Journey/Pat Benatar/Loverboy in Greensboro, NC 10/3/12

[Pelata]

I got VIP suite tickets thru my job, so I went.

Just a quick review of last night's show in GSO:

Loverboy - good, clean fun. They played well, Mike sounded good and seemed happy to be there. Piped backing vocals, par for the course I suppose. No new songs. Solid...not a lot else to say. The crowd sang along enthusiastically.

Pat Benatar - I want to be Pat Benatar when I grow up! The woman is a flat out badass! Straight, 4-piece Rock all live. The only "canned" bit was the "We Belong" synth loop and Neil at least led into that with piano and started it himself. Neil Geraldo is awesome, their interaction on stage was fluid and comfortable and Pat was amazing vocally. She sang with such guts and passion! When she came in with the "whoa-whoa-whoa WE ARE STRONG!" I got chills! Deen came out and played drums on "Hit Me With Your Best Shot". I would love to see a full headline set from her. She owned the crowd and there was so much sing-along with her that you would have thought she was the headliner...she acted like she was. Flawless.

Journey - well executed, well rehearsed. Not a lot of passion. Deen always acts like he's having fun. Arnel was like a caffiene-overdosed chihuahua running all over. Backing vocals obviously canned (more voices than people singing). Cool nuggets (for me) in the set. Hearing BGTY and KOR was pretty awesome. The opened w/ FITH which was also cool. I enjoyed hearing NWA live too. Deen sounded great on KOR and MF.

Arnel's voice was strong and clear. But, up until last night I could never quite put my finger on why I don't like him. Now I know. He has not a single ounce of Rock And Roll charisma in his body. Perry, Augeri, Soto - all 3 had rock swagger and soul to go with their voices. Arnel has none. He's very talented, has a strong voice and a big range...I also have no doubt that he's a super nice guy. But all that does not replace swagger/charisma. He has no rhythm (no rhyme or reason to his movements) and sings very mechanically...hitting the notes without making me feel them. Also, there's things about his phrasing in some songs I just don't like (personal nitpick, I know). He barely said 3 words to the crowd all night, and didn't speak at all until like 9 songs in (could be precautionary, I know).

Also, the band just looks disjointed. Arnel bounces around like crazy like he's the only one on stage...Ross & Jon move very little and act very business-like...Neal & Deen try to look/act very "rock star"...there's no connection...nothing tying them together. All that said, the songs were the stars and all the songs I mentioned already plus "ESC4P3" were all highlights...so just hearing the songs was cool enough...even thought it did not feel like it was actually Journey playing them.

Overall, an enjoyable evening w/ Pat Benatar being the main highlight for me. She just kicked all kinds of ass. I think at this point, I am done w/ Journey. I just can't get into this line up. I'll always have the Perry/Augeri eras but, barring a reunion with one of them, last night marks my final Journey show.

Side note - the crowd during Journey's set was disappointing. Way too many people SAT DOWN during lesser known songs (including Anytime, Mother Father, Keep On Running, Never Walk Away, Be Good To Yourself)...SAT DOWN like they did not know the songs. But of course, stood/danced during Lights, LTS, AWYWI, Open Arms, etc. Then, of course, the entire place lost it's collective sanity when DSB finally came around. But how do you sit down during Anytime or Be Good To Yourself? Sheesh...

[Michigan Girl]

Oh, oh ...here come the negative Nancy's, you hater!!

Your description of AP ...and the band w/AP, is exactly what
I've been saying since day one ..."beautiful voice, what a cutie
of a guy, so friendly and loveable, but ...there's no chemistry w/
the band, w/the audience, w/the songs, no soul/emotion ...he doesn't know
what to do w/himself on that stage. I'd rather someone w/a lesser voice
sing and make me feeeeel those songs again "

Robotic, you wrapped it all up in a pretty little package aaand tied it
w/ a beautiful bow ...perfect explanation.

[Eric]

Oh, oh ...here come the negative Nancy's, you hater!!

Your description of AP ...and the band w/AP, is exactly what
I've been saying since day one ..."beautiful voice, what a cutie
of a guy, so friendly and loveable, but ...there's no chemistry w/
the band, w/the audience, w/the songs, no soul/emotion ...he doesn't know
what to do w/himself on that stage. I'd rather someone w/a lesser voice
sing and make me feeeeel those songs again "

Robotic, you wrapped it all up in a pretty little package aaand tied it
w/ a beautiful bow ...perfect explanation.

Unlike your one dimensional ignorant posts about Journey, Pelata's was excellent, constructive and detailed......

[Michigan Girl]

Oh, oh ...here come the negative Nancy's, you hater!!

Your description of AP ...and the band w/AP, is exactly what
I've been saying since day one ..."beautiful voice, what a cutie
of a guy, so friendly and loveable, but ...there's no chemistry w/
the band, w/the audience, w/the songs, no soul/emotion ...he doesn't know
what to do w/himself on that stage. I'd rather someone w/a lesser voice
sing and make me feeeeel those songs again "

Robotic, you wrapped it all up in a pretty little package aaand tied it
w/ a beautiful bow ...perfect explanation.

