Why does Neal never get the recognition he deserves?

[SusieP]

Good one Gunbot.

[tammy]

Neal should be on that list...doesn't make sense. But, I love his playing so doesn't matter to me. (Susie, you're so funny - can picture you yelling & growling at the magazine.)

[SusieP]

I threw it across the room in disgust.





They ran a similar one a few months ago for the best rock singer of all time, but Steve Perry made the list, so I was ok that time.

[Rockindeano]

Neal is in my Top 3 Guitarists list. Fuck the reviewers... WTF do they know? They screwed Journey back in the 80's and it still continues with Neal's lack of recognition.

The fact that they put Keith Richards in the top 100 and didn't put Neal in it shows how fucking retarded the listmaker is. Friga is probably a better guitarist than Keith Richards.

Pure ignorance. Keith Richards is Keith Richards. He plays a unique style for a rock and roll band. Schon plays pop 40 songs in a pop band. You people are so fucking blinded by your love for Journey. Digitaldreamdoor, the link Steveo77 posted is a fan appreciation site, a site where fans can load up on their favourites. LOL, I remember when they were going full tilt about 2-3 years ago. Journey fans were even saying Steve Augeri should be top 10 vocalists and Ross Valory should be top 10 bassists. You know damned well those picks are ridiculous. You folks ever stop and wonder why Schons' peers don't think so highly of him? They may quietly think he is a good player, because he is, but you never hear any of his peers say he is a great player, or a playing legend. He is good but he isn't a top 10 guitar player. Oh and you can bet your ass his peers know all about the tape shenanigans he pulled too. Don't fool yourselves, that shit turned a lot of people in the industry off to him and the band. They lost whatever little credibility they had. And you wonder why insiders don't respect Journey. Can you blame them? How can industry insiders respect Journey, when Journey can't even respect rock n roll or even it's fans, be it rock n roll fans, or their very own fans?

Oh and no, Friga is not a better player than Richards. Put the bong down.

[SusieP]

You folks ever stop and wonder why Schons' peers don't think so highly of him? They may quietly think he is a good player, because he is, but you never hear any of his peers say he is a great player, or a playing legend. He is good but he isn't a top 10 guitar player.

But he should have made the top 100.

The list was for greatest guitar players, not greatest stand up guys. That's a whole different debate!
His talent should have got him on the guitarists list.

[Rockindeano]

You folks ever stop and wonder why Schons' peers don't think so highly of him? They may quietly think he is a good player, because he is, but you never hear any of his peers say he is a great player, or a playing legend. He is good but he isn't a top 10 guitar player.

But he should have made the top 100.

The list was for greatest guitar players, not greatest stand up guys. That's a whole different debate!
His talent should have got him on the guitarists list.

Sure, I guess so, he should be in the top 100, but top 10? No way. Top 20? Probably too high as well. What's it say when your peers don't vote you top 100? Put away the good guy argument for a second- you would think his peers would look past that and include him in the poll, but to not make the top 100? His peers are the best judges of talent, not the fans. Maybe your magazine isn't that bad after all Susie.

[steveo777]

Deano, no matter what you post, it's not going to be an objective view, based on your personal issues with the band. Therefore, I can't take you seriously, at least when it comes to Journey. That's not a slam, , but I also know because of the way you feel, there is going to be a certain slant to your posts.

[portland]

Deano, no matter what you post, it's not going to be an objective view, based on your personal issues with the band. Therefore, I can't take you seriously, at least when it comes to Journey. That's not a slam, , but I also know because of the way you feel, there is going to be a certain slant to your posts.

Yes....we all are allowed an opinion....it's America

[SusieP]

You folks ever stop and wonder why Schons' peers don't think so highly of him? They may quietly think he is a good player, because he is, but you never hear any of his peers say he is a great player, or a playing legend. He is good but he isn't a top 10 guitar player.

But he should have made the top 100.

The list was for greatest guitar players, not greatest stand up guys. That's a whole different debate!
His talent should have got him on the guitarists list.

