Angry as Hell and Thirsty For Blood

[Monker]

Or he has mastered the use of Pro-Tools!

Technology didn't help Perry's voice soar on TBF *NEARLY* as much as Augeri's does on Generations.

[Monker]

With that said, even knowing all too well what they did, i don't have enough self-control or self-respect to swear off being a Journey fan.
Do you?

I have no where near as much passion for this band as I did before Neal devoted so much time and energy to Soul SirkUS. THAT was the turning point for me, as I have posted many times. They have made nothing but poor selfish decision for the past couple years...this falls right in line with what I expect from Journey nowadays - everything is secondary to making a buck.

[Rockindeano]

Why the Hell do you think SoulSirkus was created?

Neal knew he needed an alternative because he saw the unraveling of Journey due to Augeri sucking.

Do the Math.

[The_Noble_Cause]

Technology didn't help Perry's voice soar on TBF *NEARLY* as much as Augeri's does on Generations.

Perry's range and tone is severly lowered...sounds almost like a diff. person.
Augeri's tone hasn't changed so much, it's that he can't sustain it for long periods.
I believe much of his lead vox on "Generations" was done in piece-meal.

[ArnelRox]

1) Neal Schon specifically thought of and contacted Augeri to front the band, when it was determined that Perry was a "no go."

I think the story goes a little different if I remember. Augeri's friend knew Jon Cain & wanted Augeri to send Journey a demo. He didn't so his friend sent Cain the Tall Stories album. Then Cain gave it to Neal. So it wasn't exactly Neal seeking out Augeri.

3) According to the front page of Melodicrock.com, the newest CD - V3 is coming out with another Tall Stories tune on it. Is this an old one that was never released or a new one that was recently recorded? If so, it's obvious that Steve Augeri can still sing.

This is old music recorded when Tall Stories was originally together for their 2nd album that never happened.

or that one group that put out the hit that included the words, "Everybody Sweat Now." The gal in the video - while extremely pleasant on the eyes to look at - did not actually SING any of that song. It was done by someone else entirely, who apparently was NOT as pleasant to look at (according to her lawsuit against the band), but the band used her vocals.

The song was "Gonna Make You Sweat (Everybody Dance Now)" & the band was C&C Music Factory. The woman who actually sang was Martha Wash, who was w/the Weather Girls and sang "It's Raining Men". She is & was then a very heavyset lady which is why they went with a looker in the video. I believe she lost her lawsuit tho because they weren't the first band to not show the singer in the video. There's no requirement to show the singer in the video apparently. All the credits went to Martha Wash on the album.

I'm really wondering how many concerts are truly live anymore? Maybe with the exception of U2, the Classic Rock Allstars and a few other bands, maybe quite a bit of it is "Memorex."

Scary thoughts Fred. I know I've seen some bands 2 nights in a row & been surprised the show was absolutely identical barring the "Good evening ___________ [insert city name]". Some bands are different night from night tho. Maybe that's the only way we can tell.

[The_Noble_Cause]

I think the story goes a little different if I remember. Augeri's friend knew Jon Cain & wanted Augeri to send Journey a demo. He didn't so his friend sent Cain the Tall Stories album. Then Cain gave it to Neal. So it wasn't exactly Neal seeking out Augeri.

You're both wrong.
There's 3 stories.

1)Neal and Augeri had a mutual friend. This friend prepared a demo-tape of Steve's work and gave it to Neal. Steve didn't make one himself because he is an admitted underachiever.

2) Jon's wife had the "Tall Stories" album lying around and nudged Jon about the guy singing on the disk. This is what Jon recounted on VH1's BTM.

3) Neal also claims to have heard "Wild on the Run" on the radio in the early 90's and took note of the singer in case someday he needed to move on without Perry.

[ArnelRox]

1)Neal and Augeri had a mutual friend. This friend prepared a demo-tape of Steve's work and gave it to Neal. Steve didn't make one himself because he is an admitted underachiever.

2) Jon's wife had the "Tall Stories" album lying around and nudged Jon about the guy singing on the disk. This is what Jon recounted on VH1's BTM.

