Andrew's Time To Comment

[*Laura]

From MR.com's front page:

JOURNEY - TIME TO COMMENT:
There has been a very strong demand for me to address the allegations currently being aired about Journey and the possible use of vocals tapes during live performances.
Regrettably the recent talk of such practices started here on my Journey message board, but since that time, the issue has taken on a much greater life of its own.
I am a reluctant participant in this – my site drawn into this based on my long history with the band and my ardent support of this line-up, which has been in place since 1998.
So many not remember or even know, but I was responsible for breaking the news worldwide that Steve Perry had left the band.

Since that point I have been a big supporter of the guys, but some eight years later we are in the middle of another situation and people are wondering why I have not addressed it up to this point.
It is alleged that the lead vocals of frontman Steve Augeri are not always live when the guys perform and furthermore, it is questioned just what portion of each show features backing tapes.
The allegations have been misreported somewhat, with the term lip-syncing used in most cases. What needs to be clarified is the fact that the allegation is that while Steve has been singing, the band have been using backing tapes to enhance or cover-up his on stage performance.

The chatter moved from my message boards to a dedicated Blog journal and from there it seems to have taken on a life of its own, including fresh comments from a well known Swedish sound engineer in regards to the band's Sweden Rock Festival performance.

This issue is beginning to hurt the band and their reputation. Regardless of who or how it started, there is now a big enough question mark hanging over the band and it has to be addressed. And ASAP. Journey begin an extensive U.S. tour with Def Leppard in New Jersey on Friday.

What has delayed my commenting on this issue the lack of any statement from the band or management. That is their call. But as with previous Journey reports, I have always had the benefit of a statement or quote from someone in the Journey camp and that is what I have been holding out for. At this stage I have contacted management and all members of the band several times, and am confident I will soon receive some official word to put this all to rest.

For the good of the band this needs to be addressed now.
Someone needs to set up a situation where the band can move on from this and a situation where fans and supporters can return to enjoying their favourite artist, rather than tearing each other apart on Internet message boards.

[NealIsGod]

So basically he is saying that Journey needs to address one person with two boots and a DVD who started a blog?

I don't expect any response from the band on this.

[Paul_UK]

I don't expect any response from the band on this.

So we STILL wait for the offical word on the subject. Until then, and although something odd is certainly afoot, I am going to take it all as hearsay, rumour and conspiracy.

If i'm honest, i'm with NIG...I think this is gonna run and run without any word from the management. I hope i'm wrong otherwise this really could mark the end of the band.

[KittyKat]

I for one got nothing from Andrew's statement but then I didn't expect to. He's simply making an acknowledgment of what is already known.

What now? It's up to Journey? Are we waiting for a response from them because of Andrews comments?

[jim]

I for one got nothing from Andrew's statement but then I didn't expect to. He's simply making an acknowledgment of what is already known.

What now? It's up to Journey? Are we waiting for a response from them because of Andrews comments?

I personally think its totally up to the band, until theres an official statement theres no confirmed truth.

I'd like for it to be wrong, cause they owe it to the paying fans that see the gigs that they're offering something spontaneous.

I know when I go to a gig I expect something rougher around the edges than a studio production, after all a studio recording is one take out of many that were probably commited to premix masters..

Each live performance is always going to be different, just as every other take that came before or followed the evolution of a studio album track.

All part of the magic.

It's now up to the band to silence the conjecture on this subject with a formal statement if for nothing else than to put the argument to rest..

[T-Bone]

Well said Andrew

[KittyKat]

So basically he is saying that Journey needs to address one person with two boots and a DVD who started a blog?

I don't expect any response from the band on this.

I agree. If this is the end result I really have to wonder why it was ever brought up in the first place. Journey rightfully shouldn't make any statement to that but if they do just for the sake of ending it they can deny it and everyone can move on.

[ProgMan]

Well all I can say is I was at the Manchester gig right up at the front and I say that if SA was miming in part, or whole he is th ebest miming singer on the planet because from where I stood he sung every word, everysong one hundred percent.

[Milos]

I'm afraid there's too much money at stake for the band to come clean just yet. If they acknowledged this now, at the beginning of this highly anticipated tour, it would definitely hurt their bottom line.

