Bummed about Steve A.

[scott_717]

First post here... try not to kill me.

I have to say that I feel bad for Steve A. I saw the Hershey show, and it was rough for him. He was trying hard to hit the notes, and it was painful to watch. I found myself clearing my throat just listening to him. Even the paper, which is notorious for saying that every concert in Hershey sounds great, noted his problems... they were that obvious.

I, for one, was a huge Steve A. fan when he came aboard... not because I dislike Perry (afterall, I don't KNOW him and he wrote and sang some great songs)... but because with Steve A Journey was willing to play some of the lost gems, and not just stick to the "greatest hits." I loved hearing the Evolution, and "b-sides" from Escape, etc. So, I thought that he was a breath of fresh air to a band that I love. And, let's face it, early on, he did those songs justice!!

The throat issue must go back at least to before Generations was cut... otherwise, why spread the vocal duties around. And yet he toughed it out. As much as I like Neal and Jonathan and the boys, I sometimes thought that they needlessly tortured poor Steve A. The first time I saw them with Steve A, they did Be Good to Yourself, Open Arms, and Escape back-to-back, or if not back-to-back, in very close proximity... talk about your ball breakers... three REALLY high songs in a row. That had to be a killer. Maybe Steve A went along with it, but I seriously doubt that he actually suggested doing those in a row. And then, with voice shot, to have Open Arms on the set list is Raleigh was just plain cruel. But, hey, they were all trying to give it their all and put on the best show. With the vocal issues and the weird dynamic of having Deen singing lead on some songs (which he KILLED, but the dynamic is just different with the singer tucked behind a massive kit), Def Leppard was kinda smoking Journey in energy (and I prefer Journey's music... just talking about the energy level, crowd response, etc.), so I can understand going to the "hits" to try and make a bigger statement. But, after what I heard in Hershey, there was just NO WAY Steve A. was going to pull off Open Arms and I cannot believe that he would have suggested putting it in the set list.

As for Mr. Soto... the guy has a killer voice, and it will be interesting to see how he sounds in Journey. My guess is that he will be pretty damned good, but not too Journey-like. That Steve Perry sound is pretty etched in, and Steve A did it so well (but with his own touches). I mean, when I hear cover bands do Journey and the guy/woman sounds good, but not just like Steve Perry, I say "it sounded good and it was cool to hear that song." When Journey does it, and it doesn't sound like Steve Perry, then while it may sound good and interesting and pleasing, it will (to me) seem odd... I mean, Journey should sound like Journey, not a cover band, and the lead vocals are front and center in the "Journey sound." But, again, I think that it will be interesting to hear the new sound, and it could be fresh. I certainly will go see them with JSS.

Others have a good point about avoiding another "Steve Perry clone" in that it could get a bit like a parody, but at the same time, having someone who doesn't sound like Steve Perry could sound a little "cover band-ish." If this is temporary, maybe someone like Kevin Chalfant (the Storm, and now Shooting Star) would have been a better choice to pull of the Steve sound. But, of course, being in a band is more than sounding good... it is fitting in, and adding something to the mix. I am sure that Neal believes that Soto fits in that respect.

Hey, after hearing Queen with Paul Rodgers, anything is possible. I thought that combo would absolutely suck, and it was GREAT. Not Queen, in fact, very different... Of course, here, it isn't "Journey and Jeff Scott Soto," it is just "Journey," and it is going to feel a bit different.

But man, I have to give Journey props for not missing a stride and soldiering on. The tour tix have sold very well, and cancelling shows would have been a financial disaster and would have really impacted Def Leppard. They are plugging on through some issues and working it hard... they deserve a lot of credit for the professional attitude.

For Steve A... all the best, and I hope that your voice fully recovers. It would be great to see you back in the fold again.

[TRAGChick]

Excellent post, so no......I won't kill you

IMO, enough time has gone by regarding the SP Sound and all that....I have been a part of the original VH1 Board (2001) and now I'm here - and BELIEVE me, in the beginning I was LIVID about SA!!

But now, as a singer myself, I really do hope his voice is salvageable.

Journey with a "twist" of JSS....that's how I'm approaching it.

PS ~ Welcome aboard!

