Perry, Sony, Solo vs. Jrny and the TBF Fall Out

[Rockindeano]

I RESPECT the Hell out of Perrys achievements....please don't skew my factual respect and my character assassination on him.

There is no denying he was a major prick, and if Jeff likes him as a person, well, fine. Jeff is Jeff, and I am RnD, what's the point?

[Deb]

I RESPECT the Hell out of Perrys achievements....please don't skew my factual respect and my character assassination on him.

There is no denying he was a major prick, and if Jeff likes him as a person, well, fine. Jeff is Jeff, and I am RnD, what's the point?

Not skewing anything.........this convo is actually a mute point, won't go anywhere.......you think Perry is a prick, I don't think Perry is a prick (especially now). I am a stubborn Taurus, and only base my beliefs on what I "know"......so neither of us is going to change the other's mind......period. Next...........

[Blueskies]

Yes, I agree this argument is moot. I don't think SP ever did thing's out of spite, control, or for money. I think he did thing's for the love of his craft and wanting to be the best he could be for the band. The band did not seem to care about quality, they just wanted to plow through and tour without giving SP the time he needed. The band seemed to only be thinking about money, IMO. SP is a perfectionist and doesn't want to put out a bad product. I hope he will finally understand that he has gotten older and his sound is not the same....doesn't have to be the same...he could still sound damn good. I hope he doe's something again, but I appreciate what he has already given us. I like the fact that JSS respect's Perry, also. I can move forward with JSS now.... He has a good voice in his own right and has alot of energy and a great sense of humor. I going to try to catch another show, I know it will a good time. Maybe they will record some new stuff along the way on this tour.

[Granny]

Yes, I agree this argument is moot. I don't think SP ever did thing's out of spite, control, or for money. I think he did thing's for the love of his craft and wanting to be the best he could be for the band. The band did not seem to care about quality, they just wanted to plow through and tour without giving SP the time he needed. The band seemed to only be thinking about money, IMO. SP is a perfectionist and doesn't want to put out a bad product. I hope he will finally understand that he has gotten older and his sound is not the same....doesn't have to be the same...he could still sound damn good. I hope he doe's something again, but I appreciate what he has already given us. I like the fact that JSS respect's Perry, also. I can move forward with JSS now.... He has a good voice in his own right and has alot of energy and a great sense of humor. I going to try to catch another show, I know it will a good time. Maybe they will record some new stuff along the way on this tour.

Thank You. I agree. Granny

[Classic Rock]

Yes, I agree this argument is moot. I don't think SP ever did thing's out of spite, control, or for money. I think he did thing's for the love of his craft and wanting to be the best he could be for the band. The band did not seem to care about quality, they just wanted to plow through and tour without giving SP the time he needed. The band seemed to only be thinking about money, IMO.

They gave Steve Perry two years, how much more time did you think he deserved? Money is factor in everything I can agree to that but Neal and the rest of the guys wanted to tour for the love of their craft. They are musicians they love what they do and guys that rock as hard as Neal want to do as much as they can. Neal lost 10 years of touring under the name Journey because of the Steve Perry drama. Neal wanted to do the best he could for the band that he spend half his life building. If anyone didn’t care about quality it would be Steve Perry because he was unwilling to tour with those songs or at least make some TV appearances.

[PROPERRY]

"Only he knows." Give me a fucking break. I am here to expose that fucker. You all want me to go after perry like I did with Tapegate? Didn't think so.

I'd like to see it myself, this would be a bigger fight than any that went on during tapegate. Give em hell.

Deano's right about the long time Perryheads from this board, they only supported him because they think Journey has no right to carry on without Perry. They've always wanted to see the Augeri era fail, no way they've have ever backed Deano on anything else and any support they've shown for JSS/Journey is false as they think and hope it will fail as well.

Listen my brotha...don't want to fight with you, but how do you know this? they've told you this? I love Steve Perry, did not adore or admire Augeri, but liked his stuff, and I think JSS is cool-where lies the problem? I don't see any of these people on here right now that you are referring to....

Like I said, they are here, go read about them.

The ranking of top Perry Bitches:

1) HOTS- The absolute skankiest bitch here. Nothing good to say EVER about Neal and the Band. A complete waste of web space.

