My First Year as New Journey Manager

[Rockindeano]

What would I do? First, I would be awake at work.

This is an open question for you all. Here are some thoughts.

1) I would look for a female singer to do a duet with Steve Augeri. This would bring attention to fans who think Journey are all about archived. If the song charted, even got some play on radio, BOOM, instant inquiries. I am thinking a duet with Augeri and Andrea Corr from the The Corrs. She is smoking hot, and people know of her worldwide. Cain writes it, Neal plays lead, and her brother Jim plays rythm. A little melodic violin by Sharon Corr, and Deen on Drums, Ross on bass.

2) Sign the boys to Universal. "We need a label," I tell them over many beers at a local San Francisco Bar. They are starting to see my vision. Only I see Neal twitching a little..more on him later

3) Send the boys up to Vancouver, to re-record Generations, add "It's Never Too Late" and make it a really nice package. I also would do like some other artists, and include a DVD in the package. (I know Bryan Adams did it) Complete with live performances of the Band on THIS current tour, and some Vancouver sessions too. I would not make a concept video...all live or studio. Also, I would use a live/session to produce a VIDEO. Yes, a video, and send it to VH1. As manager, we are going to invest, take a chance..spend money to make money, and gain popularity(if that's possible). Strike some deals with maybe AOL Music, IPOD, Sirius/XM, and record outlets. When you go into Best Buy, you will see Journey cardboard cutouts..big an bold. Posters on the walls. newspaper ads. Why? Not only because people would want Journey. If the consumers see confidence by the band, they will have confidence to buy the package. With the enclosed DVD of the tour, they could see just how good these guys are live(and want to go to a show); and speaking of live..

4)Book a major Canadian and American tour. While charging their batteries for 4 weeks or so, (except for Neal, who would no doubt be writing/recording for SoulSirkus or his solo stuff), I would be distributing copies of "The Place in Your Heart" and "A Better Life"and getting a song on the radio...getting ready to go back on the road, and see the increase in demand for the band..The Augeri duet, the new release CD/DVD/ and label supportand video support.

I hate to say it, but Mr. Journeytroll was right..no more fairs or casinos. This is Journey. Hopefully my activist leadership has brought new awareness to the band, and it's time to go inside during a winter/spring tour..inside of hockey/basketball arenas. Yeah, we have switched onto the right track, and are traveling in the right direction, are much more visible, however, we need a supporting act. I do the best I can.. I look to maybe get an act who isn't quite like Journey, and possibly a little different in genre..I am thinking the Irish pop band, The Corrs. Very polished, a little celtic, violin, and some very good melodies.. See this playing out? The Corrs play for 1hour 45 mins..starting at 700PM. Journey comes on at 900P. During Journey's set, of course everyone knows, Andrea comes on to sing their top ten song together. It is not mushy, but something along the likes of Don Henly/Stevie Nicks.
What do the Corrs have to gain by opening? Well, they are very popular worldwide, but not so much in the USA. This would open doors for them in America. What does this do for Journey? It adds on about 5-6,000 tickets, enabling them to play hockey arenas, not ampitheatres, up to 18,000 per gig...(plus I can see hot little Andrea backstage nightly )

Tour lasts for 5 months. November through mid April. At the end of that time, Neal in 4 days records Soul Sirkus new cd, because they are that talented, plus it is already written. That bum JSS has been tagging along for the Generations tour , and has been writing with Neal on off days. Deen does a solo vocal/drum album. Ross has the VU. Steve can do whatever he wants, and Jon writes for everyone. Soul Sirkus does a 2 month Canada/USA tour..their album has been released now for about 3 months in North America. During the 2 month break, I get another generation video out, and a new song for radio.

July 4th...Kickoff the Journey/SoulSirkus tour in the States, but only playing a select 20 stops, and NO Puerto Rico shit either...they don't deserve Journey more than Seattle, Spokane, Vancouver, Edmonton, Winnipeg, Montreal, Toronto, Halifax, Quebec City, Calgary, Portland, Boise, Charlotte, Columbia, Tallahassee, Tampa, Lake Charles, Memphis, Arlington(so greggie can make a show without driving too far and New Orleans. There's 20 right there. Come mid August, they board planes for..Europe. The tour with the Corrs has improved Journey's popularity over there(Corrs are as big as U2 in Europe). Concerts are played to big arenas. SoulSirkus opens, Journey closes. I haven't decided if the Corrs are on the bill.If they are we are playing stadiums...

