Who's The Best Front Man For Journey?

[Final Frontiers]

Notice the question is NOT "Who's The Best Singer?" cause that would only lead to a "Beat It" style knife fight here.

But Who's The Best Front Man For Journey, Guyism.com defines a Front Man or Front Woman as:

A good frontman (or frontwoman) has to play many roles – part hype-man, part banshee howler, part rally leader, part sex-god – and while some manage to do one or two of those things really, really well, the best of the best manage to do them all. These aren’t solo artists with their names on the marquee, they’re leaders in the truest sense, the ones out in front, the spokesmen for a gang of musicians bent on conquering the world. They’re the ones with the microphone, the ones with the most groupies, the ones who cajole and plead and wail and gyrate and force you to stare, mouth agape, and simply listen.

Steve Perry- fronted Journey during its most successful time, knew what was needed to help sell Journey to its new teeny-bopper '70s audience- being as cute as a button, the best hair and the tightest pants . I've been watching a lot of '70s Journey videos recently (mostly The Midnight Special), they were before my time but still very entertaining.


Steve Augeri- saw him this month, put on a great show, had the worst luuck of having to be the one to follow The Voice, was pre-apologetic everytime he sang a non classic Journey song. The audience enjoyed his show no need for apologies.


Gregg Rolie- can you front a band from behind a stack of keyboards and an organ? He did really well rocking the mike with Steve Perry on "She Makes Me Feel Alright". Did he ever do anymore numbers like that?

Arnel Pineda- got a media blitz the others (not SP) on this list would kill for, taped Journey In Manilia and Don't Stop Believin' haven't watched them yet.

Jeffery Scott Soto- watched a few videos of him, he looked like he was having a blast and like a real rock star, we'll never know how a Journey with JSS would've gone. I really like his "I'll Be Alright Without You".

Robert Flesichman- wrote a bunch of future Journey hits, fronted the band for 9 months, I kinda feel bad for him as he's more famous for the bands he didn't lead (Journey, Genesis) than what he did, not a fan of his spazzy dancing.

Kevin Chalfant- Sang with Journey a grand total of once, will never let anyone forget it. I don't get this guy, he sounds great, but as a performer............there's a reason why he's been the lead singer in 10 bands that all struggle to reach the status of "One Hit Wonder". Seriously if anybody has a video of a great performance of KC link it!

Michael Bolton- Sang with Journey a grand total of once and if KC can be on the list then so can he . Would totally listen to a MB fronted Journey (would never happen though).

John Waite- was already in Bad English/The Babys which is 2/5 of the way there, would only happen if he and everyone invovled were dead broke and had no other choice.

[cinkidd]

I've seen Journey about seven times, once with SP, four times with SA, and twice with AP and even though that one time was on the Frontiers tour in Cincinnati, it is still the best concert that I've seen.

There truly is something special about SP vocals live and the way the audiences reacted to the bad. While the bad is trying HARD to look like they are enjoying touring, back in the day they just looked like they were having fun.

Also DC should get some attention in the pole, he has a monster voice and very much has the classic Journey sound.

Rich the Classic Guy

[Archetype]

Jeff Scott Soto

[slucero]

I bet even JSS would say its Perry...

[FamilyMan]

Pointless poll.

[annie89509]

SP ....(duh)

[The_Noble_Cause]

MB never played with Journey as far as I'm aware, did he? Schon/Cain produced Bolton's The Hunger album with Neal on guitar on a few tracks. I guess that counts for something.

[The_Noble_Cause]

Kevin Chalfant- Sang with Journey a grand total of once, will never let anyone forget it.

What a bullshit post. Kevin was in the Journey spin-off band, The Storm, which had Valory, Rolie, and even Smith. Very legit.

[Final Frontiers]

A pointless poll

A pointless poll would be who's the best singer. There are countless posts about that here. I wanted to know who you all think's the best entertainer/front man. It's a totally different thing. Yes, it's a forgone conclusion that Steve Perry's going to win . But who's going to come in second?

