Open Letter to Neal Schon

[AR]

Hi Susie

Don't want to dissapoint anyone but I'm not Susie and I use my real name for my screen name. I don't hide behind a made up screen name unless my real name isn't available, already taken.

Ok, fine by me, but there is a weirdo who has several screen names here and is sick. Sorry but I am suspicious of anyone new. My apologies if you end up being a cool new member.

There are a lot of newbies now. Looking at google news, much more than there should be. The Arnel announcement did not exactly set the world on fire.

[STORY_TELLER]

?? Where are these glaring contradictions you speak of you young whipper snapper? There's nothing contradictory about the statements at all. The thing I haven't followed through on is leaving because you're just so annoying that I have to respond from time to time.

Grandpa, perhaps it's time to get some new spectacles. The contradictions are that you "don't have time" to debate the issue, but you do have the time to reinforce the delusion that I'm not right. Contradictions. Hell, one could make a case that you're suffering from narcissism (which would explain the delusion, denial, and the fact that you can't accept defeat when you lack the means to make a case).

No, it wasn't a contradiction. My wife is in fact yelling at me to get off the damned computer. I don't have time, I just got baited into responding, but chose the faster responses in an effort to be done sooner. If I had to take out the time to go back and re-prove all my points, finding links to backup my claims, etc. it would be hours before i was finished.

And uhhh, rhinanon, so you're saying the kid won the debate? Ok, so you think there would have been a successful band named Journey if Perry never joined the band? That we would all be here talking about this very same band. You agree with this? The kid has shown this to be true for you?

Addendum: I tell you what, since this issue clearly has your panties in a wad, we'll call it quits 'til you can make a good argument (I suspect it'll be forever). Meaning I won't respond to this issue (unlike you) until you've presented your case sufficiently. Win-win situation, k?

You're absolutely right, my panties are in a wad. You're just a frustrating kind of person and I let myself get baited into trying to educate you on facts you're not aware of (ie. the VH1 special). How about you go out and watch the VH1 behind the music special and then come back to me and tell me if what I said was factual or not.

[Strange Medicine]

Whoa, whoa, whoa.

You resort to lying, now?

I'd appreciate it if you wouldn't use such fallacious and deceptive tactics to try to make your point. And to think that you compared me to a politician...

[Arkansas]

... Perry is the only reason for Journey's success. ...

For the most part, but I still think it's Cain's writing that took Journey to the top. Yes, the first four Perry albums were successful, but when Cain wrote for Escape & Frontiers, Journey launched into super stardom.


later~

[Voyager]

The Elvis comparison is ridiculous!...

The reason why Bon Jovi is successful at this point is because they do things out of the box thinking wise...

What if Jon Bon Jovi left the band, and Richie Sambora hired a Bon Jovi impersonator? If this actually happened and someone compared it to Elvis' band hiring an Elvis impersonator, would that be a ridiculous comparison?

Bon Jovi is a band (and one that carry's the lead singer's name) and Elvis was a solo artist. A better example might have been The Doors reforming with Ian Astbury literally mimicking Jim Morrison down to the very last detail - vocally, performance wise and physically. That was freaky and somewaht uncomfortable to watch.

My point exactly. Call it what it is - a Jim Morrison impersonator. It's not a new band... it's a Jim Morrison cover band. It doesn't matter what the name of "the band" is... it's the key players who give it the name. In Bon Jovi's case, the guy's name just happens to be the band name. In Elvis band, Elvis was the star. In the Journey band, Steve Perry was the star. He put them on the map. It may as well have been called the Steve Perry band. Neal Schon going on without the Perry-based identity would be as big a roll-of-the-dice as The Door's moving forward with a post-Morrison identity. It might fly, and it might not. But as long as they continue to tour with an impersonator of their former singer at the helm, it will be a cover band in my book. Queen is not Queen without Freddie, the Doors are not The Doors without Jim Morrison... and Journey hasn't proved to be much of anything without a Perry-based identity.

