It All Hit Again Last Night

[mistiejourney]

Saw Jeff Scott Soto in a small venue here in the Bay Area last night.

Dear God, what were the guys in Journey thinking? I had to ask myself that over and over and over and it makes me crazy.

Well, I wish no ill will to Arnel if he's in. I hope he doesn't get used and abused. But he will. And so will the next guy who will replace him within a year or two.

The party has been over for this ex-JRNY fan for months now.

Last night I turned out the lights and shut the door.

It was a hell of a ride.

[journeyinto2001]

Saw Jeff Scott Soto in a small venue here in the Bay Area last night.

Dear God, what were the guys in Journey thinking? I had to ask myself that over and over and over and it makes me crazy.

Well, I wish no ill will to Arnel if he's in. I hope he doesn't get used and abused. But he will. And so will the next guy who will replace him within a year or two.

The party has been over for this ex-JRNY fan for months now.

Last night I turned out the lights and shut the door.

It was a hell of a ride.

Watch some videos of Arnel on You Tube- he has the power AND range of Perry. Augeri didn't have either. Soto was good, had serious power but didn't have the range and simply didn't fit Journey from day 1 IMO, sorry. I agree that Cain & Schon have seriously cracked the stone, they've fucked over Augeri and Soto (without even a phone call, piece of pure shits) and Journey's best days are WAY behind them now thanks to Schon & Cain. But I have to say that I am very curious about this guy Arnel because he has BOTH the range and power of Perry which is EXTREMELY rare. Hopefully he will protect himself legally from the 2 SHITS who won't give him the time of day when they decide to dump him as well.

[Rockindeano]

Watch some videos of Arnel on You Tube- he has the power AND range of Perry. Augeri didn't have either.

I am shocked to read you admit this, as I know you are/were a huge SA supporter.

Soto was good, had serious power but didn't have the range

Soto DOES have the range. He could hit the EXACT same notes as Steve Perry, and DID.

and simply didn't fit Journey

The Hell he didn't. Soto commanded an audience much like Steve Perry did.

they've fucked over Augeri and Soto (without even a phone call, piece of pure shits)

Augeri was done, plain and simple. Yes, they could have retired the poor boy in a more graceful way, but some of that is on Augeri as well. Soto basically was fucked over, for doing nothing but producing excellent shows, great reviews and blasting Lippard out of the fucking venue and yes, Journey did blow the Euros away. There is no denying the musicianship of this band.

[journeyinto2001]

Watch some videos of Arnel on You Tube- he has the power AND range of Perry. Augeri didn't have either.

I am shocked to read you admit this, as I know you are/were a huge SA supporter.

I WAS. And I would buy his solo CD, if it ever really happens, in a heartbeat. I felt that his voice and stage presence fit Journey very well, but hindsight 20/20, he simply didn't have the power or range of Perry.

Soto was good, had serious power but didn't have the range

Soto DOES have the range. He could hit the EXACT same notes as Steve Perry, and DID.

BALONEY. He had an impressive range, hit alot of the notes but not EVEN close to Deen OR Perry. When I saw him in Phoenix, he had Deen sing a few of the really high notes that he simply couldn't hit. He tried to hit others and came up short. He is good at "rolling over" notes he can't hit though, I'll give him that. I was REALLY impressed with Jeff's power though. It was welcome change that was missing with Augeri.

and simply didn't fit Journey

The Hell he didn't. Soto commanded an audience much like Steve Perry did.

I thought his stage presence was more fitting for a heavy metal band. We simply disagree.

they've fucked over Augeri and Soto (without even a phone call, piece of pure shits)

Augeri was done, plain and simple. Yes, they could have retired the poor boy in a more graceful way, but some of that is on Augeri as well. Soto basically was fucked over, for doing nothing but producing excellent shows, great reviews and blasting Lippard out of the fucking venue and yes, Journey did blow the Euros away. There is no denying the musicianship of this band.

Augeri was DONE. I agree- after 8 years his voice was just thrashed. I'm sure he's a lot happier being out of the band at this point. Soto did NOT fit Journey style, plain and simple. And I'm not the only fan who felt this way.

[Rockindeano]

So if Jeff straightened his hair, and wore faggy blouses, and lost the holy jeans, he would it? Please, dude brought some masculinity to this wuss band.

