Message to Fans on Neal's Blog on JF

[NealIsGod]

Good news.
If in Dec. 1997 or March 1998 you'd've told me in spring 09 the band would be poised to tour, record its 4th full album since TBF and release its 3rd DVD of the current band, I'd've said "I'll take it" and of course I will.

So would I, but little did we know about all the BS that came along with it.

[steveo777]

I believe the "Try before you buy" period is over and Arnel is officially part of the band now.

Looks like Neal may have read our posts regarding AP's Status. More proof that MR rocks.

http://www.journeymusic.com/pages/member_blog/10359

"Just in case there's any doubt about Arnel being a full band member... He is and has been for some time now. He will be writing the new record with us .have a great day!"
Neal

Arnel getting writing credits? That's why I finally believe Journey will turn out more of a rocker this time. Jon is gonna have to do a lot of tongue biting, I'll bet. No sappy ballads?

[jrny84]

We're not playing a lot of the main cities this year because we couldn't play some of the smaller cities last year and really want to hit everywhere we missed.

Stay cool

Neal

problablly cause they cant fill most big venues in cities touring alone,its easier to fill the fairs and small venues,thats more beleivable, {which is fine with me}

Some of the smaller cities still have big venues though....

Actually many of the smaller cities are not really that small (Grand Rapids MI 2nd largest city in MI with 1 million plus people, New Orleans 750,000 plus people, Boise Idaho 587,689 people, Reno Nevda 700,000 people...and those are just a few of the cities their playing at). Yes these are smaller cities than what they usually play it, but still good size places to play.

As far as these places having smaller venues, actually many of these cities have arena's that hold 10-15,000 people. New orleans arena holds 19,000, van andel arena=13,000; mohegan sun arena=10,000; verizon wireless arena=12,000; taco bell arena=13,000; richmond coliseum=13,500; and bok center=13,600.

By now Journey has definetly built their fanbase back up and has alot alot of newly gained popularity and recognition. I think these guys will not have a problem filling these arena's with heart.

[Red13JoePa]

Good news.
If in Dec. 1997 or March 1998 you'd've told me in spring 09 the band would be poised to tour, record its 4th full album since TBF and release its 3rd DVD of the current band, I'd've said "I'll take it" and of course I will.

So would I, but little did we know about all the BS that came along with it.

Meh...
That's where being blissfully unaware of the much discussed "THE WAY THEY HANDLED THINGS" comes in...I'm still able to enjoy the band.

[Don]

I believe the "Try before you buy" period is over and Arnel is officially part of the band now.

Looks like Neal may have read our posts regarding AP's Status. More proof that MR rocks.

http://www.journeymusic.com/pages/member_blog/10359

"Just in case there's any doubt about Arnel being a full band member... He is and has been for some time now. He will be writing the new record with us .have a great day!"
Neal

Arnel getting writing credits? That's why I finally believe Journey will turn out more of a rocker this time. Jon is gonna have to do a lot of tongue biting, I'll bet. No sappy ballads?

Every Album, Neal says the same thing. We'll see. If Cain got pissed and left, that would be the end of the group. Jon wrote over 80% percent of their music since he joined the band either with Perry or by himself. There will be ballads aplenty. When your new fan base thinks Open Arms is the greatest song ever to the point where you have to keep singing that same song every time you go on T.V., what else are you gonna do?

[Jubilee]

Every Album, Neal says the same thing. We'll see. If Cain got pissed and left, that would be the end of the group. Jon wrote over 80% percent of their music since he joined the band either with Perry or by himself. There will be ballads aplenty. When your new fan base thinks Open Arms is the greatest song ever to the point where you have to keep singing that same song every time you go on T.V., what else are you gonna do?

Yup. I'm guessing Cain still has enough clout that he'll be able to carve out his little "faded photograph" niche, no matter how hard this new album (allegedly) rocks.

[Gideon]

You never know.

