UNFUCKINGBELIEVABLE

[FormerJrnyFan]

Excellent review, Dean. I'm so glad you enjoyed yourself and the show. The future of Journey is indeed bright.

Blindingly bright!!!!

[The_Noble_Cause]

Journey are poised to make music's greatest comebacks. If you choose not to believe me, fine, but don't say I didn't tell you so. Those are my words but those exact words were echoed by a certain band member.

Sounds like Neal.
Predictably swept up once again in dreams of grandeur that never pay off!
I'd love to be proved wrong though.....

I bet we see close to the same amount of material from JSS/Journey in one year, than we did in all of Augeri's 8.

[brywool]

Cant decide if this is part of the new Journey PR machine... the cynic in me says it is.....or the review of a raving loony...or Journey really are back.

To say that JSS was pitch and note perfect throughout tells me that Deano's ears have been blinded by the spectacle!! No one is ever that good!!

Judgement reserved, until I get a review from someone who isnt on the Journey payroll...or at least, wishes he was on it !! ...nuff said

Judgement reserved until the boot that Deano promises surfaces..... prob never!!

I was thinking the same thing. Deano has been singing the praises of JSS for a while now, yet when I listen to some of the same boots that he has, I don't get it. I DO understand that seeing is believing, but I gotta hear it too. I'm waiting to be proven wrong (believe it or not). I DID hear the clip of the high notes in Rubicon and that did impress me. I couldn't get the After the Fall clip though. I HOPE that Journey indeed do rebound but until I hear it, I'm skeptical. Please post the show boot. It's kind of like if I went to see Augeri and raved how great he was. I already like him and so that may colour my opinion, but I am open minded about it. One thing that is cool is that the band is energized. I DID think that they looked pretty bored lately. Even in the Vegas video, only Deen looks like he's having fun to me.

Let's hear the boot!!!
Oh, thanks for the review!

[Andrew]

..well fuck me

...watch out what you're wishing for!

Sorry, but that's gotta go.

[Liam]

Just realized that I didn't thank you for the review, Deano...Thanks. Glad you, NIG, and AR had a good time.

[Andrew]

Jeez..... ive just reached for the sick bucket !!!

Dude, seriosuly...why the CONSTANT negativity from you. I asked that you let go of your clear bias towards Deano, he is doing the right thing - why can't you????

[treetopovskaya]

Hot humid, and 19,900 people strong was the setting at Mansfield, Massachussetts on Saturday night. Meet and greets, hellos and see you later's were all wrapped up, at 745P, Neal Schon walked out to The Who's "We Won't Get Fooled Again." Self Indulgent to be sure, and rightfully earned I might add, that dude belted out America's song, and it was take off time from there.....

Cain, Deen, Ross and Soto appear and it was on. Soto busted out a Boston welcome and Stone in Love was started. The energy level was that of a Super Bowl, or Stanley Cup playoff game; infectious. Jeff literally took the band up with him. I have never seen Ross Valory so alive in my life. Same with Jonathan Cain. Deeno was sky high as always and Neal was ear to ear grins. Song after song, just right after one another, solid thumping, no notes missed, perfect vocals and I mean perfect as in Steve Perry perfect. In fact, Soto was better this night. Yes, he hit notes as high as perry has, and people in the crowd looked at each other with mouths agape. I didn't clap once this night. I was standing in astonishment. I was mesmerized at what I was seeing. Jeff asked the full house crowd to pull out their cell phones and wave em in the air, as Lights was started. Looking back and up at the audience, I couldn't tell if it was 1983 or 2006. The crowd was amazing, and I know more than a few Def Lippard fans were blown away. This was the best Journey concert I have ever witnessed. I have seen them over 20 times with Perry and 20 times with Augeri, and none of those were this good. I am not the only one who mentioned this either. People close to the band said the exact same thing. The band knew they gave an A+ performance too. Those guys played their collective asses off. There is NO question jeff has resurrected them and is taking them to a new level.

Journey are poised to make music's greatest comebacks. If you choose not to believe me, fine, but don't say I didn't tell you so. Those are my words but those exact words were echoed by a certain band member. The momentum they have now is phenominal, and they plan on riding it to new heights.

The best thing to happen to Journey happened this year, and I for one could not be more jacked up. This is the best lineup ever for Journey, and those with open minds who will give them a chance and see them will see what I am saying.

