Pre recorded keyboards!!!

[G.I.Jim]

I know I'm gonna stir something up with this, but I just have to get this out to you guys(and gals)! I went with Jeremey to the Charlotte show last week, and came away extremely disappointed. I have known that Jonathon has sequenced extra keyboard parts in the songs for years. Sometimes this is necessary on songs like "Who's Cryin now" because there are string parts recorded that are impossible to play while playing the piano parts. I'm fine with that as I've played keyboards my whole life and realize that it's necessary to add components to a song that compliment your performance. What I do have a problem with is when Jonathon came down center stage and played guitar on "Chain Reaction"! The keyboards were completely pre-recorded, and Jonathon played guitar!!! Why would one of the greatest keyboardists of all time(and one of my greatest idols) play guitar on a keyboard song??? He's never played guitars on that song the other 4 times I've seen them live, and it's not like Neal needed the help! I don't know if anyone else has brought this up, but this really pissed me off! Let me know your thoughts on this.

[conversationpc]

What I do have a problem with is when Jonathon came down center stage and played guitar on "Chain Reaction"! The keyboards were completely pre-recorded, and Jonathon played guitar!!! Why would one of the greatest keyboardists of all time(and one of my greatest idols) play guitar on a keyboard song??? He's never played guitars on that song the other 4 times I've seen them live, and it's not like Neal needed the help! I don't know if anyone else has brought this up, but this really pissed me off! Let me know your thoughts on this.

Perhaps the guys in the band thought they needed the extra live guitar to fatten up the sound a bit? That would be my take. "Chain Reaction" is a hard rockin' tune and I think it would work better with two rhythm guitars chugging along at the same time. In fact, I think it'd sound pretty cool to dump the keyboard parts in that song altogether.

[EightyRock]

Don't have an answer for ya there, bud. Looks like they've got that pre-recorded thing down to a science, though!

[G.I.Jim]

What I do have a problem with is when Jonathon came down center stage and played guitar on "Chain Reaction"! The keyboards were completely pre-recorded, and Jonathon played guitar!!! Why would one of the greatest keyboardists of all time(and one of my greatest idols) play guitar on a keyboard song??? He's never played guitars on that song the other 4 times I've seen them live, and it's not like Neal needed the help! I don't know if anyone else has brought this up, but this really pissed me off! Let me know your thoughts on this.

Perhaps the guys in the band thought they needed the extra live guitar to fatten up the sound a bit? That would be my take. "Chain Reaction" is a hard rockin' tune and I think it would work better with two rhythm guitars chugging along at the same time. In fact, I think it'd sound pretty cool to dump the keyboard parts in that song altogether.

I think leaving out the keyboard parts on this song is like leaving keyboards out of Separate ways! It's one of the driving sounds in the song!!!

[Abitaman]

I know I'm gonna stir something up with this, but I just have to get this out to you guys(and gals)! I went with Jeremey to the Charlotte show last week, and came away extremely disappointed. I have known that Jonathon has sequenced extra keyboard parts in the songs for years. Sometimes this is necessary on songs like "Who's Cryin now" because there are string parts recorded that are impossible to play while playing the piano parts. I'm fine with that as I've played keyboards my whole life and realize that it's necessary to add components to a song that compliment your performance. What I do have a problem with is when Jonathon came down center stage and played guitar on "Chain Reaction"! The keyboards were completely pre-recorded, and Jonathon played guitar!!! Why would one of the greatest keyboardists of all time(and one of my greatest idols) play guitar on a keyboard song??? He's never played guitars on that song the other 4 times I've seen them live, and it's not like Neal needed the help! I don't know if anyone else has brought this up, but this really pissed me off! Let me know your thoughts on this.