[Deb]

So if Jeff straitened his hair, and wore faggy blouses, and lost the holy jeans, he would it? Please, dude brought some masculinity to this wuss band.

Gawd help us............NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!

[piecesofeight]

Saw Jeff Scott Soto in a small venue here in the Bay Area last night.

Dear God, what were the guys in Journey thinking? I had to ask myself that over and over and over and it makes me crazy.

Well, I wish no ill will to Arnel if he's in. I hope he doesn't get used and abused. But he will. And so will the next guy who will replace him within a year or two.

The party has been over for this ex-JRNY fan for months now.

Last night I turned out the lights and shut the door.

It was a hell of a ride.

Watch some videos of Arnel on You Tube- he has the power AND range of Perry. Augeri didn't have either. Soto was good, had serious power but didn't have the range and simply didn't fit Journey from day 1 IMO, sorry. I agree that Cain & Schon have seriously cracked the stone, they've fucked over Augeri and Soto (without even a phone call, piece of pure shits) and Journey's best days are WAY behind them now thanks to Schon & Cain. But I have to say that I am very curious about this guy Arnel because he has BOTH the range and power of Perry which is EXTREMELY rare. Hopefully he will protect himself legally from the 2 SHITS who won't give him the time of day when they decide to dump him as well.

I am not someone who usually questions what people say, gets into debates, or tell someone they are wrong.I like this place for the info, people, humor, etc.., but every so often, I read a post that makes my mouth drop. So, I want to be clear that I am understanding you as I am a conclusion person.

You are saying that Arnel is better than Augeri or Soto and that he is just as good as Perry!
Even though it takes me forever to be able to watch/download youtube vids, PLEASE post which one's you are talking about to makes these statements as this is blowing my mind and at this moment I must completely disagree with everything you have said.

[journeyinto2001]

So if Jeff straitened his hair, and wore faggy blouses, and lost the holy jeans, he would it? Please, dude brought some masculinity to this wuss band.

Let's be honest Deano. YES I agree completely that the band badly needed to get away from the pussy ballads and rock more like Edge of the Blade or Separate Ways and Jeff COULD have brought them that way. The reality NOW is that Cain & Schon have now completely accepted their place as a nostalgia band living off the Perry years, and Perry, while bring the band it's greatest success, also brought plenty of "pussy" to the band's music. They are no longer expecting success from any new music the band puts out. Jeff simply doesn't fit the so called "legacy" (nostalgia) scenario.

[journeyinto2001]

[I am not someone who usually questions what people say, gets into debates, or tell someone they are wrong.I like this place for the info, people, humor, etc.., but every so often, I read a post that makes my mouth drop. So, I want to be clear that I am understanding you as I am a conclusion person.

You are saying that Arnel is better than Augeri or Soto and that he is just as good as Perry!
Even though it takes me forever to be able to watch/download youtube vids, PLEASE post which one's you are talking about to makes these statements as this is blowing my mind and at this moment I must completely disagree with everything you have said.[/quote]

You misread/misunderstood what I said. I did NOT say that Arnel is better than Augeri or Soto. I did NOT say that he is just as good as Perry, haven't seen him live or heard him other than on YouTube. I said that VOCALLY he seems to have the power AND range that Perry had, which is exceptionally rare. I said that IMO, Augeri and Soto didn't have the power AND range of Perry. The video's are all over this board's posts or just type in THE ZOO Journey on YouTube.

[StoneCold]

Even though it takes me forever to be able to watch/download youtube vids ...

Dial-up? When I visit my folks I have to use dial-up. Wow, I remember when I thought getting a 52k connection was doing pretty good.

This site is a bear on dial-up but with Firefox I can shut the images off pretty easy to catch up on reading.

Back on topic though, I think the links for Arnel have their own post right now.

[Saint John]

Neither Arnel nor Soto have the power OR range of Steve Perry. Even if they did, neither comes close to Perry's delivery, passion and emotive skills anyway. If they did I suspect they would have better offers than fronting Journey's karaoke machine.

[journeyinto2001]

Neither Arnel nor Soto have the power OR range of Steve Perry. Even if they did, neither comes close to Perry's delivery, passion and emotive skills anyway. If they did I suspect they would have better offers than fronting Journey's karaoke machine.

I think you are wrong on your power or range statement.