Meanwhile, I would bomb that "other" website, and start a real one. If you can't tell, that site blows.... We will have a site where I won't allow any Perry Vs. Journey crap, but will encourage criticism of the Band so we may learn and improve from people's ideas.. I will not suppress fans' feelings. Think about it, if we are doing things right, there won't be a need to defend ourselves!

What do you think of my vision for the next 12months as manager of Journey? Please, be honest. Vote in the poll.

Feel free to add/subtract my ideas. Noble Cause said perhaps the Boys read this. Maybe they draw on this?

Thanks for reading,

Rock

[Rockindeano]

Like all politicians, I voted..for myself.



If you are going to vote, please explain your reasons why. I spent about an hour writing this monster.. I have no problems if you disagree, just tell me why you want different variables..

Thanks

[Abitaman]

Leave off the SOul Sirkus. Unless there is a third or fourth act in there to give Neal a break.

Have Kevin Chalfant of the Storm and Two Fires as an opening act.

Heck have Kevin do a duet with Augeri.

Sign me on as press agent-ERIC

[Rockindeano]

Leave off the SOul Sirkus. Unless there is a third or fourth act in there to give Neal a break.

Have Kevin Chalfant of the Storm and Two Fires as an opening act.

Heck have Kevin do a duet with Augeri.

Sign me on as press agent-ERIC

The reason I included SS was Neal said he would like that. See, as manager, I am going to take the guys out for drinks and lobster, and actually huddle up and listen to what they say..hear what they want, and try to deliver it. Neal said in his Andrew Generations interview(I think that was the one), he was considering SS opening for JRNY..

Neal I don't think WANTS a break..dude is like Energizer Bunny...

[jrnyman28]

I love it and said Bravo. While some of it may not be possible, it is a well thought out plan of attack.

I will add my ideas/comments/thoughts/questions/concerns later...

[NealIsGod]

I like the aggressiveness, just don't think you are taking into account the big payoffs radio stations take to play songs. There is an article about it in another thread, maybe in the DL forum.

What is the fascination with The Corrs? There is a reason they aren't big in the U.S. I do like the idea of an Augeri-popular female singer duet.

[Rockindeano]

I like the aggressiveness, just don't think you are taking into account the big payoffs radio stations take to play songs. There is an article about it in another thread, maybe in the DL forum.

What is the fascination with The Corrs? There is a reason they aren't big in the U.S. I do like the idea of an Augeri-popular female singer duet.

I was looking for a band that WASN'T too popular in the USA, but was huge across the pond..plus, Andrea is a smokin beauty

[jrnyman28]

1) I would look for a female singer to do a duet with Steve Augeri. This would bring attention to fans who think Journey are all about archived. If the song charted, even got some play on radio, BOOM, instant inquiries. I am thinking a duet with Augeri and Andrea Corr from the The Corrs. She is smoking hot, and people know of her worldwide. Cain writes it, Neal plays lead, and her brother Jim plays rythm. A little melodic violin by Sharon Corr, and Deen on Drums, Ross on bass.

I love the idea. I see why you picked the Corrs and it makes sense. I have thrown out Gwen Stefani as a good duet, and I think Shania would have worked as well. But not in your "big picture", so the Corrs are fine.

2) Sign the boys to Universal. "We need a label,"

As long as Universal lets them record what they want, this is good. Look at what Unversal is doing for Styx.

3) Send the boys up to Vancouver, to re-record Generations, add "It's Never Too Late" and make it a really nice package.

Unnecessary in my book to re-record it. But re-packaging with "It's Never Too Late " is a good idea.

I also would do like some other artists, and include a DVD in the package. (I know Bryan Adams did it) Complete with live performances of the Band on THIS current tour, and some Vancouver sessions too.

Absolutely. Give everyone a reason to BUY "Generations" if they already have the free version.

