Journey Foulup Again

[Rockindeano]

This band, or management, just keeps screwing up..at least in the court of fan opinion. Reading the reviews from last night, in South Dakota, they only played a 1'45" show with no encore. All fans seemed pissed. They were booed as they left with police escort. Hmm. If it was due to time constraints, then this was another ill-planned venue. No cd giveaway as promised....

The venue, which our good friend(cough, puke), journeytroll said was a crappy venue, reportedly had 12,000 people.

Why do they forge on under incompetent management? Neal got new Mgt. for SoulSirkus because they sucked..Is he saying Journey's management is good, or does he not care?

[Red13JoePa]

Consistently inconsistent, if I may permit myself a classic sports cliche (Rock will doubtless insert over the hill Paterno joke here).
You can't bill it as an all-emcompassing 3 hr show and do this. Fair or no fair.

Where are the reviews?

[Jeremey]

Are you serious???

[Rockindeano]

Over at the sister site, BT..On the road section.

http://www.journeymusic.com/ontheroad/reviewshow.php?venue=267

[jrnyman28]

I am sure time constraints were an issue considering they did not hit the stage until 9PM.

But here is a review from the show:

http://www.rapidcityjournal.com/articles/2005/08/11/news/local/news11.txt

Review: Journey's power, energy woo skeptic
By Kariann Farrey, Journal Copy Editor

STURGIS — I must begin with: The dude is not, but eerily could be, former Journey frontman Steve Perry.

And frankly, that scares me a little.

I used to call the band's current lead singer, Steve Augeri, the Steve Perry clone. I've now revised that opinion after seeing him in action, live on the Buffalo Chip stage Tuesday night.

Now, I shall call him the Steve Perry doppelganger, which doesn't seem quite so dehumanizing. In fact, he has made it on my list of notable entertainers, having proven himself worthy of my ear.

There sincerely were times during the band's 30th anniversary concert performance that one could not tell the difference between the two singers. Both have claimed the title of Journey's lead singer.

At one point, the man next to me, Tito Castillo of Hawaii, said in disbelief, "He sounds like a recording!" Indeed, it was that uncanny.

But at other times, especially on newer songs that lacked a Perry connection, Augeri shined, adding just a hint of his own flavor to Journey's tunes — many of which outdated him. He even manned a guitar for the first few numbers, in a nod to a time when pianist Jonathan Cain did a good share of the vocals. But the real Augeri became apparent in the invigoration that emerged when he stepped behind the microphone — smiling, jamming, jumping around in circles, obviously enthralled with being on stage.

The band opened early — at 9 p.m. — with an instrumental jam, featuring Neal Schon wailing on his guitar while drummer Deen Castronovo hit it hard and heavy with a brilliant cacophony of cymbals that lit the stage with dazzling rainbow colors. The first few songs featured Cain on a fire-engine red grand piano, singing powerfully in hard-driving, bone-thumping jams, while Ross Valory's bass boomed straight into the ground.

Much could be said about the band as a whole — its style, that "new direction" it's taking — but often, a band becomes merely an extension of its lead singer in the eyes of the media. Drummers especially are often overlooked — in photos, interviews — and more often than not are taken for granted musically. But there is no doubt that Castronovo, with his boundless energy and bang-it-up style, drove the show.

"He's the best of them all," Castillo said, as "Wheel in the Sky" segued into a jam session that, although was the kind of groove that made you want to shake your hips — and I did — turned into The Never-Ending Jam Session, in which the guys dabbled somewhat haphazardly in a little blues and jazz.

You know — the kind that turns into that boring come-on-let'snrock lull?

Come to find out, there would be several of those.

"It's like they don't know what they're doing anymore," Castillo said, as I commented about the extended instrumentals that seemingly were going nowhere productive. "They started off doing their own thing but then went into this Santana kind of thing," he said incredulously.

I concur. Jam in your garage for fun, boys. Give us concertgoers what we want to hear: Classic tunes and, if worthy, a few select songs off your new album.

