of freedom that average people can only dream of...we call that "winning..."

But for some reason, when it comes to musicians, it seems like if they don't tour until they have walkers or canes in their hands - no matter how successful they've been or how much money they've made - that's not viewed in the same light?

When some musicians, just like some entrepreneurs or athletes or CEOs, decide they never have to work another day in their lives - and want to go off and travel the world or live on exotic beaches or collect stamps or whatever the hell they want to do with their time - that's somehow not "noble." It's not allowed. They have to work. If they don't then they are hiding something.

I'm not saying this specifically in Steve Perry's case, but true he seems to be called out for it the most around here.

Only because Perry is most often the one who dangles himself and the possibility of new music out in front of Journey fans when it suits him. If he has no interest in recording and/or touring, and wishes to sit on a beach, I doubt anyone would begrudge him that. But the teased prospect of a new release is what frustrates fans.

I don't ever recall Perry ever offering up the possibility of any new music without being asked FIRST.

[steveo777]

These posts make me scratch my head...

Why is it that in virtually any other field - pro sports, marketing, wall street, whatever...that when people get into it young, with the goal of making as much money as they can, and then get out of it having already made enough money to support themselves and live life with the kind of freedom that average people can only dream of...we call that "winning..."

But for some reason, when it comes to musicians, it seems like if they don't tour until they have walkers or canes in their hands - no matter how successful they've been or how much money they've made - that's not viewed in the same light?

When some musicians, just like some entrepreneurs or athletes or CEOs, decide they never have to work another day in their lives - and want to go off and travel the world or live on exotic beaches or collect stamps or whatever the hell they want to do with their time - that's somehow not "noble." It's not allowed. They have to work. If they don't then they are hiding something.

I'm not saying this specifically in Steve Perry's case, but true he seems to be called out for it the most around here.

Only because Perry is most often the one who dangles himself and the possibility of new music out in front of Journey fans when it suits him. If he has no interest in recording and/or touring, and wishes to sit on a beach, I doubt anyone would begrudge him that. But the teased prospect of a new release is what frustrates fans.

I don't ever recall Perry ever offering up the possibility of any new music without being asked FIRST.

One day Jonathan Cain got a call from Steve Perry, who he hadn't heard from in ions. He was interested in reforming Journey.

[slucero]

These posts make me scratch my head...

Why is it that in virtually any other field - pro sports, marketing, wall street, whatever...that when people get into it young, with the goal of making as much money as they can, and then get out of it having already made enough money to support themselves and live life with the kind of freedom that average people can only dream of...we call that "winning..."

But for some reason, when it comes to musicians, it seems like if they don't tour until they have walkers or canes in their hands - no matter how successful they've been or how much money they've made - that's not viewed in the same light?

When some musicians, just like some entrepreneurs or athletes or CEOs, decide they never have to work another day in their lives - and want to go off and travel the world or live on exotic beaches or collect stamps or whatever the hell they want to do with their time - that's somehow not "noble." It's not allowed. They have to work. If they don't then they are hiding something.

I'm not saying this specifically in Steve Perry's case, but true he seems to be called out for it the most around here.

Only because Perry is most often the one who dangles himself and the possibility of new music out in front of Journey fans when it suits him. If he has no interest in recording and/or touring, and wishes to sit on a beach, I doubt anyone would begrudge him that. But the teased prospect of a new release is what frustrates fans.

I don't ever recall Perry ever offering up the possibility of any new music without being asked FIRST.

One day Jonathan Cain got a call from Steve Perry, who he hadn't heard from in ions. He was interested in reforming Journey.

that would make sense... if it had anything to do with what is being discussed...

[STORY_TELLER]

These posts make me scratch my head...

Why is it that in virtually any other field - pro sports, marketing, wall street, whatever...that when people get into it young, with the goal of making as much money as they can, and then get out of it having already made enough money to support themselves and live life with the kind of freedom that average people can only dream of...we call that "winning..."

But for some reason, when it comes to musicians, it seems like if they don't tour until they have walkers or canes in their hands - no matter how successful they've been or how much money they've made - that's not viewed in the same light?

When some musicians, just like some entrepreneurs or athletes or CEOs, decide they never have to work another day in their lives - and want to go off and travel the world or live on exotic beaches or collect stamps or whatever the hell they want to do with their time - that's somehow not "noble." It's not allowed. They have to work. If they don't then they are hiding something.

I'm not saying this specifically in Steve Perry's case, but true he seems to be called out for it the most around here.

Only because Perry is most often the one who dangles himself and the possibility of new music out in front of Journey fans when it suits him. If he has no interest in recording and/or touring, and wishes to sit on a beach, I doubt anyone would begrudge him that. But the teased prospect of a new release is what frustrates fans.

I don't ever recall Perry ever offering up the possibility of any new music without being asked FIRST.

If his answer is "I'm working on stuff", vs. "no, i'm retired", why does it matter who's brings it up first?

[Don]

If he doesn't do an official PR release saying he is "working on stuff for release" who really cares anyway? How many fans are actually worried about it beyond members of a few internet forums? A few hundred people? A thousand?
With the greatest hits continuously selling more than a thousands copies every single week there doesn't seem to be a demand for something else from Perry. The product he already has on the market seems to be selling well as it is.
The guy is almost 65 years old. Who really lives and breathes on what these guys say anyway? In twenty years they'll most like be dead or at death's door.
I myself am perfectly happy with what I got for my money.

[perryfan61]

Arnel has nothing to worry about. Perry has no desire to talk with Neal or Jon much less get back together, and he's said in interviews this was a divorce. He looks back on their time together fondly, but he has no interest in revisiting the past.

The breakup after TBF was a bridge burning event. He's done with Journey.

Does anybody even have any type of proof that SP can even sing anymore? Just because a lead vocalist leaves a band for whatever reaon(s) that wouldn't stop them from continuing on with other work in the same field. SP hasn't been heard singing live for how many years now? Going on two decades in a few years. It's over. He's moved on and everyone else needs to as well.

Lora has stated she's met with Steve and heard some of his latest solo work. He's sung background on a Laidlaw track. He's sung background on a Boheme track (very recently). He sang on a David Pack track. He sang on a Jeff Golub track.

He can sing.

Perry's problem is emotional. He's a self admitted perfectionist who isn't happy with his own work, so he chooses not to put it out. To this day he has pieces recorded which haven't seen the light of day save for leaked bootlegs (Home At Last is one. I heard he recorded with Nuno Bettencourt and never released it.).

Is he Journey tour worthy? Doubtful at his age. The band tours like they're still in their 20's. A singer's instrument is affected by age and wear and tear. A guitar or keyboard isn't.

He can sing, he's just insecure, and that's a difficult thing to overcome. Not many people here seem to understand it.

Painstakingly going through these old boards has unearthed a gem!! I am so glad you mentioned this song "Home at Last ", co-written with Dick Wagner. Steve's voice is great!! Was this really recorded in '93? I understand that he is insecure about releasing new music, and there is no way to convince him that his fans don't expect perfection, we just want to hear him as he sounds now.