MB never played with Journey as far as I'm aware, did he? Schon/Cain produced Bolton's The Hunger album with Neal on guitar on a few tracks. I guess that counts for something.

In March of 1987:

At the Bammies Journey wins four awards including Outstanding Group, Outstanding Keyboardist, Outstanding Guitarist, and Outstanding Male Vocalist. Neal and Jonathan performed a few songs during the show. Steve Perry was in attendance, but did not perform. In his place was bassist Randy Jackson, drummer Michael Walden and the new vocalist Michael Bolton.

http://www.journey-tribute.com/journey/ ... radio.html

No known boots exist of this performance. I wish we knew which songs Michael Bolton sang.

Kevin Chalfant- Sang with Journey a grand total of once, will never let anyone forget it.

What a bullshit post. Kevin was in the Journey spin-off band, The Storm, which had Valory, Rolie, and even Smith. Very legit.

I never said he didn't have a miniscule claim to Journey fame. But it sometimes seems like he's trying to ride Journey's coat tails basically on fumes. Out of the Journeymen only Gregg Rolie seems to want to have anything to do with him professionally, asking him to join his band on some gigs to sing the Rolie/Perry duets. This is only based off of what videos are available on You Tube, if anyone else has knowledge of GR & KC singing any new songs, Steve Perry only Journey songs, or The Storm songs recently (as in the last few years), SHARE, please!!!!

The real question is Do You Think Kevin Chalfant Is "Frontman" Material As Described Above? Who did you vote for in the poll?

[Majestic]

Why was Hugo not on the list?

[Final Frontiers]

Why was Hugo not on the list?

I wanted to limit the poll to singers who have actually performed with Journey in public (at least once). There is a choice for "Other" if you want to vote for him and give a couple reasons too. I just threw John Waite in there for fun. I am of the private opinion that his stage presence was one of the deciding factors that made Bad English more memorable and popular than The Storm.

[FamilyMan]

Why was Hugo not on the list?

I wanted to limit the poll to singers who have actually performed with Journey in public (at least once). There is a choice for "Other" if you want to vote for him and give a couple reasons too. I just threw John Waite in there for fun. I am of the private opinion that his stage presence was one of the deciding factors that made Bad English more memorable and popular than The Storm.

Bad English was more memorable because they actually had a giant hit that got mainstream radio airplay. Waite also had a profile in the 80's with "Missing You" and "Change" which got them noticed. Attach his celebrity to Jon and Neal, who by '88 had successfully branded themselves as the hit makers behind Journey, and you have a supergroup. With all due respect to Smitty, Ross and Gregg, there was no big draw for The Storm. And the music didn't deliver.

[Final Frontiers]

Why was Hugo not on the list?

I wanted to limit the poll to singers who have actually performed with Journey in public (at least once). There is a choice for "Other" if you want to vote for him and give a couple reasons too. I just threw John Waite in there for fun. I am of the private opinion that his stage presence was one of the deciding factors that made Bad English more memorable and popular than The Storm.

Bad English was more memorable because they actually had a giant hit that got mainstream radio airplay. Waite also had a profile in the 80's with "Missing You" and "Change" which got them noticed. Attach his celebrity to Jon and Neal, who by '88 had successfully branded themselves as the hit makers behind Journey, and you have a supergroup. With all due respect to Smitty, Ross and Gregg, there was no big draw for The Storm. And the music didn't deliver.

Quoted For TRUTH!!!! All Of THIS!!!!

I can hear "When I See You Smile" on terristrial and satelitte radio all the time. For all the talk of The Storm being so popular. I never hear them on the "90s On 9" channel or any other 90, new millienium, and today station, or anywhere. Ever. That and John, Neal, & Jon knew they had to sell themselves visually and sexily to get on TV. The Storm just wore all black and had no style. Artist Development at Interscope didn't do their job.

Which goes back to what I was saying that John Waite has stage prescene and Kevin Chalfant doesn't. I don't know what Gregg & Ross were thinking that they could go from Steve Perry to Kevin Chalfant and have that work long term.

