STATE OF THE JOURNEY BOARD ADDRESS

[Rockindeano]

Well, it's that time of year where we talk about the state of the Journey Board here at Melodicrock.com

Thank you for coming.

This last year has been one of chaos for Journey. A 30 year anniversary tour, followed by the Tapegate scandal, followed by the the hiring of a new singer, Jeff Scott Soto.

The 30 year tour was going to be Journey's best. I was onboard and was there opening night in front of 13,000 people in Irvine, CA. Opening night jitters, some glitches, all of which were corrected. However, there was one problem that was present, that wasn't corrected; at least not the right way. It took a year to do it, and some of us here had a hand in it. I am personally happy with the way things have turned out, and would do it again if it needed to be done. I have assurances that "it" will never happen in this band again. That's good. Really good.

The setlist was phenominal. 3 hours of everything imaginable. Deen Castronovo singing lost gems such as Patiently and Still They Ride. He was superb last year on drums, and also for helping out a faltering member. This guy is nothing like I thought him to be. He will never leave. He is Neals' personal drummer. That too is good, really good.

How about Friga? Dude was singing about 5 songs on the 30th Tour as well, and although he can be a bit of a square, he is pretty talented. The Frig can flatout write music and play the ivory, and lookie here? Friga is NOW having a blast. That is good too!

Valory. This guy is a trip. I mean that in the best way possible. I know we all joke about Ross on the bass, who gives a shit, and so forth. But he is a solid guy and knows shit about Trident and Los Angeles class submarines that Naval Commanders would be hard pressed to follow. Ross is going nowhere. Good.

Schonny. This fucker is out of his mind. I love this guy. Always said that, and even though I was on his ass for 4 months, my love for him really never left. I feel like I have known him for 20 years, and everything I thought I knew was pretty much spot on. This guy keeps getting better and better, and now, he is rejuvenized. I know next year will be fucking awesome. I know what's coming. I know this is NOT the time to bail off because of the exodus of one member. If you choose to leave because of a new singer, or the exit of another, you sir/mam are a fool. I can promise you, there will be a comeback. Of course I can't say that it will be the biggest of all time, but I would definitely put money on Schon and the "New Guy" bringing us something to smile about. I wouldn't be surprised if the comeback dwarfs Motley Crue and Aerosmith.

The "New Guy," is of course JSS. Is he Perry? Nope. Is he Augeri? Hell No! He is a different singer than both, and he does his job very well. He can write, sing and perform. The chemistry he shares with Schon is unequaled. It rivals the Perry/Friga team, although you won't see Schonny and Jeff pen another Open Arms. Thank you for not doing that, boys.

The team is assembled. The time is now. This current tour is play time, but also experiment time as well. Finding on stage chemistry, fine tuning live ensembles, inter-action with one another, and so forth. It is also a time to write and throw ideas off each other. Friga is the wild card, as he doesn't really have any history writing with Jeff so that will be interesting to see develop. I have no worries about the "on field" Journey team now. I used to very much dislike Management, and berated them daily, however, I need to admit I was wrong in saying those disparaging comments. I was right about there being a passive attitude in not going out and promoting the band. However, Azoff Mgt. really had it's hands tied behind its' back. They simply couldn't do anything with the frontman they had. Actually, doing nothing was better than going out and embarrassing the band! I am almost glad they didn't do any talk shows! Thanks Irving. You still haven't called me for Lobster lunch, you bastard!

Today, the band has entered a state of refreshment. Onboard is a new frontman, who is well spoken, articulate and intelligent, and respects the name, Journey. He has brought a fire to this band, whom I have said was simply going through the motions last year. If you hear Journey now, they sound heads and shoulders above what they sounded like last year. The drums sound bigger and more crisp; the bass guitar once again reverberates, and the keyboard player actually smiles and moves! Of course Neal is Neal, and is always good, but you can see it in his face that he is pumped up. The lead singer has affected this positive change, and we the fans, are going to receive a better, much better product in the form of the new CD and live in concert. I cannot tell you how absolutely jacked the fuck I am. Lula says she can see it me, and I'm just a fan. So I implore you; all of you who have heard the new Journey, and those of you on the fence. You need to give them a chance and you will not be disappointed. Those of you here that are Perryheads and live to bash, you will have a much tougher time bashing Jeff and the band in general now. JSS just made your crusade a much rockier road.

