JSS and Journey

[The Fly]

JSS is no Perry. He doesn't have the same near perfect pitch and melodics, but he brings alot of soul, style, charisma, and talent of his own. He is a MUCH better fit for Journey than Augeri ever was.

That remains to be seen. We will only know this in time as the fans react one way or the other. Right now that' s only an opinion. Mine differs. But I actually hope you are correct.

[EightyRock]

It all depends on if you only want them to play the majority of greatest hits, year after year after year after.....you get the picture? Soto gives them the ability to stretch in an edgier direction, still playing some of the pop with HIS spin on it, but also use his vocal chops to bring some flair to an act that borders on boring as hell with Augeri fronting it.

[Abitaman]

I remember seeing Augeri on his first tour with Journey, and my jaw dropped when I heard him. I never thought anyone could sing Journey songs close to the way Perry did. Augeri didn't blow me away then, or ever, with vocal gymnastics like Perry could pull off, but he sang the songs well, and his voice suited them very well. The casual fans I was with didn't even know it wasn't Perry singing.

I don't think this will happen with Soto. He will bring a very different style to Journey's vocals. It will be interesting to see what the fan reaction will be.

That is one the things I have a problem with. As long as it sounds like Journey or a Journey cd fine, but a Neal Schon cd or show, I will not be happy. Journey has a sound and feel to them, that Augeri was able to keep going, while still sounding different and bring new life to the group. One of the reasons Generations is one of my favorite cds-ERIC

Hey Eric, if you can listen to Every Generation and In Self Defense and Gone Crazy and you can still hear Journey than I think it is safe to say you can listen to JSS fronting the band and still hear Journey too.

I can listen to that knowing what is next. In this case theses you songs mentioned were good, but a whole cd of them with out the Perry (Augeri) sound, no. Listening to thoses people are like listening to JY in Styx, probably a good, song, but get Tommy and Dennis (or Larry) back on.-ERIC

[Abitaman]

Soul Sirkus cd was ok, but if that ws Journey sound, I would go to a show, I would buy the cd because of Neal. Now they were not trying to make a Journey cd, so I will have to wait and see-ERIC

[ohsherrie]

However, the Journey sound is not just about the 'rock' side of things. It's a blend of things, and a ballance. Whenver Journey goes too far to one 'sound' or another, that ballance is thrown off and, IMO anyway, it's no where near as good. ROR and TBF are both examples of that...ROR going too pop, TBF going too mellow.

Therefore, bringing JSS in and knowing Neal's desires for more 'rock', and the history with Soul SirkuS, and the fact that most of Journey was in Soul SirkUS...OF COURSE people are going to be worried about Journey changing their sound too far in that direction.

I agree with what you're saying about the "rock" side of the music, but there are a couple different way to look at it Monker.

There was a drastic change in their music when Steve Perry joined the band, and it became much more successful. There was another big change between Departure and Escape, and that again was more successful. I don't agree with you about the changes in ROR and TBF being bad, but that's just a matter of personal taste.

I don't see myself ever liking any Journey as much as I did the Perry years, but at least if they change their musical direction it won't be like listening to what to me was a pale imitation of the music that I love. It'll just be something different.

There is a big difference between now and then. Today there is a 30yr history, most of which has been in basicaly the same melodic pop/rock style.

This isn't the same as it was after the first three albums and switching styles specificaly to sell more albums. They had very little to lose when they hired Fleischman and then Perry...and a lot ot gain, in both instances.

It's also not the same as when they hired Jonathan. Prior to Jonathan, they were moderately successful, especialy touring.. Sure, the songwriting changed, for the better. But, when they performed a song from Infinity/Evolution/Departure, there wasn't THAT much of a difference.

Today, we have a 30yr history of songs being performed in a certain way...BOTH by Perry and Augeri. The touring is the main Journey experience nowadays. I think the average concert goer is going to EXPECT those songs...and expect them to be performed in the same style as always....with or without Perry, or Augeri. If they alienate that audience by moving to hard rock and away from the past thirty years - then, IMO, their touring days are limited because that is not what most people go to Journey concerts to see and hear.