Sound wise, in Nashville Chain Reaction was the best I have ever heard it. The extra axe worded. Easier to add the pre recorded keys than quitar-ERIC

[G.I.Jim]

I know I'm gonna stir something up with this, but I just have to get this out to you guys(and gals)! I went with Jeremey to the Charlotte show last week, and came away extremely disappointed. I have known that Jonathon has sequenced extra keyboard parts in the songs for years. Sometimes this is necessary on songs like "Who's Cryin now" because there are string parts recorded that are impossible to play while playing the piano parts. I'm fine with that as I've played keyboards my whole life and realize that it's necessary to add components to a song that compliment your performance. What I do have a problem with is when Jonathon came down center stage and played guitar on "Chain Reaction"! The keyboards were completely pre-recorded, and Jonathon played guitar!!! Why would one of the greatest keyboardists of all time(and one of my greatest idols) play guitar on a keyboard song??? He's never played guitars on that song the other 4 times I've seen them live, and it's not like Neal needed the help! I don't know if anyone else has brought this up, but this really pissed me off! Let me know your thoughts on this.

Sound wise, in Nashville Chain Reaction was the best I have ever heard it. The extra axe worded. Easier to add the pre recorded keys than quitar-ERIC

They could just prerecord the whole band, then play along and really fatten it up!!! My point is , where does the pre-recording stop and you just have a group of talented guys on stage playing what they play best??? They are all talented enough to play what they play best, and leave well enough alone!

[Blueskies]

When you go to see something played Live it should ALL be live

[Tarzanboy]

Jon has played guitar on that song every time I have seen them live going all the way back to 86...It's no bbig deal. I think maybe last tour Steve may have picked up that part...but it has happened in the past...no biggie

[A Fire Inside]

When you go to see something played Live it should ALL be live

YEAH! Jon, we want to see you play guitar and keyboards live. At the same time if you have to!

[G.I.Jim]

Jon has played guitar on that song every time I have seen them live going all the way back to 86...It's no bbig deal. I think maybe last tour Steve may have picked up that part...but it has happened in the past...no biggie

I guess my take on it is if I want to hear a pre-recording, I can do it from home and not pay $200.00 per ticket! People come to hear a talented band play their instruments, not to hear a cd.

[larryfromnextdoor]

I know I'm gonna stir something up with this, but I just have to get this out to you guys(and gals)! I went with Jeremey to the Charlotte show last week, and came away extremely disappointed. I have known that Jonathon has sequenced extra keyboard parts in the songs for years. Sometimes this is necessary on songs like "Who's Cryin now" because there are string parts recorded that are impossible to play while playing the piano parts. I'm fine with that as I've played keyboards my whole life and realize that it's necessary to add components to a song that compliment your performance. What I do have a problem with is when Jonathon came down center stage and played guitar on "Chain Reaction"! The keyboards were completely pre-recorded, and Jonathon played guitar!!! Why would one of the greatest keyboardists of all time(and one of my greatest idols) play guitar on a keyboard song??? He's never played guitars on that song the other 4 times I've seen them live, and it's not like Neal needed the help! I don't know if anyone else has brought this up, but this really pissed me off! Let me know your thoughts on this.

nothing surprises me now,, but,, u went with jeremey???!! whats up with that,, do u play in the band?? what have i missed?

[AJ]

This has been going on since '98...if not before! I've see them do "Chain Reaction" a few times and Jon has played guitar every time. He also plays acoustic on "Only the Young" and there's obvious keyboards being played. I don't see this as a big deal. At least he was playing something. Journey has always used layers of keys and guitars in the studio and must either record some of it live or hire other musicians. Hell, watch the Houston '81 DVD and you'll notice someone off to the bottom left of the stage playing an acoustic guitar during "Who's Cryin' Now."

I also remember seeing them in Chicago a couple years ago. Steve was having problems with his in-ear monitors during "Separate Ways." He came in too soon on the second verse and I heard some keyboard parts that should've been there had he come in at the right time. I doubt it would've been played by Jon since Steve started singing. But as I said, it was something that would've been difficult to play because he was playing a different part himself. Not a big deal really! Not like totally faking singing!!

