Anybody Care to Comment on This

[brandonx76]

Deen (The drummer, and up and coming vocalist), is the shizznit...that much is certain...Open Arms, I mean come on...that's how you do the song! I guess that's all i have to say. Oh, yeah, and the real world is getting pretty serious...Hang on everyone...

[Argus]

I'll comment. JSS is doing fine. Bootlegs suck. Deen will not sing lead because his voice will burn out. Neal and the band are the only folks who can judge any of this. That's my story and I'm stickin to it

[Andrew]

Ripping on a guy after 4 shows is pretty sucky if you ask me. Give him until the end of the tour to fit/in, get it straight and show what he can do.

These boots are from the first few shows, I really am disappointed at the level of bitching so early in the piece.

[FormerJrnyFan]

Ripping on a guy after 4 shows is pretty sucky if you ask me. Give him until the end of the tour to fit/in, get it straight and show what he can do.

These boots are from the first few shows, I really am disappointed at the level of bitching so early in the piece.

I'm with you, Andrew

[Barb]

Perhaps the difference is between "friends of Jeff" and "fans of Journey." I honestly don't think there is anyone who dislikes JSS or feels he doesn't have a great voice, but just doesn't sound right for this band.

On another note... what JSS is getting here is NOTHING compared to the ass whipping Steve Augeri took and has taken from the Perry only crowd. JSS will have to realize and accept that the criticism and constant comparisons come with the territory. Steve Augeri should receive a freaking MEDAL for all of the crap he's had thrown at him.

Ripping on a guy after 4 shows is pretty sucky if you ask me. Give him until the end of the tour to fit/in, get it straight and show what he can do.

These boots are from the first few shows, I really am disappointed at the level of bitching so early in the piece.

[Rockindeano]

No one ripped on him, Andrew. No one. I for one am glad he is there. A helluva improvement over what was.

But you can't tell me he can improve to where he can sing these songs in the keys being played. That takes an entirely different vocal setup. This isn't a racecar. You can't make adjustments...The band can play a little differently to accomadate him, however, there is NO way he can sing this catalogue, be it this year or next. I am not getting oin him for fuckin up words or such..Hell, Ilike that..makes me know he is live and human. But just sounding so flat....ugh.

[AR]

Perhaps the difference is between "friends of Jeff" and "fans of Journey." I honestly don't think there is anyone who dislikes JSS or feels he doesn't have a great voice, but just doesn't sound right for this band.

That is my initial impression. It just doesn't work for me so far.

Does not mean I will not shell out some cash to see them when they come to Atlantic City.

My comments on the shows I have heard are my opinions. I'm not going to lie and say that I liked what I heard.

I will give things a chance.

[EightyRock]

Yeah, Soto sounds rough in a few areas, but my God I'd rather have him fronting Journey on his worst day than Augeri on his best day without tapes. Then there's always the other extreme of Augeri WITH tapes. I think we have to wait till the tour is over and see if they are planning to write new material with Jeff and actually play it live. If they are, that will solve alot of problems. Then, they can play maybe 3 Journey songs that Soto does well, let Deen sing 3 and the rest will be new Journey/Soto material. We know Neal has better chemistry with Soto than Augeri. (Not that Augeri is an option at this point, anyway) That is the way to move forward. But please...no more tapes and sticking it to the fans. They damned near ruined the band name and made a laughing stock of themselves. They need to move forward, one way or another, or just go do something else. Cain's been looking like he's been sick of the road for a couple of years anyway.

[aorgeneral]

Deano,

Its good to see you back bro. I like your enthusiasm and your honesty. You have honor and dignity. You were a 100% for JSS going forward but have changed your view based on data (the boots). I'm with you, JSS kicks ass but based on the boots, can not cover the old material. Journey is indeed screwed without Dean in play on the mic. The best option could possibly be to bring Dean out from behind the drum kit to sing it all. If not, then surely Hugo or Chalfant will be brought in to finish the tour. I will still withhold judgment until Saturday when I hear them first hand at Indy but, if the boots are capturing the true tone, Journey is fucked until another change is made. Bring on Hugo ....

