Perry, Sony, Solo vs. Jrny and the TBF Fall Out

[SF-Dano]

Off Topic here Matthew, but I noticed your avatar is now Michael Schenker. Love that guys playing. I have always dreamt of Michael and Neal getting together and jamming. Two very complimentary styles in my opinion.

Cheers to you.

[Matthew]

Off Topic here Matthew, but I noticed your avatar is now Michael Schenker. Love that guys playing. I have always dreamt of Michael and Neal getting together and jamming. Two very complimentary styles in my opinion.

Cheers to you.

A Schenker and Schon collaboration would be so amazing wouldn't it? I definitely agree - they're such similar guitarists aren't they? They both have this incredibly melodic and clean and focused style...with the full-on energy too....hard to describe...but I love them both equally for the same reasons.

Strange now to think that Schenker nearly joined Aerosmith in 1979...and was nearly Randy Rhoad's replacement for Ozzy...but as with UFO in '78 he shied away from all the golden opportunities that came his way.

I absolutely love everything the guy did from 1974-1983 - but I lost track of his career from the mid-80s onwards - although I did see him live again in '96 on the disastrous UFO reunion tour. I'm going to try and get hold of the stuff he's released in the last ten years or so. Have you heard any recent records by him?

[SF-Dano]

Unfortunately I have kind of lost track of him also. The last CDs I bought of his were probably Built to Destroy and Assault Attack. He went on to do some stuff with Robin McCauley (sp?) as the McCauley/Schenker group. Not bad, but more commercial than the original MSG. Then he was one of the guitarists in the Contraband project. Some good tunes there too, but again made more for commercial success than art. I have heard some stuff off his live album at budakan I think it was. Sounded great there. I also just picked up a DVD of his called (I think) "The Michael Schenker story:30th Anniversary tour". I think this is from the mid to late 90s. Filmed in a small venue in Europe or Japan (need to watch it again soon), but very good none the less. It covers material from his whole carreer. The man still has the sweet licks. His singer on that DVD (don't know his name off hand) while not exactly looking the part pulled off the vocals very well, including the early Scorpions stuff. Good DVD if you can find it.

I was looking forward to seeing him on the UFO reunion tour a few years back also, but I think they had the breakdown before they came around my area. I hadn't heard about the Aerosmith thing, though I knew about the Ozzy scenerio. I don't know what Aerosmith would sound like with Michael on guitar, but it wouldn't sound like the Aerosmith of today thats for sure. Michael Schenker Rocks

[Matthew]

Unfortunately I have kind of lost track of him also. The last CDs I bought of his were probably Built to Destroy and Assault Attack.

Yes - me too. What was your favourite Schenker/UFO album? I'm not sure I can choose between "Lights Out", "Obsession" and "Strangers In The Night"...those three are all unbelievable.

He went on to do some stuff with Robin McCauley (sp?) as the McCauley/Schenker group. Not bad, but more commercial than the original MSG.

I remember that...and being so disappointed. I saw MSG in '83 on the "Built to Destroy" tour and although Schenker had some brilliant moments something was wrong...he looked out of shape and the old fire wasn't there...and when McCauley project came along...a couple of years later wasn't it?...well, it was sad time.

Then he was one of the guitarists in the Contraband project. Some good tunes there too, but again made more for commercial success than art.

I haven't heard that one. Who else was involved in that?

I have heard some stuff off his live album at budakan I think it was. Sounded great there.

Yes - that must have been the '81 tour.

I also just picked up a DVD of his called (I think) "The Michael Schenker story:30th Anniversary tour". I think this is from the mid to late 90s. Filmed in a small venue in Europe or Japan (need to watch it again soon), but very good none the less. It covers material from his whole carreer. The man still has the sweet licks. His singer on that DVD (don't know his name off hand) while not exactly looking the part pulled off the vocals very well, including the early Scorpions stuff. Good DVD if you can find it.

