An Open Letter To All MR Journey Fans

[Jeremey]

Did someone post this on MR earlier??

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KRIsq8B5CF0

Not that I know of, thanks. Hey is that you're wife in the avatar Jeremey.

Yes, I switch avatars often, depending on the amount of cheerleaders and half-dressed babes in other avatars out there.

[Abitaman]

I think Augeri had Deen back him up a lot, and had vocal enchantments, and back ground vocal and maybe even prerecorded vocals on some high parts on some shows, but not every show, most of the time.

Well, this would be in keeping with what I heard at the recent show in Edinburgh. Augeri was awful on some songs ...whereas on others he was in full voice. It was a highly inconsistent performance - and yes - I doubted that pre-recorded lead vocals were used for the entire show that night. Why pre-record his strained attempt to reach the high notes?

But Eric...you are using a lot of euphemisms in your defence of Augeri. You talk of "vocal enhancements" and "pre-recorded vocals on some high parts" (even though Deen covers the high parts).

Can you bring yourself to admit that yes...Augeri MIMED...that a pre-recorded lead vocal track was replacing the feed from the microphone? No - he might not have done this on every song...but he still deceived his audience at least part of the time.

And how do you explain Augeri's sudden departure after Journey were forced to abandon the use of "vocal enhancements" when news Deon's blog and Svante Peterson's account of the Swedish show spread throughout the online Journey community and was picked up by Rolling Stone, Boston Globe, etc?

No I can not say Augeri lipped flat out with the lead vocal being replaced. Maybe on a song here and there. but not to say that was a regular concert. I need proof that this was the pratice,, being done. Deano has given us an exception to a standard concert by them, but the 3 or 4 shows he paoted, with the 3 or 4 songs from them does not make a whole concert or a whole tour. A precorded vocal does not make a whole song for that matter.
Is it deceiving the audience, yes and no. For help on a song no, a whole show and tour yes.

I have no problem with you or anyone else that thinks "all" of tape gate is true, I have a problem with someone who belittles me or anyone else for not believing as I do.
As for Augeri's departure, some of the truth may have been topuched on, he was vocally getting worse, and had to step down. But to say Neal wanted him 3 years ago, Neal knows nothing, it is just Deano adding on to distract from the truth. Should have been here a year ago, before tape gate broke, a different story every week, and was all denied after it broke.
Hope this answers why I want more proof, I believe something has gone on, but not like Deano has said, at least the proof isn't there for a whole tour of whole shows being mimed (there I said it )-ERIC

[Matthew]

I think Augeri had Deen back him up a lot, and had vocal enchantments, and back ground vocal and maybe even prerecorded vocals on some high parts on some shows, but not every show, most of the time.

Well, this would be in keeping with what I heard at the recent show in Edinburgh. Augeri was awful on some songs ...whereas on others he was in full voice. It was a highly inconsistent performance - and yes - I doubted that pre-recorded lead vocals were used for the entire show that night. Why pre-record his strained attempt to reach the high notes?

But Eric...you are using a lot of euphemisms in your defence of Augeri. You talk of "vocal enhancements" and "pre-recorded vocals on some high parts" (even though Deen covers the high parts).

Can you bring yourself to admit that yes...Augeri MIMED...that a pre-recorded lead vocal track was replacing the feed from the microphone? No - he might not have done this on every song...but he still deceived his audience at least part of the time.

And how do you explain Augeri's sudden departure after Journey were forced to abandon the use of "vocal enhancements" when news Deon's blog and Svante Peterson's account of the Swedish show spread throughout the online Journey community and was picked up by Rolling Stone, Boston Globe, etc?

No I can not say Augeri lipped flat out with the lead vocal being replaced. Maybe on a song here and there. but not to say that was a regular concert. I need proof that this was the pratice,, being done. Deano has given us an exception to a standard concert by them, but the 3 or 4 shows he paoted, with the 3 or 4 songs from them does not make a whole concert or a whole tour. A precorded vocal does not make a whole song for that matter.
Is it deceiving the audience, yes and no. For help on a song no, a whole show and tour yes.

I have no problem with you or anyone else that thinks "all" of tape gate is true, I have a problem with someone who belittles me or anyone else for not believing as I do.
As for Augeri's departure, some of the truth may have been topuched on, he was vocally getting worse, and had to step down. But to say Neal wanted him 3 years ago, Neal knows nothing, it is just Deano adding on to distract from the truth. Should have been here a year ago, before tape gate broke, a different story every week, and was all denied after it broke.
Hope this answers why I want more proof, I believe something has gone on, but not like Deano has said, at least the proof isn't there for a whole tour of whole shows being mimed (there I said it )-ERIC

Yes, that does answer it. Thanks. As I've said, the show I saw in June seemed to bear out what you're saying; that Augeri was "lipping flat out... on a song or two" but was live and struggling on others.

I still think any use of miming or pre-recorded 'support' on a lead vocal is unacceptable for a rock band - especially one with such an amazing vocal and live tradition. I guess I'd mind slightly less if Journey also provided a 'spectacle' in concert - like KISS - but they don't. It's five old blokes standing in front of a budget stage set with the occassional flashing light.

