Believin’ one song’s Journey-Story of the hit that won’t die

[Chubby321]

Believin’ one song’s Journey
Story of the hit that won’t die

http://www.nypost.com/p/entertainment/m ... DjDbH52IOP

By REED TUCKER
Last Updated: 8:22 AM, May 23, 2010
Posted: 11:04 PM, May 22, 2010
New York Post


It took Journey 30 minutes to write one of the most enduring songs in rock history. “Don’t Stop Believin’” is, in many ways, more popular now than when the band first released it in 1981. It turned up in the “The Sopranos” finale, got a huge boost when it was featured on the first season of “Glee” and is the go-to song for wedding parties and bar crawlers looking to end a night of revelry with a bang.

The song is the best-selling catalog track on iTunes (more than 2 million downloads), and in January it charted twice in the UK’s Top 10: the original at No. 6, the “Glee” cover at No. 5.

The song was written by keyboardist Jonathan Cain, guitarist Neal Schon and singer Steve Perry while the band was writing and rehearsing new material for the album “Escape” in an Oakland warehouse Schon had bought from a member of Sly and the Family Stone. One day, Cain came in with a chorus melody and the lyric, “Don’t stop believin.’ ”

“The phrase came from my father,” Cain says. “I had a tough time trying to get down the road in the music business, and he used to tell me that stuff, ‘Don’t stop believing’ and, ‘Stick to your guns.’ ”

From there, Perry mostly dictated the structure.

“He worked backwards,” Cain says. “He said, ‘You need to start this thing like it’s going somewhere. Give me some rolling piano.’ So I started playing. Then I think Neal came up with the bass line. Steve scat on that.”

Schon then added his urgent, 16th-note arpeggiated guitar riff, played on a Les Paul, after Perry suggested he needed to sound like “a train.”

The next day, Cain went over to Perry’s house, and the two wrote the full lyrics about a “small-town girl” and a “city boy.” The line about taking a “midnight train going anywhere” was a reference to Gladys Knight’s “Midnight Train to Georgia,” while the lyric, “Strangers waiting/Up and down the boulevard” was pulled from Cain’s time living in LA in the early 1970s.

“My brother and I used go down Sunset Boulevard on a Friday night, and it was like a zoo, all those people cruising,” he says. “I never knew where they all came from or what they wanted.”

The song’s structure is unconventional, in that it builds slowly and has the chorus at the end of the song.

“To this day, even my [current] producer Kevin Shirley says it’s the oddest arrangement ever,” Schon says. “So I think, maybe that’s why it’s so big. It’s a bit unpredictable.”

Odd as the song may have been, the record company had no power to demand changes. Journey’s contract gave the band complete creative control. The entire “Escape” album was made for just $80,000, because the band was so well rehearsed and Perry, whose mantra was, “Time is money,” rarely did more than two takes of a song.

Schon guesses that today, “Don’t Stop Believin’ ” earns the band “double or three times” the amount of any other song. Royalties are complicated to estimate, but Jay Cooper, an LA-based entertainment attorney, says songwriters are paid 9.1 cents per download and an additional percentage for performing the song, as well. From iTunes sales of “Don’t Stop Believin’ ” alone, Journey has probably earned more than $462,000.

And that’s not counting the income the song generates from being spun more than 5 million times on TV and radio, according to Broadcast Music Inc. Another revenue stream comes from the advertisers and filmmakers who are clamoring to license the song. (Schon, Cain and Perry must unanimously sanction each usage.)

“I get so many e-mails a day requesting our approval, I just leave it up to management,” Schon says. “I thought with ‘Glee,’ when you get exposure like that, it’s hard to say no.”

[Saint John]

Just a terrific song that's a timeless classic.

[Jana]

I guess Perry isn't always the go-to guy for DSB, as alluded to on here before.

[Saint John]

I guess Perry isn't always the go-to guy for DSB, as alluded to on here before.

It's always been said that Cain brought with him the chorus and a general sketch for the song, and that the two of them worked on the lyrics and melody. I didn't realize that Neal was doing bass lines that far back. He does them today as well, and I saw it written that he did most all of the bass lines for Revelation.

[Saint John]

Oops. I think I just realized what you meant, Jana ... that Neal is also asked about what to do regarding the usage of the song, and that he simply defers to management. He's just not greedy and controlling with a need to have his hands in everything, nor does he have a lot of time on his hands, like others.

[Jana]

Oops. I think I just realized what you meant, Jana ... that Neal is also asked about what to do regarding the usage of the song, and that he simply defers to management. He's just not greedy and controlling with a need to have his hands in everything, nor does he have a lot of time on his hands, like others.

Yeah, I meant interviewing them re the song, not writing it.

