Singer in a SMOKEY Room

[i]

Could be, but my guess is it was only temporary from the dusty loaves that rained down from the sky when his vocals reached the heavens.

Hah! I'm sure this is the one he'd go with. lol

[cetera]

A serious thread,

Rememberthe lyrics, "A singer in a smokey room?"

I wonder if second hand smoke "Killed Steve Perry's voice?"


Seriously.

Who said his voice is dead. It's just hibernating..like a bear. We'll be hearing a roar or two soon enough.

Yep, roaring like a bear, at about the same octave. NO way he can hit the high notes anymore.....

[joybringer1]

A serious thread,

Rememberthe lyrics, "A singer in a smokey room?"

I wonder if second hand smoke "Killed Steve Perry's voice?"


Seriously.

Don't know about Steve Perry but a couple of weeks ago I was in Berlin (where smoking is still allowed in arenas) seeing The Who and Roger Daltrey asked people not to smoke using those very words, "it kills my voice". Unfortunately, his request went mainly unheeded because the majority of the audience didn't catch or understand what he said.

[johnroxx]

Roxx is an idiot too.

Son, my 42 years as a student and performer of music, 20 years as a published music journalist, and 2,000+ live shows blows you out of the water...trust me.

When it comes to knowledge of rock 'n roll and pop, I'll drop you where you stand...any place, any time, any day.

;^)

[SusieP]

Roxx is an idiot too.

Son, my 42 years as a student and performer of music, 20 years as a published music journalist, and 2,000+ live shows blows you out of the water...trust me.

When it comes to knowledge of rock 'n roll and pop, I'll drop you where you stand...any place, any time, any day.

;^)

Please don't fight.

From your personal experience, does second hand smoke hurt your voice? Is your throat sore the next morning after you have gulped down all that smoke while putting heart and soul into your vocal performance?

I feel it if I have been working in a particularly smoky environment the night before.
I just wondered what tips you have, if any, for dealing with the effects of it.
I have my own little regime, but any tips from someone as experienced as yourself would be welcome - they say you learn something new every day, so any advice, please?

I don't smoke, I don't drink alcohol, I don't take narcotics.
I sing in comfortable keys for my range. I drink plenty of room temperature water. I inhale steam. I rest my voice well and I get plenty of sleep. I avoid menthol and lozenges etc. If I get a cough and I need to take something, I take a herbal remedy (Ivy/Thyme drops and slippery elm.)

I am generally in good health vocally (Unless I fall victim to a nasty viral infection or bug) - but if I've been singing in a really smoky place, when I get up next day, my throat can feel a little sore and I cough quite a bit - how do you deal with that if you feel that way?

OK the obvious answer would be to either -

not sing in a smoky venue (but we have to get gigs where we can to survive)

or

take a machine gun to all the smokers (but I don't wanna go to prison.)

Just thought I'd try and turn this thread into a positive thing.
Any advice, please?

[*Laura]

Susie,the best advice you could get is from The Voice himself.

Scroll to the mid section of the interview.
Steve Perry - Lead Vocalist

[johnroxx]

Susie, I started singing when I was young...unfortunately, I also started smoking when I was young (about 16, which is nearly 32 years ago for me). Never had much of a problem with my voice then.

Didn't sing for a lot of years, concentrating instead on my main passion, playing drums. But I got talked into joining the local SPEBSQSA chorus a few years back, and really enjoyed that for a couple of years. As someone who has always appreciated multi-part harmonies, it was a real blast, even though I was one of the "younguns" of the group, and what we sang was about as far removed from rock 'n roll as you can get. Fifty-five guys singing together in four-part harmony can send chills up your spine, and we sounded pretty good.

As an older singer, the fact that I'm a smoker made things more difficult for me; even though I sang lead, and not the insanely-high tenor parts, there were a few notes in songs that were a major challenge for me. Fortunately, since our group was "lead-heavy," I simply fudged on the highest notes, knowing that my fellow leads with a more expansive range would "cover" for me.

Two years ago, I had to undergo cervical spine (neck) surgery. They go in through the front of the neck, and have to literally move aside the trachea and esophagus to get at the spine itself. Ever since then, my voice has never been the same, and I reluctanly gave up performance singing after that, although I still stop in at a chorus rehearsal now and then just to sing for fun.

