You're Journey's New Management Team....

[Matthew]

He apparently doesn't want to be associated with the band anymore so they can't really use footage of him, so just don't use it.

I disagree, Sherrie. He has been producing and promoting the recent Journey DVDs and reissues. He is very much associating himself with Journey - and if modern day Journey want to put up clips to celebrate their long, illustrious history (as Rush did recently) then there's no reason - other than the fear being belittled by his video image - why they can't include him in the footage.

Unless of course Perry himself has stipulated that no image of him can be reproduced in concert....

I meant that it appears that he doesn't want to be associated with the band after 1997. I think it was probably Steve who initiated the restrictions John mentioned along with the restriction on their rerecording any of the material from Steve's time with the band.

Thanks Sherrie...yes, you're probably right about that.

[Enigma869]

Ah...okay...do we know who was the prime mover for putting this legal obligation in place?

I'm sure that Perry is 100% behind this. He's made it quite clear, over the years, that he wants nothing to do with the band who is still touring under the name "Journey". Let us not forget that as far as Perry is concerned, the band that is out on the road is not the band he was a part of. Honestly, after the whole tapegate fiasco, he looks like a genius for disassociating himself with everything that has unfolded!


John from Boston

[fred_journeyman]

I really think it's important Fred. If you're going to be on TV you have to look contemporary. Unfortunately, a lot of today's younger listeners are impressionable and the members of Journey, with the exception of JSS, dress like shit. I want EVERY possible fan aboard. They should overlook nothing. This, in all likelihood, will be the band's last chance to make a push for radioplay. They should leave no stone uncovered.

Okay, then let's do it this way (my opinion only): Journey creates a phenomenal new CD, they get a label that is willing to back and promote them, THEN they worry about the fashion statement prior to hitting the stage and making the rounds.

[Gibby]

I don't think Mutt would be the right sound for Journey anyway....the guys know what is needed, they just need to take the time to make sure what is written SOUNDS great once it is recorded, mixed and mastered.

You know Andrew, I haven't really liked the sound of any of the CD's going back to Arrival. Maybe my copy of Arrival is bad but the drums sound muted. To me, the sound of Generations was not very good either. I agree that they need a cd that sounds terrific. Maybe it's time to let someone else take the reins instead of the Kevins. What about packaging a live DVD with JSS singing the classics along with the new cd?

[Melissa]

just seems like he would NEED to be comfy while banging away up there.

WHOA...double entendre alert!


John from Boston

Yeah, well, you know, lol.

Deen is adorable in his "Tony Hawk" stuff IMO!

[RSParker]

1. Make an Annoucement that JEFF is the LEAD SINGER!

2. Write some material, 20 song minimum.

3. Forget Mutt, his sound and personality do not fit the band. I would hire someone modern in the field of rock, that has a good "reflection" of the sound that is Journey. As funny as it sounds, Bob Rock is a great talent that has been wasted on Metallica. Listen to Tonics' "Head on Straight" Great sound! Great production! Maybe Kevin Shirley to Engineer only, but get someone different!
Jack Joseph Pigue would be differnet, but not Journey, Could be interesting!

4. Weed through some of the 20 aformentioned songs, Take 12 at the most, 3 ballads TOPS! 2 killer ballads would be "off the Chart"

5. Record. As a person who has recorded several local bands, my opinion is record as LIVE as possible. This lineup, just like the Perry years, is a heck of a live band! CAPTURE THAT! Dont make the record as slick as possible, take some of the compression off of Neals Guitar sound, get that MesaBoogie out of the closet, get back to making Great ROCK AND ROLL. LAY OFF OF THE EFFECTS! I use protools, ALOT, but Honestly, I would not recommend it for this project. The more warmth you can add to this, the better. Let Deen sing one Ballad out of the 3. Deen is an amazing talent. But dont get carried away with it.

Make the songs as good as they can get, not the recordings. There is a difference!

6. Hit every major Tv show you can. Leno, Letterman, Regis and Kelly, Ellen, the View. Whatever! do it. If you can play it, dont think it beneath you to play! This Band really needs to prove itself, not to us, but to the rest of the world that the only songs it did, was not Dont Stop Believing!

7. Release CD!

8. Tour. Small arenas, 5000-10000 seats. DO NOT GO BIG PRODUCTION! However, i wouldnt open for just anybody either! I think another co headliner tour could work, if it was the right Band! Make a ticket limit of 35$. it makes no sence to Charge $75 bucks to see anybody!

