So Tell Me How You Really Feel About IT!

[Greg]

Okay guys and gals,

I want your honest opinion. How does it make you feel to know that Steve Perry , and not the entire Journey band, was invited by the White Sox to the World Series, because they use JOURNEY's song 'Don't Stop Believing' as their "fight song?" It has to be eating Neal and Jon up!

I believe this, again, is a classic case of how the front man, or in this case - former frontman, is and will always be more appreciated than the band itself - despite who was there first. I mean, Steve Perry of all people - is still recognized and appreciated even though he's stayed out of the limelight for a few years.

I know this might not be a popular thing to say, considering how this always seems to start wars against ProPerry and AntiPerry people, but giving the fact that this little episode has given Perry free publicity, how many of us feel (and some of us might feel reluctantly) that Perry being in Journey would give Journey instant credibility? We all say how weak TBF was, yet it yielded Journey's first ever Grammy nominated song.

Even though we all know that there is loads of talent in Journey, and Augeri has been more than an adequate replacement of Perry, AND Journey has put out great music post-Perry, it's still a household name thing. If Perry walked back into Journey again - Journey gets radio airplay, even if the song is less than perfect.

I love Journey with or without Perry. I have been more than satisfied with Arrival, Red 13, and Generations...but I also still think Perry has one of the greatest voices in music. I think Perry doesn't know how to work beneath Schon - and probably same goes for Schon to Perry as well. But, seeing the thread about Perry getting this publicity at the baseball game - kind of makes me a little sad how underappreciated this band is without SP. Just my opinion. Not trying to start a war between those on either side. I'm a Journey fan AND a Steve Perry fan. Always will be.

[Rockindeano]

You HAVE to ask?

Whatever...

Hey, the guy needs SOME pub I guess..Can't get it by earning a living, so he is gravy training a 25 yr old song, which was not his song; it was written by two other men, and played with 4 others..and he is screwing over his bandmates yet again..

Ohh now I am fired up!

[ohsherrie]

Well, to me it just shows that Steve was right when he asked them not to use the Journey name. Journey will always be associated with Steve Perry no matter what they do. His vocal influence was just too strong for them to overcome. They would have been better off both for their music and the legalities of their Journey related business to choose another name.

[Greg]

Do you think he's doing this to be vindictive, or is he just merely taking advantage of an opporunity that fell into his lap? It's easy to assume a little bit of both, although I can't say for sure....but I would have loved to have been a fly on the wall when Neal heard about this.

[OpeningAct]

I wonder if they even KNEW Perry was no longer the lead singer when they asked him.

What's REALLY the funny thing is that SCHON is the ONE member of the band that can't be replaced....and not because he is the leader, because a replacement for Schon would NEVER be accepted by fans.

One other reason is that Perry IS the lead singer on the Escape version of DSB that is being played every night at the park....not Augeri.

And Maybe the White Sox are pissed at Journey for playing at the Cubs game earlier in the season....

[ohsherrie]

Greggie, I don't think Steve was taking advantage of anything. I think he was genuinly honored by this and responded because he felt moved to do so. He's obviously not seeking publicity because he could have set it up to be interviewed on screen during the game, and probably sung the song for the crowd (if he's contractually allowed), but all he did was show up in the locker room and "be there" for the guys. I can't see anything "underhanded" in this on Steve's part at all.

[Greg]

I'm wondering the samething. Heck, before you mentioned about Journey playing at the Cubs game, I'm surprised to think if they even knew Journey was still touring.

[Greg]

Greggie, I don't think Steve was taking advantage of anything. I think he was genuinly honored by this and responded because he felt moved to do so. He's obviously not seeking publicity because he could have set it up to be interviewed on screen during the game, and probably sung the song for the crowd (if he's contractually allowed), but all he did was show up in the locker room and "be there" for the guys. I can't see anything "underhanded" in this on Steve's part at all.

I personally believe Perry was just there to enjoy the game, but I can see where it could be assumed that he wanted to grab some publicity. At the sametime, I believe if that was the case, Perry could have as much publicity as he wants whenever he wants. He would have already had an album out by now, heck maybe two!

[ohsherrie]

What's REALLY the funny thing is that SCHON is the ONE member of the band that can't be replaced....and not because he is the leader, because a replacement for Schon would NEVER be accepted by fans.

Yeah, sure. That's why they asked him to play DSB at the game?