Is there anything wrong with that? Not at all. Cover bands are good, and Journey may very well be the ultimate Journey cover band with the new Perry impersonator. But lets' face it... Neal Schon is as much of a Perry-holic as any of us are - he just won't admit it.

Nothing like a Sunday afternoon with a good brisk Journey singer discussion going on. It's better than watching the game on TV!

[STORY_TELLER]

Whoa, whoa, whoa.

You resort to lying, now?

I'd appreciate it if you wouldn't use such fallacious and deceptive tactics to try to make your point. And to think that you compared me to a politician...

? where did I lie?

By the way, found a link to download VH1. Not sure if it's still active but check it out.

http://arrivealive.proboards47.com/inde ... 1175012398

[Strange Medicine]

Whoa, whoa, whoa.

You resort to lying, now?

I'd appreciate it if you wouldn't use such fallacious and deceptive tactics to try to make your point. And to think that you compared me to a politician...

? where did I lie?

By the way, found a link to download VH1. Not sure if it's still active but check it out.

http://arrivealive.proboards47.com/inde ... 1175012398

In your post before this one. I never said that Journey would have been as successful or successful without Steve Perry. I simply said that he was not "the only" reason for their success. You did.

[Voyager]

That is because most people can't accept that their beloved SP is partially, or mostly, to blame

I totally accept that Steve Perry is to blame. Steve lost his drive to perform... and that was a tragedy. Who knows what was going on in his head, but I'm sure it was something that drove him away from the very thing that he loved and was so damn good at. It was a tragedy for Neal also... and Jon, and Ross, and Smitty... it was a loss for the whole music world. But life goes on... it went on for Eddie Van Halen after the split with DLR... and Neal is a good enough guitarist to have made something happen if anyone could have. It just never happened. Blame the 90's and the crash of hair bands if you want to. Journey never became anything apart from the Perry-based identity. Neal never created a new identity for himself... and who can blame him? Perry was the fucking bomb! It doesn't get any better than that. Many of us hold onto that era of Journey just as tightly as Neal does. There's no shame in that.

[STORY_TELLER]

Whoa, whoa, whoa.

You resort to lying, now?

I'd appreciate it if you wouldn't use such fallacious and deceptive tactics to try to make your point. And to think that you compared me to a politician...

? where did I lie?

By the way, found a link to download VH1. Not sure if it's still active but check it out.

http://arrivealive.proboards47.com/inde ... 1175012398

In your post before this one. I never said that Journey would have been as successful or successful without Steve Perry. I simply said that he was not "the only" reason for their success. You did.

Oh come on now. I've always said the collaboration with Neal and Perry was the reason for Journey's success. I said that in my first post in this thread. But without that special thing that came from the collaboration with Perry, no, Journey would not have been successful. They were on their way out before he joined the group. On the verge of losing their record label. If he didn't join the group half that collaboration which made them a success would have never existed. They had a unique chemistry that Neal hasn't had with any other singer before or since Perry.

Fuck, I really gotta go. Wife's threatening to take away sex now. Can't have that. You'll understand when you're older.


Just go watch the damned VH1 special kid, you'll see that Neal himself said Perry brought the success to the group.

ADDENDUM: Oh yeah, and WHEN you find Neal himself said that, I fully expect you to make PUBLIC apology to this old man. It's the "honest" thing to do, right? If I'm wrong, I'll do likewise. Deal?

[Lori Jo]

Hi Susie

Don't want to dissapoint anyone but I'm not Susie and I use my real name for my screen name. I don't hide behind a made up screen name unless my real name isn't available, already taken.

Ok, fine by me, but there is a weirdo who has several screen names here and is sick. Sorry but I am suspicious of anyone new. My apologies if you end up being a cool new member.

There are a lot of newbies now. Looking at google news, much more than there should be. The Arnel announcement did not exactly set the world on fire.