2) Perryfaithful- Always talks a good game, but never has anything to bring to the table. Always stirring up shit for the sake of stirring up shit.

3) PROPERRY- She is too stupid to warrant a no. 1 or 2 ranking. Just a bling cheerleader who will love Perry no matter how much of an asshole he is.

4) Sherrie- She is ok, not a bad person at all, but is blinded too.


Go search these names and read the wars we have had. I would welcome a new round of fighting in a heartbeat, because I know I can't lose.

What's the matter Deano, are you getting BORED AGAIN????? Not enough excitement going on for you here??? And gee Deano, what about those PMS you sent me here apologizing over & over to me for the way you spoke to me here on this board, and NOW ONCE AGAIN, you do another 180 degree turn, that is certianly NOT SUPRISING to me, and shouldn't be to anyone else either.


It is my right to like whatever I like, and that will ALWAYS be Steve Perry, so if you have a problem with that , too bad!!!

Lori

[Rock Fn]

One of the things that really hurt, is that Sony gave the guys a 4 million dollar advance on the album and tour. Then nothing happened. Talk about major screw job.

[Matthew]

Yes, I agree this argument is moot. I don't think SP ever did thing's out of spite, control, or for money. I think he did thing's for the love of his craft and wanting to be the best he could be for the band. The band did not seem to care about quality, they just wanted to plow through and tour without giving SP the time he needed. The band seemed to only be thinking about money, IMO.

They gave Steve Perry two years, how much more time did you think he deserved? Money is factor in everything I can agree to that but Neal and the rest of the guys wanted to tour for the love of their craft. They are musicians they love what they do and guys that rock as hard as Neal want to do as much as they can.

Yes - they are musicians and they love to tour. But was touring under the Journey name the ONLY option? Was urge to play the same 12 Journey songs night after night that compelling? It wasn't like Schon and Cain were being forced in retirement, was it?

[Rockindeano]

"Only he knows." Give me a fucking break. I am here to expose that fucker. You all want me to go after perry like I did with Tapegate? Didn't think so.

I'd like to see it myself, this would be a bigger fight than any that went on during tapegate. Give em hell.

Deano's right about the long time Perryheads from this board, they only supported him because they think Journey has no right to carry on without Perry. They've always wanted to see the Augeri era fail, no way they've have ever backed Deano on anything else and any support they've shown for JSS/Journey is false as they think and hope it will fail as well.

Listen my brotha...don't want to fight with you, but how do you know this? they've told you this? I love Steve Perry, did not adore or admire Augeri, but liked his stuff, and I think JSS is cool-where lies the problem? I don't see any of these people on here right now that you are referring to....

Like I said, they are here, go read about them.

The ranking of top Perry Bitches:

1) HOTS- The absolute skankiest bitch here. Nothing good to say EVER about Neal and the Band. A complete waste of web space.

2) Perryfaithful- Always talks a good game, but never has anything to bring to the table. Always stirring up shit for the sake of stirring up shit.

3) PROPERRY- She is too stupid to warrant a no. 1 or 2 ranking. Just a bling cheerleader who will love Perry no matter how much of an asshole he is.

4) Sherrie- She is ok, not a bad person at all, but is blinded too.


Go search these names and read the wars we have had. I would welcome a new round of fighting in a heartbeat, because I know I can't lose.

What's the matter Deano, are you getting BORED AGAIN????? Not enough excitement going on for you here??? And gee Deano, what about those PMS you sent me here apologizing over & over to me for the way you spoke to me here on this board, and NOW ONCE AGAIN, you do another 180 degree turn, that is certianly NOT SUPRISING to me, and shouldn't be to anyone else either.


It is my right to like whatever I like, and that will ALWAYS be Steve Perry, so if you have a problem with that , too bad!!!

Lori

You smelly bitch. Don't you ever lie to people on here about me. I NEVER sent you jack shit. I hate you.

Yeah, I am the guy who changes 180 degrees, when in fact I am not afraid to admit that I have changed my mind on things and people when I was wrong the first time. You go praise the Lord Steve perry. Hope those reissues get you nice and wet.

[Matthew]

One of the things that really hurt, is that Sony gave the guys a 4 million dollar advance on the album and tour. Then nothing happened. Talk about major screw job.