[Arkansas]

Cain once said he wrote a song called "Stick To Your Guns" for Lynyrd Skynyrd, or 38 Special, maybe Allman Bros. I wonder whatever happened to that song.


later~

[Saint John]

Cain once said he wrote a song called "Stick To Your Guns" for Lynyrd Skynyrd, or 38 Special, maybe Allman Bros. I wonder whatever happened to that song.


later~

Bon Jovi probably ripped it off. Just like they have so many other songs.

[Don]

Now that the band has been taking a year off, they have time for interviews, just like Perry >_<.

[Don]

Believin’ one song’s Journey
Story of the hit that won’t die

http://www.nypost.com/p/entertainment/m ... DjDbH52IOP

By REED TUCKER
Last Updated: 8:22 AM, May 23, 2010
Posted: 11:04 PM, May 22, 2010
New York Post


(Schon, Cain and Perry must unanimously sanction each usage.)

I wonder if Perry has all ready signed off on the movie 'Everyman's Journey' using all of those Journey songs. Maybe he'll make Arnel tell him what happens at the end of the movie, first.
Steve is probably pulling for that movie to go to DVD also so he can add to his piggy bank and delay his release of FTLOSM II for a few more years.

[Don]

Didn't the street lights people idea form from one of them looking out a window from their Detroit hotel one night and noticing all the nightlife going on at two in the morning? I think they were performing at Cobo Hall and recording those shows for Captured at that time.

[Michigan Girl]

Didn't the street lights people idea form from one of them looking out a window from their Detroit hotel one night and noticing all the nightlife going on at two in the morning? I think they were performing at Cobo Hall and recording those shows for Captured at that time.

They wouldn't bring up input from past members in a current day interview ...no?!?

"From there, Perry mostly dictated the structure."

I stand corrected!!

[Michigan Girl]

Oops. I think I just realized what you meant, Jana ... that Neal is also asked about what to do regarding the usage of the song, and that he simply defers to management. He's just not greedy and controlling with a need to have his hands in everything, nor does he have a lot of time on his hands, like others.

I thought all of the writers were always asked?! It just seems that Perry cares more about
how the songs were being used. Since Perry always seems to be the last man standing,
my guess would be that Neal/management give in immediately
$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$!!

[Jana]

Oops. I think I just realized what you meant, Jana ... that Neal is also asked about what to do regarding the usage of the song, and that he simply defers to management. He's just not greedy and controlling with a need to have his hands in everything, nor does he have a lot of time on his hands, like others.

I thought all of the writers were always asked?! It just seems that Perry cares more about
how the songs were being used. Since Perry always seems to be the last man standing,
my guess would be that Neal/management give in immediately
$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$!!

Of course you would say that.

[Michigan Girl]

Oops. I think I just realized what you meant, Jana ... that Neal is also asked about what to do regarding the usage of the song, and that he simply defers to management. He's just not greedy and controlling with a need to have his hands in everything, nor does he have a lot of time on his hands, like others.

I thought all of the writers were always asked?! It just seems that Perry cares more about
how the songs were being used. Since Perry always seems to be the last man standing,
my guess would be that Neal/management give in immediately
$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$!!

Of course you would say that.

lol!!
Didn't want to let you down ...

[Author2]

Oops. I think I just realized what you meant, Jana ... that Neal is also asked about what to do regarding the usage of the song, and that he simply defers to management. He's just not greedy and controlling with a need to have his hands in everything, nor does he have a lot of time on his hands, like others.

Just reading a little history:

"This has all been great," the New Jersey-born axe slinger said in a raspy voice. "I love money. I want to make as much as I can. I have expensive tastes and the only way to keep them happy is by making as much money as I can and then spending it. I just bought my third sports car - a Lamborghini that can do 210 miles per hour. That's one of the benefits of our success. People in the press and in other bands sometimes put Journey down, but I think that a lot of them are jealous. We're where most other rock bands want to be - and most importantly we haven't had to sell out one bit to get there. We're still making the music we want to make." (Hit Parader, June 1983, Charlton Publications Inc.)

Everyone is singing DSB but the band so he should have plenty of time.

Have a Great day!

[Jana]

Oops. I think I just realized what you meant, Jana ... that Neal is also asked about what to do regarding the usage of the song, and that he simply defers to management. He's just not greedy and controlling with a need to have his hands in everything, nor does he have a lot of time on his hands, like others.

Just reading a little history:

"This has all been great," the New Jersey-born axe slinger said in a raspy voice. "I love money. I want to make as much as I can. I have expensive tastes and the only way to keep them happy is by making as much money as I can and then spending it. I just bought my third sports car - a Lamborghini that can do 210 miles per hour. That's one of the benefits of our success. People in the press and in other bands sometimes put Journey down, but I think that a lot of them are jealous. We're where most other rock bands want to be - and most importantly we haven't had to sell out one bit to get there. We're still making the music we want to make." (Hit Parader, June 1983, Charlton Publications Inc.)