Lucky for the crowd at the Chip, the band served up many crowd-pleasing hits, including "Lights," Anyway You Want It," "Only the Young," "Faithfully" and "Be Good to Yourself." As part of the middle to younger generation of Journey fans — at least that's where I like to put myself — I'm into the band's "newer older stuff." And so when the band tore into "Separate Ways," I found myself headbanging until I realized I was on the job and should try to translate the exhilaration in my head into coherent thoughts on paper. Another highlight was Cain's soothing piano on "Open Arms" under a veil of tiny white lights. It was like dining on a satisfying meal and gaining the clarity that dessert would be overkill.

Another bonus: The band's song selection off its new and 13th studio album, "Generations," was on the upside of decent, for a first-time listen.

"Faith in the Heartland" could be a standout track, as well as the hard-driving "Chain Reaction." Also noteworthy was the band's tribute to U.S. troops serving overseas, "Out of Harm's Way," during which jumbo screens above the band displayed chaotic and emotional scenes of war amidst a frenzy of red, white and blue lights.

Valory was proud to mention that the band has three generations of fans and that they all have something in common: They all want to cruise, wear blue jeans and kick it to rock 'n' roll music. The song Journey dedicated to its youngest set of fans, "Every Generation," was, I have to admit, a guilty pleasure; it is original enough that its sometimes-cheesy lyrics didn't really matter. I believe the song could become a worthy anthem if given a chance on the radio. This was one case where I didn't mind "the new stuff."

Guitarist Schon also drew crowd approval — in the form of thundering, revving bike engines — when he played an extended guitar solo of "The Star-Spangled Banner."

During most of the show, his nimble fingers produced a sound that brought to mind the image of musical raindrops from rock 'n' roll heaven.

Power, energy and drive. This is what Journey brought to the Buffalo Chip stage. In other words, these guys can still rock. I admit that I was skeptical; they've been around for 30 years.

But I found myself highly engaged in their irresistible groove and overwhelmingly immersed in totally righteous music.

[Rockindeano]

Consistently inconsistent, if I may permit myself a classic sports cliche (Rock will doubtless insert over the hill Paterno joke here).
You can't bill it as an all-emcompassing 3 hr show and do this. Fair or no fair.

Yes, that is true. One would think the Band made the request to give out the "Sampler" at venues across the country on tour. To bill it as such, and not follow through is wrong and perhaps illegal. Besides, what does that say to people S. Dakota, Pechenga, Paso Robles, etc.. Oh, sorry, we didn't thoroughly check out the fair's accounting practices, and cannot issue you a cd. That is horseshit. Besides, what does giving a cd away have to do with the venues accounting? Christ, have a Journey worker hand the fuckers out. It doesn't cost the fair/venue anything. This reeks of incompetence and also of the Band Mgt. not really being focused.

[jrnyman28]

Most of the reviews are positive and the negative ones seem to be based solely on the short set or CD giveaway. Obviously the area of improvement woudl be INFORMING the fans what is going on!

I agree with many that said, in a short set, there should be NO JIMI HENDRIX!! (Hell, I said that in a 3 1/2 hour show).

[jrnyman28]

[Christ, have a Journey worker hand the fuckers out. It doesn't cost the fair/venue anything. This reeks of incompetence and also of the Band Mgt. not really being focused.

The accounting issue has to do with the cost being a part of the ticket. It has nothing to do with who is handing them out...Journey volunteers are the ones doing that.

[Rockindeano]

The accounting issue has to do with the cost being a part of the ticket. .

That's what I thought actually.. Ok, so if I am manager of this band, I would hand them out anyway, and eat the ticket price...After all, you made this grand, bold announcement, and DID NOT deliver on your advertisement. This is Journey's fault all the way around. They shouldn't have booked places where handing out a free cd would hit them in the wallet....secondly, they should make things right, and give it out anyway....If I was a fan, and I went primarily on this advertisement, I would be pissed.

Seriously, what does Journey make at a show? Up front fee, merchandise sales..they are doing fine. What can a little cd cost? a dollar?

[Red13JoePa]

Yes, guys. Neal drop Voodoo Chile/Gypsy Queen in favor of In Self Defense, 10 shows ago. I'd way rather see them play another tune off Gens if Neal has to front a song, than a Hendrix cover... Rock-N-Deano they rolled In Slef Defense out at Irvine, right?
What's the problem????