Unlike your one dimensional ignorant posts about Journey, Pelata's was excellent, constructive and detailed......

And unlike your one dimensional, Journey is perfect ignorant fanboyism, I challenge you to
find an example of a post regarding their talent that was not constructive, stating the positive and negative.
Now stop whinning and fetch.

[Pelata]

Oh, oh ...here come the negative Nancy's, you hater!!

Your description of AP ...and the band w/AP, is exactly what
I've been saying since day one ..."beautiful voice, what a cutie
of a guy, so friendly and loveable, but ...there's no chemistry w/
the band, w/the audience, w/the songs, no soul/emotion ...he doesn't know
what to do w/himself on that stage. I'd rather someone w/a lesser voice
sing and make me feeeeel those songs again "

Robotic, you wrapped it all up in a pretty little package aaand tied it
w/ a beautiful bow ...perfect explanation.

Yeah, he just didn't make me believe it. During the mega-hits the crowd was really into it, but looking around that was more about the song being played than who was singing it...anyone could have been on stage singing DSB last night and it would have received the same reaction.

[Eric]

Oh, oh ...here come the negative Nancy's, you hater!!

Your description of AP ...and the band w/AP, is exactly what
I've been saying since day one ..."beautiful voice, what a cutie
of a guy, so friendly and loveable, but ...there's no chemistry w/
the band, w/the audience, w/the songs, no soul/emotion ...he doesn't know
what to do w/himself on that stage. I'd rather someone w/a lesser voice
sing and make me feeeeel those songs again "

Robotic, you wrapped it all up in a pretty little package aaand tied it
w/ a beautiful bow ...perfect explanation.

Unlike your one dimensional ignorant posts about Journey, Pelata's was excellent, constructive and detailed......

And unlike your one dimensional, Journey is perfect ignorant fanboyism, I challenge you to
find an example of a post regarding their talent that was not constructive, stating the positive and negative.
Now stop whinning and fetch.

How about your sarcastic response to their billboard status this year....

While I have been critical with Journey (ex. insistence on doing the triple headers) ...I also WILL admit my agenda is to promote the positive of the band. You need to admit your agenda is dismiss the current band and live in the past, and then try to explain why someone would want to make a hobby out of it.

When something positive is said about Journey it makes me happy. It makes you resentful and you look to bring it down.

[slucero]

Oh, oh ...here come the negative Nancy's, you hater!!

Your description of AP ...and the band w/AP, is exactly what
I've been saying since day one ..."beautiful voice, what a cutie
of a guy, so friendly and loveable, but ...there's no chemistry w/
the band, w/the audience, w/the songs, no soul/emotion ...he doesn't know
what to do w/himself on that stage. I'd rather someone w/a lesser voice
sing and make me feeeeel those songs again "

Robotic, you wrapped it all up in a pretty little package aaand tied it
w/ a beautiful bow ...perfect explanation.

Unlike your one dimensional ignorant posts about Journey, Pelata's was excellent, constructive and detailed......

And unlike your one dimensional, Journey is perfect ignorant fanboyism, I challenge you to
find an example of a post regarding their talent that was not constructive, stating the positive and negative.
Now stop whinning and fetch.

How about your sarcastic response to their billboard status this year....

While I have been critical with Journey (ex. insistence on doing the triple headers) ...I also WILL admit my agenda is to promote the positive of the band. You need to admit your agenda is dismiss the current band and live in the past, and then try to explain why someone would want to make a hobby out of it.

When something positive is said about Journey it makes me happy. It makes you resentful and you look to bring it down.

Stating that something sucks, when it actually and obviously sucks, is simply being honest about what one is seeing...


Example: Eclipse is a well recorded and mixed album, but the songwriting on it sucked.

[Michigan Girl]

How about your sarcastic response to their billboard status this year....

While I have been critical with Journey (ex. insistence on doing the triple headers) ...I also WILL admit my agenda is to promote the positive of the band. You need to admit your agenda is dismiss the current band and live in the past, and then try to explain why someone would want to make a hobby out of it.

When something positive is said about Journey it makes me happy. It makes you resentful and you look to bring it down.

I stated the facts, Journey started ealier than the rest and played more dates, also that they always did well touring ...and I only
did so after the thread starter seemed to be in a state of shock that his thread had no responses.
I believe 'twas you and another poster who started w/the sarcasm. The two of you had nothing positive to say about the
numbers/band just about other posters/fans.


When someone has something negative to say about Journey, you have a hard time handling it, or more importantly
the people/posters who post it. I'm never resentful of someone else's joy in anything, I'm resentful of people who
have to put down others in order to express that joy ...like Journey's past, Sp, SA, JSS, so yes you are correct in a sense
I'm not changing anytime soon andI'm not asking you to either, just don't ever expect me to back down ...think
of me as the ghost of Journey's past.

