Singer in a SMOKEY Room

[fred_journeyman]

Maybe all you Perry haters and doomsayers can shed some light on the genesis of your raging fury.

Well, let's see, I'm not a Perry hater and I certainly don't waste any "raging fury" on the man, but this quiz sounds FUN!

Are you upset because he aged?

No, not at all! If he DIDN'T age, I'd be concerned that he had a painting stashed away in his attic somewhere that WAS aging...

H'mmm, guess you found away around that phenomenen?

Phenomenon? If you say so...

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?

I'm personally not looking for that kind of success. Financially set? Whatever. I am successful because I have a wonderful wife, two great kids and my office is in my home where I can set my own schedule. This is FUN!! What's next?

It's real easy to sit it your armchair and criticize and demean his career and choices.

Wow, that's so true! I've read your "armchair quarterbacking" posts regarding Neal and the band too.

Do you have first hand knowledge of the events, or do you make your conclusions based on gossip and innuendo from the National Enquirer?

Never read that rag. I generally make educated guesses and present opinions based on a number of things. Normally, what I do is extrapolate from facts.

You ludicrous remarks are ignorant.

Is that based on first hand knowledge, or does it stem from you raging fury that someone would deign to seemingly with malice, rag on your favorite deity?

Before you you spew your hatred and doom and gloom again, back it up with facts.

I agree. You should absolutely do that when you're talking about the band. For instance, we KNOW that backup tapes were used. Beyond that, do we really know for how long? Do we know who knew about them? Do we KNOW whose idea it was? Do we KNOW if they were SONY or PANASONIC backup tapes that were used?

I highly doubt any of you have even met the man or spent time with him.

And you've spent time with Neal?

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.

Or just someone who thought that anyone with any grain of intelligence would see that statement as being so far out there that it HAD to be a joke. Proof again that too many Perry ONLY people have no sense of humor.

Man, the quiz is over already?! Seemed kinda one-sided though. Oh well; fun nonetheless. Thanks for letting me participate!

[fred_journeyman]

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

Good summary!

[Marabelle]

Is he able to rock again...nah, he's gotten soft and old and has a 'don't care' attitude. but it's a nice thought. don't think he's interested

[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.

;^)

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.

Beano, are you such a complete and total half-wit that you've forgotten the post I addressed directly to you a while back, where I described sitting in the second row at Chula Vista last summer, with Augeri singing LIVE fifteen feet from my face?

Like I said then, nothing "fooled" me at that show, and it was proof that the claims of some of the more ardent "Tapegate" proponents that this alleged lip-synching has gone on for nearly two years is utter bullshit.

;^)

[cetera]

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!

Just because some reasonable people don't believe that Perry can sing like he used to does not make them 'Perry haters' or 'doomsayers'. Try the word 'realists'....

You want facts? Well here's one.... one of my best friends has been a famous Bay Area (& international) musician for the last 35 years. He knows all the Journey guys and many of the behind-the-scenes producers/engineers/rehearsal studio owners etc etc

He has told me quite catagorically that circa TBF Perry could NOT sing many of the 'classic' Journey tunes because they were too high for him. Neal & Jon tried changing keys on songs & also detuning instruments but all to no avail. The songs either sounded wrong or were impossible to play.... there was NO way Journey could continue/tour with him. This is information my friend was given by people involved at the time.

Make of that what you will, but that's good enough for me....

Add to that the fact that he hasn't done anything of note in years and 2+2 generally = 4...

[fred_journeyman]

Just because some reasonable people don't believe that Perry can sing like he used to does not make them 'Perry haters' or 'doomsayers'. Try the word 'realists'....

You want facts? Well here's one.... one of my best friends has been a famous Bay Area (& international) musician for the last 35 years. He knows all the Journey guys and many of the behind-the-scenes producers/engineers/rehearsal studio owners etc etc

He has told me quite catagorically that circa TBF Perry could NOT sing many of the 'classic' Journey tunes because they were too high for him. Neal & Jon tried changing keys on songs & also detuning instruments but all to no avail. The songs either sounded wrong or were impossible to play.... there was NO way Journey could continue/tour with him. This is information my friend was given by people involved at the time.

Make of that what you will, but that's good enough for me....

Add to that the fact that he hasn't done anything of note in years and 2+2 generally = 4...

I've heard some of the same info, but the true reality is that ANYTHING that doesn't come from Perry's own mouth (even though according to HH, Perry told Cain to lower the songs for the Graham tribute), it's viewed as "hate-filled spew."

It's very obvious that (while I like Perry's voice quite a bit on TBF), it WAS quite a bit lower than his "Lights" days, and it would have been difficult at best for him to sing the classic tunes that made him famous.

Robert Plant can't hit the highs he once did. Neither can Bradley Delp and numerous others. Ooooh, I should be careful though, because some Zepplin or Boston fan might accuse me of hating both of them...