About me. I know I have enemies and that is great. If I didn't, I wouldn't be doing my job. However, sometimes, instead of just going Monker and pissing on anything that has my name attached to it, you might want to ask yourself why you need to question what I say and the information I write. I work my ass off obtaining tips and news and future plans, and I come here to share them with all of you. We are on the same team folks...well, except the Loons Monker and McNeil (He is still a fucked up yellow chiclett Euro fag). I think the fact that we disagree is good. No one disagrees on BackTalk, and that just makes for boring reading and non effective discussion. This place is on fire. Andrew, look at your recent new users. There are almost too many people here and too many new threads. Hell, I come home from work and have to spend even more time reading now. Thanks a lot.

Now, get off your lazy Saturday collective asses, and go buy tickets to a kick ass rock show featuring a kick ass rock band.

Energy. It's everywhere now.

[Crazie Scarab]

All I can say is "energy!" Energy like that which I haven't seen in Journey since the early eighties. The energy is back and it's great to see!

Great post, Dean!

[heardonthestreet]

........Tell it to the Judge!...........

The only one that you havn't done a 180 on is Augeri and I have no doubt that that will be next

[larryfromnextdoor]

great read! at the very least ive got a chance to rediscover jss. his solo music is what ive been searching for , it was there all along!! essential ballads rocks. Lonley Shade of Blue.. if this writing is close to anything that might come from a new journey cd, then ill be blown away,, that mixed with the cain style will be amazing............its exciting and is the only cd i really look forward too. thanks deano!!

[Rockindeano]

........Tell it to the Judge!...........

The only one that you havn't done a 180 on is Augeri and I have no doubt that that will be next

Like I said, you will have a much tougher time bashing Journey. I can't to see all you stupid bitches circling the drain......So pathetic. Go run out on the freeway and take a nap.

[SteveForever]

Deano,
tell us how you really feel. ...you are so cute! You really dig this thing and that's so cool! I hope you get an awesome Christmas present from Journey, you've earned it. Keep on truckin Foxy......

[lights1961]

Well, it's that time of year where we talk about the state of the Journey Board here at Melodicrock.com

Thank you for coming.

This last year has been one of chaos for Journey. A 30 year anniversary tour, followed by the Tapegate scandal, followed by the the hiring of a new singer, Jeff Scott Soto.

The 30 year tour was going to be Journey's best. I was onboard and was there opening night in front of 13,000 people in Irvine, CA. Opening night jitters, some glitches, all of which were corrected. However, there was one problem that was present, that wasn't corrected; at least not the right way. It took a year to do it, and some of us here had a hand in it. I am personally happy with the way things have turned out, and would do it again if it needed to be done. I have assurances that "it" will never happen in this band again. That's good. Really good.

The setlist was phenominal. 3 hours of everything imaginable. Deen Castronovo singing lost gems such as Patiently and Still They Ride. He was superb last year on drums, and also for helping out a faltering member. This guy is nothing like I thought him to be. He will never leave. He is Neals' personal drummer. That too is good, really good.

How about Friga? Dude was singing about 5 songs on the 30th Tour as well, and although he can be a bit of a square, he is pretty talented. The Frig can flatout write music and play the ivory, and lookie here? Friga is NOW having a blast. That is good too!

Valory. This guy is a trip. I mean that in the best way possible. I know we all joke about Ross on the bass, who gives a shit, and so forth. But he is a solid guy and knows shit about Trident and Los Angeles class submarines that Naval Commanders would be hard pressed to follow. Ross is going nowhere. Good.

