MR

Live: Journey at Cruzan Amphitheatre, September 18


By David Von BaderMon., Sep. 19 2011 at 9:08 AM



http://blogs.browardpalmbeach.com/count ... heatre.php

Journey
With Foreigner and Night Ranger
Cruzan Amphitheatre, West Palm Beach
Sunday, September 18, 2011

Better than: Running off with a member of Styx.

Recently, the ultimate melodic rock powerhouse that is Journey has found itsef riding the wave of a massive resurgence. Credit both in no small part to The Sopranos' final episode utilizing 1981's "Don't Stop Believin" and the made-for-Hollywood story of how they located current lead singer Arnel Pineda. The city by the bay's gift to karaoke played to a massive crowd last night at West Palm Beach's Cruzan Amphitheatre.

Opening the show for Journey was fellow San Francisco band Night Ranger, featuring all three founding members and a smattering of new songs. Things got "motorin'" right on time as they kicked off the night with a track from their most recent release, Somewhere in California, "Lay it on Me." The new songs fit in well in the unfortunately stilted set of classics, which included a cover of frontman Jack Blades' former supergroup Damn Yankee's song "High Enough."

Following Night Ranger, classic-rock radio darlings Foreigner took the stage last night with literally zero original members. Even founding member and guitarist Mick Jones was absent as he has recently taken ill -- though it should have been expected from a band with a Spinal Tap-esque history of 25 former members from 1976 to present.

They played all of their hits to a vastly seated audience, though the monster waiting room/elevator ballad "I Want to Know What Love Is" brought couples out of their seats to re-enact the last dance of 1985's prom. The almost-Foreigner closed their show with "Juke Box Hero," which had the energy the rest of the set appeared to be lacking. Front-man Kelly Hansen does a great job of recreating Lou Gramm's vocals, and bears a notable resemblance to Steven Tyler. The band made sure to plug the fact that their new album is available specifically at Wal-Mart, driving home the fact that our classic rock is now corporate owned and operated.

Being that this was a family oriented show on a Sunday night, things moved along quickly between sets, and as soon as Foreigner cleared out, an apparition of shred appeared in the laser light laced fog of the stage, playing literally every note he could find on the neck of the guitar. Yes, it was TMZ's own Neal Schon, undoubtedly trying to impress his new/old extra creepy love interest, Micheale Salahi, with his fretboard mastery. Although she appeared onstage during Journey's Tampa performance on Saturday, we didn't spot her.

As Neal lit his strings ablaze, beach balls attacked the audience and small Filipino singer Arnel Pineda began his uncanny Steve Perry impersonations with "Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)". His voice is so close to Perry's signature croon that most people would be hard-pressed to tell the difference on recording. It's made even better, in our opinion, by Pineda's animalistic stage presence, which was compared to a monkey by a near-by audience member.

The energetic Journey played all of their hits, however being that this tour is in promotion of their new album Eclipse, new songs were added to the set. The crowd was happy to give their opinion of the new numbers by sitting down in unison every time a new song began, and then rising back up only for the hits. Schon looked upset while motioning for people to rise back to their feet during new song "City of Hope" -- a man obviously frustrated by the lack of acceptance for his recent work.

Much of the night was about Neal and his guitar playing. The extended solo's brought some die-hard fans to their feet for applause, while others appeared bored by the former prodigy's virtuosic guitar work. He "jumped the shark" when during one extended solo outing, he held the neck up to his mouth and blew gently upon the strings to make them ring out. The night came to a climax during the encore performance of "Don't Stop Believin'" -- and just like when you hear that song at a bar these days, people knew the evening had come to an end.

Critics Notebook

Random Detail: During the Foreigner set, no one in our row stood, excluding one man decked out head to toe in NY Jets gear who was absolutely hell bent on getting those around him to stand as well.

Personal Bias: I hate it when bands go under their original name lacking the majority of original members.

Overheard: During one of Neal Schon's solos: "Come on! Let's Go! How long do we have to hear this guy play guitar?"

tater1977 wrote:Live: Journey at Cruzan Amphitheatre, September 18


By David Von BaderMon., Sep. 19 2011 at 9:08 AM



http://blogs.browardpalmbeach.com/count ... heatre.php

Journey
With Foreigner and Night Ranger
Cruzan Amphitheatre, West Palm Beach
Sunday, September 18, 2011

Better than: Running off with a member of Styx.