[G.I.Jim]

I know I'm gonna stir something up with this, but I just have to get this out to you guys(and gals)! I went with Jeremey to the Charlotte show last week, and came away extremely disappointed. I have known that Jonathon has sequenced extra keyboard parts in the songs for years. Sometimes this is necessary on songs like "Who's Cryin now" because there are string parts recorded that are impossible to play while playing the piano parts. I'm fine with that as I've played keyboards my whole life and realize that it's necessary to add components to a song that compliment your performance. What I do have a problem with is when Jonathon came down center stage and played guitar on "Chain Reaction"! The keyboards were completely pre-recorded, and Jonathon played guitar!!! Why would one of the greatest keyboardists of all time(and one of my greatest idols) play guitar on a keyboard song??? He's never played guitars on that song the other 4 times I've seen them live, and it's not like Neal needed the help! I don't know if anyone else has brought this up, but this really pissed me off! Let me know your thoughts on this.

nothing surprises me now,, but,, u went with jeremey???!! whats up with that,, do u play in the band?? what have i missed?

Yeah, I'm the 2nd keyboardist with Frontiers. I replaced Jonathon, who decided to go on to other things. Last weekend was my 3rd show with the guys. I'm from South Carolina, so I'm covering some of the southern shows. I've had a great time with the band, and am looking forward to my next show with them Aug 12th. It's down past Atlanta at a wild wings, and should be a great time. My 1st show with them was in Charlotte a while back in a club called Amos's Southend. Great club, and can't wait to get back there!.

[Tarzanboy]

Jon has played guitar on that song every time I have seen them live going all the way back to 86...It's no bbig deal. I think maybe last tour Steve may have picked up that part...but it has happened in the past...no biggie

I guess my take on it is if I want to hear a pre-recording, I can do it from home and not pay $200.00 per ticket! People come to hear a talented band play their instruments, not to hear a cd.

ok well then be happy...you saw Jon do something he doesnt do on the record...play a different instrument...Thats gotta be worth somethin...I wanna see stuff I cant hear at home when I go to9 a show...Just My pithy opine , however

[Clasicrockldy]

I guess my take on it is if I want to hear a pre-recording, I can do it from home and not pay $200.00 per ticket! People come to hear a talented band play their instruments, not to hear a cd.

$200.00 per ticket? Dang, I still wish for the days when you could pay 25 bucks for a good seat !

[G.I.Jim]

I guess my take on it is if I want to hear a pre-recording, I can do it from home and not pay $200.00 per ticket! People come to hear a talented band play their instruments, not to hear a cd.

$200.00 per ticket? Dang, I still wish for the days when you could pay 25 bucks for a good seat !

Yeah no kidding!!! Those days went away, and were replaced with Ebay. I always buy my tickets on there, because you can get some great seat. You just have to martgage your house to get them!

[fred_journeyman]

Years ago, I went to see Kansas. At the end of the concert, just before they left the stage WHILE playing a song, they all put down their instruments and walked off stage. The song kept playing without missing a beat or volume change. Who knows how long they were karoakying the song. Probably the sound guy just turned up the volume on the taped song and lowered the volume on the guys at the same time just prior to them walking off stage, who knows?

At any rate, I think we'd all be surprised how often things are dubbed and overdubbed in concert. Gone are the days when things were really played "live."

[G.I.Jim]

Years ago, I went to see Kansas. At the end of the concert, just before they left the stage WHILE playing a song, they all put down their instruments and walked off stage. The song kept playing without missing a beat or volume change. Who knows how long they were karoakying the song. Probably the sound guy just turned up the volume on the taped song and lowered the volume on the guys at the same time just prior to them walking off stage, who knows?

At any rate, I think we'd all be surprised how often things are dubbed and overdubbed in concert. Gone are the days when things were really played "live."