[OpeningAct]

What's REALLY the funny thing is that SCHON is the ONE member of the band that can't be replaced....and not because he is the leader, because a replacement for Schon would NEVER be accepted by fans.

Yeah, sure. That's why they asked him to play DSB at the game?

Ok...maybe not...

[ohsherrie]

Perry could have as much publicity as he wants whenever he wants. He would have already had an album out by now, heck maybe two!

Exactly, he's just enjoying his life and the honor of being asked to this game was just part of that enjoyment.

[JohnH]

Okay guys and gals,

I want your honest opinion. How does it make you feel to know that Steve Perry , and not the entire Journey band, was invited by the White Sox to the World Series, because they use JOURNEY's song 'Don't Stop Believing' as their "fight song?" It has to be eating Neal and Jon up!

I'm a Journey fan AND a Steve Perry fan. Always will be.

I agree with all your points and have the same feelings. But it does kind of bug me, some of the interviews I read from the Sox organization that say stuff like this was "Steve Perry's" song when it was a band effort. Now I could see if they said Fogerty's Proud Mary but this wasn't one guy wrote it all type of song.

John

[Rockindeano]

Well, to me it just shows that Steve was right when he asked them not to use the Journey name. Journey will always be associated with Steve Perry no matter what they do. His vocal influence was just too strong for them to overcome. They would have been better off both for their music and the legalities of their Journey related business to choose another name.

Sherrie, are you on crack?

No, no and no...I cant believe..nevermind I am taking a weeks hiatus..OMFG!



AS LONG AS THE WHINING PUSSY IS HAPPY, THAT'S ALL THAT MATTERS!

[jrnyman28]

I have NO problem with Perry receiving this attention. It is a given that the singer in the band is the representative for the band and the face of the music.

I do not think Perry is "taking advantage" of the situation. I think he truly is honored by the attention. I am sure he revels in the attention momentarily and I don't think he is saying to himself "that'll show Neal and Jon".

He is a baseball fan, this is the world series, a team adopted a song he helped create and asked him to come, he did. For me, that is all.

[Argus]

No problem here.. it's baseball.. Field of Dreams stuff.. Shoeless Joe asked for SP.. that's good enough for me.

[ohsherrie]

No problem here.. it's baseball.. Field of Dreams stuff.. Shoeless Joe asked for SP.. that's good enough for me.

Me too. I was ready to love this "Field of Dreams" series anyway. The Perry thing was just icing on the cake. I'm surprised Costner hasn't made an appearance.




Good Grief Dean, don't have a hemorrhage.

[Eric]

I would have liked if they were all there....

I don't think Perry deserves any criticism (except choice of outfit - HOOH) because he didn't ask to asked AND he did mention the name Journey and specifically Cain..

[NealIsGod]

It would have been nice if the Sox would have contacted the BAND about it, not the band's former singer. And it would have been nice if Perry would have told them that he didn't feel comfortable representing the band when he is not in the band anymore. But we don't know the details. Maybe the band WAS contacted, or maybe they gave Perry their blessing to enjoy the attention since they are busy touring right now. All in all, it's good pub for Perry and the band, so I guess no one is harmed.

[mnmsjrny]

Well, I'm with Dave on this one overall... It's nice Perry's receiving the attention and the general publicity this is giving to Journey is cool. It's a moment in time that will be forgotten by most everyone by Christmas.

As for the REST of your post Greggie... *shew* Basically, you're right. IF Perry were still in the band and IF the band was still recording and performing as they have been the past 7+ years then, yes, there would likely be more airplay and general recognition. Of course, that is one GIGANTIC if since it is fairly apparent that Perry has walked away from the limelight. The lead singer is almost always the focal point of a band, and when there's a change it causes a disruption. Sometimes it works out phenomeonally well (see AC/DC, Van Halen/Hagar, Genesis) Sometimes it's a phenomeonal flop (see Doors, Van Halen/Cherone) And a lot of it has to do with the who, how, and when of it all. IF Perry had been replaced in 86 and IF Journey had continued success it's possible that Journey would have been called to come to the World Series rather than Perry.

Fortunately, for most of us anyway, we have what was and what is to enjoy with what will be.

[heardonthestreet]

Yeah, exactly what Dave said.

[Greg]

Well, I'm with Dave on this one overall... It's nice Perry's receiving the attention and the general publicity this is giving to Journey is cool. It's a moment in time that will be forgotten by most everyone by Christmas.