I don't think Journey is going to be able to head to the studio WITH ANYBODY and record and have the same level of success as Escape or even Infinity. That is simply impossible, IMO, no matter who is singing. They can do whatever they want and release it to the dedicated fans, as they did with Red 13 and Generations...but, it will never be like the old days.

We'll see...I'm feeling sort of resigned from this entire thing. IMO, Journey has been moving in the wrong direction for well over a year now...and this is just a continuence of that.

I hear everything you're saying Monker. I even agree with most of it. It's just that I think the move in the wrong direction happened when the started with Augeri, but that's something that we'll just have to agree to disagree on(we've argued it unto death). Now that they've gotten to the place they're in, and if they insist on using the Journey name, I think the change in musical direction is the only thing that might save them from being like one of these beach music acts that only appeals to a specific crowd in a specific circumstance. I want something more than that to be remembered about the Journey name. The best possible scenario is that the public gets used to JSS during the remainder of this tour and then they go in a new direction. They really need to come up with a variation of the name too in order to distinguish this new direction from the Perry era. Not for me and the Perryheads, but for themselves. If not, they just need to retire Journey with whatever dignity is left.

I'm also feeling resigned and quite sad. I don't really have the passion in me that I had before. I guess I'm mostly just here because I'm interested in seeing what happens now. I guess that's going to be seen as a good thing by some, but it's not good for Journey. They don't need to lose fans. Even antagonistic ones like you and I.

[amaron]

I've thought about this for a while and I guess my opinion is this:

I've supported Perry.
I've supported Augeri.
I'll end up supporting JSS.

But if Journey keeps being run the way they have been since they left Sony, they are fucked regardless of who the singer is.

They have 0 contact with their fans on their OFFICIAL website.
Their official website is one of the most lacking band sites I've ever seen.
They steadfastly refuse to play anything daring or new in their setlists. Arrival and Red 13 are generally ignored and Generations songs were only played to give SA a vocal rest IMO.
They need a fucking record label. They are JOURNEY for christ's sake.
They REALLY need to find a way to get GOOD exposure if they want JSS or SA to succeed.
They need to realize that the 'our way or the highway' attitude they have will only lead to nothing for them.

They are digging their own grave with the way they run things.

[Monker]

I can't believe they were finally forced into the situation that may change this band into something besides an Elvis act.

I think that happened after the ROR tour and they stopped performing "Jailhouse Rock".

[conversationpc]

I think that happened after the ROR tour and they stopped performing "Jailhouse Rock".

You're probably right and I have a boot of that tune from that tour.

[Monker]

It all depends on if you only want them to play the majority of greatest hits, year after year after year after.....you get the picture?

It's not ME who wants that...It's the other %90 of the fans who go to Journey concerts. Alienate that audience with Soul SirkUS type crap and Journey will be touring to 1/10 of their current audience.

Soto gives them the ability to stretch in an edgier direction

Which they attempted to do with Augeri...The audience doesn't want that.

still playing some of the pop with HIS spin on it

There not their for the Soto version of the hits...They want THEIR version of the hits...the ones they heard in 198x

but also use his vocal chops to bring some flair to an act that borders on boring as hell with Augeri fronting it.

That's your opinion. I was never 'bored' at an Augeri concert...ESPECIALY the Main Event, which was almost ALL 'hits'.

[conversationpc]

That's your opinion. I was never 'bored' at an Augeri concert...ESPECIALY the Main Event, which was almost ALL 'hits'.

That was a good show but I remember being tired sitting through two other shows before Journey came on. Don't get me wrong, Styx and REO played well, but I was there mostly for Journey.

For me, the best tour musically and vocally speaking was the '99 tour with Foreigner. My live highlight, though, was "Livin' to Do" from the "Arrival" tour.

[Monker]

Listening to thoses people are like listening to JY in Styx, probably a good, song, but get Tommy and Dennis (or Larry) back on.-ERIC

I love JY's songs...especialy "These Are the Times". The fact is those were written for his voice and style, and I like it. JY is part of what has always made Styx "Styx". Taking out JY and have a Perry/Augeri type voice sing "Miss America", or whatever, would sound horrible to me.