The only problem I have with Jeff is him wearing basketball jerseys during encores. I need to get that guy some hockey jerseys instead!

awesome review deano! i felt the same way seeing jeff perform with journey for the first time... it was hard to do anything but stand there mesmerized... plus my damn shoes were so heavy by the time journey came on i could barely pick up my tired little feet! lol! i would have just taken them off but there was spilt beer all over the ground... ew.

those new duck jerseys are pretty cool... isn't jss a kings fan though??? bah! };C)

[Abitaman]

Hot humid, and 19,900 people strong was the setting at Mansfield, Massachussetts on Saturday night. Meet and greets, hellos and see you later's were all wrapped up, at 745P, Neal Schon walked out to The Who's "We Won't Get Fooled Again." Self Indulgent to be sure, and rightfully earned I might add, that dude belted out America's song, and it was take off time from there.....

Cain, Deen, Ross and Soto appear and it was on. Soto busted out a Boston welcome and Stone in Love was started. The energy level was that of a Super Bowl, or Stanley Cup playoff game; infectious. Jeff literally took the band up with him. I have never seen Ross Valory so alive in my life. Same with Jonathan Cain. Deeno was sky high as always and Neal was ear to ear grins. Song after song, just right after one another, solid thumping, no notes missed, perfect vocals and I mean perfect as in Steve Perry perfect. In fact, Soto was better this night. Yes, he hit notes as high as perry has, and people in the crowd looked at each other with mouths agape. I didn't clap once this night. I was standing in astonishment. I was mesmerized at what I was seeing. Jeff asked the full house crowd to pull out their cell phones and wave em in the air, as Lights was started. Looking back and up at the audience, I couldn't tell if it was 1983 or 2006. The crowd was amazing, and I know more than a few Def Lippard fans were blown away. This was the best Journey concert I have ever witnessed. I have seen them over 20 times with Perry and 20 times with Augeri, and none of those were this good. I am not the only one who mentioned this either. People close to the band said the exact same thing. The band knew they gave an A+ performance too. Those guys played their collective asses off. There is NO question jeff has resurrected them and is taking them to a new level.

Journey are poised to make music's greatest comebacks. If you choose not to believe me, fine, but don't say I didn't tell you so. Those are my words but those exact words were echoed by a certain band member. The momentum they have now is phenominal, and they plan on riding it to new heights.

The best thing to happen to Journey happened this year, and I for one could not be more jacked up. This is the best lineup ever for Journey, and those with open minds who will give them a chance and see them will see what I am saying.

The only problem I have with Jeff is him wearing basketball jerseys during encores. I need to get that guy some hockey jerseys instead!

Sounds like you had fun RD.
I would rather him wear a jersey than a hat=ERIC

[RossValoryRocks]

Wait a minute...you are now jumping on Jeff BECAUSE Deano supports him? What a crock of horseshit.
You all know Deano and I have been at odds before, I am not Deano's "little bitch" or anything, so let me give you MY unvarnished opinion.
Let me tell you Jeff has talent...in spades...the man can flat out SING...PERIOD.
Christ what else do you need? I have seen 4 shows...and Jeff got BETTER at each one as the material because more second nature to him.
If you will pardon the pun, he has survived his Trial By Fire. Being dumped straight out of the studio after touring non-stop with Talisman into fronting arguably one of the most vocally demanding bands out there and STILL being able to do justice to the songs is absolutely incredible.
Jeff is a demon on stage...HIGH energy, along with superior vocals.
A boot will never do it justice. Journey with Jeff fronting them is an experience that can ONLY be seen and lived LIVE. No boot is going to capture a show and give you the true sense of what it really is.
Jeff is the real deal. End of story. So get to a show and enjoy, the tour is only 45 days or so from being over.

[Saint John]

Wait a minute...you are now jumping on Jeff BECAUSE Deano supports him? What a crock of horseshit.
You all know Deano and I have been at odds before, I am not Deano's "little bitch" or anything, so let me give you MY unvarnished opinion.
Let me tell you Jeff has talent...in spades...the man can flat out SING...PERIOD.
Christ what else do you need? I have seen 4 shows...and Jeff got BETTER at each one as the material because more second nature to him.
If you will pardon the pun, he has survived his Trial By Fire. Being dumped straight out of the studio after touring non-stop with Talisman into fronting arguably one of the most vocally demanding bands out there and STILL being able to do justice to the songs is absolutely incredible.
Jeff is a demon on stage...HIGH energy, along with superior vocals.
A boot will never do it justice. Journey with Jeff fronting them is an experience that can ONLY be seen and lived LIVE. No boot is going to capture a show and give you the true sense of what it really is.
Jeff is the real deal. End of story. So get to a show and enjoy, the tour is only 45 days or so from being over.