Truth be told, when I read about Susie I knew I would become a suspect as a newbie!!! And I hope to God I am not "sick!" I'm only a newbie to posting. I've been reading for a very long time. Just didn't have anything to say until now. Thanks for your response.

[Strange Medicine]

Dude, if I were wrong, I'd apologize. But I'm not. Numbers. Do. Not. Lie. You've just admitted it, yourself, that Perry's not the only reason for their success. You've undermined yourself repeatedly. That's all I need.

[Moon Beam]

I'm only a newbie to posting. I've been reading for a very long time.

If I had a nickel for everytime I've seen that round here in threads gone by.

[Journey69]

Explain to me how, only when Jonathan Cain entered the picture, did the world want to listen to Journey's music.

Errr.. it was because of Steve Perry's vocals - period. If it weren't, then show me the platinum-selling albums that Journey produced without Steve Perry's vocals on them.

Err... it clearly wasn't because of Steve Perry's vocals (only) - period. Aside from Street Talk, which was produced during Journey's greatest commercial peak, show me a massively successful solo album from Mr. Perry. You seem to define "success" with "sales". Numbers don't lie. Compare the sales from Steve Perry's Greatest Hits to Journey's Greatest Hits and note the enormous disparity -- ergo, we can conclude beyond a shadow of a doubt that if Perry is the end all be end all to Journey's success, the man clearly would have rivaled them in terms of sales and success in his solo efforts.

But he didn't.

Ergo, I win. You lose.

No, you didn't win anything. You're now arguing two different points and have gone off on a tangent from your original statement to try and circumvent facts which disprove your hypothesis.

Most people agree that Perry solo isn't as good as Perry with Journey. Neal needs Perry the same way Perry needs Neal. They created a unique sound and style of music together. What you said above is not your original argument. You were of the mind that Journey would have been a success without Perry and/or would continue to be a success after Perry. That's simply not true and the band members themselves disagree with you. Jon and Neal didn't try to continue the band Journey for almost 10 years, hoping Perry would return. They made public statements at the end of the ROR tour such as "we would have liked to continue, but we knew who had the keys to that cadillac" in reference to Perry (do a search, look it up). They know their chances of returning to their heyday are slim to none (leaning toward none). During their last tour with Augeri, at a concert I was at, when they tried to play some Generations songs and people were getting up to go get a beer, Neal said over the mic, "all right, we know what you came to hear" and went into a Perry era GH's track.

Ignoring a fact doesn't make you right. It just shows how being right is more important to you than getting to the truth of the issue being discussed.

Let me get this straight.. What if Steve Perry was never in the band..You said they wouldn't have had success.. What if they found Brad Delp instead? Think they would have still sucked? Strange Medicine..YOu do win!!

This is the last time I'll address this because it really is time consuming:
First of all, how do you know what the musical collaboration with Brad Delp or anyone else for that matter would have sounded like? Talk about speculation!

You're forgetting that Perry was not just a voice but a major influence on the melodies and song writing. Fact is, Journey was very close to being dropped by their record label after being fronted by Gregg Rollie, a proven hit making singer with Santana and they made no waves whatsoever with Fleishman at the helm, someone who both Gregg and Neal chose as their frontman. The songs Fleishman sang were covered and reworked by Perry and only after Perry was involved did they become popular. So explain that one to me.

I'm done guys, you clearly have your position, but you're forgetting Journey was almost canned by their record label before Perry joined. Whatever Journey does from this point forward will have been built upon and will ride the success which involved and was hugely influenced by Perry. You can argue all the speculative nonsense in the world but that doesn't change history.

Brad Delp had the very same role Perry did.. He is almost Perry's mirror or twin in reguards of what people think of his voice.. Journey would have still flourished..As would Boston if they had Perry..

Are you out of your mind? Did you forget how much song writing and melody creation Perry was involved in? He steered the entire creative direction of the group while he was lead singer and both Neal and Jon are on record as saying this themselves. Jesus christ guys, go watch the VH1 behind the music special!! Everything I've said is backed up by Neal Jon and Herbie out of their own freakin' mouths! Jesus you guys are nuts! lol....