Recently, the ultimate melodic rock powerhouse that is Journey has found itsef riding the wave of a massive resurgence. Credit both in no small part to The Sopranos' final episode utilizing 1981's "Don't Stop Believin" and the made-for-Hollywood story of how they located current lead singer Arnel Pineda. The city by the bay's gift to karaoke played to a massive crowd last night at West Palm Beach's Cruzan Amphitheatre.

Opening the show for Journey was fellow San Francisco band Night Ranger, featuring all three founding members and a smattering of new songs. Things got "motorin'" right on time as they kicked off the night with a track from their most recent release, Somewhere in California, "Lay it on Me." The new songs fit in well in the unfortunately stilted set of classics, which included a cover of frontman Jack Blades' former supergroup Damn Yankee's song "High Enough."

Following Night Ranger, classic-rock radio darlings Foreigner took the stage last night with literally zero original members. Even founding member and guitarist Mick Jones was absent as he has recently taken ill -- though it should have been expected from a band with a Spinal Tap-esque history of 25 former members from 1976 to present.

They played all of their hits to a vastly seated audience, though the monster waiting room/elevator ballad "I Want to Know What Love Is" brought couples out of their seats to re-enact the last dance of 1985's prom. The almost-Foreigner closed their show with "Juke Box Hero," which had the energy the rest of the set appeared to be lacking. Front-man Kelly Hansen does a great job of recreating Lou Gramm's vocals, and bears a notable resemblance to Steven Tyler. The band made sure to plug the fact that their new album is available specifically at Wal-Mart, driving home the fact that our classic rock is now corporate owned and operated.

Being that this was a family oriented show on a Sunday night, things moved along quickly between sets, and as soon as Foreigner cleared out, an apparition of shred appeared in the laser light laced fog of the stage, playing literally every note he could find on the neck of the guitar. Yes, it was TMZ's own Neal Schon, undoubtedly trying to impress his new/old extra creepy love interest, Micheale Salahi, with his fretboard mastery. Although she appeared onstage during Journey's Tampa performance on Saturday, we didn't spot her.

As Neal lit his strings ablaze, beach balls attacked the audience and small Filipino singer Arnel Pineda began his uncanny Steve Perry impersonations with "Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)". His voice is so close to Perry's signature croon that most people would be hard-pressed to tell the difference on recording. It's made even better, in our opinion, by Pineda's animalistic stage presence, which was compared to a monkey by a near-by audience member.

The energetic Journey played all of their hits, however being that this tour is in promotion of their new album Eclipse, new songs were added to the set. The crowd was happy to give their opinion of the new numbers by sitting down in unison every time a new song began, and then rising back up only for the hits. Schon looked upset while motioning for people to rise back to their feet during new song "City of Hope" -- a man obviously frustrated by the lack of acceptance for his recent work.

Much of the night was about Neal and his guitar playing. The extended solo's brought some die-hard fans to their feet for applause, while others appeared bored by the former prodigy's virtuosic guitar work. He "jumped the shark" when during one extended solo outing, he held the neck up to his mouth and blew gently upon the strings to make them ring out. The night came to a climax during the encore performance of "Don't Stop Believin'" -- and just like when you hear that song at a bar these days, people knew the evening had come to an end.

Critics Notebook

Random Detail: During the Foreigner set, no one in our row stood, excluding one man decked out head to toe in NY Jets gear who was absolutely hell bent on getting those around him to stand as well.

Personal Bias: I hate it when bands go under their original name lacking the majority of original members.

Overheard: During one of Neal Schon's solos: "Come on! Let's Go! How long do we have to hear this guy play guitar?"

This review pretty much sums it up. However, I do NOT believe that people weren't standing during Foreigner. I'm straight up calling the guy a liar on that one. Anyway, Neal is playing way too much guitar on what was advertised as a GH tour package. People want o hear the SONGS. And Journey, for the last decade has gone, at times, on wild wank fest tangents to end their songs, and they're doing it again. It kills the songs, kills momentum and the fans HATE it. End your songs as they should be ended. All of that extra drumming and guitar shredding is completely unwanted.