[jrnyman28]

Ok, so if I am manager of this band, I would hand them out anyway, and eat the ticket price...

I agree.

After all, you made this grand, bold announcement, and DID NOT deliver on your advertisement.

I read it in interviews...but I never saw a HUGE ANNOUNCEMENT that this was happening (anywhere but the boards)

This is Journey's fault all the way around. They shouldn't have booked places where handing out a free cd would hit them in the wallet....

Journey's Tour is sponsored by CCE, so I am sure that has to do with the venues they are booked into.

Seriously, what does Journey make at a show? Up front fee, merchandise sales..they are doing fine. What can a little cd cost? a dollar?

If that! It depends on how many copies they had pressed, I know packaging is minimal, but I would guess about 65 cents.

[Rockindeano]

Yes, guys. Neal drop Voodoo Chile/Gypsy Queen in favor of In Self Defense, 10 shows ago. I'd way rather see them play another tune off Gens if Neal has to front a song, than a Hendrix cover... Rock-N-Deano they rolled In Slef Defense out at Irvine, right?
What's the problem????

The problem was there was just too much for the "radio Journey" fan to digest. LAWoman was there, and I share her sentiments..It was a great set list. I really like "In Self Defence", and get this, they played "Faith Place, Butterfly, Out of Harms Way, Gone Crazy and Every Generation. There was just too much new, all at once, and the fans just couldn't get into it. It didn't flow well, besides Augeri sounded like shit.

I am starting to think that when the band comes to a fairly large city, they play two nights..One night billed as Journey generations, and the other, Journey's greatest hits. That way they can satisfy both types of fans.

[Vinnie]

Yes, guys. Neal drop Voodoo Chile/Gypsy Queen in favor of In Self Defense, 10 shows ago. I'd way rather see them play another tune off Gens if Neal has to front a song, than a Hendrix cover... Rock-N-Deano they rolled In Slef Defense out at Irvine, right?
What's the problem????

The problem was there was just too much for the "radio Journey" fan to digest. LAWoman was there, and I share her sentiments..It was a great set list. I really like "In Self Defence", and get this, they played "Faith Place, Butterfly, Out of Harms Way, Gone Crazy and Every Generation. There was just too much new, all at once, and the fans just couldn't get into it. It didn't flow well, besides Augeri sounded like shit.

I am starting to think that when the band comes to a fairly large city, they play two nights..One night billed as Journey generations, and the other, Journey's greatest hits. That way they can satisfy both types of fans.

Yea, for one price of admission for both shows. If you want to go to just one, a lower priced ticket with the new CD of course.

[JourneyTroll]

The venue, which our good friend(cough, puke), journeytroll said was a crappy venue, reportedly had 12,000 people.

Please do not quote me when trying to stress a point. Why are you so obsessed with me that you send PMs?

I stated Buffalo Chip was a silly sounding name for a venue. It is.

I agree that Journey keeps making mistakes during this tour. What was there reason for strolling onto the concert stage so late?

Journeytroll

[captexshreve]

After all, you made this grand, bold announcement, and DID NOT deliver on your advertisement.

I read it in interviews...but I never saw a HUGE ANNOUNCEMENT that this was happening (anywhere but the boards)

They're playing here in Austin on 20 September and it's(the cd giveaway) part of the radio spots. Also, The Backyard is a nice venue, but it's small(5,000).

[jrnyman28]

They're playing here in Austin on 20 September and it's(the cd giveaway) part of the radio spots. Also, The Backyard is a nice venue, but it's small(5,000).

I am glad they are getting good advertising there. Here in Denver I only heard one or two mentions on the radio and they were just by the DJs.

[Rockindeano]

Please do not quote me when trying to stress a point. Why are you so obsessed with me that you send PMs?

I stated Buffalo Chip was a silly sounding name for a venue. It is.

Why can't I quote you? You said those exact words. Shall I go retrieve them? Are not going to be held accountable? Naw, too easy of a cop out JTool...

And stop lying about PM's. I sent you ONE, about 4 months ago, and you made it public. I did however send some to Opening Act last week..perhaps you forgot you had two usernames?