Well, Sony got their revenge when they failed to promote "Arrival". Even though they would have been wasting their money if they had....

[Rockindeano]

One of the things that really hurt, is that Sony gave the guys a 4 million dollar advance on the album and tour. Then nothing happened. Talk about major screw job.

Well, Sony got their revenge when they failed to promote "Arrival". Even though they would have been wasting their money if they had....

How would that be a waste of money? Arrival, while not one of my favourites, is hardly embarrassing. Had Sony pushed Arrival, Journey would have life. So in essence, what you are saying is, Perry gave Sony the bird, and Sony turned around and gave Journey the bird-minus Steve Perry, who had abandoned ship. Got it, thanks.

[Classic Rock]

Yes, I agree this argument is moot. I don't think SP ever did thing's out of spite, control, or for money. I think he did thing's for the love of his craft and wanting to be the best he could be for the band. The band did not seem to care about quality, they just wanted to plow through and tour without giving SP the time he needed. The band seemed to only be thinking about money, IMO.

They gave Steve Perry two years, how much more time did you think he deserved? Money is factor in everything I can agree to that but Neal and the rest of the guys wanted to tour for the love of their craft. They are musicians they love what they do and guys that rock as hard as Neal want to do as much as they can.

Yes - they are musicians and they love to tour. But was touring under the Journey name the ONLY option? Was urge to play the same 12 Journey songs night after night that compelling? It wasn't like Schon and Cain were being forced in retirement, was it?

I'm not saying it was their only touring option, but if Neal wants to tour under the name Journey he should be able to because I believe it his band and always was. It is a shame that Neal himself didn’t believe that in 1986 or if he did he failed to act on it. Yes I am another one who doesn’t think too much of Raised On Radio or Randy Jackson for that matter. Of course Steve Perry was a big reason why Journey took off in the first place everybody knows that and hopefully respects that. They gave him 2 years and I think it more than enough time.

I can’t tell you if the urge to play those 12 songs was that compelling. Obviously so though. They are not your songs, they are not my songs, they are Journey’s songs. And if it was my material yes I would want to play them as much as possible for as long as possible. I guess you have to be a musician to understand that.

[Matthew]

One of the things that really hurt, is that Sony gave the guys a 4 million dollar advance on the album and tour. Then nothing happened. Talk about major screw job.

Well, Sony got their revenge when they failed to promote "Arrival". Even though they would have been wasting their money if they had....

How would that be a waste of money? Arrival, while not one of my favourites, is hardly embarrassing. Had Sony pushed Arrival, Journey would have life. So in essence, what you are saying is, Perry gave Sony the bird, and Sony turned around and gave Journey the bird-minus Steve Perry, who had abandoned ship. Got it, thanks.

No. I'm saying that it's possible that - despite TBF selling one million copies - Sony didn't meet the targets they'd budgeted for re: the Journey reunion.

So when the next Journey album came along there might well have been a decision to cut their losses. Especially given that Perry was no longer in the band.

I don't think "Arrival" is embarrassing either. But equally I can quite understand why the Sony people might have lacked faith in Augeri's ability to connect with a mass audience. If I worked for Sony, I'd also be concerned that the album was a '80's pastiche'...that it was a backward-looking album..that it didn't respresent an exciting new phase for the band.

[PROPERRY]

"Only he knows." Give me a fucking break. I am here to expose that fucker. You all want me to go after perry like I did with Tapegate? Didn't think so.

I'd like to see it myself, this would be a bigger fight than any that went on during tapegate. Give em hell.

Deano's right about the long time Perryheads from this board, they only supported him because they think Journey has no right to carry on without Perry. They've always wanted to see the Augeri era fail, no way they've have ever backed Deano on anything else and any support they've shown for JSS/Journey is false as they think and hope it will fail as well.

Listen my brotha...don't want to fight with you, but how do you know this? they've told you this? I love Steve Perry, did not adore or admire Augeri, but liked his stuff, and I think JSS is cool-where lies the problem? I don't see any of these people on here right now that you are referring to....

Like I said, they are here, go read about them.

