MR

I over extended my vacation in Manila just to attend this gig. I had to fly out of the country at 5:00 am the next day. I just managed an hour of sleep in my hotel which is just 15 minutes away from the concert venue and the airport.

I'm still woozy, tired and jet lagged so please bear with me...

Almost Sold OUT despite initial apprehension from some fans.
Nice venue but since the area is an activity / parking area..it is flat..so those some who are at the back had to climb up their seat just to get a good glimpse of the stage. Others just got contented watching in those big screens the organizer set up. I think they have 4 of those giant screen.
There were some notable presence of many non local audience in the crowd. I saw some Japanese or Koreans, some Mid eastern looking chaps and a good number of whites.
Beer is cheaper than mineral water ( Coors for 20 PHP or around 40 cents compared to bottled water small for 30 PHP. So beer was the preferred refreshments but the drawback was the long line in the beer stall. Since bottled or cans was not allowed, the sellers had to pour it to those thin plastic cups.

Performance..
Very Good sound sytems, nice big stage and lightings. My initial concern was these but they did a good job.
Arnel as usual was jumping, running all over the stage. Coaxing the Filipino fans to be more lively. Because this is his home turf, he was more relaxed but there are some instances he was over exerting himself.
That microphone toss again...may 7 or 8 times too many.
Neal was spot on, vintage. Some Filipinos in my sections were awestruck by his guitar prowess.
Jon..very long piano intro for Open Arms and I got bored. He was great though in most part.
Deen..two words and a cliche..great singer and fantastic drummer. Mother Father was a treat and Keep on runnin was awesome.
Ross just do his job, he knows his part and that was great of him.

Song Selection..
I think someone had posted the setlist already, mixing old and new.

Overall.. after 6 bottles of Coors beer...I guess I'm pretty satisfied.

Best song of the evening in opinion..Keep on Runnin by Deen.

Thanks for the review. I thought Be Good To Yourself and What I Needed stood out.

I wonder how it would make SP feel to know that a fan's favorite song of the night was sung by the drummer?

He probably wouldn't care either way, but I don't ever recall hearing Smitty having to do a few songs that the lead singer CAN'T do.

madsplash wrote:I wonder how it would make SP feel to know that a fan's favorite song of the night was sung by the drummer?

He probably wouldn't care either way, but I don't ever recall hearing Smitty having to do a few songs that the lead singer CAN'T do.

madsplash wrote:I wonder how it would make SP feel to know that a fan's favorite song of the night was sung by the drummer?

He probably wouldn't care either way, but I don't ever recall hearing Smitty having to do a few songs that the lead singer CAN'T do.

Arnel can do them, but Deen does them better. Your fucking mentality makes you a perfect bitter Perry fan. It's a band...a collective entity that works together for the common good of the show. If this is your best gripe about the Manila show then I'm quite sure that you've come to a knife fight with one of them cool wooden thingies that shot soda pop tabs back in the day.

Another thing is that Perry's voice changed over the years so it makes sense to delegate a bit. Deen does some songs well. Besides, Perry could no longer sing Open Arms and immediately dropped Only The Young from the sets circa FTLOSM. Didn't bother me a fucking bit. I understand that these guys are only human. Besides, you can bet your ass that the Perry comeback is almost certainly due to the nice rebound in popularity that Journey has enjoyed. You should be thanking these guys. Unless, of course, you think he just up and decided to make a comeback at the tender age of....60.

alesson wrote:Arnel as usual was jumping, running all over the stage. Coaxing the Filipino fans to be more lively. Because this is his home turf, he was more relaxed but there are some instances he was over exerting himself.

Nice review, this is the one thing that bugs me!!! However, his excitement
is contagious!!!

madsplash wrote:I wonder how it would make SP feel to know that a fan's favorite song of the night was sung by the drummer?

He probably wouldn't care either way, but I don't ever recall hearing Smitty having to do a few songs that the lead singer CAN'T do.

"my dog ate my homework...."

Saint John wrote:

madsplash wrote:I wonder how it would make SP feel to know that a fan's favorite song of the night was sung by the drummer?

He probably wouldn't care either way, but I don't ever recall hearing Smitty having to do a few songs that the lead singer CAN'T do.

Arnel can do them, but Deen does them better. Your fucking mentality makes you a perfect bitter Perry fan. It's a band...a collective entity that works together for the common good of the show. If this is your best gripe about the Manila show then I'm quite sure that you've come to a knife fight with one of them cool wooden thingies that shot soda pop tabs back in the day.

