Why Perry Will Never Re-Join Journey

[Andrew]

Ok folks...

This is a source of constant debate and speculation. I expect it will continue to be so.

But for the record - here is my reasons why Steve will never re-join Journey.
I'd love to be proven wrong one day (we all love fairytale endings), but I don't ever see it happening.

PERRY WILL NEVER RE-JOIN JOURNEY.

Let me state it in black and white once and for all. I wish it could happen, but it won't....trust me....

Why? Because the real money in the music business today is touring. There is literally bugger all money in making records.
Most big bands only do it to keep a section of their loyal fanbase happy. And of course, to satisfy their creative juices and prove they still have something to say.

Gone are the days of making records for hit singles and million selling awards.

The real money of the last half a decade is in touring and the nostaglia value of the band's back catalogue.
I don't pigeon hole Journey in this catagory - include Styx, REO, Night Ranger etc in the same group.
These guys aren't making records to make money - they are pleasing fans and giving themselves a fresh reason to tour.

Touring is the real money maker and in Journey's case, Steve has long expressed his desire not to tour.
And without getting into a debate over his strength's and waeknesses (God forbit if he had any...), vocalists in general find touring the toughest as their bodies and vocal chords really take a pounding.

Steve's 50+ now and I do not think would want to tour for 3, 4 or 5 months a year.

Many other vocalists who have passed the 50 mark have found themselves unable to tour as they used to and do scaled back mini-tours, or sadly in a few cases, just sound like crap live!

Journey wish to continue touring and exploiting this market and I believe they and Perry are on fundamentally different wavelength's entirely.
No label is going to put up the $ needed for a Perry re-union (even if both parties wanted it), unless they got a guarantee of a lengthy tour to support a new album.
That was the deal with Trial By Fire, the tour never happened and Journey and Sony were never the same again.

So if Journey wishes to continue on their merry way, they will have to consider their options.

This post was way longer than I anticipated, but I now open it up for your thoughts!

This should get interesting!

[jrnyman28]

the real money in the music business today is touring. There is literally bugger all money in making records.
Most big bands only do it to keep a section of their loyal fanbase happy. And of course, to satisfy their creative juices and prove they still have something to say.

Works for me.

Touring is the real money maker and in Journey's case, Steve has long expressed his desire not to tour.

But Andrew, you forgot the infamous BTM quote that Perry thinks about touring and tries not to think about touring all the time. Of course you and I know that was his way of showing his inner conflict, but for many it gave them hope.

vocalists in general find touring the toughest as their bodies and vocal chords really take a pounding.

Absolutely. Even if Perry was in PRIME shape, a 3 month tour would be extremely difficult on him. And given his "perfectionist" nature, coupled with high fan expectations, I think many might be let down by the results.

Journey wish to continue touring and exploiting this market and I believe they and Perry are on fundamentally different wavelength's entirely.

I don't like the term "exploiting", but I guess it is accurate. BUT, what about the idea thrown around before Perry decided/accepted Journey moving on? The idea of Perry writing and recording with the band and Steve touring. I know it is the wrong decision, bad decision, awkward, whatever...but could it have been viable?

No label is going to put up the $ needed for a Perry re-union (even if both parties wanted it), unless they got a guarantee of a lengthy tour to support a new album.
That was the deal with Trial By Fire, the tour never happened and Journey and Sony were never the same again.

I think it is safe to say that if you burn Sony, your chances are slim that you will ever have any chance of burning any major record label again. For this I do feel Perry is responsible.

So if Journey wishes to continue on their merry way, they will have to consider their options.

Which options? This is not the first time you have made a comment that really feels like a predication toward the "future" of Journey.

:twisted:

But in a good way...

[The_Noble_Cause]

Andrew, are you a glutton for punishment or something?
Why on earth are you trying to incite total unmitigatable anarchy on your very own website?
You know in the eyes of 'Loons these types of posts are unequivocally interpreted as "slander" or "trash fests".
Ahh well, either way I agree with what you said 100%.