Awesome, spot-on post.

[Jeremey fan forever]

Good review, Deano. You've be come a good boy now. Thats great. I think I will go check them out. The new sound check at JSS's site for "I'll be alright" sounds pretty Journeyesque. I become curious.

[Abitaman]

Wait a minute...you are now jumping on Jeff BECAUSE Deano supports him? What a crock of horseshit.
You all know Deano and I have been at odds before, I am not Deano's "little bitch" or anything, so let me give you MY unvarnished opinion.
Let me tell you Jeff has talent...in spades...the man can flat out SING...PERIOD.
Christ what else do you need? I have seen 4 shows...and Jeff got BETTER at each one as the material because more second nature to him.
If you will pardon the pun, he has survived his Trial By Fire. Being dumped straight out of the studio after touring non-stop with Talisman into fronting arguably one of the most vocally demanding bands out there and STILL being able to do justice to the songs is absolutely incredible.
Jeff is a demon on stage...HIGH energy, along with superior vocals.
A boot will never do it justice. Journey with Jeff fronting them is an experience that can ONLY be seen and lived LIVE. No boot is going to capture a show and give you the true sense of what it really is.
Jeff is the real deal. End of story. So get to a show and enjoy, the tour is only 45 days or so from being over.

who was that to

[RossValoryRocks]

Wait a minute...you are now jumping on Jeff BECAUSE Deano supports him? What a crock of horseshit.
You all know Deano and I have been at odds before, I am not Deano's "little bitch" or anything, so let me give you MY unvarnished opinion.
Let me tell you Jeff has talent...in spades...the man can flat out SING...PERIOD.
Christ what else do you need? I have seen 4 shows...and Jeff got BETTER at each one as the material because more second nature to him.
If you will pardon the pun, he has survived his Trial By Fire. Being dumped straight out of the studio after touring non-stop with Talisman into fronting arguably one of the most vocally demanding bands out there and STILL being able to do justice to the songs is absolutely incredible.
Jeff is a demon on stage...HIGH energy, along with superior vocals.
A boot will never do it justice. Journey with Jeff fronting them is an experience that can ONLY be seen and lived LIVE. No boot is going to capture a show and give you the true sense of what it really is.
Jeff is the real deal. End of story. So get to a show and enjoy, the tour is only 45 days or so from being over.

who was that to

Any of the general doubters.

[fightingilliniJRNY]

Let me tell you Jeff has talent...in spades...the man can flat out SING...PERIOD.
Christ what else do you need? I have seen 4 shows...and Jeff got BETTER at each one as the material because more second nature to him.
If you will pardon the pun, he has survived his Trial By Fire. Being dumped straight out of the studio after touring non-stop with Talisman into fronting arguably one of the most vocally demanding bands out there and STILL being able to do justice to the songs is absolutely incredible.
Jeff is a demon on stage...HIGH energy, along with superior vocals.
A boot will never do it justice. Journey with Jeff fronting them is an experience that can ONLY be seen and lived LIVE. No boot is going to capture a show and give you the true sense of what it really is.
Jeff is the real deal. End of story. So get to a show and enjoy, the tour is only 45 days or so from being over.

I could not agree more. Great points.

Edit: By the way, thanks for the review Deano. I look forward to hearing more about the trip.

[A Fire Inside]

The best lineup ever? It would be foolish to say...to put it nicely. The late 70's to ROR Journey EARNED their reputation as a phenomenal band. Now, because we've had 8 years of mediocre (at best) music, a completely UNPROVEN lineup is "the best ever." Fuck, they don't even have ONE song together yet and they're the best? Maybe, in time, they will be, but I have about 75,000,000 reasons that tell me they won't. I DO see radio play out of this lineup, though. Soto has a contemporary look, swagger and aura about him. If he is the longterm replacement, it's a good one, but let's let time determine this incarnation's place in Journey history, rather than half a tour.

I saw Journey with JSS a couple of times and he wasn't FUCKING AMAZINGGGGG!!!!! I didn't see anyone around me stunned at the newfound awesomeness of Journey.

Jeff, is your back getting sore from all the patting it gets on this forum? WOOHOOOO

[Clasicrockldy]

Awesome review, Deano. I am glad that you, AR, and NIGGY had a great time.

