A vent about Journey's sound engineer

[Don]

From facebook.

https://www.facebook.com/notes/jeff-hai ... 9780779314

First let me say, I love Journey!...I grew up with Styx and Journey in my ears every second. The music from these two bands helped mold my life...and eventually my career!...How I feel when I listen to Journeys music inspired me to become a live sound engineer. Now, 37 years later, I am a veteran soundman who has run sound in a live setting more than most probably any live engineer on this planet!...around 5200 shows under my belt!...I have been to Europe touring with international bands 62 times now, and also have toured extensively in S. America and of course endless criss-crossing of the USA. I have owned and operated a very successful sound/ lighting equipment rental company near the Cleveland , Ohio area since 1981.

Why do I mention all of this?...I do so in the hopes that people take me seriously when I say that I was ill when I heard Journey perform live at the Blossom Music Center in Akron, Ohio a few day ago. The band was incredible. However the sound was horrendous! Journey's live sound engineer slaughtered them!...I could barely make out what song they were playing!...the sound was very loose sounding...very unclear and with absolutely no dynamics. I felt so incredibly bad for the band members themselves that after 5 songs I couldn't take it anymore and I left! They don't deserve this! They deserve much better!...I did not recognize the FOH soundman that they had...it was not the same engineer that they have had for decades...so many people just think that the band sucks now...not true at all! It's the man behind the dials! It's not the venue, I have mixed there numerous times (plus Foreigner sounded fine)...it's plainly the engineers fault!...I also heard from numerous people that went two days later( yesterday) to Columbus to see them that it was the same thing! Miserable sound!...I just wanted everyone to know...it's not the band!...they rock! In a large venue whatever the soundman does dictates 100% how the band comes across!

I listen to this live video of the band doing Separate ways and think how I would give my left nut to be Journeys soundman...I would make the band sound just like the mix on this video...I'm sure of it!...I just had to get all this off my chest in open forum, it's really been bugging me! Arnel is such a great performer and a one of a kind voice of a God! I was sick when all I could hear through the PA at Blossom was an occasional "S" from his voice...proving that he was indeed singing!...shame on you mr soundman...you crushed my favorite band and a God-like Voice!!...Peace...

[annie89509]

Wow...
Wasn't Kevin Elson their sound guy in the live concerts for decades?

[steveo777]

So who is the guy doing the dirty deeds to the band?

Maybe it's internal sabotage.

[annie89509]

This guy is going overboard about Arnel, though. One of a kind voice?...God-like? C'mon. These descriptions are(were) reserved for their other lead singer .

[steveo777]

This guy is going overboard about Arnel, though. One of a kind voice?...God-like? C'mon. These descriptions are(were) reserved for their other lead singer .

Forget about that part and let's focus on this relentless problem with the sound mix.
Journey, or should I say their handlers, have definitely established themselves as the
crew that couldn't boot right this year. Who makes these staff decisions? I hope it's not
Neal because he and Jimmy page have lost their ears!

[annie89509]

This guy is going overboard about Arnel, though. One of a kind voice?...God-like? C'mon. These descriptions are(were) reserved for their other lead singer .

Forget about that part and let's focus on this relentless problem with the sound mix.
Journey, or should I say their handlers, have definitely established themselves as the
crew that couldn't boot right this year. Who makes these staff decisions? I hope it's not
Neal because he and Jimmy page have lost their ears!

You'd think the band know what they're doing. And this writer admits he wants the job...

[Argus]

Wow...
Wasn't Kevin Elson their sound guy in the live concerts for decades?

Yes Kevin was. According to the guy that mixed Eclipse:

They hired a World Class, INCREDIBLE FOH mixer, for the next 2 years recommended to them from Allan Parsons, namedMartin Frey to take it on the road every night, and dial this show, and these sounds in with his P.A. Brilliance. (Starting this week in Nevada) so this tour is going to sound amazing. These guys are pulling out all the stops on this one, nothing but the best, all around.

Depending on what sort of music/band the above mixed before and what equipment is being used, sometimes the Best just isn't the Best Update the above mentioned FOH guy posted 4/28 he was available to mix for anyone again So who knows *shrugs* http://www.proaudiospace.com/profile/MartinFrey

[Maui Tom]

somebody I know called this sound problem stuff a few months ago.....I even took her and her hubby to a Giants game a few years ago!

[annie89509]

Wow...
Wasn't Kevin Elson their sound guy in the live concerts for decades?

Yes Kevin was. According to the guy that mixed Eclipse:

They hired a World Class, INCREDIBLE FOH mixer, for the next 2 years recommended to them from Allan Parsons, namedMartin Frey to take it on the road every night, and dial this show, and these sounds in with his P.A. Brilliance. (Starting this week in Nevada) so this tour is going to sound amazing. These guys are pulling out all the stops on this one, nothing but the best, all around.