Sure, I guess so, he should be in the top 100, but top 10? No way. Top 20? Probably too high as well. What's it say when your peers don't vote you top 100? Put away the good guy argument for a second- you would think his peers would look past that and include him in the poll, but to not make the top 100? His peers are the best judges of talent, not the fans. Maybe your magazine isn't that bad after all Susie.

He should be in the top 100. That's my argument.
And my question was why doesn't he get the recognition he deserves.
I think the 'good guy' question probably does come into it with his peers.
Must do.
His skill is obvious.
So far I am liking Gunbot's solution best...............the other guys are all mates of JSS.

[steveo777]

Deano, no matter what you post, it's not going to be an objective view, based on your personal issues with the band. Therefore, I can't take you seriously, at least when it comes to Journey. That's not a slam, , but I also know because of the way you feel, there is going to be a certain slant to your posts.

Yes....we all are allowed an opinion....it's America

Of course he is!

[Don]

Dean is right.
When talking about Neal, has any interviewer ever mentioned anything beyond DSB, Faithfully or Open Arms? Those are the tunes Neal is measured by and let's face it, they are pop songs. Who's Crying Now is more hardcore than those three tunes. Neal is a victim here of his band's success as a pop group. if they would have had a hit the last few years in the vein of WITS, it might be a different story. When you think of Neal Schon's defining moments this decade, having DSB played on the Sopranos is it. Not exactly a masterpiece in Guitar work.

[SusieP]

OK so Journey are a 'pop' band. So playing pop music negates Neal being acknowledged as a 'rock' guitarist by his peers.
I can accept that.

But how did Lonnie Donnegan get in there?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=plrpTaYUd6Q

[steveo777]

I sure wish people would understand that Journey is not Neal's only guitar work. He's got plenty of other stuff out there that deserves critical acclaim. Just judging him by what he's done in Journey alone is kinda bullshit.

[Don]

I sure wish people would understand that Journey is not Neal's only guitar work. He's got plenty of other stuff out there that deserves critical acclaim. Just judging him by what he's done in Journey alone is kinda bullshit.

Let's face it he's not Jimmy Page or Eric Clapton. When people think of Neal outside of Journey, they think of Bad English and another pop song hit.
He got comfortable with Journey. Instead of growing and leaving it in the past, he surrounds himself with the legacy of the band like a security blanket. You can't help but to judge him by his work in Journey, that's the badge he wears.

[Rockindeano]

Deano, no matter what you post, it's not going to be an objective view, based on your personal issues with the band. Therefore, I can't take you seriously, at least when it comes to Journey. That's not a slam, , but I also know because of the way you feel, there is going to be a certain slant to your posts.

No way. When the Soto firing went down, and a bunch of people lost their collective minds, and said some pretty stupid shit, I never ever slammed Journey's talent, specifically neal and Jon. Deen is a tremendous talent as well. The only guy who doesn't carry his weight and frankly never has is Ross. He has always sucked. So while other went the "midget" route and "fag" route, I never called those guys names or slammed their talents. I however do reserve the right to slam their awful decision making, and horrible character flaws, of which there are plenty. Also, i will state that I know a Helluva lot more than you do about this band Steveo, so you may not like my opinion and hate my guts, but I don't care, I do know a good deal about this band.

[Rockindeano]

I sure wish people would understand that Journey is not Neal's only guitar work. He's got plenty of other stuff out there that deserves critical acclaim. Just judging him by what he's done in Journey alone is kinda bullshit.

Like what? Bad English? They were a joke. A bunch of flair wearing, loose blouse, tight leather pants and led by a very average Euro clown/singer. Not one of Neal's better choices in a band. HSAS? Great axe work, but who really knew about them? SoulSirkus? Same thing. His solo records have earned him critical acclaim, as evidenced by the Grammy nod. His solo work is pretty damned good IMO.

[Don]

I didn't see Riki Emmett's name on the list either. Maybe they don't like Canadians.

Mick Jones is missing but then again, he's in the same boat as Schon, trapped in the confines of Foreigner's catalog and it's gradual slide into the genre of Pop music.