Perhaps Arnel filling in the slot of third writer will get Cain out of the ballad spree he's been on all these years. People tend to forget that the man's name is on the likes of "Edge of the Blade" and "Separate Ways." In addition to being simply a better writer than Greg Rolie, the band has also rocked harder (not necessarily more) with Cain than it did with Rolie.

Here's to hoping...

[Jana]

You never know.

Perhaps Arnel filling in the slot of third writer will get Cain out of the ballad spree he's been on all these years. People tend to forget that the man's name is on the likes of "Edge of the Blade" and "Separate Ways." In addition to being simply a better writer than Greg Rolie, the band has also rocked harder (not necessarily more) with Cain than it did with Rolie.

Here's to hoping...

Neal might want to keep in mind that on Revelation many of the favorite songs by fans were ballads and mid-tempo rockers.

[Don]

Maybe they can bring Blades in for a song or two.

[Gideon]

You never know.

Perhaps Arnel filling in the slot of third writer will get Cain out of the ballad spree he's been on all these years. People tend to forget that the man's name is on the likes of "Edge of the Blade" and "Separate Ways." In addition to being simply a better writer than Greg Rolie, the band has also rocked harder (not necessarily more) with Cain than it did with Rolie.

Here's to hoping...

Neal might want to keep in mind that on Revelation many of the favorite songs by fans were ballads and mid-tempo rockers.

I blame you women for that...

Journey is a rock band. Have a handful of awesome ballads, but rock and mid-tempo need to be the priority. If Journey does their typical 11 track albums, it should be:

5 rockers
4 mid-tempo
2 ballads

OR

5 mid-tempo
4 rockers
2 ballads

[Gideon]

Maybe they can bring Blades in for a song or two.

I had a fantasy that they shitcanned Ross and brought in Blades. But I like Ross, I don't know if they should do that...

Where does Blades compare (other than writing) next to Ross? Is he a better bassist? Singer?

[steveo777]

Maybe they can bring Blades in for a song or two.

I had a fantasy that they shitcanned Ross and brought in Blades. But I like Ross, I don't know if they should do that...

Where does Blades compare (other than writing) next to Ross? Is he a better bassist? Singer?

But Ross entertains us so with his funny faces he makes.

[Don]

Maybe they can bring Blades in for a song or two.

I had a fantasy that they shitcanned Ross and brought in Blades. But I like Ross, I don't know if they should do that...

Where does Blades compare (other than writing) next to Ross? Is he a better bassist? Singer?

As a bassist, probably no different, as a singer ten times better.
Maybe Ross can call his ex, didn't she help write Wheel in the sky?

[Gideon]

Maybe they can bring Blades in for a song or two.

I had a fantasy that they shitcanned Ross and brought in Blades. But I like Ross, I don't know if they should do that...

Where does Blades compare (other than writing) next to Ross? Is he a better bassist? Singer?

As a bassist, probably no different, as a singer ten times better.
Maybe Ross can call his ex, didn't she help write Wheel in the sky?

It's settled then.

We, Journey's unofficial management, have fired Ross Valory.

[Don]

Maybe they can bring Blades in for a song or two.

I had a fantasy that they shitcanned Ross and brought in Blades. But I like Ross, I don't know if they should do that...

Where does Blades compare (other than writing) next to Ross? Is he a better bassist? Singer?

As a bassist, probably no different, as a singer ten times better.
Maybe Ross can call his ex, didn't she help write Wheel in the sky?

It's settled then.

We, Journey's unofficial management, have fired Ross Valory.

We will await anxiously for Neal's blog where hen can inform us that Ross has opted for early payment on his social security and Blades has come on board. Another development will be that Tommy Shaw has officially quit Styx and will come on board also, and will help lead a more legitimate double guitar attack with Cain spending more time with the whale.

[Gideon]

Maybe they can bring Blades in for a song or two.

I had a fantasy that they shitcanned Ross and brought in Blades. But I like Ross, I don't know if they should do that...

Where does Blades compare (other than writing) next to Ross? Is he a better bassist? Singer?

As a bassist, probably no different, as a singer ten times better.
Maybe Ross can call his ex, didn't she help write Wheel in the sky?