You advertised this tour as an 80's GH tour, complimenting your bill with bands that are doing just that. Play all hits and 2 new songs. Period, end of discussion. Lose Edge Of The Moment and La Do Da. Why? Because the fans hate them both! People diving for their seats is an indication that they don't like the songs! Add AIP to replace EOTM and WCN to replace La Do Da, cut back on the wank festing and you'll see a much happier crowd.

Journey, Foreigner and Night Ranger bring the ’80s to Cruzan

By Leslie Gray Streeter | Concert Reviews, Live Shows, Music | September 19, 2011

http://www.pbpulse.com/music/2011/09/19 ... to-cruzan/

So how many original members does a band have to have in it to still legitimately bill itself as that band, and not “The This Band Experience” or something like that? And does it matter which members are left? For instance, if the guy left wrote all the songs, is it cool? Or if the only new member is the lead singer but all the players are different? What is the line between the real band and an officially sanctioned cover band?

These are all questions pondered during Sunday night’s ’80s triple bill at Cruzan Amphitheatre, featuring Journey, Foreigner and Night Ranger. The hits were all there, and the audience seemed to mostly love the show. So does it matter how many original members were singing them? (For the record: Journey – Two original and one who’s been there for more than 30 years; Night Ranger – The three originals; Foreigner: None, but usually one). The answer is…depends on the band.



Night Ranger was first, starting 10 minutes before the advertised 7 p.m. start time. Led by bassist/singer Jack Blades, guitarist Brad Gillis and singing drummer Kelly Keagy, the band did about 35 minutes of all the hits you’d expect (“You Can Still Rock In America,” punctuated with American flags, ”Don’t Tell Me You Love Me,” ”When You Close Your Eyes”) at least one you might have hoped for and were thrilled to be hearing (“High Enough,” a hit for Blades’ former supergroup Damn Yankees) and the big fat singalong (“Sister Christian”). Honestly, I found their set to be the most satisfying, musically, emotionally and nostalgically. Maybe it’s because they were the only band of the three to have all of its original singers, as in the voices you heard on the records all those years ago. Maybe it’s because Keagy’s voice in particular is especially strong and dynamic. Or maybe it’s that their set, at least to me, seemed the most like a tight group of guys psyched to be playing together. As an admitted big fan, I was sorta bummed they didn’t do “The Secret of My Success,” but since I’m the only person who saw the Michael J. Fox movie it came from, so…why would they?)

Foreigner was next, and as good as they sounded, I can’t pretend that there wasn’t a disconnect, at least for me, because not one person on that stage was in the band when it was formed in 1976. Technically, founder Mick Jones is still in it, but he’s been ill and didn’t perform last night. Singer Kelly Hansen is vocally blessed and hits all the heights of original lead Lou Gramm – “Hot Blooded,” “Double Vision” and the excellent “Cold As Ice” impressed, although I missed the band’s usual practice of getting a local choir to back up “I Wanna Know What Love Is”. All the notes were right. They even threw in “Jukebox Hero,” during which the air guitar practitioner stalking the aisle near us completely freaked out. But I couldn’t help but thinking “Is this really Foreigner?” They are, at least, Jones-sanctioned. But, to quote Randy Jackson (which I seldom do unless I’m mocking him), for me it was just alright. But Air Guitar man was STOKED, so I guess that’s enough.

Journey, the headliner, were both thrilling and frustrating. By this time, pretty much anyone whe cares knows how newest lead singer Arnel Pineda went from singing on YouTube in the Philippines to fronting a bona fide classic rock band. And his similarity, vocally, to famed frontman Steve Perry, is so close it’s almost eerie. (Both have powerful tenors with a gorgeous soaring quality.) And Pineda’s obvious delight at singing with his favorite band is infectious – the long held “Nooooooo!” at the end of opening song “Separate Ways” inspired lots of applause, partially because it was hit perfectly, and because the kid’s energy was audibly slapping everyone in the face. Love. Him.

I also loved the obvious joy that Journey, particularly guitar wizard Neil Schon and keyboard player Jonathan Cain take in playing their songs, both the familiar (“Wheel In The Sky,” “Lights,” the jaunty “Be Good To Yourself,” “Faithfully” and the fantastic “Open Arms”) and the less so (new song “City of Hope,” recorded in Pineda’s native Manila). And they’re excellent musicians. But the excessive solos got tedious after a while. We get it. You’re brilliant. Can we get to the next song please? (I know, I know. Some of you love excessive noodling. And some of you, like me, are stridently anti-noodle. Unless there’s sauce involved).

