The audition process

[cscott]

Okay - now it's official - Arnel's in. Which I don't think is a bad thing - quite the contrary, from what I've been able to glean for the youtube videos, he is an amazing vocalist and has more than ample vocal ability to fill the spot. Here's what I don't get though. According to most accounts, only 2 people were even auditioned for the spot, Jeremey and Arnel. Only 2? Who the hell hires someone for just about any position without looking at more than 2 prospects let alone for such an important gig? Especially given that fact that one can't swing a dead cat in L.A. without hitting half a dozen great singers. I know it takes an exceptional singer to fill the spot, but there are a hell of alot more than 2 people on the face of the planet that could do the job. Why didn't they hold a much bigger open audition process and really check out what their choices are? I can guarantee you that there are dozens of guys in either Southern California, San Francisco or Sacramento that are probably working at Guitar Center, gigging locally, and have unreal and yet undiscovered pipes that could have done the job as well as Arnel. Which again, is not a crticism of Arnel - he is quite incredible. I guess I don't understand why they didn't broaden thier possibilities and for that matter, look in their own back yard to see what they could come up with.

[Saint John]

I don't buy for ONE fucking second that Neal Schon found Arnel on youtube. I find it highly suspicious that Irving Azoff used to head MCA and that is the very same label Arnel was signed to before Journey bought out the remainder of his contract. They've had Arnel on their radar for quite some time and used the youtube story to be as hurtful as possible toward Jeff. Why they choose to act this way is neither known nor any of my business.

[NealIsGod]

one can't swing a dead cat in L.A. without hitting half a dozen great singers.

Don't give AR any ideas.

[Behshad]

There are some evidence out there that Neal DID actually find Arnel on youtube.I find it hard to belive that its a legit evidence

[Jeremey]

there really wasn't an audition process, per se. some within the band were not happy with the new direction they were heading in with new material with jeff. jonathan's daughter madison saw me performing on youtube. she showed jonathan, he tried selling management and schon on me without any luck. i was called and told that jc wanted to "explore all their options" before making a full commitment to a new direction with jeff and that he wouldn't be comfortable moving forward if he didn't at least have the chance to see me. he convinced schon to fly to charlotte later that week, and schon was sold as well.

over the next few weeks, they nailed down a date to bring me to california to perform for management and see what they thought. in the interim time, jeff was terminated. at that point, my conversations with neal and jc turned to "what are you going to do now, what if this doesn't work out?" i was told not to worry about it, management would go along with them and the band (neal and jon) would be strong enough to support the band writing new material, etc.

so i went out there, they offered me the job, and without getting into details, apparently i didn't mesh with schon's personality. next thing i knew, there was no deal, and schon was scouring MR where he saw arnel mentioned. they flew him in from the phillipines and he knocked everyone dead, apparently with less baggage than i would have brought to the table. so he's the new singer.

there, hope that clears things up!

[wildone]

As a cat lover I find this thread offensive ! Cats rule and dogs are stupid and poop everywhere !

Come on...dogs earn there keep!!!Cats.. well are just cats...

[Behshad]

there really wasn't an audition process, per se. some within the band were not happy with the new direction they were heading in with new material with jeff. jonathan's daughter madison saw me performing on youtube. she showed jonathan, he tried selling management and schon on me without any luck. i was called and told that jc wanted to "explore all their options" before making a full commitment to a new direction with jeff and that he wouldn't be comfortable moving forward if he didn't at least have the chance to see me. he convinced schon to fly to charlotte later that week, and schon was sold as well.

over the next few weeks, they nailed down a date to bring me to california to perform for management and see what they thought. in the interim time, jeff was terminated. at that point, my conversations with neal and jc turned to "what are you going to do now, what if this doesn't work out?" i was told not to worry about it, management would go along with them and the band (neal and jon) would be strong enough to support the band writing new material, etc.

so i went out there, they offered me the job, and without getting into details, apparently i didn't mesh with schon's personality. next thing i knew, there was no deal, and schon was scouring MR where he saw arnel mentioned. they flew him in from the phillipines and he knocked everyone dead, apparently with less baggage than i would have brought to the table. so he's the new singer.

there, hope that clears things up!

