You're Journey's New Management Team....

[Saint John]

what do you do in the following months? Me, I hire Mutt Lange. Hopefully, he brings a good label with him. I keep Elson on as a consultant. His track record, minus Generations, speaks for itself. Next, and many of you will laugh at this, I hire a fashion team. The guys need to look hip and modern. JSS is the only one that seemed contemporary. Neal needs to lose his purple "gay pride" shirt collection. Deeno needs to lose the "Tony Hawk" look. Ross usually looks like Jack Tripper from "Three's Company." And Friga, well, his attire is at times indescribable. The fashion team will help largely because of the many shows Journey would be appearing on. We're talking Leno, Letterman, Today, etc... Can't look the way they do now, that's for sure. Musically, we head in a modern direction, keeping the core sound. 10 songs on the album. 7 rockers, 1 mid-tempo and 2 ballads. A guest artist (preferably a contemporary female) would be a plus. Just on ONE song though. These are some of my ideas. What do you think?

[Moon Beam]

Fashion team for the guys, I like it but
it's highly humorous on first read.

[RedWingFan]

what do you do in the following months? Me, I hire Mutt Lange. Hopefully, he brings a good label with him.

Funny, Mutt wouldn't touch Journey with a 10' pole. Label? They handed out "free" cd's that were built into ticket prices at their shows. Maybe if they offered him $10 million up front. Good luck.

[whocares]

Leno and Letterman are not gonna happen (both). It's one or the other. Leno is afraid of Letterman's Coolness factor, Letterman HATES Leno for taking "HIS" job, after Johnny was gone from NBC. I book them on Leno, I get a lot of viewers that go, ok, Journey's still around. I book them on Letterman, I have the "hip" thing going for me, and I get a lot of people who see the performance and actually go out and spend the money to buy the new product. Ever hear the Live CD's that have come from Letterman's shows? Some great material there. Leno ever have the balls to do one of those? nope. Letterman has a lot of groups that no one else will allow on their shows (Dixie Chicks). Advantage Letterman.

Elson has to contend with the people who won't forget TG. He was great for the Journey Past, Let's move on to Journey Future though. Bring in Mutt and Shania comes with him as a pkg deal. have no doubt. Shania is hanging around the studio all day and night with the boys and eventually a song or two come from all of them. There's the duet that people talk about, even if those people don't want Shania to be the duet's 2nd half. Advantage Mutt.

I let the guys go with anything they wnat fashion wise, as long as they don't go the route of ROR. Great music, terrible wardrobe. UNLESS Ross can find a stylin' pair of spandex that looks like a roulette table. THEn they can all dress like hairdressers for all I care. Advantage, Clothes designers on that one.

[Andrew]

Funny, Mutt wouldn't touch Journey with a 10' pole. .

If you have nothing to add - don't comment.

[Rockindeano]

Nice post St John. The fashion thing is funny but necessary. Neals shirt isn' bad. But Frigas Milkman costume is downright ridiculous. Looks like a uniform service delivery guy.

I would definitely have Neal and cain do a NASCAR SSB. Tremendous exposure. BUT there has to be an CD coming soon when they do it. I was thinking play the SSB at Infineon Raceway (in Bay Area).

Leno and Letterman, plus, Stern, Conan and others.

I have more to off later.

I'm not understanding why Mutt wouldn't touch Journey. Shania loves Journey. Mutt produced for Journey buds Def Lippard and B Adams. However, I would keep the Kevin's, Shirley and Elson in order to keep the signature sound.

[RedWingFan]

what do you do in the following months? Me, I hire Mutt Lange. Hopefully, he brings a good label with him.

Funny, Mutt wouldn't touch Journey with a 10' pole. Label? They handed out "free" cd's that were built into ticket prices at their shows. Maybe if they offered him $10 million up front. Good luck.

Answer the question, jerk (John McEnroe). OK...what do YOU do?