I've seen this line-up play several times starting way back in 1998-1999 and they were amazing. It's unfortunate that Steve Augeri's voice is gone. He was a great singer. But, if he's really not holding back on stage and belting it out (out of tune) over the tapes, then he must know that he has no chance of getting his voice back. He has ruined it permanently.

As much as I love Neil, I have to wonder if he pushed Steve too hard, and didn't give him time to recover. From the interviews I've read, Neil doesn't like to sit still for too long and can be quite demanding when it comes to getting out there and playing. This isn't necessarily a bad thing, but when someone's health is on the line, you have to play it safe and let them recover.

The band needs to stop this charade and get someone like Jeff Scott Soto or James LaBrie in there to save the tour and their reputation, even if it's only a temporary fix. It's either that or pull out of the tour altogether.

[Angiekay]

So basically he is saying that Journey needs to address one person with two boots and a DVD who started a blog?

I don't expect any response from the band on this.

And even if we do, have many are going to believe them it they try to cover and say it's totally unfounded and untrue? There will be the sheep that will accept anything the band says as gospel truth and those who are too far gone by now to trust the band in any aspect. They can't win.

[augeri1]

I personally think its totally up to the band, until theres an official statement theres no confirmed truth.

I personally think your right..but I don't think the band owe's anybody anything..except Big D..oh they do owe him...and personally I don't think Augeri or any member for that matter should give Mr. McNeice the time of day. Not after the libel and slander that has been allowed to be posted in here continuously..seems railroading the tour has backfired on some.

[Rockindeano]

I personally think its totally up to the band, until theres an official statement theres no confirmed truth.

I personally think your right..but I don't think the band owe's anybody anything..except Big D..oh they do owe him...and personally I don't think Augeri or any member for that matter should give Mr. McNeice the time of day. Not after the libel and slander that has been allowed to be posted in here continuously..seems railroading the tour has backfired on some.

Libel? Slander? Be careful Penny Fowler. It's up to them to prove I was slandering.

They won't because they can't win. That's why I won't be sued.

[KittyKat]

My opinion is that we're talking about two washed up singers that can't put on a great live show anymore so they fake it just like I do orgasms. The fans didn't set these standards that caused this mess since we've always supported them with their faults and cheered them for their achievements, a decent honest show is all they had to give no more. I'm not stupid and I don't like being played by anybody so that's my position, I'm done with both bands.

[NealIsGod]

My opinion is that we're talking about two washed up singers that can't put on a great live show anymore so they fake it just like I do orgasms. The fans didn't set these standards that caused this mess since we've always supported them with their faults and cheered them for their achievements, a decent honest show is all they had to give no more. I'm not stupid and I don't like being played by anybody so that's my position, I'm done with both bands.

OK. Goodbye.

[NealIsGod]

This is the part of Andrew's "comment" that I am most interested in:

Someone needs to set up a situation where the band can move on from this and a situation where fans and supporters can return to enjoying their favourite artist, rather than tearing each other apart on Internet message boards.

[A Fire Inside]

I'm so glad everyone knows and freely states what Journey "needs" to do. Without fans pretending to be managers, they would sure be lost!

[NealIsGod]

I'm so glad everyone knows and freely states what Journey "needs" to do. Without fans pretending to be managers, they would sure be lost!

And without fans, they would be nothing.

[A Fire Inside]

I'm so glad everyone knows and freely states what Journey "needs" to do. Without fans pretending to be managers, they would sure be lost!

And without fans, they would be nothing.

Thanks for reporting, Captain Obvious.

I'm just tired of people saying "Oh, here's what Journey HAS TO DO!!" when they don't really know and don't really have a say. It falls on deaf ears.

[NealIsGod]

I'm so glad everyone knows and freely states what Journey "needs" to do. Without fans pretending to be managers, they would sure be lost!

And without fans, they would be nothing.

Thanks for reporting, Captain Obvious.

I'm just tired of people saying "Oh, here's what Journey HAS TO DO!!" when they don't really know and don't really have a say. It falls on deaf ears.

We're talking to each other, offering opinions. And it is a fact that members of Journey read this forum. So go away now before I tell you what YOU have to do.