I only respond because you decided to bring this up again. Like it or not, as long as you keep bringing up the same old story, I will step in! (Whatever happend to that early new years resolution???).....
If we go by the time frame youre describing above..... Jeff was terminated end of May, and he found out begining of June.
And if they flew you over few weeks after the 1st approach, this means (going back few weeks from when they flew you in) that you did indeed have an idea at the May 11th party at Dave's house, when you jammed with Jeff.

[wildone]

there really wasn't an audition process, per se. some within the band were not happy with the new direction they were heading in with new material with jeff. jonathan's daughter madison saw me performing on youtube. she showed jonathan, he tried selling management and schon on me without any luck. i was called and told that jc wanted to "explore all their options" before making a full commitment to a new direction with jeff and that he wouldn't be comfortable moving forward if he didn't at least have the chance to see me. he convinced schon to fly to charlotte later that week, and schon was sold as well.

over the next few weeks, they nailed down a date to bring me to california to perform for management and see what they thought. in the interim time, jeff was terminated. at that point, my conversations with neal and jc turned to "what are you going to do now, what if this doesn't work out?" i was told not to worry about it, management would go along with them and the band (neal and jon) would be strong enough to support the band writing new material, etc.

so i went out there, they offered me the job, and without getting into details, apparently i didn't mesh with schon's personality. next thing i knew, there was no deal, and schon was scouring MR where he saw arnel mentioned. they flew him in from the phillipines and he knocked everyone dead, apparently with less baggage than i would have brought to the table. so he's the new singer.

there, hope that clears things up!

I only respond because you decided to bring this up again. Like it or not, as long as you keep bringing up the same old story, I will step in! (Whatever happend to that early new years resolution???).....
If we go by the time frame youre describing above..... Jeff was terminated end of May, and he found out begining of June.
And if they flew you over few weeks after the 1st approach, this means (going back few weeks from when they flew you in) that you did indeed have an idea at the May 11th party at Dave's house, when you jammed with Jeff.

Da mn wheres's my popcorn this ought to be good!!

[Behshad]

Da mn wheres's my popcorn this ought to be good!!

Here you go , bud

[wildone]

Da mn wheres's my popcorn this ought to be good!!

Here you go , bud

wow way to much greese for me!!!and come on I'm 6'3 275 I need a bigger box then that!!!

[Little Lenny]

As a cat lover I find this thread offensive ! Cats rule and dogs are stupid and poop everywhere !

I've always had dogs so I disagree, although I have had cats too

[larryfromnextdoor]

and schon was scouring MR where he saw arnel mentioned.

was it john fyre that first brought him up ? i remember vaugely...

[dcvader]

and schon was scouring MR where he saw arnel mentioned.

was it john fyre that first brought him up ? i remember vaugely...

Fyre gets all the backstage passes he wants now.

[mistiejourney]

I don't buy for ONE fucking second that Neal Schon found Arnel on youtube. I find it highly suspicious that Irving Azoff used to head MCA and that is the very same label Arnel was signed to before Journey bought out the remainder of his contract. They've had Arnel on their radar for quite some time and used the youtube story to be as hurtful as possible toward Jeff. Why they choose to act this way is neither known nor any of my business.

Thank you! This goes right along with Diana Ross "discovering" the Jackson 5 <--- never happened. I'm not sure about the hurtful to Jeff part, but it would have made more sense if Azoff had pointed them to Arnel, as this "I found him on You Tube" scenario makes Journey look like a garage band who can't find a lead singer. They're JOURNEY for god's sake! You would think the singers would be lining up for the job - seriously, all cracks about how they treat singers aside.