I do agree that NO ONE will match Perry's delivery, passion and emotive skills- writing as well. Perry is much too smart to jump into this mess at this point. I wish the guy would rekindle the desire to record just 1 more solo album for us though!

[hoagiepete]

So if Jeff straightened his hair, and wore faggy blouses, and lost the holy jeans, he would it? Please, dude brought some masculinity to this wuss band.

Absolutely. After taking shit from the boys I ran with for being a diehard Journey fan, I thought I'd get a few of them to check out the next Journey tour after seeing Soto. He would have won them over and I could have said...see...I've been telling you for 30 years they're not a wussy band (and I'm not calling Perry a wuss...I've been adiehard for a reason!). But, nooooooooooo. Here we go again. Me and wifey...goin alone. Yup, I'll probably drop the change. Oh well. It'll be worth it to see her tear up once again during Faithfully.

Now that they may have returned to the "classic" sound...does that mean Neal will don his 'fro and fu man chu? Just hope Ross can't find his jumpsuit.

I consider the "classic" sound to be pre-Escape by the way. I sat and listened to Infinity and Evolution the other night and I had forgotten how good they were back then...garbled drum mix and all. THAT is the "classic" Journey I really miss. Departure ain't too bad either.

[piecesofeight]

Neither Arnel nor Soto have the power OR range of Steve Perry. Even if they did, neither comes close to Perry's delivery, passion and emotive skills anyway. If they did I suspect they would have better offers than fronting Journey's karaoke machine.

I think you are wrong on your power or range statement.

I do agree that NO ONE will match Perry's delivery, passion and emotive skills- writing as well. Perry is much too smart to jump into this mess at this point. I wish the guy would rekindle the desire to record just 1 more solo album for us though!

I think Steve also knows, or must realize though, that most people would be hoping for him to sound the same. When you hear the words STEVE PERRY, you get chills. You expect greatness. That's a lot to live up too. All of my fav artist/groups have/are amazing vocalist and always expect them to sound great. If they are going to choose to continue to sing, even though they are getting up in age, they better still sound good.
Is it because Steve really enjoys his quite private life. Does he know he does not sound like what people would expect. Shit, he could sound better than anyone who is out there singing today, but if he doesn't sound like he used too, that could be hard.
When you are great, people expect you to be great if you are going to keep doing it or come back and do it. Damn, he was so good, that is so much to live up to.
He's basically now too been out of it for so long. My other favorites have continued to sing all these years.
It's sort of like the teacher syndrome. They remember us how we were the last time they saw us.
I believe still could still sing, as good as at his prime..no. He enjoys his privacy, doing what he wants, and he is leaving his voices legacy on a good..uh..note..lol
I am happy, thankful and content with what he left us with.
I actually respect him for how he has now chosen to live his life.

[SPFan4ever]

So if Jeff straightened his hair, and wore faggy blouses, and lost the holy jeans, he would it? Please, dude brought some masculinity to this wuss band.

They did not deserve JSS. Actually, they did him a favor by getting rid of him. Look at him now. He can make it on his own without those old men.

[journeywoman]

WHEW HOO you called it like it is....JSS didn't need those OLD MEN!!! Best one all day!

[Deb]

Neither Arnel nor Soto have the power OR range of Steve Perry. Even if they did, neither comes close to Perry's delivery, passion and emotive skills anyway. If they did I suspect they would have better offers than fronting Journey's karaoke machine.

I think you are wrong on your power or range statement.

I do agree that NO ONE will match Perry's delivery, passion and emotive skills- writing as well. Perry is much too smart to jump into this mess at this point. I wish the guy would rekindle the desire to record just 1 more solo album for us though!

I think Steve also knows, or must realize though, that most people would be hoping for him to sound the same. When you hear the words STEVE PERRY, you get chills. You expect greatness. That's a lot to live up too. All of my fav artist/groups have/are amazing vocalist and always expect them to sound great. If they are going to choose to continue to sing, even though they are getting up in age, they better still sound good.
Is it because Steve really enjoys his quite private life. Does he know he does not sound like what people would expect. Shit, he could sound better than anyone who is out there singing today, but if he doesn't sound like he used too, that could be hard.
When you are great, people expect you to be great if you are going to keep doing it or come back and do it. Damn, he was so good, that is so much to live up to.
He's basically now too been out of it for so long. My other favorites have continued to sing all these years.
It's sort of like the teacher syndrome. They remember us how we were the last time they saw us.
I believe still could still sing, as good as at his prime..no. He enjoys his privacy, doing what he wants, and he is leaving his voices legacy on a good..uh..note..lol
I am happy, thankful and content with what he left us with.
I actually respect him for how he has now chosen to live his life.

