Recently, a friend and I were talking about older groups and live shows, he mentioned "Ringo Starr's All Star Band" projects and I mentioned seeing "Scrap Metal" a few times in the last handful of years. We were talking about the merits of these types of "ensemble" groups and how they do smaller tours, and feature 2-3 hits from each of the members. I know Greg Rollie has been out with Ringo's band recently and the Scrap Metal guys include Kelly Keagy from Night Ranger, The Nelson Brothers, Mark Slaughter and Joe Lynn Turner to name a few. They put on some pretty good shows.
It got me thinking... that would be a great setting for someone like Steve Perry to "re-emerge" or test the waters again in terms of performing. A light tour schedule, limited lead vocal demands (2-3 songs tops) and maybe even the chance to sit-in on drums, do backing vocals on some other hits etc. It would virtually eliminate the need to put on a "Journey-Like" performance and to exactly replicate that sound. Tune down a half step or whatever suits his range these days.
If this type of thing went over well it could be the only type of thing that gets him performing again, without the need to measure up to the SP of the 80's or even 90's. I also realize that Steve Perry may have no desire to do live music ever again, and we likely might never hear any new music from him. I respect that since it's his choice and his alone. Only SP knows what he may or may not see in his musical future. I only offer my thoughts on a possible way that he could get back out there...if he wanted to. I would enjoy hearing him again on recorded material or live. Even with a 2012 version of his voice.
One other thought is that it could put him in a position to write with some other artists from his general era of music. My friend mentioned him doing a song with Kenny Loggins back in the day "Don't Fight It" and we both agreed that someone like Kenny might bring some interesting things to the table as a co-writer with someone like SP.
Anyway, just thought I would post these thoughts and opinions of mine and have some conversation about it. I'm not expecting SP to suddenly put out new music or be on tour with Ringo etc... just throwing some thoughts and conversation about her at MR.
Peace Out...