Another thing is that Perry's voice changed over the years so it makes sense to delegate a bit. Deen does some songs well. Besides, Perry could no longer sing Open Arms and immediately dropped Only The Young from the sets circa FTLOSM. Didn't bother me a fucking bit. I understand that these guys are only human. Besides, you can bet your ass that the Perry comeback is almost certainly due to the nice rebound in popularity that Journey has enjoyed. You should be thanking these guys. Unless, of course, you think he just up and decided to make a comeback at the tender age of....60.

Perfect description of Madsplash, SJ.

I absolutely adore Steve Perry's voice, but I can appreciate all that Arnel brings to the table and what this band is still doing together. I mean, just a talented group of musicians. I love Arnel's vocals, but as far as I'm concerned Deen's Mother Father should be a staple of every show, like Faithfully is. But to me, that's a not a putdown to Arnel. Steve Perry couldn't sing Mother Father either now. Why not use Deen?

Saint John wrote:

madsplash wrote:I wonder how it would make SP feel to know that a fan's favorite song of the night was sung by the drummer?

He probably wouldn't care either way, but I don't ever recall hearing Smitty having to do a few songs that the lead singer CAN'T do.

Arnel can do them, but Deen does them better. Your fucking mentality makes you a perfect bitter Perry fan. It's a band...a collective entity that works together for the common good of the show. If this is your best gripe about the Manila show then I'm quite sure that you've come to a knife fight with one of them cool wooden thingies that shot soda pop tabs back in the day.

Another thing is that Perry's voice changed over the years so it makes sense to delegate a bit. Deen does some songs well. Besides, Perry could no longer sing Open Arms and immediately dropped Only The Young from the sets circa FTLOSM. Didn't bother me a fucking bit. I understand that these guys are only human. Besides, you can bet your ass that the Perry comeback is almost certainly due to the nice rebound in popularity that Journey has enjoyed. You should be thanking these guys. Unless, of course, you think he just up and decided to make a comeback at the tender age of....60.

Not sure if it's his age, Journey, or that he's not "getting paid like a motherfucker" anymore. He's still getting writing royalties and such, but he's not getting paid like he's performing anymore.

You crack me up dude.

madsplash wrote:I wonder how it would make SP feel to know that a fan's favorite song of the night was sung by the drummer?

He probably wouldn't care either way, but I don't ever recall hearing Smitty having to do a few songs that the lead singer CAN'T do.

Thanks for living up to your standards and once again posting "The dumbass post of the day".

Who gives f*ck what SP would think? If Perry did, he'd still be there, he obviously doesn't care about it so why should you?
It's ONE fan's opinion and Deen doesn't HAVE to do anything, but it's a cool bonus.

madsplash wrote:I wonder how it would make SP feel to know that a fan's favorite song of the night was sung by the drummer?

He probably wouldn't care either way, but I don't ever recall hearing Smitty having to do a few songs that the lead singer CAN'T do.

I'm sure Arnel would sing that song both of those songs great, but Deen has been singing those songs since late 2003. They're "his" songs now. It would be weird to hear anyone else sing those songs MF at this point.

Nice review, BEER 40 cents,?????Im there. You need to drink alot to get thru Frigas long ass boring ivory tickling{that aint all he is tickling} I think they were applauding that it was over

How do we KNOW that Arnel can do them? Any evidence?

Arnel apologists are hilarious. The spin they use is comical.

Would I rather he be singing than no Journey at all? Yes.
Would I rather masturbate than no SEX at all? Yes.

But it's really not close when you have the choice between the compromise and the real thing, is there?

madsplash wrote:How do we KNOW that Arenl can do them? Any evidence?

Arnel apologists are hilarious. The spin they use is comical.

Would I rather he be singing than no Journey at all? Yes.
Would I rather masturbate than no SEX at all? Yes.

But it's really not close when you have the choice between the compromise and the real thing, is there?

you trying to say you got busted jacking off with AATY on in the background?

madsplash wrote:How do we KNOW that Arnel can do them? Any evidence?

Arnel apologists are hilarious. The spin they use is comical.

Would I rather he be singing than no Journey at all? Yes.
Would I rather masturbate than no SEX at all? Yes.

But it's really not close when you have the choice between the compromise and the real thing, is there?