In the end, as mega-mega hit “Don’t Stop Believing” began and everyone started freaking out, the fans got what they wanted – an evening of wall to wall familiar sounds, played well and triggering nostalgia. And I adore Pineda. I just didn’t feel it, feel that anthemic lift like I have in the past. Was it a good night? Yeah. Was it a great night? Only when Night Ranger was on. (And for the record, I didn’t see former “Real Housewives” and forever fame whore Michaele Salahi, who’s apparently traveling with Schon, but I did hear that there were strict instructions to look out for her estranged husband Tareq, who seems to have left his fake vineyard. Tiresome.)

What else was not so great? The rampant seat jumping. Cruzan’s security folks work really hard to make sure that lawn seat folks don’t get into the pavillion, and that those in the back section of the pavillion like we were don’t crash the boxes (I apologized to a very nice security guy who I mistakenly thought was making me walk around to the bathroom just because, when he was trying to thwart box crashers. Doing his job. And I was being mistakenly obnoxious. Sorry, man). For some reason, as hard as they were working, they couldn’t stop people from sitting in seats that weren’t theirs. And it’s not a crime – as long as you have no issues getting up when the proper seat holders show up and then going to your real seat without incident, whatever.

But last night, there were so many seat squatters that literally every ten minutes, through the entire three band show, everyone had to keep stopping what they were doing and get up so people could shuffle in and out of seats. Three different times, someone squatting in a seat got up and went to get a beer or something, and then someone else sat in their seats who weren’t supposed to be there, either. And then two groups of people, neither of whom held the tickets for the seats, tried to figure out who had the better claim. At one point, the nice couple behind me told another couple that it was OK for them to stand in my friend’s seat until she came back from the bathroom. I told them no, and they gave me attitude. These are our seats, and because I don’t want the two of you crowding into one seat so security doesn’t see you, and I don’t want the hassle of having to boot you when my friend comes back, I’m being unreasonable?

Saint John wrote:This review pretty much sums it up. However, I do NOT believe that people weren't standing during Foreigner. I'm straight up calling the guy a liar on that one. Anyway, Neal is playing way too much guitar on what was advertised as a GH tour package. People want o hear the SONGS. And Journey, for the last decade has gone, at times, on wild wank fest tangents to end their songs, and they're doing it again. It kills the songs, kills momentum and the fans HATE it. End your songs as they should be ended. All of that extra drumming and guitar shredding is completely unwanted.

You advertised this tour as an 80's GH tour, complimenting your bill with bands that are doing just that. Play all hits and 2 new songs. Period, end of discussion. Lose Edge Of The Moment and La Do Da. Why? Because the fans hate them both! People diving for their seats is an indication that they don't like the songs! Add AIP to replace EOTM and WCN to replace La Do Da, cut back on the wank festing and you'll see a much happier crowd.

This is a fun site for set list stats http://www.setlist.fm/stats/journey-3d6b507.html

Argus wrote:

Saint John wrote:This review pretty much sums it up. However, I do NOT believe that people weren't standing during Foreigner. I'm straight up calling the guy a liar on that one. Anyway, Neal is playing way too much guitar on what was advertised as a GH tour package. People want o hear the SONGS. And Journey, for the last decade has gone, at times, on wild wank fest tangents to end their songs, and they're doing it again. It kills the songs, kills momentum and the fans HATE it. End your songs as they should be ended. All of that extra drumming and guitar shredding is completely unwanted.

You advertised this tour as an 80's GH tour, complimenting your bill with bands that are doing just that. Play all hits and 2 new songs. Period, end of discussion. Lose Edge Of The Moment and La Do Da. Why? Because the fans hate them both! People diving for their seats is an indication that they don't like the songs! Add AIP to replace EOTM and WCN to replace La Do Da, cut back on the wank festing and you'll see a much happier crowd.

This is a fun site for set list stats http://www.setlist.fm/stats/journey-3d6b507.html

Way on the bottom you can see Tito's vote

wish theyd stop trying to shove they terrible City of Hope down peoples throat. (one of Journeys worst chorus's ever)

Where ya wanna go..to the city of Hope...ugh..

the song is no where near the "anthems" they have had. Play something a lot catchier of Eclipse, like Someone, Resonarte, or even the poppy AIP.

maybe you might get people to stand, also let Deen sing a few songs.