[conversationpc]

Hey, after hearing Queen with Paul Rodgers, anything is possible.

I had forgotten about that. I wasn't sure that tour would do so well but it did. Of course, I doubt that Journey is going to bill themselves in a similar fasion, like "Journey with Jeff Scott Soto".

[Red13JoePa]

Hey, after hearing Queen with Paul Rodgers, anything is possible.

I had forgotten about that. I wasn't sure that tour would do so well but it did. Of course, I doubt that Journey is going to bill themselves in a similar fasion, like "Journey with Jeff Scott Soto".

Hell, I hope they wouldn't do that. It's Journey, period.
I'm bummed about SA, too Big time.

But I like to believe, especially based on JSS' post that he has Augeri's total support (and thanks) as well.

[Big J]

I'm bummed too, big time. And I really hope it isn't permanent. I hope JSS gets some major notice from this and maybe gets a major label record deal out of it or something.

I just don't want the next Journey record to have a buncha songs with numbers in the title either. LOL

Most people won't get that crack.

[StyxCollector]

Come on ... are people really that emotionally attached to Steve Augeri?

Sure, he is a big part there is Journey past 1998, but come on. If nothing else, he proved another singer can step in.

I didn't see this outcry when Deen replaced Steve Smith, either.

Everyone is replacable at any time.

[NealIsGod]

I'm bummed too, big time. And I really hope it isn't permanent. I hope JSS gets some major notice from this and maybe gets a major label record deal out of it or something.

I just don't want the next Journey record to have a buncha songs with numbers in the title either. LOL

Most people won't get that crack.

I do. JSS suffers from Prince syndrome.

[Big J]

Come on ... are people really that emotionally attached to Steve Augeri?

Sure, he is a big part there is Journey past 1998, but come on. If nothing else, he proved another singer can step in.

I didn't see this outcry when Deen replaced Steve Smith, either.

Everyone is replacable at any time.

I think a lot of us are, in that Augeri's always been a super nice guy, one of the good guys, you know? And a lot of people latched onto that, myself included. Combine that for me with a lot of emotional attachment to the Arrival album and a great admiration for the guy's determination and talent and yeah, I'm attached.

And while you didnt see this outcry when Deen replaced Smitty, you did when Smitty and Ross got booted by Perry back in the day.

[StyxCollector]

I think a lot of us are, in that Augeri's always been a super nice guy, one of the good guys, you know? And a lot of people latched onto that, myself included. Combine that for me with a lot of emotional attachment to the Arrival album and a great admiration for the guy's determination and talent and yeah, I'm attached.

And while you didnt see this outcry when Deen replaced Smitty, you did when Smitty and Ross got booted by Perry back in the day.

No one ever said Augeri was a dick. By all account's he's a sweet guy. That's JSS' reputation, too. They both seem to care about the fans.

I've been a longtime Journey fan and don't remember the outcry around SS and RV in 86 or 87. They just vanished.

Granted, Smitty stepped down after TBF, but still - I have a hard time wrapping my head around people who get so attached to a band lineup. People change and move on for whatever reason. That's life.

I'm attached in some ways to the "classic" Styx lineup of Tommy, Dennis, Chuck, John, and JY. They've made some of my favorite music. But I didn't let it cloud my judgement in 1996 when John was replaced, nor in 1999 when the split happened. Whatever the live configuration, the stuff on tape lives forever.

[whocares]

...Whatever the live configuration, the stuff on tape lives forever.

ironic, dontcha think.

Seriously, as nice as people claim Augeri to be, and I have no proof that he isn't a nice guy in person, you'll have people not caring what he's like personally, so much as he helped carry on (not so) "professionally" the B.S. lately.

[StyxCollector]

Seriously, as nice as people claim Augeri to be, and I have no proof that he isn't a nice guy in person, you'll have people not caring what he's like personally, so much as he helped carry on (not so) "professionally" the B.S. lately.

Exactly my point. The unspoken asterisk.

But then again, I don't know what I'd do in his shoes, either. Easy to play Monday morning quarterback. I'm sure somewhere deep inside he felt like shit and had to put a game face on every night he knew he had to perform.

