Concord concert - a critical appraisal.

[JRNYMAN]

Great review, Ari. It's sad to hear they're not in synch and the show doesn't flow well.

I honestly think Neal is just trying to give Arnel rest. It seems to be working also, with his voice doing much better. But what else can they do to give him that break? They could go up to the mic and talk for 5 minutes, like Kevin Cronin. Oh, hell no! I know they're not playing much Eclipse music, but it is billed as the Eclipse tour, which is a guitar driven album. Maybe that's why he's doing it also. He could be trying to pimp his new solo CD's as well. Whatever it is, it's not making for much of a good show.

True. Maybe he is trying to give him a break. But in that case, why not throw in Deen for a song.

Someone posted, maybe Andrew, that management said Deen will not be doing any lead vocals this tour. Said it confused the fans.

And ya know, I've read that a couple of times now but I honestly don't understand just what it is the fans would be confused about. The drummer is actually a ventriloquist's dummy and it's really SP's voice we're hearing? The crowd might not get the fact that it's actually the drummer singing even though Arnel has clearly left the stage and there is a 2500 watt spotlight on Deen drawing your attention to him at center stage combined with the fact that his close-up image is being projected on all 3 screens in gigantic HD format? What exactly is it that the fans are being presumed to be so unintelligent about?

[Onestepper]

I've seen this twice on this tour. Vegas at the kickoff, then St. Louis. I told my wife after the St Louis show that I was done seeing them live. I'm tired of walking out with that "man they used to be soooo good live.." feeling. No other way to describe it. Not hating on them. Just disappointed, that's all.

[brywool]

I've seen Youtube clips and the band looks disinterested and lacking any "connection' or "chemistry".
And it really doesn't help that Neal has caused so many distractions and embarassing press with
his latest conquest... I think the train is fixing to totally derail by tour's end, and this could wind
up being a farawell tour.

If that's the case, it sucks. The band could conceivably go on as long as it wants to. They have the songs. They have the talent. They have the writing capabilities. But if the band is looking THAT bored on stage, that's not good. They could always do shorter tours. Maybe they're just burned out from playing, which I can understand, especially if they're playing the same ol thing night after night. Dang Journey- CHALLENGE your audience with your new stuff. If they run away to get a beer, give em 5 minutes. Not everyone is hating the new stuff. It's good stuff. As for Neal's personal life, is it really that big of a deal to the band? I honestly haven't followed any of that, other than the chick was married which is lame no matter who ya are. Let Neal mess with his own public image. It really doesn't have anything to do with Journey, or shouldn't.
The subtle screw you to Jon could very well be what's happening, but man, it so doesn't have to be that way.

[Don]

Well, since I saw Neal's solo gig last year, it's refreshing to know that I am not missing anything this tour.
I take that back, I'm missing COH. Oh well, I'll just have to live with that loss.

Eclipse is a good record and I feel that I definitely gotten my $7.99 out of it. I've enjoyed the band live it's in glory days (before they turned up the speed on the ROR tour). I really can't ask for more I guess. There are dozens of bands I haven't seen live in years that I still enjoy their product. I don't feel bad adding Journey to that list at all.
If someone has whispered in Neal's ear that he needs to take his band back from Arnel and Jon, so be it. Buying tickets to see Neal Schon and the J-Boyz live isn't a need anymore, purchasing their albums is enough for me these days.

[Saint John]

I honestly think Neal is just trying to give Arnel rest.

I've tried to think that, but it just doesn't work, and here's why:

-Having "confused fans" is far less important than saving Arnel's voice. In fact, any fan that gets "confused" by Deen singing should probably go suck a bald man's dick! Besides, this is just plain bullshit. Deen has been singing for over a decade in Journey and the 2008-09 tour was incredibly popular.

-Play more singer friendly songs like Who's Cryin' Now or anything off of Revelation or Eclipse. Nope, they're playing La Do Da, a song that could make Marlee Matlin cover her ears.