Good luck with your singing...it's something I have always derived great pleasure ansd satisfaction from...

;^)

[SusieP]

Susie,the best advice you could get is from The Voice himself.

Scroll to the mid section of the interview.
Steve Perry - Lead Vocalist

Thankyou, I really enjoyed reading that. Never seen it before. Thanks.

I don't actually have any problems vocally, I sing in range and take care of myself. I believe 'prevention is better than cure.' - I can't afford not to take care of my voice, it is how I make my living.

I just wanted to turn the tone of the thread back in to something positive - with your help, I think we have achieved that.

[SusieP]

Susie, I started singing when I was young...unfortunately, I also started smoking when I was young (about 16, which is nearly 32 years ago for me). Never had much of a problem with my voice then.

Didn't sing for a lot of years, concentrating instead on my main passion, playing drums. But I got talked into joining the local SPEBSQSA chorus a few years back, and really enjoyed that for a couple of years. As someone who has always appreciated multi-part harmonies, it was a real blast, even though I was one of the "younguns" of the group, and what we sang was about as far removed from rock 'n roll as you can get. Fifty-five guys singing together in four-part harmony can send chills up your spine, and we sounded pretty good.

As an older singer, the fact that I'm a smoker made things more difficult for me; even though I sang lead, and not the insanely-high tenor parts, there were a few notes in songs that were a major challenge for me. Fortunately, since our group was "lead-heavy," I simply fudged on the highest notes, knowing that my fellow leads with a more expansive range would "cover" for me.

Two years ago, I had to undergo cervical spine (neck) surgery. They go in through the front of the neck, and have to literally move aside the trachea and esophagus to get at the spine itself. Ever since then, my voice has never been the same, and I reluctanly gave up performance singing after that, although I still stop in at a chorus rehearsal now and then just to sing for fun.

Good luck with your singing...it's something I have always derived great pleasure ansd satisfaction from...

;^)

Thank you for your comments and good wishes. I am so sorry to hear about your need for surgery and the effect upon your singing. That must be hard.

I know what you mean about singing that sends chills down your spine! That is how I judge good music. If it gives me the chills and the gooosebumps, that means it's good, well in my opinion, of course! A voice which gives me goosebumps and makes the hairs stand up on my neck and arms is a voice that reaches into my very soul. Oh, I LOVE it when that happens!

I have done a lot of gigs in South Wales, and one of them was in a social club for the members of a male voice choir.
At the end of the night, when me & the band were just about exhausted, I said down the mic, "If you guys want any more songs, you are gonna have to sing to us!" - and they DID! My God, I shall never forget it. Millions of goosebumps, I almost cried. Fabulous.

I'm sorry you can't really sing any more, but I wish you well, and hope that you can still enjoy listening to others.

[TRAGChick]

All I can say is:

THANK GOD Connecticut banned smoking from all restaurants / Nightclubs! I can hear and feel a difference in my voice, and my energy level is up.

If people smoke, they have to go outside...no exceptions - even if it's freezing cold.

[lights1961]

A serious thread,

Rememberthe lyrics, "A singer in a smokey room?"

I wonder if second hand smoke "Killed Steve Perry's voice?"


Seriously.

smokey room was the only thing that ryhmed with cheap perfume..

:D

Rick

[NealIsGod]

All I can say is:

THANK GOD Connecticut banned smoking from all restaurants / Nightclubs! I can hear and feel a difference in my voice, and my energy level is up.

If people smoke, they have to go outside...no exceptions - even if it's freezing cold.

Didn't it cut down the crowd size, Nora?

[TRAGChick]

All I can say is:

THANK GOD Connecticut banned smoking from all restaurants / Nightclubs! I can hear and feel a difference in my voice, and my energy level is up.

If people smoke, they have to go outside...no exceptions - even if it's freezing cold.

Didn't it cut down the crowd size, Nora?

It did, in the beginning.....but then, the people that DIDN'T smoke / hated to be in that environment realized "wow I can go out again!". LOL

That was certainly the case at the club date (that didn't happen ) - it was a PACKED CLUB.

Like I said - people CAN smoke; they just go outside. They're used to doing that now.

[NealIsGod]

I've decided to take up smoking. My doctor told me I wasn't getting enough tar. (Name that comedian).