9. Invite a PUBLIC truce with Steve Perry. NOT A INVITATION! I love JSS. But a public amicable truce between the 2 parties could go a long way for the fans!

Repeat and rinse!

Im gonna say this delicately. Journey could really do something BIG if they play the cards right. Getting bigheaded and not doing some things because the EGOS (and im a musician, we all have them) get in the way, and taking this oppourtunity to "start" over in the public eye, would help them. I ABSOULUTLEY LOVE THIS BAND. But resting on your laurels will get you left behind while someone who is hungry for it, will get your spot!!!! Assume NOTHING, and go for it!

Jeff, Neal, Jon, Deen, and Ross!, I pray all the best that God has for you!

[donnaplease]

Two words...SUPER BOWL!!!!

Neal could do the SSB for the pre-game, and the full band could perform at halftime. Hell, Jeff could even have a "wardrobe malfunction" at some point...

THAT would be a perfect opportunity to release the duet (Shania)!!!!

Football, beer and JOURNEY--what a killer combination!!!!

[Carlitto H@kk]

Just gonna copy/paste the same ideas I posted a month or 2 ago...
My ideas haven't really changed...


DO:
1. Hire on a solid producer (Rick Rubin, Scott Humphreys, Terry Brown, Roy Thomas Baker) and keep Kev Elson on as engineer.

2. Get into a classic, "All Analog" studio and let Elson get that ESCAPE/FRONTIERS era sound back. Get away from the digital realm! Its too crisp and unfeeling. Get back to the tru warmth of Analog tape, real tube amped guitar tones, tape-delay echos, old style reverbs...

3. TAKE YOUR TIME AND COLLECTIVELY WRITE SOLID MATERIAL! Don't rush and throw together a bunch of unused and rehashed material like you did with GENERATIONS. Take FULL advantage od Jeff's writing skills and spend 3-6 months really working strong material.

4. It worked great with Perry/Rolie - try at least one track with Jeff/Friga sharing vocals and harmonies

5. Stick with the "One Word" album titles, have Mouse do some killer oil-painted artwork (again, get away from the digital realm, it is stale and boring, unless Christopher from BT is doing it!!), and then get out on the road, ALONE, and showcase the hell out of that new material!

6. DO A NASCAR WEEKEND IN LATE '07!!! The band plays 1-2 songs pre-race, Neal SHREDS the SSB and let Jeff SCREAM those 3 famous words!!!



DON'T:
1. Don't worry about writing 'a hit' or 'monster ballad', i.e. Don't try to force the magic. Let it all come natural.
With the writing talents of Jeff, Neal and Friga, potential hits and ballads will surely follow...

2. Do not EVER let Ross sing lead again

3. Do not do another double-bill, greatest hits, nostalgia tour. Go out on your own and "ram the new material down our throats!"

4. Don't lose faith in your fans - write and release the music that is in your hearts... Chances are, what you come up with will blow us ALL away and then some


Just my 2 cents...
These are the things I would try to accomplish if I were manager for a day

[Saint John]

I really think it's important Fred. If you're going to be on TV you have to look contemporary. Unfortunately, a lot of today's younger listeners are impressionable and the members of Journey, with the exception of JSS, dress like shit. I want EVERY possible fan aboard. They should overlook nothing. This, in all likelihood, will be the band's last chance to make a push for radioplay. They should leave no stone uncovered.

Okay, then let's do it this way (my opinion only): Journey creates a phenomenal new CD, they get a label that is willing to back and promote them, THEN they worry about the fashion statement prior to hitting the stage and making the rounds.

The order you put them in is 100% correct. I couldn't agree more. HOWEVER, they're playing Europe soon and that would be a great time to show fans that the band has a new singer (officially), a new attitude and a DEFINITE direction. Something they haven't had since about 86. Taking the stage in some cool "duds" after JSS is officially named lead singer would visually signify a "changing of the guard."

[Carlitto H@kk]

Am I on the right site???

Fashion??? What the Band wears???

You've got to be kidding, right?

[Moose]

This should be renamed, "The Chick Thread"

[AlienC]

He apparently doesn't want to be associated with the band anymore so they can't really use footage of him, so just don't use it.

I disagree, Sherrie. He has been producing and promoting the recent Journey DVDs and reissues. He is very much associating himself with Journey - and if modern day Journey want to put up clips to celebrate their long, illustrious history (as Rush did recently) then there's no reason - other than the fear being belittled by his video image - why they can't include him in the footage.