Depending on what sort of music/band the above mixed before and what equipment is being used, sometimes the Best just isn't the Best Update the above mentioned FOH guy posted 4/28 he was available to mix for anyone again So who knows *shrugs* http://www.proaudiospace.com/profile/MartinFrey

Well...there ya go. One expert said they hired the Best...one just wrote he's chomp. Ah...more drama in the As The Journey World Turns....

[Argus]

somebody I know called this sound problem stuff a few months ago.....I even took her and her hubby to a Giants game a few years ago!

[steveo777]

Wow...
Wasn't Kevin Elson their sound guy in the live concerts for decades?

Yes Kevin was. According to the guy that mixed Eclipse:

They hired a World Class, INCREDIBLE FOH mixer, for the next 2 years recommended to them from Allan Parsons, namedMartin Frey to take it on the road every night, and dial this show, and these sounds in with his P.A. Brilliance. (Starting this week in Nevada) so this tour is going to sound amazing. These guys are pulling out all the stops on this one, nothing but the best, all around.

Depending on what sort of music/band the above mixed before and what equipment is being used, sometimes the Best just isn't the Best Update the above mentioned FOH guy posted 4/28 he was available to mix for anyone again So who knows *shrugs* http://www.proaudiospace.com/profile/MartinFrey

Well...there ya go. One expert said they hired the Best...one just wrote he's chomp. Ah...more drama in the As The Journey World Turns....

Too bad we can't get everything running the way it should. It's a shame really. Now I really wonder if Arnel is just having to work extra hard just to be heard,
because the freaking sound guy doesn't get him high enough in the mix, hence the straining and getting winded.

Or maybe you just can't sing while running and jumping all over the place in your mid 40's.

[annie89509]

Yes, I think Arnel is over-extending himself with all the running and jumping off the drum-riser. He is trying to be an engaging frontman and also cover the catalog. He's not a kid anymore...Why not conserve his energy to sing the songs?

[slucero]

Wow...
Wasn't Kevin Elson their sound guy in the live concerts for decades?

Yes Kevin was. According to the guy that mixed Eclipse:

They hired a World Class, INCREDIBLE FOH mixer, for the next 2 years recommended to them from Allan Parsons, namedMartin Frey to take it on the road every night, and dial this show, and these sounds in with his P.A. Brilliance. (Starting this week in Nevada) so this tour is going to sound amazing. These guys are pulling out all the stops on this one, nothing but the best, all around.

Depending on what sort of music/band the above mixed before and what equipment is being used, sometimes the Best just isn't the Best Update the above mentioned FOH guy posted 4/28 he was available to mix for anyone again So who knows *shrugs* http://www.proaudiospace.com/profile/MartinFrey

ya.. My understanding is he got fired (or left) early on...

The engineer Don is speaking of is a replacement..

[Argus]

Wow...
Wasn't Kevin Elson their sound guy in the live concerts for decades?

Yes Kevin was. According to the guy that mixed Eclipse:

They hired a World Class, INCREDIBLE FOH mixer, for the next 2 years recommended to them from Allan Parsons, namedMartin Frey to take it on the road every night, and dial this show, and these sounds in with his P.A. Brilliance. (Starting this week in Nevada) so this tour is going to sound amazing. These guys are pulling out all the stops on this one, nothing but the best, all around.

Depending on what sort of music/band the above mixed before and what equipment is being used, sometimes the Best just isn't the Best Update the above mentioned FOH guy posted 4/28 he was available to mix for anyone again So who knows *shrugs* http://www.proaudiospace.com/profile/MartinFrey

ya.. My understanding is he got fired (or left) early on...

The engineer Don is speaking of is a replacement..

Who shall remain nameless it seems [just as well at this point, eh?]

[slucero]

Wow...
Wasn't Kevin Elson their sound guy in the live concerts for decades?

Yes Kevin was. According to the guy that mixed Eclipse:

They hired a World Class, INCREDIBLE FOH mixer, for the next 2 years recommended to them from Allan Parsons, namedMartin Frey to take it on the road every night, and dial this show, and these sounds in with his P.A. Brilliance. (Starting this week in Nevada) so this tour is going to sound amazing. These guys are pulling out all the stops on this one, nothing but the best, all around.

Depending on what sort of music/band the above mixed before and what equipment is being used, sometimes the Best just isn't the Best Update the above mentioned FOH guy posted 4/28 he was available to mix for anyone again So who knows *shrugs* http://www.proaudiospace.com/profile/MartinFrey

ya.. My understanding is he got fired (or left) early on...