[portland]

How about your sarcastic response to their billboard status this year....

While I have been critical with Journey (ex. insistence on doing the triple headers) ...I also WILL admit my agenda is to promote the positive of the band. You need to admit your agenda is dismiss the current band and live in the past, and then try to explain why someone would want to make a hobby out of it.

When something positive is said about Journey it makes me happy. It makes you resentful and you look to bring it down.

I stated the facts, Journey started ealier than the rest and played more dates, also that they always did well touring ...and I only
did so after the thread starter seemed to be in a state of shock that his thread had no responses.
I believe 'twas you and another poster who started w/the sarcasm. The two of you had nothing positive to say about the
numbers/band just about other posters/fans.


When someone has something negative to say about Journey, you have a hard time handling it, or more importantly
the people/posters who post it. I'm never resentful of someone else's joy in anything, I'm resentful of people who
have to put down others in order to express that joy ...like Journey's past, Sp, SA, JSS, so yes you are correct in a sense
I'm not changing anytime soon andI'm not asking you to either, just don't ever expect me to back down ...think
of me as the ghost of Journey's past.

Ah that's the best kind of Journey ghost to be

[Michigan Girl]

Oh, oh ...here come the negative Nancy's, you hater!!

Your description of AP ...and the band w/AP, is exactly what
I've been saying since day one ..."beautiful voice, what a cutie
of a guy, so friendly and loveable, but ...there's no chemistry w/
the band, w/the audience, w/the songs, no soul/emotion ...he doesn't know
what to do w/himself on that stage. I'd rather someone w/a lesser voice
sing and make me feeeeel those songs again "

Robotic, you wrapped it all up in a pretty little package aaand tied it
w/ a beautiful bow ...perfect explanation.

Yeah, he just didn't make me believe it. During the mega-hits the crowd was really into it, but looking around that was more about the song being played than who was singing it...anyone could have been on stage singing DSB last night and it would have received the same reaction.

So sorry about the turn of events ...your review was very good.

I was so mad at Journey after last years sound issues that I allowed that anger to form my decision
not to attend this year ...even though I really, really wanted to see Pat and Loverboy. I hope
I'll get the opportunity to see Pat again. My mother did attend the show in MT Pleasant MI.,
her show did not include Pat, but she did enjoy the rest ...I wrote her comments in another
thread.
Really thorough review, though ...much better than we receive from the professional
reviewer/critics?!?!? And I'd rather hear them from lifelong Journey Fans.

[Pelata]

Oh, oh ...here come the negative Nancy's, you hater!!

Your description of AP ...and the band w/AP, is exactly what
I've been saying since day one ..."beautiful voice, what a cutie
of a guy, so friendly and loveable, but ...there's no chemistry w/
the band, w/the audience, w/the songs, no soul/emotion ...he doesn't know
what to do w/himself on that stage. I'd rather someone w/a lesser voice
sing and make me feeeeel those songs again "

Robotic, you wrapped it all up in a pretty little package aaand tied it
w/ a beautiful bow ...perfect explanation.

Yeah, he just didn't make me believe it. During the mega-hits the crowd was really into it, but looking around that was more about the song being played than who was singing it...anyone could have been on stage singing DSB last night and it would have received the same reaction.

So sorry about the turn of events ...your review was very good.

I was so mad at Journey after last years sound issues that I allowed that anger to form my decision
not to attend this year ...even though I really, really wanted to see Pat and Loverboy. I hope
I'll get the opportunity to see Pat again. My mother did attend the show in MT Pleasant MI.,
her show did not include Pat, but she did enjoy the rest ...I wrote her comments in another
thread.
Really thorough review, though ...much better than we receive from the professional
reviewer/critics?!?!? And I'd rather hear them from lifelong Journey Fans.

You can tell some of those lifestyle section, paid newspaper reviewers don't really care...they're there to get paid so they fluff everything up with clever turns of phrase and superficial observations. That said, I'm glad you enjoyed reading my review. Like all reviews, it's just one opinion. There were thousands of people there having a blast (as long as the right song was being played).

[The_Noble_Cause]

Cool that they opened with FITH. I find Arnel to be a very emotive singer, and yet, as a frontman he does fail to connect in the same way someone like Kelly Hansen does so effortlessly. He hits the money notes tho. No denying that.

[Pelata]

and yet, as a frontman he does fail to connect in the same way someone like Kelly Hansen does so effortlessly.

Yeah. That's the charisma thing. You get someone who has a good voice, like Arnel, but can't connect. Then someone like Ozzy who can't sing to save his life but has that "thing" that people just respond to. When you get both (like a Perry, a Hansen, a Mercury, a Rodgers, etc) it's an awesome thing to see.

He hits the money notes tho. No denying that.

No denying it at all...the notes were there.