Unless of course Perry himself has stipulated that no image of him can be reproduced in concert....

I meant that it appears that he doesn't want to be associated with the band after 1997. I think it was probably Steve who initiated the restrictions John mentioned along with the restriction on their rerecording any of the material from Steve's time with the band.

This is not entirely correct. OR, I should say, this may have changed, but at the time of the very first , Vacations Over tour in '98, we ( Journey and I ) re -re corded ALL of the Greatest Hits in order to provide RADIO the music beds needed for ads. There was a specific restricton against using material with SP's voice on it for ads, so we rented a mobile unit, a warehouse at a PA Company in Detroit, and re-cut the entire thing in an afternoon. Then,StevieA SANG the whole thing in just a couple of takes and then Jon, Neal and Kevin mixed it up at Jon's studio ( I think). StevieA, at his prime was capable of doing the job, and those ad's proved it. There were plenty of radio jocks who still think that we used Perry's voice for those music beds. A couple of radio stations made their own ads using "forbidden material", but those were quashed as soon as we found out about them. I was burning CD's for Promotion to send to radio on the crew's Tour Bus at shows and between gigs for the first week.
As for "the restrictions". SP is represented by one of the industries best legal firms. He gets his monies worth, I'm sure. Believe me, you wont see any "tell -all" book from me. I don't want the hassle.....But should I turn up missing or dead, the details in negatives, recordings and videos will be automatically mailed to press and law enforcement around the world. I saw "THE FIRM", you don't need to draw me a picture.......

[ohsherrie]

I really think it's important Fred. If you're going to be on TV you have to look contemporary. Unfortunately, a lot of today's younger listeners are impressionable and the members of Journey, with the exception of JSS, dress like shit. I want EVERY possible fan aboard. They should overlook nothing. This, in all likelihood, will be the band's last chance to make a push for radioplay. They should leave no stone uncovered.

Okay, then let's do it this way (my opinion only): Journey creates a phenomenal new CD, they get a label that is willing to back and promote them, THEN they worry about the fashion statement prior to hitting the stage and making the rounds.

The order you put them in is 100% correct. I couldn't agree more. HOWEVER, they're playing Europe soon and that would be a great time to show fans that the band has a new singer (officially), a new attitude and a DEFINITE direction. Something they haven't had since about 86. Taking the stage in some cool "duds" after JSS is officially named lead singer would visually signify a "changing of the guard."

I agree with all of this, but it would be a mistake for middle aged men to try and dress like 30 somethings. They need to find a middle ground. Fashionable but not too trendy. Men my age just look like "dirty old men" when they try to dress too young. Jeff can pull it off because he's looks so young. I'm afraid I can't say the same thing for Neal, Jon and Ross though. Deen could probably pull it off.

[Saint John]

I really think it's important Fred. If you're going to be on TV you have to look contemporary. Unfortunately, a lot of today's younger listeners are impressionable and the members of Journey, with the exception of JSS, dress like shit. I want EVERY possible fan aboard. They should overlook nothing. This, in all likelihood, will be the band's last chance to make a push for radioplay. They should leave no stone uncovered.

Okay, then let's do it this way (my opinion only): Journey creates a phenomenal new CD, they get a label that is willing to back and promote them, THEN they worry about the fashion statement prior to hitting the stage and making the rounds.

The order you put them in is 100% correct. I couldn't agree more. HOWEVER, they're playing Europe soon and that would be a great time to show fans that the band has a new singer (officially), a new attitude and a DEFINITE direction. Something they haven't had since about 86. Taking the stage in some cool "duds" after JSS is officially named lead singer would visually signify a "changing of the guard."

I agree with all of this, but it would be a mistake for middle aged men to try and dress like 30 somethings. They need to find a middle ground. Fashionable but not too trendy. Men my age just look like "dirty old men" when they try to dress too young. Jeff can pull it off because he's looks so young. I'm afraid I can't say the same thing for Neal, Jon and Ross though. Deen could probably pull it off.

Which is EXACTLY why you need a fashion pro. Their job is to fit each member according to their own unique looks and at the same time make sure the band "match."

[Melissa]

Yeah those "fashion" people make me laugh sometimes, anyone catch "Supergroup" when it was on? Remember the frightening shit they tried to get those guys to wear??? lol

[ohsherrie]

Which is EXACTLY why you need a fashion pro. Their job is to fit each member according to their own unique looks and at the same time make sure the band "match."