Everyone is singing DSB but the band so he should have plenty of time.

Have a Great day!

LOL, dragging out a 1983 interview re a young partying Neal wanting to work as hard as he can and make lots of money.

[Don]

Oops. I think I just realized what you meant, Jana ... that Neal is also asked about what to do regarding the usage of the song, and that he simply defers to management. He's just not greedy and controlling with a need to have his hands in everything, nor does he have a lot of time on his hands, like others.

Just reading a little history:

"This has all been great," the New Jersey-born axe slinger said in a raspy voice. "I love money. I want to make as much as I can. I have expensive tastes and the only way to keep them happy is by making as much money as I can and then spending it. I just bought my third sports car - a Lamborghini that can do 210 miles per hour. That's one of the benefits of our success. People in the press and in other bands sometimes put Journey down, but I think that a lot of them are jealous. We're where most other rock bands want to be - and most importantly we haven't had to sell out one bit to get there. We're still making the music we want to make." (Hit Parader, June 1983, Charlton Publications Inc.)

Everyone is singing DSB but the band so he should have plenty of time.

Have a Great day!

Who is that article about? Neal was born in Oklahoma. I have read where Neal made the statement "I love money, I want to make as much of it as I can" but I believe that was at the WOF ceremony in L.A.

[RocknRoll]

Oops. I think I just realized what you meant, Jana ... that Neal is also asked about what to do regarding the usage of the song, and that he simply defers to management. He's just not greedy and controlling with a need to have his hands in everything, nor does he have a lot of time on his hands, like others.

Just reading a little history:

"This has all been great," the New Jersey-born axe slinger said in a raspy voice. "I love money. I want to make as much as I can. I have expensive tastes and the only way to keep them happy is by making as much money as I can and then spending it. I just bought my third sports car - a Lamborghini that can do 210 miles per hour. That's one of the benefits of our success. People in the press and in other bands sometimes put Journey down, but I think that a lot of them are jealous. We're where most other rock bands want to be - and most importantly we haven't had to sell out one bit to get there. We're still making the music we want to make." (Hit Parader, June 1983, Charlton Publications Inc.)

Everyone is singing DSB but the band so he should have plenty of time.

Have a Great day!

I actually find it pretty sad that SP is hanging on to the songs he was part of so desparately.

Neal and Jon are still making new music albeit not as successful, but making music.

[fredinator]

Oops. I think I just realized what you meant, Jana ... that Neal is also asked about what to do regarding the usage of the song, and that he simply defers to management. He's just not greedy and controlling with a need to have his hands in everything, nor does he have a lot of time on his hands, like others.

Just reading a little history:

"This has all been great," the New Jersey-born axe slinger said in a raspy voice. "I love money. I want to make as much as I can. I have expensive tastes and the only way to keep them happy is by making as much money as I can and then spending it. I just bought my third sports car - a Lamborghini that can do 210 miles per hour. That's one of the benefits of our success. People in the press and in other bands sometimes put Journey down, but I think that a lot of them are jealous. We're where most other rock bands want to be - and most importantly we haven't had to sell out one bit to get there. We're still making the music we want to make." (Hit Parader, June 1983, Charlton Publications Inc.)

Everyone is singing DSB but the band so he should have plenty of time.

Have a Great day!

Sorry, but what's wrong with this? I can relate to parts of this quote, lol. He's a hard worker and life is so short.

[Since 78]

Believin’ one song’s Journey
Story of the hit that won’t die

http://www.nypost.com/p/entertainment/m ... DjDbH52IOP

By REED TUCKER
Last Updated: 8:22 AM, May 23, 2010
Posted: 11:04 PM, May 22, 2010
New York Post


(Schon, Cain and Perry must unanimously sanction each usage.)

I wonder if Perry has all ready signed off on the movie 'Everyman's Journey' using all of those Journey songs. Maybe he'll make Arnel tell him what happens at the end of the movie, first.
Steve is probably pulling for that movie to go to DVD also so he can add to his piggy bank and delay his release of FTLOSM II for a few more years.

Would that include usage by Journey? I assume he gets paid, but I doubt he would have to sign off.

[Don]

Believin’ one song’s Journey
Story of the hit that won’t die

http://www.nypost.com/p/entertainment/m ... DjDbH52IOP

By REED TUCKER
Last Updated: 8:22 AM, May 23, 2010
Posted: 11:04 PM, May 22, 2010
New York Post


(Schon, Cain and Perry must unanimously sanction each usage.)