And you didn't state Buffalo Chip was funny sounding..You said it was a lousy venue. Hey it held 12,000 last night. Call it whatever you want. Staples Center, Fleet Center and GM Place all sound retarded, but are beautiful arenas..what's your point?

Don't you have to go plan your wedding? What cololur dress are you going to wear?

[JourneyTroll]

Please do not quote me when trying to stress a point. Why are you so obsessed with me that you send PMs?

I stated Buffalo Chip was a silly sounding name for a venue. It is.

Why can't I quote you? You said those exact words. Shall I go retrieve them? Are not going to be held accountable? Naw, too easy of a cop out JTool...

And stop lying about PM's. I sent you ONE, about 4 months ago, and you made it public. I did however send some to Opening Act last week..perhaps you forgot you had two usernames?


And you didn't state Buffalo Chip was funny sounding..You said it was a lousy venue. Hey it held 12,000 last night. Call it whatever you want. Staples Center, Fleet Center and GM Place all sound retarded, but are beautiful arenas..what's your point?

Don't you have to go plan your wedding? What cololur dress are you going to wear?

You just sent me a PM yesterday. Don't you remember sending me one? You did. This is the only username I have or use. Maybe you are Opening Act.

Buffalo Chip is a funny sounding venue. Plus, the venue sounds like it is in the middle of no-where. 12,000 is not a huge concert either. Buffalo Chip sounds like a smelly gambling hall instead of a concert venue. Meanwhile Madison Square Garden and Fenway Park sound like places people are proud to be at.

Will you please stop personally attacking me?
I have changed, and you have to also. You don't have to attack me personally if you disagree with me. I don't attack you, so you need to do the same. The message board is for all Journey fans.

Journeytroll[/quote]

[Rockindeano]

Troll, I am not attacking you...I am asking you to be held accountable for your writings....I am going to research all the shit you've written and post it.. Give a couple hours..I think you have 4 personalities....

[JourneyTroll]

Troll, I am not attacking you...I am asking you to be held accountable for your writings....I am going to research all the shit you've written and post it.. Give a couple hours..I think you have 4 personalities....

"The venue, which our good friend(cough, puke), journeytroll said was a crappy venue, reportedly had 12,000 people."

"Naw, too easy of a cop out JTool..."

"Don't you have to go plan your wedding? What cololur dress are you going to wear?"

Here are examples of personal attacks against me today. For now on, I am going to ignore you because you are too violent and angry on this message board.

You were Karl Rove on this message board too.

You're done, so DO NOT PM ever again.

Journeytroll

[Rockindeano]

Troll, I am not attacking you...I am asking you to be held accountable for your writings....I am going to research all the shit you've written and post it.. Give a couple hours..I think you have 4 personalities....

"The venue, which our good friend(cough, puke), journeytroll said was a crappy venue, reportedly had 12,000 people."

"Naw, too easy of a cop out JTool..."

"Don't you have to go plan your wedding? What cololur dress are you going to wear?"

Here are examples of personal attacks against me today. For now on, I am going to ignore you because you are too violent and angry on this message board.

You were Karl Rove on this message board too.

You're done, so DO NOT PM ever again.

Journeytroll

Good.

Atleast I post quality information.. I GO to the shows. I actually MEET the Band. I BUY their CD's. I am a fan.

You allegedly win tickets, sell them, get married, and score U2 seats. Who gives a shit?

[Soledad?]

I am sure time constraints were an issue considering they did not hit the stage until 9PM.

But here is a review from the show:

http://www.rapidcityjournal.com/articles/2005/08/11/news/local/news11.txt

Review: Journey's power, energy woo skeptic
By Kariann Farrey, Journal Copy Editor

STURGIS — I must begin with: The dude is not, but eerily could be, former Journey frontman Steve Perry.

And frankly, that scares me a little.

I used to call the band's current lead singer, Steve Augeri, the Steve Perry clone. I've now revised that opinion after seeing him in action, live on the Buffalo Chip stage Tuesday night.

Now, I shall call him the Steve Perry doppelganger, which doesn't seem quite so dehumanizing. In fact, he has made it on my list of notable entertainers, having proven himself worthy of my ear.