[larryfromnextdoor]

I've decided to take up smoking. My doctor told me I wasn't getting enough tar. (Name that comedian).

is it "that wilde and craaazy guuyyyy!"

[NealIsGod]

I've decided to take up smoking. My doctor told me I wasn't getting enough tar. (Name that comedian).

is it "that wilde and craaazy guuyyyy!"

We have a winner. 13 would have gotten that if he was on now. Good job, Larry.

[Monker]

A serious thread,

Rememberthe lyrics, "A singer in a smokey room?"

I wonder if second hand smoke "Killed Steve Perry's voice?"


Seriously.

Nah, it was probably coke.

[Monker]

Who said his voice is dead. It's just hibernating..like a bear. We'll be hearing a roar or two soon enough.

I think all he has left is 'roar'. We heard that the last time he sang DSB.

[Monker]

That Fred dude is a complete tool. Roxx is an idiot too.

And, anybody believing Perry is going to come back with an album and/or tour is a lot worse off then an 'idiot'.

[Chakra]

Thanks for setting us straight on Steve's plans. Also, congrats on your new job as his spokesperson.
Must be a cool gig

[fred_journeyman]

And, anybody believing Perry is going to come back with an album and/or tour is a lot worse off then an 'idiot'.

Couldn't agree more, Monker.

You know, isn't it funny how many years this has been stated and yet, there are those here (who purport to be REAL supporters of Journey, by the way, but are simply using this latest situation with Journey to further their own cause), who continue to live under the delusion that Perry will be back, blah, blah, blah and do nothing but attempt to denigrate those who accept this as fact? Some people ARE nothing more than a broken record and simply adopt a new "persona" every once in a while trying to make us believe that all these "new" people are just now arriving on the scene.

[fred_journeyman]

Son, my 42 years as a student and performer of music, 20 years as a published music journalist, and 2,000+ live shows blows you out of the water...trust me.

When it comes to knowledge of rock 'n roll and pop, I'll drop you where you stand...any place, any time, any day.

;^)

[ddregs]

I read topics over and over, day by day, in this forum.
But I can't really understand all of this excitement with Perry. Really.
He's been the best vocalist of all times, he recorded some of the best pop/rock records in the universe, live he was fantastic.
We all recognize the fact, and I am maybe the first one to say out loud who Steve Perry was and has been. His voice was all over any song he sang, you could tell who was singing after 1 second. I had lots of discussions with other vocalists fans about Perry vs Mercury or some of that. I love Steve Perry.

Back to the point.
His last record , For the Love of Strange Medicine, was really bland. No excitement at all. I bought immediately after hearing You better Wait on the radio, and maybe I could have waited beore buying. Really, boring, bland and too many slow tempos. The voice was not his best one, but he still had it.
Live reports of that tour told about good and bad nights, like all of the singers in the world on tour, but told of a Steve Perry in big trouble hitting his trademark high notes. Anyway, living in Europe, I couldn't verify by myself.
Fast forward to Trial by Fire. High excitement here, Journey back on track with their best pop/rock lineup, what made them famous all over the world. What about the record: well, my dad, 70 yrs old and not a rocker, loved it. Me, as a 25yrs old back then, waiting for the Journey sound, left waiting for a lot more. Too many ballads , some skipper, just a few rocker, Can't Tame the Lion, Castles Burning, Message of Love, a FANTASTIC ballad, Easy to Fall, and a more mature voice by the singer. But, the problem was: his voice, yes, more mature, yes, he sings beatifully, everything, but no more high notes. Gone away forever. The cancellation of the tour then , the hips problem, sounded like his voice: no more flying high again.
So far, that's all for his last 15 years.
We all know the signs of the times. His voice is never going to come back with years rolling forward.

Why can't we simply accept the fact? And where is all this excitement for a melodic rock forum for a singer who's almost a slow ballad singer, still with a great voice but that voice is one third of what it was?

Back to Journey now:
- thanks to Augeri. If you're still in or you're out, I don't care. Thanks for carrying on Journey's legacy.
- thanks to Soto. You're a great singer and composer. I love your attitude on stage and on the web. If you're in, you'll be my new hero.
- thanks to Deen. You proved to be the best. Drumming that way (i'm a drummer myself) and singing almost like Perry, sometimes even better and that should be recognized, is not an easy task, it's a spectacular mission accomplished.