L8r,

Aaron

I hate to dissapoint you Augeri haters but he will be back when Journey plays Madison Square Garden. I forget whether it is in Sept or October but the date is booked. BTW deen cannot do a tour singing the entire show, he sounds like he's straining on whos crying now on the boot.

[Andrew]

Perhaps the difference is between "friends of Jeff" and "fans of Journey." I honestly don't think there is anyone who dislikes JSS or feels he doesn't have a great voice, but just doesn't sound right for this band.

On another note... what JSS is getting here is NOTHING compared to the ass whipping Steve Augeri took and has taken from the Perry only crowd. JSS will have to realize and accept that the criticism and constant comparisons come with the territory. Steve Augeri should receive a freaking MEDAL for all of the crap he's had thrown at him.

Hi Barb - 2 things...

- Point A - agree with you. And people can feel that way - hell, I can't control that and tings will be as they are....but let it run a little longer than a fe shows before casting stones.

- Point B - Yes, JSS has a very likable persona and he is doing well so early in the stage to be accepted the way he has. It will only get better I'm sure.

[A Fire Inside]

I really am disappointed at the level of bitching so early in the piece.

You expected different from Journey fans?

[Monker]

They'll never satisfy you, will they?

sure they can when ever they decide to be honest and pull there heads out of there asses!!!

They did EXACTLY what you guys expected, even wanted...and now most of you are like, "OMG, he sucks in Journey!"

ALL of this is just one big blob of evidence on why Journey should NEVER cave in to the fans demands...They should do what is right for THEM, not a bunch of forum nerds who have too much time on their hands.

[Rockindeano]

I hate to dissapoint you Augeri haters but he will be back when Journey plays Madison Square Garden. I forget whether it is in Sept or October but the date is booked. BTW deen cannot do a tour singing the entire show, he sounds like he's straining on whos crying now on the boot.

2 things.

1- I LOVED Augeri for 6.5 years.

2- I hated him and still do now for about a year.

Why will the haters be back for the MSG show? Hell, No one hates him more than me, and I stopped that crap. it was unhealthy.

About Deen. How do you know he cannot sing? Last year, he did blow out a chord, BUT, he wasn't really a singer. This year, I can tell he sounds very different, more full. My guess, and that's exactly and all it is, is he took singing lessons. Perhaps he knew he would be needed this tour, eh?

Trust me, he isn't as good as a singer as jeff, but has a much better voice, and can only get better. I take Deen because of his heavy upside.

[Rockindeano]

ALL of this is just one big blob of evidence on why Journey should NEVER cave in to the fans demands...They should do what is right for THEM, not a bunch of forum nerds who have too much time on their hands.

You should know. You are the King of nerds. Always moderating, when it isn't even your forum. Is that your fetish? Moderating?

Oh by the way, they made the change, because their hand was forced, and IT IS better than before...much better.

[NealIsGod]

Yeah, Monker. WTF?

[A Fire Inside]

They did EXACTLY what you guys expected, even wanted...and now most of you are like, "OMG, he sucks in Journey!"

I know...

[FormerJrnyFan]

I hate to dissapoint you Augeri haters but he will be back when Journey plays Madison Square Garden. I forget whether it is in Sept or October but the date is booked. BTW deen cannot do a tour singing the entire show, he sounds like he's straining on whos crying now on the boot.

The date is 9/15 at MSG. How do you know Auggie will be back?!?!?!

[Monker]

I'll comment. JSS is doing fine. Bootlegs suck. Deen will not sing lead because his voice will burn out. Neal and the band are the only folks who can judge any of this. That's my story and I'm stickin to it

I would agree with that...except that Atlanta show was a VERY good quality boot. JSS just doesn't fit. I find it pretty amazing that anybody would think he would. Again, it's like Gary Cherone in VH, a great voice that is not a good match for the band.