Schonny. This fucker is out of his mind. I love this guy. Always said that, and even though I was on his ass for 4 months, my love for him really never left. I feel like I have known him for 20 years, and everything I thought I knew was pretty much spot on. This guy keeps getting better and better, and now, he is rejuvenized. I know next year will be fucking awesome. I know what's coming. I know this is NOT the time to bail off because of the exodus of one member. If you choose to leave because of a new singer, or the exit of another, you sir/mam are a fool. I can promise you, there will be a comeback. Of course I can't say that it will be the biggest of all time, but I would definitely put money on Schon and the "New Guy" bringing us something to smile about. I wouldn't be surprised if the comeback dwarfs Motley Crue and Aerosmith.

The "New Guy," is of course JSS. Is he Perry? Nope. Is he Augeri? Hell No! He is a different singer than both, and he does his job very well. He can write, sing and perform. The chemistry he shares with Schon is unequaled. It rivals the Perry/Friga team, although you won't see Schonny and Jeff pen another Open Arms. Thank you for not doing that, boys.

The team is assembled. The time is now. This current tour is play time, but also experiment time as well. Finding on stage chemistry, fine tuning live ensembles, inter-action with one another, and so forth. It is also a time to write and throw ideas off each other. Friga is the wild card, as he doesn't really have any history writing with Jeff so that will be interesting to see develop. I have no worries about the "on field" Journey team now. I used to very much dislike Management, and berated them daily, however, I need to admit I was wrong in saying those disparaging comments. I was right about there being a passive attitude in not going out and promoting the band. However, Azoff Mgt. really had it's hands tied behind its' back. They simply couldn't do anything with the frontman they had. Actually, doing nothing was better than going out and embarrassing the band! I am almost glad they didn't do any talk shows! Thanks Irving. You still haven't called me for Lobster lunch, you bastard!

Today, the band has entered a state of refreshment. Onboard is a new frontman, who is well spoken, articulate and intelligent, and respects the name, Journey. He has brought a fire to this band, whom I have said was simply going through the motions last year. If you hear Journey now, they sound heads and shoulders above what they sounded like last year. The drums sound bigger and more crisp; the bass guitar once again reverberates, and the keyboard player actually smiles and moves! Of course Neal is Neal, and is always good, but you can see it in his face that he is pumped up. The lead singer has affected this positive change, and we the fans, are going to receive a better, much better product in the form of the new CD and live in concert. I cannot tell you how absolutely jacked the fuck I am. Lula says she can see it me, and I'm just a fan. So I emplore you; all of you who have heard the new Journey, and those of you on the fence. You need to give them a chance and you will not be disappointed. Those of you here that are Perryheads and live to bash, you will have a much tougher time bashing Jeff and the band in general now. JSS just made your crusade a much rockier road.

About me. I know I have enemies and that is great. If I didn't, I wouldn't be doing my job. However, sometimes, instead of just going Monker and pissing on anything that has my name attached to it, you might want to ask yourself why you need to question what I say and the information I write. I work my ass off obtaining tips and news and future plans, and I come here to share them with all of you. We are on the same team folks...well, except the Loons Monker and McNeil (He is still a fucked up yellow chiclett Euro fag). I think the fact that we disagree is good. No one disagrees on BackTalk, and that just makes for boring reading and non effective discussion. This place is on fire. Andrew, look at your recent new users. There are almost too many people here and too many new threads. Hell, I come home from work and have to spend even more time reading now. Thanks a lot.

Now, get off your lazy Saturday collective asses, and go buy tickets to a kick ass rock show featuring a kick ass rock band.

Its all in the timing... After missing the 3 hour tours of last year, but going to shows in 2004... That year it seemed like they were going thru the motions... )
Seeing them twice already this year...and maybe a third time in Omaha...The smiles on the guys faces does say it all... JSS is the reason... my wife is growing towards digging JSS.... The Journey of 2006 does seemed poised for a break out future in 2007... here is a guy looking forward to the next phase of Journey...