I would not make a concept video...all live or studio. Also, I would use a live/session to produce a VIDEO. Yes, a video, and send it to VH1. As manager, we are going to invest, take a chance..spend money to make money, and gain popularity(if that's possible).

I think a concept video could be very cool though. OOHW is begging for a video full of news footage from Iraq, and the story of a small town boy looking for work, signing up, shipping out and the family's worry.

Strike some deals with maybe AOL Music, IPOD, Sirius/XM, and record outlets. When you go into Best Buy, you will see Journey cardboard cutouts..big an bold. Posters on the walls. newspaper ads. Why? Not only because people would want Journey. If the consumers see confidence by the band, they will have confidence to buy the package. With the enclosed DVD of the tour, they could see just how good these guys are live(and want to go to a show); and speaking of live..

ABSOLUTELY!! Especially the internet launch.

4)Book a major Canadian and American tour. While charging their batteries for 4 weeks or so, (except for Neal, who would no doubt be writing/recording for SoulSirkus or his solo stuff), I would be distributing copies of "The Place in Your Heart" and "A Better Life"and getting a song on the radio...getting ready to go back on the road, and see the increase in demand for the band..The Augeri duet, the new release CD/DVD/ and label supportand video support.

Don't spread yourself too thin with all the "singles". Where will this Duet be found? On the new version of "Generations"? I don't think it would fit there. So it needs to have landed somewhere else. That timing will be hard. But if it all falls into line it could be very cool.

no more fairs or casinos. This is Journey. Hopefully my activist leadership has brought new awareness to the band, and it's time to go inside during a winter/spring tour..inside of hockey/basketball arenas.

That would be great. The sound would be awesome as long as it's done right!

however, we need a supporting act.

I don't know how well the Corrs would do in the States. I wonder if there should be several different opening acts throughout the tour. But try to keep teh Duet...may be difficult.


You have a lot of TOURING going on. The guys may not want to do that much touring. But if major US success is to happen that would be important.

The one big question in all this is "What does Journey WANT?" This is all great speculation if Journey wasnts to be big again. But if they are happy doing 3-4 month tours and recording whenever they want, then this is all TOO much!

Meanwhile, I would bomb that "other" website, and start a real one. If you can't tell, that site blows.... We will have a site where I won't allow any Perry Vs. Journey crap, but will encourage criticism of the Band so we may learn and improve from people's ideas.. I will not suppress fans' feelings. Think about it, if we are doing things right, there won't be a need to defend ourselves!

No need to "bomb" the site, just change the moderators and alter the rules a little. But make sure the website has artist participation, many site updates, and a forum to discuss what's going on.

Noble Cause said perhaps the Boys read this. Maybe they draw on this?

I doubt they get to this one, I think that internet perusing is a thing of the past. The guys have figured out that there is not much use for it. BUT, if their own forum was a place of open discussion within respectful limits, AND there was more involvement to their own website, then they might read theirs!

And again, why would they draw from this if they do not care about what "we" care about. They may be perfectly content.

Still, great ideas, very pro-active. Nicely done.

[Rockindeano]

Thanks 28.

Out of Harms Way- Why I WOULD NOT do a video, or be hesitant..It could be politically polarizing..depending on how the Band feels, and why they wrote the song..after all, this is purely hypothetical.. I get the notion that the Band supports the troops obviously, and that while we cannot control when we go to war, or when they come home, we can always support the troops.. I personally think Journey is anti Iraq, but that is just an opinion...It may not play well in the red states, or at least in the dark red states....however, it may unite all too, because support for the "war" is about 33%...lol

I picked the Corrs for their European strength when we go over there.

Also, I would listen to the band..remember, this is hypothetical

[LAWoman]

I think on your first day as the new Journey manager you should get a lesson on who works for whom. Managers manage, but they work for the artists. Managers do not "make a concept video" or not. Artists create, the managers manage; they guide, they suggest, they look out for the business interests, but if the artists are not guiding the creative process, I think the manager needs to go.