Thanks, Argus! That was cool. Lol @ BB.

Argus wrote:

Saint John wrote:This review pretty much sums it up. However, I do NOT believe that people weren't standing during Foreigner. I'm straight up calling the guy a liar on that one. Anyway, Neal is playing way too much guitar on what was advertised as a GH tour package. People want o hear the SONGS. And Journey, for the last decade has gone, at times, on wild wank fest tangents to end their songs, and they're doing it again. It kills the songs, kills momentum and the fans HATE it. End your songs as they should be ended. All of that extra drumming and guitar shredding is completely unwanted.

You advertised this tour as an 80's GH tour, complimenting your bill with bands that are doing just that. Play all hits and 2 new songs. Period, end of discussion. Lose Edge Of The Moment and La Do Da. Why? Because the fans hate them both! People diving for their seats is an indication that they don't like the songs! Add AIP to replace EOTM and WCN to replace La Do Da, cut back on the wank festing and you'll see a much happier crowd.

This is a fun site for set list stats http://www.setlist.fm/stats/journey-3d6b507.html

Just remember that the song totals are for the shows were people actually uploaded the setlist. There's only a little more than 150 shows represented it looks like.

Don wrote:

Argus wrote:

Saint John wrote:This review pretty much sums it up. However, I do NOT believe that people weren't standing during Foreigner. I'm straight up calling the guy a liar on that one. Anyway, Neal is playing way too much guitar on what was advertised as a GH tour package. People want o hear the SONGS. And Journey, for the last decade has gone, at times, on wild wank fest tangents to end their songs, and they're doing it again. It kills the songs, kills momentum and the fans HATE it. End your songs as they should be ended. All of that extra drumming and guitar shredding is completely unwanted.

You advertised this tour as an 80's GH tour, complimenting your bill with bands that are doing just that. Play all hits and 2 new songs. Period, end of discussion. Lose Edge Of The Moment and La Do Da. Why? Because the fans hate them both! People diving for their seats is an indication that they don't like the songs! Add AIP to replace EOTM and WCN to replace La Do Da, cut back on the wank festing and you'll see a much happier crowd.

This is a fun site for set list stats http://www.setlist.fm/stats/journey-3d6b507.html

Just remember that the song totals are for the shows were people actually uploaded the setlist. There's only a little more than 150 shows represented it looks like.

Mhm .. still fun though

scarab wrote:wish theyd stop trying to shove they terrible City of Hope down peoples throat. (one of Journeys worst chorus's ever)

Where ya wanna go..to the city of Hope...ugh..

Agreed. It tries too hard to be an anthemic Journey classic, yet at the same time, it is nowhere in the same league as past cd openers like "Higher Place", "Message of Love", or hell, even "Faith in the Heartland." The COH chorus is just total lameass.

Saint John wrote:This review pretty much sums it up. However, I do NOT believe that people weren't standing during Foreigner. I'm straight up calling the guy a liar on that one. Anyway, Neal is playing way too much guitar on what was advertised as a GH tour package. People want o hear the SONGS. And Journey, for the last decade has gone, at times, on wild wank fest tangents to end their songs, and they're doing it again. It kills the songs, kills momentum and the fans HATE it. End your songs as they should be ended. All of that extra drumming and guitar shredding is completely unwanted.

You advertised this tour as an 80's GH tour, complimenting your bill with bands that are doing just that. Play all hits and 2 new songs. Period, end of discussion. Lose Edge Of The Moment and La Do Da. Why? Because the fans hate them both! People diving for their seats is an indication that they don't like the songs! Add AIP to replace EOTM and WCN to replace La Do Da, cut back on the wank festing and you'll see a much happier crowd.

'

if you need a rocker in the La Do Da spot, why not Escape? Or how about Cain doing his best Rolie impersonation in Feeling That Way/Anytime?

Toph wrote:

Saint John wrote:This review pretty much sums it up. However, I do NOT believe that people weren't standing during Foreigner. I'm straight up calling the guy a liar on that one. Anyway, Neal is playing way too much guitar on what was advertised as a GH tour package. People want o hear the SONGS. And Journey, for the last decade has gone, at times, on wild wank fest tangents to end their songs, and they're doing it again. It kills the songs, kills momentum and the fans HATE it. End your songs as they should be ended. All of that extra drumming and guitar shredding is completely unwanted.

