JourneyHard wrote:Journey needs to record a new Double CD of new material. Let Jon have control on one of them and Neal control on the other. Then everybody is happy!

To their defense, it's difficult. They have this big fan base out there that want to see them live, go experience a night out with friends, and hear some fun, familiar songs that sound close enough to the originals. They have a very small group of people (comparatively) that want to see them create new stuff, even even smaller group that would actual buy it if they did, and still smaller that are interested if it does not involve Perry. And of course, an even smaller group will pay for it vs buying one song or downloading the thing wholesale for free.
Not sure what it costs to record a double CD at the level Journey's at, but I think it would be hard to make the case, financially. I'm so thrilled these days when I can get anything new out of anyone.
So then you look at the live show. Why go see anyone over and over to see virtually the same show. Some can get away with it. Because it's more about the artist than the songs. For me, a Perry-fronted Journey could be about the artist. They could sing the phone book and it would feel good. I know it's just my opinion, but with other singers it's about the songs and hearing something different - which right now they are not offering. It doesn't feel like art anymore. As an example, I used to go see Melissa Etheridge a lot. I honestly did not care what songs were done because she herself was providing enough. Same was true for Kenny Loggins, though I have not seen him in a while (too much for tickets these days). In any case, I just don't feel like Journey is currently offering that.
So they get the Chicago crowd. Long satisfied with seeing the same show year after year. Some their fault, some not. At the very least, after all the years of paying their dues and hearing shit from the critics, it is paying off in a way that must offer some sense of satisfaction.
As far as artistry - Neal should ditch Journey and he and Steve should do an album together. Damn the sales. Damn the big tours. But I have never been one to pass up a better paying job for satisfaction, so why should they?