Def Leppard tour and other thoughts....
Posted: Tue Sep 25, 2007 3:24 pmOkay – So here's my review of the current Def Leppard, Foreigner, Styx Tour.....
So why am I posting this on the Journey forum... Well, because I think that Journey fans probably cross over into the same fan base, and there are some points to be made that are relevant to Journey's current situation.
In a nutshell, it was a great show!! 3 great bands, lots of hits and memories recalled, and a really great time was had by my girlfriend and I (not to mention the other 15,000 or so screaming fans)
Styx sounded great except for James Young's lead vocals. Tommy shaw was entertaining and energetic for a guy that has played these songs for over 30 years. Todd was quite impressive on the drums, Ricky did a fine job, but for my money, I thought Lawrence Gowan turned in the best performance of the bunch. He nailed Dennis Deyoung's vocals, and was probably the most entertaining one on stage.
In a similar fashion, Kelly Hansen ROCKED on vocals. Prior to the show I had joked about going to see the best Foreigner tribute band on the road given the lack of original members, but I thoroughly enjoyed their set and was amazed at Kelly Hansen's vocal prowess. I saw Foreigner many years ago with Lou Gramm, and I can honestly say that Kelly nailed “Jukebox Hero” way better than Lou ever did. (live at least) Kelly Hansen gets my vote for best performance of the night.
As for Def Leppard...well, I enjoyed their set, but I have mixed feelings about them. Nice production, lots of video footage, great set list. They played quite a few songs that are a bit deeper into their catalog than I would have predicted, but...here it comes... I am pretty sure that the band is getting a lot of “electronic assistance” if you know what I mean. I know a lot of people will get fired up when I suggest this, but in my opinion, there's no way Joe Elliot performed all of his vocals live. In fact I would estimate that 30% or more of the lead vocals that the audience heard were samples. First of all, the sonic quality of his vocals changed often throughout many songs. His voice would sound one way during the verses, and then completely different in tone and mix level during the choruses or any high parts. In fact, on at least on occasion, he was walking back to the drum riser with the mic held at chest level and yet his “vocals” were still coming through. Perhaps the most telling part of the show that supports my belief was during the acoustic break when they played “2 Steps Behind” and “Bringing on the Heartache”. For this brief portion of the show, all the vocals were live, and it was obvious. They sounded good, but not perfect, and Joe struggled on many parts that are not that high. During the chorus of “Bringing on the Heartache”, The band didn't even attempt to sing it, and instead let the audience take over. Now granted, one could argue that that move was done simply as a matter of audience participation, but I think it was because there was no way they could hide behind the fact that Joe couldn't do it. They ended “Heartache” by going electric at the solo and last chorus, and then suddenly, Joe could nail all of the highest notes again. Hmmmm. He struggles with the verses that are much lower in pitch, but then can hit notes in the chorus once the full band is playing again? I'm skeptical. My theory is that it's no secret that Def Leppard plays along with a click track because a lot of the percussion parts are automated not only because Rick Allen is missing a limb, but also to sound like the multi-layered parts on the original recording and to match the video footage on screen. (hence the HUGE headphones on Rick Allen. I think that at some point along the way the band decided, “ Hey, if we're going to be a slave to a machine anyways, we might as well add a few more parts in there to sound like the CD and help out Joe too” Just my opinion, if you've seen the current tour, tell me what you think.
So how is this at all relevant to Journey? I left the show reminded of something crucial that is oftentimes forgotten when everyone discusses Journey and their future. And that is simply this. By far, the audience didn't care who was onstage. They just want to hear the songs and have a good time. I didn't hear anybody saying - “Hey, that's not Dennis singing Grand Illusion” or “Wait a minute !!! Where's Lou Gramm?” Quite the contrary. The place was packed with happy concertgoers who felt as though they got their moneys worth as long as the songs sounded more or less how they remembered them. And personally, after seeing Joe Elliot's performance, I would prefer to see them hire a new guy that could really do the songs justice than sit there and wonder if Def Leppard has become the Ashley Simpson of pop metal.
I know a lot of people on this board are pissed about the whole JSS thing, and rightfully so because of the way it was handled. But keep this in mind. I think that Journey knows what pays the bills, and it isn't making new music. It is “recreating” the past, and while JSS did a great job and is a talented singer and a great guy, he is more of a hard rock/metal singer than a pop crooner. He can impersonate it upon demand, but his natural abilities lie elsewhere.
Which brings us to Arnel. This kids got the goods. Personally, I think that he may be one of the most talented vocalists out there right now, and I'm glad he was discovered. His range, tone, and especially his ability to mimic other singers is unreal. For God's sakes, the guy can do Kenny Loggins, and then turn around and do Aerosmith or The Police without missing a beat. And all of this while being on You Tube with a marginal band and camcorder sound quality. Imagine what he would sound like with a great band and a stadium PA. I think he will surprise a lot of people and like I said before, the vast majority of the audience won't care who is onstage. As long as the songs are faithfully reproduced with a bit of enthusiasm, Journey will continue to have a successful touring career. I know that there is skepticism about his stage presence and his nationality fitting in with what is “ an American band”, but I offer you this. What is more “American” than someone coming to our country seeking success and a better life? What is more “American” than the possibility of dreams coming true? This is the land of opportunity, and if Arnel gets the gig which looks like he already may have, then he will have lived the “American” experience to a higher degree than most of us.