How do you know that Perry can still sing? Any evidence?

madsplash wrote:How do we KNOW that Arenl can do them? Any evidence?

Arnel apologists are hilarious. The spin they use is comical.

Would I rather he be singing than no Journey at all? Yes.
Would I rather masturbate than no SEX at all? Yes.

But it's really not close when you have the choice between the compromise and the real thing, is there?

There's a ton of evidence out there that Arnel can sing the catalog, but you won't listen to it because you have one agenda.
LISTEN to the stuff out there. The guy's kicking ass.
At least the audience in Manilla got to hear "When You Love a Woman" live by Journey.
They sure couldn't when Perry was at the helm.

Maui Tom wrote:

madsplash wrote:How do we KNOW that Arenl can do them? Any evidence?

Arnel apologists are hilarious. The spin they use is comical.

Would I rather he be singing than no Journey at all? Yes.
Would I rather masturbate than no SEX at all? Yes.

But it's really not close when you have the choice between the compromise and the real thing, is there?

you trying to say you got busted jacking off with AATY on in the background?

Nope. Just that I'd rather have the real thing, instead of a replacement, wouldn't you?

madsplash wrote:

Maui Tom wrote:

madsplash wrote:How do we KNOW that Arenl can do them? Any evidence?

Arnel apologists are hilarious. The spin they use is comical.

Would I rather he be singing than no Journey at all? Yes.
Would I rather masturbate than no SEX at all? Yes.

But it's really not close when you have the choice between the compromise and the real thing, is there?

you trying to say you got busted jacking off with AATY on in the background?

Nope. Just that I'd rather have the real thing, instead of a replacement, wouldn't you?

Not unless the real thing can perform up to par. For me, anyways, it's not enough that it's Steve Perry.

madsplash wrote:

Maui Tom wrote:

madsplash wrote:How do we KNOW that Arenl can do them? Any evidence?

Arnel apologists are hilarious. The spin they use is comical.

Would I rather he be singing than no Journey at all? Yes.
Would I rather masturbate than no SEX at all? Yes.

But it's really not close when you have the choice between the compromise and the real thing, is there?

you trying to say you got busted jacking off with AATY on in the background?

Nope. Just that I'd rather have the real thing, instead of a replacement, wouldn't you?

I'm too old to care...generic vicodin works great for me....

Maui Tom wrote:

madsplash wrote:

Maui Tom wrote:

madsplash wrote:How do we KNOW that Arenl can do them? Any evidence?

Arnel apologists are hilarious. The spin they use is comical.

Would I rather he be singing than no Journey at all? Yes.
Would I rather masturbate than no SEX at all? Yes.

But it's really not close when you have the choice between the compromise and the real thing, is there?

you trying to say you got busted jacking off with AATY on in the background?

Nope. Just that I'd rather have the real thing, instead of a replacement, wouldn't you?

I'm too old to care...generic vicodin works great for me....

madsplash wrote:

Maui Tom wrote:

madsplash wrote:How do we KNOW that Arenl can do them? Any evidence?

Arnel apologists are hilarious. The spin they use is comical.

Would I rather he be singing than no Journey at all? Yes.
Would I rather masturbate than no SEX at all? Yes.

But it's really not close when you have the choice between the compromise and the real thing, is there?

you trying to say you got busted jacking off with AATY on in the background?

Nope. Just that I'd rather have the real thing, instead of a replacement, wouldn't you?

Perry isn't coming back to Journey. Anyone who is dreaming that dream, it's not going to happen. When and if he comes back, it will be solo, and who knows if he will even tour. But a solo Perry comeback, as great as that will be to see and hear, does not replace Journey. I'll enjoy Steve solo and enjoy Journey as it is now. Too bad you can't accept they've split up and gone their separate ways.

Sorry, I still want to hear Journey and Arnel is excellent with them.

madsplash wrote:
Nope. Just that I'd rather have the real thing, instead of a replacement, wouldn't you?

Gideon wrote:Not unless the real thing can perform up to par. For me, anyways, it's not enough that it's Steve Perry.

+1

Jana wrote:Perry isn't coming back to Journey. Anyone who is dreaming that dream, it's not going to happen. When and if he comes back, it will be solo, and who knows if he will even tour. But a solo Perry comeback, as great as that will be to see and hear, does not replace Journey. I'll enjoy Steve solo and enjoy Journey as it is now. Too bad you can't accept they've split up and gone their separate ways.

