All Pomp and NO performance

[perryfaithful]

Sorry but this deserves it's OWN thread. I am sickened..........


http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?news ... 0164&rfi=6

Def Leppard's Phil Collen. Photo by Tom Bonomo
7/1/06 at Montage Mountain, Scranton

While it's been 27 years since Def Leppard's first recording, watching the band rock the Toyota Pavilion at Montage Mountain Friday night, you couldn't help but shake your head. A countrified Bon Jovi not withstanding, Def Leppard is schooling every single band of its heyday.

And, the guys know what's up. Near the one-hour mark of their torrid, greatest hits-heavy set, Phil Collen paused to deliver one of the most sincere "thank you" passages of any band we've ever heard on the mountain.

"We've been following what's been going on around here and we didn't think anyone was going to come out tonight. We thought you all had more important things to do than to come and see a rock 'n' roll show. We're all here, and we're going to try and make everybody happy for a little bit."

This was a damp Northeastern Pennsylvania crowd that had spent the past few days watching a river swallow entire towns, but tired it was not. It needed a release, and Def Leppard provided it.

This crowd stood for Def Leppard's entire set, and sadly, it was a stark contrast to Journey's opening set, which can be described as dismal at best.

Journey came out all pomp and no performance. Frontman Steve Augeri, who will forever be compared to the incomparable Steve Perry, spent most of his stage time front and center, mugging for the crowd in a Jesus Christ pose, like he was expecting to be showered with adoration for all of the music he had nothing to do with.

Augeri sported white jeans and a white sport coat, like he was running late for Colonel Sanders' wedding or something. What we quickly learned, is that much like Colonel Sanders doesn't actually cook the chicken at KFC, Steve Augeri doesn't really sing the songs for Journey.

From note one, Neal Schon's guitar sonically dwarfed everything on stage. Only if you stuck your fingers in your ears could you clearly hear Augeri, whose voice cracked and broke like Rob Zombie in a church choir. His singing offered little range, less sustain, and was barely comparable to most Monday night karaoke singers, much less Steve Perry.

The first two songs were lyrically inaudible, and led into a guitar solo. Yes, a guitar solo, with the entire band onstage, sans Augeri.

Augeri left the stage during several songs, which drummer Deen Castronovo sang almost exactly like Steve Perry. On more than one occasion, Augeri stopped singing and pulled the mic from his face, yet the vocals sounded unchanged as Castronovo carried the tune.

Castronovo, on this night, was the best performer in the band. It's too bad that the songs he sang sent many fans to the beer tents, as fans realized Augeri is nothing but a puppet, and Castronovo was pulling the strings. It's a wonder how a "singer" can continue to tour, knowing that night after night, he has to leave the stage so the drummer can sing the songs he's supposed to sing.

Visually, Journey's show was about as enticing as a two-year old Kohl's circular, and about as hip. Cain looked like he didn't want to be there. Schon never took off his shades. Ross Valory looked like any ol' bass player you might find playing at a fire company picnic.

Augeri made no effort to ingratiate himself to the crowd. You'd think if his role, musically, was a limited one, then he must be worth something as a showman.

No.

And as the first hour crawled, we sat in awe of the gigantic horizontal video screen that played generic shapes and swirlies that even Windows Media Player had to find amusing.

There would be no "Open Arms," and the band played only one tune from Raised on Radio, and it was ironically "Be Good to Yourself." The crowd finally rose one hour into the set, when Cain started "Faithfully." Augeri (wisely) allowed the crowd to sing "Don't Stop," "Separate Ways," and the encore of "Any Way You Want It."

His night was summed up when he idiotically tossed his rockstar mic stand into Deen's drum kit during "Separate Ways," sending a cymbal and its boom mount crashing to the stage and drawing a death stare from Deen's drum tech.

There are times when such acts could be considered as "rock 'n' roll." This was not one of those times, and this is not one of those tours for Journey.

By night's end, it was obvious that Def Leppard had come to rock, while Journey had come to get paid. DL looked and sounded even better than its prior visit to Wilkes-Barre not six months ago, and it added updated song and video selection to its show.

As for Journey, Cain told us in a recent interview (posted on this site) that Journey has a legacy to protect, and like a knight at the round table, he steps on stage with his sword drawn to play the songs people paid to hear.