Secondly, you should probably learn some hard lessons on the realities of the music business. It is not so easy as "sending it to VH1" or "getting a song on radio". Also who is paying for the video, the re-recording sessions, etc? Easy to say these things if someone else is paying for them. Because you like the Corrs and the female lead, suddenly you have created this artistic choice? I really don't think that is the way it works.

[jrnyman28]

Thanks 28.

Out of Harms Way- Why I WOULD NOT do a video, or be hesitant..It could be politically polarizing..depending on how the Band feels, and why they wrote the song..after all, this is purely hypothetical.. I get the notion that the Band supports the troops obviously, and that while we cannot control when we go to war, or when they come home, we can always support the troops.. I personally think Journey is anti Iraq,

I understand that. But I think the video could be done from the human point of view, without politics. It is the story of a man who cannot find a job so he enlists. He gets shipped off to a foreign land and his family worries about him...

[Rockindeano]

I think on your first day as the new Journey manager you should get a lesson on who works for whom. Managers manage, but they work for the artists. Managers do not "make a concept video" or not. Artists create, the managers manage; they guide, they suggest, they look out for the business interests, but if the artists are not guiding the creative process, I think the manager needs to go.

Secondly, you should probably learn some hard lessons on the realities of the music business. It is not so easy as "sending it to VH1" or "getting a song on radio". Also who is paying for the video, the re-recording sessions, etc? Easy to say these things if someone else is paying for them. Because you like the Corrs and the female lead, suddenly you have created this artistic choice? I really don't think that is the way it works.

Jesus, give me a break. I know it isn't as easy as I made it sound. I know the mangers "don't make a video" but they sure as Hell offer ideas, and forge through ideas. I know the manager works for the artist. Why the hell do you think I am so upset with the current management? They are working for the artist alright; just the wrong ones. They seem to be pouring everything into the Eagles, and the hell with the rest. As far as paying for things, LAWoman, if you read what I said earlier, I wanted to invest money in order to make money. Management in this business has money for that. Look at herbie herbert. He made money a multitude of ways, and they constantly re-invested, and they got bigger and better as a result. As much as I dislike the need for a video, it does work, and there is such a thig as noteriety. Do you think LAWoman that Journey is very visible right now? I don't. As far as the artists being creative in order to be progressive, I think Journey made a perfect cd in terms of getting it played and getting it noticed. Has either ocurred? Nope.

As far as the Corrs? Whatever. I made a sly joke about her being cute. Whatever. Instead of criticizing my choice and my plan, why don't you offer up one of your own? I still think the two bands are different enough, to draw from different genres, yet alike enough to do shows together. Plus I chose Andrea as the duet singer. Whatever..put anyone you like in there...my example just worked for my vision. Besides, you want a duet of Augeri and Starr Jones? I wanted an attractive female who could sing. Not some hag.

It sure is easy to pick something apart, but when it is time to offer a suggestion, well, mum is the word.

On second thought, just keep going like it is now, throw REO on the bill(again), no video, no DVD, and whither away into the dust...perfect.

Think outside the box for once..

[LAWoman]

I think on your first day as the new Journey manager you should get a lesson on who works for whom. Managers manage, but they work for the artists. Managers do not "make a concept video" or not. Artists create, the managers manage; they guide, they suggest, they look out for the business interests, but if the artists are not guiding the creative process, I think the manager needs to go.

Secondly, you should probably learn some hard lessons on the realities of the music business. It is not so easy as "sending it to VH1" or "getting a song on radio". Also who is paying for the video, the re-recording sessions, etc? Easy to say these things if someone else is paying for them. Because you like the Corrs and the female lead, suddenly you have created this artistic choice? I really don't think that is the way it works.

Instead of criticizing my choice and my plan, why don't you offer up one of your own?
It sure is easy to pick something apart, but when it is time to offer a suggestion, well, mum is the word.

You are the one who decided to start this thread and you asked for comments. I gave you my comments. If all you want is people who agree with you, you probably should note that condition in the future. I do not have any suggestions as to how "management" should manage the band. The direction of the band is up to the band. I hazard to say that if any one of us was in charge of something as simple as loading in and out at a venue and doing all the things it takes to put on even one show, there would be problems. There are a million things that go on behind the scenes that take a certain amount of experience and skill to execute.