The daily grind of being on the road takes it's toll on all performers eventually, this natural course is precipitated when you have to sing uniquely challenging Journey songs each night.
When asked why his voice still sounded so great, I recall Chalfant once saying it was owed to the fact that he isn't regularly touring.
If he was (like Augeri or Perry), who knows just how long he would last.
I give Augeri and especially Perry all the credit in the world for enduring as long as they did/are.

[Andrew]

Andrew, are you a glutton for punishment or something?

I must be.
I checked my e-mail this AM in regards to a comment about trying to interviweing Steve, only to be met with the comment "the way you feel - why would you want to".

That's seriously upsetting. I guess I am now tarred and can no longer be included on the Perrylovers list.

Sad. This is my last post on Perry. I have nothing more to say.

[The_Noble_Cause]

I checked my e-mail this AM in regards to a comment about trying to interviweing Steve, only to be met with the comment "the way you feel - why would you want to".

That's seriously upsetting.

Anything even the slightest bit critical will be misconstrued as "bashing".
These people are a plague.

[Andrew]

Well, the comment came from somone I thought should know better.

Anyway, I'm done. Steve won't re-join Journey - that's my statement....debate it, but it's my opinion.

I love Steve - no one can take that away from me and I won't let them.

See ya.

[The_Noble_Cause]

Well, the comment came from somone I thought should know better.

In that case, I believe the comment came from either OhSherrie or Perryfaithful.

[The_Noble_Cause]

Which options? This is not the first time you have made a comment that really feels like a predication toward the "future" of Journey.

Some pretty foreboding and ominous shit, ain't it, Dave?
Perhaps my speculation is correct and Augeri will be using his solo endeavor as an exit route.
If that is the case, then Journey's options are quite clear.
A revamped Chalfant led Journey in 2007.

[ohsherrie]

Andrew, I don't disagree with a single thing you said. I don't know who's giving you all of the grief you're getting about this, but I can assure you that I don't agree with what they're doing. In fact, their tactics make me wonder about their agenda. That's not what my friends and I are about at all.

I'm a huge fan of Steve Perry, but that doesn't make me ignorant of the realities. I know he's not touring because he either doesn't want to do so, or he can't take the rock and roll touring regimen. I personally don't care what his reasons are. They're his and he has a right to them.

I'm sorry you've been subjected to such harassment, and ashamed that it was the act of someone claiming to be a Perry fan. I think he would be ashamed too. You just don't know how much I hate this for all of us here.

[The_Noble_Cause]

I'm a huge fan of Steve Perry, but that doesn't make me ignorant of the realities.

Are you sure?

He sounded pretty damned good on the earlier CBSChicago clip of him singing to that reporter

[Greg]

Andrew,

I think you bring up some good points and the age factor certainly can be a good reason why an aging frontman would not want to go on an extensive tour. I also think you're absolutely right - touring is what makes money for these classic acts today.

Only thing I do question, in regards to the age factor, is why would it be a big deal for Steve Perry, and not so much a big deal for other bands and frontmen in the same age group? Kansas tours constantly it seems, Boston tours alot and when they're not touring, the guys are touring with side projects.......As bad as Steve Walsh has sounded in the past, he sounded absolutely great in the last concert I went to about two years ago.

I think overall, while the age factor does play a role in guys like Perry not touring, I don't believe it is as much of a big deal as what we might make it out to be. I could be wrong, because I'm not in my 50's and I don't tour with a band. I do think it just has more to do with Perry not having the desire to tour like the rest of the guys from Journey, rather than his age.

[The_Noble_Cause]

Only thing I do question, in regards to the age factor, is why would it be a big deal for Steve Perry, and not so much a big deal for other bands and frontmen in the same age group?

Amazing the lengths some men will stoop to for money. Neal and Jon's alimony payments don't take care of themselves, ya' know?
If that entails being huddled in a swarmy tour bus for a good portion of the year, then so be it.

[Andrew]

In that case, I believe the comment came from either OhSherrie or Perryfaithful.