On this night, DL was the band with swords drawn to protect its legacy, and Journey? Well, guys, next time you ride into town on your white horse, swords drawn in the name of rock 'n' roll, you better have Sir Perry leading the charge.

[brandonx76]

And as the first hour crawled, we sat in awe of the gigantic horizontal video screen that played generic shapes and swirlies that even Windows Media Player had to find amusing.

Ok that's a kick in the nuts...All should check out WinAmp's "Milkdrop" plugin....

[ohsherrie]

Do I hear a bell tolling?

[PROPERRY]

That is a very sad review for Journey!

Lori

[TRAGChick]

"Well, guys, next time you ride into town on your white horse, swords drawn in the name of rock 'n' roll, you better have Sir Perry leading the charge."

THAT's gonna leave a mark...

[ohsherrie]

I've said from the beginning that I never wanted Perry back with Journey, but this makes me do a little rethinking on that. Now I'm considering that may be the only thing that could save the legacy. If he would just do one televised show with them and do the hits in whatever key is comfortable for him now it might prove that Journey truly was once a great band.

[KittyKat]

Keep in mind this is the same guy that did the interview with Jon Cain about the integrity and conviction article. He also contacted their publicist first same one that set up the other interview and asked about the lip syncing and she wouldn't comment but admitted to being concerned because he asked for their comment and let them know he would be attending the show. I let him know where he mixed up Joe Elliott and Phil Collen and he has fixed it. Here's the other review from last night from another reporter at the show and I have posted both on the Scranton thread as well with comments.
http://www.thetimes-tribune.com/site/ne ... 6046&rfi=6

Pretty obvious they aren't getting glowing reviews when the shows are live. The press isn't happy with them after doing good stories in the past just like Andrew and now getting the no comment crap especially when contacting them first to get both sides of the story so it's no wonder Gene Padden inserted much sarcasm and refers back to stuff he wrote in his other article for them.

[wildone]

I've said from the beginning that I never wanted Perry back with Journey, but this makes me do a little rethinking on that. Now I'm considering that may be the only thing that could save the legacy. If he would just do one televised show with them and do the hits in whatever key is comfortable for him now it might prove that Journey truly was once a great band.

why not end it all on high note and bring the fans back one of the main reasons we listened in the first place (imo)and have a huge going away tour!!!they'd tear it up and more then likely have a blast on the way ...

[wildone]

Keep in mind this is the same guy that did the interview with Jon Cain about the integrity and conviction article. He also contacted their publicist first same one that set up the other interview and asked about the lip syncing and she wouldn't comment but admitted to being concerned because he asked for their comment and let them know he would be attending the show. I let him know where he mixed up Joe Elliott and Phil Collen and he has fixed it. Here's the other review from last night from another reporter at the show and I have posted both on the Scranton thread as well with comments.
http://www.thetimes-tribune.com/site/ne ... 6046&rfi=6

Pretty obvious they aren't getting glowing reviews when the shows are live.

wow they'd rather take a beating in the paper then deal with whats going on ....thats a big ego trip!!!

[ohsherrie]

I've said from the beginning that I never wanted Perry back with Journey, but this makes me do a little rethinking on that. Now I'm considering that may be the only thing that could save the legacy. If he would just do one televised show with them and do the hits in whatever key is comfortable for him now it might prove that Journey truly was once a great band.

why not end it all on high note and bring the fans back one of the main reasons we listened in the first place (imo)and have a huge going away tour!!!they'd tear it up and more then likely have a blast on the way ...

I wish I really felt that was possible Wildone, but I honestly don't think Steve would(or maybe could) do a tour unless it was limited to a few major markets with lots of downtime between. It would be great though. Hell, if they came to the Omaha or KC area I could even visit my mom for a while .

[Liam]

Keep in mind this is the same guy that did the interview with Jon Cain about the integrity and conviction article. He also contacted their publicist first same one that set up the other interview and asked about the lip syncing and she wouldn't comment but admitted to being concerned because he asked for their comment and let them know he would be attending the show. I let him know where he mixed up Joe Elliott and Phil Collen and he has fixed it. Here's the other review from last night from another reporter at the show and I have posted both on the Scranton thread as well with comments.
http://www.thetimes-tribune.com/site/ne ... 6046&rfi=6

Pretty obvious they aren't getting glowing reviews when the shows are live.

wow they'd rather take a beating in the paper then deal with whats going on ....thats a big ego trip!!!