Thanks SF - I'll, try to track that down. A while back I saw that there's a triple DVD recorded between 1980-1981..some live...and some rehearsal in the studio stuff too. I also got a UFO documentary DVD - which has some live performances
from 1975 and the promo video for "Only You Can Rock Me". But the only member who was interviewed was Pete Way.

I was looking forward to seeing him on the UFO reunion tour a few years back also, but I think they had the breakdown before they came around my area.

Schenker and Pete Way had a fist-fight on stage in Manchester I think...the usual UFO shambles...

I don't know what Aerosmith would sound like with Michael on guitar, but it wouldn't sound like the Aerosmith of today thats for sure.

At best that collaboration would have lasted one album, I reckon......Aerosmith at the height of their drug-taking...with Schenker of all people...disaster. Wished they'd got it together for one album though...even though - yes- it's hard to imagine what it would have sounded like.

Michael Schenker Rocks

Absolutely! Great to talk to another Schenker fan...

By the way...did you like the post-Schenker UFO albums with Paul "Tonka" Chapman?

[SF-Dano]

Regarding Contraband, I found this pretty good little description that someone else wrote:

Contraband was a very short-lived band made up of musicians from other well known bands including Vixen's Share Pedersen on bass, Ratt's Bobby Blotzer on drums, the twin-axe-attack of Michael Schenker (UFO/MSG) and Tracii Guns (LA Guns) and vocalist Richard Black from Shark Island. The style isn't surprising when you look at the names of the bands that contributed to this project, sounding like the "hair metal" you might expect. What is surprising is that I actually enjoyed this disc on the very first listen and found myself wanting to hear it again. Schenker's leads are outstanding and really ADD to the songs, as opposed to being the song, unlike some of his MSG discs. Some of the material, however, is admittedly just well-produced corporate rock (AOR fluff) made specifically for radio. There are a two obscure covers on this disc; David Bowie's "Hang On to Yourself" and Mott the Hoople's "All the Way From Memphis" both of which are actually very well done. If I am not mistaken, "All the Way From Memphis" even gave the band a minor radio hit.
Don't agree with all his points, but a good little description. You may remember "All The Way From Memphis".

Regarding the Chapman UFO years, I have heard a few tunes here and there but never picked up any of the CDs. The tunes I did hear sounded pretty good though. Just never took the time to invest in a CD. If you like the stuff, can you recommend one that you like the best?

As far as UFO with Schenker I don't think there is any better than "Strangers in the Night", it just has all the classics on it. I would say I like Obsession best next, and Lights Out would probably be my third choice. But they are all great IMO. To bad Way and Schenker couldn't get along and make it work.

On another note, did you ever hear of Waysted, Pete Way's hair metal band of the late 80s? Got a chance to see them open for Iron Maiden and Tesla back in the day. They unfortunately were booed off the stage. That was my only exposure to them, and it spoiled me from ever wanting to look any deeper into their stuff.

Also, saw Tesla a couple month's back and they did a wonderful live version of Rock Bottom at the show. Very true to the spirit of UFOs version. Keeping the music alive at least.

[Matthew]

Regarding Contraband...

Thanks SF - I'll try to track that down. Sounds like Schenker was on great form...plus I secretly like Ratt so Bobby Blotzer is a plus.

Regarding the Chapman UFO years....If you like the stuff, can you recommend one that you like the best?

They released four albums between 1980-1983 with Chapman before UFO had another meltdown....Phil Mogg passed out on stage in Greece ....and so on....but I reckon the best one is No Place to Run.

It was considered a let down at the time...it came straight after Strangers In the Night so that was inevitable, I guess...but also because they didn't carry on working with Ron Nevision....and had hired the Beatles producer George Martin instead...so No Place To Run didn't quite have the explosive production of the previous three records.

But the band were still on a high in 1980 and that definitely comes across...and Chapman was a superb guitarist...not a genius like Schenker...but better than most in that era...and he's especially good on the cover version of "Mystery Train".

