Faithfully (FTLOSM Tour) Beacon, NYC

[brywool]

I agree that something happened to his voice between Escape and Frontiers. My guess is alcohol. And then especially during the ROR era. He even appeared drunk in an interview or two.

Yeah, that must be it. As far as I know, Perry is probably the only singer of a rock band, in the history of music, to booze it up! Listen, for all I know, Perry was hammered every night he took the stage. I don't have a medical degree, so am not qualified to comment as to whether or not alcohol would damage his voice. What I do know is that I can't think of a single rock band who were choir boys. Most of them drank heavily, and participated in drug use. To take the leap and say this is how Perry "damaged his instrument" is ridiculous, irresponsible, and nothing more than complete speculation!


John from Boston

Relax JfB, it's ALL speculation, just like WHEN will Perry EVER release another album?? BUT- While "Most of them drank heavily, and participated in drug use", NONE of them had the vocal depth and range that Steve Perry had. No other rock singer that I can think of had THAT kind of a voice (Sam Cooke doesn't count). The voice is a major delicate instrument and if you abuse it, it will go on ya. Alcohol IS a big factor for singers losing their voice as is drugs. I just didn't know that Perry imbibed in any kind of over the top way. I still lean to the steroid use.

[kgdjpubs]

Relax JfB, it's ALL speculation, just like WHEN will Perry EVER release another album?? BUT- While "Most of them drank heavily, and participated in drug use", NONE of them had the vocal depth and range that Steve Perry had. No other rock singer that I can think of had THAT kind of a voice (Sam Cooke doesn't count). The voice is a major delicate instrument and if you abuse it, it will go on ya. Alcohol IS a big factor for singers losing their voice as is drugs. I just didn't know that Perry imbibed in any kind of over the top way. I still lean to the steroid use.

John Farnham MAY qualify for depth and range, but to the best of my knowledge, never did the touring schedule that Perry did. That being said, the change in Perry's voice was negligible for a while during some of the worst touring schedules, which suggests that he DID know how to keep his voice in shape. Early Frontiers live recordings show a voice that hasn't changed much since Escape, so using the Frontiers studio recordings as any evidence does not show the real voice. By that factor, it was somewhere in the Frontiers tour--or shortly thereafter.

Judging by the timing at least, you CANNOT discount an emotional stress that was obviously increasing in this time. That alone could play havoc on a voice. If you aren't functioning at 100%, it's going to manifest itself in many aspects--including voice. Then, there is always the Herbie theory that his voice just suddenly changed and he lost some range through no fault of his own. Under that theory, where he might have been using 80% of his range, he would now be in the 90% area--which is going to show strain faster.

My guess is that it may be a combination of everything--emotional stress, loss of range which will cause strain and more stress, unknown potential extracurricular activities, etc.

[Saint John]

I agree that something happened to his voice between Escape and Frontiers. My guess is alcohol. And then especially during the ROR era. He even appeared drunk in an interview or two.

Yeah, that must be it. As far as I know, Perry is probably the only singer of a rock band, in the history of music, to booze it up! Listen, for all I know, Perry was hammered every night he took the stage. I don't have a medical degree, so am not qualified to comment as to whether or not alcohol would damage his voice. What I do know is that I can't think of a single rock band who were choir boys. Most of them drank heavily, and participated in drug use. To take the leap and say this is how Perry "damaged his instrument" is ridiculous, irresponsible, and nothing more than complete speculation!


John from Boston

1) Perry had a 1 in a million voice. Comparing him to "other" singers is stupid. His voice was as smooth as it gets.
2) Many singers, including JSS, have stated that alcohol+singing=destroyed voice.
3) What, is, ridiculous, is, your, use, of, commas.

[Saint John]

I still lean to the steroid use.

In a recent interview Perry claimed to have never used vocal steroids and only took one Vitamin B shot. I found it interesting that he offered up this information unsolicited.