[conversationpc]

Robert Plant can't hit the highs he once did. Neither can Bradley Delp and numerous others. Ooooh, I should be careful though, because some Zepplin or Boston fan might accuse me of hating both of them...

Brad Delp flat-out said that he can no longer hit those notes. He said as much in the summer 2004 show I saw here in Indianapolis and introduced Fran Cosmo as "the guy who hits all the high notes". He's still a great singer, though.

Same with Perry. The guy is 57 now. He's not going to be able to do it. Period. Doesn't meen I hate him or think he's not a good singer. The vocal chords age just like the rest of the body does. You can stave off age to some degree but it's eventually going to happen to everyone. Now, Perry did some great vocal stuff on the '94 tour in support of "For the Love of Strange Medicine" but even that stuff was not nearly as consistently high as the stuff he did 10-15 years earlier with Journey.

[Voyager]

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.

Did that seem to affect the amount of people who come out to nightclubs? I play in a band in Springfield, Illinois, and they are going to ban smoking in clubs and restaurants here in September. I am wondering how it will affect attendance at our club gigs. Some people say more non-smokers will come out to replace any smokers that decide not to show up. Just curious how it is affecting your area?

[conversationpc]

Did that seem to affect the amount of people who come out to nightclubs? I play in a band in Springfield, Illinois, and they are going to ban smoking in clubs and restaurants here in September. I am wondering how it will affect attendance at our club gigs. Some people say more non-smokers will come out to replace any smokers that decide not to show up. Just curious how it is affecting your area?

Indianapolis has banned smoking in all restaurants in the area but bars are exempt, as long as they've filed the appropriate paperwork.

[Voyager]

Same with Perry. The guy is 57 now. He's not going to be able to do it. Period. Doesn't meen I hate him or think he's not a good singer. The vocal chords age just like the rest of the body does. You can stave off age to some degree but it's eventually going to happen to everyone. Now, Perry did some great vocal stuff on the '94 tour in support of "For the Love of Strange Medicine" but even that stuff was not nearly as consistently high as the stuff he did 10-15 years earlier with Journey.

Agreed. I think Steve Perry is the winner in this game. Look how singing that stuff shredded Augeri's vocal chords in just a few short years. Perry knows his limitations as his voice has aged, and he respects them. Just think of how hard it must be for him to resist going on tour again. Most people wouldn't have the discipline to know when to say "no". The temptation is too much for most lead vocalists (Joe Elliot, Brian Johnson, DLR, etc.).

Let's face it, Steve Perry is like an Elvis in many people's minds. He built a legacy that can never be ruined as long as he doesn't go out and ruin it by touring year after year with a shredded voice like many other lead singers have done. He probably has enough money to live a good life, and now he is kicking back, enjoying his legacy, and living healthy. I wish I could say the same for other rock gods such as Eddie Van Halen.

Steve Perry will always be the best lead vocalist of all time in my book. I love to rock out to Rush, Van Halen, Whitesnake, Scorpions, Poison, etc, but when I want to hear some good vocals, I slip in a Perry/Journey CD. I never get tired of hearing them.

[conversationpc]

The temptation is too much for most lead vocalists (Joe Elliot, Brian Johnson, DLR, etc.).

Brian Johnson...I'm surprised that guy can still TALK, let alone sing. The way he sings, his neck should've exploded after "Back in Black" but he just keeps on going. No, he doesn't sound as good as he did years ago, but it's amazing he can still do anything with his voice.

[PROPERRY]

Same with Perry. The guy is 57 now. He's not going to be able to do it. Period. Doesn't meen I hate him or think he's not a good singer. The vocal chords age just like the rest of the body does. You can stave off age to some degree but it's eventually going to happen to everyone. Now, Perry did some great vocal stuff on the '94 tour in support of "For the Love of Strange Medicine" but even that stuff was not nearly as consistently high as the stuff he did 10-15 years earlier with Journey.

Agreed. I think Steve Perry is the winner in this game. Look how singing that stuff shredded Augeri's vocal chords in just a few short years. Perry knows his limitations as his voice has aged, and he respects them. Just think of how hard it must be for him to resist going on tour again. Most people wouldn't have the discipline to know when to say "no". The temptation is too much for most lead vocalists (Joe Elliot, Brian Johnson, DLR, etc.).

Let's face it, Steve Perry is like an Elvis in many people's minds. He built a legacy that can never be ruined as long as he doesn't go out and ruin it by touring year after year with a shredded voice like many other lead singers have done. He probably has enough money to live a good life, and now he is kicking back, enjoying his legacy, and living healthy. I wish I could say the same for other rock gods such as Eddie Van Halen.

Steve Perry will always be the best lead vocalist of all time in my book. I love to rock out to Rush, Van Halen, Whitesnake, Scorpions, Poison, etc, but when I want to hear some good vocals, I slip in a Perry/Journey CD. I never get tired of hearing them.