I don't think I ever saw BE's "Forget Me Not" video when it came out It must be a massive coincidence that John Waite's wearing a white suit with no shirt, just like Steve Perry wore a white suit with no shirt on The Midnight Special. Everybody but Kevin Chalfant knows that the quickest way to rock & roll stardom is the best hair and the tightest pants.

Bad English "Forget Me Not".

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Qol7z-ku8A

Journey "Wheel In The Sky"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K0hRNd3TU1I

[ebake02]

Uh...Michael Bolton

[The_Noble_Cause]

Uh...Michael Bolton

Why not? His pipes have proven pretty durable. Neal even said it was discussed at one point.

[The_Noble_Cause]

Which goes back to what I was saying that John Waite has stage prescene and Kevin Chalfant doesn't. I don't know what Gregg & Ross were thinking that they could go from Steve Perry to Kevin Chalfant and have that work long term.

Chalfant could sing like a mother-fucker, and Herbie wanted him in. Works for me.

[The_Noble_Cause]

...And the music didn't deliver.

Your opinion. I think both Storm albums are very strong. Certainly nearly as good as any Rolie/Perry era Journey album, and arguably ROR, which is a mixed bag.

[The_Noble_Cause]

Why was Hugo not on the list?

Cuz he sucks.

[The_Noble_Cause]

Out of the Journeymen only Gregg Rolie seems to want to have anything to do with him professionally, asking him to join his band on some gigs to sing the Rolie/Perry duets.

Journey isn't doing anything "professionally" besides touring. What would you have KC do? Leap onstage, pick Arnel up, and send him crowd-surfing? Last I checked, Journey isn't collaborating w/ Perry, Augeri, or Fleischman either. Herbie, the visionary godfather behind the band, repeatedly said that Kevin was the anointed one. Instead, the band picked Augeri and slogged through several years of inconsistent performances and one good album (Arrival).

[Final Frontiers]

Out of the Journeymen only Gregg Rolie seems to want to have anything to do with him professionally, asking him to join his band on some gigs to sing the Rolie/Perry duets.

Journey isn't doing anything "professionally" besides touring. What would you have KC do? Leap onstage, pick Arnel up, and send him crowd-surfing? Last I checked, Journey isn't collaborating w/ Perry, Augeri, or Fleischman either. Herbie, the visionary godfather behind the band, repeatedly said that Kevin was the anointed one. Instead, the band picked Augeri and slogged through several years of inconsistent performances and one good album (Arrival).

Kevin dwarf tossing Arnel would be hysterical .

Neal and Gregg did collaborate with Robert Fleischman on "Perfect Stranger" of course that was in 1979 . I bet if Steve Augeri asked, Neal would play on a couple of tracks for no other reason than he just likes to play music. Journey in general doesn't seem very grudge holdy considering they invited ALL their former members to the Hollywood Walk Of Fame ceremony and Aynsly Dunbar, Robert, and Steve Perry showed up.

The myth of Kevin Chalfant being able to replace Steve Perry in the '90s needs to be laid to rest. There was no way on God's Green Smurf that Columbia Records was going to magically allow KC to join Journey while chasing away FOUNDING MEMBER GREGG ROLIE!!! They wanted a line up that most closely resembled "Escape/Frontiers" and KC ain't it. Herbie, not being a part of the band at that point, his endorsement was probably a detriment. And while KC has been able to cozy up to Ross and Gregg he hasn't been able to crack the nuts of the upper echelon of Journey decison making- Neal and Jonathan. They don't want him (probably) BECAUSE he was in The Storm. Not that anyone remembers The Storm.

[Aaron]

Because he's too much of a writing threat to Schon and Cain. Hugo can write like a mofo. And his vocals arent' bad either. They would do well to get him but aren't smart enough to do it. Listen to his cd's and the Valentine records. They rock harder than Journey so take note.

Why was Hugo not on the list?

[Aaron]

Not really but I get your point. The Storm was a great band with great music. I watched them kick Brian Adam's arse back in the 1990's in Indy.