My question to all Perry fans is: I don't care if he's able or not to put out a record and tour. Is he able to rock again?
Cheers

[NealIsGod]

Nice post, ddregs. Agree with all of it.

[Chakra]

Maybe all you Perry haters and doomsayers can shed some light on the genesis of your raging fury. Are you upset because he aged? H'mmm, guess you found away around that phenomenen?
Does it come from the fact he has attained a level of success you can never hope to achieve? Does it stem from the fact he is financially set and you're still a working stiff?

It's real easy to sit it your armchair and criticize and demean his career and choices. Do you have first hand knowledge of the events, or do you make your conclusions based on gossip and innuendo from the National Enquirer? You ludicrous remarks are ignorant.

Before you you spew your hatred and doom and gloom again, back it up with facts.
I highly doubt any of you have even met the man or spent time with him.

Also, I would be real careful about stating you have his social security number and addresses of his real estate holdings. Sounds like a proud statement from a stalker or a very clueless person.

Get a grip!

[Rockindeano]

Roxx is an idiot too.

Son, my 42 years as a student and performer of music, 20 years as a published music journalist, and 2,000+ live shows blows you out of the water...trust me.

When it comes to knowledge of rock 'n roll and pop, I'll drop you where you stand...any place, any time, any day.

;^)

Hey Roxx, if you are so accomplished, and I do believe you, then why is it you were so easily fooled by last years tape issue? Must not have too good of an ear.

[MartyMoffatt]

Maybe all you Perry haters and doomsayers can shed some light on the genesis of your raging fury. Are you upset because he aged? H'mmm, guess you found away around that phenomenen?
Does it come from the fact he has attained a level of success you can never hope to achieve? Does it stem from the fact he is financially set and you're still a working stiff?

It's real easy to sit it your armchair and criticize and demean his career and choices. Do you have first hand knowledge of the events, or do you make your conclusions based on gossip and innuendo from the National Enquirer? You ludicrous remarks are ignorant.

Before you you spew your hatred and doom and gloom again, back it up with facts.
I highly doubt any of you have even met the man or spent time with him.

Also, I would be real careful about stating you have his social security number and addresses of his real estate holdings. Sounds like a proud statement from a stalker or a very clueless person.

Get a grip!

Huh ???

Are you sure you're in the right thread here, or am I missing something?

Marty

[Saint John]

Who said his voice is dead. It's just hibernating..like a bear. We'll be hearing a roar or two soon enough.

I think all he has left is 'roar'. We heard that the last time he sang DSB.

Screaming for the White Sox for 4 games might have had a little to do with that. Moreover, it wasn't a performance. Just a regular guy having fun. Your reponse was not very well thought out. In fact, it was stupid.

[TRAGChick]

Who said his voice is dead. It's just hibernating..like a bear. We'll be hearing a roar or two soon enough.

I think all he has left is 'roar'. We heard that the last time he sang DSB.

Screaming for the White Sox for 4 games might have had a little to do with that. Moreover, it wasn't a performance. Just a regular guy having fun. Your reponse was not very well thought out. In fact, it was stupid.

A post from me a while ago that is relevant here:
______________________________________________________________

Here's his answer from an interview on the field with a Chicago reporter, right after the World Series win, asking about his singing with the guys on the team:

SP: "[I was singing with] a screaming voice - a screaming voice....after screaming for FOUR DAYS, because we SWEPT!"

[Saint John]

Who said his voice is dead. It's just hibernating..like a bear. We'll be hearing a roar or two soon enough.

I think all he has left is 'roar'. We heard that the last time he sang DSB.

Screaming for the White Sox for 4 games might have had a little to do with that. Moreover, it wasn't a performance. Just a regular guy having fun. Your reponse was not very well thought out. In fact, it was stupid.

A post from me a while ago that is relevant here:
______________________________________________________________

Here's his answer from an interview on the field with a Chicago reporter, right after the World Series win, asking about his singing with the guys on the team:

SP: "[I was singing with] a screaming voice - a screaming voice....after screaming for FOUR DAYS, because we SWEPT!"

Thank You...it's not that obvious for some of the board's slower people.