[Mandi]

I would be very disappointed in Journey and their management if they choose to acknowledge this farce in any way, shape or form, and more so if they choose to go to Andrew with such an acknowledgement. In my opinion, the band and Steve Augeri should distance themselves from Mr.Mcniece at all costs. The word "betrayal" comes to mind. All one has to do is read this forum over the last few weeks, to know whose side Andrew is on, even though he continues to claim he doesn't take sides. I wonder if Journey will view it that way.

Mandi

[heardonthestreet]

I'm so glad everyone knows and freely states what Journey "needs" to do. Without fans pretending to be managers, they would sure be lost!

And without fans, they would be nothing.

.......................................

You got that right Nig. That's what Perry said at the WOF but you said it in a nicer way. I never did like the word that he used. I just never expect anything but beautiful words to come out of his mouth, lol. Someone said that it shows he's human but I don't find it necessarily a humanizing factor.

[swepett]

You got that right Nig. That's what Perry said at the WOF but you said it in a nicer way. I never did like the word that he used.

What did he say?

[A Fire Inside]

We're talking to each other, offering opinions. And it is a fact that members of Journey read this forum. So go away now before I tell you what YOU have to do.

Well, I don't believe I was really talking to/about you, so chill.

[A Fire Inside]

What did he say?

Something like, "We're shit without the fans."

[NealIsGod]

I would be very disappointed in Journey and their management if they choose to acknowledge this farce in any way, shape or form, and more so if they choose to go to Andrew with such an acknowledgement. In my opinion, the band and Steve Augeri should distance themselves from Mr.Mcniece at all costs. The word "betrayal" comes to mind. All one has to do is read this forum over the last few weeks, to know whose side Andrew is on, even though he continues to claim he doesn't take sides. I wonder if Journey will view it that way.

Mandi

Mandi, these boards are not run by Journey. They are run by a man whose job it is to report on the people who make the music we all love. These forums are here just so fans of music can discuss it and whatever else they want to. Andrew has long maintained that the only behavior he frowns upon is personal attacks. He won't censor anyone. This is not China.

If you don't like it, don't read it. I am not happy with all of the shit that has gone on in here lately, either. But I would rather have it on here then have to worry about someone deleting my posts if I get too controversial.

I do, however, feel that several people are taking this waaaayyy too far and need to, at least, go on a holiday.

[NealIsGod]

We're talking to each other, offering opinions. And it is a fact that members of Journey read this forum. So go away now before I tell you what YOU have to do.

Well, I don't believe I was really talking to/about you, so chill.

You didn't address anyone specific. So I responded.

[jrnyman28]

I don't think Augeri or any member for that matter should give Mr. McNeice the time of day. Not after the libel and slander that has been allowed to be posted in here continuously..seems railroading the tour has backfired on some.

Why should Andrew be punished for what is said on his forums? He offers us a space to discuss things. We are doing just that. I suppose you like the way it is on BT where actually discussion get locked? Where criticism is barely allowed? BS! Besides, at least one court has ruled that web owners are NOT responsible for the content of their message boards unless THEY write it! Andrew is our host. Let's be nice to him...

[jrnyman28]

This is the part of Andrew's "comment" that I am most interested in:

Someone needs to set up a situation where the band can move on from this and a situation where fans and supporters can return to enjoying their favourite artist, rather than tearing each other apart on Internet message boards.

The only think I can see that would make this go away, would be a performance live in front of a random audience. The band takes requests for NON-Journey material. And Steve sings it, acapella preferably.

But could they pull it off???

[Big J]

Oh I can see it now. Accusations of planted audience members, etc. This'll never end for some.

It's all bullshit.

[jrnyman28]

I'm so glad everyone knows and freely states what Journey "needs" to do. Without fans pretending to be managers, they would sure be lost!

And without fans, they would be nothing.

Thanks for reporting, Captain Obvious.

I'm just tired of people saying "Oh, here's what Journey HAS TO DO!!" when they don't really know and don't really have a say. It falls on deaf ears.

Ya know what? Journey needs to hear it! They need to hear what the fans think. Do you honestly think Neal took Prince's idea and ran with it? No. He took what became a very positive idea on BT and ran with it. It was the fans who started discussing what Prince did. Any band can greatly benefit from listening to the fans...