Dear asshat.. SP and NS are the sound of Journey.. They wrote songs,mostly together.. Brad Delp and Tom Scholz are the sound of Boston.. BD and TS wrote most of the songs together.. TS said so.. They have been called sister bands more times than I can count.. Scholz wrote more songs than with Delp.. Schon>Scholz.. Perry>Delp Strange Medicine is the real deal!!

[Andrew]

Hi Susie

Don't want to dissapoint anyone but I'm not Susie and I use my real name for my screen name. I don't hide behind a made up screen name unless my real name isn't available, already taken.

Correct and verified.
If anyone has any suspicion of someone not being who they say they are - please PM ME - DO NOT start something within a thread about this.

[Saint John]

Hi Susie

Don't want to dissapoint anyone but I'm not Susie and I use my real name for my screen name. I don't hide behind a made up screen name unless my real name isn't available, already taken.

Correct and verified.
If anyone has any suspicion of someone not being who they say they are - please PM ME - DO NOT start something within a thread about this.

Andrew, I think you're Susie. Please check your IP. I expect honest results.

[m]

[venomnation]

Now wait a minute.....I only read the initial post, but as much as I cannot and will not agree with The decision Neal made with his most recent singer choice, that's my opinion, and I have to say this much. Steve Perry did NOT "make" journey for anything more than the time he was in the band. Remember, there WAS a Journey before Perry, and it included Neal Schon. In fact, to say that Journey isn't "Journey" without Steve Perry, is factually WRONG. Remember, Neal Schon was a founding member of Journey. Regardless of who is singing, playing drums, or playing bass....it's HIS band...and he can do with it what he chooses. To be honest, it's my opinion that the "downfall" of the "Journey" we've all come to know and love, really isn't in Neal's hands...it rests in Steve Perry's hands, as I do believe it was HIS unwillingness to tour (and yes...I know..there's two sides to that story....hip surgery, whatever...) that caused the initial replacement with Augeri. And having BEEN in bands....I can feel exactly what Neal felt. I've gone almost four years since my best friend in the whole world took his own life....and in the process, took with him half the heart and soul of our band....he was our singer, and he was basically THE integral part...and since then we haven't really 'Done" anything...and me, being the guy who did a little EVERYTHING in the band (sang on occasion, guitar on occasion, bass on occasion..) I've got the 'itch' to get back out and do something. I can completely understand that's why Neal went and did what he did. In our band....my friend WAS the band...because he was the glue that held it all together. Journey...Steve Perry is not and was not THE band. And As much as I HATE the fact that Arnel is there...it's was not a decision I had any input on...and I can simply choose not to support it....that's just how it goes....but there was a Journey BEFORE perry, and I'm betting as long as Schon is breathing...there will be a Journey after..

Just my two cents...keep the change.

[Saint John]

Neal moved on when he finally realized that Perry wasn't coming back. The dumbest thing he ever did was wait so long. He, along with the rest of the band, allowed Steve Perry to put their careers on hold for the better part of 11 years (1987-1998). It's become quite obvious who the asshole is. All of this shit....the forum wars, the lead singer debate, the hip arguments, the Arnel and Soto battles, are the fault of one man's unwillingness to work and be honest to his bandmates, his fans and himself. That man is Steve Perry.

[Strange Medicine]

SJ, you have a valid point. But to blame it all on Perry is as nonsensical as it is to blame it all on Neal. Perry doesn't get crucified as much as Schon, true, but that does not absolve Schon from his faults and asshole moments, too.

[somethingtohide]

I think Neal is as responsible for the Journey sound as Perry. It was the 2 of them together that made Journey great.

Perry's solo music doesn't sound like Journey to me. Nor is ROR what I expected to hear from Journey and that was the result of Perry running the show.

Together they are greater than they are apart in my opinion.