Another "what the hell" moment in Journey history....

[mistiejourney]

there really wasn't an audition process, per se. some within the band were not happy with the new direction they were heading in with new material with jeff. jonathan's daughter madison saw me performing on youtube. she showed jonathan, he tried selling management and schon on me without any luck. i was called and told that jc wanted to "explore all their options" before making a full commitment to a new direction with jeff and that he wouldn't be comfortable moving forward if he didn't at least have the chance to see me. he convinced schon to fly to charlotte later that week, and schon was sold as well.

over the next few weeks, they nailed down a date to bring me to california to perform for management and see what they thought. in the interim time, jeff was terminated. at that point, my conversations with neal and jc turned to "what are you going to do now, what if this doesn't work out?" i was told not to worry about it, management would go along with them and the band (neal and jon) would be strong enough to support the band writing new material, etc.

so i went out there, they offered me the job, and without getting into details, apparently i didn't mesh with schon's personality. next thing i knew, there was no deal, and schon was scouring MR where he saw arnel mentioned. they flew him in from the phillipines and he knocked everyone dead, apparently with less baggage than i would have brought to the table. so he's the new singer.

there, hope that clears things up!

Well that could explain if Neal was scouring You Tube...he got the idea from Madison! : )

[The Sushi Hunter]

I'm guessing that shot was taken in 1987 because that's one of those Apple IIe's with that external 5 and a quarter floppy disc drives. Dam, that computer setup used to be the friggin bomb!

Has anyone ever tried to hook one of those computers up to the net? I think it would get overwhelmed and explode.

[Arnelian]

he did. schon e mailed somebody (not telling who)--the press release is 100% correct.

[dcvader]

he did. schon e mailed somebody (not telling who)--the press release is 100% correct.

Who gives a rat's ass about midget boy Neal and his ability to search You Tube.

I am sure he had to sit on 3 phonebooks to see the screen.

[Eric]

there really wasn't an audition process, per se. some within the band were not happy with the new direction they were heading in with new material with jeff. jonathan's daughter madison saw me performing on youtube. she showed jonathan, he tried selling management and schon on me without any luck. i was called and told that jc wanted to "explore all their options" before making a full commitment to a new direction with jeff and that he wouldn't be comfortable moving forward if he didn't at least have the chance to see me. he convinced schon to fly to charlotte later that week, and schon was sold as well.

over the next few weeks, they nailed down a date to bring me to california to perform for management and see what they thought. in the interim time, jeff was terminated. at that point, my conversations with neal and jc turned to "what are you going to do now, what if this doesn't work out?" i was told not to worry about it, management would go along with them and the band (neal and jon) would be strong enough to support the band writing new material, etc.

so i went out there, they offered me the job, and without getting into details, apparently i didn't mesh with schon's personality. next thing i knew, there was no deal, and schon was scouring MR where he saw arnel mentioned. they flew him in from the phillipines and he knocked everyone dead, apparently with less baggage than i would have brought to the table. so he's the new singer.

there, hope that clears things up!

So there is more nerw material with JSS than 'Winds of Freedom"?

[Gibby]

I only respond because you decided to bring this up again. Like it or not, as long as you keep bringing up the same old story, I will step in! (Whatever happend to that early new years resolution???).....
If we go by the time frame youre describing above..... Jeff was terminated end of May, and he found out begining of June.
And if they flew you over few weeks after the 1st approach, this means (going back few weeks from when they flew you in) that you did indeed have an idea at the May 11th party at Dave's house, when you jammed with Jeff.

Why do you have such a hard on for Jeremey? I enjoy the info he brings to the table here - he was closer to Journey than anyone here will ever be. You've made your point countless times. Please let it go - it's getting tired. [/quote]

[Behshad]

I only respond because you decided to bring this up again. Like it or not, as long as you keep bringing up the same old story, I will step in! (Whatever happend to that early new years resolution???).....
If we go by the time frame youre describing above..... Jeff was terminated end of May, and he found out begining of June.
And if they flew you over few weeks after the 1st approach, this means (going back few weeks from when they flew you in) that you did indeed have an idea at the May 11th party at Dave's house, when you jammed with Jeff.