-Fire out the duets. Just The Same Way, Feeling That Way and Anytime. Those songs would save Arnel's chords and the crowd would actually enjoy them!

Rick, I just can't conclude that they're trying to save Arnel's voice, as there's no (logical) evidence to back that assertion up.

[Carlitto H@kk]

As for Neal's personal life, is it really that big of a deal to the band? I honestly haven't followed any of that, other than the chick was married which is lame no matter who ya are. Let Neal mess with his own public image. It really doesn't have anything to do with Journey, or shouldn't.
The subtle screw you to Jon could very well be what's happening, but man, it so doesn't have to be that way.

What Neal does in his personal life does have a negative impact on the band when he is getting bad press,
and being floundered around on shows like TMZ for this silliness with the blonde. And it doesn't help that
she is basically traveling with the band, and apparently Neal even brought here out on stage during
"Faithfully" recently. if he would keep his life "personal", no problem. But he is letting it get tied to
the band, and you know some in the band, especially Cain, have to be a bit embarrassed and pissed off.

[Don]

I honestly think Neal is just trying to give Arnel rest.

I've tried to think that, but it just doesn't work, and here's why:

-Having "confused fans" is far less important than saving Arnel's voice. In fact, any fan that gets "confused" by Deen singing should probably go suck a bald man's dick! Besides, this is just plain bullshit. Deen has been singing for over a decade in Journey and the 2008-09 tour was incredibly popular.

-Play more singer friendly songs like Who's Cryin' Now or anything off of Revelation or Eclipse. Nope, they're playing La Do Da, a song that could make Marlee Matlin cover her ears.

-Fire out the duets. Just The Same Way, Feeling That Way and Anytime. Those songs would save Arnel's chords and the crowd would actually enjoy them!

Rick, I just can't conclude that they're trying to save Arnel's voice, as there's no (logical) evidence to back that assertion up.

Shit, have Neal sing No More Lies or let Deen do some Bad English. The band has done outside stuff before on the 83 and 86 tour, do it now if Arnel needs a break that bad.

[brywool]

I honestly think Neal is just trying to give Arnel rest.

I've tried to think that, but it just doesn't work, and here's why:

-Having "confused fans" is far less important than saving Arnel's voice. In fact, any fan that gets "confused" by Deen singing should probably go suck a bald man's dick! Besides, this is just plain bullshit. Deen has been singing for over a decade in Journey and the 2008-09 tour was incredibly popular.

-Play more singer friendly songs like Who's Cryin' Now or anything off of Revelation or Eclipse. Nope, they're playing La Do Da, a song that could make Marlee Matlin cover her ears.

-Fire out the duets. Just The Same Way, Feeling That Way and Anytime. Those songs would save Arnel's chords and the crowd would actually enjoy them!

Rick, I just can't conclude that they're trying to save Arnel's voice, as there's no (logical) evidence to back that assertion up.

Agreed. Arnel's pipes have held up through both tours. There've been a couple times where he was rough, but he NEVER has STRUGGLED the way Augeri did or other singers. He rarely, if ever, ducks the high notes in the songs. Arnel played in clubs for years. He knows how to take care of himself.

Maybe the band actually thinks this is what the fans want. I dunno, it sure seems strange that they've kind of changed their whole method and have just tossed the new stuff away in favor of guitar solos. Makes no sense.

[Ehwmatt]

Best thing about this thread: Brigadier reminded me to purchase the Toby Hitchcock album on iTunes. 30 seconds in and it sounds awesome . Journey's done, sorry to say. Awesome band, awesome back catalogue.

But there's no sense of urgency or power to their new music. And their tours are just bland. It's just that simple.

[Don]

AIP slides down a few spots this week to #24 on the A/C chart. I'm sure they'll add it to the set list next year once it's dead and buried on the charts and radio.

[Onestepper]

AIP slides down a few spots this week to #24 on the A/C chart. I'm sure they'll add it to the set list next year once it's dead and buried on the charts and radio.

My God I hate that song. Sorry.