Taking out Augeri/Perry and adding a JY spin on Journey songs would also sound horrible to me!

[Greg]

With my two cents worth in, after being a fan of JSS for a few years now, I can tell you that JSS being a replacement is not a bad thing whatsoever. He doesn't try to imitate Steve Perry or Steve Augeri. Jeff has his own style, although heavily influenced by Steve Perry. If this is a permanent thing (and not being the one to speak too soon) then I'd definitely buy a JSS fronted Journey album. For those who think JSS is just another hard rock singer, you should check out his essential ballads cd. The man has soul! He can cover anything from Iron Maiden to R & B. We have to remember that if Journey is willing to keep the wheels turning, it often involves change. Of course now, you're listening to a guy who would love to see Steve Perry back in the band, or a healthy Steve Augeri in 1998 form. To me, Perry will always be Journey, but I think if you're going to make a change with the front man, change completely.

[odessa]

Journey fandom is going to be in its worst shape ever.

I think you're wrong.
Come Friday, all doubts about JSS will be laid to rest.
Also, the Perryheads aren't re-galvanized or motivated to do anything.
They disliked Augeri because he was viewed as a "clone".
Soto is a creative entity unto himself.
Most Perry fans see this and respect that and know he will take Journey someplace else.

Well said!

I feel that JSS compliments the old Journey by bringing new life and new interpretation of songs to a new era. I like him a lot and hope he is a permanent choice... if the band continues. He’s a welcomed breath of fresh air! He is no clone, sound alike or whatever. He has his OWN style and great sound! It’s different, it's fresh and it can WORK!

Perry’s legacy is secure and won’t be deliberately skewered by JSS and controversy. It will be complimented. I also think with his (JSS’s) addition new fans may flock to Journey and appreciate the fine musicians that they all are. No compromises required or excuses necessary. Live, rocking, music without the frills or gimmicks. The guys can get back to what they do best, put out the best live music they can, for as long as they can-no compromises. Now you’ll get more than what you pay for

[McNeil]

I've thought about this for a while and I guess my opinion is this:

I've supported Perry.
I've supported Augeri.
I'll end up supporting JSS.

But if Journey keeps being run the way they have been since they left Sony, they are fucked regardless of who the singer is.

They have 0 contact with their fans on their OFFICIAL website.
Their official website is one of the most lacking band sites I've ever seen.
They steadfastly refuse to play anything daring or new in their setlists. Arrival and Red 13 are generally ignored and Generations songs were only played to give SA a vocal rest IMO.
They need a fucking record label. They are JOURNEY for christ's sake.
They REALLY need to find a way to get GOOD exposure if they want JSS or SA to succeed.
They need to realize that the 'our way or the highway' attitude they have will only lead to nothing for them.

They are digging their own grave with the way they run things.

Ameron.. I agree fully with what you say!!

Dont blame Augeri for this.... what the hell is up with Journey... management and long standing members like Schon..that they cant get a proper record label behind them?? Jeez..werent they a major institution in the States for years(Im from England)

They are stuck in a massive rut

[wildone]

If this is a permanent change, if Augeri does not come back at some point in this tour, if JSS is THE replacement, then I see this as the begining of the end of Journey...at least for me.

Good.

Now, go back to the Styx board and stay there....I'm done with your constant whinning over the last 2 weeks.

wow now here's a great post worth reading!!!

[EightyRock]

Neilmac says; "Dont blame Augeri for this.... what the hell is up with Journey... management and long standing members like Schon..that they cant get a proper record label behind them?? Jeez..werent they a major institution in the States for years(Im from England) "

There's enough blame to go all the way around the band. They nearly destroyed their own legacy. The reviews were getting horrible. NO, they can't get a proper record label behind them! They are no longer the elephant in the room, the heavy weights. YES, they were a major institution. Now WHY was that? All you need to do is listen to what they play at every concert and what people are clamoring to hear. Cain, Perry, Schon. Perry was the golden goose that got the contracts, helped write the songs, and was the SOB that kept the train on the track. His methods were questionable at times, but whatever he was doing worked. Neal running the band is what happened. He's a brilliant guitarist but not the brightest on the tree when it comes to business.

