Journey still a huge draw

[tater1977]

Believe it: Journey still a huge draw

By Ed Condran
Correspondent
Posted: Friday, August 12, 2011 12:15 am | Updated: 10:47 am, Fri Aug 12, 2011

There were myriad popular songs recorded during the 20th century. But Journey crafted the No. 1 song of the century, according to the Nielson Company.

The veteran pop-rockers received a plaque commemorating the mark on “The Today Show” in late July courtesy of the success of their uber anthem “Don’t Stop Believin.’”

“It’s amazing,” drummer Deen Castronovo says. “It’s just an incredible accomplishment.”

Perhaps what’s most amazing is that Journey, which will perform Saturday at the Susquehanna Bank Center, is alive and well. When vocalist Steve Augeri (who had replaced Steve “The Voice” Perry in 1998) had throat problems that prevented him from performing, Journey’s journey appeared to come close to ending.

“We didn’t know what we were going to do,” Castronovo says while calling from Cleveland. “It didn’t look good. We just couldn’t continue with any singer.”

While cruising the Internet in 2007, guitarist-songwriter Neal Schon stumbled onto Zoo, a Filipino Journey cover band that included vocalist Arnel Pineda.

“We were floored by Arnel,” Castronovo says. “But we didn’t know if the clip was doctored. We called him in and he was better than he was on YouTube.”

The band viewed Pineda as the perfect fit and the Journey faithful has re-embraced the group, which is often performing to packed sheds nearly 30 years removed from its heyday.

“It’s something we don’t take for granted,” Castronovo says. “We know a lot of bands that hit like Journey did during the ’80s but are playing to 700, 800 people but we’re selling out 80 percent of the amphitheaters we play.”

The band is touring behind its latest album, “Eclipse,” which dropped in May. “Eclipse” is a straight-forward guitar-driven prog-rock album.

“Neal said that we weren’t going to do any ballads this time,” Castronovo says. “He said Journey has enough ballads and we have a really rocking Journey record. It’s pretty raw. It’s mostly made of songs done in the first take. It’s a very immediate Journey album.”

The new songs are delivered along with old favorites, such as “Faithfully,” “Anyway You Want It” and, of course, “Don’t Stop Believin.’”

“We can’t leave the stage without playing ‘Don’t Stop Believin’,” Castronovo says. “Fans love that song more than anything else. We just played it last night in Detroit and when fans heard the ‘born and raised in South Detroit’ part, they went ape crap and that’s a great thing. I hope that we’ll be playing ‘Don’t Stop Believin’ for a long time.”

Castronovo believes the band will be together as long as Pineda is part of the act. “If he leaves, we’re not doing this anymore,” Castronovo says. “We’re not looking for another singer. We couldn’t find anyone like Arnel again. But he’s with us and it’s a great time for us.”

Journey, which also includes keyboardist Jonathan Cain and bassist Ross Valory, noticed a big bump in sales after “Glee” covered “Don’t Stop Believin.’”

“Because of ‘Glee,’ that song has been downloaded more than ever and we see more teenagers at our shows than ever,” Castronovo says. “It’s incredible. Everything has been going our way lately.”

http://www.phillyburbs.com/entertainmen ... 3e329.html

[Gideon]

Castronovo believes the band will be together as long as Pineda is part of the act. “If he leaves, we’re not doing this anymore,” Castronovo says. “We’re not looking for another singer. We couldn’t find anyone like Arnel again. But he’s with us and it’s a great time for us.”

First confirmed by Neal and now Deen.

[steveo777]

Castronovo believes the band will be together as long as Pineda is part of the act. “If he leaves, we’re not doing this anymore,” Castronovo says. “We’re not looking for another singer. We couldn’t find anyone like Arnel again. But he’s with us and it’s a great time for us.”

First confirmed by Neal and now Deen.

I think JC feels the same way. Really, I can believe this is it, no more singers. I can't see the band rebuilding again. They've traveled a long road to get where they are now.

[Journey/Survivor]

Castronovo believes the band will be together as long as Pineda is part of the act. “If he leaves, we’re not doing this anymore,” Castronovo says. “We’re not looking for another singer. We couldn’t find anyone like Arnel again. But he’s with us and it’s a great time for us.”

First confirmed by Neal and now Deen.

I don't personally believe that to be true. If Arnel were to blow-out his voice on this tour, I would fully expect them to find another singer to do at least one more album and tour.