[Monker]

Perhaps the difference is between "friends of Jeff" and "fans of Journey." I honestly don't think there is anyone who dislikes JSS or feels he doesn't have a great voice, but just doesn't sound right for this band.

On another note... what JSS is getting here is NOTHING compared to the ass whipping Steve Augeri took and has taken from the Perry only crowd. JSS will have to realize and accept that the criticism and constant comparisons come with the territory. Steve Augeri should receive a freaking MEDAL for all of the crap he's had thrown at him.

Yep...I completely agree on all points, and it is what I have been saying from the beginning.

[Rockindeano]

I hate to dissapoint you Augeri haters but he will be back when Journey plays Madison Square Garden. I forget whether it is in Sept or October but the date is booked. BTW deen cannot do a tour singing the entire show, he sounds like he's straining on whos crying now on the boot.

The date is 9/15 at MSG. How do you know Auggie will be back?!?!?!

Are you kidding?

Honey, he is NEVER returning. Stop hoping.

[Argus]

I'll comment. JSS is doing fine. Bootlegs suck. Deen will not sing lead because his voice will burn out. Neal and the band are the only folks who can judge any of this. That's my story and I'm stickin to it

I would agree with that...except that Atlanta show was a VERY good quality boot. JSS just doesn't fit. I find it pretty amazing that anybody would think he would. Again, it's like Gary Cherone in VH, a great voice that is not a good match for the band.

It depends on where the band wants to go, Monker. If SA should not return, then Journey has to decide where their music will take them. JSS and Neal have a writing chemistry between them that has Journey overtones/undercurrents. Believe in Me is a prime example. We shall see what happens and I'm thinking that no matter the outcome is going to be good listening

[Monker]

No one ripped on him, Andrew. No one. I for one am glad he is there. A helluva improvement over what was.

Bullshit. You have one guy who was choking on notes, traded for another guy who chokes his notes. There is NO improvement, IMO...In fact, the guy there now doesn't sound like he could ever sing Journey - as Augeri could.

If Journey has truly burned their bridge with Augeri, then they have affectively killed Journey, IMO.

[AR]

I attended Camden and Hershey. They were rough, but I still enjoyed the shows believe it or not. Don't know if what I've heard from Atlanta or Charlotte has been any improvement.

Looking forward to the September show at The Borgata in A.C. Go see it for myself and see how it goes.

[Rockindeano]

No one ripped on him, Andrew. No one. I for one am glad he is there. A helluva improvement over what was.

Bullshit. You have one guy who was choking on notes, traded for another guy who chokes his notes. There is NO improvement, IMO...In fact, the guy there now doesn't sound like he could ever sing Journey - as Augeri could.

If Journey has truly burned their bridge with Augeri, then they have affectively killed Journey, IMO.

OK Monker, you have baited me, and I accept.

You have absolutely NO credibility in this argument, because you never listened to the evidence, so you cannot comment. Augeri cheated, got caught, band replaces him, bingo, we ride it out.

I will accept Andrews' criticsm about it being too early, and I don't want to criticize Jeff at all. He didn't choke on notes. he just sang them a lot lower. Augeri couldn't sing them at all! I, personally am happy for the switch. I do believe, that there is no way in Hell, Jeff can remain as singer of this band without significantly altering the sound...and poindexter, the Journey sound is it's signature. deen gives them that option....Jeff does not.

)Please stop bringing Augeri up. He is no longer a viable topic.

[FormerJrnyFan]

I hate to dissapoint you Augeri haters but he will be back when Journey plays Madison Square Garden. I forget whether it is in Sept or October but the date is booked. BTW deen cannot do a tour singing the entire show, he sounds like he's straining on whos crying now on the boot.

