"Journey....couldn't be in worse shape"
Posted: Tue Jun 27, 2006 12:16 amhttp://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?BRD= ... =461&rfi=9
Tonight at the Tweeter marks the opening date of a co-headlining tour featuring Def Leppard and Journey. Both bands are best remembered for radio and MTV dominance in the '80s, but today, are at decidedly opposite ends of the spectrum; one is on the rise again, while the other is muddled in career-killing controversy.
Def Leppard gets about as close to you can when it comes to legendary status. It braved adversity including the departure of an original guitarist, the death of another, and most infamously, the loss of drummer Rick Allen's arm in a car accident.
Pick any of the above and you have the markings of a death knell for most acts, but after a few clunkers in the late '90s ("Slang" anyone?), the band has rebounded, remaining a vital piece of anthemic rock in the vein of fellow British arena giants Led Zeppelin and Queen.
Determined not to be confused with what were once contemporaries two decades ago, Def Leppard have just released a stunning collection of covers called "Yeah!" paying tribute to its musical heroes. Unlike many cover projects, this one doesn't cater to the mainstream, but rather to the heart of what influenced the glam rock which the boys so embraced. Thin Lizzy and The Kinks are represented, as are Free and Electric Light Orchestra - not exactly radio favorites these days, something the band wouldn't mind changing. In fact, lighting up rock radio right now is their version of the David Essex gem "Rock On."
Last July in Philadelphia at Live 8, when Def Leppard took the stage to a deafening reception, it was obvious the band somehow has fallen into the same kind of Bon Jovi/"Yeah we once used hairspray but we still kick butt onstage" adulation that is extremely rare in such a jaded musical climate.
Couple that with a showcase on the VH-1 Rock Honors special last month and you have the makings of a band who has transcended genres and time by simply keeping at it.
Journey, on the other hand, couldn't be in worse shape. The bottom line is fans are still clamoring for a reunion with erstwhile vocalist Steve Perry while sound-alike and curly-haired look-alike Steve Augeri is doing his best as a karaoke replacement. And according to recent rumors, even that aspect may not be going so well.
Reports are that Augeri hasn't exactly been singing live. It's not lip-syncing mind you, but the charge is that he has had some assistance in reaching the high notes his predecessor made so famous in the '80s on monster hits like "Faithfully" and "Open Arms."
Rock Music Menu isn't a huge fan of Journey to begin with; the music the band produced is dated, as is its popularity. You don't see anyone singing "Don't Stop Believin'" unless it's done ironically, or they have a mullet and drive an IROC.
Whether Augeri is innocent or guilty is not the point; if you are going to trot out a nostalgia-fest in front of paying customers, at least do right by them - bring in the original singer if he is ready and willing.
Tonight at the Tweeter marks the opening date of a co-headlining tour featuring Def Leppard and Journey. Both bands are best remembered for radio and MTV dominance in the '80s, but today, are at decidedly opposite ends of the spectrum; one is on the rise again, while the other is muddled in career-killing controversy.
Def Leppard gets about as close to you can when it comes to legendary status. It braved adversity including the departure of an original guitarist, the death of another, and most infamously, the loss of drummer Rick Allen's arm in a car accident.
Pick any of the above and you have the markings of a death knell for most acts, but after a few clunkers in the late '90s ("Slang" anyone?), the band has rebounded, remaining a vital piece of anthemic rock in the vein of fellow British arena giants Led Zeppelin and Queen.
Determined not to be confused with what were once contemporaries two decades ago, Def Leppard have just released a stunning collection of covers called "Yeah!" paying tribute to its musical heroes. Unlike many cover projects, this one doesn't cater to the mainstream, but rather to the heart of what influenced the glam rock which the boys so embraced. Thin Lizzy and The Kinks are represented, as are Free and Electric Light Orchestra - not exactly radio favorites these days, something the band wouldn't mind changing. In fact, lighting up rock radio right now is their version of the David Essex gem "Rock On."
Last July in Philadelphia at Live 8, when Def Leppard took the stage to a deafening reception, it was obvious the band somehow has fallen into the same kind of Bon Jovi/"Yeah we once used hairspray but we still kick butt onstage" adulation that is extremely rare in such a jaded musical climate.
Couple that with a showcase on the VH-1 Rock Honors special last month and you have the makings of a band who has transcended genres and time by simply keeping at it.
Journey, on the other hand, couldn't be in worse shape. The bottom line is fans are still clamoring for a reunion with erstwhile vocalist Steve Perry while sound-alike and curly-haired look-alike Steve Augeri is doing his best as a karaoke replacement. And according to recent rumors, even that aspect may not be going so well.
Reports are that Augeri hasn't exactly been singing live. It's not lip-syncing mind you, but the charge is that he has had some assistance in reaching the high notes his predecessor made so famous in the '80s on monster hits like "Faithfully" and "Open Arms."
Rock Music Menu isn't a huge fan of Journey to begin with; the music the band produced is dated, as is its popularity. You don't see anyone singing "Don't Stop Believin'" unless it's done ironically, or they have a mullet and drive an IROC.
Whether Augeri is innocent or guilty is not the point; if you are going to trot out a nostalgia-fest in front of paying customers, at least do right by them - bring in the original singer if he is ready and willing.