The engineer Don is speaking of is a replacement..

Who shall remain nameless it seems [just as well at this point, eh?]

LOL...


Elson was on the road with Kelly Clarkson last year... so it isn't like he's retired or anything...

[steveo777]

Wow...
Wasn't Kevin Elson their sound guy in the live concerts for decades?

Yes Kevin was. According to the guy that mixed Eclipse:

They hired a World Class, INCREDIBLE FOH mixer, for the next 2 years recommended to them from Allan Parsons, namedMartin Frey to take it on the road every night, and dial this show, and these sounds in with his P.A. Brilliance. (Starting this week in Nevada) so this tour is going to sound amazing. These guys are pulling out all the stops on this one, nothing but the best, all around.

Depending on what sort of music/band the above mixed before and what equipment is being used, sometimes the Best just isn't the Best Update the above mentioned FOH guy posted 4/28 he was available to mix for anyone again So who knows *shrugs* http://www.proaudiospace.com/profile/MartinFrey

ya.. My understanding is he got fired (or left) early on...

The engineer Don is speaking of is a replacement..

Who shall remain nameless it seems [just as well at this point, eh?]

Well, he sucks! It would be nice if they could rent or borrow Foreigner's sound guy.

[slucero]

Wow...
Wasn't Kevin Elson their sound guy in the live concerts for decades?

yup... also listed as "Producer" for:

Departure
Captured
Frontiers
Dream After Dream
Greatest Hits

[Argus]

Wow...
Wasn't Kevin Elson their sound guy in the live concerts for decades?

yup... also listed as "Producer" for:

Departure
Captured
Frontiers
Dream After Dream
Greatest Hits

It sort of goes like this:

THE SIX PROJECT STAGES
1) WILD ENTHUSIASM
2) DISILLUSIONMENT
3) TOTAL CONFUSION
4) SEARCH FOR THE GUILTY
5) PUNISHMENT OF THE INNOCENT
6) PROMOTION OF THE NON-PARTICIPANTS. (Anonymous)

[Maui Tom]

Wow...
Wasn't Kevin Elson their sound guy in the live concerts for decades?

yup... also listed as "Producer" for:

Departure
Captured
Frontiers
Dream After Dream
Greatest Hits

It sort of goes like this:

THE SIX PROJECT STAGES
1) WILD ENTHUSIASM
2) DISILLUSIONMENT
3) TOTAL CONFUSION
4) SEARCH FOR THE GUILTY
5) PUNISHMENT OF THE INNOCENT
6) PROMOTION OF THE NON-PARTICIPANTS. (Anonymous)

can't wait to read that book you're never gonna write.....

[steveo777]

Wow...
Wasn't Kevin Elson their sound guy in the live concerts for decades?

yup... also listed as "Producer" for:

Departure
Captured
Frontiers
Dream After Dream
Greatest Hits

It sort of goes like this:

THE SIX PROJECT STAGES
1) WILD ENTHUSIASM
2) DISILLUSIONMENT
3) TOTAL CONFUSION
4) SEARCH FOR THE GUILTY
5) PUNISHMENT OF THE INNOCENT
6) PROMOTION OF THE NON-PARTICIPANTS. (Anonymous)

I've really been needing to go to the optometrist, but forgive me for asking....who is that chick in your avatar with whipped cream on her tits?!?!

[DrFU]

It sort of goes like this:

THE SIX PROJECT STAGES
1) WILD ENTHUSIASM
2) DISILLUSIONMENT
3) TOTAL CONFUSION
4) SEARCH FOR THE GUILTY
5) PUNISHMENT OF THE INNOCENT
6) PROMOTION OF THE NON-PARTICIPANTS. (Anonymous)

How did I land in the budget crisis thread?

[Argus]

Wow...
Wasn't Kevin Elson their sound guy in the live concerts for decades?

yup... also listed as "Producer" for:

Departure
Captured
Frontiers
Dream After Dream
Greatest Hits

It sort of goes like this:

THE SIX PROJECT STAGES
1) WILD ENTHUSIASM
2) DISILLUSIONMENT
3) TOTAL CONFUSION
4) SEARCH FOR THE GUILTY
5) PUNISHMENT OF THE INNOCENT
6) PROMOTION OF THE NON-PARTICIPANTS. (Anonymous)

I've really been needing to go to the optometrist, but forgive me for asking....who is that chick in your avatar with whipped cream on her tits?!?!

Get thee to the Eye doctor, it's a necklace. Second Life Avatar is moi

[Argus]

It sort of goes like this:

THE SIX PROJECT STAGES
1) WILD ENTHUSIASM
2) DISILLUSIONMENT
3) TOTAL CONFUSION
4) SEARCH FOR THE GUILTY
5) PUNISHMENT OF THE INNOCENT
6) PROMOTION OF THE NON-PARTICIPANTS. (Anonymous)

How did I land in the budget crisis thread?