[Eric]

How about your sarcastic response to their billboard status this year....

While I have been critical with Journey (ex. insistence on doing the triple headers) ...I also WILL admit my agenda is to promote the positive of the band. You need to admit your agenda is dismiss the current band and live in the past, and then try to explain why someone would want to make a hobby out of it.

When something positive is said about Journey it makes me happy. It makes you resentful and you look to bring it down.

I stated the facts, Journey started ealier than the rest and played more dates, also that they always did well touring ...and I only
did so after the thread starter seemed to be in a state of shock that his thread had no responses.
I believe 'twas you and another poster who started w/the sarcasm. The two of you had nothing positive to say about the
numbers/band just about other posters/fans.


When someone has something negative to say about Journey, you have a hard time handling it, or more importantly
the people/posters who post it. I'm never resentful of someone else's joy in anything, I'm resentful of people who
have to put down others in order to express that joy ...like Journey's past, Sp, SA, JSS, so yes you are correct in a sense
I'm not changing anytime soon andI'm not asking you to either, just don't ever expect me to back down ...think
of me as the ghost of Journey's past.

Then why do I find Pelata's review a good one then? I disagree about Pineda, but it was a solid review. The crowds are into the band WAY more than any Augeri show I attended (JSS improved the energy first actually), but I can totally see where someone could feel that way.

Journey continues to be more and more successful each year Pineda is with the band. And when the numbers continue to prove that year after year - the excuses come out from folks like you because it somehow diminishes your recollection of the Perry-era for some reason. It's always something from those who don't want the current lineup to do well....I'm surprised I haven't had to read that its really Benatar drawing the fans, like the ridiculous assertions made about Foreigner and Heart.

[Michigan Girl]

It's always something from those who don't want the current lineup to do well....

If they do well, it's no skin off of my back, I DO NOT LIKE WHAT I HEAR/SEE from the current
lineup. I expressed AP's second year was a vast improvement from the first and, thus far, was
my favorite show from him/Journey. The other players/bands ARE what pull ME in, if I really want to see them...
I've stated it over and over and over. You don't like it?!? Not my problem.

I'm surprised I haven't had to read that its really Benatar drawing the fans, like the ridiculous assertions made about Foreigner and Heart.

You don't have to read anything ...but Benatar wasn't at all of the shows, so perhaps you'll be spared ...

Nothing will ever diminish the Perry~era ...this is why you and your ilk have always sounded so ignorant
and misguided ...that will never happen, and certainly not w/the current lineup.

[YoungJRNY]

Oh, oh ...here come the negative Nancy's, you hater!!

Your description of AP ...and the band w/AP, is exactly what
I've been saying since day one ..."beautiful voice, what a cutie
of a guy, so friendly and loveable, but ...there's no chemistry w/
the band, w/the audience, w/the songs, no soul/emotion ...he doesn't know
what to do w/himself on that stage. I'd rather someone w/a lesser voice
sing and make me feeeeel those songs again "

Robotic, you wrapped it all up in a pretty little package aaand tied it
w/ a beautiful bow ...perfect explanation.

Yeah, he just didn't make me believe it. During the mega-hits the crowd was really into it, but looking around that was more about the song being played than who was singing it...anyone could have been on stage singing DSB last night and it would have received the same reaction.

Then the knock on Pineda is not warranted. To my understanding, his job is to carry on with the songs and sing them the way their supposed to be sung, not go out there and mesh together with Neal fuckin Schon. Maybe they should make out on stage together so the band can have chemistry. What are they supposed to be, the blue man group out there?

Funny how ALL OF A SUDDEN Augeri now has rock and swagger when he'd be made fun of time and time again with not only his "red-leather pants" but his "feminine dancing style" as well.

I don't buy it. In the Augeri years, there wasn't enough chemistry or imagination on stage. People would make a big deal when the band members wouldn't even look at Augeri. Now, he has swagger. Atleast Arnel gives it a shot and tries to act his movements with his powerful voice. Is it unorthodox? Sure..maybe, but if it doesn't matter who sings up there when performing these hits if the majority of the crowd digs it, then why does one have to knock an ethnic's singers ability to entertain the crowd through movement and talking?

Journey is far past their years to start worrying about the petty stuff anymore. It's now about the songs and how a powerful voice is needed to close out their final years. That's all that's asked from Arnel and he delivers. Some people forget that this dude speaks broken English at best and needed to go through customs to even come audition. He doesn't fit in with these guys, it's clear. Journey is bigtime America. Arnel was a club-singer a continent away. I didn't expect him to come in and connect with an American crowd, but he sure does hit his mark through his voice. That's what it's all about.

[Pelata]

The crowds are into the band WAY more than any Augeri show I attended (JSS improved the energy first actually), but I can totally see where someone could feel that way.

