Support for Arnel.

[bluejeangirl76]

Hi to everyone!

Now if they can just replace Cain and Schon!

Well, now we're talking. How do we get THAT rolling? LOL!!

[Escape Artist]

I will not support this incarnation of Journey.

[maverick218]

I'm willing to give Arnel the benefit of the doubt because he obviously has the chops to sing the songs. Where my hesitation lies is in his stage presence and ability to connect with American audiences. Before Pedro or anyone else comes in and calls me racist, that's just an observation, that from the videos I have seen, he is a pretty reserved guy on stage, and unlike some, I do have difficulty determining what is true emotional sincerity in his voice and what is mimicking the notes and delivery - Only because it is difficult to connect emotionally to the meaning of what you are singing in a foreign language. I am sure if David Lee Roth went out and covered a bunch of French love songs, there would be a major part of what he did that would be phonetically repeating words and phrases rather than a deep understanding of what he was singing. The great thing about Journey, however, is that those melodies are universal, and it is not difficult to feel the music and find a place inside yourself that moves you to sing. The stage presence is another issue, though, as Arnel's background is one very familiar to many musicians....Entertaining for business class audiences in hotel bars and on cruise ships is very different from stirring an entire ampitheater of spirited, energetic fans. I'm sure with the right work and coaching that he can develop a "routine" to keep the audience involved, though truly captivating an arena full of fans may be something he has to find while out on the road. And there lies my ultimate concern with their selection, in that I was sure there were more than a handful of known and unknown singers out there used to working a crowd and giving a show-stopping performance that could have covered the material and would have been fabulous as well. In this choice, and through my personal experience, I feel like the band may have made the selection based in part on someone that could be molded, developed, and to some degree controlled, in order to "get the job done." Aside from that - As I've said, Arnel's an excellent vocalist and one that can definitely bring the Journey sound, so I am willing to give him a chance.

You are a big man to post this after everything. I have a lot of respect for you.

Amen to that!

[Soto All The Way]

I'm willing to give Arnel the benefit of the doubt because he obviously has the chops to sing the songs. Where my hesitation lies is in his stage presence and ability to connect with American audiences. Before Pedro or anyone else comes in and calls me racist, that's just an observation, that from the videos I have seen, he is a pretty reserved guy on stage, and unlike some, I do have difficulty determining what is true emotional sincerity in his voice and what is mimicking the notes and delivery - Only because it is difficult to connect emotionally to the meaning of what you are singing in a foreign language. I am sure if David Lee Roth went out and covered a bunch of French love songs, there would be a major part of what he did that would be phonetically repeating words and phrases rather than a deep understanding of what he was singing. The great thing about Journey, however, is that those melodies are universal, and it is not difficult to feel the music and find a place inside yourself that moves you to sing. The stage presence is another issue, though, as Arnel's background is one very familiar to many musicians....Entertaining for business class audiences in hotel bars and on cruise ships is very different from stirring an entire ampitheater of spirited, energetic fans. I'm sure with the right work and coaching that he can develop a "routine" to keep the audience involved, though truly captivating an arena full of fans may be something he has to find while out on the road. And there lies my ultimate concern with their selection, in that I was sure there were more than a handful of known and unknown singers out there used to working a crowd and giving a show-stopping performance that could have covered the material and would have been fabulous as well. In this choice, and through my personal experience, I feel like the band may have made the selection based in part on someone that could be molded, developed, and to some degree controlled, in order to "get the job done." Aside from that - As I've said, Arnel's an excellent vocalist and one that can definitely bring the Journey sound, so I am willing to give him a chance.

You are a big man to post this after everything. I have a lot of respect for you.

Amen to that!

All true, but FUCK Arnel!!!! At this point there is no replacement.......Journey is DEAD!!!!!


e-

[ProgRocker53]

I still want Perry to make a band with Tickner, Jackson, Smith, and Rolie..