[brywool]

As for Neal's personal life, is it really that big of a deal to the band? I honestly haven't followed any of that, other than the chick was married which is lame no matter who ya are. Let Neal mess with his own public image. It really doesn't have anything to do with Journey, or shouldn't.
The subtle screw you to Jon could very well be what's happening, but man, it so doesn't have to be that way.

What Neal does in his personal life does have a negative impact on the band when he is getting bad press,
and being floundered around on shows like TMZ for this silliness with the blonde. And it doesn't help that
she is basically traveling with the band, and apparently Neal even brought here out on stage during
"Faithfully" recently. if he would keep his life "personal", no problem. But he is letting it get tied to
the band, and you know some in the band, especially Cain, have to be a bit embarrassed and pissed off.

As I said, I haven't been following this whole TMZ deal. That might certainly explain it. I didn't realize it was that in your face to the rest of the band. Dang, not good.

[Don]

AIP slides down a few spots this week to #24 on the A/C chart. I'm sure they'll add it to the set list next year once it's dead and buried on the charts and radio.

My God I hate that song. Sorry.

Hate it? I love the intro, it is so reminiscent of the Captured era (to me anyway).

[Onestepper]

AIP slides down a few spots this week to #24 on the A/C chart. I'm sure they'll add it to the set list next year once it's dead and buried on the charts and radio.

My God I hate that song. Sorry.

Hate it? I love the intro, it is so reminiscent of the Captured era (to me anyway).

Yeah I actually don't know why I don't like it so much. Makes me want to kick babies when I hear it.

[Don]

As for Neal's personal life, is it really that big of a deal to the band? I honestly haven't followed any of that, other than the chick was married which is lame no matter who ya are. Let Neal mess with his own public image. It really doesn't have anything to do with Journey, or shouldn't.
The subtle screw you to Jon could very well be what's happening, but man, it so doesn't have to be that way.

What Neal does in his personal life does have a negative impact on the band when he is getting bad press,
and being floundered around on shows like TMZ for this silliness with the blonde. And it doesn't help that
she is basically traveling with the band, and apparently Neal even brought here out on stage during
"Faithfully" recently. if he would keep his life "personal", no problem. But he is letting it get tied to
the band, and you know some in the band, especially Cain, have to be a bit embarrassed and pissed off.

As I said, I haven't been following this whole TMZ deal. That might certainly explain it. I didn't realize it was that in your face to the rest of the band. Dang, not good.

I've read where Cain has had Madison at gigs and Arnel has his wife and kid also. The whole thing of the faux marriage with Ava in the Summer, and then she is replaced with this media whore, it's got have the other people on this tour spinning their heads. That family type bond they seemed to have in Manila seems to have been totally obliterated.

[Jana]

I think Jon and his family are used to the revolving door of Neal's women and the surrounding drama by now after all these years. As long as he doesn't go all nutty and do a reality show with her, Jon probably ignores it. Jon and Neal seem to get on through everything, surprisingly. Ticket sales weren't affected.

[Jana]

AIP slides down a few spots this week to #24 on the A/C chart. I'm sure they'll add it to the set list next year once it's dead and buried on the charts and radio.

My God I hate that song. Sorry.

Hate it? I love the intro, it is so reminiscent of the Captured era (to me anyway).

Is that what it is? I love it. But i really love the whole ending.

[NoMoreTails]

AIP slides down a few spots this week to #24 on the A/C chart. I'm sure they'll add it to the set list next year once it's dead and buried on the charts and radio.

My God I hate that song. Sorry.

Hate it? I love the intro, it is so reminiscent of the Captured era (to me anyway).

The intro sounds very I'll Be Alright Without You to me, very cool playing from Neal. I also like how his playing on the verse of To Whom It May Concern recalls his work on Lights and Easy to Fall.