They'll just say "well the critics have never been kind to Journey." Or something of the like.

[jestor92]

hate to break it to you folks, but Augeri's vocals were as bad as the article says they were although for Dont Stop believin, Anyway you want it and Separate Ways he sounded OK (vocal tracks anyone?). Neal I thought was dead on though.

[wildone]

Keep in mind this is the same guy that did the interview with Jon Cain about the integrity and conviction article. He also contacted their publicist first same one that set up the other interview and asked about the lip syncing and she wouldn't comment but admitted to being concerned because he asked for their comment and let them know he would be attending the show. I let him know where he mixed up Joe Elliott and Phil Collen and he has fixed it. Here's the other review from last night from another reporter at the show and I have posted both on the Scranton thread as well with comments.
http://www.thetimes-tribune.com/site/ne ... 6046&rfi=6

Pretty obvious they aren't getting glowing reviews when the shows are live.

wow they'd rather take a beating in the paper then deal with whats going on ....thats a big ego trip!!!

They'll just say "well the critics have never been kind to Journey." Or something of the like.

bt loves to use that one...or was that person even at the show ...wow those butterfly colored glasses run thick!!!

[Liam]

Keep in mind this is the same guy that did the interview with Jon Cain about the integrity and conviction article. He also contacted their publicist first same one that set up the other interview and asked about the lip syncing and she wouldn't comment but admitted to being concerned because he asked for their comment and let them know he would be attending the show. I let him know where he mixed up Joe Elliott and Phil Collen and he has fixed it. Here's the other review from last night from another reporter at the show and I have posted both on the Scranton thread as well with comments.
http://www.thetimes-tribune.com/site/ne ... 6046&rfi=6

Pretty obvious they aren't getting glowing reviews when the shows are live.

wow they'd rather take a beating in the paper then deal with whats going on ....thats a big ego trip!!!

They'll just say "well the critics have never been kind to Journey." Or something of the like.

bt loves to use that one...or was that person even at the show ...wow those butterfly colored glasses run thick!!!

EXACTLY. The "rabid, loyal" fanbase does NOT like truth. Welcome to the cult. lol.

[wildone]

Keep in mind this is the same guy that did the interview with Jon Cain about the integrity and conviction article. He also contacted their publicist first same one that set up the other interview and asked about the lip syncing and she wouldn't comment but admitted to being concerned because he asked for their comment and let them know he would be attending the show. I let him know where he mixed up Joe Elliott and Phil Collen and he has fixed it. Here's the other review from last night from another reporter at the show and I have posted both on the Scranton thread as well with comments.
http://www.thetimes-tribune.com/site/ne ... 6046&rfi=6

Pretty obvious they aren't getting glowing reviews when the shows are live.

wow they'd rather take a beating in the paper then deal with whats going on ....thats a big ego trip!!!

They'll just say "well the critics have never been kind to Journey." Or something of the like.

bt loves to use that one...or was that person even at the show ...wow those butterfly colored glasses run thick!!!

EXACTLY. The "rabid, loyal" fanbase does NOT like truth. Welcome to the cult. lol.

come bring your white adidas over and join the gang!!!Koolaid promptly served after the show!!!

[NYer]

On a related note:
BackTalk's putrid.

[Liam]

I'm not gonna say that there aren't some nice people over there, 'cause there are, but it's the Blind loyalty that gets me. I actually saw a post over there saying "Steve A nor Journey can do no wrong". I almost puked. lol. Seriously, that's just putting up to "God-like status". FALSE IDOL WORSHIP ALARM.lol.

[wildone]

On a related note:
BackTalk's putrid.

now there never gonna let you in talking like that !!!! what to do now

[JrnySuxBalls]

"Late for Colonel Sanders' wedding" LOL

[NealIsGod]

Just one person's opinion. There have already been several positive reviews. Way more positive than negative.

[KittyKat]

Keep in mind this is the same guy that did the interview with Jon Cain about the integrity and conviction article. He also contacted their publicist first same one that set up the other interview and asked about the lip syncing and she wouldn't comment but admitted to being concerned because he asked for their comment and let them know he would be attending the show. I let him know where he mixed up Joe Elliott and Phil Collen and he has fixed it. Here's the other review from last night from another reporter at the show and I have posted both on the Scranton thread as well with comments.
http://www.thetimes-tribune.com/site/ne ... 6046&rfi=6

Pretty obvious they aren't getting glowing reviews when the shows are live.

wow they'd rather take a beating in the paper then deal with whats going on ....thats a big ego trip!!!