[Archetype]

No mention of Jeff Scott Soto, who toured with them for what... eleven months? Ridiculous.

[Don]

Castronovo believes the band will be together as long as Pineda is part of the act. “If he leaves, we’re not doing this anymore,” Castronovo says. “We’re not looking for another singer. We couldn’t find anyone like Arnel again. But he’s with us and it’s a great time for us.”

First confirmed by Neal and now Deen.

I don't personally believe that to be true. If Arnel were to blow-out his voice on this tour, I would fully expect them to find another singer to do at least one more album and tour.

Won't happen.

[slucero]

Castronovo believes the band will be together as long as Pineda is part of the act. “If he leaves, we’re not doing this anymore,” Castronovo says. “We’re not looking for another singer. We couldn’t find anyone like Arnel again. But he’s with us and it’s a great time for us.”

First confirmed by Neal and now Deen.

I don't personally believe that to be true. If Arnel were to blow-out his voice on this tour, I would fully expect them to find another singer to do at least one more album and tour.

I expect Arnel to leave before his voice goes... his star is rising in Asia... Journey or no Journey....

[Don]

Castronovo believes the band will be together as long as Pineda is part of the act. “If he leaves, we’re not doing this anymore,” Castronovo says. “We’re not looking for another singer. We couldn’t find anyone like Arnel again. But he’s with us and it’s a great time for us.”

First confirmed by Neal and now Deen.

I don't personally believe that to be true. If Arnel were to blow-out his voice on this tour, I would fully expect them to find another singer to do at least one more album and tour.

I expect Arnel to leave before his voice goes... his star is rising in Asia... Journey or no Journey....

Don't believe the hype. It was all cool when his claim to fame was singing ballads that everyone knew over there but Eclipse has done absolutely nothing for him on that side of the world.
Charice for all intents and purposes is the one whose star is rising. David Foster has done a good job with her, getting her on Glee and having her at high profile events.
They like the fair skin and ability to hit the high notes over there. Arnel never had the former and he is slowly losing the latter. Another major tour with Journey next year with no help from Deen can't be a good thing for Arnel's solo apirations.

[Saint John]

No mention of Jeff Scott Soto, who toured with them for what... eleven months? Ridiculous.

It would be ridiculous to mention him. There's no point, relative to Journey's timeline from Perry forward. Why mention someone with 0 CD sales in Journey and not one original song?

[AR]

I'm not sure how big a draw Journey are on their own. Hard to say unless they go out without one of these packages.

Rush, AC/DC, Kiss and others tour with either no-name or no opening act and do big business.

You have to get the promoters to buy into a tour like that. If Journey are a huge draw on their own then Azoff is not making the case to them.

[Saint John]

I'm not sure how big a draw Journey are on their own. Hard to say unless they go out without one of these packages.

Rush, AC/DC, Kiss and others tour with either no-name or no opening act and do big business.

You have to get the promoters to buy into a tour like that. If Journey are a huge draw on their own then Azoff is not making the case to them.

Correct on all accounts. But I think Journey alone could draw 8-12 thousand, depending on the location. However, add two more acts, lessen your workload, exposure to more fans, put more asses in seats and get as much, if not more, money. A package deal seems to be the best of all worlds.

[ebake02]

Castronovo believes the band will be together as long as Pineda is part of the act. “If he leaves, we’re not doing this anymore,” Castronovo says. “We’re not looking for another singer. We couldn’t find anyone like Arnel again. But he’s with us and it’s a great time for us.”

First confirmed by Neal and now Deen.

They moved on after Perry didn't they. The road is a hell of a drug, when it's all you've known for 30+ years it can be a hard thing to give up. As long as the journey gravy train in moving they'll go with it no matter who is behind the mic.

[ebake02]

I'm not sure how big a draw Journey are on their own. Hard to say unless they go out without one of these packages.

Rush, AC/DC, Kiss and others tour with either no-name or no opening act and do big business.

You have to get the promoters to buy into a tour like that. If Journey are a huge draw on their own then Azoff is not making the case to them.

Correct on all accounts. But I think Journey alone could draw 8-12 thousand, depending on the location. However, add two more acts, lessen your workload, exposure to more fans, put more asses in seats and get as much, if not more, money. A package deal seems to be the best of all worlds.

In this economy, definitely yes, people are looking for a good value and three bands for basically the price of one is why this tour is so successful. The ticket prices for this tour are almost identical to what Journey charged 2 years ago when they were by themselves, at Darien Lake anyway.

