Neal Schon's Playing

[Saint John]

What the hell happened to this guy? Is it just me or has he lost the drive, passion and soul that made his playing so good. All That I hear now is a guy replacing emotive playing with speed. His guitar used to "talk" to you. There was interaction between him and the singer. Where did that go? Is it really all about the "Dirty Dozen" and cashing the checks that Steve Perry made possible? If so, that's sad. He's as small now in stature in the music world as he's ever been. What happened?

[tj]

I think that every artist goes through great periods and periods of not so greatness. 35 years is a long time to be doing the same thing, particularly on the road as much as Journey has been the past few years. Perhaps the time off and a (yet another) new singer will help him get back some of the creativity and put the feeling back into his playing (I haven't actually heard him lately, so I am just going on this post's statement).

[Rick]

What the hell happened to this guy? Is it just me or has he lost the drive, passion and soul that made his playing so good. All That I hear now is a guy replacing emotive playing with speed. His guitar used to "talk" to you. There was interaction between him and the singer. Where did that go? Is it really all about the "Dirty Dozen" and cashing the checks that Steve Perry made possible? If so, that's sad. He's as small now in stature in the music world as he's ever been. What happened?

I would guess that he is just burned out. He's been doing this for 40 years now. How long can you do something without getting tired of doing it. He's got to do this because I think he's otherwise unemployable. If he had pinched his pennies like SP, then he may not be as burned out knowing he could do it for fun instead of doing it to survive. I think that makes a huge difference.

[mistiejourney]

What the hell happened to this guy? Is it just me or has he lost the drive, passion and soul that made his playing so good. All That I hear now is a guy replacing emotive playing with speed. His guitar used to "talk" to you. There was interaction between him and the singer. Where did that go? Is it really all about the "Dirty Dozen" and cashing the checks that Steve Perry made possible? If so, that's sad. He's as small now in stature in the music world as he's ever been. What happened?

Thank you - I always said there was a connection between the lead and Neal's guitar! I hear it on "Arrival" and the last time I saw the group it was with JSS and Neal seemed very enthused about the whole thing! Maybe because they were playing some deep Escape cuts and not just the DD.

I always thought Neal fought the burn-out by being in so many side projects - sort of a way to stay enthusiastic and try new things.

Sad to think he's getting tired of it.....not because of Journey (that freaking sucks), but because he really is so good.

[squirt1]

Neal played TO one of the greatest singer/songwriters EVER, who sang TO his guitar. Over the years he realizes that Perry was the best to show off his greatness. In some of this he had no choice and they all had burnout. Some just needed money more than others. The picture Perry showed at the end of the 1981 DVD showed Perry's feelings. Neal hardly shows his and if he does. which is rarely, he will make some dumb remark to cancel it out. Why he destroyed the Jeff potential, I will NEVER understand, but I get the Augeri debacle. Booking couches. Any reservations?

[larryfromnextdoor]

All That I hear now is a guy replacing emotive playing with speed. His guitar used to "talk" to you. There was interaction between him and the singer.

i think he wants to show , sometimes, what he can do,, ya know.. hang with the big boys.. from what i
heard on the last tour,, he sounded dynamite.. he sounded great at the beginning of Augeri's time as
well,, he certainly needs to feed off a hot singer ... when the singer pushes themselves then schon really
starts to experiment and man can he shine.. the album of jss/journey that i wanted so badly might have
really pushed him to redefine modern day rock guitar ... he will always be remembered as a
singers (perfect) guitar player.. very much a compliment ... guys with his talent really do get bored
with 20 year old songs......yet,, he aint the brightest tool in the shed..

[Crazie Scarab]

What the hell happened to this guy? Is it just me or has he lost the drive, passion and soul that made his playing so good. All That I hear now is a guy replacing emotive playing with speed. His guitar used to "talk" to you. There was interaction between him and the singer. Where did that go? Is it really all about the "Dirty Dozen" and cashing the checks that Steve Perry made possible? If so, that's sad. He's as small now in stature in the music world as he's ever been. What happened?

Neal lost his "fire." Well, only after he fired JSS, that is.

[Jeremey fan forever]

Don't have a clue what you're talking about. Neal sounds fabulous and is one of the few players I know who gets better with age.