They'll just say "well the critics have never been kind to Journey." Or something of the like.

bt loves to use that one...or was that person even at the show ...wow those butterfly colored glasses run thick!!!

Yeah that's why I felt it was necessary to point out who Gene Padden was since he wasn't so kind with his review this time around but did a very favorable piece on them published 6/29. He was totally forthright even ahead of time by letting them know he would be at the show and asked for a comment on the lip syncing allegations before going. Compare the two articles he did as well as show reviews for this tour starting with the Europeon ones and you can even go back to last tour like I did and it's so painfully obvious what's been going on.

[LAWoman]

Then there is another opinion:


Times Leader (Wilkes-Barre, PA)
Copyright 2006 The Times Leader

July 1, 2006

Section: A


Two classic bands rock hard Review
Journey, Def Leppard bring guitar-driven performances to Montage crowd.


By ALAN K. STOUT astout@leader.net

SCRANTON - Two of the biggest rock bands of the '80s performed at the Toyota Pavilion at Montage Mountain on Friday before a ready-to-party crowd of 10,500. And though the perception might be that the two groups are quite different stylistically, the show revealed, surprisingly, that they might not be as far apart as one might think.

Journey and Def Leppard, quite simply, are both very good, guitar-driven rock bands with a super gift for melody. Put 'em on the same stage on the same night, and you've got yourself almost three hours of pop and rock classics.

Journey - considered by most to be the softer of the two - actually rocked pretty hard during most of its set. Guitarist Neal Schon, one of rock's finest players, gave a chunky kick to tunes such as "Be Good To Yourself," "Wheel In The Sky, "Chain Reaction" and "Lights" while the rest of the band also played more like a hard-hitting unit than a band best known for prom songs.

Though perfect musically, Journey did slightly misstep with its set list. The co-headline bill meant a shorter set for both bands - about 75 minutes - and for a group whose "Greatest Hits" CD has sold more than 10 million units, they should have played a few more.

The band often journeyed into its more unfamiliar material, though it did end its set with a string of biggies: "Faithfully," "Don't Stop Believin'," a strong performance of "Separate Ways" and, finally, "Any Way You Want It."

England's Def Leppard - considered by most to be the harder of the two - also kicked it hard, particularly with tunes such as "Let It Go" from 1981's "High 'n' Dry" album, which is clearly one of the best and most underrated hard-rock records ever.

The band also showed its more pop-oriented side with performances of "Let's Get Rocked," "Make Love Like a Man" and "Hysteria."

Lep, touring in support of its new all-covers CD, "Yeah," made sure not to stray too far from its own batch of hits. "Foolin'," "Rocket," "Photograph," and "Animal" were all there, as were fun covers of "Hell Raiser," "No Matter What," and "Rock On."

Though Lep has performed in the region several times in recent years, Friday's was its sharpest gig, both musically and visually. Lead singer Joe Elliot has lost some range, but the sound was crisp, the band was tight, and the group seems to have fully emerged from its post-grunge funk.

It is again, just as it was during MTV's golden era, a group of bright, colorful rock stars.

The show ended with a rousing rendition of "Rock of Ages," "Love Bites" and "Pour Some Sugar on Me."

Journey and Def Leppard.

Lots of big hits. Lots of guitars.

And not as different as you might think.

[verslibre]

Journey came out all pomp and no performance. Frontman Steve Augeri, who will forever be compared to the incomparable Steve Perry, spent most of his stage time front and center, mugging for the crowd in a Jesus Christ pose, like he was expecting to be showered with adoration for all of the music he had nothing to do with.

Augeri sported white jeans and a white sport coat, like he was running late for Colonel Sanders' wedding or something. What we quickly learned, is that much like Colonel Sanders doesn't actually cook the chicken at KFC, Steve Augeri doesn't really sing the songs for Journey.

From note one, Neal Schon's guitar sonically dwarfed everything on stage. Only if you stuck your fingers in your ears could you clearly hear Augeri, whose voice cracked and broke like Rob Zombie in a church choir. His singing offered little range, less sustain, and was barely comparable to most Monday night karaoke singers, much less Steve Perry.