It's settled then.

We, Journey's unofficial management, have fired Ross Valory.

We will await anxiously for Neal's blog where hen can inform us that Ross has opted for early payment on his social security and Blades has come on board. Another development will be that Tommy Shaw has officially quit Styx and will come on board also, and will help lead a more legitimate double guitar attack with Cain spending more time with the whale.

The only point of contention is Shaw; you don't want to have a band with too much talent and no outlet for releasing it. That creates tension. Particularly through blatant egotism. I love the whale and I'm a fan of Cain playing the piano, but all the time? No. No, there are songs that need to be completely bereft of keyboards. "Stone in Love" for example.

[Jana]

Maybe they can bring Blades in for a song or two.

I had a fantasy that they shitcanned Ross and brought in Blades. But I like Ross, I don't know if they should do that...

Where does Blades compare (other than writing) next to Ross? Is he a better bassist? Singer?

As a bassist, probably no different, as a singer ten times better.
Maybe Ross can call his ex, didn't she help write Wheel in the sky?

It's settled then.

We, Journey's unofficial management, have fired Ross Valory.

We will await anxiously for Neal's blog where hen can inform us that Ross has opted for early payment on his social security and Blades has come on board. Another development will be that Tommy Shaw has officially quit Styx and will come on board also, and will help lead a more legitimate double guitar attack with Cain spending more time with the whale.

What are you smoking today?

[Don]

When Perry left the band, Open Arms should have went with him.

[G.I.Jim]

When Perry left the band, Open Arms should have went with him.

COME ON MAN!!! It's not a bad song!

[steveo777]

When Perry left the band, Open Arms should have went with him.

COME ON MAN!!! It's not a bad song!

You're right. I think it's helped me get lucky a couple times.

[Andrew]

Some thoughts.

First - Jonathan is never and should never be relegated to "third songwriter" status. Cain/Schon is still unbeatable as highlighted on the last album.

Second - People jump on anything to presume the worst as far as singers go. I can't see Arnel going anywhere anytime soon... and Ross wasn't mentioned, so why norumorsabout his departure?

Third - Glad Neal posted that additional update.

Forth - There will always be Journey ballads and so there should. The Revelation ones were great. Just so long as it is a 8/4 split or even better a 9/3 split in favor of the rockers

[Eric]

We're not playing a lot of the main cities this year because we couldn't play some of the smaller cities last year and really want to hit everywhere we missed.

Stay cool

Neal

problablly cause they cant fill most big venues in cities touring alone,its easier to fill the fairs and small venues,thats more beleivable, {which is fine with me}

Some of the smaller cities still have big venues though....

Actually many of the smaller cities are not really that small (Grand Rapids MI 2nd largest city in MI with 1 million plus people, New Orleans 750,000 plus people, Boise Idaho 587,689 people, Reno Nevda 700,000 people...and those are just a few of the cities their playing at). Yes these are smaller cities than what they usually play it, but still good size places to play.

As far as these places having smaller venues, actually many of these cities have arena's that hold 10-15,000 people. New orleans arena holds 19,000, van andel arena=13,000; mohegan sun arena=10,000; verizon wireless arena=12,000; taco bell arena=13,000; richmond coliseum=13,500; and bok center=13,600.

By now Journey has definetly built their fanbase back up and has alot alot of newly gained popularity and recognition. I think these guys will not have a problem filling these arena's with heart.

Darien Lake is between Rochester, NY and Buffalo NY (combined MSA's of over 2 million) and the venue jams as many as 23k. Heart is not mentioned in the press release I saw for this show, however. They drew 9,700 in '98 with Foreigner at Darien Lake, 7,700 alone on a Tuesday in 2005, and 16k in the freezing wet with Leppard in late September '06. I predict 9k this time.

[Peartree12249]

I believe the "Try before you buy" period is over and Arnel is officially part of the band now.