The date is 9/15 at MSG. How do you know Auggie will be back?!?!?!

Are you kidding?

Honey, he is NEVER returning. Stop hoping.

Me? I'm not hoping - just wondering where aorgeneral gets his/her info.

[Aaron]

Dude,

I'm not an Augeri hater at all. I've been a big supporter of Augeri since 1998 when I seen him in Louisville. Augeri is a good vocalist and a great person. If anyone deserved their shot in Journey, it is Steve A. You'll never see a post of mine where I've bagged on Augeri, I've always supported him. after he won me over in 1998 The fact is Steve A. is out recovering for now. Whether he returns or not I don't know. Dean seems to have the inside track so I'd lean with his view. With Steve A. out for now, Hugo or Chalfant would be excellent choices for finishing the tour. Going forward, if Steve A. is not able to continue, then I'd give the nod to Hugo due to his track record. Have you ever heard Valentine? Fuck that CD ROCKS!

L8r bro,

Aaron

Dean,

Its good to see you back bro. I like your enthusiasm and your honesty. You have honor and dignity. You were a 100% for JSS going forward but have changed your view based on data (the boots). I'm with you, JSS kicks ass but based on the boots, can not cover the old material. Journey is indeed screwed without Dean in play on the mic. The best option could possibly be to bring Dean out from behind the drum kit to sing it all. If not, then surely Hugo or Chalfant will be brought in to finish the tour. I will still withhold judgment until Saturday when I hear them first hand at Indy but, if the boots are capturing the true tone, Journey is fucked until another change is made. Bring on Hugo ....

L8r,

Aaron

I hate to dissapoint you Augeri haters but he will be back when Journey plays Madison Square Garden. I forget whether it is in Sept or October but the date is booked. BTW deen cannot do a tour singing the entire show, he sounds like he's straining on whos crying now on the boot.

[Rockindeano]

By the way,

I posted this topic to NOT talk about tapegate..

I wanted to talk show strategy.

Feel free to get this back on topic.

[Barb]

Just curious -- do you hold the band itself responsible for the lip synching at all, or is it just Augeri. I would say the whole band cheated, not just Mr. Augeri.

Augeri cheated, got caught, band replaces him, bingo, we ride it out.

[Monker]

It depends on where the band wants to go, Monker. If SA should not return, then Journey has to decide where their music will take them. JSS and Neal have a writing chemistry between them that has Journey overtones/undercurrents. Believe in Me is a prime example. We shall see what happens and I'm thinking that no matter the outcome is going to be good listening

If the lead singer can't sound good singing Journey songs recorded from 1978-1986, then the band can't perform what %90 their live audience demands. Touring is what brings in the cash nowadays. So, if they go down this road of performing mostly new songs then they just alienated a HUGE portion of their audience. That will never happen. It didn't happen with Augeri, and I don't see why it would happen with JSS.

Recording a new album with JSS will be about as relevant as Red 13 and Generations...It would be for the fans of Journey...not the wider audience of pop/rock fans.

[Argus]

It depends on where the band wants to go, Monker. If SA should not return, then Journey has to decide where their music will take them. JSS and Neal have a writing chemistry between them that has Journey overtones/undercurrents. Believe in Me is a prime example. We shall see what happens and I'm thinking that no matter the outcome is going to be good listening

If the lead singer can't sound good singing Journey songs recorded from 1978-1986, then the band can't perform what %90 their live audience demands. Touring is what brings in the cash nowadays. So, if they go down this road of performing mostly new songs then they just alienated a HUGE portion of their audience. That will never happen. It didn't happen with Augeri, and I don't see why it would happen with JSS.

Recording a new album with JSS will be about as relevant as Red 13 and Generations...It would be for the fans of Journey...not the wider audience of pop/rock fans.

Are you going to see them this tour? I would like to hear your opinion after a live show. This is so early in the JSS show count, that it's pre-emptive to judge based on some boots, dontcha think?