The ranking of top Perry Bitches:

1) HOTS- The absolute skankiest bitch here. Nothing good to say EVER about Neal and the Band. A complete waste of web space.

2) Perryfaithful- Always talks a good game, but never has anything to bring to the table. Always stirring up shit for the sake of stirring up shit.

3) PROPERRY- She is too stupid to warrant a no. 1 or 2 ranking. Just a bling cheerleader who will love Perry no matter how much of an asshole he is.

4) Sherrie- She is ok, not a bad person at all, but is blinded too.


Go search these names and read the wars we have had. I would welcome a new round of fighting in a heartbeat, because I know I can't lose.

What's the matter Deano, are you getting BORED AGAIN????? Not enough excitement going on for you here??? And gee Deano, what about those PMS you sent me here apologizing over & over to me for the way you spoke to me here on this board, and NOW ONCE AGAIN, you do another 180 degree turn, that is certianly NOT SUPRISING to me, and shouldn't be to anyone else either.


It is my right to like whatever I like, and that will ALWAYS be Steve Perry, so if you have a problem with that , too bad!!!

Lori

You smelly bitch. Don't you ever lie to people on here about me. I NEVER sent you jack shit. I hate you.

Yeah, I am the guy who changes 180 degrees, when in fact I am not afraid to admit that I have changed my mind on things and people when I was wrong the first time. You go praise the Lord Steve perry. Hope those reissues get you nice and wet.

Be careful what you say Deano, your own words could come back to bite you hard!

Lori

[Matthew]

I'm not saying it was their only touring option, but if Neal wants to tour under the name Journey he should be able to because I believe it his band and always was.

I'm not disputing that Schon has the right to use the Journey name. Unfortunately, the Journey name has suffered hugely because he took control of the band in 1998.

It is a shame that Neal himself didn’t believe that in 1986 or if he did he failed to act on it.

He knew that "Street Talk" had just been a massive success and was happy to follow Perry's lead because it had always proven to be lucrative in the past.

Plus...have you seen the ROR documentary? There's a segment where Schon is demonstrating what the new music technology could do and he was genuinely excited about it. So I wouldn't say the approach on ROR went against Schon's instincts at that time.

They gave him 2 years and I think it more than enough time.

Well, the decision to act reasonably quickly didn't pay off, did it? Unless you are contented with the collapse of their recording career...concerts on cruise ships and support slots for tired hair metal bands.

And if it was my material yes I would want to play them as much as possible for as long as possible. I guess you have to be a musician to understand that.

Plenty of musicians want to keep challenging and stretching themselves. There's no doubt that Schon and Cain lost that desire for a while. I really hope they get it back.

[Rockindeano]

No. I'm saying that it's possible that - despite TBF selling one million copies - Sony didn't meet the targets they'd budgeted for re: the Journey reunion.

Actually, I don't think TBF did sell 1 million, although they are certified as such. They shipped 1 million. I am one of the few on here who like that record.

So when the next Journey album came along there might well have been a decision to cut their losses. Especially given that Perry was no longer in the band.

Good point. Maybe so?

I don't think "Arrival" is embarrassing either. But equally I can quite understand why the Sony people might have lacked faith in Augeri's ability to connect with a mass audience. If I worked for Sony, I'd also be concerned that the album was a '80's pastiche'...that it was a backward-looking album..that it didn't respresent an exciting new phase for the band.

Actually, if I were a Sony exec, besides getting tons of young fine ass, I would listen to Arrival and I would have heard Higher Place, Signs of Life and 1 or 2 others, and said, "Hmm, this isn't half bad."

Seriously, I think Arrival is syrupy and too layered and polished, but definitely good enough to sponsor and make money on.

[Rockindeano]

Be careful what you say Deano, your own words could come back to bite you hard!

Lori

Is that a threat? Why don't you bring it on, skank?

[itsjustme]

I don't think anything was premeditated or that SP set out to "get" his bandmate's.

It's also worth remembering that Steve Perry was the driving force behind the decision to hire Irving Azoff, the manager who had recently masterminded the successful comeback of The Eagles.

This suggests to me that Perry was deadly serious about making the reunion work at the outset.