[Playitloudforme]

I think he's confused. Go more towards a heavy rock, keep the Journey legacy, play louder longer, back & forth... Maybe now he can figure it out.

[Little Lenny]

All That I hear now is a guy replacing emotive playing with speed. His guitar used to "talk" to you. There was interaction between him and the singer.

i think he wants to show , sometimes, what he can do,, ya know.. hang with the big boys.. from what i
heard on the last tour,, he sounded dynamite.. he sounded great at the beginning of Augeri's time as
well,, he certainly needs to feed off a hot singer ... when the singer pushes themselves then schon really
starts to experiment and man can he shine.. the album of jss/journey that i wanted so badly might have
really pushed him to redefine modern day rock guitar ... he will always be remembered as a
singers (perfect) guitar player.. very much a compliment ... guys with his talent really do get bored
with 20 year old songs......yet,, he aint the brightest tool in the shed..

when we saw Journey in march at the Manchetser apollo he was brilliant!...I think some guitarists do need a good singer to bounce of, and he certainly did that with JSS.

[NealIsGod]

Neal's playing is better than ever. You're just pissed at him.

[rdekker]

Neal's playing is better than ever. You're just pissed at him.

Very well put, how can you tell that he's playing less since JSS left, he hasn;t played since...????

[Little Lenny]

Neal's playing is better than ever. You're just pissed at him.

huh? who is p'd at who? I am a confused lady.........

[Saint John]

Neal's playing is better than ever. You're just pissed at him.

On what? Red 13? Generations? He's all but lost his ability to interact with the singer. He shreds and plays for himself. he's no longer part of a team. None of these guys are and the last 2 products MORE than reflect that.

PS Little Lenny, you missed the WHOLE point. Covering the Dirty Dozen songs doesn't count. That is from a great era when he DID have soul and passion in his playing. That era has come and gone.

[Little Lenny]

Neal's playing is better than ever. You're just pissed at him.

On what? Red 13? Generations? He's all but lost his ability to interact with the singer. He shreds and plays for himself. he's no longer part of a team. None of these guys are and the last 2 products MORE than reflect that.

PS Little Lenny, you missed the WHOLE point. Covering the Dirty Dozen songs doesn't count. That is from a great era when he DID have soul and passion in his playing. That era has come and gone.

What do you mean I missed the point? No Saint John, I dont subscribe to whether the dirty dozen counts or doesn't count, I love music,it can be a beautiful sound. I was merely giving an opinion of what I saw and felt, and for me that amounts to 'he was brilliant', naturally you have the right to disagree but please understand this is how I felt and viewed it.
When I saw Neil schon and obviously the rest of Journey Neil came on the stage alone to start the show, he played 'And did those feet in ancient times walk upon Englands mountains green' the playing sent a chill through me. To me music is music, it is a beautiful thing, it can be good, bad, and at times rather indifferent. But, SJ when its good it's dam good (as I am sure you would agree) regardless of what it is.That is all.

[conversationpc]

Neal's playing is better than ever. You're just pissed at him.

On what? Red 13? Generations?

Yes, there is some fine melodic and bluesy, soulful playing on both of those albums. Particularly on tracks like "The Time", "Faith in the Heartland", "A Better Life", etc.

[Razor]

What the hell happened to this guy? Is it just me or has he lost the drive, passion and soul that made his playing so good. All That I hear now is a guy replacing emotive playing with speed. His guitar used to "talk" to you. There was interaction between him and the singer. Where did that go? Is it really all about the "Dirty Dozen" and cashing the checks that Steve Perry made possible? If so, that's sad. He's as small now in stature in the music world as he's ever been. What happened?

I'm partially with you. I don't think he has lost his drive, passion and soul. Today the man is wacked on guitars today! Sometimes a bit too much for my taste. Now from what I've heard he has somewhat lost the simplicity in his guitarplay in their old songs (correct me if I'm wrong). Perhaps he got bored playing the songs every single time the same way? I don't think he has lost soul and passion.

I guess he needs a proper vocalist (á la Steve Perry) to tame himself a little bit if he wants to sound like he did in their prime time. In fact whole Journey needs to work on their teambuilding. Especially when they find a new leadsinger...

[Saint John]

Neal's playing is better than ever. You're just pissed at him.

On what? Red 13? Generations?

