Holy Smokes....(a quasi-concert review)

[The_Noble_Cause]

You guys were right....
Augeri was just as good as the dvd and on some songs he was even better. I've always contended that in order for Journey to truly succeed they need someone just as good or better than Steve Perry. Last nite, Steve Augeri was that man and in fact, many times he was even better.

"Gone Crazy" went over like a lead balloon and didn't sound all that good live. I still really enjoy the album version though.

"In Self Defense" also similarly sent people flurrying to the bathroom and beer lines. I thought it was cool.

"Faith in the Heartland" sounded great and was a change of a pace with its unconventional extended conclusion (like on the cd). Steve devoted the song to those who have personally felt the bane of hurricane Katrina.

Out of all the new tracks played, the audience seemed most receptive to "Every Generation". Jon sang this one great. Perhaps even better than he does on the album.

Deen sounded a bit under the weather. Normally he is even better sounding than Augeri, but last nite, (on "Still They Ride") he was a little raspier than normal.
He sang it slightly unlike the record, ducking certain high parts.
Still his voice was impressive and it was great to hear that song live.
The girl I was with thought it was Steve singing behind the speakers.

I can't say enough about Steve. I had seen him four times prior, he's always good or great, but this time was absolutely phenomenal! I mean, mindblowingly, jaw-droppingly good. After the show, I had the pleasure of meeting with Steve and complimented him on how astounding he was tonite. He thanked me and attributed his vocal prowess to several factors, (paraphrasing here) "staying away from smoke" "having had a few days rest" "having not had a drink in over 2 months" and all the "fresh beach/ocean air".

I also got to ask him about the word "Mustang" that I've noticed he uses on his albums; Tyketto, Tall Stories, and Generations. For those keeping count; Steve seemingly inexplicably belts out the word "Mustang" on the albums;"Shine" (during Rawthigh), "Tall Stories" (during Wild on the Run), and now, "Generations" (during Better Together).
Steve confirmed that indeed he was saying the word "mustang". It's actually a tribute to his father who passed away and he likes to use it on every album he's on (he was sorry he couldn't get it on "Arrival").
I'll save you further details, suffice to say that Steve seemed genuinely pleased that a fan had picked up on that, going so far as to say "bless you".

I asked Neal which of the guys' ex-wives served as the inspiration for writing "Gone Crazy" and he admitted with a grin, that it was actually one of HIS. I also asked him if Kalodner would do as lousy a job promoting Generations as he had with Arrival. His response was somewhat nebulous claiming that they bypassed Kalodner's interference by creating this album independently. Still, Kalodner is top dog at Sanctury records and I imagine has a great degree of control over which albums get promoted and to what degree.
I also commended Neal on the decision to add "It's Never Too Late" to the U.S. release of Generations. Telling him it was fastly becoming a fan favorite. He said they re-mixed the track for the impending U.S. release (as Andrew reported here first) and that it sounds great.

I also got to talk to Jon. Firstly, I asked him how he was feeling. He said he was feeling better and then I proceeded to ask him a question about writing. I wanted to know if it was difficult for him to remain absolutely apolitical when writing "Out of Harm's Way" especially during such a politically polarized a time. He mentioned that regardless if u are for the war or against it, or harbor issues with how we got there, we can all agree on one thing; that we want the troops out of harms way and that's what he focused on. Much in how he brought an emphasis on "small town girls" and "jesse riding slow" with his inaugural JRNY album, Jonathan still today is all about writing for the overlooked little people in life that see to it that the world keeps turning. It was a pleasure to talk to him.

As I waited for the last Journeyman in the room to leave (Steve Augeri) he turned to me and my friend and asked if we we're waiting for him. I said no, that I was "just waiting for the last celebrity to leave before I left". This induced laughter from the people around him, obviously all family members who were amused by the notion that I had just called their Uncle Steve a "celebrity". Nonetheless, Steve indulged me and my friend for yet another conversation. Telling me all about his "Believe" co-writer and how him and Steve were in a band together back in the early days and how the guy (Tom DeRossi) has written for other bands such as Aerosmith. Steve was also gracious enough to let me know about a future project he is toiling on and will hopefully release, but I don't know if I should let the cat out of the bag just yet. I got to tell him how much fans enjoy his song "Butterfly" and a few handshakes later I was gone.