[FormerJrnyFan]

Jeff, is your back getting sore from all the patting it gets on this forum? WOOHOOOO

If it is, guess what? It's well deserved

[Saint John]

Awesome review, Deano. I am glad that you, AR, and NIGGY had a great time.

But where are all of the pictures we were promised?

[Ms_M]

Wait a minute...you are now jumping on Jeff BECAUSE Deano supports him? What a crock of horseshit.
You all know Deano and I have been at odds before, I am not Deano's "little bitch" or anything, so let me give you MY unvarnished opinion.
Let me tell you Jeff has talent...in spades...the man can flat out SING...PERIOD.
Christ what else do you need? I have seen 4 shows...and Jeff got BETTER at each one as the material because more second nature to him.
If you will pardon the pun, he has survived his Trial By Fire. Being dumped straight out of the studio after touring non-stop with Talisman into fronting arguably one of the most vocally demanding bands out there and STILL being able to do justice to the songs is absolutely incredible.
Jeff is a demon on stage...HIGH energy, along with superior vocals.
A boot will never do it justice. Journey with Jeff fronting them is an experience that can ONLY be seen and lived LIVE. No boot is going to capture a show and give you the true sense of what it really is.
Jeff is the real deal. End of story. So get to a show and enjoy, the tour is only 45 days or so from being over.

Great post! I would love to make another show, but I think scheduling and $$$ are not going to permit it.

Thanks for the review of the show Deano. Glad y'all enjoyed it.

[AR]

But where are all of the pictures we were promised?

I'll post some tomorrow. Niggy still has to get them off his digital camera. He posted the soundcheck videos first which were probably of the most interest to everyone. There is still some stuff from the AC meet and greet and more concert photos to come.

[RubyTequila]

Nice review Deano...But your STILL on my shitlist!!

[SteveForever]

But where are all of the pictures we were promised?

I'll post some tomorrow. Niggy still has to get them off his digital camera. He posted the soundcheck videos first which were probably of the most interest to everyone. There is still some stuff from the AC meet and greet and more concert photos to come.

AR, thanks for sharing the pics. when you have a chance. Personal question....you don't have to answer, but did one of the band members or more ask you guys to stop with the Tapegate thing? cause it seems to be a forgotten topic now.

[brywool]

Wait a minute...you are now jumping on Jeff BECAUSE Deano supports him? What a crock of horseshit.
You all know Deano and I have been at odds before, I am not Deano's "little bitch" or anything, so let me give you MY unvarnished opinion.
Let me tell you Jeff has talent...in spades...the man can flat out SING...PERIOD.
Christ what else do you need? I have seen 4 shows...and Jeff got BETTER at each one as the material because more second nature to him.
If you will pardon the pun, he has survived his Trial By Fire. Being dumped straight out of the studio after touring non-stop with Talisman into fronting arguably one of the most vocally demanding bands out there and STILL being able to do justice to the songs is absolutely incredible.
Jeff is a demon on stage...HIGH energy, along with superior vocals.
A boot will never do it justice. Journey with Jeff fronting them is an experience that can ONLY be seen and lived LIVE. No boot is going to capture a show and give you the true sense of what it really is.
Jeff is the real deal. End of story. So get to a show and enjoy, the tour is only 45 days or so from being over.

Not sure if you're talking about me or not...
I'm not jumping on Jeff, or Deano for that matter. I've been skeptical since I heard all the boots out there. Never said he sucked. Never said I hate him. I totally respect the guy. He IS a great singer. He IS a nice guy. He DOES bring energy. Is he right for Journey? For me, the jury's still out.
You're right, this would be THE hardest vocalist job out there. Since Journey appears to be through with Steve, then let's see what Jss brings to the party.
My point is that having someone that's already a big JSS fan report how great he was when I've heard the stuff I have (as others have) leaves me skeptical.
It's like me (an Augeri/Perry fan) if I said how great he was to someone that only heard poor shows of him.
Seeing them live would make a difference, but tape doesn't lie. A guy's either on pitch and singing effortlessly, or he isn't.
EVERY singer can have a bad night. It's possible that all 4 boots I heard were bad nights. The high notes in Rubicon posted the other day impressed me, The IBAWY clip posted on Jss's site also impressed me (the soundclip the other day of the same tune didn't). I would like to hear the "unfuckingbelievable" show. All the shows I've heard so far haven't really done anything to convince me. If you put on a Perry/Journey boot from the Escape tour, you don't have to see it to get the gist of how magical that combination is. Right now if I'm putting on the Charlotte boot and hearing Only the Young, all I can think of is "what are they thinking"? I need to hear new evidence.