When I saw them w/ Augeri in 98 and 99, the crowds responded to the entire shows the was Greensboro responded to DSB and SW last night...with passion and reckless abandon. When they kicked into DSB last night, I thought the roof was going to blow off. When I compare that to the rest of the show, I can only take that to mean that the song is bigger than the singer. When I saw them in 98 and 99, the whole show was that energetic (aside from new songs, obviously...those always bring down the energy).

Now, I'm not saying that's 100% attributed to Augeri any more than I'm saying that the crowd reaction last night was 100% because of Arnel. When I saw them w/ Augeri, they had something to prove. They were all hungry and energetic because they had something to prove (after being gone for so long and losing Perry) AND Augeri had swagger on top of hitting the notes. From the opening notes SW to second encore Chain Reaction the crowd ate out of the bands' collective hand in '98 and it was awesome...and there was no opener.

The band I saw last night was, in my view, disjointed, passionless (aside from Deen), and are in a place now where one song (DSB) is bigger than the band itself ever was. Like I said, anyone could have been on stage last night singing DSB and I believe the crowd would have reacted the same way. When a large chunk of the crowd sits down during songs like "Escape", "Keep On Running", "Anytime" and "Be Good To Yourself", and only TRULY reacts to 5 songs (DSB the most, then OA, SW, Lights, and LTS) something is not right. But again, that was my experience on a single night. Other nights on this tour may have been different.

And I forgot to add to my review: The newly added solo section to Open Arms, then coming back around to one more chorus was fantastic. They should have recorded it like that.

[Pelata]

Then the knock on Pineda is not warranted. To my understanding, his job is to carry on with the songs and sing them the way their supposed to be sung, not go out there and mesh together with Neal fuckin Schon. Maybe they should make out on stage together so the band can have chemistry. What are they supposed to be, the blue man group out there?

I didn't knock him. He hit the notes, he ran around. It just didn't connect with me.

Funny how ALL OF A SUDDEN Augeri now has rock and swagger when he'd be made fun of time and time again with not only his "red-leather pants" but his "feminine dancing style" as well.

I don't buy it. In the Augeri years, there wasn't enough chemistry or imagination on stage. People would make a big deal when the band members wouldn't even look at Augeri. Now, he has swagger. Atleast Arnel gives it a shot and tries to act his movements with his powerful voice. Is it unorthodox? Sure..maybe, but if it doesn't matter who sings up there when performing these hits if the majority of the crowd digs it, then why does one have to knock an ethnic's singers ability to entertain the crowd through movement and talking?

#1 - I've always, since the Armageddon soundtrack, been an Augeri fan. I loved the way he acted on stage. IMO he looked cool, he acted cool, and had swagger on top of a great voice. I've never said anything to the contrary and have always championed him. Other people may have knocked Augeri in the past like you mentioned, but I'm not one of them.

#2 - Who said anything about ethnicity? Why did you even bring that up? I just said he didn't talk to the crowd and had no rhythm. I said he has a strong voice and is very talented. And what does "At least Arnel gives it a shot" even mean?

Journey is far past their years to start worrying about the petty stuff anymore. It's now about the songs and how a powerful voice is needed to close out their final years. That's all that's asked from Arnel and he delivers. Some people forget that this dude speaks broken English at best and needed to go through customs to even come audition. He doesn't fit in with these guys, it's clear. Journey is bigtime America. Arnel was a club-singer a continent away. I didn't expect him to come in and connect with an American crowd, but he sure does hit his mark through his voice. That's what it's all about.

He hits the notes. I never said he didn't. But, IMO, there's a difference between hitting the notes and singing the song. I said in my review "the songs are the stars" and it's true. They're obviously doing well for themselves. But, for me, I want more than just "hitting the notes". Jumping jacks and long jumping the stage doesn't do it for me.

[YoungJRNY]

No man, you're cool. Your writeup was good and to the point. I was mainly just putting my .2cents in on the issue. It's obvious that not everybody is going to come around to a certain style and Arnel certainly has a style that there's no in-between when feeling it or not feeling it. For me, his genuine nature and powerful range and voice to pull these songs off to begin with is memorizing to me.

#1 - I've always, since the Armageddon soundtrack, been an Augeri fan. I loved the way he acted on stage. IMO he looked cool, he acted cool, and had swagger on top of a great voice. I've never said anything to the contrary and have always championed him. Other people may have knocked Augeri in the past like you mentioned, but I'm not one of them.

Augeri IS cool as fuck. I like his style more than anybodies. He was more jazzy and smooth up there than anything. He was his own and was comfortable in his own skin. He defiantly had a nice mix of groove and rock combined.

[Eric]

The crowds are into the band WAY more than any Augeri show I attended (JSS improved the energy first actually), but I can totally see where someone could feel that way.

When I saw them w/ Augeri in 98 and 99, the crowds responded to the entire shows the was Greensboro responded to DSB and SW last night...with passion and reckless abandon. When they kicked into DSB last night, I thought the roof was going to blow off. When I compare that to the rest of the show, I can only take that to mean that the song is bigger than the singer. When I saw them in 98 and 99, the whole show was that energetic (aside from new songs, obviously...those always bring down the energy).