From a business standpoint? Either get SP back (which may or may not be possible) If not, keep touring w/ other bands playing the dirty dozen and making some kind of cash 'til "they" stop coming. Making records that don't stay in the playlist and won't sell is like flushing money down the can.
I didn't mean to sound like a jerk, you just have to realize that something has to be in it for Mutt, to get him to commit. The state that Journey is in now, is not near enough. I think he and Shania would get a good laugh. It'd take more than $10 mil to leave her for months on end for Journey

[The_Noble_Cause]

Much like the current Queen sans Freddie, this band needs to start talking about Steve Perry like he is dead. I know he is alive and well, but VH1 Behind-the-Music's revisionist spin on the facts have many fans feeling as if Perry was unfairly taken out with the trash. He left you guys in the lurch, not the other way around! This needs to be hamered home as often as a GOP convention shamelessly mentions 9-11.
"Perry doesn't want to work and our fans want to hear the music."
Memorize that.
It is ur mantra and needs to be repeated in every interview and promotional appearance

[Saint John]

Nice post St John. The fashion thing is funny but necessary. Neals shirt isn' bad. But Frigas Milkman costume is downright ridiculous. Looks like a uniform service delivery guy.

I would definitely have Neal and cain do a NASCAR SSB. Tremendous exposure. BUT there has to be an CD coming soon when they do it. I was thinking play the SSB at Infineon Raceway (in Bay Area).

Leno and Letterman, plus, Stern, Conan and others.

I have more to off later.

I'm not understanding why Mutt wouldn't touch Journey. Shania loves Journey. Mutt produced for Journey buds Def Lippard and B Adams. However, I would keep the Kevin's, Shirley and Elson in order to keep the signature sound.

NASCAR......GREAT idea. Free, cheap exposure. I love it. I say the whole band, though. Free concert before, followed by the Frig and Neal doing The SSB. Great idea Deano.

[Saint John]

Much like the current Queen sans Freddie, this band needs to start talking about Steve Perry like he is dead. I know he is alive and well, but VH1 Behind-the-Music's revisionist spin on the facts have many fans feeling as if Perry was unfairly taken out with the trash. He left you guys in the lurch, not the other way around! This needs to be hamered home as often as a GOP convention shamelessly mentions 9-11.
"Perry doesn't want to work and our fans want to hear the music."
Memorize that.
It is ur mantra and needs to be repeated in every interview and promotional appearance

Good point about Perry. Fans need to be reassured and reminded that HE'S keeping HIMSELF out of the band...not the other way around. Otherwise, they'll keep waiting for him on the sidelines.

[fred_journeyman]

Forget fashion. The only thing Journey really needs is a great new (as yet unrecorded) CD and a label who are willing to back them and promote them.

[Saint John]

Forget fashion. The only thing Journey really needs is a great new (as yet unrecorded) CD and a label who are willing to back them and promote them.

I really think it's important Fred. If you're going to be on TV you have to look contemporary. Unfortunately, a lot of today's younger listeners are impressionable and the members of Journey, with the exception of JSS, dress like shit. I want EVERY possible fan aboard. They should overlook nothing. This, in all likelihood, will be the band's last chance to make a push for radioplay. They should leave no stone uncovered.

[Gibby]

Management has got to be progressive and creative. Look how John Fogerty just played two out of three halftime shows on Thanksgiving day to promote his new live cd/dvd. You've got to hit all the talk shows and morning shows you can. Next, melt down the website and start over. Journey has one of the worst official websites I have ever seen.

If 2007 is the year of creativity devoted to a new cd - perhaps a winter release - then do something like Fogerty has just done. How about a tie in with super bowl 2008? How about a rocking new track that is used as the theme for the big game?

I think Mutt Lange would be a huge score and a duet with Shania would put Journey instantly back in the mainstream. I truthfully can't imagine how a Journey/Lange/Twain connection would ever happen but that would be huge.

