Is there even any reason to hope?

[amaron]

I'll admit, I haven't listened to any of the Journey stuff with JSS.. and it has nothing to do with him. I've kinda soured on the whole band in general.

My question is though: If (and apparently when) JSS is officially made the new lead singer, what's in store for this band? Another half-assed CD? Another tour with the same exact songs we've heard for the last 8 years? Are they going to get a REAL label and make some fucking rock music that has BALLS?

I want to get back into the band... but I really want them to succeed this time.

[donnaplease]

I'll admit, I haven't listened to any of the Journey stuff with JSS.. and it has nothing to do with him. I've kinda soured on the whole band in general.

My question is though: If (and apparently when) JSS is officially made the new lead singer, what's in store for this band? Another half-assed CD? Another tour with the same exact songs we've heard for the last 8 years? Are they going to get a REAL label and make some fucking rock music that has BALLS?
I want to get back into the band... but I really want them to succeed this time.

YESSSSS!!!! I'm counting on it, anyway.

[Crazie Scarab]

I'll admit, I haven't listened to any of the Journey stuff with JSS.. and it has nothing to do with him. I've kinda soured on the whole band in general.

My question is though: If (and apparently when) JSS is officially made the new lead singer, what's in store for this band? Another half-assed CD? Another tour with the same exact songs we've heard for the last 8 years? Are they going to get a REAL label and make some fucking rock music that has BALLS?

I want to get back into the band... but I really want them to succeed this time.

Stick around! I have a great feeling about the soon to be announced Journey lineup. JSS is what Journey needs!

[EightyRock]

Yes, they'll do another CD. No, I don't think they'll have a label and lots of money thrown at them for promotion. No, I don't think you'll hear it on the radio. Those days are gone. You'll probably get one with the price of your ticket at next years show. Will they play some of it? Yes. How much of it? Not much.
My crystal ball is getting hazy now.

[donnaplease]

Yes, they'll do another CD. No, I don't think they'll have a label and lots of money thrown at them for promotion. No, I don't think you'll hear it on the radio. Those days are gone. You'll probably get one with the price of your ticket at next years show. Will they play some of it? Yes. How much of it? Not much.
My crystal ball is getting hazy now.

I respectfully disagree...

[Enigma869]

I'll admit, I haven't listened to any of the Journey stuff with JSS.. and it has nothing to do with him. I've kinda soured on the whole band in general.

My question is though: If (and apparently when) JSS is officially made the new lead singer, what's in store for this band? Another half-assed CD? Another tour with the same exact songs we've heard for the last 8 years? Are they going to get a REAL label and make some fucking rock music that has BALLS?

I want to get back into the band... but I really want them to succeed this time.

I guess what it really comes down to is what your definition of "succeed" is. If you're waiting for Journey to become musically relevant again (and by relevant, I mean in the commercial sense), you're probably going to be waiting a VERY long time. Journey will never become commercially relevant without Perry (and probably wouldn't even have a shot with Perry, at this point), and everyone knows that.

In terms of the same songs (i.e. "The Dirty Dozen")...I've been hearing this argument for years. Really, what it comes down to is that Journey must appeal to the most fans, as a touring band. They are not going to appeal to the most fans by playing material from Arrival and Generations, and they're smart enough to understand this! While many fans on sites like this would certainly appreciate a whole lot of new material at Journey concerts, the average Journey fan shows up to hear the music (i.e. "The Dirty Dozen")that made them Journey fans, and that isn't going to change!

For me, I've always been a Perry fan but accepted many years ago that Perry has no desire to record or perform with Journey again, and I'm okay with that. Even though I prefer Perry, I still enjoy the music I grew up listening to, so would rather hear someone capable (i.e. JSS) perform these songs, than nobody at all. I guess you'll simply have to make your own decision when Journey releases a new CD. We're all anxiously awaiting this. I do hope that they don't decide to move in a different direction with their music (i.e. break away from the classic Journey sound) with a new lead singer. I don't think most Journey fans are going to accept any new music that doesn't have that same Journey sound we've all become acclimated to. It didn't work for "Generations", so let's hope they come to their senses and protect us fans from having to listen to Schon, Cain, and Valory on lead vocals! If these guys want to "express" themselves as musicians...more power to them. They can record their own solo material and leave the name Journey off of it!

John from Boston

[Melissa]

Anything JSS does would never in a million years be half-assed, & YES it would have major balls. You should give him a listen, whether it's w/Journey or his own stuff, his voice is addictive.