[steveo777]

Deano, no matter what you post, it's not going to be an objective view, based on your personal issues with the band. Therefore, I can't take you seriously, at least when it comes to Journey. That's not a slam, , but I also know because of the way you feel, there is going to be a certain slant to your posts.

No way. When the Soto firing went down, and a bunch of people lost their collective minds, and said some pretty stupid shit, I never ever slammed Journey's talent, specifically neal and Jon. Deen is a tremendous talent as well. The only guy who doesn't carry his weight and frankly never has is Ross. He has always sucked. So while other went the "midget" route and "fag" route, I never called those guys names or slammed their talents. I however do reserve the right to slam their awful decision making, and horrible character flaws, of which there are plenty. Also, i will state that I know a Helluva lot more than you do about this band Steveo, so you may not like my opinion and hate my guts, but I don't care, I do know a good deal about this band.

Deano, first of all, I do not hate your guts, but I do question whether you really comprehended what I was trying to say. Maybe my fault for not communicating better. I don't deny your points and I know that you know much more about the band than I do. We all have opinions...that's fine. My take on it is that you are not going to be be unbiased based on your personal issues with certain band members. That's all I was saying. That's ok man.

[portland]

I sure wish people would understand that Journey is not Neal's only guitar work. He's got plenty of other stuff out there that deserves critical acclaim. Just judging him by what he's done in Journey alone is kinda bullshit.

Let's face it he's not Jimmy Page or Eric Clapton. When people think of Neal outside of Journey, they think of Bad English and another pop song hit.
He got comfortable with Journey. Instead of growing and leaving it in the past, he surrounds himself with the legacy of the band like a security blanket. You can't help but to judge him by his work in Journey, that's the badge he wears.

Well that is also that badge that brings in the $$$$$ and that has always been what it is about for Neal

[Rockindeano]

I didn't see Riki Emmett's name on the list either. Maybe they don't like Canadians.

Mick Jones is missing but then again, he's in the same boat as Schon, trapped in the confines of Foreigner's catalog and it's gradual slide into the genre of Pop music.

Neither is Keith Scott, or Nils Lofgren, but I am fine with this list. Those guys are both better than Gilbert.

[Since 78]

Who cares what the Euros say any how.

(No offense Susie)

[Rockindeano]

Well that is also that badge that brings in the $$$$$ and that has always been what it is about for Neal

EXACTLY. Schon has never been about the music. He always takes dollars first then music. People always say Neal would love to rock harder, blah blah blah, and Journey cannot possibly stimulate him. Their music is very easy to play, and God knows he can do it in his sleep, so where is the "challenge?" He could care laess about the challenge. he wants the money that the Journey train(see Steve Perry), brings in to him.

[Rockindeano]

Deano, no matter what you post, it's not going to be an objective view, based on your personal issues with the band. Therefore, I can't take you seriously, at least when it comes to Journey. That's not a slam, , but I also know because of the way you feel, there is going to be a certain slant to your posts.

No way. When the Soto firing went down, and a bunch of people lost their collective minds, and said some pretty stupid shit, I never ever slammed Journey's talent, specifically neal and Jon. Deen is a tremendous talent as well. The only guy who doesn't carry his weight and frankly never has is Ross. He has always sucked. So while other went the "midget" route and "fag" route, I never called those guys names or slammed their talents. I however do reserve the right to slam their awful decision making, and horrible character flaws, of which there are plenty. Also, i will state that I know a Helluva lot more than you do about this band Steveo, so you may not like my opinion and hate my guts, but I don't care, I do know a good deal about this band.

Deano, first of all, I do not hate your guts, but I do question whether you really comprehended what I was trying to say. Maybe my fault for not communicating better. I don't deny your points and I know that you know much more about the band than I do. We all have opinions...that's fine. My take on it is that you are not going to be be unbiased based on your personal issues with certain band members. That's all I was saying. That's ok man.