Now, I'm not saying that's 100% attributed to Augeri any more than I'm saying that the crowd reaction last night was 100% because of Arnel. When I saw them w/ Augeri, they had something to prove. They were all hungry and energetic because they had something to prove (after being gone for so long and losing Perry) AND Augeri had swagger on top of hitting the notes. From the opening notes SW to second encore Chain Reaction the crowd ate out of the bands' collective hand in '98 and it was awesome...and there was no opener.

The band I saw last night was, in my view, disjointed, passionless (aside from Deen), and are in a place now where one song (DSB) is bigger than the band itself ever was. Like I said, anyone could have been on stage last night singing DSB and I believe the crowd would have reacted the same way. When a large chunk of the crowd sits down during songs like "Escape", "Keep On Running", "Anytime" and "Be Good To Yourself", and only TRULY reacts to 5 songs (DSB the most, then OA, SW, Lights, and LTS) something is not right. But again, that was my experience on a single night. Other nights on this tour may have been different.

And I forgot to add to my review: The newly added solo section to Open Arms, then coming back around to one more chorus was fantastic. They should have recorded it like that.

My experiences have definitely been different, but I think region (especially over 15 years) plays a big factor.

1998 First leg of Vacations Over - TINY crowd, but into it
1999 Second leg was much bigger but crowd only half into it
2001 Arrival tour (2 shows) was solid but kinda laid back. Nothing like it is now.
2002 Under the Radar tour was a 3rd rate venue but the emotion was solid from fans and band.
2003 Main Event tour (2 shows) and an entirely different feel and big barns. Band not on their A game.
2004 Detour Tour was passionless from fans and band alike. Worst tour by far. Pointless too..no new music and needed a break.
2005 Generation Tour was actually when I started seeing the crowds increase.
2006 Was with JSS and Leppard and was a whole new level...whole new band.....and HUGE passion filled crowds
2008 Revelation tour - Journey felt big league again....MONSTER crowds
2009 Actually got 10k by themselves and the crowd was standing the whole time
2011 Eclipse tour - Crowds were amazing, little short of 2008, but the band was out of it and the sound was off.
2012 Maybe the best overall show I've seen from them. Crowd was frenzied.

[Pelata]

Augeri IS cool as fuck. I like his style more than anybodies. He was more jazzy and smooth up there than anything. He was his own and was comfortable in his own skin. He defiantly had a nice mix of groove and rock combined.

Agreed 100%

My experiences have definitely been different, but I think region (especially over 15 years) plays a big factor.

I think you may be right.

[xflajrnylvr]

I loved the augeri shows and I agree it could be the region. When I saw them in 04 after the cruise They were all sick as dogs and it was one of the best shows i have seen with them. I have not seen them with arnel live cause he just didint do it for me I have numerous boots from the last few years and it still does nothing for me and have watched the live shows on palladia and still nothing .. I grant it he hits the notes but just doesnt do it for me. I love reading all your reviews though. I havent seen a live show since the last one with JSS in clearwater in 2007 and wont be seeing anymore unless a major miracle happens and they do a reunion tour with our good freind, Mr STEVE PERRY.

[Gideon]

Oh, oh ...here come the negative Nancy's, you hater!!

Your description of AP ...and the band w/AP, is exactly what
I've been saying since day one ..."beautiful voice, what a cutie
of a guy, so friendly and loveable, but ...there's no chemistry w/
the band, w/the audience, w/the songs, no soul/emotion ...he doesn't know
what to do w/himself on that stage. I'd rather someone w/a lesser voice
sing and make me feeeeel those songs again "

Robotic, you wrapped it all up in a pretty little package aaand tied it
w/ a beautiful bow ...perfect explanation.

Unlike your one dimensional ignorant posts about Journey, Pelata's was excellent, constructive and detailed......

And unlike your one dimensional, Journey is perfect ignorant fanboyism, I challenge you to
find an example of a post regarding their talent that was not constructive, stating the positive and negative.
Now stop whinning and fetch.

How about your sarcastic response to their billboard status this year....

While I have been critical with Journey (ex. insistence on doing the triple headers) ...I also WILL admit my agenda is to promote the positive of the band. You need to admit your agenda is dismiss the current band and live in the past, and then try to explain why someone would want to make a hobby out of it.

When something positive is said about Journey it makes me happy. It makes you resentful and you look to bring it down.

Stating that something sucks, when it actually and obviously sucks, is simply being honest about what one is seeing...


Example: Eclipse is a well recorded and mixed album, but the songwriting on it sucked.

Is this a tacit accusation that those who gave the album a high score were being dishonest?

[Gideon]

How about your sarcastic response to their billboard status this year....

