"The best for the band would be ..."

[swepett]

I've noticed that come up quite a bit in the wars between the fans of the different singers. I also recognise that from discussions about another favorite band of mine, Deep Purple. Now, DP has changed member a lot more than Journey. And although their current guitar player Steve Morse has played longer with the band than original guitarist Ritchie Blackmore ever did, there are still people who just see him as a replacement and think Blackmore will come back. Although everyone know Blackmore and lead singer Ian Gillan hates each other and just don't get along.

And so many times, that argument comes, "The best for the band would be ..." bla bla bla. I saw an excellent reply to that in the comments to the JRNY/JSS boot. I just feel I have to share this here because it's nothing short of excellent:

I think at this point in time no one really gives a shit about what you think is right for "the band". Since you're not a member, you have a few options (1) enjoy the fact that the members are having fun and enjoy the music WITH them or (2) choose not to listen anymore. Simple as that. Concidering that there is over 200 people waiting to finish downloading this show proves that "yes, peopele ARE still interested". I know you hate to hear this, but Journey never was YOUR band anyway. You, like the rest of us, was just along for the ride. If you have a problem with bands not performing with certain members, then you're spending more time bitching that listening.

Perfect!

[Moon Beam]

I think that's pretty well said.
For me though "The Best Thing For The Band" would be...
To always play for the fans and because they
love what they are doing which is what I hope is happening.

[Lilla_Forever]

I couldn't agree wit you more, Swepett, and the person quoted. One should be mindful of the fact that you merely are a fan of what complete strangers are choosing to do with their lives. And as such, you should respect the fact that sometimes, the work constellations aren't to your liking, but to theirs.

However, I think this frame of mind might be hard for some fans, since, in my opinion, liking a band quickly becomes liking the music produced. This can result in the fact that the human element tends to be forgotten. Liking Augeri over Perry or liking Blackmore over Morse becomes like loving chocolate while detesting vanilla, if you know what I mean...

[A Fire Inside]

It has always bothered me when fans give "free advice" to the band via the Internet. No, you guys do not know what they "should" or "have to" do to succeed...

[fred_journeyman]

First of all, those people who think Blackmore's coming back obviously don't know what he's been up to for the past number of years.

Secondly, I agree with the idea that fans should be fans. However, many fans get into that "armchair quarterback" thing and take it upon themselves to call the plays, decide when the coach should be canned and a new one hired, get upset about this player or that player and essentially take the role as "owner" of the team when they are not. Yes, they've supported the team possibly for years by either watching them in person or on TV. They've purchased team memorabilia and they follow the stats closely on each player, etc.

BUT, until that fan actually BUYS stock in the team, all they're doing is pontificating and sharing their opinion. They have no stake in the team other than the tickets they buy. For the diehard armchair quarterbacks, this is rarely, if ever enough.

[conversationpc]

I think at this point in time no one really gives a shit about what you think is right for "the band". Since you're not a member, you have a few options (1) enjoy the fact that the members are having fun and enjoy the music WITH them or (2) choose not to listen anymore. Simple as that. Concidering that there is over 200 people waiting to finish downloading this show proves that "yes, peopele ARE still interested". I know you hate to hear this, but Journey never was YOUR band anyway. You, like the rest of us, was just along for the ride. If you have a problem with bands not performing with certain members, then you're spending more time bitching that listening.

Well, this is a fan forum and I don't think some people's opinions are any less valid than others, depending on how they're stated. I don't think it's wrong for someone to say they're disappointed in the fact that Soto is the current singer. What I do have a problem with are those who can't get over the fact that Perry isn't in the band and feel the need to shove it down your throat at every opportunity.