[Abitaman]

Listening to thoses people are like listening to JY in Styx, probably a good, song, but get Tommy and Dennis (or Larry) back on.-ERIC

I love JY's songs...especialy "These Are the Times". The fact is those were written for his voice and style, and I like it. JY is part of what has always made Styx "Styx". Taking out JY and have a Perry/Augeri type voice sing "Miss America", or whatever, would sound horrible to me.

Taking out Augeri/Perry and adding a JY spin on Journey songs would also sound horrible to me!

THe Cain, Ross songs on Generations were like most JY songs on Styx cds, ok to good, but not the main reason I bought a Styx cd. I bought a Styx cd for Tommy(Glen) and Dennis (Larry), just like I buy a Journey cd for Perry (Augeri)=ERIC

[Journeynut]

I've thought about this for a while and I guess my opinion is this:

I've supported Perry.
I've supported Augeri.
I'll end up supporting JSS.

But if Journey keeps being run the way they have been since they left Sony, they are fucked regardless of who the singer is.

They have 0 contact with their fans on their OFFICIAL website.
Their official website is one of the most lacking band sites I've ever seen.
They steadfastly refuse to play anything daring or new in their setlists. Arrival and Red 13 are generally ignored and Generations songs were only played to give SA a vocal rest IMO.
They need a fucking record label. They are JOURNEY for christ's sake.
They REALLY need to find a way to get GOOD exposure if they want JSS or SA to succeed.
They need to realize that the 'our way or the highway' attitude they have will only lead to nothing for them.

They are digging their own grave with the way they run things.

Every point you have presented is true.
Others have pointed out that despite trying new music with augeri the fans really did not want it, they want the classic sound and music.

On the other hand, if they are going to go such a new direction with the music that it is not like Journey why call the band Journey?

[whocares]

Thank God JSS isn't anything like Perry in looks and sounds.

[A Fire Inside]

On the other hand, if they are going to go such a new direction with the music that it is not like Journey why call the band Journey?

Same reason they do everything in this band...

monnnneeeeeeyyyyy

[Abitaman]

I've thought about this for a while and I guess my opinion is this:

I've supported Perry.
I've supported Augeri.
I'll end up supporting JSS.

But if Journey keeps being run the way they have been since they left Sony, they are fucked regardless of who the singer is.

They have 0 contact with their fans on their OFFICIAL website.
Their official website is one of the most lacking band sites I've ever seen.
They steadfastly refuse to play anything daring or new in their setlists. Arrival and Red 13 are generally ignored and Generations songs were only played to give SA a vocal rest IMO.
They need a fucking record label. They are JOURNEY for christ's sake.
They REALLY need to find a way to get GOOD exposure if they want JSS or SA to succeed.
They need to realize that the 'our way or the highway' attitude they have will only lead to nothing for them.

They are digging their own grave with the way they run things.

Every point you have presented is true.
Others have pointed out that despite trying new music with augeri the fans really did not want it, they want the classic sound and music.

On the other hand, if they are going to go such a new direction with the music that it is not like Journey why call the band Journey?

journey has always been dealing with a double edged sword on that front. Want the Perry sound (without Perry), to keep classic fans happy, but to move head into something new, but still have that Journey ring to it-ERIC

[rdekker]

I wonder why people always judge things before they actually see or hear it..

Well, this really sucks. I have no desire to see JSS in Journey. He just doesn't bring the right attitude towards Journey songs for me. At least not from the bits that I have heard. Again, there is the VH comparison. Gary Cherone is a fine singer...but he didn't fit the VH image, so he bombed. He's fine in Extreme, III Sides is an awesome album, but VH couldn't make it work for the fans. I see the same thing happening here...JSS is a hard rocker but Journey isn't a hard rock band. He may as well join Air Supply, it would work about as well.

If this is a permanent change, if Augeri does not come back at some point in this tour, if JSS is THE replacement, then I see this as the begining of the end of Journey...at least for me.

If I didn't have a small hope that Augeri could come back, I WOULD sell my tickets. But, if I did that, and he came back by the Ames date, I would really, really regret it.