So why am I posting this on the Journey forum... Well, because I think that Journey fans probably cross over into the same fan base, and there are some points to be made that are relevant to Journey's current situation.
In a nutshell, it was a great show!! 3 great bands, lots of hits and memories recalled, and a really great time was had by my girlfriend and I (not to mention the other 15,000 or so screaming fans)
Styx sounded great except for James Young's lead vocals. Tommy shaw was entertaining and energetic for a guy that has played these songs for over 30 years. Todd was quite impressive on the drums, Ricky did a fine job, but for my money, I thought Lawrence Gowan turned in the best performance of the bunch. He nailed Dennis Deyoung's vocals, and was probably the most entertaining one on stage.
In a similar fashion, Kelly Hansen ROCKED on vocals. Prior to the show I had joked about going to see the best Foreigner tribute band on the road given the lack of original members, but I thoroughly enjoyed their set and was amazed at Kelly Hansen's vocal prowess. I saw Foreigner many years ago with Lou Gramm, and I can honestly say that Kelly nailed “Jukebox Hero” way better than Lou ever did. (live at least) Kelly Hansen gets my vote for best performance of the night.
As for Def Leppard...well, I enjoyed their set, but I have mixed feelings about them. Nice production, lots of video footage, great set list. They played quite a few songs that are a bit deeper into their catalog than I would have predicted, but...here it comes... I am pretty sure that the band is getting a lot of “electronic assistance” if you know what I mean. I know a lot of people will get fired up when I suggest this, but in my opinion, there's no way Joe Elliot performed all of his vocals live. In fact I would estimate that 30% or more of the lead vocals that the audience heard were samples. First of all, the sonic quality of his vocals changed often throughout many songs. His voice would sound one way during the verses, and then completely different in tone and mix level during the choruses or any high parts. In fact, on at least on occasion, he was walking back to the drum riser with the mic held at chest level and yet his “vocals” were still coming through. Perhaps the most telling part of the show that supports my belief was during the acoustic break when they played “2 Steps Behind” and “Bringing on the Heartache”. For this brief portion of the show, all the vocals were live, and it was obvious. They sounded good, but not perfect, and Joe struggled on many parts that are not that high. During the chorus of “Bringing on the Heartache”, The band didn't even attempt to sing it, and instead let the audience take over. Now granted, one could argue that that move was done simply as a matter of audience participation, but I think it was because there was no way they could hide behind the fact that Joe couldn't do it. They ended “Heartache” by going electric at the solo and last chorus, and then suddenly, Joe could nail all of the highest notes again. Hmmmm. He struggles with the verses that are much lower in pitch, but then can hit notes in the chorus once the full band is playing again? I'm skeptical. My theory is that it's no secret that Def Leppard plays along with a click track because a lot of the percussion parts are automated not only because Rick Allen is missing a limb, but also to sound like the multi-layered parts on the original recording and to match the video footage on screen. (hence the HUGE headphones on Rick Allen. I think that at some point along the way the band decided, “ Hey, if we're going to be a slave to a machine anyways, we might as well add a few more parts in there to sound like the CD and help out Joe too” Just my opinion, if you've seen the current tour, tell me what you think.
So how is this at all relevant to Journey? I left the show reminded of something crucial that is oftentimes forgotten when everyone discusses Journey and their future. And that is simply this. By far, the audience didn't care who was onstage. They just want to hear the songs and have a good time. I didn't hear anybody saying - “Hey, that's not Dennis singing Grand Illusion” or “Wait a minute !!! Where's Lou Gramm?” Quite the contrary. The place was packed with happy concertgoers who felt as though they got their moneys worth as long as the songs sounded more or less how they remembered them. And personally, after seeing Joe Elliot's performance, I would prefer to see them hire a new guy that could really do the songs justice than sit there and wonder if Def Leppard has become the Ashley Simpson of pop metal.
I know a lot of people on this board are pissed about the whole JSS thing, and rightfully so because of the way it was handled. But keep this in mind. I think that Journey knows what pays the bills, and it isn't making new music. It is “recreating” the past, and while JSS did a great job and is a talented singer and a great guy, he is more of a hard rock/metal singer than a pop crooner. He can impersonate it upon demand, but his natural abilities lie elsewhere.
Which brings us to Arnel. This kids got the goods. Personally, I think that he may be one of the most talented vocalists out there right now, and I'm glad he was discovered. His range, tone, and especially his ability to mimic other singers is unreal. For God's sakes, the guy can do Kenny Loggins, and then turn around and do Aerosmith or The Police without missing a beat. And all of this while being on You Tube with a marginal band and camcorder sound quality. Imagine what he would sound like with a great band and a stadium PA. I think he will surprise a lot of people and like I said before, the vast majority of the audience won't care who is onstage. As long as the songs are faithfully reproduced with a bit of enthusiasm, Journey will continue to have a successful touring career. I know that there is skepticism about his stage presence and his nationality fitting in with what is “ an American band”, but I offer you this. What is more “American” than someone coming to our country seeking success and a better life? What is more “American” than the possibility of dreams coming true? This is the land of opportunity, and if Arnel gets the gig which looks like he already may have, then he will have lived the “American” experience to a higher degree than most of us.