Those three paragraphs make me LOL!!!

Geez, hang it up, Gurney — I mean Journey. Plenty of other great bands around these days (not talkin' nostalgia acts, either).

[ohsherrie]

That alternative review was lukewarm concerning Journey and sounded like it was written by someone who was just there to do their job. He seemed to know more about Def Leppard than Journey. He also focused more on Journey's guitar work than the vocals. The ones he made a point to mention were the ones that the other guy said were turned over to the audience. We all know Neal can still shread a guitar, this controversy is about the vocals and he hardly mentioned that. I know a lot of people are Schon fans, and that's great, but the Journey legacy is more about the vocals.

[perryfaithful]

That alternative review was lukewarm concerning Journey and sounded like it was written by someone who was just there to do their job. He seemed to know more about Def Leppard than Journey. He also focused more on Journey's guitar work than the vocals. The ones he made a point to mention were the ones that the other guy said were turned over to the audience. We all know Neal can still shread a guitar, this controversy is about the vocals and he hardly mentioned that. I know a lot of people are Schon fans, and that's great, but the Journey legacy is more about the vocals.

What I thought also ohsherrie. I have to wonder if he was actually at the whole show. Not much attention to Journey

[LAWoman]

That alternative review was lukewarm concerning Journey and sounded like it was written by someone who was just there to do their job. He seemed to know more about Def Leppard than Journey. He also focused more on Journey's guitar work than the vocals. The ones he made a point to mention were the ones that the other guy said were turned over to the audience. We all know Neal can still shread a guitar, this controversy is about the vocals and he hardly mentioned that. I know a lot of people are Schon fans, and that's great, but the Journey legacy is more about the vocals.

[color=darkredWhat I thought also ohsherrie. I have to wonder if he was actually at the whole show. Not much attention to Journey][/color]

That's so typical. Of course the first reviewer HAS to be the "correct" one because that's how you want to view things. The fact that the second review calls Journey "perfect musically" doesn't even register with you. These are two published articles with reviews of the same show. The actual point is that two people (even two reviewers) can go to the show and come away with differing opinions.

[ohsherrie]

Of course the first reviewer HAS to be the "correct" one because that's how you want to view things.

Yes, and you want to view things from the other direction.

The fact that the second review calls Journey "perfect musically" doesn't even register with you.

Yes it does, as saying the band did a good job. Still no mention of the vocals.

These are two published articles with reviews of the same show. The actual point is that two people (even two reviewers) can go to the show and come away with differing opinions.

Yes, but the second review was still lukewarm about Journey overall and only focused on the instrumental part of it.

[conversationpc]

The actual point is that two people (even two reviewers) can go to the show and come away with differing opinions.

My guess is that a lot depends on where you are during the show. The closer to the stage you are the harder it is, in my opinion, to really hear all the instruments and vocals with any clarity. It's nice to be up front, but the shows where I could hear everything clearly have all been farther away from the stage. That's the way it was for the 30th anniversary show last year. I was in the lawn section at Verizon Wireless Music Center (Noblesville, IN) and could easily tell that Augeri sounded pretty bad. If I would've been up front, I'm sure a lot of the noise would've made it much more difficult to tell.

[conversationpc]

Yes it does, as saying the band did a good job. Still no mention of the vocals.

Yes, but the second review was still lukewarm about Journey overall and only focused on the instrumental part of it.

The reviewer did say "Lead singer Joe Elliot has lost some range..." If he noticed Elliot's voice didn't sound quite as good, don't you think he would've mentioned the same thing about Augeri?

[RossValoryRocks]

Of course the first reviewer HAS to be the "correct" one because that's how you want to view things.

Yes, and you want to view things from the other direction.

The fact that the second review calls Journey "perfect musically" doesn't even register with you.

Yes it does, as saying the band did a good job. Still no mention of the vocals.

These are two published articles with reviews of the same show. The actual point is that two people (even two reviewers) can go to the show and come away with differing opinions.

Yes, but the second review was still lukewarm about Journey overall and only focused on the instrumental part of it.

When has Journey ever REALLY gotten good press reviews? Never is the answer, the press didn't like them with Perry, they don't like them now.

Everyone has a differing point of view, including the fans, that doesn't make either the correct point of view. As has been said by others, more good reviews have come out than negative ones, so far. So what does that say?