Looks like Neal may have read our posts regarding AP's Status. More proof that MR rocks.

http://www.journeymusic.com/pages/member_blog/10359

"Just in case there's any doubt about Arnel being a full band member... He is and has been for some time now. He will be writing the new record with us .
have a great day!"
Neal

Thanks Neal for giving Mr. credit for you finding Arnel

For an unofficial site, we sure do get the royal treatment. Thanks!

Wow, thanks for the post. Neal certainly addressed all my issues. Now what I want to know is. who's the mole.

[DrFU]

When Perry left the band, Open Arms should have went with him.

COME ON MAN!!! It's not a bad song!

for a bathroom break, it's perfect ...

[Jana]

When Perry left the band, Open Arms should have went with him.

COME ON MAN!!! It's not a bad song!

for a bathroom break, it's perfect ...

I'm kind of liking it more with the changes and more Neal in it.

[Chubby321]

When Perry left the band, Open Arms should have went with him.

COME ON MAN!!! It's not a bad song!

for a bathroom break, it's perfect ...

I'm kind of liking it more with the changes and more Neal in it.

Me too

I love the moaning and groaning of Neal's guitar.

[Gideon]

When Perry left the band, Open Arms should have went with him.

COME ON MAN!!! It's not a bad song!

for a bathroom break, it's perfect ...

I'm kind of liking it more with the changes and more Neal in it.

Me too

I love the moaning and groaning of Neal's guitar.

I'm detecting some sort of subliminal sexual imagery, here... but I'm a teenager, and I tend to detect it everywhere.

[Gideon]

When Perry left the band, Open Arms should have went with him.

COME ON MAN!!! It's not a bad song!

for a bathroom break, it's perfect ...

I'm kind of liking it more with the changes and more Neal in it.

Everything could use more Neal in it. Musically speaking, of course.

[separate_wayz]

We're not playing a lot of the main cities this year because we couldn't play some of the smaller cities last year and really want to hit everywhere we missed.

Stay cool

Neal

problablly cause they cant fill most big venues in cities touring alone,its easier to fill the fairs and small venues,thats more beleivable, {which is fine with me}

Some of the smaller cities still have big venues though....

Actually many of the smaller cities are not really that small (Grand Rapids MI 2nd largest city in MI with 1 million plus people, New Orleans 750,000 plus people, Boise Idaho 587,689 people, Reno Nevda 700,000 people...and those are just a few of the cities their playing at). Yes these are smaller cities than what they usually play it, but still good size places to play.

As far as these places having smaller venues, actually many of these cities have arena's that hold 10-15,000 people. New orleans arena holds 19,000, van andel arena=13,000; mohegan sun arena=10,000; verizon wireless arena=12,000; taco bell arena=13,000; richmond coliseum=13,500; and bok center=13,600.

By now Journey has definetly built their fanbase back up and has alot alot of newly gained popularity and recognition. I think these guys will not have a problem filling these arena's with heart.

Likewise, Journey is playing Columbus, Ohio -- hardly a "small city", with 750,000 and 1.5 million total in the metro area. The venue that they're playing at -- the Schottenstein Center at Ohio State University -- can be configured to seat 20,000 for concerts. (It's the biggest arena in the Big 10.) Smartly, Journey playing in Columbus means that about 8 million people are within a 2-hour drive of the venue. Journey will get thousands of concert-goers driving in from Dayton, Akron, Toledo, Cincinnati, and Cleveland to attend -- especially since there are no (at least yet) concerts scheduled in those areas.

I'd say there is at least a 90% chance of Journey selling-out the 20,000-seat "Schott". If Journey plays the venue with Heart, I'd say the probability of selling-out is nearly 100%.

[Don]

Man, I'm gone for 5 minutes and look what happens. Open Arms becoming a show piece for Neal's guitar work? I dont care how much of a solo he interjects in to the song, it's still pure sapp. Open Arms is the song that broke Journey away from being considered a hard rock group and got them going down the road toward adult contemporary stardom. Faithfully slays that song and shows how to do a ballad without totally imasculating yourself and ending up on The last American virgin soundtrack. That's another mystery, how does a song go from a awesome movie like Heavy Metal and end up in a teen angst flick one year later?