[Arianddu]

Ari, absolutely outstanding review and we share virtually all of the same concerns (especially the atrociously agonizing way that they stretch out the ends of songs). However, you and Majik are incorrect about one thing. This whole "Neal needs someone to play against" and "Arnel is a pushover" stuff is shit, and I'll tell you why. This just started. Throughout the approximately 600 shows that Augeri played with the band, this never happened. Same with the 2008 & 2009 Revelation legs. Now, for whatever reasons, after about 750 post-Perry concerts, he's decided that he's a porn star who's job is to jack off his guitar while he, simultaneously, butt fucks the fans. And I just don't get it.

I agree with this post. It's only this tour, not the last two. And Neal's solos were a perfect fit and added to the energy of the show, not slowed it down. When you watch the Manila DVD Neal was a pleasure to watch play and listen to, but it was the perfect balance. When he added the solo part to What I Need it was melodic playing and actually enhanced the live performance.

Interesting to hear. Really makes me wonder what has shifted in the band dynamic between this tour and the last.

[Arianddu]

Oh yeah, for anyone who's interested - the set list:

Seperate Ways
Ask The Lonely
Send Her My Love
City of Hope
Only The Young
Faithfully
Stone In Love
Escape
Lights
Wheel In The Sky
Jon's piano solo
Open Arms
La Do Da
Be Good To Yourself
Lovin Touchin Squeezin

encore:

Anyway You Want It
Don't Stop Believing

Sorry I don't have where Neal's solo fit in there - I kept track of the set list by using the film option on my camera to get enough of the song to identify it; by the time I'd got it working for Neal's solo, he'd moved into the sound effects and I just couldn't bear to record it. That really did break my heart, because the start of it was, musically speaking, the most beautiful thing in the whole concert.

[JRNYMAN]

AIP slides down a few spots this week to #24 on the A/C chart. I'm sure they'll add it to the set list next year once it's dead and buried on the charts and radio.

OK, I'm through racking my brain.... and although I'm aware that asking the following question will result in shame, embarrassment, finger pointing, and humiliation...... (takes deep breath...) what does AIP stand for?

The beatings will commence immediately following my receipt of the answer.

[Rick]

AIP slides down a few spots this week to #24 on the A/C chart. I'm sure they'll add it to the set list next year once it's dead and buried on the charts and radio.

OK, I'm through racking my brain.... and although I'm aware that asking the following question will result in shame, embarrassment, finger pointing, and humiliation...... (takes deep breath...) what does AIP stand for?

The beatings will commence immediately following my receipt of the answer.

Anything Is Possible, from Eclipse.

[JRNYMAN]

Interesting to hear. Really makes me wonder what has shifted in the band dynamic between this tour and the last.

That's exactly what I'm wondering. I noted this glaring difference in my original reply to your review. There is most definitely a far different dynamic present here but it's hard to discern if it's interpersonal problems or what, but something's off.

[JRNYMAN]

AIP slides down a few spots this week to #24 on the A/C chart. I'm sure they'll add it to the set list next year once it's dead and buried on the charts and radio.

OK, I'm through racking my brain.... and although I'm aware that asking the following question will result in shame, embarrassment, finger pointing, and humiliation...... (takes deep breath...) what does AIP stand for?

The beatings will commence immediately following my receipt of the answer.

Anything Is Possible, from Eclipse.

Really....? That's it...? No ridicule, no snide comments... nothing?

Thanks Rick!

[Rick]

AIP slides down a few spots this week to #24 on the A/C chart. I'm sure they'll add it to the set list next year once it's dead and buried on the charts and radio.

OK, I'm through racking my brain.... and although I'm aware that asking the following question will result in shame, embarrassment, finger pointing, and humiliation...... (takes deep breath...) what does AIP stand for?

The beatings will commence immediately following my receipt of the answer.

Anything Is Possible, from Eclipse.

Really....? That's it...? No ridicule, no snide comments... nothing?

Thanks Rick!

No, I've been there, trying to unscramble the acronyms.

[Saint John]

AIP slides down a few spots this week to #24 on the A/C chart. I'm sure they'll add it to the set list next year once it's dead and buried on the charts and radio.

OK, I'm through racking my brain.... and although I'm aware that asking the following question will result in shame, embarrassment, finger pointing, and humiliation...... (takes deep breath...) what does AIP stand for?