[Kaj]

If they decide on making a new studio album with this line up,I pray to god they will call it Soul SirkUS feat. Jonathan Cain.
This band will only lose more fans if they continue as Journey with Soto,they have lost millions of fans with Perry out of the band and I´m afraid Cain won´t be in the band for long either coz now Schon is running it all by himself.

[Dano]

I've thought about this for a while and I guess my opinion is this:

I've supported Perry.
I've supported Augeri.
I'll end up supporting JSS.

But if Journey keeps being run the way they have been since they left Sony, they are fucked regardless of who the singer is.

They have 0 contact with their fans on their OFFICIAL website.
Their official website is one of the most lacking band sites I've ever seen.
They steadfastly refuse to play anything daring or new in their setlists. Arrival and Red 13 are generally ignored and Generations songs were only played to give SA a vocal rest IMO.
They need a fucking record label. They are JOURNEY for christ's sake.
They REALLY need to find a way to get GOOD exposure if they want JSS or SA to succeed.
They need to realize that the 'our way or the highway' attitude they have will only lead to nothing for them.

They are digging their own grave with the way they run things.

Wow, I gotta say that I am in total agreement with you on all points. I made similar statements on another thread yesterday, specifically referring to the utter lack of press and promotion that Azoff/Baruch/Consolo have gotten the band. Def Lep have full-page ads for the new CD and tour in major magazines, a feature article in Entertainment Weekly some weeks back, the Wal-Mart tie in, etc. and absolutely nothing from Journey. If you were a casual fan, you wouldn't even know they were on this tour. I said that there is a sad irony that it took this disaster to get them into the press. Azoff is known as quite a legendary manager, but it seems that Journey is just an afterthought to his team. It's pathetic. They are an institution, or at least were, or still could've been in Herbie was still at the helm. I was so happy to see them get on the Def Lep tour. As much as I enjoy REO, Styx and the like, I always felt that Journey was a cut above many of their peers in their genre and I hated seeing them promoted as a nostalgia act. The Leps still have quite a bit of coolness factor, even with the kids today (now I'm really showing my age! LOL) and I thought this was a much better fit.

One point I really agree with is the website. I have felt that it's been one of the most lacking websites of any band I've seen. At one point, they were really keeping up on posting articles from the media, but that died pretty quickly. For a band with such a history as Journey, there should be tons of content on there, especially from throughout the years. I'm sure there's enough rare photos or live tracks that can be made available. Love 'em or hate 'em, KISS' website is one that they should take a page or two from. There is new content posted almost daily on their site, and there's a lot of neat things, like having every single tour date and venue listed since their inception. There is just nothing at all to go to the band website to see. We're lucky to get even one update a month, and even then it's usually "New merchandise for sale over at Journey Swag!". How about some interviews with members past and present, at the very least?

Sorry for the rant here, but I feel so strongly about the points Amaron made. This band, this melodic rock institution that's sold over 75 million albums, is one of the most sadly mismanaged acts in music today. For God's sake, get some people who know what they're doing to steer this ship.

...I can just see Herbie screaming "I told you so" about the events of the past couple weeks.[/i]

[Rockindeano]

If they decide on making a new studio album with this line up,I pray to god they will call it Soul SirkUS feat. Jonathan Cain.
This band will only lose more fans if they continue as Journey with Soto,they have lost millions of fans with Perry out of the band and I´m afraid Cain won´t be in the band for long either coz now Schon is running it all by himself.

I hope Cain leaves. Screw him. Get Rolie back.

[wildone]

I've thought about this for a while and I guess my opinion is this:

I've supported Perry.
I've supported Augeri.
I'll end up supporting JSS.

But if Journey keeps being run the way they have been since they left Sony, they are fucked regardless of who the singer is.

They have 0 contact with their fans on their OFFICIAL website.
Their official website is one of the most lacking band sites I've ever seen.
They steadfastly refuse to play anything daring or new in their setlists. Arrival and Red 13 are generally ignored and Generations songs were only played to give SA a vocal rest IMO.
They need a fucking record label. They are JOURNEY for christ's sake.
They REALLY need to find a way to get GOOD exposure if they want JSS or SA to succeed.
They need to realize that the 'our way or the highway' attitude they have will only lead to nothing for them.