While I have been critical with Journey (ex. insistence on doing the triple headers) ...I also WILL admit my agenda is to promote the positive of the band. You need to admit your agenda is dismiss the current band and live in the past, and then try to explain why someone would want to make a hobby out of it.

When something positive is said about Journey it makes me happy. It makes you resentful and you look to bring it down.

I stated the facts, Journey started ealier than the rest and played more dates, also that they always did well touring ...and I only
did so after the thread starter seemed to be in a state of shock that his thread had no responses.
I believe 'twas you and another poster who started w/the sarcasm. The two of you had nothing positive to say about the
numbers/band just about other posters/fans.


When someone has something negative to say about Journey, you have a hard time handling it, or more importantly
the people/posters who post it. I'm never resentful of someone else's joy in anything, I'm resentful of people who
have to put down others in order to express that joy ...like Journey's past, Sp, SA, JSS, so yes you are correct in a sense
I'm not changing anytime soon andI'm not asking you to either, just don't ever expect me to back down ...think
of me as the ghost of Journey's past.

Then why do I find Pelata's review a good one then? I disagree about Pineda, but it was a solid review. The crowds are into the band WAY more than any Augeri show I attended (JSS improved the energy first actually), but I can totally see where someone could feel that way.

Journey continues to be more and more successful each year Pineda is with the band. And when the numbers continue to prove that year after year - the excuses come out from folks like you because it somehow diminishes your recollection of the Perry-era for some reason. It's always something from those who don't want the current lineup to do well....I'm surprised I haven't had to read that its really Benatar drawing the fans, like the ridiculous assertions made about Foreigner and Heart.

This is a phenomenon referred to as confirmation bias, people see what they want to see. If you want to like something, chances are that you'll have a positive impression. If you want to dislike something, chances are that you'll have a negative impression. It works both ways, is pretty much ubiquitous, and it's extremely easy to observe, especially here where you have access to post histories, etc.

[Yoda]

I was also in Greensboro last night to see the concert. First of all, Pelata, great post! You pretty much covered what I was going to say for the most part, but I'll try to be brief with my points.

First off, Arnel has some pipes! He definitely has no problem hitting the high notes. He isn't anywhere near the eloquent singer of a Steve Perry in his prime, but who is? He did a much better job with Faithfully - last year he murdered the song! Much better job this year! Jon and Ross seem to just be going through the motions on stage. I can't remember if Cain ever cracked a smile except for when the show was completely over. Kind of like another day at the office thing. Neal never changes on stage. He is always in rock star mode no matter what he's playing. I saw him looking back at his girlfriend off stage, who was just standing a few feet from me. I'll admit, she's pretty good looking in person! Tiny though!

Loverboy sounded pretty good, although I would have liked to have heard "This Could Be The Night" and "Love Will Rise Again"...maybe even "Notorious", but they pretty much just did a few standard hits. Poor Mike Reno...the dude needs to give up wearing leather pants! Not trying to be mean, but man...what happened to Mike Reno? I knew he had gained weight, but OMG!!!

The BEST part of the show was absolutely Pat Benatar! HOLY COW!!!!!!!!!!!! I WISHED I had backstage passes to have had the chance to meet her and her husband! They stole the show big time! I got goosebumps when she played "Love Is A Battlefield". She hasn't changed much at all...I think she's still hot for her age and her voice is still very much in tact!

As far as Journey's set, I liked the idea of them playing FITH, NWA, as well as some classics like Anytime, Mother, Father, and Keep On Running. Would've like to have heard When You Love A Woman or Message of Love....either one would have been great live! I noticed that Arnel was taking some type of throat spray and was also taking a hit or two of oxygen on stage as well. The Deen fronted songs seem to be strategically placed well during the set to give Arnel a break. So, it looks like they are doing what they can do to keep Pineda's voice healthy. The backing vocals were definitely piped in!

All in all, pretty good concert. I had perfect seats on the lower risers, and pretty much everybody remained seated throughout the entire concert - which was OK with me since I'm not good with standing for long periods of time. As far as Arnel sounding robotic, I can see it, and on the other hand I can't. I DO think his stage presence leaves a lot to be desired. Everything with him seemed kind of choreographed. Kind of reminds me of Beavis and Butt-head when they would make fun of Poison..."OK, 1-2-3 Kick, 1-2-3 Kick...just like we did it in practice!" While Arnel certainly has the pipes, and he's an all around great, great guy (loved that he signed a t-shirt for a fan during a guitar solo), a true frontman he isn't. No matter how many times you jump around, twirl your mic or point toward the crowd, there's gotta be more charisma from a front man. Pat definitely had it (as a frontlady) and Mike Reno...well he just had too much of him there...LOL! I know you Arnelots are going to bash me for being brutally honest, but that's what I saw. HOWEVER, I DID enjoy the show, and I probably would see Journey again as long as they continue doing the Triple or at least double bill shows. I'm not interested in seeing just Journey.