Why do you have such a hard on for Jeremey? I enjoy the info he brings to the table here - he was closer to Journey than anyone here will ever be. You've made your point countless times. Please let it go - it's getting tired.

Sounds like YOURE the one with the hardon for him not me.
For the record , I did let it go , but I will chime in, ANYTIME its brought back up again.
If youre getting tired of me, then move the fuck on, no one forced you to read my posts.

[STORY_TELLER]

As a cat lover I find this thread offensive ! Cats rule and dogs are stupid and poop everywhere !

Come on...dogs earn there keep!!!Cats.. well are just cats...

Fuck you. I love cats. They're the perfect pet. They simply require an INTELLIGENT owner.

[dcvader]

As a cat lover I find this thread offensive ! Cats rule and dogs are stupid and poop everywhere !

Come on...dogs earn there keep!!!Cats.. well are just cats...

Fuck you. I love cats. They're the perfect pet. They simply require an INTELLIGENT owner.

Cats suck. When a cat jumps up on your kitchen counter (which they do as soon as you leave the house) and sits down, you know what part of it's body kisses your countertop. It's asshole. Little cat asshole kisses all over your cutting board.

I'll pass on the cat's.

[STORY_TELLER]

As a cat lover I find this thread offensive ! Cats rule and dogs are stupid and poop everywhere !

Come on...dogs earn there keep!!!Cats.. well are just cats...

Fuck you. I love cats. They're the perfect pet. They simply require an INTELLIGENT owner.

Cats suck. When a cat jumps up on your kitchen counter (which they do as soon as you leave the house) and sits down, you know what part of it's body kisses your countertop. It's asshole. Little cat asshole kisses all over your cutting board.

I'll pass on the cat's.

Like I said, they require an INTELLIGENT owner.

[cscott]

Hey Jeremey - thanks for your input. I think what you say supports the point I'm making. Here they are in a position to make a HUGE decision, and it seems that they didn't spend much time or effort at all checking out the possibilities. Granted the two people they considered, including yourself, are great singers. But it seems to me that if I was going to hire the next guy to step into the shoes of Steve Perry, I would search high and low to make sure I got the absolute best possible candidate whether that be a known or unknown singer. Any calls made to Mickey Thomas, or Eric Martin, not mention the obvious Kevin Chalfant? It doesn't seem so, and it makes one wonder why not. Again let me reiterate that I think you could have done the job, and I believe that Arnel will do just fine as well. Did the thought ever occur to you when they were offering you the job that it was strange that there were no other contenders? You know, you always see these scenes in movies about the waiting room of the casting agent and there's a bunch of people there to audition for the part and everybody is checking out the competition and sizing up their chances. Didn't it seem weird that they weren't saying things like, " Well, you're our first guy we have checked out, but we have a bunch more to listen to and meet before we make a decision". I would almost expect that I would be one of many possible prospects for a coveted gig like that.

[dcvader]

As a cat lover I find this thread offensive ! Cats rule and dogs are stupid and poop everywhere !

Come on...dogs earn there keep!!!Cats.. well are just cats...

Fuck you. I love cats. They're the perfect pet. They simply require an INTELLIGENT owner.

Cats suck. When a cat jumps up on your kitchen counter (which they do as soon as you leave the house) and sits down, you know what part of it's body kisses your countertop. It's asshole. Little cat asshole kisses all over your cutting board.

I'll pass on the cat's.

Like I said, they require an INTELLIGENT owner.

Actually pretty fucking stupid to have a cat and let them ass kiss your counter or cutting board. Enjoy your next salad (or whatever you cut on the cutting board) with microscopic bits of shit in your food.