They are digging their own grave with the way they run things.

Wow, I gotta say that I am in total agreement with you on all points. I made similar statements on another thread yesterday, specifically referring to the utter lack of press and promotion that Azoff/Baruch/Consolo have gotten the band. Def Lep have full-page ads for the new CD and tour in major magazines, a feature article in Entertainment Weekly some weeks back, the Wal-Mart tie in, etc. and absolutely nothing from Journey. If you were a casual fan, you wouldn't even know they were on this tour. I said that there is a sad irony that it took this disaster to get them into the press. Azoff is known as quite a legendary manager, but it seems that Journey is just an afterthought to his team. It's pathetic. They are an institution, or at least were, or still could've been in Herbie was still at the helm. I was so happy to see them get on the Def Lep tour. As much as I enjoy REO, Styx and the like, I always felt that Journey was a cut above many of their peers in their genre and I hated seeing them promoted as a nostalgia act. The Leps still have quite a bit of coolness factor, even with the kids today (now I'm really showing my age! LOL) and I thought this was a much better fit.

One point I really agree with is the website. I have felt that it's been one of the most lacking websites of any band I've seen. At one point, they were really keeping up on posting articles from the media, but that died pretty quickly. For a band with such a history as Journey, there should be tons of content on there, especially from throughout the years. I'm sure there's enough rare photos or live tracks that can be made available. Love 'em or hate 'em, KISS' website is one that they should take a page or two from. There is new content posted almost daily on their site, and there's a lot of neat things, like having every single tour date and venue listed since their inception. There is just nothing at all to go to the band website to see. We're lucky to get even one update a month, and even then it's usually "New merchandise for sale over at Journey Swag!". How about some interviews with members past and present, at the very least?

Sorry for the rant here, but I feel so strongly about the points Amaron made. This band, this melodic rock institution that's sold over 75 million albums, is one of the most sadly mismanaged acts in music today. For God's sake, get some people who know what they're doing to steer this ship.

...I can just see Herbie screaming "I told you so" about the events of the past couple weeks.[/i]

That would be great to hear what he has to say about all this!!!Now there's a place to be a fly on the wall!!I agree completley they need new management true professionals let the boys do there thing and let management do there's ...

[Journeynut]

On the other hand, if they are going to go such a new direction with the music that it is not like Journey why call the band Journey?

Same reason they do everything in this band...

monnnneeeeeeyyyyy

Yes I forgot. The real bottom line here is $$$$$.

[The_Noble_Cause]

I hope Cain leaves. Screw him. Get Rolie back.

You're full of shit.


Name your top 5 fav Journey tunes.
I gurantee u that Cain co-write the overwhelming majority of them.
Gregg may give them some rock cred again, but who cares.
Sacharine ballads aside, the music is simply better under Cain.
More melodious.

[Rockindeano]

I hope Cain leaves. Screw him. Get Rolie back.

You're full of shit.


Name your top 5 fav Journey tunes.
I gurantee u that Cain co-write the overwhelming majority of them.
Gregg may give them some rock cred again, but who cares.
Sacharine ballads aside, the music is simply better under Cain.
More melodious.

Dude my top 5 Journey tunes in THIS order are

1- Can Do
2- Majestic
3- Homeade Love
4- I'm Cryin'
5- I'm Gonna Leave You

Did cain write any of these? Nope.

[The_Noble_Cause]

Dude my top 5 Journey tunes in THIS order are

1- Can Do
2- Majestic
3- Homeade Love
4- I'm Cryin'
5- I'm Gonna Leave You

Did cain write any of these? Nope.

I've been on this forum roughly since the dawn of man, and I've never heard you mention those songs.
As every Journey fan knows, the meat and potatoes of Journey's catalogue stems largely from Cain's contributions.
What self-respecting Journey fanatic doesn't have "Don't Stop Believing" somewhere in their top 5?
C'mon!

"I'm Gonna Leave You" ?
In the top 5?
Get the fuck outta here