3) Neal also claims to have heard "Wild on the Run" on the radio in the early 90's and took note of the singer in case someday he needed to move on without Perry.

#1 is like my story except u say the tape was given to Neal instead of Jon. I heard it was given to Jon. This story apparently came from Augeri's mouth. I also heard what Jon said on BTM. Perhaps that happened concurrently so when Jon got the tape, it seemed like fate.

As for #3, ur wrong. Neal said he heard "Wild On The Run" while driving on the highway in the 90s & pulled his car over because he thought it was a Journey song he had forgotten. There was no mention of him making note of the singer at that time.

[The_Noble_Cause]

ur wrong....There was no mention of him making note of the singer at that time.

Yeah, I am on here propagating Neal Schon lies because I have absolutely nothing better to do with my time.
Here's his direct quote. Look it up.

"I remember driving around with a friend and hearing them on the radio. I said, ‘Sounds like a rocked-out Journey. If we're ever able to start our ship again, this guy could pull it off."

[fred_journeyman]

I can tell you Journey is 100% live now.

I believe it. However, my point was that I'm wondering how many OTHER bands and artists are using the same type of sleight of hand that was being used in Journey? We'll probably never know, but it makes you wonder if Tyler hits those highs night after night.

[fred_journeyman]

Or he has mastered the use of Pro-Tools!
Look, Augeri prolly can still deliver in the non-demanding environment of the studio.
There, he prolly has his trusty steroid inhaler by his side, a nice warm pitcher of lemon and honey, and can go at his own pace.
But touring is all that really matters for this band at their late stage in the game (that's not a bash - just a reality).

That's what I've been saying. Let me go further and reiterate...Augeri was undoubtedly hired because he was able to do some of the classics and do justice to them - AT THE TIME HE WAS HIRED. As I said before, I doubt seriously that Augeri was TOLD or given the impression that Journey was basically going to stick with the classics. He was probably given the impression, or told outright that the band was going to produce NEW music and that new music would obviously be in Augeri's range. That new music would also become part of the concert set list.

Time went by and after producing ARRIVAL (but without backing from the label), the band tried to play some of those tunes in concert, but it didn't go over well. So, the band caved to that pressure and went back to the old standards. I don't believe that is what Augeri was HIRED to do, but the plans changed in midstream.

I think Augeri has a decent voice and it's fine when he sings in his own range (though still "thin"). He would probably last longer even touring if ALL he did was sing in his own range. Since that was not the case, his voice wore out very quickly.

[fred_journeyman]

...everything is secondary to making a buck.

It's unfortunate and I tend to think the same way about Journey. I would love for them to be able to dig themselves out of this hole (at least I consider it to be a hole), but I'm really not sure it can happen.

You know what's funny? On a slightly different note, I heard a live interview the other day with Weird Al. He was being interviewed by an old high school buddy, who happened to be a DJ on the station. Unbeknownst to me, apparently Weird Al has numerous Gold records out. He sounds very down to earth and yet, must have a ton of money. He owns a really nice home/mansion in Hollywood Hills, and doesn't NEED to tour.

He was saying he MAY go on tour next summer. If he does, I'm GOING and taking the whole family with me. THAT is a show I'd like to see. Just picked up his latest CD today and I like it.

[fred_journeyman]

...i don't have enough self-control or self-respect to swear off being a Journey fan.
Do you?

Unfortunately, I feel like I'm getting there...life is just way too short anyway.

[A Fire Inside]

...i don't have enough self-control or self-respect to swear off being a Journey fan.
Do you?

I do. I'm chillin' with 1975-2005 music from now on... the band has left such a sour taste in my mouth this summer that I can honestly say I would be very hesitant to buy another ticket or a new album again even if it were with Augeri, Perry, Rolie, what have you. Neal Schon, Ross Valory, Jonathan Cain, and Deen Castronovo have shown us what they're all about: touring for $$. If they weren't they would have stopped Augeri from miming. If there's one thing I can credit Deano for, it's revealing the true colors of these guys.

I would not say I have sworn off being a Journey fan, I wouldn't be here if I had, but I've definitely changed my tune about helping financially support them in the future.