[Onestepper]

Relax JfB, it's ALL speculation, just like WHEN will Perry EVER release another album?? BUT- While "Most of them drank heavily, and participated in drug use", NONE of them had the vocal depth and range that Steve Perry had. No other rock singer that I can think of had THAT kind of a voice (Sam Cooke doesn't count). The voice is a major delicate instrument and if you abuse it, it will go on ya. Alcohol IS a big factor for singers losing their voice as is drugs. I just didn't know that Perry imbibed in any kind of over the top way. I still lean to the steroid use.

John Farnham MAY qualify for depth and range, but to the best of my knowledge, never did the touring schedule that Perry did. That being said, the change in Perry's voice was negligible for a while during some of the worst touring schedules, which suggests that he DID know how to keep his voice in shape. Early Frontiers live recordings show a voice that hasn't changed much since Escape, so using the Frontiers studio recordings as any evidence does not show the real voice. By that factor, it was somewhere in the Frontiers tour--or shortly thereafter.

Judging by the timing at least, you CANNOT discount an emotional stress that was obviously increasing in this time. That alone could play havoc on a voice. If you aren't functioning at 100%, it's going to manifest itself in many aspects--including voice. Then, there is always the Herbie theory that his voice just suddenly changed and he lost some range through no fault of his own. Under that theory, where he might have been using 80% of his range, he would now be in the 90% area--which is going to show strain faster.

My guess is that it may be a combination of everything--emotional stress, loss of range which will cause strain and more stress, unknown potential extracurricular activities, etc.

Uhm...sorry, but the change in his voice became noticeable the second I put on Frontiers. Anyone that thinks there wasn't a change needs to have their ears cleaned out. I remember putting the Frontiers album on for the first time and hearing some of the non-released stuff. My first reaction was 'what the hell happened to his voice'. Not in a bad way..but it was so distinctly 'scratchier' than the high tenor voice on Escape, it wasn't even close.

As for what caused it? I've always believed the tour schedule along with age contributed to the majority of the change. I'm sure there were other things going on, but I wasn't there, so I don't know..and nor does anyone else who did not witness it. Havinig said that..after Escape, almost every recorded interview I heard with him, or new material, all revealed a much different tone and depth.

[bluejeangirl76]

3) What, is, ridiculous, is, your, use, of, commas.

No more, ridiculous, than your, flagrant, use, of , emoticons, broham.

[brywool]

I still lean to the steroid use.

In a recent interview Perry claimed to have never used vocal steroids and only took one Vitamin B shot. I found it interesting that he offered up this information unsolicited.

yeah, I know. I saw that. He's also said that a new album is pending for years. It depends on what you believe I guess. I have a hard time believing that he didn't use steroids. Judging by the time-period and his schedule. Could be wrong, but I dunno. I also found it weird that he'd offer that up.

[kgdjpubs]

Relax JfB, it's ALL speculation, just like WHEN will Perry EVER release another album?? BUT- While "Most of them drank heavily, and participated in drug use", NONE of them had the vocal depth and range that Steve Perry had. No other rock singer that I can think of had THAT kind of a voice (Sam Cooke doesn't count). The voice is a major delicate instrument and if you abuse it, it will go on ya. Alcohol IS a big factor for singers losing their voice as is drugs. I just didn't know that Perry imbibed in any kind of over the top way. I still lean to the steroid use.

John Farnham MAY qualify for depth and range, but to the best of my knowledge, never did the touring schedule that Perry did. That being said, the change in Perry's voice was negligible for a while during some of the worst touring schedules, which suggests that he DID know how to keep his voice in shape. Early Frontiers live recordings show a voice that hasn't changed much since Escape, so using the Frontiers studio recordings as any evidence does not show the real voice. By that factor, it was somewhere in the Frontiers tour--or shortly thereafter.

Judging by the timing at least, you CANNOT discount an emotional stress that was obviously increasing in this time. That alone could play havoc on a voice. If you aren't functioning at 100%, it's going to manifest itself in many aspects--including voice. Then, there is always the Herbie theory that his voice just suddenly changed and he lost some range through no fault of his own. Under that theory, where he might have been using 80% of his range, he would now be in the 90% area--which is going to show strain faster.