I'm not happy that Journey has chosen another Perry sound alike instead of moving forward with JSS because it indicates to me that they have given up artistically and are ready to settle for what was instead of moving forward with what could be. Time will tell I suppose. I hope I'm proven wrong.

Perhaps it just wasn't working artistically with JSS? Maybe his vocal sound was too far removed from that which Schon & Cain want to write for at this time. After being identified for so long with Steve Perry perhaps part of the writing process for Journey is to automatically write with his vocals in mind, even unconsciously. This may have become less easy with Jeff, a truly wonderful vocalist in his own right and might have caused some discomfort - like an artist used to a certain set of tools having to learn to use, trust and become comfortable with new completely ones.

The ever honest Kevin Shirley stated recently that the new material and new line up put him in mind of the Journey of the early 80's and even though he was hyped went on to mention that with there was still some refining to be done as much of the material was raw. It is quite possible that now Journey have a new (albeit familiar sounding) voice in Arnel they are learning to once again write the way they did when Perry was in the band minus his input of course. This could well be a turning point of sorts.

It appears that a genuine effort is being put into moving the band forward. It's time to give Journey the benefit of the doubt, a small thing given all of the wonderful music and memories that they have given to us over the years.

I can see your point about the band's creative "comfort zone". My fear is/was that the band is content in basically becoming a nostalgia act. I don't want that for them (or for myself as a fan).

I guess we'll have a better idea after the new material is released in what direction the band is heading.

I sincerely hope the best for them.

[EightyRock]

I tend to overlook the downtime Perry took over the years because he was such a phenominal talent, instrumental in creating all those incredible songs. He gets a pass in my book everytime for giving it ALL every friggin' night for several nights in a row FOR YEARS. No other singer's voice could hold up to that ridiculous touring schedule and be so spot on every night, year after year. Knowing that, I appreciate what he gave, for as long as he gave it. He was always a visionary and saw where the music scene was headed, pre and post ROR era. They were dinosaurs by that point!

I appreciate Neal's contributions to the band, but he's proven over the years that he was never the driving creative force in Journey. Neal is a follower, not a leader. Perry had vision and determination, and was hell bent on success. If Neal had that same mojo, he would have taken Journey and made it successful with Fleishman or some other singer. Neal and Jon have reached in every direction since Perry's departure and still flounder. I wonder why that is? Perry's voice wasn't the only thing that Perry brought to Journey.

[Voyager]

SJ, you have a valid point. But to blame it all on Perry is as nonsensical as it is to blame it all on Neal. Perry doesn't get crucified as much as Schon, true, but that does not absolve Schon from his faults and asshole moments, too.

You're right - it's both of their faults. The Perry vs. Journey debacle on VH1 Behind The Music did nothing but seal the demise of the union.

[Rhiannon]

And uhhh, rhinanon, so you're saying the kid won the debate? Ok, so you think there would have been a successful band named Journey if Perry never joined the band? That we would all be here talking about this very same band. You agree with this? The kid has shown this to be true for you?

Wow. Deep end much? ...Um. The basis of my points system is the Humor Index. He cracked me up. Don't take life so seriously, its miserable enough without getting your blood pressure skyrocketed over some piddle-shit little band argument. Chill, rinse, repeat.

[fightingilliniJRNY]

And uhhh, rhinanon, so you're saying the kid won the debate? Ok, so you think there would have been a successful band named Journey if Perry never joined the band? That we would all be here talking about this very same band. You agree with this? The kid has shown this to be true for you?

Wow. Deep end much? ...Um. The basis of my points system is the Humor Index. He cracked me up. Don't take life so seriously, its miserable enough without getting your blood pressure skyrocketed over some piddle-shit little band argument. Chill, rinse, repeat.

Good points.

[FishinMagician]

Dear Neal,

You are a midget who can't keep it in his pants. Fuck you.

Try calling Jeff and acting like a man. You are a short little dwarf.

Nice job on the "new" Journey. Can't wait to see you all at the local karoake bar.