No matter what, they have to be seen. Anything with a huge audience - like Nascar (mentioned in an earlier post), tie in a new song with a popular television show. Play the Palms in Vegas and have the young hollywood bunch in attendance - the Lohans, Spears, Hiltons of the world. I can't stand any of them but it gets you a mention on Extra, entertainment tonight, etc... and photos in People, US magazine, and others mags.

[Cate]

what do you do in the following months? Me, I hire Mutt Lange. Hopefully, he brings a good label with him.

Funny, Mutt wouldn't touch Journey with a 10' pole. Label? They handed out "free" cd's that were built into ticket prices at their shows. Maybe if they offered him $10 million up front. Good luck.

Prince gave out free cds on his last tour and it was a real bonus and a great show. Mutt Lange and Neal working together ??? Neal would go off the deep end,he would'nt be able to be in the studio that long...

[Andrew]

I didn't mean to sound like a jerk, you just have to realize that something has to be in it for Mutt, to get him to commit. The state that Journey is in now, is not near enough. I think he and Shania would get a good laugh. It'd take more than $10 mil to leave her for months on end for Journey

I don't think Mutt would be the right sound for Journey anyway....the guys know what is needed, they just need to take the time to make sure what is written SOUNDS great once it is recorded, mixed and mastered.

[Matthew]

Prince gave out free cds on his last tour and it was a real bonus and a great show.

Yes - but then he signed a muliti-million dollar recording contract with Warners.

[Matthew]

I didn't mean to sound like a jerk, you just have to realize that something has to be in it for Mutt, to get him to commit. The state that Journey is in now, is not near enough. I think he and Shania would get a good laugh. It'd take more than $10 mil to leave her for months on end for Journey

I don't think Mutt would be the right sound for Journey anyway.....

I agree, Andrew.

For me the dream scenario would be...Rick Rubin.

[SteveForever]

Much like the current Queen sans Freddie, this band needs to start talking about Steve Perry like he is dead. I know he is alive and well, but VH1 Behind-the-Music's revisionist spin on the facts have many fans feeling as if Perry was unfairly taken out with the trash. He left you guys in the lurch, not the other way around! This needs to be hamered home as often as a GOP convention shamelessly mentions 9-11.
"Perry doesn't want to work and our fans want to hear the music."
Memorize that.
It is ur mantra and needs to be repeated in every interview and promotional appearance

This is just downright impolite. Why bring Perry into their promotion at all, wouldn't this just be admitting that he was "all that"? TNC, this is pathetic. You have been drinking too many diet cokes again.

[Matthew]

Much like the current Queen sans Freddie, this band needs to start talking about Steve Perry like he is dead.

Well, they certainly need to stop editing Perry out of the old footage they show at the concerts. What an insecure bunch Journey are compared to Queen in this regard...

[Andrew]

I didn't mean to sound like a jerk, you just have to realize that something has to be in it for Mutt, to get him to commit. The state that Journey is in now, is not near enough. I think he and Shania would get a good laugh. It'd take more than $10 mil to leave her for months on end for Journey

I don't think Mutt would be the right sound for Journey anyway.....

I agree, Andrew.

For me the dream scenario would be...Rick Rubin.

Mmm....not sure about Rick either. Personally I'd hire me. I'm cheaper and I know what would make a classic Journey album.

[Melissa]

lol about the fashion thing! But doesn't Deen dress for comfort while up there? I'm not a drummer so correct me if I'm wrong, just seems like he would NEED to be comfy while banging away up there.

[ohsherrie]

Much like the current Queen sans Freddie, this band needs to start talking about Steve Perry like he is dead.

Well, they certainly need to stop editing Perry out of the old footage they show at the concerts. What an insecure bunch Journey are compared to Queen in this regard...