My guess is that it may be a combination of everything--emotional stress, loss of range which will cause strain and more stress, unknown potential extracurricular activities, etc.

Uhm...sorry, but the change in his voice became noticeable the second I put on Frontiers. Anyone that thinks there wasn't a change needs to have their ears cleaned out. I remember putting the Frontiers album on for the first time and hearing some of the non-released stuff. My first reaction was 'what the hell happened to his voice'. Not in a bad way..but it was so distinctly 'scratchier' than the high tenor voice on Escape, it wasn't even close.

As for what caused it? I've always believed the tour schedule along with age contributed to the majority of the change. I'm sure there were other things going on, but I wasn't there, so I don't know..and nor does anyone else who did not witness it. Havinig said that..after Escape, almost every recorded interview I heard with him, or new material, all revealed a much different tone and depth.

Listen to the Japan video shot at the start of the Frontiers tour. Was there some change since Escape--yes. But he is clear as a bell. He said something about recording early in the morning to get a different sound...ie the scratchiness was at least in some part intentional.

Separate Ways http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h-EYS1LV10o
Still they Ride http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jubogiBaUhQ
Any Way You Want It http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gb9BlG0A3wI
Keep on Running http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SeStk-GvUMU

I'm not saying his voice DIDN'T change....but using the Frontiers studio sessions is tainted by Perry's intentional efforts to change the sound of his voice.

[bluejeangirl76]

I still lean to the steroid use.

In a recent interview Perry claimed to have never used vocal steroids and only took one Vitamin B shot. I found it interesting that he offered up this information unsolicited.

yeah, I know. I saw that. He's also said that a new album is pending for years. It depends on what you believe I guess.

Bry-buddy... please show me where exactly Perry himself has said a new album is pending. He did not say that in public at any point, and if he did I shall eat my shoes.

[Tito]

Perry would've sold more tickets if he would have said this was his farewell tour.

[Rhiannon]

Bry-buddy... please show me where exactly Perry himself has said a new album is pending. He did not say that in public at any point, and if he did I shall eat my shoes.

He's always alluding to having 'stuff' in the works. And unless he has a 10-year old bun in the oven, you may gnaw a sole.

[brywool]

Listen to the Japan video shot at the start of the Frontiers tour. Was there some change since Escape--yes. But he is clear as a bell. He said something about recording early in the morning to get a different sound...ie the scratchiness was at least in some part intentional.

Separate Ways http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h-EYS1LV10o
Still they Ride http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jubogiBaUhQ
Any Way You Want It http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gb9BlG0A3wI
Keep on Running http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SeStk-GvUMU

I'm not saying his voice DIDN'T change....but using the Frontiers studio sessions is tainted by Perry's intentional efforts to change the sound of his voice.

Right. I've got that DVD and he's phenomenal on it. The Frontiers tour- he was still singing well. One thing to notice about that tour and not so much on the Japanese shows which were AT THE BEGINNING OF THE TOUR- the band sped everything up DRASTICALLY. I would bet that had to do with Perry's voice. Perry's always been about the groove of a song. He's a drummer and I've heard him talk about never wanting to sacrifice the groove of the song. There's no way that he'd let the band race through tunes the way they did in later shows on that tour unless he had a reason.

When you put on Frontiers, it was totally noticeable that something had changed in his technique or just in his instrument. He's said that he consciously changed it. I don't believe that at all, but IF HE DID, then he royally screwed himself vocally because as things went on from Frontiers, he got raspier and lost range. It was most noticeable during the ROR tour and of course during the Bill Graham deal and his solo tour.

[Onestepper]

I still lean to the steroid use.

In a recent interview Perry claimed to have never used vocal steroids and only took one Vitamin B shot. I found it interesting that he offered up this information unsolicited.

yeah, I know. I saw that. He's also said that a new album is pending for years. It depends on what you believe I guess.

Bry-buddy... please show me where exactly Perry himself has said a new album is pending. He did not say that in public at any point, and if he did I shall eat my shoes.

Can I watch?