[ArnelRox]

With that said, even knowing all too well what they did, i don't have enough self-control or self-respect to swear off being a Journey fan. Do you?

I don't. I may have been mad at what went down but Journey is my all-time favourite band & the thought of never going to a Journey concert again or never being able to enjoy the music live again would really depress me. Now they have someone who can sing live nite after nite. Not only that but he's a guy who interacts w/fans on forums, responds to PMs. Ok I know Augeri was a nice guy if you met him. I met him & I agree. Very nice person. But did he ever write back personally & interact like this? Maybe to a few.

I wish whatever went down hadn't happened. I don't understand all the ins & outs that went into it & I'm sure I never will. But I think the band has not only given us someone who can sing, but they've given us someone real special & they're letting him do his thing communicating w/us. What else can we really ask for?

[Monker]

...i don't have enough self-control or self-respect to swear off being a Journey fan.
Do you?

I do. I'm chillin' with 1975-2005 music from now on... the band has left such a sour taste in my mouth this summer that I can honestly say I would be very hesitant to buy another ticket or a new album again even if it were with Augeri, Perry, Rolie, what have you. Neal Schon, Ross Valory, Jonathan Cain, and Deen Castronovo have shown us what they're all about: touring for $$. If they weren't they would have stopped Augeri from miming. If there's one thing I can credit Deano for, it's revealing the true colors of these guys.

I would not say I have sworn off being a Journey fan, I wouldn't be here if I had, but I've definitely changed my tune about helping financially support them in the future.

I completely agree...No more $75/ticket concerts or buying an album unheard for me.

[Monker]

With that said, even knowing all too well what they did, i don't have enough self-control or self-respect to swear off being a Journey fan. Do you?

I don't. I may have been mad at what went down but Journey is my all-time favourite band & the thought of never going to a Journey concert again or never being able to enjoy the music live again would really depress me. Now they have someone who can sing live nite after nite. Not only that but he's a guy who interacts w/fans on forums, responds to PMs. Ok I know Augeri was a nice guy if you met him. I met him & I agree. Very nice person. But did he ever write back personally & interact like this? Maybe to a few.

I wish whatever went down hadn't happened. I don't understand all the ins & outs that went into it & I'm sure I never will. But I think the band has not only given us someone who can sing, but they've given us someone real special & they're letting him do his thing communicating w/us. What else can we really ask for?

And, I think what AFI is saying - as I am saying the same thing - is that it's not ALL about the lead singer. There are four other guys who are not exactly being fan friendly any longer...and that is FAR more then the majority of the band.

[ArnelRox]

And, I think what AFI is saying - as I am saying the same thing - is that it's not ALL about the lead singer. There are four other guys who are not exactly being fan friendly any longer...and that is FAR more then the majority of the band.

I dunno about that. There are numerous reports of those 4 guys meeting people in bars & being very fan friendly. I met Ross once & I'd say he was incredibly fan friendly & funny as hell. He even bought me a drink.

In terms of the internet, those 4 were never fan friendly to the level that Jeff is. That IMHO is a real fan treat Jeff brings to the table. I only ever got an email back from one other celebrity in my life & that was months after I wrote it. He certainly didn't participate on fan forums tho. Jeff is one of a kind in that perspective (not to mention his talent). He is a bit younger than the rest of the band & even Augeri, so maybe a lot more internet savvy. Even so, this is obviously something he likes to do (interact w/fans) & I think it makes him very special. I'm grateful. Anyone w/me?

[ArnelRox]

And, I think what AFI is saying - as I am saying the same thing - is that it's not ALL about the lead singer.

BTW ironic that u say it's not all about the lead singer in a band like Journey where certainly most of the fan disputes have always been about the lead singer.

[MCC620]

I think the story goes a little different if I remember. Augeri's friend knew Jon Cain & wanted Augeri to send Journey a demo. He didn't so his friend sent Cain the Tall Stories album. Then Cain gave it to Neal. So it wasn't exactly Neal seeking out Augeri.

You're both wrong.
There's 3 stories.

1)Neal and Augeri had a mutual friend. This friend prepared a demo-tape of Steve's work and gave it to Neal. Steve didn't make one himself because he is an admitted underachiever.