[cyclonus5150]

I'm willing to give Arnel the benefit of the doubt because he obviously has the chops to sing the songs. Where my hesitation lies is in his stage presence and ability to connect with American audiences. Before Pedro or anyone else comes in and calls me racist, that's just an observation, that from the videos I have seen, he is a pretty reserved guy on stage, and unlike some, I do have difficulty determining what is true emotional sincerity in his voice and what is mimicking the notes and delivery - Only because it is difficult to connect emotionally to the meaning of what you are singing in a foreign language. I am sure if David Lee Roth went out and covered a bunch of French love songs, there would be a major part of what he did that would be phonetically repeating words and phrases rather than a deep understanding of what he was singing. The great thing about Journey, however, is that those melodies are universal, and it is not difficult to feel the music and find a place inside yourself that moves you to sing. The stage presence is another issue, though, as Arnel's background is one very familiar to many musicians....Entertaining for business class audiences in hotel bars and on cruise ships is very different from stirring an entire ampitheater of spirited, energetic fans. I'm sure with the right work and coaching that he can develop a "routine" to keep the audience involved, though truly captivating an arena full of fans may be something he has to find while out on the road. And there lies my ultimate concern with their selection, in that I was sure there were more than a handful of known and unknown singers out there used to working a crowd and giving a show-stopping performance that could have covered the material and would have been fabulous as well. In this choice, and through my personal experience, I feel like the band may have made the selection based in part on someone that could be molded, developed, and to some degree controlled, in order to "get the job done." Aside from that - As I've said, Arnel's an excellent vocalist and one that can definitely bring the Journey sound, so I am willing to give him a chance.

Jeremy, I'm afraid I'm going to have to disagree with you on this one. While the guy can belt out Journey songs, I don't think he's got the chops to "sing" those songs, not the way you do and that's for certain. I'm typically not one to completely shut something out like this but I just don't feel good about this guy as Journey's vocalist at all. His voice seems so incredibly lifeless and with forced delivery. I don't feel that there is any connection whatsoever between the singer and the songs he's singing and that turns me off....totally. It just moves Journey further and further away from their legacy into a cheap, generic cardboard representation of itself.

At some point these guys need to let it go and move on as musicians into other directions. To feel that they have to continually milk their past hits at all costs is somewhat disgusting and has really done a lot to turn everyone from longtime fans to some of the more casual fans out there off to these guys as musicians. I don't know how they can possibly feel good about themselves as artists at this point. They can't say that they're doing it for the fans because we're the ones being sold a cheap imitation. They truly are blessed with incredible gifts so why not just move on and forget about the Journey brand and start something new? Why does the guy have to sound like Perry at all? He's not going to be replaced by anyone that can perform those songs with the same level of honesty. Ever. I say just get a singer that can contribute to the writing process and start writing fresh songs and move on. Who cares about charts or sales at this point? It's not like they need the money. A true artist would rather move forward flying face first into the future rather than slowly sing back into the past.

[Lora]

What irritates the wounds even more is when Neal says something like, "Steve Perry is trying to relive the past in a way to say 'Hey, remember me?' "

Totally. That's exactly why I called it a cheap shot. That statement could have ended and stood fine before that "remember me" shit came out. If Perry really wanted to go on a "remember me" trip and outshine Neal and/or Journey, he could very easily do it without reissuing or remastering a damn thing. Besides, Sony was going to put that DVD out regardless of Perry's input. He got in on it so it would be "done right". And why shouldn't he? His name is on the thing. Neal made money on that DVD and on the remastered CDs, so who cares what Perry's reason was for doing it? Cheap. Shot. Especially coming as it does from someone who's still riding those tux tails with the greatest of ease. I mean, if they want to duplicate the old Journey sound and duplicate Perry's voice of stage with an impersonator, then whatever - but at least have the stones to admit it (actually Jon more or less did admit it...) and quit taking shots at Perry for doing the same thing (living in the past).

Someone who gets it. How refreshing.

[bluejeangirl76]

Totally. That's exactly why I called it a cheap shot. That statement could have ended and stood fine before that "remember me" shit came out. If Perry really wanted to go on a "remember me" trip and outshine Neal and/or Journey, he could very easily do it without reissuing or remastering a damn thing. Besides, Sony was going to put that DVD out regardless of Perry's input. He got in on it so it would be "done right". And why shouldn't he? His name is on the thing. Neal made money on that DVD and on the remastered CDs, so who cares what Perry's reason was for doing it? Cheap. Shot. Especially coming as it does from someone who's still riding those tux tails with the greatest of ease. I mean, if they want to duplicate the old Journey sound and duplicate Perry's voice of stage with an impersonator, then whatever - but at least have the stones to admit it (actually Jon more or less did admit it...) and quit taking shots at Perry for doing the same thing (living in the past).