Jeremey chose his family over you idiots. Wise choice.

Thanks,

AR

how tall is he?

[donnaplease]

Neal moved on when he finally realized that Perry wasn't coming back. The dumbest thing he ever did was wait so long. He, along with the rest of the band, allowed Steve Perry to put their careers on hold for the better part of 11 years (1987-1998). It's become quite obvious who the asshole is. All of this shit....the forum wars, the lead singer debate, the hip arguments, the Arnel and Soto battles, are the fault of one man's unwillingness to work and be honest to his bandmates, his fans and himself. That man is Steve Perry.

While I agree that SP should've then and should now be more honest with folks, the rest of your comments are bullshit. What else could he possibly be responsible for? Global Warming? The war in Iraq? Hell, maybe SP is really Susie, and she's fooled us all these years. (*Sudden image of a Scooby Doo episode, here...*).

[Journey69]

Now wait a minute.....I only read the initial post, but as much as I cannot and will not agree with The decision Neal made with his most recent singer choice, that's my opinion, and I have to say this much. Steve Perry did NOT "make" journey for anything more than the time he was in the band. Remember, there WAS a Journey before Perry, and it included Neal Schon. In fact, to say that Journey isn't "Journey" without Steve Perry, is factually WRONG. Remember, Neal Schon was a founding member of Journey. Regardless of who is singing, playing drums, or playing bass....it's HIS band...and he can do with it what he chooses. To be honest, it's my opinion that the "downfall" of the "Journey" we've all come to know and love, really isn't in Neal's hands...it rests in Steve Perry's hands, as I do believe it was HIS unwillingness to tour (and yes...I know..there's two sides to that story....hip surgery, whatever...) that caused the initial replacement with Augeri. And having BEEN in bands....I can feel exactly what Neal felt. I've gone almost four years since my best friend in the whole world took his own life....and in the process, took with him half the heart and soul of our band....he was our singer, and he was basically THE integral part...and since then we haven't really 'Done" anything...and me, being the guy who did a little EVERYTHING in the band (sang on occasion, guitar on occasion, bass on occasion..) I've got the 'itch' to get back out and do something. I can completely understand that's why Neal went and did what he did. In our band....my friend WAS the band...because he was the glue that held it all together. Journey...Steve Perry is not and was not THE band. And As much as I HATE the fact that Arnel is there...it's was not a decision I had any input on...and I can simply choose not to support it....that's just how it goes....but there was a Journey BEFORE perry, and I'm betting as long as Schon is breathing...there will be a Journey after..

Just my two cents...keep the change.

You are correct.. And whether or not You want Arnel in the band..Why don't you wait and see..You might be pleasantly suprised..I pride myself on optimism.. And I'm really really sorry about your friend..That is terrible and He was selfish to do that.. It only seriously hurts your friends and family..

[Journey69]

Neal moved on when he finally realized that Perry wasn't coming back. The dumbest thing he ever did was wait so long. He, along with the rest of the band, allowed Steve Perry to put their careers on hold for the better part of 11 years (1987-1998). It's become quite obvious who the asshole is. All of this shit....the forum wars, the lead singer debate, the hip arguments, the Arnel and Soto battles, are the fault of one man's unwillingness to work and be honest to his bandmates, his fans and himself. That man is Steve Perry.

Once again SJ...Correct! Neal himself said on the Behind the music special that Perry didn't want to work anymore..Taking a separate bus(probably pussy whipped) and not rehearsing with the rest of the band..Your also right that Neal should have gone on right away.. And people give him shit 11 yrs later and Perry is the hero..I don't get it. The guy waited 11 fucking yrs for Perry..What the hell do you people want..?

[Journey69]

I think Neal is as responsible for the Journey sound as Perry. It was the 2 of them together that made Journey great.

Perry's solo music doesn't sound like Journey to me. Nor is ROR what I expected to hear from Journey and that was the result of Perry running the show.