[larryfromnextdoor]

I'll admit, I haven't listened to any of the Journey stuff with JSS.. and it has nothing to do with him. I've kinda soured on the whole band in general.

My question is though: If (and apparently when) JSS is officially made the new lead singer, what's in store for this band? Another half-assed CD? Another tour with the same exact songs we've heard for the last 8 years? Are they going to get a REAL label and make some fucking rock music that has BALLS?

I want to get back into the band... but I really want them to succeed this time.

hey !! where have u been ,, good stuff in store,,, soto is a great song writer and mixed with schon and cain,, wow.... btw, ur avatar is busted........

[Carlitto H@kk]

Yes, they'll do another CD. No, I don't think they'll have a label and lots of money thrown at them for promotion. No, I don't think you'll hear it on the radio. Those days are gone. You'll probably get one with the price of your ticket at next years show. Will they play some of it? Yes. How much of it? Not much.
My crystal ball is getting hazy now.

I respectfully disagree...

I respectfully agree with your respectful disagreement

Come on folks, get real...
Why CAN'T Journey make a splash in 2008 with a great album on the charts, radio play and a very successful tour???
We know it's all about management and publicity and 'buzz'...
Guess what, and many folks including Drew will back this up, there is a definite BUZZ in the air again for Journey
from folks onthe 'inside' and I think next year is gonna be BIG year for Journey!
Some of you are counting them out before you even give them a fuckin' chance!
Like I said before, Jeff gives this band tools they haven't had in years...
For one, "Major Street Cred". Those in the Big-Business-Music-Machine know who Jeff Scott Soto is and he is HIGHLY respected among the inner circles and inner workings of the music scene. Insiders are seeing totally re-vamped Journey right now and there is an excitement about this band that hasn't been there since the 80s.
Secondly, Jeff brings a HUGE crossover appeal, i.e. he can easily relate to and be accepted and loved by MANY different demographics of fans. Older fans love him because of his sound and stage presence. younger fans love hime because he doesn't really look a day over 30, he dresses like he is 21 and he can flat-out sing the asses off of 99% of the other wannabes and throw-aways currently ruling the charts!
ROCK is on the rise again! Look at bands like Avenged Sevenfold, Dragonforce, Hinder, Velvet Revolver...
Guitar Solos are cool again! Big hrmony background vocals and acrobatic lead vocals are cool again!
With the songwriting abilities of Jeff, Neal and Jon the possibilities are endless and, believe it or not, the media climate is PERFECT for a band like Journey to be relevant again!

Ok, done blabbering. Believe what you want but I believe Journey is gonna kick our asses in 2008

[Deb]

For me, I've always been a Perry fan but accepted many years ago that Perry has no desire to record or perform with Journey again, and I'm okay with that. Even though I prefer Perry, I still enjoy the music I grew up listening to, so would rather hear someone capable (i.e. JSS) perform these songs, than nobody at all. I guess you'll simply have to make your own decision when Journey releases a new CD. We're all anxiously awaiting this. I do hope that they don't decide to move in a different direction with their music (i.e. break away from the classic Journey sound) with a new lead singer. I don't think most Journey fans are going to accept any new music that doesn't have that same Journey sound we've all become acclimated to. It didn't work for "Generations", so let's hope they come to their senses and protect us fans from having to listen to Schon, Cain, and Valory on lead vocals! If these guys want to "express" themselves as musicians...more power to them. They can record their own solo material and leave the name Journey off of it!

John from Boston

Good post John.....I can't see new music sounding to drastically different than the Journey sound. I was just thinking of that the other day actually....how some of JSS's solo stuff sounds Journeyesque (Eyes of Love, How Long, Believe in me). I would love to see what Neal/Jeff/Jonathon would come up with.

Whether anybody wants to admit it or not.....an electrifying frontman has alot to do with the success.

[Andrew]

There is ALWAYS reason to hope.

If Bob Dylan and Bob Seger can get Top 10 albums in 2006 then Journey sure as hell can - if they hit TV, press, radio and live performnaces with the enthusiasm they have done so this summer and with mgmt behind them, then there sure as hell is LOTS of hope

[Ms_M]

There is ALWAYS reason to hope.

If Bob Dylan and Bob Seger can get Top 10 albums in 2006 then Journey sure as hell can - if they hit TV, press, radio and live performnaces with the enthusiasm they have done so this summer and with mgmt behind them, then there sure as hell is LOTS of hope

I hope TPTB are listening to you!

[Deb]

There is ALWAYS reason to hope.