You are joking right? Perry wanted Herbie out, because herbie didn't take any shit. Perry wanted to run things, so he brought Azoff onboard. Big deal, Azoff emgineered the Eagles comeback. Hell, with all the original members, I could engineer that comeback! And as far as your comment about Perry bringing in Azoff to take the band to the top again, why not keep the manager that got you to the top in the first place? As far as Journey is concerned, Herbie is a lot more accomplished that Azoff.

That's always been my number one question about the whole reunion thing. They got rid of the decent human being who took them thru the roof, and took on the suck you dry idiot that has done NOTHING to further this band. JRNY is merely a number to Azoff. Herbie actually LOVED these guys, even as he hated their ungrateful prima guts.


(yeah, yeah, I said suck you dry ) lol

[Rockindeano]

Perry wanted HH out, because they were both hard headed; however, Perry couldn't manage a fuckin Burger King..I am sure his hip would hurt too much to make a batch of fries.

Azoff, in his defense, had a shit singer for 6 of the 8 years. In the first two years, they were on TV and if anyone saw Augeri on TV, you now know why there was never another appearance.

[NoMoreTails]

I don't think "Arrival" is embarrassing either. But equally I can quite understand why the Sony people might have lacked faith in Augeri's ability to connect with a mass audience. If I worked for Sony, I'd also be concerned that the album was a '80's pastiche'...that it was a backward-looking album..that it didn't respresent an exciting new phase for the band.

Sony got the album their guy Kalodner pushed for, the guys have made statements to that affect. Sony/JDK and Kevin Shirley laid the boundaries for what they thought Journey should be, Sony got the album they wanted and still sabotaged its success.
The Sony fucks Journey to get even with Perry fucking them idea is ludicrous, how the hell would that hurt Perry, it only helped his agenda to have people think he is Journey.

Here's a conspiracy for you: keep Journey on your label, dictate their direction making sure its ballad heavy, leak the album before its release whether on purpose or not (a Sony rep in Europe was supposedly responsible), plan to release a version with one of the best cuts designated for the Japanese release only, delay the US release for nearly a year to make sure everyone who is interested already has it, don't promote it after its release, release Essential Journey before Arrival has even been noticed, then have JDK court Perry and make comments about not being interested in working with this version of Journey any longer until he too is finally let go by Sony.
Oh, not to forget the failure to promote Remember Me in '98, and its less than prominent placement in the movie, Journey should have smelled a rat from the beginning.

[Matthew]

Sony got the album their guy Kalodner pushed for, the guys have made statements to that affect. Sony/JDK and Kevin Shirley laid the boundaries for what they thought Journey should be, Sony got the album they wanted and still sabotaged its success.

Why did Sony "sabotage" its success, NMT?

The Sony fucks Journey to get even with Perry fucking them idea is ludicrous, how the hell would that hurt Perry, it only helped his agenda to have people think he is Journey.

I clarified what I meant in a reply to Deano above.

Here's a conspiracy for you: keep Journey on your label, dictate their direction making sure its ballad heavy, leak the album before its release whether on purpose or not (a Sony rep in Europe was supposedly responsible), plan to release a version with one of the best cuts designated for the Japanese release only, delay the US release for nearly a year to make sure everyone who is interested already has it, don't promote it after its release, release Essential Journey before Arrival has even been noticed, then have JDK court Perry and make comments about not being interested in working with this version of Journey any longer until he too is finally let go by Sony.
Oh, not to forget the failure to promote Remember Me in '98, and its less than prominent placement in the movie, Journey should have smelled a rat from the beginning.

Well, it seems that Sony had a problem with Journey. No - not to get even with Perry - but a reaction to the TBF fall-out nonetheless.

Yes - Journey should have smelled a rat early and realised that they'd made a disastrous decision in 1998. Instead the band blundered on and it's only now - eight years on - that they have taken steps to reverse the downward trend.

[itsjustme]

Perry wanted HH out, because they were both hard headed; however, Perry couldn't manage a fuckin Burger King..I am sure his hip would hurt too much to make a batch of fries.

Azoff, in his defense, had a shit singer for 6 of the 8 years. In the first two years, they were on TV and if anyone saw Augeri on TV, you now know why there was never another appearance.