It is a real stretch to say anyone here would have the skill or expertise to manage Journey. It is very easy to sit back and second-guess things, but unless you have some expertise in the music business and you know all the factors, no one is in a very good position to do anything but speculate. I get tired of people criticizing the direction of Journey and blaming it on various things, when the whole picture is much more complicated that it looks.

[Rockindeano]

You are correct LAWoman..I did ask for comments and I am sorry. There are a heck of a lot of intelligent people here..real intelligent..I can name 6 people with BA's assuming you have one too....

I just thought my ideas could work. Look, I worked for some pretty powerful people, including the Secretary of Transportation, and the WhiteHouse chief of Staff, and will always question authority. I just am frustrated with the lack of "something going on" and LAWoman, you should know me..I am many times outrageous, but always supportive of Journey.. I know you are a fan...a really good one..But it is ok to question Azoff, or his office.. I want Journey..no, I think Journey can do so much better.

I am sorry LAWoman, I was kind of having a little fun, and thinking aloud..I didn't mean to get bitchy with you..I was wrong..

Anyway, when you said "work for the band" I agree 100%. When Neal said he wanted to go to Vancouver for a re-record..I wouldn't even question him..what do I know about that? That is a case where you listen to your musicians..in this case, these guys are tops.. So when Neal says, "Deano, we are going to Vancouver" I would say, ok.. Let me book your tickets.

By the way, I was just listening to Generations and I definetely think a bigger drum sound could be had..It is lite..
I just want Journey to be a player, LAWoman..And I feel they could be. I still think if they spent some dollars letting people know they are still here, and in a big way, they will make those dollars up, and more.

LAWoman, again, please accept my apology.

[Fernando Ramirez]

I think Deano has the point: Journey needs someone strong and assertive to take the reigns. Herbie was like that. Look at all of the really successful bands... LED ZEPPELIN = PETER GRANT, JOURNEY = HERBIE HERBERT, U2 = PAUL MCGUINNESS, BACKSTREET BOYS, N SYNC = THE BIG OVERWEIGHT GUY ON BEHIND THE MUSIC. All of the bands mentioned had similar managers... it takes someone like that to LIGHT A MATCH UNDER THE BAND'S ASS.

Deano, from your suggestions... and I know you just pulled the above stuff off the top of your head... they sound like strong ideas that need some refinement. But they are, in my opinion, GREAT IDEAS, and in the right direction.

The whole argument about paying the radio stations to play Journey may be changing... thanks to Eliot Spitzer. So now may just yet be their chance to strike while the iron's hot.

[Rockindeano]

Elliot Spitzer? Tell me more about this guy. What cards does he hold?

TIA

[jrnyman28]

Elliot Spitzer? Tell me more about this guy. What cards does he hold?

TIA

I think he is involved with that whole 'payola' investigation that recently came down.

[Rockindeano]

Elliot Spitzer? Tell me more about this guy. What cards does he hold?

TIA

I think he is involved with that whole 'payola' investigation that recently came down.

I was thinking along those lines. How come Fernando thinks this might get Journey on the radio? Maybe because they found all the fraud in keeping the untalented skanks on there; ie, JLO, Ashley, etc....via payouts...

Hmm

[jrnyman28]

I am guessing he means that Journey might be able to get airplay without a record label/indies/payola. There may be a better chance right now for Journey to get airplay based on their reputation and history (or, of course, the quality of the art).

[Red13JoePa]

Voted the 3rd choice.
Right off the bat I disagree w/ #1. The duet thing expecially with a FEMALE I am not feeling at all with this band. Santana's STILL trying to do this to recapture Smooth. It's been done and played out.
I also don;t think casinos are a problem, PROVIDED that they are in AC or Vegas. you're right about the Indian reservation casinos.

Love all the other ideas you drummed up. The dual disc or DVD thing with Gens would be excellent....

put out a new live DVD of the band, double. One of Irvine (with maybe some overdubs of what I hear was a struggling steve) and one of the more recent more GR oriented shows.....