On another note, did you ever hear of Waysted, Pete Way's hair metal band of the late 80s? Got a chance to see them open for Iron Maiden and Tesla back in the day. They unfortunately were booed off the stage.

Yet another disastrous tour for Pete Way. Oh dear...

Yes - I bought two albums in the 80s...the first one was hair metal...big snare drums...quite basic and heavy...but a poor album overall...although the song "Love Loaded" was a winner.

The 1986 album "Save Your Prayers" was a change of direction thoug and recorded a melodic rock album...and it was actually pretty good. No-one bought it though..but it is now considered a minor classic on a couple of melodic rock sites I've been to.

Also, saw Tesla a couple month's back and they did a wonderful live version of Rock Bottom at the show. Very true to the spirit of UFOs version. Keeping the music alive at least.

Great to hear it. I know we're getting further off topic now...but I don't know anything about Tesla....what's the best album to start with?

[SF-Dano]

They released four albums between 1980-1983 with Chapman before UFO had another meltdown....Phil Mogg passed out on stage in Greece ....and so on....but I reckon the best one is No Place to Run.

Thanks, I will look for this one. I think I have heard a few songs from this before, but it has been a long time.

Great to hear it. I know we're getting further off topic now...but I don't know anything about Tesla....what's the best album to start with?

Here is a little description of Tesla from Wikepedia: I really dig all their albums, but I think a good place to start is with either their first CD "Mechanical Resonance" or their second " The Great Radio Controversy" , but like I said, they are all really good. They did change their style a little bit with their last release "Into the Now", trying to keep up with the times. I would look for any of their earlier albums first, to get a feel for their true style of music.

Tesla is the name of an American hard rock band originating in Sacramento, California. The band formed in 1984 as City Kidd and was renamed Tesla during the recording of their first album on the advice of their manager. The group includes Jeff Keith (vocals), Frank Hannon (b. 3 October 1966) (Guitar), Tommy Skeoch (Guitar), Brian Wheat (Bass), Troy Luccketta (Drums).

Tesla's music fit well with the blasting sound of the 1980s glam bands, but was more bluesy and lyrics dealt with themes other than just the usual for the day: girls, alcohol and violence. But what set them even farther apart from their contemporaries was their T-shirt and jeans image which was in strong contrast to other bands of the time, which were characterized by leather pants and flashy-make up. Tesla is also proud of the fact that their music has always been just guitars and drums, with an occaisional piano from bassist Wheat, with no synthesizers or anything to distort their sound and their albums always proudly proclaimed, "No Machines", referring to that fact.

Tesla's popular 1990 remake of Signs, originally recorded by the Five Man Electrical Band (who also inspired the album which the remake came from, Five Man Acoustical Jam), is probably the most mainstream of Tesla's hits. However, many fans remember fondly Tesla's other hits such as Gettin' Better, Modern Day Cowboy, Little Suzi (a cover of a 1981 Ph.D. song), Edison's Medicine and Love Song. To this day, Love Song is probably the most remembered of the band's songs, and still receives much airplay on rock stations.

The band derived their name, certain album and song names, and some song content from events relating to Nikola Tesla, a Serbian inventor and electrical engineer born in the 19th century.

After the 1994 album Bust A Nut, the band took a brief hiatus, reputed to be due to Tommy Skeoch's drug abuse problems and his time in rehab, where the band elected to support Tommy, rather then replace him. Later, Tommy and Jeff Keith resurfaced with a band called Bar 7, which had the single "Four Leaf Clover". They only recorded the one album, "The World Is A Freak", but like KISS' side projects of Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons, it was clear that the Tesla sound was in Keith and Skeoch.

The band reformed in 2000, and recorded a double live album to celebrate.

In 2002 they were featured in the Rock Never Stops Tour alongside other 80s rock bands.