There sincerely were times during the band's 30th anniversary concert performance that one could not tell the difference between the two singers. Both have claimed the title of Journey's lead singer.

At one point, the man next to me, Tito Castillo of Hawaii, said in disbelief, "He sounds like a recording!" Indeed, it was that uncanny.

But at other times, especially on newer songs that lacked a Perry connection, Augeri shined, adding just a hint of his own flavor to Journey's tunes — many of which outdated him. He even manned a guitar for the first few numbers, in a nod to a time when pianist Jonathan Cain did a good share of the vocals. But the real Augeri became apparent in the invigoration that emerged when he stepped behind the microphone — smiling, jamming, jumping around in circles, obviously enthralled with being on stage.

The band opened early — at 9 p.m. — with an instrumental jam, featuring Neal Schon wailing on his guitar while drummer Deen Castronovo hit it hard and heavy with a brilliant cacophony of cymbals that lit the stage with dazzling rainbow colors. The first few songs featured Cain on a fire-engine red grand piano, singing powerfully in hard-driving, bone-thumping jams, while Ross Valory's bass boomed straight into the ground.

Much could be said about the band as a whole — its style, that "new direction" it's taking — but often, a band becomes merely an extension of its lead singer in the eyes of the media. Drummers especially are often overlooked — in photos, interviews — and more often than not are taken for granted musically. But there is no doubt that Castronovo, with his boundless energy and bang-it-up style, drove the show.

"He's the best of them all," Castillo said, as "Wheel in the Sky" segued into a jam session that, although was the kind of groove that made you want to shake your hips — and I did — turned into The Never-Ending Jam Session, in which the guys dabbled somewhat haphazardly in a little blues and jazz.

You know — the kind that turns into that boring come-on-let'snrock lull?

Come to find out, there would be several of those.

"It's like they don't know what they're doing anymore," Castillo said, as I commented about the extended instrumentals that seemingly were going nowhere productive. "They started off doing their own thing but then went into this Santana kind of thing," he said incredulously.

I concur. Jam in your garage for fun, boys. Give us concertgoers what we want to hear: Classic tunes and, if worthy, a few select songs off your new album.

Lucky for the crowd at the Chip, the band served up many crowd-pleasing hits, including "Lights," Anyway You Want It," "Only the Young," "Faithfully" and "Be Good to Yourself." As part of the middle to younger generation of Journey fans — at least that's where I like to put myself — I'm into the band's "newer older stuff." And so when the band tore into "Separate Ways," I found myself headbanging until I realized I was on the job and should try to translate the exhilaration in my head into coherent thoughts on paper. Another highlight was Cain's soothing piano on "Open Arms" under a veil of tiny white lights. It was like dining on a satisfying meal and gaining the clarity that dessert would be overkill.

Another bonus: The band's song selection off its new and 13th studio album, "Generations," was on the upside of decent, for a first-time listen.

"Faith in the Heartland" could be a standout track, as well as the hard-driving "Chain Reaction." Also noteworthy was the band's tribute to U.S. troops serving overseas, "Out of Harm's Way," during which jumbo screens above the band displayed chaotic and emotional scenes of war amidst a frenzy of red, white and blue lights.

Valory was proud to mention that the band has three generations of fans and that they all have something in common: They all want to cruise, wear blue jeans and kick it to rock 'n' roll music. The song Journey dedicated to its youngest set of fans, "Every Generation," was, I have to admit, a guilty pleasure; it is original enough that its sometimes-cheesy lyrics didn't really matter. I believe the song could become a worthy anthem if given a chance on the radio. This was one case where I didn't mind "the new stuff."

Guitarist Schon also drew crowd approval — in the form of thundering, revving bike engines — when he played an extended guitar solo of "The Star-Spangled Banner."

During most of the show, his nimble fingers produced a sound that brought to mind the image of musical raindrops from rock 'n' roll heaven.

Power, energy and drive. This is what Journey brought to the Buffalo Chip stage. In other words, these guys can still rock. I admit that I was skeptical; they've been around for 30 years.

But I found myself highly engaged in their irresistible groove and overwhelmingly immersed in totally righteous music.