[slucero]

Oh, oh ...here come the negative Nancy's, you hater!!

Your description of AP ...and the band w/AP, is exactly what
I've been saying since day one ..."beautiful voice, what a cutie
of a guy, so friendly and loveable, but ...there's no chemistry w/
the band, w/the audience, w/the songs, no soul/emotion ...he doesn't know
what to do w/himself on that stage. I'd rather someone w/a lesser voice
sing and make me feeeeel those songs again "

Robotic, you wrapped it all up in a pretty little package aaand tied it
w/ a beautiful bow ...perfect explanation.

Unlike your one dimensional ignorant posts about Journey, Pelata's was excellent, constructive and detailed......

And unlike your one dimensional, Journey is perfect ignorant fanboyism, I challenge you to
find an example of a post regarding their talent that was not constructive, stating the positive and negative.
Now stop whinning and fetch.

How about your sarcastic response to their billboard status this year....

While I have been critical with Journey (ex. insistence on doing the triple headers) ...I also WILL admit my agenda is to promote the positive of the band. You need to admit your agenda is dismiss the current band and live in the past, and then try to explain why someone would want to make a hobby out of it.

When something positive is said about Journey it makes me happy. It makes you resentful and you look to bring it down.

Stating that something sucks, when it actually and obviously sucks, is simply being honest about what one is seeing...


Example: Eclipse is a well recorded and mixed album, but the songwriting on it sucked.

Is this a tacit accusation that those who gave the album a high score were being dishonest?

No it's just an example... here's another...


Example: Generations was a well written album.. but the mix on it sucked.

[Pelata]

Cool, Yoda. Yeah, I saw him sign that shirt...that was cool.

Mike was actually smaller than when I saw them w/ Rick Springfield a few years back.

[slucero]

How about your sarcastic response to their billboard status this year....

While I have been critical with Journey (ex. insistence on doing the triple headers) ...I also WILL admit my agenda is to promote the positive of the band. You need to admit your agenda is dismiss the current band and live in the past, and then try to explain why someone would want to make a hobby out of it.

When something positive is said about Journey it makes me happy. It makes you resentful and you look to bring it down.

I stated the facts, Journey started ealier than the rest and played more dates, also that they always did well touring ...and I only
did so after the thread starter seemed to be in a state of shock that his thread had no responses.
I believe 'twas you and another poster who started w/the sarcasm. The two of you had nothing positive to say about the
numbers/band just about other posters/fans.


When someone has something negative to say about Journey, you have a hard time handling it, or more importantly
the people/posters who post it. I'm never resentful of someone else's joy in anything, I'm resentful of people who
have to put down others in order to express that joy ...like Journey's past, Sp, SA, JSS, so yes you are correct in a sense
I'm not changing anytime soon andI'm not asking you to either, just don't ever expect me to back down ...think
of me as the ghost of Journey's past.

Then why do I find Pelata's review a good one then? I disagree about Pineda, but it was a solid review. The crowds are into the band WAY more than any Augeri show I attended (JSS improved the energy first actually), but I can totally see where someone could feel that way.

Journey continues to be more and more successful each year Pineda is with the band. And when the numbers continue to prove that year after year - the excuses come out from folks like you because it somehow diminishes your recollection of the Perry-era for some reason. It's always something from those who don't want the current lineup to do well....I'm surprised I haven't had to read that its really Benatar drawing the fans, like the ridiculous assertions made about Foreigner and Heart.

This is a phenomenon referred to as confirmation bias, people see what they want to see. If you want to like something, chances are that you'll have a positive impression. If you want to dislike something, chances are that you'll have a negative impression. It works both ways, is pretty much ubiquitous, and it's extremely easy to observe, especially here where you have access to post histories, etc.

bing-fucking-go!

[Yoda]

Cool, Yoda. Yeah, I saw him sign that shirt...that was cool.

Mike was actually smaller than when I saw them w/ Rick Springfield a few years back.

I thought Mike had lost weight in recent years. I remember watching a VH1 special back in the late 90's (or early 2000's) on all the lost hairbands and AOR bands, and this was when Loverboy was getting back together. Mike was really big then, but it seemed like since that point, he had started losing weight. So needless to say, I was kind of shocked to see how big he had gotten!

[Michigan Girl]

This is a phenomenon referred to as confirmation bias, people see what they want to see. If you want to like something, chances are that you'll have a positive impression. If you want to dislike something, chances are that you'll have a negative impression. It works both ways, is pretty much ubiquitous, and it's extremely easy to observe, especially here where you have access to post histories, etc.

True, but sometimes you really try/want to like something and then you just don't ...e.g. Eclipse.
(Still love SAM, though) ...The post histories do come in handy especially for specific posts/quotes
and for new members ...however, we all know one another's MO by now, right?!?

It's disappointing sometimes when you don't get that intragroup feel that you'd like, but that's
what makes this place ...you know, not a dictatorship ...