The beatings will commence immediately following my receipt of the answer.

Anything Is Possible, from Eclipse.

Really....? That's it...? No ridicule, no snide comments... nothing?

Thanks Rick!

No, I've been there, trying to unscramble the acronyms.

Fuck ... I went through the entire Journey catalog one day, too embarrassed to admit that I didn't know one of the acronyms. Found out the hard way that "ST" stands for Street Talk.

[JRNYMAN]

AIP slides down a few spots this week to #24 on the A/C chart. I'm sure they'll add it to the set list next year once it's dead and buried on the charts and radio.

OK, I'm through racking my brain.... and although I'm aware that asking the following question will result in shame, embarrassment, finger pointing, and humiliation...... (takes deep breath...) what does AIP stand for?

The beatings will commence immediately following my receipt of the answer.

Anything Is Possible, from Eclipse.

Really....? That's it...? No ridicule, no snide comments... nothing?

Thanks Rick!

No, I've been there, trying to unscramble the acronyms.

Fuck ... I went through the entire Journey catalog one day, too embarrassed to admit that I didn't know one of the acronyms. Found out the hard way that "ST" stands for Street Talk.

Well, thank God I'm not the only one! I even have their entire catalog song-by-song saved as a .doc in alphabetical order - obviously I haven't added the Eclipse titles to it yet. And with the possibility existing that asking for clarification as to a song's acronym might bring on the barrage of ribbing and laughing by some people here - I'M not saying that would happen for sure, I'm saying "MIGHT" happen - I know what you mean about exhausting every other avenue before just simply asking.

[Rick]

AIP slides down a few spots this week to #24 on the A/C chart. I'm sure they'll add it to the set list next year once it's dead and buried on the charts and radio.

OK, I'm through racking my brain.... and although I'm aware that asking the following question will result in shame, embarrassment, finger pointing, and humiliation...... (takes deep breath...) what does AIP stand for?

The beatings will commence immediately following my receipt of the answer.

Anything Is Possible, from Eclipse.

Really....? That's it...? No ridicule, no snide comments... nothing?

Thanks Rick!

No, I've been there, trying to unscramble the acronyms.

Fuck ... I went through the entire Journey catalog one day, too embarrassed to admit that I didn't know one of the acronyms. Found out the hard way that "ST" stands for Street Talk.

[Liquid_Drummer]

Ari, absolutely outstanding review and we share virtually all of the same concerns (especially the atrociously agonizing way that they stretch out the ends of songs). However, you and Majik are incorrect about one thing. This whole "Neal needs someone to play against" and "Arnel is a pushover" stuff is shit, and I'll tell you why. This just started. Throughout the approximately 600 shows that Augeri played with the band, this never happened. Same with the 2008 & 2009 Revelation legs. Now, for whatever reasons, after about 750 post-Perry concerts, he's decided that he's a porn star who's job is to jack off his guitar while he, simultaneously, butt fucks the fans. And I just don't get it.

Buying Arnel all the time they can get away with. 1 minute here, 2 there adds up to how much he doesn't have to sing. Thats my take on all this extended live shit.

[Saint John]

Ari, absolutely outstanding review and we share virtually all of the same concerns (especially the atrociously agonizing way that they stretch out the ends of songs). However, you and Majik are incorrect about one thing. This whole "Neal needs someone to play against" and "Arnel is a pushover" stuff is shit, and I'll tell you why. This just started. Throughout the approximately 600 shows that Augeri played with the band, this never happened. Same with the 2008 & 2009 Revelation legs. Now, for whatever reasons, after about 750 post-Perry concerts, he's decided that he's a porn star who's job is to jack off his guitar while he, simultaneously, butt fucks the fans. And I just don't get it.

Buying Arnel all the time they can get away with. 1 minute here, 2 there adds up to how much he doesn't have to sing. Thats my take on all this extended live shit.

Then let Deen sing and save Arnel's voice with songs, rather than frenzied runs and meandering licks.