I wonder if Perry has all ready signed off on the movie 'Everyman's Journey' using all of those Journey songs. Maybe he'll make Arnel tell him what happens at the end of the movie, first.
Steve is probably pulling for that movie to go to DVD also so he can add to his piggy bank and delay his release of FTLOSM II for a few more years.

Would that include usage by Journey? I assume he gets paid, but I doubt he would have to sign off.

I'm pretty sure, for video, consent has to be given regardless. I remember Jeremey saying that also, that the Revelation DVD needed signed from SP. For Audio, it's completely different. That's why you have some concert DVDs that are edited to remove certain performances, if licensing became an issue with an ex-member or publisher who owned partial copyright. It's very rare though.

[steveo777]

Perry gets nothing from Journey's touring or anything they do going forward, correct? Because Journey played songs that were from the Perry era and that he had a hand in writing, he must have gotten paid something for the Manila DVD?

[Don]

Perry gets nothing from Journey's touring or anything they do going forward, correct? Because Journey played songs that were from the Perry era and that he had a hand in writing, he must have gotten paid something for the Manila DVD?

He'll get paid for any video or audio representation of songs with his name on the writing credits, whether it be on TV, CD, DVD, Radio and no matter if it's Arnel, Augeri, Glee, Mariah Carey or Adam Sandler doing the singing. He just won't get performance royalties. As was alluded to in the article, the big money comes from licensing for movies, commercials, etc. With the exception of the Wal-Mart deal, Perry, Cain and Schon are probably making more off of licensing requests the last few years, than DVD/ CD sales of actual Journey albums.

From what I have seen, read and heard, Perry didn't blow through all of the money he made in the 80s (unlike a few others). I think that's why he can still be difficult with licensing. I t could be that the added income isn't a necessity for him as much as it is just a nice source of surplus funds.

If he was broke, he would be out there singing. Even with a shot voice, he would still be able to make a great living here or even in a tour in Japan where his name is still revered. The Japanese aren't nearly as critical of Western vocalists with diminished abilities as we are.
Personally, I think he still has plenty of cash though.

[Since 78]

You guys ever wonder if we are being played by Schon and Perry? Maybe they get along great and just enjoy keeping up the drama.

[Maui Tom]

From the "Mailbag"...Lefsetz newsletter...


From: dan martino
Subject: Re: Glee At The Gibson

As a DJ, Bob, I can tell you that Journey's "Don't Stop Believing" has had amazing longevity. Even before its resurgence on television over the past four or five years, it has long been a staple. It's so melodramatic and life affirming, it should make people like me puke. But it's amazing. A friend teaches at a pretty diverse middle school here in NYC. She asked me to DJ a dance. Ugh. Fine. (She sweats sex. I have no power.) At the end of the night, I played "Don't Stop Believing." After all the disposable crappy pop, everyone--parents, teachers, students--were in the middle of the floor singing along, jumping up and down. The song is just powerful. If Journey reunited for the Super Bowl, the ratings would be a bonanza. The whole country would stop what it's doing to watch them play it. Steve Perry's voice is a fucking choir. Journey has always been corporate rock cheese. I mean, you don't feel anything raw when listening to them. But their professionalism and talent created tight pop songs. People want to deny being seduced by something so scripted, but it soothes the chemicals in your brain.

[annpea]

quote="Since 78"]You guys ever wonder if we are being played by Schon and Perry? Maybe they get along great and just enjoy keeping up the drama.

[/quote] I believe, that they are ALL still friends with a fantastic sense of business trends and the ability to continue to make a profit from all their hard work both past and present. I don't think that they are playing the fans but I do believe that they know how to hold onto fans, because people just love a good ole fashion shootout with a truckload of drama. JMO.

[portland]

You guys ever wonder if we are being played by Schon and Perry? Maybe they get along great and just enjoy keeping up the drama.

Then they need an Oscar....cause it's a very convincing performance!

[cyndy!]

another quote from lefsetz:

And although Lea Michele is the eye candy, and has a long future in front of her, the stars of this show, the cherry atop the ice cream concoction, is that little ‘ol band from the Bay Area. It’s Steve Perry who is America’s biggest rock star, not Bruce Springsteen, certainly not Bon Jovi.

http://lefsetz.com/wordpress/index.php/ ... he-gibson/

[portland]

another quote from lefsetz:

And although Lea Michele is the eye candy, and has a long future in front of her, the stars of this show, the cherry atop the ice cream concoction, is that little ‘ol band from the Bay Area. It’s Steve Perry who is America’s biggest rock star, not Bruce Springsteen, certainly not Bon Jovi.

http://lefsetz.com/wordpress/index.php/ ... he-gibson/

Nice