Yes, there is some fine melodic and bluesy, soulful playing on both of those albums. Particularly on tracks like "The Time", "Faith in the Heartland", "A Better Life", etc.

Good points, Dave. The fact that Red 13 sold 122 copies and that they had to extort money from fans to move Generations really reflects that great playing by Neal.

[Razor]

Neal's playing is better than ever. You're just pissed at him.

On what? Red 13? Generations?

Yes, there is some fine melodic and bluesy, soulful playing on both of those albums. Particularly on tracks like "The Time", "Faith in the Heartland", "A Better Life", etc.

I agree.

[Liam]

DAVE(PC)..."The Time" SUCKS. The only worthwhile track on Red 13 is State Of Grace. The only EMOTION (guitar wise)on that EP was Walking Away.
Sorry...just in a bad mood right now...

Edit: Sorry...strung out in my own confusion.

[NoMoreTails]

.. from what i heard on the last tour,, he sounded dynamite..
.. the album of jss/journey that i wanted so badly might have really pushed him to redefine modern day rock guitar ... guys with his talent really do get bored with 20 year old songs..

Absolutely, he needs to create, needs something new for motivation. He and Cain have been too discouraged since Arrival too whole heartedly throw themselves into creating new Journey material. You'd think they'd have the drive to pursue the music they wanted to make regardless of how it would be received, platinum sales aren't possible at this point, so why not record what you want, you're making the money on tour anyway. I think Cain and Schon probably haven't wanted the same thing for some time, maybe that's the root of the problem.
Yes Neal is bored with the greatest hits and has been for years, he was absolutely amazing in the two Soul SirkUs shows I saw, the best I've ever seen him.

[*Laura]

I would guess that he is just burned out. He's been doing this for 40 years now. How long can you do something without getting tired of doing it.

I second that,Rick.Happens in any line of work.

Maybe Neal lost the drive and the passion,but technically he is still one of the best guitarists out there.

[NoMoreTails]

Yes, there is some fine melodic and bluesy, soulful playing on both of those albums. Particularly on tracks like "The Time", "Faith in the Heartland", "A Better Life", etc.

I like The Time as well, a Zepish-Journey tune and a glimpse of a direction Journey could have gone, this was more SA's own style.

[conversationpc]

Neal's playing is better than ever. You're just pissed at him.

On what? Red 13? Generations?

Yes, there is some fine melodic and bluesy, soulful playing on both of those albums. Particularly on tracks like "The Time", "Faith in the Heartland", "A Better Life", etc.

Good points, Dave. The fact that Red 13 sold 122 copies and that they had to extort money from fans to move Generations really reflects that great playing by Neal.

Interesting point since I never claimed Neal's playing had anything to do with sales or lack thereof.

[conversationpc]

DAVE(PC)..."The Time" SUCKS. The only worthwhile track on Red 13 is State Of Grace. The only EMOTION (guitar wise)on that EP was Walking Away.

The only track I don't like as much is "I Can Breathe". The production is horrible, though. Anyway, you're wrong about "The Time".

[Saint John]

Neal's playing is better than ever. You're just pissed at him.

On what? Red 13? Generations?

Yes, there is some fine melodic and bluesy, soulful playing on both of those albums. Particularly on tracks like "The Time", "Faith in the Heartland", "A Better Life", etc.

Good points, Dave. The fact that Red 13 sold 122 copies and that they had to extort money from fans to move Generations really reflects that great playing by Neal.

Interesting point since I never claimed Neal's playing had anything to do with sales or lack thereof.

Just reinforcing my point that every aspect of those two albums sucked and the general disinterest by the Journey buying public reflected that.

[conversationpc]

Just reinforcing my point that every aspect of those two albums sucked and the general disinterest by the Journey buying public reflected that.

I'll give you that "Generations" sucked. It had potential but it wasn't because of Neal's playing that it didn't do well.

[Liam]

The production of the whole EP was HORRIBLE. Think what you want, dude.

[conversationpc]

The production of the whole EP was HORRIBLE. Think what you want, dude.

That's what I said...It sounds like it was recorded with styrofoam encased microphones.

[Liam]

The production of the whole EP was HORRIBLE. Think what you want, dude.

That's what I said...It sounds like it was recorded with styrofoam encased microphones.

Gotta understand...I'm drinkin' at 8:30AM STILL.