You advertised this tour as an 80's GH tour, complimenting your bill with bands that are doing just that. Play all hits and 2 new songs. Period, end of discussion. Lose Edge Of The Moment and La Do Da. Why? Because the fans hate them both! People diving for their seats is an indication that they don't like the songs! Add AIP to replace EOTM and WCN to replace La Do Da, cut back on the wank festing and you'll see a much happier crowd.

'

if you need a rocker in the La Do Da spot, why not Escape? Or how about Cain doing his best Rolie impersonation in Feeling That Way/Anytime?

Excellent points, and I agree.

Saint John wrote:

Toph wrote:

Saint John wrote:This review pretty much sums it up. However, I do NOT believe that people weren't standing during Foreigner. I'm straight up calling the guy a liar on that one. Anyway, Neal is playing way too much guitar on what was advertised as a GH tour package. People want o hear the SONGS. And Journey, for the last decade has gone, at times, on wild wank fest tangents to end their songs, and they're doing it again. It kills the songs, kills momentum and the fans HATE it. End your songs as they should be ended. All of that extra drumming and guitar shredding is completely unwanted.

You advertised this tour as an 80's GH tour, complimenting your bill with bands that are doing just that. Play all hits and 2 new songs. Period, end of discussion. Lose Edge Of The Moment and La Do Da. Why? Because the fans hate them both! People diving for their seats is an indication that they don't like the songs! Add AIP to replace EOTM and WCN to replace La Do Da, cut back on the wank festing and you'll see a much happier crowd.

'

if you need a rocker in the La Do Da spot, why not Escape? Or how about Cain doing his best Rolie impersonation in Feeling That Way/Anytime?

Excellent points, and I agree.

FTW/Anytime still gets some limited airplay on classic rock radio, but Escape is about as obscure as La Do Da. Not sure what difference that would make. I don't see why the band should stop playing EOTM based on audience reaction. Audiences have sat on their asses during stronger new material like Higher Place.

Seeing as AIP has been on the A/C CHART three out of the last four week, shouldn't the band make at least some kind of attempt at adding it to the setlist?

The_Noble_Cause wrote:I don't see why the band should stop playing EOTM based on audience reaction.

Perhaps because they're paying customers, or is it on some chart that I don't know about? Or is it just a song that is so instantly unappealing to the audience that they don't even give the song 20 seconds! That alone seems like reason enough to do what successful bands do ... listen to their audience. I remarked in Omaha, the second show of the tour that COH, COL and Tantra went over pretty well, but EOTM totally bombed. I completely understand the need to play new music, but play something in corroboration with what you advertised the tour as, namely a GH tour. They're playing something far removed from the rest of their set (as with La Do Da) and it's been roundly rejected. It's visible, too. People sit down as if they're doing the wave ... in reverse.

The_Noble_Cause wrote:Audiences have sat on their asses during stronger new material like Higher Place.

I saw the Augeri era about 25 times and I have never seen a song rejected like EOTM.

Saint John wrote:

The_Noble_Cause wrote:I don't see why the band should stop playing EOTM based on audience reaction.

Perhaps because they're paying customers, or is it on some chart that I don't know about? Or is it just a song that is so instantly unappealing to the audience that they don't even give the song 20 seconds! That alone seems like reason enough to do what successful bands do ... listen to their audience. I remarked in Omaha, the second show of the tour that COH, COL and Tantra went over pretty well, but EOTM totally bombed. I completely understand the need to play new music, but play something in corroboration with what you advertised the tour as, namely a GH tour. They're playing something far removed from the rest of their set (as with La Do Da) and it's been roundly rejected. It's visible, too. People sit down as if they're doing the wave ... in reverse.

The_Noble_Cause wrote:Audiences have sat on their asses during stronger new material like Higher Place.

I saw the Augeri era about 25 times and I have never seen a song rejected like EOTM.

I love EOTM but (like with a lot of the new songs) they havnt transferred too well live... which is annoying as I love a lot of the new stuff

Saint John wrote:

The_Noble_Cause wrote:I don't see why the band should stop playing EOTM based on audience reaction.