The most I've ever heard from him, or anyone else that he's had 'lunch' with is that he's been working on some stuff. Nothing ever about an album. If that were the case, the man could have released 10 albums in the time it's taken the rest of us to hear one demo.

[brywool]

Bry-buddy... please show me where exactly Perry himself has said a new album is pending. He did not say that in public at any point, and if he did I shall eat my shoes.

He's always alluding to having 'stuff' in the works. And unless he has a 10-year old bun in the oven, you may gnaw a sole.

He's never said those words exactly, but as Rhi said, he's ALWAYS alluding to it in interviews.

[bluejeangirl76]

Bry-buddy... please show me where exactly Perry himself has said a new album is pending. He did not say that in public at any point, and if he did I shall eat my shoes.

He's always alluding to having 'stuff' in the works. And unless he has a 10-year old bun in the oven, you may gnaw a sole.

I don't care what he's alluded to. That wasn't the statement.
The statement was he said it and I'm saying, nope, try again.

And since you bring it up, even the allusions are sketchy. He's never even said "I got something I'm working on and stay tuned..." He keeps it to "I think about it" and "I might play with it and see what happens..." OTHER people take that stuff to mean shit that it doesn't. It just means he's gonna go press a few buttons and see if it keeps him entertained long enough to stop smacking kittens.

[brywool]

Bry-buddy... please show me where exactly Perry himself has said a new album is pending. He did not say that in public at any point, and if he did I shall eat my shoes.

He's always alluding to having 'stuff' in the works. And unless he has a 10-year old bun in the oven, you may gnaw a sole.

I don't care what he's alluded to. That wasn't the statement.
The statement was he said it and I'm saying, nope, try again.

And since you bring it up, even the allusions are sketchy. He's never even said "I got something I'm working on and stay tuned..." He keeps it to "I think about it" and "I might play with it and see what happens..." OTHER people take that stuff to mean shit that it doesn't. It just means he's gonna go press a few buttons and see if it keeps him entertained long enough to stop smacking kittens.

jeez, fine. Is that really what we're even talking about here???
The point was, the guy ALLUDED to not doing steroids. I don't think I believe him judging by the times and what happened to his voice. That was the point of the statement, not the constant 'when is he going to do something?' question. And by the way, WHEN DID HE EVER SAY HE SMACKED KITTENS?? Do you have a bibliography so I can check the source???

[Ehwmatt]

DeYoung really is the only guy in this stratosphere I can think of that still sounds absolutely 100% incredible live. For me, DeYoung is definitely SP's caliber when it comes to singing. Cheesy/theatrical? Maybe, but he has the chops.

I honestly think when we're talking BUT SINGER X is still great! Why can't SP be?

It's probably a bit like sports - some players are just more injury prone than others. Some never get hurt, some never get their career off the ground because they can't stay healthy. They follow the same training routines, nutrition, rest, whatever else and for whatever reason they just don't hold up like the other guy.

Another great example - Gerry Beckley and Dewey Bunnell from America. I've seen them live 6 times over the last four years, and they have barely lost a thing on their vocals. Both excellent singers too. These guys have literally been on the road for 35 something straight years playing a CONSISTENT schedule. We're not talking a Survivor three dates a year "tour," we're talking 30+ dates a year. And they have no problems at all. Plus they are recording too. Who knows what explains it.

As far as I know, none of my three examples are saints and booze free, but none of them are heavy heavy indulgers either. Not 100% sure tho.

[bluejeangirl76]

jeez, fine. Is that really what we're even talking about here???
The point was, the guy ALLUDED to not doing steroids. I don't think I believe him judging by the times and what happened to his voice.

Actually, that time he came right out and said that he didn't.

(Tuesday Mission: fuck with brywool *checkmark* Done. )

[Enigma869]

Uhm...sorry, but the change in his voice became noticeable the second I put on Frontiers. Anyone that thinks there wasn't a change needs to have their ears cleaned out.