No, it was not related originally to this board. Please forget about it. It was from no one posting here.

[Andrew]

Andrew,

Only thing I do question, in regards to the age factor, is why would it be a big deal for Steve Perry, and not so much a big deal for other bands and frontmen in the same age group? Kansas tours constantly it seems, Boston tours alot and when they're not touring, the guys are touring with side projects.......As bad as Steve Walsh has sounded in the past, he sounded absolutely great in the last concert I went to about two years ago.

Hi Greggie,
I don't want to talk about Perry anymore....but in realtion to Kansas and maybe other bands...a number of singer have had problems over the years, some get worse with time others just have bad periods and try and work thru them (Steve Walsh, Lou Gramm, even David Coverdale has had off nights...)

It's a matter of whether an individual can work with touring commitments and if they are willing to do so depending on what those requirements are.
As far as Journey 2005 goes - not too many bands had the work load they went thru this year put upon them!

[Andrew]

A revamped Chalfant led Journey in 2007.

Kevin is a very fine singer and the band were talking with him in 1998, but I do believe the door was shut on that option back in 1998.

One can still dream about a 3rd Storm album though.

[The_Noble_Cause]

.
As far as Journey 2005 goes - not too many bands had the work load they went thru this year put upon them!

Or sounded half as good as they did.

[The_Noble_Cause]

Kevin is a very fine singer and the band were talking with him in 1998, but I do believe the door was shut on that option back in 1998.

I disagree. Chalfant is still on good terms with the guys (was right alongside the guys at one of this year's meet n' greets). Kev and the guys are still amiable, if something happens to Augeri (let's hope not) Chalfant is more than willing to pick up that gauntlet.

One can still dream about a 3rd Storm album though.

Without Rolie I don't particularly care.

[Andrew]

I disagree. Chalfant is still on good terms with the guys (was right alongside the guys at one of this year's meet n' greets). Kev and the guys are still amiable, if something happens to Augeri (let's hope not) Chalfant is more than willing to pick up that gauntlet.
Without Rolie I don't particularly care.

I did not mean to imply that they were not on good terms with Kev.
And in reference to The Storm - I would like Gregg involved also.

This is a good example of perhaps why I should not post on the Journey board at all - any and all comments are read and taken out of context by all and sundry!
Only seem to happen on the Journey forum though.

[The_Noble_Cause]

I did not mean to imply that they were not on good terms with Kev.

Well if they're on good terms, why do u feel the door of opportunity is permananetly closed shut for Kev to ever sing with the guys?

This is a good example of perhaps why I should not post on the Journey board at all - any and all comments are read and taken out of context by all and sundry!

You're sounding pissy, Andrew.
The attitude is not a flattering one.
We need our moderator at all times to be a pillar of strength!

[Andrew]

You're sounding pissy, Andrew.
The attitude is not a flattering one.
We need our moderator at all times to be a pillar of strength!

LOL....all I can say is that some days are harder than others. Thanks for the laugh though!

I'll put my happy face back on shall I?

[AOR rules]

Let´s remember that this is just an entertainment. Music is important bringer of enjoyment but it still shouldn`t be taken so dead serious. I´m not having sleepless nights over this subject and I just think that it´s great if Perry comes back but if he doesn´t we still have Augeri fronted Journey and that´s great too.

[Greg]

Let´s remember that this is just an entertainment. Music is important bringer of enjoyment but it still shouldn`t be taken so dead serious. I´m not having sleepless nights over this subject and I just think that it´s great if Perry comes back but if he doesn´t we still have Augeri fronted Journey and that´s great too.

Exactly! I'm with ya 100% AOR rules!

[Jeremey]

My prediction is that we will never see Steve Perry performing live on stage again, period. I don't think he needs or wants to. I don't think he could handle anything more than a one-off show if he had to. I personally would love to see Steve Perry record a cover album of some of his influences, maybe with a few guest duets (come on, Steve, you can make it happen - You and Bonnie Raitt on "Bring it On Home," you know you want it!!!).