OK, gotcha. They need to be careful about it though. They don't need someone like that guy from Queer Eye (Carson whatever) making them look like someone they're not. They need to be cooler without being caricatures and maintain their own identities.

[JrnySuxBalls]

Dont make the record as slick as possible, take some of the compression off of Neals Guitar sound, get that MesaBoogie out of the closet, get back to making Great ROCK AND ROLL. LAY OFF OF THE EFFECTS!

Agree, except for the Mesa/Boogie part.

[fred_journeyman]

I agree with all of this, but it would be a mistake for middle aged men to try and dress like 30 somethings. They need to find a middle ground. Fashionable but not too trendy. Men my age just look like "dirty old men" when they try to dress too young. Jeff can pull it off because he's looks so young. I'm afraid I can't say the same thing for Neal, Jon and Ross though. Deen could probably pull it off.

I remember attending one Journey concert and Neal came out with jeans on and CUFFS that were about 4 inches wide. It was such a throw back to when I was a kid, I didn't know what to think. But then the music started and I started focusing on Deen's drumming.

Speaking of fashions, I remember attending one of the FTLOSM concerts and Perry had his fashion down with ripped jeans, long hair and T-shirt. When he put the "tails" on about halfway through the concert, it's good he did it as a parody because that was really the only way it would've worked!

[donnaplease]

I agree with all of this, but it would be a mistake for middle aged men to try and dress like 30 somethings. They need to find a middle ground. Fashionable but not too trendy. Men my age just look like "dirty old men" when they try to dress too young. Jeff can pull it off because he's looks so young. I'm afraid I can't say the same thing for Neal, Jon and Ross though. Deen could probably pull it off.

I remember attending one Journey concert and Neal came out with jeans on and CUFFS that were about 4 inches wide. It was such a throw back to when I was a kid, I didn't know what to think. But then the music started and I started focusing on Deen's drumming.

Speaking of fashions, I remember attending one of the FTLOSM concerts and Perry had his fashion down with ripped jeans, long hair and T-shirt. When he put the "tails" on about halfway through the concert, it's good he did it as a parody because that was really the only way it would've worked!

ANYTHING works on Steve Perry!!!! He is exalted above all others!!!! But I liked to whole 'coat molester' gig. Is that what you're talking about?

[larryfromnextdoor]

Am I on the right site???

Fashion??? What the Band wears???

You've got to be kidding, right?

You may think I'm foolish
For the foolish things I do
You may wonder how come I dig you
When you get on my nerves like you do
Well dude you know you bug me
There ain't no secret 'bout that
Well come on over here and kick me
Carlo I'll spill the facts
Well dude it ain't your money
'Cause Carlo I got plenty of that
I dig you cause your Carlitto Hakk
Cool car with velvet seats
Riding in the back
Oozing down the street
Waving to the girls
Feeling out of sight
Spending all my money
On a Saturday night
Carlo I just wonder what you do there in back
Cause your Carlitto Hakk
Carlitto Hakk

j/k carlitto,,

[Rockindeano]

Alien C, I NEED to talk to you. PM coming,. Let me draft up something.

[RSParker]

Dont make the record as slick as possible, take some of the compression off of Neals Guitar sound, get that MesaBoogie out of the closet, get back to making Great ROCK AND ROLL. LAY OFF OF THE EFFECTS!

Agree, except for the Mesa/Boogie part.

I enjoyed the sounds of the amps on Escape and Frontiers, I believe (and may be wrong) that was a Boogie. But the Marshall he's got sounds good too, so im ok, just the compression is a little much.

[ohsherrie]

I agree with all of this, but it would be a mistake for middle aged men to try and dress like 30 somethings. They need to find a middle ground. Fashionable but not too trendy. Men my age just look like "dirty old men" when they try to dress too young. Jeff can pull it off because he's looks so young. I'm afraid I can't say the same thing for Neal, Jon and Ross though. Deen could probably pull it off.

I remember attending one Journey concert and Neal came out with jeans on and CUFFS that were about 4 inches wide. It was such a throw back to when I was a kid, I didn't know what to think. But then the music started and I started focusing on Deen's drumming.

Speaking of fashions, I remember attending one of the FTLOSM concerts and Perry had his fashion down with ripped jeans, long hair and T-shirt. When he put the "tails" on about halfway through the concert, it's good he did it as a parody because that was really the only way it would've worked!