As for the REST of your post Greggie... *shew* Basically, you're right. IF Perry were still in the band and IF the band was still recording and performing as they have been the past 7+ years then, yes, there would likely be more airplay and general recognition. Of course, that is one GIGANTIC if since it is fairly apparent that Perry has walked away from the limelight. The lead singer is almost always the focal point of a band, and when there's a change it causes a disruption. Sometimes it works out phenomeonally well (see AC/DC, Van Halen/Hagar, Genesis) Sometimes it's a phenomeonal flop (see Doors, Van Halen/Cherone) And a lot of it has to do with the who, how, and when of it all. IF Perry had been replaced in 86 and IF Journey had continued success it's possible that Journey would have been called to come to the World Series rather than Perry.

Fortunately, for most of us anyway, we have what was and what is to enjoy with what will be.

I believe nowadays, it's tougher for a band to get recognition if they're not a manufactured band from the record label in the first place. Have that coupled with switching lead singers - in the height of popularity - it's tough for a band to continue success. There are few bands that actually have great success at it - Van Halen, Survivor, and Bad Company had some comerical success. But, yes, these switches were made in the '80s, when this music was at the height of popularity.

However, look at bands like Creed for instance. Extremely popular modern day band. When Stapp left the band, they reformed as Alter Bridge, but haven't had the success that Creed had with Stapp. Certainly they have had some commerical success with a couple songs, but it's not been nearly the success that the band has enjoyed previously. Of course, what AlterBridge has on their side is youth and plenty of time to reinvent themselves, but that is what they are having to do (by touring in smaller venues.)

I bet you good money that if Scott Stapp came back to Creed - Creed would find themselves at the top of the charts once more. I'm saying all that to prove the point that it's not so much that a band is an 80's melodic rock band as much as record companies and the like place more emphasis on the lead vocalist as being the "identity" of the band. Record labels are suckers for bands having the orginal frontman (or woman) at the helm. I mean, could you think of Aerosmith without Steven Tyler? With these classic rock acts not sticking together - it forces the band to lose credibility in the eyes of the record companies, and I think we're also seeing this with modern day bands as well. Could you imagine Matchbox 20 without Rob Thomas?

[sngrchk04]

I'm saying all that to prove the point that it's not so much that a band is an 80's melodic rock band as much as record companies and the like place more emphasis on the lead vocalist as being the "identity" of the band. Record labels are suckers for bands having the orginal frontman (or woman) at the helm.

Greggie, ya beat me to it

I was going to say EXACTLY the same thing!!

Unfortunately, it IS the lead-singer that people connect to the most....yes, perhaps more than one person collaborated/wrote/arranged the words and music....but when you get down to it....to have a supremely talented frontman (who IMO revolutionized the male singer's approach to rock performance, vocally) giving you words of hope: "Don't Stop Believin'" .....it's pretty much a "done deal" as to whom one will "gravitate" to.

Just my perspective as a fellow musician

[Clasicrockldy]

You HAVE to ask?

Whatever...

Hey, the guy needs SOME pub I guess..Can't get it by earning a living, so he is gravy training a 25 yr old song, which was not his song; it was written by two other men, and played with 4 others..and he is screwing over his bandmates yet again..

Ohh now I am fired up!

Hey Deano..........

You should get your facts straight.......or at least say it in the correct way........ DSB was written by Steve Perry, Neal Schon and Jon Cain........ in that order........ so it is partly Steve's song..........I think you need to read up on your Journey facts.............

[jrnyman28]

Yeah, exactly what Dave said.

What was that?

[jrnyman28]

Hey Deano..........

You should get your facts straight.......or at least say it in the correct way........ DSB was written by Steve Perry, Neal Schon and Jon Cain........ in that order........ so it is partly Steve's song..........I think you need to read up on your Journey facts.............

Perry was listed first on every Journey song he helped with. It has nothing to do with the amount of work he is being credited with.

[Clasicrockldy]

Hey Deano..........

You should get your facts straight.......or at least say it in the correct way........ DSB was written by Steve Perry, Neal Schon and Jon Cain........ in that order........ so it is partly Steve's song..........I think you need to read up on your Journey facts.............

Perry was listed first on every Journey song he helped with. It has nothing to do with the amount of work he is being credited with.

So you are saying that Steve Perry only "helped" on the songs??.... Give me a break............then Neal and Jon only "helped" on the songs as well....... show me where Neal or Jon did most of the writing....... if you can point that out to me.....In print .... then maybe I might be swayed........ but I don't think so.............. I believe each one brought something to the table......... in which all these songs were created........ so all writers should be credited with 1/3 ownership..............