Together they are greater than they are apart in my opinion.


I'm not happy that Journey has chosen another Perry sound alike instead of moving forward with JSS because it indicates to me that they have given up artistically and are ready to settle for what was instead of moving forward with what could be. Time will tell I suppose. I hope I'm proven wrong.

Perhaps it just wasn't working artistically with JSS? Maybe his vocal sound was too far removed from that which Schon & Cain want to write for at this time. After being identified for so long with Steve Perry perhaps part of the writing process for Journey is to automatically write with his vocals in mind, even unconsciously. This may have become less easy with Jeff, a truly wonderful vocalist in his own right and might have caused some discomfort - like an artist used to a certain set of tools having to learn to use, trust and become comfortable with new completely ones.

The ever honest Kevin Shirley stated recently that the new material and new line up put him in mind of the Journey of the early 80's and even though he was hyped went on to mention that with there was still some refining to be done as much of the material was raw. It is quite possible that now Journey have a new (albeit familiar sounding) voice in Arnel they are learning to once again write the way they did when Perry was in the band minus his input of course. This could well be a turning point of sorts.

It appears that a genuine effort is being put into moving the band forward. It's time to give Journey the benefit of the doubt, a small thing given all of the wonderful music and memories that they have given to us over the years.

I can see your point about the band's creative "comfort zone". My fear is/was that the band is content in basically becoming a nostalgia act. I don't want that for them (or for myself as a fan).

I guess we'll have a better idea after the new material is released in what direction the band is heading.

I sincerely hope the best for them.

HUH? I don't remember Arrival sucking..Oh how about that song called Remember me? Did that suck? I liked Red 13/State of Grace and The Time.. Great songs.. Generations had some good songs as well. Faith in the Heartland,Place in your heart..ect.. C'mon..! Don't rate the new album until you hear it.. Hell everyone should be happy they aren't re doing the old ones to sell.. And no they won't..They probably did record them out of curiosity..Hell I would too if I was Neal,if not for curiosity sake..

[donnaplease]

Neal moved on when he finally realized that Perry wasn't coming back. The dumbest thing he ever did was wait so long. He, along with the rest of the band, allowed Steve Perry to put their careers on hold for the better part of 11 years (1987-1998). It's become quite obvious who the asshole is. All of this shit....the forum wars, the lead singer debate, the hip arguments, the Arnel and Soto battles, are the fault of one man's unwillingness to work and be honest to his bandmates, his fans and himself. That man is Steve Perry.

Once again SJ...Correct! Neal himself said on the Behind the music special that Perry didn't want to work anymore..Taking a separate bus(probably pussy whipped) and not rehearsing with the rest of the band..Your also right that Neal should have gone on right away.. And people give him shit 11 yrs later and Perry is the hero..I don't get it. The guy waited 11 fucking yrs for Perry..What the hell do you people want..?

This too is debatable. Before JSS was fired, SP was the whipping boy around here. He was ridiculed, called names, made fun of because of his nose, hair, height, you name it. He was blamed for anything that could've possibly gone wrong which he took part in. People were praising Neal and the rest of the band, willing to overlook their parts in the TapeGate saga because a majority (IMO) felt that they had made a move in such a positive direction in hiring JSS. Once Jeff was treated so poorly, the gloves came off, and suddenly the spotlight shines on Neal and Jon, and to a lesser degree Ross and Deen, who are perceived as weak for not standing up for what is right.

Perry is now seen as the 'hero' because perhaps he got out while he still had some dignity and some sanity left. Just as SA is now perceived to be less of a perpetrator and more of a victim. I just happen to believe that Neal is incapable of caring about someone other than himself and his needs. He doesn't care who fronts the band, he just wants to play. It's the music business, I get that. But musicians are people, and those relationships need to be fostered too.

Perry is also thought of by many as the only person who is capable of pulling this band out of the abyss of obscurity and back into some sort of popularity with the fans and credibility in the biz. IDK. Sounds plausible to me.