[scott_717]

I wasn't saying that I was overly attached to Steve A, just that (1) I liked what the BAND did with him around (i.e., dipped into the back catalog and ventured off of the beaten path), and (2) I feel bad for the guy... he had a great voice that is now trashed, and tried pretty hard at the show I was at to do it right.

While his voice issue was the cause of the backing tracks mess, I don't believe that the fault for using them rests only with Steve A... that one the band has to bear as a whole. But it too will pass.

[AR]

I like the songs. Steve Perry, Steve Augeri, Jeff Scott Soto, all fine with me.

Wish all 3 the best! It's time for JSS right now.

[AR]

But now, as a singer myself, I really do hope his voice is salvageable.

Tall Stories part II?

Could be the best thing that ever happened to Steve. Could float a few Journey songs in if he is ever able to perform again. He really was a talented singer. Time was just over that's all.

[larryfromnextdoor]

I like the songs. Steve Perry, Steve Augeri, Jeff Scott Soto, all fine with me.

Wish all 3 the best! It's time for JSS right now.

well said,, amen to that,,

[AR]

Hey, I hate the "Fraudgeri" shit. It has been true recently. I was one of the people that said "no way" and then joined Deano's crew. However go back and listen to the 98 - 03 shows. He was pretty damn good. Poor guy was a hired gun (like Eric Carr and Bruce Kulick with Kiss - I can talk forever about that.....)

I thought Steve A did very well, but understand those who were not fans (I have evidence that Augeri was a pretty damn good vocalist for awhile). Just hope it drops and that JSS can do his thing!

[YankeeRose]

Steve Augeri won me over too, he is my favorite Journey singer. I like his voice and stage presence more than Perry. He also wrote the amazing ballad Beyond the clouds.

I have heard a lot of Jeff Scott Soto songs, he is okay. I liked his songs with Zakk Wylde in Steel Dragon. I am not a big fan of Soul Sirkus though, it is just...okay. Not at Journey's level to me. I don't want him singing for Journey on any albums that is for sure. I am hoping Augeri is better and back touring with Journey soon.

[larryfromnextdoor]

Hey, I hate the "Fraudgeri" shit. It has been true recently. I was one of the people that said "now way" and then joined Deano's crew. However go back and listen to the 98 - 03 shows. He was pretty damn good. Poor guy was a hired gun (like Eric Carr and Bruce Kulick with Kiss - I can talk forever about that.....)

I thought Steve A did very well, but understand those who were not fans (I have evidence that Augeri was a pretty damn good vocalist for awhile). Just hope it drops and that JSS can do his thing!

eric carr was the biggest wasted talent of all rock drummers,, they only let him get down on creatures and some of lick it up ,, most or all the rest to come was just about cutting ur part and just keep time,, never a vocal ,, little cesar was a horrid gene song, dont count,,, kulick , wasted talent as well ,, augeri was great early on,, i was amazed the 2x i saw him live,,

[nolippin]

It is, unfortunately, what he is going to be remembered for, however...the lip synching scandal and having to have the drummer come out from behind the drums to finish your set was major career assassination

The whole way that his exit was handled, too, makes it look like it was all on him and that Neal got rid of him when he was exposed.

Hey, I hate the "Fraudgeri" shit. It has been true recently. I was one of the people that said "now way" and then joined Deano's crew. However go back and listen to the 98 - 03 shows. He was pretty damn good. Poor guy was a hired gun (like Eric Carr and Bruce Kulick with Kiss - I can talk forever about that.....)

I thought Steve A did very well, but understand those who were not fans (I have evidence that Augeri was a pretty damn good vocalist for awhile). Just hope it drops and that JSS can do his thing!

[larryfromnextdoor]

It is, unfortunately, what he is going to be remembered for, however...the lip synching scandal and having to have the drummer come out from behind the drums to finish your set was major career assination

The whole way that his exit was handled, too, makes it look like it was all on him and that Neal got rid of him when he was exposed.

Hey, I hate the "Fraudgeri" shit. It has been true recently. I was one of the people that said "now way" and then joined Deano's crew. However go back and listen to the 98 - 03 shows. He was pretty damn good. Poor guy was a hired gun (like Eric Carr and Bruce Kulick with Kiss - I can talk forever about that.....)