I'll never really understand the point of "His voice changed"! Who gives a fuck! Every singer's voice changes. If you don't believe this, go grab some Elton John recordings from the early 70's, and then listen to Elton perform those songs today. It doesn't even sound like the same guy, AT ALL! He still sounds good, and can still sing the music. It's simply not close to the original key it was recorded in. I know this...When I heard TBF, I knew it was Perry singing! So, in spite of his coke habit, his drunken binges, and his steroid habit, I somehow managed to hear Perry's voice there!


John from Boston

[Rhiannon]

WHEN DID HE EVER SAY HE SMACKED KITTENS?? Do you have a bibliography so I can check the source???

Would you like that cited to you according to MLA or APA standards?

[bluejeangirl76]

And by the way, WHEN DID HE EVER SAY HE SMACKED KITTENS?? Do you have a bibliography so I can check the source???

The source is Rhi. She said that, not Perry.
Take it up with her.

[Michigan Girl]

Uhm...sorry, but the change in his voice became noticeable the second I put on Frontiers. Anyone that thinks there wasn't a change needs to have their ears cleaned out.

I'll never really understand the point of "His voice changed"! Who gives a fuck! Every singer's voice changes. If you don't believe this, go grab some Elton John recordings from the early 70's, and then listen to Elton perform those songs today. It doesn't even sound like the same guy, AT ALL! He still sounds good, and can still sing the music. It's simply not close to the original key it was recorded in. I know this...When I heard TBF, I knew it was Perry singing! So, in spite of his coke habit, his drunken binges, and his steroid habit, I somehow managed to hear Perry's voice there!


John from Boston

Love this....so true!!!:wink:

[brywool]

Uhm...sorry, but the change in his voice became noticeable the second I put on Frontiers. Anyone that thinks there wasn't a change needs to have their ears cleaned out.

I'll never really understand the point of "His voice changed"! Who gives a fuck! Every singer's voice changes. If you don't believe this, go grab some Elton John recordings from the early 70's, and then listen to Elton perform those songs today. It doesn't even sound like the same guy, AT ALL! He still sounds good, and can still sing the music. It's simply not close to the original key it was recorded in. I know this...When I heard TBF, I knew it was Perry singing! So, in spite of his coke habit, his drunken binges, and his steroid habit, I somehow managed to hear Perry's voice there!


John from Boston

Yeah when he sang Don't Stop Believing after the baseball game, it was apparent that it was him too. Doesn't mean it was good. If you think he can still sing the Journey songs, great. I don't think he can. Hope I'm wrong. I DO give a F*ck if he still has a voice. On TBF, his voice was pretty wrecked. Emotional, yeah, but jeez, Eddie Vedder's emotional too. Doesn't mean I like his voice or that it's any good.

[Ehwmatt]

If coke and booze explained it all, someone explain to me how the fuck The Eagles still sound so good.

I still say it's just a crapshoot

[Rhiannon]

If coke and booze explained it all, someone explain to me how the fuck The Eagles still sound so good.

Because they're the motherloving Eagles, and Henley nor Frye ain't exactly doing vocal acrobatics. In fact, the grittier they sound, the better.

[Onestepper]

Uhm...sorry, but the change in his voice became noticeable the second I put on Frontiers. Anyone that thinks there wasn't a change needs to have their ears cleaned out.

I'll never really understand the point of "His voice changed"! Who gives a fuck! Every singer's voice changes. If you don't believe this, go grab some Elton John recordings from the early 70's, and then listen to Elton perform those songs today. It doesn't even sound like the same guy, AT ALL! He still sounds good, and can still sing the music. It's simply not close to the original key it was recorded in. I know this...When I heard TBF, I knew it was Perry singing! So, in spite of his coke habit, his drunken binges, and his steroid habit, I somehow managed to hear Perry's voice there!


John from Boston

I never said there was anything wrong with his voice changing. Just that it did.

[Ehwmatt]

If coke and booze explained it all, someone explain to me how the fuck The Eagles still sound so good.

Because they're the motherloving Eagles, and Henley nor Frye ain't exactly doing vocal acrobatics. In fact, the grittier they sound, the better.

