Why Jeff Scott Soto is the man of the hour...

[RossValoryRocks]

or longer...

Look folks a lot of us have been going back and forth in real life and in the cyber world about JSS fronting Journey, temporarily or permanently depending on many things.

One thing that gets ignored is the fact that without Jeff stepping up there would be NO Journey this summer, perhaps even no more Journey at all.

Not only can Jeff sing the songs with gusto, and put his OWN stamp on them, he IS NOT a Perry-clone after all, but he brings so much to the plate from an energy point of view.

The shows with Jeff singing have gotten NOTHING but rave reviews for the delivery of the material, the showmanship and over all quality of the performances.

Jeff's energy steps up what the other guys have to do, he makes THEM better and more energized.

And above ALL of that is he a real genuine person, as down to earth as they come and EXCITED to be able to give Journey's music to the fans.

I think Steve Augeri has all the same qualities, and I know Deano is going thrash me for that, and so be it, but Steve is NOT able to go right now, perhaps he may never be able to again and Jeff is and he is doing it the RIGHT way: Giving us the music, and singing the songs VERY well.

I know many people have said Journey should pack it in, I disagree, the MUSIC is timeless no matter WHO is singing. If Steve Augeri doesn't come back and Jeff becomes the permanent vocalist I would hope EVERYONE gets behind him (Wishful thinking I know, but I am an optimist!) because not only are the shows ELECTRIC but without him there wouldn't BE a Journey anymore.

More than ANYTHING I love the music, otherwise I would never have remained a fan. The great thing is Jeff is a fan as well and presents the songs in a way that fans can appreciate.

We all should be saying, "Thanks Jeff for making Journey music this summer!" and maybe beyond.

Now...can we talk Neal and the guys into adding Stand Up and Shout to the set???

[Barb]

What a great post, Stuart! I hope to share your optimism and passion after I've experienced the show on the 26th.

[conversationpc]

Jeff's energy steps up what the other guys have to do, he makes THEM better and more energized.

I definitely think that's true. I saw more people standing having a good time at the Indy show than I remember seeing before. Typically, half the crowd is sitting for a good portion of the show but it looked like mostly everyone was up for the duration of the show. I couldn't tell if the same could be said of the folks who had lawn seats.

[FormerJrnyFan]

EXCELLENT POST!!!

[Rock Fn]

EXCELLENT POST!!!

Naw, new drummer and Deen on vocals. Would have worked better. I bet that was plan B

[Andrew]

Amen Sir!

And Jeff is positively pissing his pants at being out there on the road with those guys signing some of his favourite songs.

[conversationpc]

Naw, new drummer and Deen on vocals. Would have worked better. I bet that was plan B

I doubt it. Deen has said multiple times that he does not want to be out front. He wants to be the drummer and I don't think they would've asked him to do that for more than the one show where he did a few songs that way.

[conversationpc]

And Jeff is positively pissing his pants at being out there on the road with those guys signing some of his favourite songs.

Dang! I wasn't aware that Jeff was so multi-talented! When did they start doing sign-language versions of the tunes?

[RossValoryRocks]

EXCELLENT POST!!!

Naw, new drummer and Deen on vocals. Would have worked better. I bet that was plan B

I asked Deen about that very thing in Cincinnati, he said NO. Period. End of Story.

If Jeff hadn't come in then the Journey would have ended.

And we would have been left with CD's and videos of the past.

[Fernando Ramirez]

Judging by what I saw at the SAN ANTONIO concert, the band still has more to contribute. I had a blast at it, and I am glad they are still operating as a unit. I look forward to some recordings with JSS, as well. I thought they were better than Def Lepp at the show, though some may disagree. Be that as it may, it's a band of incredible talents, and maybe after this successful tour, those that have not been buying their work will give them a chance once again.

[RossValoryRocks]

Amen Sir!

And Jeff is positively pissing his pants at being out there on the road with those guys signing some of his favourite songs.

Come to think of it, he did look like a kid in the candy store...with about 5 brand new $100 bills in his hand....

[jabber]

I'm willing to go see JSS front Journey, but the show already swung through here before he got on board. I think it was still Augeri... I'm fuzzy on the timeline of when he actually left. Was out of town anyway and couldn't have gone regardless. Drat.

Nice post.

[Rock Fn]

EXCELLENT POST!!!

Naw, new drummer and Deen on vocals. Would have worked better. I bet that was plan B

I asked Deen about that very thing in Cincinnati, he said NO. Period. End of Story.

If Jeff hadn't come in then the Journey would have ended.

And we would have been left with CD's and videos of the past.

I'd like to see Deen front a couple of shows, but I know he's not down with that. I'm happy for Jeff, I think he's a very good performer. No matter what happens, It's been a good 30 yr run.