[AR]

I'm not sure how big a draw Journey are on their own. Hard to say unless they go out without one of these packages.

Rush, AC/DC, Kiss and others tour with either no-name or no opening act and do big business.

You have to get the promoters to buy into a tour like that. If Journey are a huge draw on their own then Azoff is not making the case to them.

Correct on all accounts. But I think Journey alone could draw 8-12 thousand, depending on the location. However, add two more acts, lessen your workload, exposure to more fans, put more asses in seats and get as much, if not more, money. A package deal seems to be the best of all worlds.

No question about that. Also think you are pretty much on about what they would draw going it on their own.

The hardcore fans inevitably bitch of course. The Journey fans about 15 songs, Yes fans about only getting the hits (and that's only on a two band package with Styx).

My opinion for Journey IS to stick with the package shed summer tours, then they should test the waters in larger theaters, mid sized arenas in the fall. Longer set, more new material and see what happens. You can always upgrade to larger arenas if that works out.

[Don]

Journey is a good band to build a tour with a package of other bands. By themselves though, maybe they could pack a few places but I don't think they'll sell out half of their shows if they're in 15k or bigger arenas going it alone
The big ticket venues like Staples, Madison Square Garden, I don't think Journey have ever played and those are where the money's at if you are touring by yourself.

[AR]

Journey is a good band to build a tour with a package of other bands. By themselves though, maybe they could pack a few places but I don't think they'll sell out half of their shows if they're in 15k or bigger arenas going it alone
The big ticket venues like Staples, Madison Square Garden, I don't think Journey have ever played and those are where the money's at if you are touring by yourself.

Believe it or not Madison Square Garden is a LOSE money proposition because of the New York City union requirements. Most bands prefer to play Jones Beach or across the river in New Jersey. You play MSG for prestige for the most part.

[Don]

Journey is a good band to build a tour with a package of other bands. By themselves though, maybe they could pack a few places but I don't think they'll sell out half of their shows if they're in 15k or bigger arenas going it alone
The big ticket venues like Staples, Madison Square Garden, I don't think Journey have ever played and those are where the money's at if you are touring by yourself.

Believe it or not Madison Square Garden is a LOSE money proposition because of the New York City union requirements. Most bands prefer to play Jones Beach or across the river in New Jersey. You play MSG for prestige for the most part.

Really, wow. I see where AC-DC plays there and places like Staples and end up the year making more than acts that have toured twice as much. I assume MSG and Staples were the places where you don't have to worry about capping ticket prices thus getting a big payday.

[RumTumJM]

Journey is a good band to build a tour with a package of other bands. By themselves though, maybe they could pack a few places but I don't think they'll sell out half of their shows if they're in 15k or bigger arenas going it alone
The big ticket venues like Staples, Madison Square Garden, I don't think Journey have ever played and those are where the money's at if you are touring by yourself.

Believe it or not Madison Square Garden is a LOSE money proposition because of the New York City union requirements. Most bands prefer to play Jones Beach or across the river in New Jersey. You play MSG for prestige for the most part.

Could you elaborate. As a Long Islander, who goes to concerts at both venues often, I am intrigued by this.

[slucero]

Castronovo believes the band will be together as long as Pineda is part of the act. “If he leaves, we’re not doing this anymore,” Castronovo says. “We’re not looking for another singer. We couldn’t find anyone like Arnel again. But he’s with us and it’s a great time for us.”

First confirmed by Neal and now Deen.

I don't personally believe that to be true. If Arnel were to blow-out his voice on this tour, I would fully expect them to find another singer to do at least one more album and tour.

I expect Arnel to leave before his voice goes... his star is rising in Asia... Journey or no Journey....

Don't believe the hype. It was all cool when his claim to fame was singing ballads that everyone knew over there but Eclipse has done absolutely nothing for him on that side of the world.
Charice for all intents and purposes is the one whose star is rising. David Foster has done a good job with her, getting her on Glee and having her at high profile events.
They like the fair skin and ability to hit the high notes over there. Arnel never had the former and he is slowly losing the latter. Another major tour with Journey next year with no help from Deen can't be a good thing for Arnel's solo apirations.

what hype... Charice can sing... no doubt... but her type of career is gonna require loads of songwriters, producers, mixers, etc., all wanting to be paid.. before she makes a red cent...