I DO understand what you are saying Steve, and I don't come here for the sole purpose of pissing on Journey fans parade. But there has to be some Goddamned truth here and lord knows you won't get that with all the fucking Pinoys, Jana, Rip Rokken or even yourself. Not a slam on those folks, but they can't be honest about Journey.

[steveo777]

Deano, no matter what you post, it's not going to be an objective view, based on your personal issues with the band. Therefore, I can't take you seriously, at least when it comes to Journey. That's not a slam, , but I also know because of the way you feel, there is going to be a certain slant to your posts.

No way. When the Soto firing went down, and a bunch of people lost their collective minds, and said some pretty stupid shit, I never ever slammed Journey's talent, specifically neal and Jon. Deen is a tremendous talent as well. The only guy who doesn't carry his weight and frankly never has is Ross. He has always sucked. So while other went the "midget" route and "fag" route, I never called those guys names or slammed their talents. I however do reserve the right to slam their awful decision making, and horrible character flaws, of which there are plenty. Also, i will state that I know a Helluva lot more than you do about this band Steveo, so you may not like my opinion and hate my guts, but I don't care, I do know a good deal about this band.

Deano, first of all, I do not hate your guts, but I do question whether you really comprehended what I was trying to say. Maybe my fault for not communicating better. I don't deny your points and I know that you know much more about the band than I do. We all have opinions...that's fine. My take on it is that you are not going to be be unbiased based on your personal issues with certain band members. That's all I was saying. That's ok man.

I DO understand what you are saying Steve, and I don't come here for the sole purpose of pissing on Journey fans parade. But there has to be some Goddamned truth here and lord knows you won't get that with all the fucking Pinoys, Jana, Rip Rokken or even yourself. Not a slam on those folks, but they can't be honest about Journey.

Well, the one thing I can be honest about is that after ROR I waited and waited and waited. Nothing. By the time Trial by Fire came out, I had lost track and quit following the band or the lack thereof. Sure I listened to my older Journey stuff and still enjoyed it, but frankly I didn't even realize there was a Journey anymore until one night I was watching TV with my wife who is Filipina. We were watching a channel on Filipino TV and there was a piece about how Journey had a new lead singer. This piqued my interest and I went to the web trying to put all the pieces together. I became a fan of Journey again with Arnel and I became a fan of Steve Augeri way after the fact. I never got Soto...it never fit for me. Hell, I only knew of Bad English because of what I heard on the radio. I didn't even know who was in it, except for Waite. Do you think what happened to me also happened to a lot of other Journey fans? That was a long gap and I feel they'd be charting higher today, getting more airplay and being more popular if they hadn't been all but forgotten.

[donnaplease]

I think that perhaps no matter how good of a musician Neal is, he will always live in the shadow of Steve Perry's vocals. Those of us who are fans of the music and can get past the 'corporate rock' crap that was said about them can certainly appreciate his talent (if not his personality). IDK if those in the 'biz' see things differently or not, but to me his musicianship complimented SP's vocals, but were always in that shadow. As for his other endeavors, they don't count for much. IDK, just my opinion.

[Carla777]

some of my favs guitar player are in that list, pretty good for me, Neal could be in, at least he deseirve it more than Slash

..I don't see Randy Rhoads there not good

[SusieP]

some of my favs guitar player are in that list, pretty good for me, Neal could be in, at least he deseirve it more than Slash

..I don't see Randy Rhoads there not good

Randy Rhoads is there. underneath Slash.

[SusieP]

Who cares what the Euros say any how.

(No offense Susie)

Haven't been referred to as a Euro for ages!
Since Deano used to tease me about having stinky Euro armpits and foul teeth.
aaaaah happy memories.

[steveo777]

some of my favs guitar player are in that list, pretty good for me, Neal could be in, at least he deseirve it more than Slash

..I don't see Randy Rhoads there not good

Randy Rhoads is there. underneath Slash.

He was....he got slashed.

[SusieP]

some of my favs guitar player are in that list, pretty good for me, Neal could be in, at least he deseirve it more than Slash

..I don't see Randy Rhoads there not good

Randy Rhoads is there. underneath Slash.

He was....he got slashed.