...Y'know, it's rare when celebrities you admire actually live up to your presumed expectations of them. I have met a few before and was usually let down by either their arrogance or indifference. Neal, Jon and (especially) Steve lived up to my expectations and then some. What a cool bunch of guys. So casual. So relaxed.
I had a great time both at the concert and then finally meeting the guys.

[amaron]

You guys were right....
Augeri was just as good as the dvd and on some songs he was even better.

Told ya.

[Liz22562]

NC,

Thank you so much for sharing your Journey experience with us! So nice to hear the guys were genuinely human.

I'm not suprised at all about the way Steve Augeri was. He's "The Man" in my book. Especially the way in which he as been so respectful to Steve Perry.

Thanks again, Noble! I'm looking forward to seeing them in a few weeks....

Journey On....

[Andrew]

Great stuff...Steve talks about that project in his interview....so that'll be online end of this week.

[NealIsGod]

That must have been the thrill of a lifetime, TNC. Did you tell Steve how inane you think the lyrics to "Believe" are? Just kidding! Maybe you'll give the song more of a chance now?

[OpeningAct]

I haven't heard Still They Ride since the Escape tour NC...consider yourself a lucky duck!!!!

[Fernando Ramirez]

Beautiful post, TNC. Enjoyed reading your story so much, I can't tell you.

[yak]

Thanks for detailing your concert experience. I loved reading it.

I knew you would have a great time! (So glad to hear you did)

Yes, Steve is amazing. He made a great frontman at SPAC. I, too, got the impression that they were a very cohesive band on stage (and off).

Now aren't you glad you decided to go?

[Argus]

[NoMoreTails]

You guys were right....
I can't say enough about Steve.

I also got to ask him about the word "Mustang" that I've noticed he uses on his albums; Tyketto, Tall Stories, and Generations. For those keeping count; Steve seemingly inexplicably belts out the word "Mustang" on the albums;"Shine" (during Rawthigh), "Tall Stories" (during Wild on the Run), and now, "Generations" (during Better Together).
Steve confirmed that indeed he was saying the word "mustang". It's actually a tribute to his father who passed away and he likes to use it on every album he's on (he was sorry he couldn't get it on "Arrival").
I'll save you further details, suffice to say that Steve seemed genuinely pleased that a fan had picked up on that, going so far as to say "bless you".
.

Thanks for the report and review, very cool. I'm hoping they continue doing In Self Defense, I'll be at the DC and Balitimore shows.
Steve has been as amazing as you described at the shows I've seen the last couple of years, he is obviously humble to attribute it to the ocean air.

Good job on the mustang thing, after listening to the Tall Stories and Tyketto songs after the subject was last brought up, it was apparent this was what he was singing...I still wasn't sure about Better Together, seemed like I heard mustang if I was listening for it or nasty if I was listening for that. Glad to know there is something significant behind it, very cool.

[The_Noble_Cause]

Thanks for all the kind replies, guys. I appreciate it.
It was a pretty remarkable feat in itself that I got the chance to meet them, and even more remarkable that they all turned out to be soo cool to talk to.

[jrnyman28]

I love your report. You managed to ask some great questions and I am quite envious that you were able to find yourself in that position. The story behind "mustang" was beautiful! I am glad your show was good, especially since you had expressed concern earlier.

Now I am eager to hear about Steve's "project". I guess I will have to wait until Thursday... (Some speculation: Tall Stories reunion. I know Steve mentioned working with some/all the guys again. Maybe it will be different than Tall Stories, but I wonder if it has something to do with some of those guys. Of course, the other idea is a solo venture...)

[cubby69]

Great report, sounds like you had kick ass time! Very cool.