PS-- Deano, yes here is a guy (me) who was not wanting to believe the whole tapegate thing and when it was picked up by Andrew... I was madder than heck... but as i read more into it...and JSS came aboard and how Augeri was replaced so easy---it was something the band needed... can you belive if they had to cancel this tour how pissed of we all would have been... and that would have been the end of Journey (PERIOD) .... Now it can be a whole new beginning!! and I am pumped!!



Rick

[dcvader]

Great post Deano. You are the man with the information. Thank's for the news, tidbit's and fighting the BS.

I love what JSS has brought to the table. After seeing his first show with the band at Nissan Pavilion, I knew SA was gone forever. I have since seen 3 JSS/JOURNEY shows and have 2 more set-up. I'ts a real thrill and a treat to see Journey now. Anyone who has not see this live is missing out bigtime.

How about JOURNEY w/ Sammy Hagar next summer?

[Rockindeano]

How about JOURNEY w/ Sammy Hagar next summer?

Not happening. I am seeing him later this month though. I will give a report.

[lights1961]

Great post Deano. You are the man with the information. Thank's for the news, tidbit's and fighting the BS.

I love what JSS has brought to the table. After seeing his first show with the band at Nissan Pavilion, I knew SA was gone forever. I have since seen 3 JSS/JOURNEY shows and have 2 more set-up. I'ts a real thrill and a treat to see Journey now. Anyone who has not see this live is missing out bigtime.

How about JOURNEY w/ Sammy Hagar next summer?

I vote for that tour!!

[ohsherrie]

Those of you here that are Perryheads and live to bash, you will have a much tougher time bashing Jeff and the band in general now. JSS just made your crusade a much rockier road.

Hey Dean,

I'm glad you had a great time at the concert. It sounds like Jeff and the guys are on the right track and happy to be so.

I still lurk here sometimes and I haven't seen any JSS or Journey bashing being done by any Perry fans. All the bashing seems to be poster against poster. All of the Perry fans that I've talked to are OK with Jeff being in there. Of course Steve Perry is still our favorite singer and probably always will be, but that doesn't mean we can't like what Jeff is bringing to the band. He's sure as hell got a lot to bring. I'm not trying to argue, I just want you to know that all of us(at least that I'm acquainted with) are behind Jeff and hoping for some great new music.

That female duet wouldn't be with Shania Twain and produced by Mutt would it?

Sherrie

[dcvader]

Shaina duet would be sweet!!!!!!

[SteveForever]

Shaina duet would be sweet!!!!!!

Yeah, but she's kind of old-sorry but she is It needs to be someone younger.

[JrnyScarab]

Deano,

Thanks for the cheerleading! Guess I'm gonna have to go out and buy me and the wife some tickets to Manchester, NH and see them again! WOO HOOO! Can't wait for some NEW music!

[Rockindeano]

Deano,

Thanks for the cheerleading! Guess I'm gonna have to go out and buy me and the wife some tickets to Manchester, NH and see them again! WOO HOOO! Can't wait for some NEW music!

Please refrain from "WOO HOO" typing. Another site does that and we find it to be gay.

[Rockindeano]

Shaina duet would be sweet!!!!!!

Yeah, but she's kind of old-sorry but she is It needs to be someone younger.

Isn't Shania, but what the hell? Don't ever let me see you put her down. Mega talented and mega beautiful. I am going to rub one out to her right now because of your harsh words. I protect my Shania.

[Just Mindy]

Excellent post Dean, gotta agree with everything you wrote here.

Its been a long time since I've been excited about Journey, and it feels good

[Moon Beam]

Thanks for the reads Dean'o.
Looks like you have a female follower
in the thread.
I'll race her to the shovel!
We don't want to sleep with ya fella, just slap ya.

[treetopovskaya]

shania old??? she is younger then jss & just as gorgeous! }:C)

i can see shania & jss singing this ain't the love. hehehee. another crossover country hit! }:C)

what about sheryl crow?