[The_Noble_Cause]

Hey Deano..........

You should get your facts straight.......or at least say it in the correct way........ DSB was written by Steve Perry, Neal Schon and Jon Cain........ in that order........ so it is partly Steve's song..........I think you need to read up on your Journey facts.............

Perry was listed first on every Journey song he helped with. It has nothing to do with the amount of work he is being credited with.

So you are saying that Steve Perry only "helped" on the songs??.... Give me a break............then Neal and Jon only "helped" on the songs as well....... show me where Neal or Jon did most of the writing....... if you can point that out to me.....In print .... then maybe I might be swayed........ but I don't think so.............. I believe each one brought something to the table......... in which all these songs were created........ so all writers should be credited with 1/3 ownership..............

It's been long rumored in the Journey fan community that Perry demands his name shows up first. One incident that is frequently cited is how one of Perry's cowriters for Street Talk basicaly wrote that entire song, "Foolish Heart",...and became incensed over how Perry took credit for that song.

There's more.
Perhaps the sagacious Monker can chime in here.

[Clasicrockldy]

Hey Deano..........

You should get your facts straight.......or at least say it in the correct way........ DSB was written by Steve Perry, Neal Schon and Jon Cain........ in that order........ so it is partly Steve's song..........I think you need to read up on your Journey facts.............

Perry was listed first on every Journey song he helped with. It has nothing to do with the amount of work he is being credited with.

So you are saying that Steve Perry only "helped" on the songs??.... Give me a break............then Neal and Jon only "helped" on the songs as well....... show me where Neal or Jon did most of the writing....... if you can point that out to me.....In print .... then maybe I might be swayed........ but I don't think so.............. I believe each one brought something to the table......... in which all these songs were created........ so all writers should be credited with 1/3 ownership..............

It's been long rumored in the Journey fan community that Perry demands his name shows up first. One incident that is frequently cited is how one of Perry's cowriters for Street Talk basicaly wrote that entire song, "Foolish Heart",...and became incensed over how Perry took credit for that song.

There's more.
Perhaps the sagacious Monker can chime in here.

NC.......

I would like to see something in print.......... not just rumors....... if it is in print......... then maybe I would consider changing my mind.......... but until I see it.............. in print............. then I will go with Steve, Neal, and Jon each brought something to the table in a collaborative endevor...... not just one or two doing the whole thing...........

[The_Noble_Cause]

Hey Deano..........

You should get your facts straight.......or at least say it in the correct way........ DSB was written by Steve Perry, Neal Schon and Jon Cain........ in that order........ so it is partly Steve's song..........I think you need to read up on your Journey facts.............

Perry was listed first on every Journey song he helped with. It has nothing to do with the amount of work he is being credited with.

So you are saying that Steve Perry only "helped" on the songs??.... Give me a break............then Neal and Jon only "helped" on the songs as well....... show me where Neal or Jon did most of the writing....... if you can point that out to me.....In print .... then maybe I might be swayed........ but I don't think so.............. I believe each one brought something to the table......... in which all these songs were created........ so all writers should be credited with 1/3 ownership..............

It's been long rumored in the Journey fan community that Perry demands his name shows up first. One incident that is frequently cited is how one of Perry's cowriters for Street Talk basicaly wrote that entire song, "Foolish Heart",...and became incensed over how Perry took credit for that song.

There's more.
Perhaps the sagacious Monker can chime in here.

NC.......

I would like to see something in print.......... not just rumors....... if it is in print......... then maybe I would consider changing my mind.......... but until I see it.............. in print............. then I will go with Steve, Neal, and Jon each brought something to the table in a collaborative endevor...... not just one or two doing the whole thing...........

It's not our job to change your mind.
The facts about Perry's unsavory character have been documented and chronicled time and time again.
If you are determined to remain blissfully oblivious, that is just fine by me.

[Clasicrockldy]

NC.......

So where are these documented and chronicled facts??....... All I am asking anyone to do is show me where they are........... and let me read for myself......... I am not being deterimined to be "blissfully unaware" as you so put it.......... so I say........... put your money where your mouth is and show me where these well documented and chronicled facts in print..( and not just rumors )...from a reliable source.... .... and then I will decide for myself......... ( I would like to see you produce something in print...... but I don't think you will........ )