If Bob Dylan and Bob Seger can get Top 10 albums in 2006 then Journey sure as hell can - if they hit TV, press, radio and live performnaces with the enthusiasm they have done so this summer and with mgmt behind them, then there sure as hell is LOTS of hope

What I am really enjoying is the GREAT reviews of Journey in the past few months........especially the unbiased ones from journalists, critics etc. Of course the die-hards are going to give rave reviews, but sure says something when the unbiased people rave about a JSS-fronted Journey.

[squirt1]

John- What you said !!! What Journey has clearly missed is the Cain/Perry writing and the stage presence. Maybe Jeff can help the writing. Andrew-What you said!!!. They have a chance again to be relevant . I guess I am a loon, but more about the music and I thought they were the best w Perry musically. After seeing Jeff I look forward to going again.

[Carlitto H@kk]

There is ALWAYS reason to hope.

If Bob Dylan and Bob Seger can get Top 10 albums in 2006 then Journey sure as hell can - if they hit TV, press, radio and live performnaces with the enthusiasm they have done so this summer and with mgmt behind them, then there sure as hell is LOTS of hope

EXACTLY!!!

It's all about 'marketing' these days. Long gone are the days when a band got famous because of thier music and touriing.
It's ll about media giants TELLING YOU wht is great music and who YOU should listen to.
We all already love this band and can't wait to hear what's in store for 2008.
Imagine how excited ll those new fans would be once the media moguls jump onboard,
advertise and market the hell outa this great band and tell THEM that this is great music???

Ok, alittle sarcasm by you see my point...
All Journey needs is a little push from "The Inside" and BANG!
Relevant entity once agin

[Rockindeano]

I just hope with next years itinerary, that people don't get too disappointed. The real fireworks are going to explode at the outset of 2008.

[Carlitto H@kk]

I just hope with next years itinerary, that people don't get too disappointed. The real fireworks are going to explode at the outset of 2008.

No fucking way!

You're an idiot if you want to see these guys rush an album and then hit the road again!
They NEED to take some time off. They NEED to spend a good 6-8 months in a studio
working some magic. Jeff probbly has to do some things with Talisman and his solo outfit.
Neal probably has 20-30 more guitars to buy...
i HOPE they don't get revved up again until late 2007-early 2008...

Especially since I am going back to Iraq in July til Jan 2008

[fred_journeyman]

There is ALWAYS reason to hope.

If Bob Dylan and Bob Seger can get Top 10 albums in 2006 then Journey sure as hell can - if they hit TV, press, radio and live performnaces with the enthusiasm they have done so this summer and with mgmt behind them, then there sure as hell is LOTS of hope

There's a good chance certainly. Let's not forget though the both Bob Dylan and Bob Seeger are the originals. A bit older, but originals nonetheless.

Speaking of Dylan, my wife's sister and her husband just checked out Dylan as he came through Arco Arena. NO ONE could understand a single word he was saying. He had changed the orchestration on most of the songs so much that they were unrecognizable. He played the piano the entire concert and sat mostly facing his band. Wow, now there's a concert I wish I had attended.

[Deb]

I just hope with next years itinerary, that people don't get too disappointed. The real fireworks are going to explode at the outset of 2008.

I can wait.

[fred_journeyman]

I just hope with next years itinerary, that people don't get too disappointed. The real fireworks are going to explode at the outset of 2008.

2008? Hopefully, they're going to let people in on things long before 2008.

[Enigma869]

Speaking of Dylan, my wife's sister and her husband just checked out Dylan as he came through Arco Arena. NO ONE could understand a single word he was saying. He had changed the orchestration on most of the songs so much that they were unrecognizable.

I didn't know that people not being able to understand a single word coming from Dylan's mouth was a newsflash. I've never been able to understand that dude...even when he attempts to talk!!!! You would think that at this point of his life that someone would have told him that the mouth was for talking and singing and not the nose!!!

John from Boston

[NealIsGod]

There is ALWAYS reason to hope.

If Bob Dylan and Bob Seger can get Top 10 albums in 2006 then Journey sure as hell can - if they hit TV, press, radio and live performnaces with the enthusiasm they have done so this summer and with mgmt behind them, then there sure as hell is LOTS of hope

They've got the talent and JSS has the look, all they need is great management and marketing. Maybe Bon Jovi's manager?

[dcvader]

There is ALWAYS reason to hope.