[Granny]

Well, it's that time of year where we talk about the state of the Journey Board here at Melodicrock.com

Thank you for coming.

This last year has been one of chaos for Journey. A 30 year anniversary tour, followed by the Tapegate scandal, followed by the the hiring of a new singer, Jeff Scott Soto.

The 30 year tour was going to be Journey's best. I was onboard and was there opening night in front of 13,000 people in Irvine, CA. Opening night jitters, some glitches, all of which were corrected. However, there was one problem that was present, that wasn't corrected; at least not the right way. It took a year to do it, and some of us here had a hand in it. I am personally happy with the way things have turned out, and would do it again if it needed to be done. I have assurances that "it" will never happen in this band again. That's good. Really good.

The setlist was phenominal. 3 hours of everything imaginable. Deen Castronovo singing lost gems such as Patiently and Still They Ride. He was superb last year on drums, and also for helping out a faltering member. This guy is nothing like I thought him to be. He will never leave. He is Neals' personal drummer. That too is good, really good.

How about Friga? Dude was singing about 5 songs on the 30th Tour as well, and although he can be a bit of a square, he is pretty talented. The Frig can flatout write music and play the ivory, and lookie here? Friga is NOW having a blast. That is good too!

Valory. This guy is a trip. I mean that in the best way possible. I know we all joke about Ross on the bass, who gives a shit, and so forth. But he is a solid guy and knows shit about Trident and Los Angeles class submarines that Naval Commanders would be hard pressed to follow. Ross is going nowhere. Good.

Schonny. This fucker is out of his mind. I love this guy. Always said that, and even though I was on his ass for 4 months, my love for him really never left. I feel like I have known him for 20 years, and everything I thought I knew was pretty much spot on. This guy keeps getting better and better, and now, he is rejuvenized. I know next year will be fucking awesome. I know what's coming. I know this is NOT the time to bail off because of the exodus of one member. If you choose to leave because of a new singer, or the exit of another, you sir/mam are a fool. I can promise you, there will be a comeback. Of course I can't say that it will be the biggest of all time, but I would definitely put money on Schon and the "New Guy" bringing us something to smile about. I wouldn't be surprised if the comeback dwarfs Motley Crue and Aerosmith.

The "New Guy," is of course JSS. Is he Perry? Nope. Is he Augeri? Hell No! He is a different singer than both, and he does his job very well. He can write, sing and perform. The chemistry he shares with Schon is unequaled. It rivals the Perry/Friga team, although you won't see Schonny and Jeff pen another Open Arms. Thank you for not doing that, boys.

The team is assembled. The time is now. This current tour is play time, but also experiment time as well. Finding on stage chemistry, fine tuning live ensembles, inter-action with one another, and so forth. It is also a time to write and throw ideas off each other. Friga is the wild card, as he doesn't really have any history writing with Jeff so that will be interesting to see develop. I have no worries about the "on field" Journey team now. I used to very much dislike Management, and berated them daily, however, I need to admit I was wrong in saying those disparaging comments. I was right about there being a passive attitude in not going out and promoting the band. However, Azoff Mgt. really had it's hands tied behind its' back. They simply couldn't do anything with the frontman they had. Actually, doing nothing was better than going out and embarrassing the band! I am almost glad they didn't do any talk shows! Thanks Irving. You still haven't called me for Lobster lunch, you bastard!

Today, the band has entered a state of refreshment. Onboard is a new frontman, who is well spoken, articulate and intelligent, and respects the name, Journey. He has brought a fire to this band, whom I have said was simply going through the motions last year. If you hear Journey now, they sound heads and shoulders above what they sounded like last year. The drums sound bigger and more crisp; the bass guitar once again reverberates, and the keyboard player actually smiles and moves! Of course Neal is Neal, and is always good, but you can see it in his face that he is pumped up. The lead singer has affected this positive change, and we the fans, are going to receive a better, much better product in the form of the new CD and live in concert. I cannot tell you how absolutely jacked the fuck I am. Lula says she can see it me, and I'm just a fan. So I implore you; all of you who have heard the new Journey, and those of you on the fence. You need to give them a chance and you will not be disappointed. Those of you here that are Perryheads and live to bash, you will have a much tougher time bashing Jeff and the band in general now. JSS just made your crusade a much rockier road.