Yeah, maybe. But I really think Herbie would have gotten arrival out there and on the charts with at least one song, like he did with Mr. Big. Which I think happend because he loves Eric, and would go to the matt for him, the way he use to for Neal. (I LOVE Eric Martin, btw) But, just a hunch. who knows.

(and I think you're right ie the butting heads thing. I have a feeling Perry did that a lot with most people that he had to work with (ie, not have complete control)

[Matthew]

Perry wanted HH out, because they were both hard headed; however, Perry couldn't manage a fuckin Burger King..

Yet by all accounts Perry is smart with money, a tough negotiator and had a vision for the band which he pursued ruthlessly. No, he wouldn't ever want to manage Journey or a Burger King - but I'd trust him with a band's career if Perry were motivated to take them on.

[Classic Rock]

I'm not saying it was their only touring option, but if Neal wants to tour under the name Journey he should be able to because I believe it his band and always was.

I'm not disputing that Schon has the right to use the Journey name. Unfortunately, the Journey name has suffered hugely because he took control of the band in 1998.

I will agree the name has suffered because of tapegate but again we are, for the most part, the only people that know about that. To the casual fan the band is just like any other classic rock band. I think the name started suffering when Perry refused to tour. He left them with no choice but to continue on. Do you think they should have ended Journey back in 1998? If so then why are you so excited to see them next year?

It is a shame that Neal himself didn’t believe that in 1986 or if he did he failed to act on it.

He knew that "Street Talk" had just been a massive success and was happy to follow Perry's lead because it had always proven to be lucrative in the past.

Plus...have you seen the ROR documentary? There's a segment where Schon is demonstrating what the new music technology could do and he was genuinely excited about it. So I wouldn't say the approach on ROR went against Schon's instincts at that time.

I have not seen the ROR documentary so I can’t make an informed opinion but from what you said I guess I have to agree.

They gave him 2 years and I think it more than enough time.

Well, the decision to act reasonably quickly didn't pay off, did it? Unless you are contented with the collapse of their recording career...concerts on cruise ships and support slots for tired hair metal bands.

I agree that it didn’t pay off because album sales drastically went down and they did play some disappointing gigs. Again, Neal is a musician and a rocker and he wants to play his music to whoever will listen that is why he wanted to move on. If Steve Perry was recording with Journey again do think they would have a single on the radio? They might but it is hard to say because 2006 is a lot different that 1996. Also this tour with Def Leppard is the best thing that is happened to them in awhile they are making waves now with JSS at the helm. I hate that they are opening for them and that the set is so short but for right now it is what it is.

And if it was my material yes I would want to play them as much as possible for as long as possible. I guess you have to be a musician to understand that.

Plenty of musicians want to keep challenging and stretching themselves. There's no doubt that Schon and Cain lost that desire for a while. I really hope they get it back.

They did lose it for awhile and that is a shame. I too hope they can turn it around.

[AR]

Other than Message of Love, Trial By Fire is a perfect soundtrack to slice a vein longways (the correct way) and bleed to death. However that is a slow death and you might have to actually listen to that boring piece of shit. Better to play MOL, then stick a gun in your mouth and pull the trigger. Much less painfull.



Ok, who knows who this is?

[Matthew]

Actually, I don't think TBF did sell 1 million, although they are certified as such. They shipped 1 million. I am one of the few on here who like that record.

Yes - it would be good to know the sell-through figure.

It took me a while to get into TBF - but I like it too.

Actually, if I were a Sony exec, besides getting tons of young fine ass, I would listen to Arrival and I would have heard Higher Place, Signs of Life and 1 or 2 others, and said, "Hmm, this isn't half bad."

Seriously, I think Arrival is syrupy and too layered and polished, but definitely good enough to sponsor and make money on.

Those songs - plus "I Got A Reason" - are actually pretty good. But yes - overall it is too "syrupy" and there's something a bit soulless and contrived about the album.

Sur - a record exec would think it isn't half-bad - but were they genuinely excited by it? Or totally convinced and motivated by the new singer? It seems that they weren't.