However, KC has been talking about being part of Journey in his tribute band. I love the guy and would love to hear him in Journey. He fronting one concert that has not been heard since does not consitute Kevin as being part of the band. I love the guy and his voice but he needs to get over it.

Kevin Chalfant- Sang with Journey a grand total of once, will never let anyone forget it.

What a bullshit post. Kevin was in the Journey spin-off band, The Storm, which had Valory, Rolie, and even Smith. Very legit.

[Aaron]

Dude I get your point and have the Bad English cd's. Just be a little careful on what you're quoting. "When I See You Smile" was not written by the band, it was written by Diane Warren. She wrote a lot of #1's during that time. The song was performed well but it was not a band written song. They bought that one and I don't have much respect for that.

Wait, Cain, and Schon have demostrated the ability to write good songs. Buying that number one doesn't earn much respect from me.

I wanted to limit the poll to singers who have actually performed with Journey in public (at least once). There is a choice for "Other" if you want to vote for him and give a couple reasons too. I just threw John Waite in there for fun. I am of the private opinion that his stage presence was one of the deciding factors that made Bad English more memorable and popular than The Storm.

Bad English was more memorable because they actually had a giant hit that got mainstream radio airplay. Waite also had a profile in the 80's with "Missing You" and "Change" which got them noticed. Attach his celebrity to Jon and Neal, who by '88 had successfully branded themselves as the hit makers behind Journey, and you have a supergroup. With all due respect to Smitty, Ross and Gregg, there was no big draw for The Storm. And the music didn't deliver.

Quoted For TRUTH!!!! All Of THIS!!!!

I can hear "When I See You Smile" on terristrial and satelitte radio all the time. For all the talk of The Storm being so popular. I never hear them on the "90s On 9" channel or any other 90, new millienium, and today station, or anywhere. Ever. That and John, Neal, & Jon knew they had to sell themselves visually and sexily to get on TV. The Storm just wore all black and had no style. Artist Development at Interscope didn't do their job.

Which goes back to what I was saying that John Waite has stage prescene and Kevin Chalfant doesn't. I don't know what Gregg & Ross were thinking that they could go from Steve Perry to Kevin Chalfant and have that work long term.

I don't think I ever saw BE's "Forget Me Not" video when it came out It must be a massive coincidence that John Waite's wearing a white suit with no shirt, just like Steve Perry wore a white suit with no shirt on The Midnight Special. Everybody but Kevin Chalfant knows that the quickest way to rock & roll stardom is the best hair and the tightest pants.

Bad English "Forget Me Not".

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Qol7z-ku8A

Journey "Wheel In The Sky"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K0hRNd3TU1I

[The_Noble_Cause]

The myth of Kevin Chalfant being able to replace Steve Perry in the '90s needs to be laid to rest. There was no way on God's Green Smurf that Columbia Records was going to magically allow KC to join Journey while chasing away FOUNDING MEMBER GREGG ROLIE!!! They wanted a line up that most closely resembled "Escape/Frontiers" and KC ain't it.

The KC lineup existed, and even started working on new material. So, like it or not, it was real and not a fanboy pipe dream. Gregg Rolie and KC left after Perry returned. So I don't quite understand your "chasing away Rolie" comment.

Herbie, not being a part of the band at that point, his endorsement was probably a detriment.

What crap. Why did Neal and Jon asked Herbie to come back? It was Perry who brought in Azoff.

They don't want him (probably) BECAUSE he was in The Storm. Not that anyone remembers The Storm.

Yea, or maybe he actually has songwriting chops (just like JSS) and that shit doesn't fly.

[The_Noble_Cause]

He fronting one concert that has not been heard since does not consitute Kevin as being part of the band.

Then I guess Jeremey wasn't in Journey either. And Mitch Malloy wasn't in VH. Your logic is flawed.

[Aaron]

Jeremey was clearly in. MM was not in VH as far as what I can tell. Same goes for KC. Do you have any clips of KC singing with Journey that would clearify your position. I get where you're coming from but I've not seen anything to suggest that KC was working with Journey. I'd love to hear some material that would change my mind.