If Bob Dylan and Bob Seger can get Top 10 albums in 2006 then Journey sure as hell can - if they hit TV, press, radio and live performnaces with the enthusiasm they have done so this summer and with mgmt behind them, then there sure as hell is LOTS of hope

They've got the talent and JSS has the look, all they need is great management and marketing. Maybe Bon Jovi's manager?

Maybe Azoff can still get the job done. Having JSS as lead and the whole host of other talent in this band they can get it done. As mentioned before, get a hot female country singer and cut a duet and get into a big time movie soundtrack, one that they actually play the JRNY song in the movie (not with the credits or some other shit). Plus do the TV and Radio thing NIG talked about.

Azoff could have been stuck up a creek with SA on board and his problems. Just some thought's.

[donnaplease]

Maybe Azoff can still get the job done. Having JSS as lead and the whole host of other talent in this band they can get it done. As mentioned before, get a hot female country singer and cut a duet and get into a big time movie soundtrack, one that they actually play the JRNY song in the movie (not with the credits or some other shit). Plus do the TV and Radio thing NIG talked about.

Azoff could have been stuck up a creek with SA on board and his problems. Just some thought's.

I don't know anything about Azoff, but I agree with EVERYTHING else. Hell with Azoff, let's make MR the band's official site, and you guys can be their management...!!!

[Red13JoePa]

Er...
Amaron:


Where in GOD'S name have YOU been?

[ArnelRox]

I'll admit, I haven't listened to any of the Journey stuff with JSS

Do u have any idea what ur missing? Get on YouTube.com right now & have urself a good listen.

[maverick218]

There is ALWAYS reason to hope.

If Bob Dylan and Bob Seger can get Top 10 albums in 2006 then Journey sure as hell can - if they hit TV, press, radio and live performnaces with the enthusiasm they have done so this summer and with mgmt behind them, then there sure as hell is LOTS of hope

They've got the talent and JSS has the look, all they need is great management and marketing. Maybe Bon Jovi's manager?

I'm pretty sure that Jon Bon Jovi is Bon Jovi's manager.

[ohsherrie]

I just hope with next years itinerary, that people don't get too disappointed. The real fireworks are going to explode at the outset of 2008.

A lot of us have been waiting for 10 years for a Journey like the one we've got now. Everyone should be able to hang with them one more year.

[bublhed]

New to the board, but I decided to jump in on this thread with my 2 cents.

The points that have been made are all very good ones, but one of the biggest things to getting Journey back into the "mainstream" music scene is to be able to bridge the "generation gap".
If you think back on the music that you listen to and how you started listening to a certain artist or group you will probably find that you were turned on to that particular artist or group by an older friend/brother/sister or parent. This is how older artists stay popular.

This is what has happened in our house. Our kids basically listen to the same music that we listen to. Why? Because they end up listening to it with us when we're driving in the car or at home and they slowly start to like the music and ultimately end up incorporating it into their own music selections. Sure they have their own music that they listen to but it actually ends up going both ways. They pick up our music and we, sometimes, pick up their music.

The "original" generation of Journey fans are going to bring Journey back into mainstream music. But by passing that music along to their kids, that's what's going to keep Journey in the mainstream music scene. The first group that is going to go out and buy any new Journey CD are the ones that have been listening to them for years. When they take that new CD home and start listening to it, then their kids will start to listen to it and then the kids will go buy the CD, or in most cases download it, and then they become the next generation of fans to support the band.

[jrnysc]

New to the board, but I decided to jump in on this thread with my 2 cents.

The points that have been made are all very good ones, but one of the biggest things to getting Journey back into the "mainstream" music scene is to be able to bridge the "generation gap".
If you think back on the music that you listen to and how you started listening to a certain artist or group you will probably find that you were turned on to that particular artist or group by an older friend/brother/sister or parent. This is how older artists stay popular.

This is what has happened in our house. Our kids basically listen to the same music that we listen to. Why? Because they end up listening to it with us when we're driving in the car or at home and they slowly start to like the music and ultimately end up incorporating it into their own music selections. Sure they have their own music that they listen to but it actually ends up going both ways. They pick up our music and we, sometimes, pick up their music.

The "original" generation of Journey fans are going to bring Journey back into mainstream music. But by passing that music along to their kids, that's what's going to keep Journey in the mainstream music scene. The first group that is going to go out and buy any new Journey CD are the ones that have been listening to them for years. When they take that new CD home and start listening to it, then their kids will start to listen to it and then the kids will go buy the CD, or in most cases download it, and then they become the next generation of fans to support the band.

Very good points, and I agree!! By the way, WELCOME!!!