About me. I know I have enemies and that is great. If I didn't, I wouldn't be doing my job. However, sometimes, instead of just going Monker and pissing on anything that has my name attached to it, you might want to ask yourself why you need to question what I say and the information I write. I work my ass off obtaining tips and news and future plans, and I come here to share them with all of you. We are on the same team folks...well, except the Loons Monker and McNeil (He is still a fucked up yellow chiclett Euro fag). I think the fact that we disagree is good. No one disagrees on BackTalk, and that just makes for boring reading and non effective discussion. This place is on fire. Andrew, look at your recent new users. There are almost too many people here and too many new threads. Hell, I come home from work and have to spend even more time reading now. Thanks a lot.

Now, get off your lazy Saturday collective asses, and go buy tickets to a kick ass rock show featuring a kick ass rock band.

Energy. It's everywhere now.

Great post. Very interesting reading. Guess u didn't see my post on the other thread. posted there before I saw this.
I agree with everything u said and more. Love ya, as always. Granny

[Crazie Scarab]

Energy. It's everywhere now.

Hey! You ripped me off, dick!

[SteveForever]

shania old??? she is younger then jss & just as gorgeous! }:C)

i can see shania & jss singing this ain't the love. hehehee. another crossover country hit! }:C)

what about sheryl crow?

okay sorry but Shania isn't really "in" right now, I love her too-she is absolutely fantastic, but it needs to be someone more like Kelly Clarkson.
I don't know all the tech. stuff but I am the ultimate consumer and something with Shania wouldn't sell that great.

[larryfromnextdoor]

are you sure this wouldnt sell,, i understand she can sing as well...............

[Rockindeano]

Energy. It's everywhere now.

Hey! You ripped me off, dick!

Yep, sure did. I was planning on using that word the entire time and it never got in. Thanks team player.

[JrnyScarab]

Deano,

Thanks for the cheerleading! Guess I'm gonna have to go out and buy me and the wife some tickets to Manchester, NH and see them again! WOO HOOO! Can't wait for some NEW music!

Please refrain from "WOO HOO" typing. Another site does that and we find it to be gay.

OK then. How about FUCKIN AAAAA!

[fred_journeyman]

Now, get off your lazy Saturday collective asses, and go buy tickets to a kick ass rock show featuring a kick ass rock band.

Energy. It's everywhere now.

No thanks. I'll wait until they produce new music...with Jeff, the new guy...and then see if they start actually playing it live, or if they will continue to live in the past.

[fred_journeyman]

are you sure this wouldnt sell,, i understand she can sing as well...............

Man, oh man! Besides my wife, I think Shania is the perfect woman!

[dcvader]

Shania isn't in right now because she does not have CD out at the moment. As soon as she hit's with a single or new CD, she is all over the place.

Her fan base is huge. Anything she does equals huge sales and RADIO AIRPLAY.

I think she can be "in" anytime she want's to.

Having Mutt's help would be a plus as well. Right??

[SteveForever]

are you sure this wouldnt sell,, i understand she can sing as well...............

Man, oh man! Besides my wife, I think Shania is the perfect woman!

Fred, you like Shania too, gee okay I can see I'm beat here-Jeff Scott SoHoto and Shania Twain are releasing a new cd called.......

[Deb]

Great post Deano. I am definately a Perryhead and always will be.......but I am also definately on board with JSS as new frontman for Journey. He's not Perry, but he's got Perry's fire. Between Deen and JSS I haven't been this excited about "Journey" since 1986. If Perry keeps pumping out the old dvd concerts and JSS/Journey keep touring.......best of both worlds IMO!