Outstanding post!

[Journey/Survivor]

Soto was good, had serious power but didn't have the range and simply didn't fit Journey from day 1 IMO, sorry.

Couldn't have said it better myself.

JSS is great at doing his own thing, his own original vocals! And yes, I've heard him do a great job on some cover songs of several different performers.

I love his singing on the Soul SirkUS CD. And he did a tremendous Steve Perry like performance on the SS-song Coming Home.

I met JSS once and he seems like a really nice guy.

But your right, he doesen't have the range to sing Steve Perry songs night after night, and he was a bad fit for Journey.

The one thing that I thought I might like about him being in the band is that I was hoping that it would help take Journey into an even harder Rocking direction. If they had recorded a new album with JSS I'm sure he would have sounded great on it seeing as it would be tailored to his voice and style. But the fact of the matter is that he sometimes sounded really bad trying to sing the Perry-Journey songs.

Trust me, I'd love to see Journey do shows where they only play maybe 2 or 3 of the hit songs, but it's unrealistic to think that they are going to do that! NO BAND is going to cut out almost all of their hits in their shows on a regular basis.

I'm sick of hearing them do songs like Lights, LTS, Open Arms and Faithfuly over and over again, and I'd much rather see them throw in songs like Line Of Fire, Edge Of The Blade, Dead Or Alive, One More, Word Gone wild etc, etc. But the fact is that the biggest majority of people at the shows do want to hear the dirty dozen when they go to a Journey show. And JSS wasn't getting the job done on those songs.

I'm sure I'm going to get bashed for what I have said, but I'm not trying to take anything away from JSS, he's a great singer. But he wasn't right for Journey.

I do agree that it was classless of Journey to have let him go in the way that they did, by not even having the guts to tell him in person. But I do agree that they needed to right the ship somewhat by getting a new vocalist who is a better fit in the band vocally.

[Saint John]

Neither Arnel nor Soto have the power OR range of Steve Perry. Even if they did, neither comes close to Perry's delivery, passion and emotive skills anyway. If they did I suspect they would have better offers than fronting Journey's karaoke machine.

I think you are wrong on your power or range statement.

I do agree that NO ONE will match Perry's delivery, passion and emotive skills- writing as well. Perry is much too smart to jump into this mess at this point. I wish the guy would rekindle the desire to record just 1 more solo album for us though!

I think Steve also knows, or must realize though, that most people would be hoping for him to sound the same. When you hear the words STEVE PERRY, you get chills. You expect greatness. That's a lot to live up too. All of my fav artist/groups have/are amazing vocalist and always expect them to sound great. If they are going to choose to continue to sing, even though they are getting up in age, they better still sound good.
Is it because Steve really enjoys his quite private life. Does he know he does not sound like what people would expect. Shit, he could sound better than anyone who is out there singing today, but if he doesn't sound like he used too, that could be hard.
When you are great, people expect you to be great if you are going to keep doing it or come back and do it. Damn, he was so good, that is so much to live up to.
He's basically now too been out of it for so long. My other favorites have continued to sing all these years.
It's sort of like the teacher syndrome. They remember us how we were the last time they saw us.
I believe still could still sing, as good as at his prime..no. He enjoys his privacy, doing what he wants, and he is leaving his voices legacy on a good..uh..note..lol
I am happy, thankful and content with what he left us with.
I actually respect him for how he has now chosen to live his life.

1) Too much time has passed for anyone to expect him to sound like he did in 81 or 83. What you don't realize, and I don't think he does either, is that we miss HIM. It's not all about notes, range and tone. He's a legend...nothing can ever take that away. Truly great passionate artists transcend range and tone because they have "it." I suspect he doesn't still have his 1981 range or tone, but I'd bet both of my balls that he still has "it."
2) Why are you, and not he, telling us this? All of the speculation with regard to Journey would end if he simply said "My days of ever rejoining Journey have long since past. It will never happen. However, in the future, I may do something outside of Journey." Until he says something like this, the rumors and hope will continue. And rightly so. It's fun.