In 2004 they released their fifth studio album "Into the Now" which debuted on the Billboard album chart at number 30. The album was well received by fans and the band was featured on an episode of the late night US Television program “Jimmy Kimmel Live.”

In the summer of 2006, the band embarked on their 2006 Electric Summer Jam Tour. The band also placed the following statement on their official web site, "We would like you to join us in welcoming guitarist Dave Rude, who will be hitting the road with us for the 2006 Electric Summer Jam Tour as Tommy Skeoch will not be performing with us. Please also join us in congratulating Tommy and his wife on the birth of their new baby boy. We wish the whole family the best." An article in the Mojave Desert News (desertnews.com) that featured an interview with bass player Brian Wheat clarified the situation with Skeoch when it reported "The tour is also a chance to introduce the newest member of the band, guitarist Dave Rude, who replaces Tommy Skeoch. Skeoch has been in and out of the band since 1994, addressing substance-abuse problems. But with a new baby at home, Wheat said that this time Skeoch's departure is full-time and for other reasons. "He just wanted to spend more time with his family after all these years," Wheat said. "It's hard. He'll always be a part of Tesla history."

Tesla is currently writing/recording their sixth studio album, which is due for release sometime in 2006 or 2007.

[conversationpc]

Here is a little description of Tesla from Wikepedia: I really dig all their albums, but I think a good place to start is with either their first CD "Mechanical Resonance" or their second " The Great Radio Controversy" , but like I said, they are all really good. They did change their style a little bit with their last release "Into the Now", trying to keep up with the times. I would look for any of their earlier albums first, to get a feel for their true style of music...

Tesla is a REAL rock band. Their first two albums are both great. I particularly love "Changes", "Gettin' Better", "Modern Day Cowboy", "Love Song", and "Flight to Nowhere".

[SF-Dano]

Tesla is a REAL rock band. Their first two albums are both great. I particularly love "Changes", "Gettin' Better", "Modern Day Cowboy", "Love Song", and "Flight to Nowhere".

Yea, ConvoPC, you really can't go wrong with these guys. Great songs, jammin guitars, great RnR band. Have you heard their last album "Into the Now"? Still good but they have gotten a little heavier on some tunes to keep up with the times. Still a good CD none the less.

[Deb]

Matt, I think you'd like Tesla.......you're very vocal oriented like me. The singer had a good unique voice.....skinny little fart. I don't know where all these little singers back then packed those big voices. I haven't heard anything of theirs in years.........the only song I can think of off the top of my head is Little Suzi. Is it still the same lead singer in Tesla?

[conversationpc]

Tesla is a REAL rock band. Their first two albums are both great. I particularly love "Changes", "Gettin' Better", "Modern Day Cowboy", "Love Song", and "Flight to Nowhere".

Yea, ConvoPC, you really can't go wrong with these guys. Great songs, jammin guitars, great RnR band. Have you heard their last album "Into the Now"? Still good but they have gotten a little heavier on some tunes to keep up with the times. Still a good CD none the less.

I listened to some clips for the new album a whle back and wasn't impressed. I liked one of the songs but can't remember which one right.

[SF-Dano]

Matt, I think you'd like Tesla.......you're very vocal oriented like me. The singer had a good unique voice.....skinny little fart. I don't know where all these little singers back then kept those big voices. I haven't heard anything of theirs in years.........the only song I can think of off the top of my head is Little Suzi. Is it still the same lead singer in Tesla?

Yes, still Jeff Keith singing. Definately a unique voice. A little like Eric Martin, but still definately his own style. And he is still as skinny as ever, but has aged very well, still looks the same as he did 15-20 yrs ago.

[Deb]

Matt, I think you'd like Tesla.......you're very vocal oriented like me. The singer had a good unique voice.....skinny little fart. I don't know where all these little singers back then kept those big voices. I haven't heard anything of theirs in years.........the only song I can think of off the top of my head is Little Suzi. Is it still the same lead singer in Tesla?