2) Jon's wife had the "Tall Stories" album lying around and nudged Jon about the guy singing on the disk. This is what Jon recounted on VH1's BTM.

3) Neal also claims to have heard "Wild on the Run" on the radio in the early 90's and took note of the singer in case someday he needed to move on without Perry.

These three are correct except for Neal noting the singer's name.

[ArnelRox]

These three are correct except for Neal noting the singer's name.

That's what I said but TNC said I'm wrong. He said there's a quote from Neal where he said he noted the singer because he believed he could pull it off as a Journey lead. TNC told me to look it up. I haven't found it yet.

[MCC620]

These three are correct except for Neal noting the singer's name.

That's what I said but TNC said I'm wrong. He said there's a quote from Neal where he said he noted the singer because he believed he could pull it off as a Journey lead. TNC told me to look it up. I haven't found it yet.

Cmon TNC dude....you look it up and show us!

[Monker]

And, I think what AFI is saying - as I am saying the same thing - is that it's not ALL about the lead singer.

BTW ironic that u say it's not all about the lead singer in a band like Journey where certainly most of the fan disputes have always been about the lead singer.

The 'fans' don't always know, or want to know, all they could.

"You take the blue pill - the story ends, you wake up in your bed and believe whatever you want to believe. You take the red pill - you stay in Wonderland and I show you how deep the rabbit-hole goes. "

[Monker]

These three are correct except for Neal noting the singer's name.

That's what I said but TNC said I'm wrong. He said there's a quote from Neal where he said he noted the singer because he believed he could pull it off as a Journey lead. TNC told me to look it up. I haven't found it yet.

TNC is right. Not that this is a big deal or anything....

But, I don't think he knew his name at the time...Just that the voice on Tall Stories would fit into Journey.

[A Fire Inside]

I dunno about that. There are numerous reports of those 4 guys meeting people in bars & being very fan friendly. I met Ross once & I'd say he was incredibly fan friendly & funny as hell. He even bought me a drink.

On the grand scale of things, and this is what *I* am referring to, they are not very fan-friendly. There's no communication with fans, and I'm talking about PR in general here. Ticket prices have skyrocketed in the last few years. They got ILAA but it rapes the wallets of the fans that they know will give an arm and a leg to sit close. They have the "Augeri's throat might get better" thing to keep Augeri fans buying tickets just in case the man shows up at a concert. It's all a shrewd marketing plan. If they really truly put out Red13 with the intention of it being "for the fans" I would be shocked.

I've heard good and bad stories about everyone in the band... they can be assholes to fans. The only person I've never heard about a bad experience with is SA, but he probably has his moments too.

[ArnelRox]

I've heard good and bad stories about everyone in the band... they can be assholes to fans. The only person I've never heard about a bad experience with is SA, but he probably has his moments too.

In all honesty AFI, can't we all be assholes at times? I'm not nice all the time. I admit it. & dealing w/fans is a pain in the ass sometimes. I've worked in the bar/restaurant biz for a long time. We've had many celebs come in hoping for a quiet corner & a bit of peace. It's a total pain when they're mobbed w/fans. I had to stand outside the john so Michael Jordan could take a piss in peace once. (A female there was the only way to keep ppl out but no, I didn't look )

Are u saying u heard bad things about JSS w/fans?

[A Fire Inside]

In all honesty AFI, can't we all be assholes at times?

Yep.

Are u saying u heard bad things about JSS w/fans?

I said band members. But no I have not.

[ArnelRox]

I said band members. But no I have not.

Ok, I guess he's not "officially" a band member yet, right?

[A Fire Inside]

Right you are.

[Matthew]

i don't have enough self-control or self-respect to swear off being a Journey fan.
Do you?

I tried so hard to sign off during the Augeri years...but I still couldn't stop myself buying those wretched albums.

[The_Noble_Cause]

TNC told me to look it up. I haven't found it yet.

That Neal quote I posted was not miraculously pulled out of my asshole.
Go "Yahoo" or "Google" it.
It's been used in several interviews, press releases, etc.