Arnel has already made bank... and he doesn't appear to have an extravagant lifestyle, so I'm inclined to think he is pretty much already set for life... touring is just about padding his bank account now...

[AR]

Journey is a good band to build a tour with a package of other bands. By themselves though, maybe they could pack a few places but I don't think they'll sell out half of their shows if they're in 15k or bigger arenas going it alone
The big ticket venues like Staples, Madison Square Garden, I don't think Journey have ever played and those are where the money's at if you are touring by yourself.

Believe it or not Madison Square Garden is a LOSE money proposition because of the New York City union requirements. Most bands prefer to play Jones Beach or across the river in New Jersey. You play MSG for prestige for the most part.

Could you elaborate. As a Long Islander, who goes to concerts at both venues often, I am intrigued by this.

Union requirements are crazy at the New York City venues. Can't use your own crew for certain tasks, strict curfews. I can't give you all the details but I'm sure others here are very aware of them.

Now if you are Billy Joel or Elton John and can charge $200 a ticket it's something you can overcome. Someone in the KISS organization told me they prefer Jones Beach and the other venues these days because it's much more profitable.

[ebake02]

Arena tours seem to be obsolete anymore, Darien Lake holds double the concerts that HSBC arena in downtown Buffalo holds. Granted, it doesn't help that the arena is built in the middle of the projects. Amphitheaters are definitely bigger money makers, Darien can hold over 20k whereas HSBC can only fit 18k.

[Monker]

Castronovo believes the band will be together as long as Pineda is part of the act. “If he leaves, we’re not doing this anymore,” Castronovo says. “We’re not looking for another singer. We couldn’t find anyone like Arnel again. But he’s with us and it’s a great time for us.”

First confirmed by Neal and now Deen.

I don't personally believe that to be true. If Arnel were to blow-out his voice on this tour, I would fully expect them to find another singer to do at least one more album and tour.

they said the same thing some time after Arrival, too.

[Arkansas]

Journey is mostly likely going to do some serious soul-searching after this outing. They may eventually do another studio album, make that, a record of leftover sessions + whatever. But my gut is that they are DONE...with the proverbial fork in.

I just don't think that they will put up with all the bulls#it any more. No, they may not retire, but most likely retreat to their shed, do some fam time, maybe some PR time, but mostly try to think of all the things they haven't done yet. And by the time they get to their answer, which btw will be nothing, they'll all collectively realize that they're tired.

Again, there'll be no official announcement that Journey is done, they'll just all go on hiatus and fade.
Nobody will mind, and us hardcore fans shouldn't either.

Thing is, as a big time touring band, they're getting older. And so are all the fans.
They'll eventually consult, do cameos, maybe even produce.
But all in all, after 40 yrs - in whatever lineup - the only way they'll get back on stage is at the RnRHoF.
And yes, that will happen some day.



later~

[steveo777]

Journey is mostly likely going to do some serious soul-searching after this outing. They may eventually do another studio album, make that, a record of leftover sessions + whatever. But my gut is that they are DONE...with the proverbial fork in.

I just don't think that they will put up with all the bulls#it any more. No, they may not retire, but most likely retreat to their shed, do some fam time, maybe some PR time, but mostly try to think of all the things they haven't done yet. And by the time they get to their answer, which btw will be nothing, they'll all collectively realize that they're tired.

Again, there'll be no official announcement that Journey is done, they'll just all go on hiatus and fade.
Nobody will mind, and us hardcore fans shouldn't either.

Thing is, as a big time touring band, they're getting older. And so are all the fans.
They'll eventually consult, do cameos, maybe even produce.
But all in all, after 40 yrs - in whatever lineup - the only way they'll get back on stage is at the RnRHoF.
And yes, that will happen some day.





later~

Probably pretty accurate, depending on what you define as "this outing". I think they are gonna tour into next year, then decide what to do.
Frankly, I'd prefer that they stop trying to be so big and start playing fewer, but more intimate venues with better set lists.

[Arkansas]

Probably pretty accurate, depending on what you define as "this outing". I think they are gonna tour into next year, then decide what to do.
Frankly, I'd prefer that they stop trying to be so big and start playing fewer, but more intimate venues with better set lists.

Currently, it's all big business. (Which btw, is exactly what got them their 'corporate band' moniker back in the day.) And that's fine. They don't have to play the songs that us keyboard cowboys want, they need to play what the tour dictates, and what little variance their voices can handle.