Instead Journey present themselves to their audience as serious musicians and song-writers. So the use of pre-recorded lead vocals goes aganst everything the band represents and claims to be still - so I do think it's deception, even if parts of the show are authentic.

I agree though that the group - rather than just Augeri - has to take responsibility for TapeGate. No, Schon and Cain weren't the ones who were looking sincere and emotional while the microphone was turned off - but they are the two wealthiest and most powerful members of the band - and the co-writers of the classic material - and I just can't believe for a second that they weren't fully aware of the questionable role Kevin Elson's mixing console was playing in the live shows.

Oh...anyway...that's enough TapeGate chat. Journey have moved on to better things, let's hope.

[maverick218]

I'm sure many Journey fans did go "WTF". And what's wrong with that? The band took a risk...the sound of the band had evolved...they didn't want to churn out the same old album. Let's hope Journey try to emulate some of that adventurous spirit now that JSS is in the band...a spirit that has been almost entirely absent for twenty years.

By the way...that sax solo on "Positive Touch" is a timeless classic. [/quote]
There should never have been nor ever again a sax solo in a Journey song- felt the same way about "Urgent" from Foreigner.

[Matthew]

I'm sure many Journey fans did go "WTF". And what's wrong with that? The band took a risk...the sound of the band had evolved...they didn't want to churn out the same old album. Let's hope Journey try to emulate some of that adventurous spirit now that JSS is in the band...a spirit that has been almost entirely absent for twenty years.

By the way...that sax solo on "Positive Touch" is a timeless classic.

There should never have been nor ever again a sax solo in a Journey song- felt the same way about "Urgent" from Foreigner.[/quote]

I hate the sax as much as anyone...but for some strange reason it works on "Positive Touch". Sounds horrible on "Urgent" though....

[Monker]

You dodged it, though! What's so adventurous about exploring something that they've done ad nauseum? Do you REALLY want them to record ANOTHER heavy/melodic rock album only for it to sell a handful of copies and be followed by another *YAWN* greatest hits tour? THAT's what will happen. And then JOURNEY will begin sliding that slippery slope to touring the corn festival venues like Styx just as Monker has cautioned will happen! Do you REALLY want to see Monker's prophecy be fulfilled?

Do you REALLY?!

And, if they record an album of Spanish influenced rock and tour behind it...and all but ignore their 30yrs of meodic rock history with only a couple of those 'jewels' in their live set...

They will be performing at your local bar very soon....cuz that's not what people will EVER go to a Journey concert to hear.

They have no choice but to continue doing what they have been doing for 8yrs. Get used to it, or jump ship.

[Monker]

no commercial success whenever he releases anything without Perry's voice on it.

The first BE album had PLENTY of commercial success.

[Matthew]

no commercial success whenever he releases anything without Perry's voice on it.

The first BE album had PLENTY of commercial success.

I know the single - written by Diane Warren - was a huge success. But how well did the album do?

But...okay...there was one record that did well without Perry's voice on it. This must still drive Schon crazy, though....

[Red13JoePa]

Why must it drive him crazy unless someone else played guitar on Journey's hit songs?

PErry's had the same success or lack thereof w/ out Jrny.

BTW, since you ask the BE debut went platinum or damn close.

In spite of Cain/Waite's fopphishly garish getups at the time.

[A Fire Inside]

I hate the sax as much as anyone...but for some strange reason it works on "Positive Touch". Sounds horrible on "Urgent" though....

Funny, I feel the opposite... sounds fine to me on Urgent and annoying on PT. The sax is not the main reason I dislike PT though.

[Enigma869]

Why must it drive him crazy unless someone else played guitar on Journey's hit songs?

PErry's had the same success or lack thereof w/ out Jrny.

That's simply not true. Perry charted with the following singles:

"Oh Sherrie" (1984) #3 US
"Foolish Heart" (1984) #18 US
"She's Mine" (1984) #21 US
"Strung Out" (1984) #40 US
"You Better Wait" (1994) #29 US
"Missing You" (1994) #74 US

That's five singles on the US top 40 charts without Journey. Give me one single Journey song that made the top 40 without Perry singing lead!

John from Boston

[Red13JoePa]

Alright, we can split hairs and go to the charts, in which case I'm sure BE has similar #s. But the reality is the only songs that got regular airplay were OS, FH and to an extent YBW.

Reardon.

PS, in answer of your last question All The Way (actually, AC, not Top40).

[The_Noble_Cause]

And, if they record an album of Spanish influenced rock and tour behind it...and all but ignore their 30yrs of meodic rock history with only a couple of those 'jewels' in their live set...

They will be performing at your local bar very soon...

According to you, the current band is now pre-destined to go down that path anyways.
Maybe you'll be fortunate enough and they'll swing past a few Iowan gay and leather bars.