I think Steve Perry's voice has fundamentally changed, period. I don't really think there should be any debate about it, it's just the way it is. As for other singers in their 50's that continue to tour....I don't know how old Steve Walsh is, but I can say that both he and Mickey Thomas have remarkable voices for their ages, and I would venture to say that it has to do with a lack of a rigorous touring schedule. Both Mickey and Kansas are veterans of the Corn Dog circuit - The local festival and fairs that want a big name band for less than $20,000 or so. That kind of performance schedule can't really be compared to a bona fide tour, with 4-5 performances per week, for a good 6 months. That is the kind of thing a singer can get in shape for, but the recovery of such a tour is absolute hell. And the older you get, the less ability your muscles have to recover.

There's medical type stuff and physical preparation that singers do to maintain their voice on tour (steroids is the necessary evil, and it wrecks your body, but I'm willing to bet Augeri's inhaler isn't a bronchodialator but a steriod inhaler)....But what it all comes down to is when you get to be OLD, your body just can't recover the way it used to....

[Red13JoePa]

Andrew, reading between the lines, as perhaps maybe I shouldn't I cannot help but wonder if we can get you to comment on the future of Steve Augeri with the band.

[NealIsGod]

Andrew, reading between the lines, as perhaps maybe I shouldn't I cannot help but wonder if we can get you to comment on the future of Steve Augeri with the band.

Excellent question, Red. I hope we have no reason to be concerned.

[The_Noble_Cause]

I'm willing to bet Augeri's inhaler isn't a bronchodialator but a steriod inhaler

I've wondered the same thing actually.
For awhile I've had a slight suspicion that he was using steroids for his voice, I didn't put it together though that his inhaler was actually his on-hand mode of transmission.

[NoMoreTails]

Andrew, reading between the lines, as perhaps maybe I shouldn't I cannot help but wonder if we can get you to comment on the future of Steve Augeri with the band.

Excellent question, Red. I hope we have no reason to be concerned.

Me too. Perhaps we shouldn't read things into Andrew's comments but the remark about Journey considering their options is a curious one.
Augeri departing would again divide the hardcore fan base as he also has built a loyal following. I think he may be a bit disappointed at the lack of a plan regarding a new album in the future, based on Andrew's interview. But I can't see him leaving on his own nor can I see the band wanting him out. Especially at this point when he has just come into his own as Journey's frontman, according to Jonathan.

[The_Noble_Cause]

Augeri departing would again divide the hardcore fan base as he also has built a loyal following.

Not if he is supplanted by someone already well-received and revered by the harcore Journey community.
Paging Kevin Chalfant......

[NoMoreTails]

Augeri departing would again divide the hardcore fan base as he also has built a loyal following.

Not if he is supplanted by someone already well-received and revered by the harcore Journey community.
Paging Kevin Chalfant......

Some would be agreeable no doubt, but how would this discussion go over at Backtalk.
Would Chalfant be in the kind of shape it would take for a Journey tour at this point? The last I saw of him (photograph) he didn't look to be in great shape, not as bad as Perry, but not as lean and althletic as Augeri.
At any rate, I think we'll see Jonathan leave before Augeri. And it'll probably end at that point.

[NealIsGod]

Augeri departing would again divide the hardcore fan base as he also has built a loyal following.

Not if he is supplanted by someone already well-received and revered by the harcore Journey community.
Paging Kevin Chalfant......

Some would be agreeable no doubt, but how would this discussion go over at Backtalk.
Would Chalfant be in the kind of shape it would take for a Journey tour at this point? The last I saw of him (photograph) he didn't look to be in great shape, not as bad as Perry, but not as lean and althletic as Augeri.
At any rate, I think we'll see Jonathan leave before Augeri. And it'll probably end at that point.

Hmmmm... maybe a reformed Journey that focuses more on the older tunes. Lead singer, either Augeri or Chalfant, Neal, Ross, Gregg replacing Jon, and Smitty back on the skins.