Yes, still Jeff Keith singing. Definately a unique voice. A little like Eric Martin, but still definately his own style. And he is still as skinny as ever, but has aged very well, still looks the same as he did 15-20 yrs ago.

Thanks, I checked Youtube and found some current concert footage....lol....you're right he doesn't look like he has aged a day.

Always liked this song back then.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7SzTVnSM ... ed&search=

[Perry86fan]

...all underscores my exisiting feelings that TBF non-tour, non-promotion, was Steve's big "F.U." to Sony.

Maybe, but Sony had other artists, mostly he fucked over his bandmates...
But I think its because he knew he couldn't deliver live anymore.

Where do you get off saying Mr P F offed the guys .You don't know that at all none of us really now what happend there. I will never believe he did that to Sonny to get back at them.He is a man not a child Why do you have to keep rehashing all this anyway it is in the past let it stay there.There is so much more i could say but that is all i can't even get past the frist page and i am pissed. So you don't like Mr P and you or most of you think he is a bad ass.Well i do not nor will i ever feel that way about him.And he did hurt his hip and he did everything he trying not to have surgery .But in the end he had to have it done & let me tell you it is not a day in the park either. As for his voice i feel sure it is just fine maybe not the way it was but he can still sing. But why should he try because some of you would start crap like why is he back i was hoping he was gone. I for one hope he is doing just fine and he know he has ture fans. Ok i am off my soap box .

[Granny]

...all underscores my exisiting feelings that TBF non-tour, non-promotion, was Steve's big "F.U." to Sony.

Maybe, but Sony had other artists, mostly he fucked over his bandmates...
But I think its because he knew he couldn't deliver live anymore.

Where do you get off saying Mr P F offed the guys .You don't know that at all none of us really now what happend there. I will never believe he did that to Sonny to get back at them.He is a man not a child Why do you have to keep rehashing all this anyway it is in the past let it stay there.There is so much more i could say but that is all i can't even get past the frist page and i am pissed. So you don't like Mr P and you or most of you think he is a bad ass.Well i do not nor will i ever feel that way about him.And he did hurt his hip and he did everything he trying not to have surgery .But in the end he had to have it done & let me tell you it is not a day in the park either. As for his voice i feel sure it is just fine maybe not the way it was but he can still sing. But why should he try because some of you would start crap like why is he back i was hoping he was gone. I for one hope he is doing just fine and he know he has ture fans. Ok i am off my soap box .

I'll start where u left off. Yes, he did have hip surgery and orthopedic surgery is no fun(speaking from experience). His voice is fine , like u said, just a little lower and definitely more sexy and I don't care what anyone on here has to say about it. He is my fav. singer of all times and will remain as such. Forever.!!!!

[Moose]

...all underscores my exisiting feelings that TBF non-tour, non-promotion, was Steve's big "F.U." to Sony.

Maybe, but Sony had other artists, mostly he fucked over his bandmates...
But I think its because he knew he couldn't deliver live anymore.

Where do you get off saying Mr P F offed the guys .You don't know that at all none of us really now what happend there. I will never believe he did that to Sonny to get back at them.He is a man not a child Why do you have to keep rehashing all this anyway it is in the past let it stay there.There is so much more i could say but that is all i can't even get past the frist page and i am pissed. So you don't like Mr P and you or most of you think he is a bad ass.Well i do not nor will i ever feel that way about him.And he did hurt his hip and he did everything he trying not to have surgery .But in the end he had to have it done & let me tell you it is not a day in the park either. As for his voice i feel sure it is just fine maybe not the way it was but he can still sing. But why should he try because some of you would start crap like why is he back i was hoping he was gone. I for one hope he is doing just fine and he know he has ture fans. Ok i am off my soap box .