[Wheels Of Fyre]

You dodged it, though! What's so adventurous about exploring something that they've done ad nauseum? Do you REALLY want them to record ANOTHER heavy/melodic rock album only for it to sell a handful of copies and be followed by another *YAWN* greatest hits tour? THAT's what will happen. And then JOURNEY will begin sliding that slippery slope to touring the corn festival venues like Styx just as Monker has cautioned will happen! Do you REALLY want to see Monker's prophecy be fulfilled?

Do you REALLY?!

And, if they record an album of Spanish influenced rock and tour behind it...and all but ignore their 30yrs of meodic rock history with only a couple of those 'jewels' in their live set...

They will be performing at your local bar very soon....cuz that's not what people will EVER go to a Journey concert to hear.

They have no choice but to continue doing what they have been doing for 8yrs. Get used to it, or jump ship.

That's your opinion but it doesn't make it any more factual than my opinion that a Latin album would be the next best thing since sliced bread.

We'll just have to see...

[Monker]

Maybe you'll be fortunate enough and they'll swing past a few Iowan gay and leather bars.

Let's see how many posts it takes before you even get a warning from Andrew.

That's one.

[Monker]

That's your opinion but it doesn't make it any more factual than my opinion that a Latin album would be the next best thing since sliced bread.

We'll just have to see...

That's all true. But, I also have the opinion that since my other opinion has a good possibility of happening, Journey will never record a "Latin" album...instead, my other opinion will happen that they descend to the Styx circuit within the next two years or so.

[Andrew]

And, if they record an album of Spanish influenced rock and tour behind it...and all but ignore their 30yrs of meodic rock history with only a couple of those 'jewels' in their live set...

They will be performing at your local bar very soon...

According to you, the current band is now pre-destined to go down that path anyways.
Maybe you'll be fortunate enough and they'll swing past a few Iowan gay and leather bars.

TNC, here's that warning Monker requested. Oh, do behave!

[Monker]

TNC, here's that warning Monker requested. Oh, do behave!

So, it's still funny to you.

He can imply I frequent gay bars and hope Journey shows up for a free show. I can become offended and "defend myself" - which you said you allow - and attack him back...and start doing the back and forth we were doing some weeks ago. Or, I can sit back and ignore it while you allow your few favorite posters to do and say whatever they want.

NOTHING has changed.

[Moon Beam]

Or you could just go away!


Joking Monker, Even though you peeve me off highly at times
I still welcome your presence.

[Vladan]

Did someone post this on MR earlier??

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KRIsq8B5CF0

Not that I know of, thanks. Hey is that you're wife in the avatar Jeremey.

Yes, I switch avatars often, depending on the amount of cheerleaders and half-dressed babes in other avatars out there.

For sure! - I might start doing the same hey

[Monker]

Or you could just go away!

Ain't gonna happen...unless Andrew bans me. I still think that has more of a possibility of happening then him banning Dean or TNC or any of the other 'trouble makers".

Joking Monker, Even though you peeve me off highly at times
I still welcome your presence.

I'm a dream, to some.
AND A NIGHTMARE TO OTHERS!

Or, something like that.

[Moon Beam]

To me sweet wad, your entertainment.
It's a compliment.

[Andrew]

Ain't gonna happen...unless Andrew bans me. .

Why would I do that? You are a low maintenance user who is always barrel of laughs and a joy to deal with! No reason for banning you here...

[Monker]

To me sweet wad, your entertainment.
It's a compliment.

I know that...I just like saying that line. Love that movie.

Doesn't really apply as much any longer...I'm much less of a nightmare nowadays. I seem to be much more of a wet-dream, sexual fetish, or something....I spose that may also be a nightmare...So, whatever.

[The_Noble_Cause]

He can imply I frequent gay bars and hope Journey shows up for a free show.

I don't have to imply it.
You are on record stating it.
Sure, maybe not the "gay bar" thing, but you have wished disaster upon this band since JSS took over.

I can become offended and "defend myself" - which you said you allow - and attack him back...and start doing the back and forth we were doing some weeks ago.

But u didn't defend yourself.
You cravenly ran under momma's blouse and tattletaled.
My, what a heroic role model your must be for you children.
I wonder if they get teased on the playground for having a big gaping 5 O'clock shadowed cervix for a father.

Or, I can sit back and ignore it while you allow your few favorite posters to do and say whatever they want.
NOTHING has changed.

Andrew doesn't have favorites.
In fact, I just bitch-slapped him in the Chalfant thread.
Go back into the bathhouse.

[SuiteMadameBlue]

Or you could just go away!

Ain't gonna happen...unless Andrew bans me. I still think that has more of a possibility of happening then him banning Dean or TNC or any of the other 'trouble makers".

Joking Monker, Even though you peeve me off highly at times
I still welcome your presence.

I'm a dream, to some.
AND A NIGHTMARE TO OTHERS!

Or, something like that.

I know there are some on here that don't care for Monker, I felt the same way over a year ago on the Styx forum. But I have to say with SOME of his serious posts about Journey and Styx, I do respect what he has to say, especially comparing his posts to some of the others on both sites - regarding the music.

As for being banned, there are like at least 5 people above Monker!! LOL