Someone who gets it. How refreshing.

I are smart. I figger stuff out good.

[texafana]

First and foremost, at a Journey concert you want to hear "singing". Arnel can certainly sing. So with that in mind Journey will probably "sound" better than they have in years. Add some live digital voice processing and I'm sure he's going to sound so close to the classic voice it will be scary. And I'm SURE they will spend a few months outside of the USA working on his stage presense, delivery, etc. But let's keep in mind, Steve P or Steve A really didn't jump around that much and get all crazy on stage, it was still just as impressive when they stood still and simply belted out a tune. Music wise this line up is going to sound amazing. Add in some stage showmanship, etc, and you just might have something truly amazing again. And when are you guys going to let up on the boys for wanting to jam still? These guys can still rock better than guys half their age!!

[Rick]

First and foremost, at a Journey concert you want to hear "singing". Arnel can certainly sing. So with that in mind Journey will probably "sound" better than they have in years. Add some live digital voice processing and I'm sure he's going to sound so close to the classic voice it will be scary. And I'm SURE they will spend a few months outside of the USA working on his stage presense, delivery, etc. But let's keep in mind, Steve P or Steve A really didn't jump around that much and get all crazy on stage, it was still just as impressive when they stood still and simply belted out a tune. Music wise this line up is going to sound amazing. Add in some stage showmanship, etc, and you just might have something truly amazing again. And when are you guys going to let up on the boys for wanting to jam still? These guys can still rock better than guys half their age!!

Perry was all over the place on stage when I saw him. Doing his spins, running out on the stage extensions. He didn't stand still much. Augeri was more reserved. He does a nice piano flop.

[Deb]

What irritates the wounds even more is when Neal says something like, "Steve Perry is trying to relive the past in a way to say 'Hey, remember me?' "

Totally. That's exactly why I called it a cheap shot. That statement could have ended and stood fine before that "remember me" shit came out.

"Remember Me" is a great song.

Almost spit my coffee out on that one Rick, for some reason that pic struck me as funny as heck just thrown in here.

[Rick]

What irritates the wounds even more is when Neal says something like, "Steve Perry is trying to relive the past in a way to say 'Hey, remember me?' "

Totally. That's exactly why I called it a cheap shot. That statement could have ended and stood fine before that "remember me" shit came out.

"Remember Me" is a great song.

Almost spit my coffee out on that one Rick, for some reason that pic struck me as funny as heck just thrown in here.

He's a happy looking little dude.

[RedWingFan]

Almost spit my coffee out on that one Rick, for some reason that pic struck me as funny as heck just thrown in here.

He's a happy looking little dude.

Yeah, he looks like someone's off camera giving him a hand job!!!

[Voyager]

Perry was all over the place on stage when I saw him. Doing his spins, running out on the stage extensions. He didn't stand still much. Augeri was more reserved. He does a nice piano flop.

That's what sets Perry apart from the rest. Not only did he have the pipes, but his energy and passion was unlimited. I don't see any of that in this new guy, based on what I have seen on his videos.

If all I needed was good vocals, I have a CD player and a copy of Escape.

[Soto All The Way]

Remember Me is an aweseom song.....So are some of the others on Arrival and Red 13. Generations leave alot to be desired......Either way. FUCK ARNEL AND PEYTON MANNING!!!! Have I said that lately????

e-

[stevew2]

[quote="RaiderFan"][quote="Rick"][quote="Deb"][quote="Rick"][img]http://www.geocities.com/shoot.emup/grin.jpg[/img][/quote]

Almost spit my coffee out on that one Rick, for some reason that pic struck me as funny as heck just thrown in here. :lol: :lol: :lol:[/quote]

He's a happy looking little dude.[/quote]
Yeah, he looks like someone's off camera giving him a hand job!!! :lol:[/quote]------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lucky bastard