[STORY_TELLER]

Hey Jeremey - thanks for your input. I think what you say supports the point I'm making. Here they are in a position to make a HUGE decision, and it seems that they didn't spend much time or effort at all checking out the possibilities. Granted the two people they considered, including yourself, are great singers. But it seems to me that if I was going to hire the next guy to step into the shoes of Steve Perry, I would search high and low to make sure I got the absolute best possible candidate whether that be a known or unknown singer. Any calls made to Mickey Thomas, or Eric Martin, not mention the obvious Kevin Chalfant? It doesn't seem so, and it makes one wonder why not. Again let me reiterate that I think you could have done the job, and I believe that Arnel will do just fine as well. Did the thought ever occur to you when they were offering you the job that it was strange that there were no other contenders? You know, you always see these scenes in movies about the waiting room of the casting agent and there's a bunch of people there to audition for the part and everybody is checking out the competition and sizing up their chances. Didn't it seem weird that they weren't saying things like, " Well, you're our first guy we have checked out, but we have a bunch more to listen to and meet before we make a decision". I would almost expect that I would be one of many possible prospects for a coveted gig like that.

I remember reading Neal addressing this very subject in Andrew's interview with him after they hired Augeri. I think you can still find it somewhere on MR. Apparently, Neal wasn't very into dealing with a long audition's process at all. I also got the feeling the reason he chose Augeri (over say John West) was more a personality thing than a talent thing as he made mention in that article that West sounded more like Perry than Augeri did. I'm sure after all his years of dealing with tension in the band (w/Perry), he just wants a relaxed atmosphere within the group where he can chill and tour without drama.

[STORY_TELLER]

As a cat lover I find this thread offensive ! Cats rule and dogs are stupid and poop everywhere !

Come on...dogs earn there keep!!!Cats.. well are just cats...

Fuck you. I love cats. They're the perfect pet. They simply require an INTELLIGENT owner.

Cats suck. When a cat jumps up on your kitchen counter (which they do as soon as you leave the house) and sits down, you know what part of it's body kisses your countertop. It's asshole. Little cat asshole kisses all over your cutting board.

I'll pass on the cat's.

Like I said, they require an INTELLIGENT owner.

Actually pretty fucking stupid to have a cat and let them ass kiss your counter or cutting board. Enjoy your next salad (or whatever you cut on the cutting board) with microscopic bits of shit in your food.

Right. Because it's not like a dog will lick his balls, give himself a rim job, toss his own SALAD, then LICK HIS OWNER'S FACE or anything.



By the way, cat's are much more clean than dogs. They don't require bathing like dog's do. They don't smell. An INTELLIGENT person would know this.

[dcvader]

As a cat lover I find this thread offensive ! Cats rule and dogs are stupid and poop everywhere !

Come on...dogs earn there keep!!!Cats.. well are just cats...

Fuck you. I love cats. They're the perfect pet. They simply require an INTELLIGENT owner.

Cats suck. When a cat jumps up on your kitchen counter (which they do as soon as you leave the house) and sits down, you know what part of it's body kisses your countertop. It's asshole. Little cat asshole kisses all over your cutting board.

I'll pass on the cat's.

Like I said, they require an INTELLIGENT owner.

Actually pretty fucking stupid to have a cat and let them ass kiss your counter or cutting board. Enjoy your next salad (or whatever you cut on the cutting board) with microscopic bits of shit in your food.

Right. Because it's not like a dog will lick his balls, give himself a rim job, toss his own SALAD, then LICK HIS OWNER'S FACE or anything.



By the way, cat's are much more clean than dogs. They don't require bathing like dog's do. They don't smell. An INTELLIGENT person would know this.

Valid points and I don't have either kind animal. I do have a small fish tank though.

[NealIsGod]

I own both, and they are both great in their own ways. But if I had to pick, I would have dogs.