[Lula]

I'm with you here, RVR. Jeff was given a great opportunity and Journey was able to stay on the road with a great frontman. A win win situation. The energy level at which Jeff performs no doubt makes the rest of the band step it up. I've seen pics of Neal all sweaty since Jeff came on board . No secret I am a fan of JSS, so my support is there. I've been a fan of Journey music since the beginning and continue to enjoy old and new. I do wish Steve Augeri the best in his recovery or future therapies for his voice.

I will go to a few shows and enjoy myself, as I always do. I hope the factions of fans can chill out and enjoy some good music. Some people have gone loopy

[Red13JoePa]

Not only is JSS A natural, period, he's The Natural to be filling in for this band right now. His vocal chops are unquestioned, the love of and homage to the material's there as his ability to cover it, albeit many times in his very own way, and his rapport with the captain, Neal Schon's been demonstrated on a great rock record, WorldPlay (yes, I was amongst the number who Neal was pissed at originally who didn't "get it." changed about a year ago). And I gotta feel that if second-in-command JC was not rolling w/ JSS he wouldn't have opened up his own WildHorse studio for the World Play sessions. If it's more than a fill in gig, we're all probably in for a major pleasant surprise at what the next record is gonna sound like. I say it all knowing full well, I haven't heard anything but a few kickass boot recordings since JSS took over.

[Jeremey]

If it's more than a fill in gig, we're all probably in for a major pleasant surprise at what the next record is gonna sound like. I say it all knowing full well, I haven't heard anything but a few kickass boot recordings since JSS took over.

I still may be critisized for saying this, but if Journey departs too much from their signature sound on tape, I just think they should come up with a different name. How much different was "When I See You Smile" from "Why Can't This Night Go On Forever?" Despite the fact that Dianne Warren wrote it, I mean.

[Manarocks]

Jeff's energy steps up what the other guys have to do, he makes THEM better and more energized.

I definitely think that's true. I saw more people standing having a good time at the Indy show than I remember seeing before. Typically, half the crowd is sitting for a good portion of the show but it looked like mostly everyone was up for the duration of the show. I couldn't tell if the same could be said of the folks who had lawn seats.

The same applied to the DTE show here in Detroit , everyone was on their feet for the whole set. Especially the Def Leppard fans were really impressed with JSS. This is a new chapter in Journey's history. The Journey will continue.

[larryfromnextdoor]

If it's more than a fill in gig, we're all probably in for a major pleasant surprise at what the next record is gonna sound like. I say it all knowing full well, I haven't heard anything but a few kickass boot recordings since JSS took over.

I still may be critisized for saying this, but if Journey departs too much from their signature sound on tape, I just think they should come up with a different name. How much different was "When I See You Smile" from "Why Can't This Night Go On Forever?" Despite the fact that Dianne Warren wrote it, I mean.

the cars just added "new" to their name,, that way it could still go under "cars" in the music store..journey is so spread out as it is , neals solo stuff in jazz,, a- for abraxos pool, b- for bad english, maybe it should just be " journey project number 1 ,2, "etc,,

[Red13JoePa]

If it's more than a fill in gig, we're all probably in for a major pleasant surprise at what the next record is gonna sound like. I say it all knowing full well, I haven't heard anything but a few kickass boot recordings since JSS took over.

I still may be critisized for saying this, but if Journey departs too much from their signature sound on tape, I just think they should come up with a different name. How much different was "When I See You Smile" from "Why Can't This Night Go On Forever?" Despite the fact that Dianne Warren wrote it, I mean.

Agreed, kiddo. And I think JSS and the band are aware of the maybe sacredness? of that jrny sound it will remain. I Don't see it as necessarilly HAVING to change just b/c JSS is usually a different sounding guy than Perry/Augeri.

[conversationpc]

If it's more than a fill in gig, we're all probably in for a major pleasant surprise at what the next record is gonna sound like. I say it all knowing full well, I haven't heard anything but a few kickass boot recordings since JSS took over.

I still may be critisized for saying this, but if Journey departs too much from their signature sound on tape, I just think they should come up with a different name. How much different was "When I See You Smile" from "Why Can't This Night Go On Forever?" Despite the fact that Dianne Warren wrote it, I mean.

the cars just added "new" to their name,, that way it could still go under "cars" in the music store..journey is so spread out as it is , neals solo stuff in jazz,, a- for abraxos pool, b- for bad english, maybe it should just be " journey project number 1 ,2, "etc,,

Well, if they have any more band member changes, they may need to do what Deep Purple fans do and start calling Journey Mark I, Journey Mark II, etc.

[JrnySuxBalls]

If it's more than a fill in gig, we're all probably in for a major pleasant surprise at what the next record is gonna sound like.

I still may be critisized for saying this, but if Journey departs too much from their signature sound on tape, I just think they should come up with a different name.

I say stop worrying about the "signature sound" and let them create something really good.
You can't duplicate "Escape" or whatever, it's already been done. JSS has proved he can
write, and with the rest of the band, the newfound energy, let them do what comes naturally.