[AR]

AR, thanks for sharing the pics. when you have a chance. Personal question....you don't have to answer, but did one of the band members or more ask you guys to stop with the Tapegate thing? cause it seems to be a forgotten topic now.

I think "tapegate" has died down because it's just overwith. New band, new era, new energy. No need to keep re-hashing a dark period that just needs to be forgotten.

[JrnyScarab]

I know what you mean about hearing the Charlotte boot of Only The Young and going "What are they thinking?". I felt the same this weekend when I saw them at Mansfield, MA and they launched into Ask The Lonely. I heard the early boots and Jeff sounded pretty bad on this song also, but believe me, he did a great job on this song. He is light years ahead of where he was during the early shows. The more he sings these songs the better he gets. I really think those 2 weeks off he had DID have a huge impact on his ability to make these songs work. I think he was also sick with a cold early on which couldn't have helped any. He has a very powerful voice which cuts through the mix, clearly allowing the band to crank it up a little more. The microphones used on the boots don't seem to capture the low frequency part of his voice which makes it sound thinner than it really is. Steve Augeri's voice was not as powerful and he seemed to get lost in the mix a lot.

GO See him and believe! Mansfield show was incredible.

Not sure if you're talking about me or not...
I'm not jumping on Jeff, or Deano for that matter. I've been skeptical since I heard all the boots out there. Never said he sucked. Never said I hate him. I totally respect the guy. He IS a great singer. He IS a nice guy. He DOES bring energy. Is he right for Journey? For me, the jury's still out.
You're right, this would be THE hardest vocalist job out there. Since Journey appears to be through with Steve, then let's see what Jss brings to the party.
My point is that having someone that's already a big JSS fan report how great he was when I've heard the stuff I have (as others have) leaves me skeptical.
It's like me (an Augeri/Perry fan) if I said how great he was to someone that only heard poor shows of him.
Seeing them live would make a difference, but tape doesn't lie. A guy's either on pitch and singing effortlessly, or he isn't.
EVERY singer can have a bad night. It's possible that all 4 boots I heard were bad nights. The high notes in Rubicon posted the other day impressed me, The IBAWY clip posted on Jss's site also impressed me (the soundclip the other day of the same tune didn't). I would like to hear the "unfuckingbelievable" show. All the shows I've heard so far haven't really done anything to convince me. If you put on a Perry/Journey boot from the Escape tour, you don't have to see it to get the gist of how magical that combination is. Right now if I'm putting on the Charlotte boot and hearing Only the Young, all I can think of is "what are they thinking"? I need to hear new evidence.

[larryfromnextdoor]

AR, thanks for sharing the pics. when you have a chance. Personal question....you don't have to answer, but did one of the band members or more ask you guys to stop with the Tapegate thing? cause it seems to be a forgotten topic now.

I think "tapegate" has died down because it's just overwith. New band, new era, new energy. No need to keep re-hashing a dark period that just needs to be forgotten.

hahaha,, yea AR!!!,,, how did you get involved the tapegate all of a sudden ,, guilty by ASSOCIATION !!!! funny

[SteveForever]

AR, thanks for sharing the pics. when you have a chance. Personal question....you don't have to answer, but did one of the band members or more ask you guys to stop with the Tapegate thing? cause it seems to be a forgotten topic now.

I think "tapegate" has died down because it's just overwith. New band, new era, new energy. No need to keep re-hashing a dark period that just needs to be forgotten.

hahaha,, yea AR!!!,,, how did you get involved the tapegate all of a sudden ,, guilty by ASSOCIATION !!!! funny

well, he was there when the men met face to face to discuss...he would know right? so spill AR, come on billy don't be a hero....

[AR]

well, he was there when the men met face to face to discuss...he would know right? so spill AR, come on billy don't be a hero....

Any conversation I have had with band members or have heard between them and anyone else has to be private. I don't want to violate anyone's trust. Sorry about that.

[SteveForever]

well, he was there when the men met face to face to discuss...he would know right? so spill AR, come on billy don't be a hero....

Any conversation I have had with band members or have heard between them and anyone else has to be private. I don't want to violate anyone's trust. Sorry about that.

I can totally respect that, thank you for your reply kind sir.

[Just Mindy]

Any conversation I have had with band members or have heard between them and anyone else has to be private. I don't want to violate anyone's trust. Sorry about that.

Very cool AR