Journey, et al, is in for major bucks.
Mick Jones is too...and paying his hired Foreigner guns accordingly.
Night Ranger is probably paid good, but mostly they're just happy to be out there.
I think that most don't realize that there's a band 'ask', and a 'package ask' too. If the promoters don't think that they can make a buck off the package, then they'll decline or bargain otherwise.

I don't readily recall the extent of this touring package, but it'll probably be re-eval'd at next break...ie, what do they have under contract, what's the promoter's feedback, can the various markets' economies handle ticket prices, etc. If the American, or wherever, economy is doing okay, and no other bands are touring at the same time, then maybe this package will go into next year. Regardless, if the money isn't there, then the current show stops.

Is Journey, as it is now, a big enough solo draw in current economy? Hard to say. But my gut is, probably not.
Will Journey go the route of smaller venues and/or sheds? That's about ego and personal will. My gut is that they will opt for NO.

Then, after some time off, they won't come back...UNLESS some major turn of events.
????


later~

[steveo777]

Probably pretty accurate, depending on what you define as "this outing". I think they are gonna tour into next year, then decide what to do.
Frankly, I'd prefer that they stop trying to be so big and start playing fewer, but more intimate venues with better set lists.

Currently, it's all big business. (Which btw, is exactly what got them their 'corporate band' moniker back in the day.) And that's fine. They don't have to play the songs that us keyboard cowboys want, they need to play what the tour dictates, and what little variance their voices can handle.

Journey, et al, is in for major bucks.
Mick Jones is too...and paying his hired Foreigner guns accordingly.
Night Ranger is probably paid good, but mostly they're just happy to be out there.
I think that most don't realize that there's a band 'ask', and a 'package ask' too. If the promoters don't think that they can make a buck off the package, then they'll decline or bargain otherwise.

I don't readily recall the extent of this touring package, but it'll probably be re-eval'd at next break...ie, what do they have under contract, what's the promoter's feedback, can the various markets' economies handle ticket prices, etc. If the American, or wherever, economy is doing okay, and no other bands are touring at the same time, then maybe this package will go into next year. Regardless, if the money isn't there, then the current show stops.

Is Journey, as it is now, a big enough solo draw in current economy? Hard to say. But my gut is, probably not.
Will Journey go the route of smaller venues and/or sheds? That's about ego and personal will. My gut is that they will opt for NO.

Then, after some time off, they won't come back...UNLESS some major turn of events.
????


later~

We don't know what this current economy you speak of is. Do some research on Tri-Cities Washington. That's where I live.

[jestor92]

No mention of Jeff Scott Soto, who toured with them for what... eleven months? Ridiculous.

Not surprising didn't JSS sue them after he was fired? I could've sworn I read that somewhere. Why would they mention him because it would just give him more press.

[Rick]

No mention of Jeff Scott Soto, who toured with them for what... eleven months? Ridiculous.

Not surprising didn't JSS sue them after he was fired? I could've sworn I read that somewhere. Why would they mention him because it would just give him more press.

Read this post.

http://forums.melodicrock.com/phpBB/vie ... 73#4598473

[koberry]

Journey is mostly likely going to do some serious soul-searching after this outing. They may eventually do another studio album, make that, a record of leftover sessions + whatever. But my gut is that they are DONE...with the proverbial fork in.

I just don't think that they will put up with all the bulls#it any more. No, they may not retire, but most likely retreat to their shed, do some fam time, maybe some PR time, but mostly try to think of all the things they haven't done yet. And by the time they get to their answer, which btw will be nothing, they'll all collectively realize that they're tired.

Again, there'll be no official announcement that Journey is done, they'll just all go on hiatus and fade.
Nobody will mind, and us hardcore fans shouldn't either.

Thing is, as a big time touring band, they're getting older. And so are all the fans.
They'll eventually consult, do cameos, maybe even produce.
But all in all, after 40 yrs - in whatever lineup - the only way they'll get back on stage is at the RnRHoF.
And yes, that will happen some day.

Neal will record and tour until the day he dies.



later~

[Saint John]

Journey is mostly likely going to do some serious soul-searching after this outing. They may eventually do another studio album, make that, a record of leftover sessions + whatever. But my gut is that they are DONE...with the proverbial fork in.

I think not. They're going to tour next year, take an entire year off and then come back with another album. I see 2 more albums out of them. I also wouldn't discount a Perry appearance somewhere along the way. In what capacity? Who knows. But he knows how this thing has to end.