Perhaps because they're paying customers, or is it on some chart that I don't know about? Or is it just a song that is so instantly unappealing to the audience that they don't even give the song 20 seconds! That alone seems like reason enough to do what successful bands do ... listen to their audience. I remarked in Omaha, the second show of the tour that COH, COL and Tantra went over pretty well, but EOTM totally bombed. I completely understand the need to play new music, but play something in corroboration with what you advertised the tour as, namely a GH tour. They're playing something far removed from the rest of their set (as with La Do Da) and it's been roundly rejected. It's visible, too. People sit down as if they're doing the wave ... in reverse.

The_Noble_Cause wrote:Audiences have sat on their asses during stronger new material like Higher Place.

I saw the Augeri era about 25 times and I have never seen a song rejected like EOTM.

I have posted my view of this on AP's site and in one where AP was asking what the fans wanted to hear. I have also posted my thoughts in threads where the same bs
set list have been played over and over again. It seems noone wants to listen. COH and EOTM need to be dumped, as well as La Do Da. This would leave 3 slots for
better songs that would not have the audience sitting on their asses. I personally feel EOTM is great on the album, but just doesn't sound good live.

Saint John wrote:Thanks, Argus! That was cool. Lol @ BB.

Never fails to raise a chuckle everytime I see you use that.

Saint John wrote:Perhaps because they're paying customers, or is it on some chart that I don't know about? Or is it just a song that is so instantly unappealing to the audience that they don't even give the song 20 seconds! That alone seems like reason enough to do what successful bands do ... listen to their audience. I remarked in Omaha, the second show of the tour that COH, COL and Tantra went over pretty well, but EOTM totally bombed. I completely understand the need to play new music, but play something in corroboration with what you advertised the tour as, namely a GH tour. They're playing something far removed from the rest of their set (as with La Do Da) and it's been roundly rejected. It's visible, too. People sit down as if they're doing the wave ... in reverse.

I thought the tour was advertised as the Eclipse tour. None of the post-Perry material charted, so who's to say what will catch on and what won't. EOTM is about as good a song as any from Eclipse.

Saint John wrote:I saw the Augeri era about 25 times and I have never seen a song rejected like EOTM.

The majority of the post-Perry material has sunk like a stone. Makes no difference if its Remember Me, State of Grace, or EOTM.

Deb wrote:

Saint John wrote:Thanks, Argus! That was cool. Lol @ BB.

Never fails to raise a chuckle everytime I see you use that.

You'd get more than a chuckle if you HEARD him use it when I call him !

The_Noble_Cause wrote:
I thought the tour was advertised as the Eclipse tour.

Semantics. They promised us a "night full of hits" and, so far, only Night Ranger and Foreigner are staying true to that. La Do Da??? When was that a hit ... or even a good song?!?

Again, new music is fine, but it has to be in concert with the tour's theme. AIP fits that description, as does COH, but a song that's bombing night after night (EOTM), while AIP clings to stay on the chart, without EVER being played, is mind boggling.

The_Noble_Cause wrote: EOTM is about as good a song as any from Eclipse.

It's failed miserably at shows, though. At what point do you recognize that, switch gears and start promoting a song that IS receiving some, albeit marginal, radio play???

The_Noble_Cause wrote:The majority of the post-Perry material has sunk like a stone. Makes no difference if its Remember Me, State of Grace, or EOTM.

Just last tour saw NWA opening shows and getting a tremendous response. The same with AATY. Both songs were staples and enjoyed by the vast majority of the crowd. EOTM is, by my accounts, enjoyed by literally less than 10%. And keeping it in the set is nothing more than stupid and/or lazy. Period.

keeping it in the set is nothing more than stupid and/or lazy. Period.

Or stubborn...

Even though Eclipse has grown on me a tad, it'll never be a classic Journey album. It's too late to return Journey to being a noodling prog band, no matter what Neal thinks.

Is AIP really getting airplay? Is this XM or terrestrial radio? I agree that song would fit in better with the "hits" than the other stuff from Eclipse, although I think Resonate or Chain of Love would be good ones to play.

Greg wrote:Is AIP really getting airplay? Is this XM or terrestrial radio? I agree that song would fit in better with the "hits" than the other stuff from Eclipse, although I think Resonate or Chain of Love would be good ones to play.