Let them do what they want. Give them the freedom to create "art" not "product".

[conversationpc]

If it's more than a fill in gig, we're all probably in for a major pleasant surprise at what the next record is gonna sound like.

I still may be critisized for saying this, but if Journey departs too much from their signature sound on tape, I just think they should come up with a different name.

I say stop worrying about the "signature sound" and let them create something really good.
You can't duplicate "Escape" or whatever, it's already been done. JSS has proved he can
write, and with the rest of the band, the newfound energy, let them do what comes naturally.

Let them do what they want. Give them the freedom to create "art" not "product".

Maybe they could get together with EVH and his newfound passion for "porn rock" and they could cover the "My Sanctuary" track from Soul SirkUS.

[Jeremey]

I say stop worrying about the "signature sound" and let them create something really good.
You can't duplicate "Escape" or whatever, it's already been done. JSS has proved he can
write, and with the rest of the band, the newfound energy, let them do what comes naturally.

Let them do what they want. Give them the freedom to create "art" not "product".

Give them the freedom to create whatever they want. I'll still buy it. But I'll always fall back on the "brand" argument.

[The Ghost Rider]

Excellent post, RVR. I agree. I think Jeff has balls the size of coconuts for stepping in when like he did. Yeah, of course it is a "dream gig" for him...but to step in like that on a major tour with basically no rehearsal, and just put yourself out there like that in front of 10,000+ people every night? How many guys have the stones to do that? Not many, I'm guessing.

[Clasicrockldy]

When JSS came onboard to continue the tour for Journey, my interest perked up ! I am all for JSS fronting the band if it comes to pass that Augeri cannot come back. Just my worth.

[wildone]

When JSS came onboard to continue the tour for Journey, my interest perked up ! I am all for JSS fronting the band if it comes to pass that Augeri cannot come back. Just my http://smiley.onegreatguy.net/2cents.gif worth.

well then your gonna love it!!!Because it's pretty much all over for steve a... and the band seems to be making room for the new singer and planning quietly new moves around him....

[Lula]

I wanna be in the know

[Rockindeano]

Not only can Jeff sing the songs with gusto, and put his OWN stamp on them, he IS NOT a Perry-clone after all, but he brings so much to the plate from an energy point of view.

You know why he isn't a Perry clone? Because he can't get there...NO ONE can. Sure Jeff is awesome, but dude, please.....Jeff can NEVER do Journey music justice, IMO, however, he is 1000% better than a tape or Augeri!

The shows with Jeff singing have gotten NOTHING but rave reviews for the delivery of the material, the showmanship and over all quality of the performances.

Are you in love, with Jeff?

Jeff's energy steps up what the other guys have to do, he makes THEM better and more energized

.

Like they have any other choice? Dude, it's their JOB!? They're supposed to be energized for fucks sake!

And above ALL of that is he a real genuine person, as down to earth as they come and EXCITED to be able to give Journey's music to the fans.

Cannot argue that.

I think Steve Augeri has all the same qualities, and I know Deano is going thrash me for that, and so be it, but Steve is NOT able to go right now, perhaps he may never be able to again and Jeff is and he is doing it the RIGHT way: Giving us the music, and singing the songs VERY well.

You lost all credibility, Stu. I can do what Augeri did..So can TNC, Red13, NIG, and even Marabelle. It isn't that hard to sing to a tape.

I know many people have said Journey should pack it in, I disagree, the MUSIC is timeless no matter WHO is singing. If Steve Augeri doesn't come back and Jeff becomes the permanent vocalist I would hope EVERYONE gets behind him (Wishful thinking I know, but I am an optimist!) because not only are the shows ELECTRIC but without him there wouldn't BE a Journey anymore.

Dude, you actually think Augeri has a NO chance of returning? You are dumber than I thought. He is not coming back, and as far as Jeff goes, great for him! He can't sing the catalogue, but my hat is off to him, for trying!

More than ANYTHING I love the music, otherwise I would never have remained a fan. The great thing is Jeff is a fan as well and presents the songs in a way that fans can appreciate.

Doesn't mean he is the best choice for the job. He is NOT the best choice for the job. I love you Jeff, I really do. I think you are awesome, but not this catalogue.

We all should be saying, "Thanks Jeff for making Journey music this summer!" and maybe beyond.

Why is that? After all, wasn't all this tape gate shit just that? ALL Bullshit? If Augeri was so good, why isn't he still singing?

Now...can we talk Neal and the guys into adding Stand Up and Shout to the set???

Why? It's a Journey show, nothing more.

[wildone]

I wanna be in the know

you mean you dont know yet???come on ....

[Clasicrockldy]

well then your gonna love it!!!Because it's pretty much all over for steve a... and the band seems to be making room for the new singer and planning quietly new moves around him....

Ok wild, spill what you know !