Yes, Perry is still the VOICE I want to hear, when I'm listening to my Journey songs!

Lori

[NealIsGod]

Yes, Perry is still the VOICE I want to hear, when I'm listening to my Journey songs!

Lori

Boy, you sure make it worth the wait to read your posts, Lori!

[Voyager]

BTW, I haven't introduced myself. I have frequented the home page of MelodicRock.com for years, but never registered on the forums until now. I got my username from Journey's tour bus back in the 80's. it was named Voyager.

Glad to be here!

[PROPERRY]

BTW, I haven't introduced myself. I have frequented the home page of MelodicRock.com for years, but never registered on the forums until now. I got my username from Journey's tour bus back in the 80's. it was named Voyager.

Glad to be here!

Nice to meet you Voyager, and Like your nic too.

Lori

[fred_journeyman]

Brad Delp flat-out said that he can no longer hit those notes. He said as much in the summer 2004 show I saw here in Indianapolis and introduced Fran Cosmo as "the guy who hits all the high notes". He's still a great singer, though.

My wife and I saw Boston a few years back in Central California and the coolest thing was during the show, Brad would point to and smile at Fran, who was hitting the highs beautifully. Yep, Brad still sang and sang well; just his high end is gone. I'm sure it'll happen to Fran as well.

Same with Perry. The guy is 57 now. He's not going to be able to do it. Period. Doesn't meen I hate him or think he's not a good singer. The vocal chords age just like the rest of the body does. You can stave off age to some degree but it's eventually going to happen to everyone. Now, Perry did some great vocal stuff on the '94 tour in support of "For the Love of Strange Medicine" but even that stuff was not nearly as consistently high as the stuff he did 10-15 years earlier with Journey.

Agree on ALL points. Thanks PC.

[Matthew]

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

Who cares? He could release a triple album purely in the "Foolish Heart"/"It's Just The Rain" style and I'd be excited.

[Matthew]

Robert Plant can't hit the highs he once did. Neither can Bradley Delp and numerous others. Ooooh, I should be careful though, because some Zepplin or Boston fan might accuse me of hating both of them...

Brad Delp flat-out said that he can no longer hit those notes. He said as much in the summer 2004 show I saw here in Indianapolis and introduced Fran Cosmo as "the guy who hits all the high notes". He's still a great singer, though.

Same with Perry. The guy is 57 now. He's not going to be able to do it. Period. Doesn't meen I hate him or think he's not a good singer. The vocal chords age just like the rest of the body does. You can stave off age to some degree but it's eventually going to happen to everyone. Now, Perry did some great vocal stuff on the '94 tour in support of "For the Love of Strange Medicine" but even that stuff was not nearly as consistently high as the stuff he did 10-15 years earlier with Journey.

Well, I saw both Robert Plant and Billy Joel last month - and they are both more or less the same age as Perry - and they sounded great.

[conversationpc]

Well, I saw both Robert Plant and Billy Joel last month - and they are both more or less the same age as Perry - and they sounded great.

I love Billy Joel but the guy's songs are just not that hard to sing compared to the vast majority of the Journey catalogue. I can't comment on Plant because I'm not very familiar with his solo material but anytime I've heard him cover some of that old Zeppelin material, he has sounded horrible.

[Matthew]

Well, I saw both Robert Plant and Billy Joel last month - and they are both more or less the same age as Perry - and they sounded great.

I love Billy Joel but the guy's songs are just not that hard to sing compared to the vast majority of the Journey catalogue. I can't comment on Plant because I'm not very familiar with his solo material but anytime I've heard him cover some of that old Zeppelin material, he has sounded horrible.

You're right - the Joel songs are easier - but he pulled off "Innocent Man" which is a tough one.

As for Plant...well, he reinvented the old material - suchy as Black Dog, When the Levee Breaks and Whole Lotta Love - so it still sounded innovative and kept within the limitations of his voice.

[cetera]

Brian Johnson...I'm surprised that guy can still TALK, let alone sing. The way he sings, his neck should've exploded after "Back in Black" but he just keeps on going. No, he doesn't sound as good as he did years ago, but it's amazing he can still do anything with his voice.

He won't be going for much longer..... AC/DC will be calling it a day within a couple of years....

[yak]

He has told me quite catagorically that circa TBF Perry could NOT sing many of the 'classic' Journey tunes because they were too high for him. Neal & Jon tried hanging keys on songs & also detuning instruments but all to no avail. The songs either sounded wrong or were impossible to play.... there was NO way Journey could continue/tour with him. This is information my friend was given by people involved at the time.

Add to that the fact that he hasn't done anything of note in years and 2+2 generally = 4...

Sounds like Perry shot himself in the foot...or was that the hip.....since he's the one who co-wrote the songs and sang them as high as he could go. If the loons touch this thread, it will be interesting to see how they spin it.

Boy, you sure make it worth the wait to read your posts, Lori!