Amen. In my opinion, these two are the album's strongest songs and they're getting zilch as far as live play. But Rip talked to Neal about that, so here's to hoping.

Greg wrote:although I think Resonate or Chain of Love would be good ones to play.

I know...I just don't get what these guys are thinking. You're right about Anything Is Possible, I think it would have synched well with the hits, as well as Someone. I fail to understand why they have totally ignored playing these songs so far.. They played 4 and sometimes 5 songs from Eclipse on the European tour. Some of those songs such as Resonate and COL obviously went over well there.

Saint John wrote:This review pretty much sums it up. However, I do NOT believe that people weren't standing during Foreigner. I'm straight up calling the guy a liar on that one. Anyway, Neal is playing way too much guitar on what was advertised as a GH tour package. People want o hear the SONGS. And Journey, for the last decade has gone, at times, on wild wank fest tangents to end their songs, and they're doing it again. It kills the songs, kills momentum and the fans HATE it. End your songs as they should be ended. All of that extra drumming and guitar shredding is completely unwanted.

You advertised this tour as an 80's GH tour, complimenting your bill with bands that are doing just that. Play all hits and 2 new songs. Period, end of discussion. Lose Edge Of The Moment and La Do Da. Why? Because the fans hate them both! People diving for their seats is an indication that they don't like the songs! Add AIP to replace EOTM and WCN to replace La Do Da, cut back on the wank festing and you'll see a much happier crowd.

I would also disagree with this Foreigner had the people standing almost the whole set. It was VERY HIGH ENGERY. The band ( not sure what they should be callled) all seemed to be getting along on stage and having a good time togther. Journey didnt seemed connected. This was my 13th Show ( 3 Perry, Era, 1 Perry solo, 5 Augeri Era, 3 JSS ) This by far was the most disappointed I have been @ a show. The guitar solos were a bit over whelming. almost every song had some sort of extended intro, as I stated in my Tread if they cut all the extended intros and endings out they could have saved 8-10 minutes which is 2 more songs brings total to 17 and they could have cut LA Do Da and could do a GH package of 15 plus the 2 new songs,, The set list could also use some working IMO.. I always liked when the opened with SW, ATL SIL or 3 similar rockers..I do recall one tour when they Did WITS early in the set list and that worked well. On the Leppard tour with JSS they played almost the same amount of time and had a much better set list.
The show last night just didnt do it for me.. I was glad I only paid 45 per tickect and didnt go for up front.

Just a quick review since I was at both Florida shows.

The crowds were totally different at both shows. Much more enthusiastic at Tampa while Palm Beach was just a bit more laid back. Both venues were packed, I know Tampa was sold-out with close to 20k, Palm Beach looked about the same. Setlist was predictable as everyone's already said. Night Ranger and Foreigner just brought it as usual. I enjoy both bands and they are always fun to see. A guy named Watson can't remember his first name was filling in for Mick Jones (might have been Brian)

I would like to see some changes and varied set lists and I love EOTM, LaDoDa and guitar solos. I agree it just kinda drags when they throw WYLAW in before COH. I also heard there is a cold circulating through the band, which could have caused some vocal problems. I personally thought AP's vocals were better at Palm Beach, but then again I saw the shows from totally different vantage points.

One of the reasons I love live concerts is they are never the same, there are always issues and it's pretty hard to find a perfect concert that is totally live. Anyway, I totally enjoyed both shows and can't wait to see another one.

One interesting part, there was a really nice looking well-built guy right in front of us in Tampa and people kept coming up to get their picture taken with him. Finally found out it was Chris Jericho (wrestler) and he was rockin' out and singing along to all the music. He said he had been hanging with the Journey guys before the show. You just never know who's going to show up at a Journey show!!

RocknRoll wrote:One interesting part, there was a really nice looking well-built guy right in front of us in Tampa and people kept coming up to get their picture taken with him. Finally found out it was Chris Jericho (wrestler) and he was rockin' out and singing along to all the music. He said he had been hanging with the Journey guys before the show. You just never know who's going to show up at a Journey show!!

SWEET!!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=79DPiRgLLw4

Saint John wrote:Just last tour saw NWA opening shows and getting a tremendous response.

Most concertgoers probably thought it was BGTY or some other song from the GH. The masses aren't interested in anything new by this band. Good on Journey for playing something a little different this tour than usual.