It's pervasive and persistent, isn't it

[slucero]

Wow...
Wasn't Kevin Elson their sound guy in the live concerts for decades?

yup... also listed as "Producer" for:

Departure
Captured
Frontiers
Dream After Dream
Greatest Hits

It sort of goes like this:

THE SIX PROJECT STAGES
1) WILD ENTHUSIASM
2) DISILLUSIONMENT
3) TOTAL CONFUSION
4) SEARCH FOR THE GUILTY
5) PUNISHMENT OF THE INNOCENT
6) PROMOTION OF THE NON-PARTICIPANTS. (Anonymous)

Translation:

1. I LOVE THIS JOB!!!
2. huh??
3. What are you fucking talking about???
4. If you think you're gonna blame me for that you're nuts...
5. Right so its MY fault you can't remember what you said yesterday...
6. THEY'RE GONNA DO IT??? (FUCK THEM and FUCK YOU) QUIT.

[Ehwmatt]

Like I said in my review on this board, the mix at this very show was terrible. But the band was not good either.

[ebake02]

I'm no sound expert but could some of the problem be with the equipment the band is using on stage.

[Archetype]

Wow...
Wasn't Kevin Elson their sound guy in the live concerts for decades?

Yes Kevin was. According to the guy that mixed Eclipse:

They hired a World Class, INCREDIBLE FOH mixer, for the next 2 years recommended to them from Allan Parsons, namedMartin Frey to take it on the road every night, and dial this show, and these sounds in with his P.A. Brilliance. (Starting this week in Nevada) so this tour is going to sound amazing. These guys are pulling out all the stops on this one, nothing but the best, all around.

Depending on what sort of music/band the above mixed before and what equipment is being used, sometimes the Best just isn't the Best Update the above mentioned FOH guy posted 4/28 he was available to mix for anyone again So who knows *shrugs* http://www.proaudiospace.com/profile/MartinFrey

Well...there ya go. One expert said they hired the Best...one just wrote he's chomp. Ah...more drama in the As The Journey World Turns....

Too bad we can't get everything running the way it should. It's a shame really. Now I really wonder if Arnel is just having to work extra hard just to be heard,
because the freaking sound guy doesn't get him high enough in the mix, hence the straining and getting winded.

Or maybe you just can't sing while running and jumping all over the place in your mid 40's.

It doesn't seem to bother Bruce Dickinson who is in his 50s....but then again, maybe it isn't Arnel who has the voice of god

[RumTumJM]

Wow...
Wasn't Kevin Elson their sound guy in the live concerts for decades?

Yes Kevin was. According to the guy that mixed Eclipse:

They hired a World Class, INCREDIBLE FOH mixer, for the next 2 years recommended to them from Allan Parsons, namedMartin Frey to take it on the road every night, and dial this show, and these sounds in with his P.A. Brilliance. (Starting this week in Nevada) so this tour is going to sound amazing. These guys are pulling out all the stops on this one, nothing but the best, all around.

Depending on what sort of music/band the above mixed before and what equipment is being used, sometimes the Best just isn't the Best Update the above mentioned FOH guy posted 4/28 he was available to mix for anyone again So who knows *shrugs* http://www.proaudiospace.com/profile/MartinFrey

Well...there ya go. One expert said they hired the Best...one just wrote he's chomp. Ah...more drama in the As The Journey World Turns....

Too bad we can't get everything running the way it should. It's a shame really. Now I really wonder if Arnel is just having to work extra hard just to be heard,
because the freaking sound guy doesn't get him high enough in the mix, hence the straining and getting winded.

Or maybe you just can't sing while running and jumping all over the place in your mid 40's.

It doesn't seem to bother Bruce Dickinson who is in his 50s....but then again, maybe it isn't Arnel who has the voice of god

I heard, prior to every tour, Bruce roller blades around a parking lot, while singing the tour's entire setlist. That helps him get in shape for it.

Maybe Arnel can try something similar.

[Gideon]

This guy is going overboard about Arnel, though. One of a kind voice?...God-like? C'mon. These descriptions are(were) reserved for their other lead singer .

Both have one of a kind voices. God-like is a description that neither of them deserve; in addition to being fallible in all ways (including singing in their prime), real gods don't lose their er... "power" after seven years of touring.

What a god.

[Greg]

Apparently the sound hasn't been good for a few years now. I caught Journey back in 2008 on the Revelation tour and they sounded awful. The mix was terrible. I do know at one point Journey has sounded great in concert. Back in '98 I saw them in Winston Salem, NC. They were great!