I think they need to quit using the old footage altogether. Perry isn't dead and it's disrespectful to him and divisive to the fans to pretend that he is. He apparently doesn't want to be associated with the band anymore so they can't really use footage of him, so just don't use it. They don't need to mention Perry at all unless an interviewer asks them about it. Then they need to be both truthful and respectful in their answer. They need to focus on Jeff's strengths as a frontman and the strength of their new music and avoid any comparisons as much as possible. JMO

[ohsherrie]

Mmm....not sure about Rick either. Personally I'd hire me. I'm cheaper and I know what would make a classic Journey album.

There ya go. Problem solved.

[Matthew]

I didn't mean to sound like a jerk, you just have to realize that something has to be in it for Mutt, to get him to commit. The state that Journey is in now, is not near enough. I think he and Shania would get a good laugh. It'd take more than $10 mil to leave her for months on end for Journey

I don't think Mutt would be the right sound for Journey anyway.....

I agree, Andrew.

For me the dream scenario would be...Rick Rubin.

Mmm....not sure about Rick either. Personally I'd hire me. I'm cheaper and I know what would make a classic Journey album.

Well, say that Journey were unable to secure your services and they had to find the next best option...why wouldn't you be sure about Rubin? He's the most successful producer in the world right now....and is amazingly versatile...from Metallica to Neil Diamond to Justin Timberlake...the guy can turn his hand to any genre of music.

[Enigma869]

just seems like he would NEED to be comfy while banging away up there.

WHOA...double entendre alert!


John from Boston

[Matthew]

He apparently doesn't want to be associated with the band anymore so they can't really use footage of him, so just don't use it.

I disagree, Sherrie. He has been producing and promoting the recent Journey DVDs and reissues. He is very much associating himself with Journey - and if modern day Journey want to put up clips to celebrate their long, illustrious history (as Rush did recently) then there's no reason - other than the fear being belittled by his video image - why they can't include him in the footage.

Unless of course Perry himself has stipulated that no image of him can be reproduced in concert....

[jrnyjetster]

Well, they certainly need to stop editing Perry out of the old footage they show at the concerts. What an insecure bunch Journey are compared to Queen in this regard...

They edit the Perry stuff out because they are legally obligated to do so. Another example is the press kit on the Generations Sanctuary release. Perry's face is blurred out when they show footage from the Hollywood Walk Of Fame ceremony.

[Matthew]

Well, they certainly need to stop editing Perry out of the old footage they show at the concerts. What an insecure bunch Journey are compared to Queen in this regard...

They edit the Perry stuff out because they are legally obligated to do so. Another example is the press kit on the Generations Sanctuary release. Perry's face is blurred out when they show footage from the Hollywood Walk Of Fame ceremony.

Ah...okay...do we know who was the prime mover for putting this legal obligation in place?

[DEF_LEPPARD_CANADA]

Mutt Lange isnt available like he was in years past... he is pretty much all Shania these days..... cant blame him.

Def Leppard works with him on a per song basis, but he never committs to a full album anymore. Hard to reach the sucess of the past i guess. even with good songs. .........look at arrival, great songs but minimal record label support and industry support without perry.


i think journey is fighting an up hill battle..... Journey is better off recording a new live cd and dvd, touring the world and building the fan base up...... then do a new original cd with JSS....maybe then it will have a fighting chance...... and only if they have label, management and industry support....

[ohsherrie]

He apparently doesn't want to be associated with the band anymore so they can't really use footage of him, so just don't use it.

I disagree, Sherrie. He has been producing and promoting the recent Journey DVDs and reissues. He is very much associating himself with Journey - and if modern day Journey want to put up clips to celebrate their long, illustrious history (as Rush did recently) then there's no reason - other than the fear being belittled by his video image - why they can't include him in the footage.

Unless of course Perry himself has stipulated that no image of him can be reproduced in concert....

I meant that it appears that he doesn't want to be associated with the band after 1997. I think it was probably Steve who initiated the restrictions John mentioned along with the restriction on their rerecording any of the material from Steve's time with the band.