He fronting one concert that has not been heard since does not consitute Kevin as being part of the band.

Then I guess Jeremey wasn't in Journey either. And Mitch Malloy wasn't in VH. Your logic is flawed.

[Final Frontiers]

The KC lineup existed, and even started working on new material. So, like it or not, it was real and not a fanboy pipe dream. Gregg Rolie and KC left after Perry returned. So I don't quite understand your "chasing away Rolie" comment.

What crap. Why did Neal and Jon asked Herbie to come back? It was Perry who brought in Azoff.

Steve Perry's been gone almost 14 years. If Neal & Jon wanted Herbie back so much, why isn't he back? Why are they still with Azoff? A Perry business decison. There's a quote somewhere about Columbia only wanting an "Escape/Frontiers" line up for the "Trial By Fire" reunion only it's way too late or too early for me to Sherlock Holmes it out right now.

Be careful who you're quoting never said that Bad English wrote "When I See You Smile". But it is their biggest hit. And they didn't buy it, it was a case of "Executive Meddling" just like Gregg Rolie not being allowed into the "Trial By Fire" reunion. Which I don't agree with at all . We could've had another Rolie/Perry duet .



Jeb: The fact that you had huge success with ballads instead of great rockers…has that ever frustrated you?

John: All of the decisions that I’ve made have been my own. I don’t think I have been pushed into anything. I am responsible for what I have done.

There is always a twist on things. If nine tenths of the record is really hardcore rock, then you have to have something to balance it. Well, if you’re AC/DC and you’re making the album Powerage, then that isn’t the case, and that turned out great. I always wanted to stir the waters up. I think it has perplexed people.

“Missing You” is a sharp song with great lyrics, but with “When I See You Smile” that was not what we should have been doing in Bad English. We kind of owed the A&R guys a favor. I thought we would just cut it and tell them we at least tried and then they would let us go our own way. When we recorded it, then it really did sound like a Number One.

It went to Number One everywhere and I have to ask what is wrong with being number one? At the same time, it was the wrong song for the band to rest its career on. It really was done as a favor to show them that we tried it and that it didn’t work. Everyone in the band was so fucking good at what they did that we made it into a hit. It was like, “How did we do that?” Everyone was smiling at us like we finally did it. I was doing Rockline the other day and they played “Forget Me Not” and it really brought it back to me how strong of a band that was.



http://www.classicwrockrevisited.com/show_interview.php?id=997

Just another case of when you're not trying to make a hit record.... thats when you make a hit record.

Dude I get your point and have the Bad English cd's. Just be a little careful on what you're quoting. "When I See You Smile" was not written by the band, it was written by Diane Warren. She wrote a lot of #1's during that time. The song was performed well but it was not a band written song. They bought that one and I don't have much respect for that.

Wait, Cain, and Schon have demostrated the ability to write good songs. Buying that number one doesn't earn much respect from me.

[brywool]

Um. Duh.
It's obviously Neal's wife.

[tater1977]

Um. Duh.
It's obviously Neal's wife.

http://youtu.be/Ti3XBbMUHg0

[The_Noble_Cause]

Steve Perry's been gone almost 14 years. If Neal & Jon wanted Herbie back so much, why isn't he back?

He's retired. He's addressed this in interviews.

Why are they still with Azoff? A Perry business decision.

Cuz he's one of the biggest names in the talent management business. Journey has toured steadily since re-grouping. Herbie was about more than that. He was about building a legacy and a brand. Since losing Herbie, the band has lost their guiding hand and their identity.

There's a quote somewhere about Columbia only wanting an "Escape/Frontiers" line up for the "Trial By Fire" reunion only it's way too late or too early for me to Sherlock Holmes it out right now.

And ultimately Sony ended up with a non-Escape/Frontiers lineup with Arrival. So what is your point exacltly?

Be careful who you're quoting never said that Bad English wrote "When I See You Smile". But it is their biggest hit.

Oh great. Another computer illiterate poster. I never mentioned Bad English or WISYSM. Be careful who YOU are quoting, buster.