I thought Steve A did very well, but understand those who were not fans (I have evidence that Augeri was a pretty damn good vocalist for awhile). Just hope it drops and that JSS can do his thing!

i think ur right, i hope not,,

[The_Noble_Cause]

He also wrote the amazing ballad Beyond the clouds.

...with Neal Schon. Only solo Journey endeavor has been "Buterfly".

[AR]

eric carr was the biggest wasted talent of all rock drummers,, they only let him get down on creatures and some of lick it up ,, most or all the rest to come was just about cutting ur part and just keep time,, never a vocal ,, little cesar was a horrid gene song, dont count,,, kulick , wasted talent as well ,, augeri was great early on,, i was amazed the 2x i saw him live,,

Don't get me started.... That situation is so similar to what has happened with Journey (other than Eric passing) that I can't even begin to discuss it. Veteran bands hiring people on salary - that's how it goes. that's all.

[AR]

It is, unfortunately, what he is going to be remembered for, however...the lip synching scandal and having to have the drummer come out from behind the drums to finish your set was major career assassination

The whole way that his exit was handled, too, makes it look like it was all on him and that Neal got rid of him when he was exposed.

Agreed.

I liked what Steve brought to the band. He made Neil and Co. a LOT of money on tour. Got thrown under the bus for sure.

That is my opinion. I think though he will be remembered for a guy from the Gap that lived his dream for a few years.

Ok if you disagree, just want to move on.

[nolippin]

I agree. Moving on is definitly in order. IMO, they need to make the move swift and complete. The longer they hold out hope that Augeri is coming back, the longer the healing is going to take.

Journey needs to distance themselves from him as soon as possible. Update the Tour page, and make it clear that JSS IS the lead singer and NOT the replacement.

It is, unfortunately, what he is going to be remembered for, however...the lip synching scandal and having to have the drummer come out from behind the drums to finish your set was major career assassination

The whole way that his exit was handled, too, makes it look like it was all on him and that Neal got rid of him when he was exposed.

Agreed.

I liked what Steve brought to the band. He made Neil and Co. a LOT of money on tour. Got thrown under the bus for sure.

That is my opinion. I think though he will be remembered for a guy from the gap that lived his dream for a few years.

Ok if you disagree, just want to move on.

[AR]

I agree. Moving on is definitly in order. IMO, they need to make the move swift and complete. The longer they hold out hope that Augeri is coming back, the longer the healing is going to take.

Journey needs to distance themselves from him as soon as possible. Update the Tour page, and make it clear that JSS IS the lead singer and NOT the replacement

Could not have said it better myself. If the band can survive losing SP, then they can move on form SA.

I'm watching some material that says that SA was very good for awhile. Let's give him a break please and be happy that he helped and Jeff can make them move on.

Those fat broads are going to latch on to Soto too. (LOL - sorry)

[NealIsGod]

Those fat broads are going to latch on to Soto too. (LOL - sorry)

True dat.

Watching Kix right now, dude. Thanks again!

[JrnySuxBalls]

Those fat broads are going to latch on to Soto too. (LOL - sorry)

Yeah but at least Soto can fight 'em off!!

[nolippin]

Especially if he keeps getting off the stage and walking around!!

Those fat broads are going to latch on to Soto too. (LOL - sorry)

True dat.

Watching Kix right now, dude. Thanks again!

[wildone]

I agree. Moving on is definitly in order. IMO, they need to make the move swift and complete. The longer they hold out hope that Augeri is coming back, the longer the healing is going to take.

Journey needs to distance themselves from him as soon as possible. Update the Tour page, and make it clear that JSS IS the lead singer and NOT the replacement

Could not have said it better myself. If the band can survive losing SP, then they can move on form SA.

I'm watching some material that says that SA was very good for awhile. Let's give him a break please and be happy that he helped and Jeff can make them move on.

Those fat broads are going to latch on to Soto too. (LOL - sorry)

That poor guy he's probably used to a much younger crowd ...not the fat house wives club!!!LOL

[AR]

NealisGod is a pretty good guitar player and decent singer. Thanks for the backing Vox on my Bon Jovi songs.

Shit, listening to Augeri doing Party is Over in 2004, before his voice was blown. Good stuff!