[lidobar]

Am I the only one here willing to actually give Arnel a chance to prove himself with Journey if he's truly their new singer? Seriously. People have him written off already simply based on youtube videos that were filmed in an extremely tiny club. I know all the bashers are going to say "you don't understand" or "you're not a real Journey fan if you give him a chance" or the ever popular "you'll never understand because you'll never be as big of a Journey fan as I am". Well, truth is, the fact that I'm willing to support the band through pretty much anything shows how devoted a Journey fan I am. From what I've heard of Arnel he does have an amazing voice, maybe not THE voice that everyone came to know and love Journey from, but an amazing voice capable of handling the entire catalog through and through. I will be one of the first to admit that I will be purchasing a ticket on the very first day of tickets going on sale to the Journey show with whomever has been deemed worthy to help the Journey continue. Seriously though, to all the bashers... give Arnel a chance... wait until you actually see and/or hear him perform with Journey... and THEN make a judgement. I think a lot of you will be really surprised when you finally see/hear him with the band (this is still if he is the guy) even though you think you already know what he can (or can't, judging by most of the comments i've seen) offer the band. Truth is, until you see it and hear it... no one actually knows. Maybe they'll have chemistry. Anyhow, here's my "throwing of the hat" into the arena of supporting Arnel if he's the guy.

And by the way... JSS still rocks!!!

I fully support Arnel and whatever lead singer the band wants to pick. Just keep rocking!

[bluejeangirl76]

If all I needed was good vocals, I have a CD player and a copy of Escape.

What, are you reading my mind, or something? Needless to say, I agree.
I can get Perry vocals anytime I flippin' want to, because, ya know, I own all those re-masters that he spent so much time dwelling in the past over... *stares at Neal and flips him off*


I don't need to go to the show for Perry-sounding vocals. And clearly, that's what Journey wants to offer, as opposed anything new and fresh, so sorry man, I already got that. Gimme something I ain't seen or heard yet and we'll talk. WHOOPS, wait I need to go see JSS's show for that, don't I?

[larryfromnextdoor]

[img]jpg[/img]

Almost spit my coffee out on that one Rick, for some reason that pic struck me as funny as heck just thrown in here.

He's a happy looking little dude.

Yeah, he looks like someone's off camera giving him a hand job!!!

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Lucky bastard

i know what you are doing now.. you are copying and pasting!! instead of hitting the quote button... because everything in your post is exactly as it should be....

[yogi]

Back in the late 90's didnt this guy do a cover of Helen Reddy's I Am Women???

Ya he did.

It peaked at # 64 in Uruguay, It made it to #44 in Haiti, and hit #9 in Guam.


Since this is his biggest solo hit, even though its a remake, I wonder if Journey will perform it live???

[knox]

I loved Perry.

I didn't like Augeri.

I started loving Soto.

No one in the band is innocent. Perry was a jerk and ran Rollie off. Soto, it seems, is the only one who had any true character. I don't know what Deen's deal was - maybe he just didn't have a say so, but if he had any character (FROM WHAT WE THINK AND SUSPECT HAPPENED WITH JEFF) he would have left the band when they axed Soto.

I, too, am through with Journey... Aside from the old stuff I have.

[Crazie Scarab]

Arnel is NOT the answer to the problem. If he were, he'd of been brought in long ago..

[donnaplease]

I've listened to just about anything I can find of Arnel's and honestly can't see why they would have ever replaced JSS for this.

Please... just to clarify. Jeff Scott Soto was not fired so that Arnel could be hired. Two distinctly separate things. Jeff was long gone before Arnel was even under consideration, from what I understand.


As far as supporting Arnel in Journey, I just can't buy it. When I imagine Arnel (a petite Asian dude) singing for the powerhouse that Journey is/once was, I cannot force from my mind an image of William Hung (a petite Asian dude) singing on AI. I just can't get past that to see anything other than a joke. I know he's very talented. It's not fair, I know, but it's how I feel.

[Rick]

I've listened to just about anything I can find of Arnel's and honestly can't see why they would have ever replaced JSS for this.