[Rockindeano]

Here's a conspiracy for you: keep Journey on your label, dictate their direction making sure its ballad heavy, leak the album before its release whether on purpose or not (a Sony rep in Europe was supposedly responsible), plan to release a version with one of the best cuts designated for the Japanese release only, delay the US release for nearly a year to make sure everyone who is interested already has it, don't promote it after its release, release Essential Journey before Arrival has even been noticed, then have JDK court Perry and make comments about not being interested in working with this version of Journey any longer until he too is finally let go by Sony.
Oh, not to forget the failure to promote Remember Me in '98, and its less than prominent placement in the movie, Journey should have smelled a rat from the beginning.

NOMOTA-

Not so sure it is a conspiracy. I am sold on a bunch of these occurrences as fact.

[NoMoreTails]

Sony got the album their guy Kalodner pushed for, the guys have made statements to that affect. Sony/JDK and Kevin Shirley laid the boundaries for what they thought Journey should be, Sony got the album they wanted and still sabotaged its success.

Why did Sony "sabotage" its success, NMT?

The answer to that is in what I wrote, maybe they still wanted Perry back with Journey, JDK undoubtedly did, apparently didn't learn from being screwed over by Perry. Thankfully, Journey wasn't willing to let it happen yet again. And no, I don't think Sony knew best.

[Matthew]

I will agree the name has suffered because of tapegate but again we are, for the most part, the only people that know about that.

I think it suffered a long time before TapeGate. The loss of 750,000 fans in five years and the subsequent loss of a record deal was far more damaging than the lip-sync scandal, I reckon.

I think the name started suffering when Perry refused to tour. He left them with no choice but to continue on.

Yes - Perry's refusal to promote and tour TBF undoubtedly hurt the band. I disagree though that Journey "had no choice" to continue without him.

Do you think they should have ended Journey back in 1998?

It's a difficult one. Journey have given a lot of pleasure to die-hard fans since 1998 so I guess it would be mean-spirited to begrudge that. However - from a purely selfish point of view - I wish Schon and Cain had kept the door open for Perry for at least another two years.

Maybe it would have been a further waste of time - none of us knows the answer to that - but we do know that they shut the door forever in 1998. Did the decision to replace Perry demoralize him? Did it make it more likely that he would withdraw from the industry for ten years? My hunch is that it did.

I'd trade a hundred Journey concerts for one new Journey album with Perry. Any opportunity to make that happen should have been explored - at least until 2001 or 2002. It was - I think - a short-sighted decision to replace him. Having said all that - I can see why Schon and Cain - after what hppened in 1987 - might have lost patience or started to panic in 1998.

So I guess I have mixed feelings about it. What I am absolutely sure about though is that they hired the wrong guy to replace him.

Had Journey hired a guy who brought his own distinctive sound...who ensured that Journey moved forward into new territory instead of trying to create the illusion that Perry never left...well, I would have felt much more positive about Journey's post-Perry career.

If so then why are you so excited to see them next year?

Well, I'm a fan...so I can't resist it....no matter how much I agree or disagreee with the decisionsa they make. But also - I saw Journey at their lowest point in June and I'd love to see an energised and authentically live performance next year. Also Journey haven't played in my home city since 1980...and seeing Schon live is a must. And abovce all else I want to see how the band have evolved with JSS.

If Steve Perry was recording with Journey again do think they would have a single on the radio?They might but it is hard to say because 2006 is a lot different that 1996.

Well, they had a hit in 1996 at the height of the backlash against 80s-style melodic rock. If anything, the landscape out there is less hostile than it was ten years ago. I certainly believe that Journey could hit the album charts in a big way with Perry in the band. Almost half of the current Top Ten is taken up by veteran acts.

Def Leppard is the best thing that is happened to them in awhile

I agree - although it's a sad situation that an American insitution like Journey have to be rescued by an inferior band from the UK.

they are making waves now with JSS at the helm.

Yes - and I totally agree with the decision to replace Augeri with JSS.

[AR]

Sur - a record exec would think it isn't half-bad - but were they genuinely excited by it? Or totally convinced and motivated by the new singer? It seems that they weren't.

If it were Perry on vox, they would have been excited. Money talks. Arrival fucking destroys Trial by Feces. Arrival is a rock record at least, whatever your opinion is. TBF is a wedding soundtrack for Queer Eye by the Straight Guy. Awful shit.

Release Arrival in 86 and push it - it would be multi platinum. Easy.