[yak]

Better be careful, Dean.......she likes to be called Star Jones.......REYNOLDS

As for opening acts, Perry opened with little know performers on his solo tour.

As for the duet thing, why not have different vocalists from time to time? Of course, there might be some fans who didn't like the idea, so it would get nixed.

Agree about keeping them away from the Indian casinos.........but great for Las Vegas especially.

Sure these guys are into touring, but since they are family men, they should also take some time to regroup and catch their breath and live in the "real" world with their chosen loved ones.

I think there was a TV story about the payola stuff a while back. It definitely needs to go. No more wondering why Britney and Justin and a whole group of others get airplay. Eliot Spitzer is Attorney General of New York, I believe. He may be running for Governor now that the present day idiot has seen the light and will step down.

[NealIsGod]

Here's an article about Spitzer:

http://slate.msn.com/id/2108509/fr/rss/

[Soledad?]

How about just admitting that Journey is past its heyday and moving on? Not trying for the controversy angle, just trying to face reality.

[Rockindeano]

How about just admitting that Journey is past its heyday and moving on? Not trying for the controversy angle, just trying to face reality.

Because it isn't true. Besides, the band wouldn't need a manager if that was the case. This band can have a resurrection if managed properly.

Nice try Soledad

[jrnyman28]

How about just admitting that Journey is past its heyday and moving on? Not trying for the controversy angle, just trying to face reality.

Why don't you try moving on?
If you don't like JOurney go listen to someone else. I don't understand the need to tear down what Journey is doing. You obviously do not care about them anymore so why do you waste your energy on a band you do not care about?

[Fernando Ramirez]

How about just admitting that Journey is past its heyday and moving on? Not trying for the controversy angle, just trying to face reality.

Let me guess... you're in your late teens, or very early 20s?

Don't worry... the same thing will happen to you when you're in your fifties and you're trying to get a job to pay some bills... they'll say: "You're past your heyday Mr. Soledad... you need to move on to Wal Mart... I think they're hiring greeters."

Soledad = Proponent of Ageism

[Fernando Ramirez]

I am guessing he means that Journey might be able to get airplay without a record label/indies/payola. There may be a better chance right now for Journey to get airplay based on their reputation and history (or, of course, the quality of the art).

That is exactly what I had in mind, 28. Thanks!

[Soledad?]

No, not a proponent of ageism, but realism.

Realism because most popular bands that emerged in the 80s, with the rare exception of U2, have not been able to maintain their 80s level of popularity. U2 have managed to maintain their popularity through keeping relevant to the scene - or at least people have pereceived them that way. I personally think their latest CD bites balls, but that's another story.

But most "80s bands" have just not been able to manage the same success. Hell, even 70s artists like Page and Plant aren't as huge as they once were - and witness the Beatles solo acts, and their surprisingly underwhelming successes.

I don't see what the big deal is about Journey being "big" again. Who cares? If you like them, that's all that counts. Why do they have to be as huge as they once were?

[Soledad?]

AND I can tell you this much right now: They will NEVER be as popular without Perry on board. That is not an opinion, that is fact. Augeri might be well-liked among some fans, and that's great. But many people view him as Perry II. They want the real thing. I'm not saying Augeri isn't real in his own way, just that Journey built its commercial legacy on Perry's voice, not Augeri's, and they see him as a facsimile, and they feel cheated.

Flame me all you want, but it's the truth.

[Andrew]

AND I can tell you this much right now: They will NEVER be as popular without Perry on board. That is not an opinion, that is fact. Augeri might be well-liked among some fans, and that's great. But many people view him as Perry II. They want the real thing. I'm not saying Augeri isn't real in his own way, just that Journey built its commercial legacy on Perry's voice, not Augeri's, and they see him as a facsimile, and they feel cheated.

Flame me all you want, but it's the truth.

Partial truth at best.

Correct - Journey will never be as big again, nor will they be as popular without Perry.

BUT - that's not the band's fault as such, that's media/record labels/management that doesn't want to put in the effort for an "old" band to push the new singer/get the general public behind him or even get to know him.

The fact is that without Perry, the band does not attract as much publicity and the general public that bought those big singles are not aware of the current set up.