Sorry, I still want to hear Journey and Arnel is excellent with them.

Jana - You are always the voice of reason and I agree with you on this.

madsplash wrote:

Maui Tom wrote:

madsplash wrote:How do we KNOW that Arenl can do them? Any evidence?

Arnel apologists are hilarious. The spin they use is comical.

Would I rather he be singing than no Journey at all? Yes.
Would I rather masturbate than no SEX at all? Yes.

But it's really not close when you have the choice between the compromise and the real thing, is there?

you trying to say you got busted jacking off with AATY on in the background?

Nope. Just that I'd rather have the real thing, instead of a replacement, wouldn't you?

can't wait for Lou Gramm to get back with Foreigner....ride that "original" train...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XkxGPQOsN2A

Maui Tom wrote:

madsplash wrote:

Maui Tom wrote:

madsplash wrote:How do we KNOW that Arenl can do them? Any evidence?

Arnel apologists are hilarious. The spin they use is comical.

Would I rather he be singing than no Journey at all? Yes.
Would I rather masturbate than no SEX at all? Yes.

But it's really not close when you have the choice between the compromise and the real thing, is there?

you trying to say you got busted jacking off with AATY on in the background?

Nope. Just that I'd rather have the real thing, instead of a replacement, wouldn't you?

can't wait for Lou Gramm to get back with Foreigner....ride that "original" train...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XkxGPQOsN2A

That broke my heart. It really brings tears to my eyes.

Maui Tom wrote:

madsplash wrote:

Maui Tom wrote:

madsplash wrote:How do we KNOW that Arenl can do them? Any evidence?

Arnel apologists are hilarious. The spin they use is comical.

Would I rather he be singing than no Journey at all? Yes.
Would I rather masturbate than no SEX at all? Yes.

But it's really not close when you have the choice between the compromise and the real thing, is there?

you trying to say you got busted jacking off with AATY on in the background?

Nope. Just that I'd rather have the real thing, instead of a replacement, wouldn't you?

can't wait for Lou Gramm to get back with Foreigner....ride that "original" train...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XkxGPQOsN2A

It's still HIM doing the songs that he helped create. Not a knock-off, wanna-be cover version. To each his own, I guess.

SP IS JOURNEY. Without him, it's cool, but it's not, and never will be the same. And you guys fucking KNOW it.

madsplash wrote:SP IS JOURNEY. Without him, it's cool, but it's not, and never will be the same. And you guys fucking KNOW it.

I think I've found the source of the consternation that these people feel towards you. You say these things as though they are absolute, irrefutable fact and expect the rest of us to adhere to it.

The flaw being that this isn't the case.

Jana wrote:

Maui Tom wrote:

madsplash wrote:

Maui Tom wrote:

madsplash wrote:How do we KNOW that Arenl can do them? Any evidence?

Arnel apologists are hilarious. The spin they use is comical.

Would I rather he be singing than no Journey at all? Yes.
Would I rather masturbate than no SEX at all? Yes.

But it's really not close when you have the choice between the compromise and the real thing, is there?

you trying to say you got busted jacking off with AATY on in the background?

Nope. Just that I'd rather have the real thing, instead of a replacement, wouldn't you?

can't wait for Lou Gramm to get back with Foreigner....ride that "original" train...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XkxGPQOsN2A

That broke my heart. It really brings tears to my eyes.

Don't cry for him, be happy that the man who's songs those REALLY are, is doing the best he can, and still damn good.

You guys are hilarious. Forget who started the train, just bring in the next engineer, and the next, and the next, and the next, and the next.

There WILL BE a Journey again with SP. It's just a matter of time.

Yea. We will FUCKING see.

madsplash wrote:
There WILL BE a Journey again with SP. It's just a matter of time.

Yea. We will FUCKING see.

Now it's time to call you fucking RETARDED. Just retarded to say that. You had these fuckers by the balls/vag with the Perry disc, and now you just pissed away some Board capital.

Gideon wrote:

madsplash wrote:SP IS JOURNEY. Without him, it's cool, but it's not, and never will be the same. And you guys fucking KNOW it.

I think I've found the source of the consternation that these people feel towards you. You say these things as though they are absolute, irrefutable fact and expect the rest of us to adhere to it.

The flaw being that this isn't the case.

Of course it's opinion and if anyone doesn't realize that, they're just foolish.