Wow, did Neal have his hair slicked into a pompadore with a DA?

I've only seen the FTLOSM shows on bootlegs but when that coat came down was a great moment. I loved the dialog he had with it and then when he put it on it was magic.




Donna, are you talking about the Memphis show where the guy got up on stage and molested the coat? Hilarious. Steve completely lost it.

[donnaplease]

Donna, are you talking about the Memphis show where the guy got up on stage and molested the coat? Hilarious. Steve completely lost it.

Yep!!!

[Marc S]

They should drag Zito back who produced the first Bad English album (or dig up the one and only Bruce Fairbairn RIP, now there was a producer) - 15 years is enough to make that massive late 80s/pre grunge sound 'retro' now? Deens drumming was awesome on that recording. I'd still stick it all through Pro Tools though - its just nostalgic nonsense to go all analogue, just rose tinted specs full of compromises and stretched tape. They should get back to proper huge drum sounds and I've never got a decent recorded sound from a Mesa boogie - has to be JCM800 Marshalls or old 50w master volume heads for that guitar.

Mutt Lange? if you want them to sound like Daft Leotard or Bry then go ahead.

[JRNYLIVE]

\
2. Do not EVER let Ross sing lead again

Just my 2 cents...
These are the things I would try to accomplish if I were manager for a day

LMAO

[Mark H]

They should drag Zito back who produced the first Bad English album (or dig up the one and only Bruce Fairbairn RIP, now there was a producer) - 15 years is enough to make that massive late 80s/pre grunge sound 'retro' now? Deens drumming was awesome on that recording. I'd still stick it all through Pro Tools though - its just nostalgic nonsense to go all analogue, just rose tinted specs full of compromises and stretched tape. They should get back to proper huge drum sounds and I've never got a decent recorded sound from a Mesa boogie - has to be JCM800 Marshalls or old 50w master volume heads for that guitar.

Mutt Lange? if you want them to sound like Daft Leotard or Bry then go ahead.

Have to agree. Mutt puts too much of his own signature sound into recordings..the Journey sound would be lost and I really doubt whether Neal would go for that.

[The_Noble_Cause]

we ( Journey and I ) re-re corded ALL of the Greatest Hits in order to provide RADIO the music beds needed for ads.

To the naysayers who continue to hound Deano as to where the surplus of Augeri-tapes came from, look no further than this above statement.
Jon mentioned doing precisely this in an interview, as well.

[Saint John]

we ( Journey and I ) re-re corded ALL of the Greatest Hits in order to provide RADIO the music beds needed for ads.

To the naysayers who continue to hound Deano as to where the surplus of Augeri-tapes came from, look no further than this above statement.
Jon mentioned doing precisely this in an interview, as well.

Finally, the "smoking gun."

[AlienC]

we ( Journey and I ) re-re corded ALL of the Greatest Hits in order to provide RADIO the music beds needed for ads.

To the naysayers who continue to hound Deano as to where the surplus of Augeri-tapes came from, look no further than this above statement.
Jon mentioned doing precisely this in an interview, as well.

Finally, the "smoking gun."

IF you're referring to "proof" that there were tracks available for making backing tracks for assisted performances, you ignore ( or are unaware) the possibility that the nature and availability of technology today, it is far more likely that tracks were assembled at Jon's studio with emphasis being made for StevieA's style, set length order, alternates, etc.


Assisted Performances are nothing new. When I did monitors for UB-40, (RedRed Wine Tour) they used two : 1inch x 16 track machines which were synched together and required two people to operate and change reels. But it was anaolg, so there were work arounds, regarding equipment / formats. Digital locks you into a file type / hardware setup. Furthermore, there were mostly percussion, and other rythmic instruments, and not so much the lead vocal. Tom Petty's engineer does setup using the same type of tape machine and tracks , before TP eer shows up at the show. HOWEVER, I am not saying they use them during TP's show. He records each show, and archives the performances.
Given the demands by consumers for performances that do not allow for human "fraility" AND THE DEMANDS OF THE "MOUTHS" the Band "feeds", it is no wonder they worked StevieA beyond his abilty to deliver , without assistance. Elson is a skilled technician, able to "punch in" tracks in the studio beyond your ability to hear the transition between tracks. I'm quite sure he would listen carefully to Steveie's voice prior to going out there and would have already decided what sort of night it would be..... Live or Memorex before the first note was played.