I agree, and this isn't to say that I don't still love Journey, but I can guarantee that you won't hear any pre-recorded vocals or Keys at a Frontiers show. Please don't misunderstand me and think that I'm saying anything about us being better! I'm just saying that everything's live. I have always been a huge fan of their music, and just think Journey fans should be able to hear good, live Journey music. That's all I'm sayin!

[larryfromnextdoor]

I know I'm gonna stir something up with this, but I just have to get this out to you guys(and gals)! I went with Jeremey to the Charlotte show last week, and came away extremely disappointed. I have known that Jonathon has sequenced extra keyboard parts in the songs for years. Sometimes this is necessary on songs like "Who's Cryin now" because there are string parts recorded that are impossible to play while playing the piano parts. I'm fine with that as I've played keyboards my whole life and realize that it's necessary to add components to a song that compliment your performance. What I do have a problem with is when Jonathon came down center stage and played guitar on "Chain Reaction"! The keyboards were completely pre-recorded, and Jonathon played guitar!!! Why would one of the greatest keyboardists of all time(and one of my greatest idols) play guitar on a keyboard song??? He's never played guitars on that song the other 4 times I've seen them live, and it's not like Neal needed the help! I don't know if anyone else has brought this up, but this really pissed me off! Let me know your thoughts on this.

nothing surprises me now,, but,, u went with jeremey???!! whats up with that,, do u play in the band?? what have i missed?

Yeah, I'm the 2nd keyboardist with Frontiers. I replaced Jonathon, who decided to go on to other things. Last weekend was my 3rd show with the guys. I'm from South Carolina, so I'm covering some of the southern shows. I've had a great time with the band, and am looking forward to my next show with them Aug 12th. It's down past Atlanta at a wild wings, and should be a great time. My 1st show with them was in Charlotte a while back in a club called Amos's Southend. Great club, and can't wait to get back there!.

wow,, heck yea, man ,, ur in "the" band,, 2 keyboards? jeremey and i are sorta celebtities on the board,, well ,,...... hes a great vocalists,, and i know alot about the 3 stooges,,, ,, actually i play guitar in a few bands in texas, but peopel mainly know me for,, well ,, ive seen a lot of the 3 stooges shorts,,,, and i know moon beam,, truthfully ,, my respects to u if you are in frontiers,, that band is amazing,,

[G.I.Jim]

I know I'm gonna stir something up with this, but I just have to get this out to you guys(and gals)! I went with Jeremey to the Charlotte show last week, and came away extremely disappointed. I have known that Jonathon has sequenced extra keyboard parts in the songs for years. Sometimes this is necessary on songs like "Who's Cryin now" because there are string parts recorded that are impossible to play while playing the piano parts. I'm fine with that as I've played keyboards my whole life and realize that it's necessary to add components to a song that compliment your performance. What I do have a problem with is when Jonathon came down center stage and played guitar on "Chain Reaction"! The keyboards were completely pre-recorded, and Jonathon played guitar!!! Why would one of the greatest keyboardists of all time(and one of my greatest idols) play guitar on a keyboard song??? He's never played guitars on that song the other 4 times I've seen them live, and it's not like Neal needed the help! I don't know if anyone else has brought this up, but this really pissed me off! Let me know your thoughts on this.

nothing surprises me now,, but,, u went with jeremey???!! whats up with that,, do u play in the band?? what have i missed?

Yeah, I'm the 2nd keyboardist with Frontiers. I replaced Jonathon, who decided to go on to other things. Last weekend was my 3rd show with the guys. I'm from South Carolina, so I'm covering some of the southern shows. I've had a great time with the band, and am looking forward to my next show with them Aug 12th. It's down past Atlanta at a wild wings, and should be a great time. My 1st show with them was in Charlotte a while back in a club called Amos's Southend. Great club, and can't wait to get back there!.

wow,, heck yea, man ,, ur in "the" band,, 2 keyboards? jeremey and i are sorta celebtities on the board,, well ,,...... hes a great vocalists,, and i know alot about the 3 stooges,,, ,, actually i play guitar in a few bands in texas, but peopel mainly know me for,, well ,, ive seen a lot of the 3 stooges shorts,,,, and i know moon beam,, truthfully ,, my respects to u if you are in frontiers,, that band is amazing,,

Thank you, but I think you misunderstand. Chad and I don't both play the same gigs. He's the main keyboardist. I just cover some of the gigs further from Virginia. And I don't know anything about the 3 stooges.....but I did party at a holiday Inn express!