Henley's range is pretty underrated imo. Frey is definitely a classic grittier rock singer - that's his Detroit/Motown influence shining through. But still, they sound pretty much exactly the same. Even Walsh still sings well. Schmit had some skiing accident or something that's making them downtune his songs right now I think, but he still shines when he's in form too. He sings kinda high

[Michigan Girl]

Uhm...sorry, but the change in his voice became noticeable the second I put on Frontiers. Anyone that thinks there wasn't a change needs to have their ears cleaned out.

I'll never really understand the point of "His voice changed"! Who gives a fuck! Every singer's voice changes. If you don't believe this, go grab some Elton John recordings from the early 70's, and then listen to Elton perform those songs today. It doesn't even sound like the same guy, AT ALL! He still sounds good, and can still sing the music. It's simply not close to the original key it was recorded in. I know this...When I heard TBF, I knew it was Perry singing! So, in spite of his coke habit, his drunken binges, and his steroid habit, I somehow managed to hear Perry's voice there!


John from Boston

Yeah when he sang Don't Stop Believing after the baseball game, it was apparent that it was him too. Doesn't mean it was good. If you think he can still sing the Journey songs, great. I don't think he can. Hope I'm wrong. I DO give a F*ck if he still has a voice. On TBF, his voice was pretty wrecked. Emotional, yeah, but jeez, Eddie Vedder's emotional too. Doesn't mean I like his voice or that it's any good.

I guess I read that differently than you....I got the impression John meant who gives an eff(although I like his way better) about the change in his voice. I personally LOVE Trial By Fire....every bit of it. I know a lot of people don't and that's ok!!!

Ummm, ok....you changed your quote so this doesn't appear to make much sense....

[brywool]

If coke and booze explained it all, someone explain to me how the fuck The Eagles still sound so good.

Because they're the motherloving Eagles, and Henley nor Frye ain't exactly doing vocal acrobatics. In fact, the grittier they sound, the better.

Henley's range is pretty underrated imo. Frey is definitely a classic grittier rock singer - that's his Detroit/Motown influence shining through. But still, they sound pretty much exactly the same. Even Walsh still sings well. Schmit had some skiing accident or something that's making them downtune his songs right now I think, but he still shines when he's in form too. He sings kinda high

Henley's a great singer.
Schmidt had an accident and now they tune down? Wha?????????
What happened? That guy's gotta great high voice. Frey sucks. Could never stand him.

[brywool]

Uhm...sorry, but the change in his voice became noticeable the second I put on Frontiers. Anyone that thinks there wasn't a change needs to have their ears cleaned out.

I'll never really understand the point of "His voice changed"! Who gives a fuck! Every singer's voice changes. If you don't believe this, go grab some Elton John recordings from the early 70's, and then listen to Elton perform those songs today. It doesn't even sound like the same guy, AT ALL! He still sounds good, and can still sing the music. It's simply not close to the original key it was recorded in. I know this...When I heard TBF, I knew it was Perry singing! So, in spite of his coke habit, his drunken binges, and his steroid habit, I somehow managed to hear Perry's voice there!


John from Boston

Yeah when he sang Don't Stop Believing after the baseball game, it was apparent that it was him too. Doesn't mean it was good. If you think he can still sing the Journey songs, great. I don't think he can. Hope I'm wrong. I DO give a F*ck if he still has a voice. On TBF, his voice was pretty wrecked. Emotional, yeah, but jeez, Eddie Vedder's emotional too. Doesn't mean I like his voice or that it's any good.

I guess I read that differently than you....I got the impression John meant who gives an eff(although I like his way better) about the change in the voice. I personally LOVE Trial By Fire....every bit of it. I know a lot of people don't and that's ok!!!

I give a F because I think that guy was such a better singer before the roughage. Oh well. I think TBF was the worst Perry/Journey album out of all of them. A few good moments but mostly pretty unmemorable. I'd rather listen to Arrival than TBF.

Are we gonna get into the Just the Rain and Trial By Fire discussion again?

(those songs stink!)