Please... just to clarify. Jeff Scott Soto was not fired so that Arnel could be hired. Two distinctly separate things. Jeff was long gone before Arnel was even under consideration, from what I understand.


As far as supporting Arnel in Journey, I just can't buy it. When I imagine Arnel (a petite Asian dude) singing for the powerhouse that Journey is/once was, I cannot force from my mind an image of William Hung (a petite Asian dude) singing on AI. I just can't get past that to see anything other than a joke. I know he's very talented. It's not fair, I know, but it's how I feel.

I think we'll know more after they start their tour and some youtubes are posted. He might just kick ass. I can't get who I want behind that microphone, so I'm going to at least see what this Arnel guy brings before I say any more. I know this is a departure from what I've said in the past, but it's ridiculous for me to do that to someone without giving them a chance. Everyone deserves one.

[donnaplease]

I think we'll know more after they start their tour and some youtubes are posted. He might just kick ass. I can't get who I want behind that microphone, so I'm going to at least see what this Arnel guy brings before I say any more. I know this is a departure from what I've said in the past, but it's ridiculous for me to do that to someone without giving them a chance. Everyone deserves one.

I hope you have a great time, Rick, and give us all a full report!!!!

[Rick]

I think we'll know more after they start their tour and some youtubes are posted. He might just kick ass. I can't get who I want behind that microphone, so I'm going to at least see what this Arnel guy brings before I say any more. I know this is a departure from what I've said in the past, but it's ridiculous for me to do that to someone without giving them a chance. Everyone deserves one.

I hope you have a great time, Rick, and give us all a full report!!!!

I'm not buying tickets, just saying I'm done with bashing Arnel. He deserves a chance to prove himself.

[Saint John]

I think we'll know more after they start their tour and some youtubes are posted. He might just kick ass. I can't get who I want behind that microphone, so I'm going to at least see what this Arnel guy brings before I say any more. I know this is a departure from what I've said in the past, but it's ridiculous for me to do that to someone without giving them a chance. Everyone deserves one.

I hope you have a great time, Rick, and give us all a full report!!!!

I know one very possible scenario that will have us ALL there.

[donnaplease]

I think we'll know more after they start their tour and some youtubes are posted. He might just kick ass. I can't get who I want behind that microphone, so I'm going to at least see what this Arnel guy brings before I say any more. I know this is a departure from what I've said in the past, but it's ridiculous for me to do that to someone without giving them a chance. Everyone deserves one.

I hope you have a great time, Rick, and give us all a full report!!!!

I know one very possible scenario that will have us ALL there.

Make it happen, SJ!!!!!

[ohsherrie]

If all I needed was good vocals, I have a CD player and a copy of Escape.

What, are you reading my mind, or something? Needless to say, I agree.
I can get Perry vocals anytime I flippin' want to, because, ya know, I own all those re-masters that he spent so much time dwelling in the past over... *stares at Neal and flips him off*


I don't need to go to the show for Perry-sounding vocals. And clearly, that's what Journey wants to offer, as opposed anything new and fresh, so sorry man, I already got that. Gimme something I ain't seen or heard yet and we'll talk. WHOOPS, wait I need to go see JSS's show for that, don't I?

Yep, what she said.

Up to the something new part, because I'm so completely through with Frig and Fro that I don't even want to hear anything they do.

JSS, yeah, he's the man to be listening to.

[bluejeangirl76]

Up to the something new part, because I'm so completely through with Frig and Fro that I don't even want to hear anything they do.
JSS, yeah, he's the man to be listening to.

My something new crack was just that. They unceremoniously threw their chance for something new out of the band so I'll happily follow that instead of hanging around waiting for yet another rendidtion of Faithfully and DSB to come blaring through the mic. Fuck that. *waves copy of Infinity around wildly* I got what I need as far as Journey reliving the past (thank you, Perry! still loving the reissues!) so I'm all set.

Hey, it's great that this unknown guy is getting a chance of a lifetime... wonderful. Nothing against him. Not in the least.
Who wouldn't want to at least try to jump on a dream like that? (and how many get the chance?!?!)
However the shenannigans that have preceded him are a different story and his fan-acceptance will surely suffer from it.