[larryfromnextdoor]

I know I'm gonna stir something up with this, but I just have to get this out to you guys(and gals)! I went with Jeremey to the Charlotte show last week, and came away extremely disappointed. I have known that Jonathon has sequenced extra keyboard parts in the songs for years. Sometimes this is necessary on songs like "Who's Cryin now" because there are string parts recorded that are impossible to play while playing the piano parts. I'm fine with that as I've played keyboards my whole life and realize that it's necessary to add components to a song that compliment your performance. What I do have a problem with is when Jonathon came down center stage and played guitar on "Chain Reaction"! The keyboards were completely pre-recorded, and Jonathon played guitar!!! Why would one of the greatest keyboardists of all time(and one of my greatest idols) play guitar on a keyboard song??? He's never played guitars on that song the other 4 times I've seen them live, and it's not like Neal needed the help! I don't know if anyone else has brought this up, but this really pissed me off! Let me know your thoughts on this.

nothing surprises me now,, but,, u went with jeremey???!! whats up with that,, do u play in the band?? what have i missed?

Yeah, I'm the 2nd keyboardist with Frontiers. I replaced Jonathon, who decided to go on to other things. Last weekend was my 3rd show with the guys. I'm from South Carolina, so I'm covering some of the southern shows. I've had a great time with the band, and am looking forward to my next show with them Aug 12th. It's down past Atlanta at a wild wings, and should be a great time. My 1st show with them was in Charlotte a while back in a club called Amos's Southend. Great club, and can't wait to get back there!.

wow,, heck yea, man ,, ur in "the" band,, 2 keyboards? jeremey and i are sorta celebtities on the board,, well ,,...... hes a great vocalists,, and i know alot about the 3 stooges,,, ,, actually i play guitar in a few bands in texas, but peopel mainly know me for,, well ,, ive seen a lot of the 3 stooges shorts,,,, and i know moon beam,, truthfully ,, my respects to u if you are in frontiers,, that band is amazing,,

Thank you, but I think you misunderstand. Chad and I don't both play the same gigs. He's the main keyboardist. I just cover some of the gigs further from Virginia. And I don't know anything about the 3 stooges.....but I did party at a holiday Inn express!

groovy to have met u ,, that gig must rock!!!

[jestor92]

I'm guessing that the reason you hear is because Augeri had been playing rhythem guitar with the guys and singing a little bit, but now that he's gone, JSS plays bass I believe and can't play rhythem so Jonathan programs the keyboard parts in and plays rhythem.

It's not like it's not been done before by Journey or any other touring band. Hell Van Halen's been doing that for awhile. Well at least when they used to tour.

[JrnySuxBalls]

Augeri had been playing rhythem guitar with the guys and singing a little bit

LOL

[jrnyjetster]

I also noticed the last few times I've seen Where Were You performed, Jon wasn't at the keyboards....I tried to listen for any pre-recorded keyboard parts, but I didn't hear it in the mix. To me, the keyboards are a major element of that song. Can't figure out why Jon decided to pick up a guitar instead.

[jrnysc]

I'm guessing that the reason you hear is because Augeri had been playing rhythem guitar with the guys and singing a little bit, but now that he's gone, JSS plays bass I believe and can't play rhythem so Jonathan programs the keyboard parts in and plays rhythem.

It's not like it's not been done before by Journey or any other touring band. Hell Van Halen's been doing that for awhile. Well at least when they used to tour.