Yup. She said it: Augeri=Perry Doppelganger. The look, the vocal style...too eerily similar. How sad, when there are other singers out there withdifferent vocal styles who could perform the music competently, and yet bring something fresh to the band.

[The_Noble_Cause]

Yup. Augeri=Perry Doppelganger. The look, the vocal style...too eerily similar. How sad, when there are other singers out there with vocal styles that could perform the music competently, and yet bring something fresh to the band.

That's funny. You were posed with the question of naming "who" in an earlier thread and came up with no answers (though I did suggest the once-considered Michael Bolton).

And by the way, Augeri does bring his own style to the band. The review Jrnyman posted attests to that and anyone who is familiar with Augeri's pre-Journey material knows this. As Red13Joe said, out of all the possible vocal candidates Augeri is prolly the least Perry-esque in his mannerisms and delivery. Judging by your benightedness, I am willing to wager that Soledad has never heard Tall Stories and has never seen Augeri in concert, either.

[Soledad?]

He may be the least Perry-esque, but that doesn't mean he's not Perry-ISH. It's too close for comfort, quite frankly. Casual Journey fans can discern the glaring similarities, so I don't think your argument holds water.

I don't remember being posed with question of who should have replaced him. I don't have the answer to that - why should I? There are gazillions of singers out there - some famous, some obscure. The band could have combed through some of the least Perry-ish possibilities, and zoned in on someone competent, with their own style.

Instead they complacently went with Perry Twin Augeri.

The band sounds like a Journey cover-band, quite frankly. They should be like the Doors, and call themselves Journey of the 21st Century, because they are NOT really Journey in this incarnation.

[Soledad?]

No, I haven't seen Tall Stories. I had not even heard of Tall Stories until Agueri. Why would I want to see a Journey cover band with a second-rate singer?

No, I haven't seen the New Journey live, either. I might, or I might not. Frankly, I'd miss Perry. Saw them in the 80s; it was heaven. But I might just go because of Neal. He rocks.

[The_Noble_Cause]

No, I haven't seen Tall Stories. I had not even heard of Tall Stories until Agueri. Why would I want to see a Journey cover band with a second-rate singer?

Tall Stories wasn't a cover band. It was a critically acclaimed 90's melodic rock act that toured with Herbie Herbert's Mr. Big.

No, I haven't seen the New Journey live, either.

Then get lost. 'Cuz frankly ur talking out of ur ass right now.
Your "opinions" aren't predicated on facts or music, but rather deep seated indignation over the fact that Perry is now gone (by his own doing).
Grow up, move on, get a life.

[Soledad?]

My opinions are based on listening to the god-awful Arrival. I am not suffering any indignation over Perry's split with Journey, and I do in fact believe that Perry had a lot to do with Journey's decline after Frontiers. He became a narcissistic tyrant, according to sources, and that helped cause the Journey demise.

Of course, Neal acted wimpishly, when he could have stood up to Perry; after all, it was Neal's band initially. So, Neal shares in the blame for the demise.

If I hear Generations or see them in concert and change my mind, I'll certainly let you know. As of now, my opinion stands: Augeri is a mediocre vocal talent who is hampering the thriving of this once-great band.

[Soledad?]

And that's not very nice to tell me to get lost. Everyone should have a right to their opinion on a music forum. Why are you so threatened by mine?

As for talking out of my ass, that talent belongs to those who would belittle others for simply stating an opinion antithetical to theirs.

[The_Noble_Cause]

My opinions are based on listening to the god-awful Arrival.

Arrival was better than ROR and Trial By Fire.

As of now, my opinion stands: Augeri is a mediocre vocal talent who is hampering the thriving of this once-great band.

How is Augeri hampering the thriving of the band?
Before Augeri, the band hadn't toured since 1986.
Without him, there'd be no thriving. There'd be no band.
First u thought Tall Stories was a cover band, and now you think that Journey was touring immediately up until Augeri came in?
What planet are you from?
Hello?

[The_Noble_Cause]

Everyone should have a right to their opinion on a music forum.

As for talking out of my ass, that talent belongs to those who would belittle others for simply stating an opinion antithetical to theirs.

To quote the great Harlan Ellison, you are not entitled to your own opinion, you are entitled to your own INFORMED opinion.