JSS did not pick up any instrument in Charlotte. I look at it this way. Journey has always been one of the best sounding live bands I have EVER witnessed. I have come to expect that, and still do. That is what I pay my money for. I realize everyone has their reasons, but those are mine.

[G.I.Jim]

I'm guessing that the reason you hear is because Augeri had been playing rhythem guitar with the guys and singing a little bit, but now that he's gone, JSS plays bass I believe and can't play rhythem so Jonathan programs the keyboard parts in and plays rhythem.

It's not like it's not been done before by Journey or any other touring band. Hell Van Halen's been doing that for awhile. Well at least when they used to tour.

JSS did not pick up any instrument in Charlotte. I look at it this way. Journey has always been one of the best sounding live bands I have EVER witnessed. I have come to expect that, and still do. That is what I pay my money for. I realize everyone has their reasons, but those are mine.

Hey, I just noticed you're in Columbia. I'm from Columbia too! That's cool. You need to check out Frontiers since you're so close.

[jrnysc]

I'm guessing that the reason you hear is because Augeri had been playing rhythem guitar with the guys and singing a little bit, but now that he's gone, JSS plays bass I believe and can't play rhythem so Jonathan programs the keyboard parts in and plays rhythem.

It's not like it's not been done before by Journey or any other touring band. Hell Van Halen's been doing that for awhile. Well at least when they used to tour.

JSS did not pick up any instrument in Charlotte. I look at it this way. Journey has always been one of the best sounding live bands I have EVER witnessed. I have come to expect that, and still do. That is what I pay my money for. I realize everyone has their reasons, but those are mine.

Hey, I just noticed you're in Columbia. I'm from Columbia too! That's cool. You need to check out Frontiers since you're so close.

Yes sir, downtown. I would love to catch Frontiers sometime!!

[chad]

I know I'm gonna stir something up with this, but I just have to get this out to you guys(and gals)! I went with Jeremey to the Charlotte show last week, and came away extremely disappointed. I have known that Jonathon has sequenced extra keyboard parts in the songs for years. Sometimes this is necessary on songs like "Who's Cryin now" because there are string parts recorded that are impossible to play while playing the piano parts. I'm fine with that as I've played keyboards my whole life and realize that it's necessary to add components to a song that compliment your performance. What I do have a problem with is when Jonathon came down center stage and played guitar on "Chain Reaction"! The keyboards were completely pre-recorded, and Jonathon played guitar!!! Why would one of the greatest keyboardists of all time(and one of my greatest idols) play guitar on a keyboard song??? He's never played guitars on that song the other 4 times I've seen them live, and it's not like Neal needed the help! I don't know if anyone else has brought this up, but this really pissed me off! Let me know your thoughts on this.

Because during the Neal's solo, the song would sound extremely empty if there wasn't a rhythm guitar part. But, this song also has very heavy keyboard parts

[styxfanNH]

I think everyone would be surprised to see how much keyboard/synth/strings/horns, etc. was sequenced into every song by any group. It's not like these bands are jam bands and the music actually changes from night to night. They are pretty well timed to what happens when within the song and set. It's not like some of the songs aren't being played live, but the reality is it allows groups to give the audience a version of the song that sounds pretty damn close to what they hear on cd's. (hence the multitrack or doubling of tracks)

For many of the bands they are becomming quite programmed themselves when they can play a 90 minute set and have it end within a few seconds of when they are supposed to end. The spontanaety of live music is past for our bands, and that is just the way it is. For the most part, what we see happening in stage is happening with support from technology in areas where the band believes it is appropriate. Not that I ever would condone playing a tape throughout the whole show, but we are bound to hear "tapelike" portions in any show - especially in the area of keyboards and anything else that can be controlled by a computer.

[rdekker]

'Send him home, replace him, maybe Gregg Rolie needs a job... lipsyncing keyboards... how low can you go