I'll start where u left off. Yes, he did have hip surgery and orthopedic surgery is no fun(speaking from experience). His voice is fine , like u said, just a little lower and definitely more sexy and I don't care what anyone on here has to say about it. He is my fav. singer of all times and will remain as such. Forever.!!!!

I am with you! People on this site like to crush Perry, but he is the greatest voice since Elvis! As long as he is alive, this board will live and breathe............................

[Deb]

...all underscores my exisiting feelings that TBF non-tour, non-promotion, was Steve's big "F.U." to Sony.

Maybe, but Sony had other artists, mostly he fucked over his bandmates...
But I think its because he knew he couldn't deliver live anymore.

Where do you get off saying Mr P F offed the guys .You don't know that at all none of us really now what happend there. I will never believe he did that to Sonny to get back at them.He is a man not a child Why do you have to keep rehashing all this anyway it is in the past let it stay there.There is so much more i could say but that is all i can't even get past the frist page and i am pissed. So you don't like Mr P and you or most of you think he is a bad ass.Well i do not nor will i ever feel that way about him.And he did hurt his hip and he did everything he trying not to have surgery .But in the end he had to have it done & let me tell you it is not a day in the park either. As for his voice i feel sure it is just fine maybe not the way it was but he can still sing. But why should he try because some of you would start crap like why is he back i was hoping he was gone. I for one hope he is doing just fine and he know he has ture fans. Ok i am off my soap box .

I'll start where u left off. Yes, he did have hip surgery and orthopedic surgery is no fun(speaking from experience). His voice is fine , like u said, just a little lower and definitely more sexy and I don't care what anyone on here has to say about it. He is my fav. singer of all times and will remain as such. Forever.!!!!

I am with you! People on this site like to crush Perry, but he is the greatest voice since Elvis! As long as he is alive, this board will live and breathe............................

I could care less if people like to crush Perry, it's their loss. In my opinion he has a quality that no other singer has......he can emote a song like no one else....period. And after meeting him and seeing that he is a humble, funny, very down to earth guy, my opinion has only gone up. OK and being sexy as hell for a 57 yearold without even friggin trying.....is a major plus!

[donnaplease]

I could care less if people like to crush Perry, it's their loss. In my opinion he has a quality that no other singer has......he can emote a song like no one else....period. And after meeting him and seeing that he is a humble, funny, very down to earth guy, my opinion has only gone up. OK and being sexy as hell for a 57 yearold without even friggin trying.....is a major plus!

A-MEN Sista!!!!!

[Perry86fan]

...all underscores my exisiting feelings that TBF non-tour, non-promotion, was Steve's big "F.U." to Sony.

Maybe, but Sony had other artists, mostly he fucked over his bandmates...
But I think its because he knew he couldn't deliver live anymore.

Where do you get off saying Mr P F offed the guys .You don't know that at all none of us really now what happend there. I will never believe he did that to Sonny to get back at them.He is a man not a child Why do you have to keep rehashing all this anyway it is in the past let it stay there.There is so much more i could say but that is all i can't even get past the frist page and i am pissed. So you don't like Mr P and you or most of you think he is a bad ass.Well i do not nor will i ever feel that way about him.And he did hurt his hip and he did everything he trying not to have surgery .But in the end he had to have it done & let me tell you it is not a day in the park either. As for his voice i feel sure it is just fine maybe not the way it was but he can still sing. But why should he try because some of you would start crap like why is he back i was hoping he was gone. I for one hope he is doing just fine and he know he has ture fans. Ok i am off my soap box .

I'll start where u left off. Yes, he did have hip surgery and orthopedic surgery is no fun(speaking from experience). His voice is fine , like u said, just a little lower and definitely more sexy and I don't care what anyone on here has to say about it. He is my fav. singer of all times and will remain as such. Forever.!!!!

I am so thilled to see Perry fans that care about him. And most of believe that he did have hip problems and then had surgery.He still rocks and i am an Elvis fan too

[PROPERRY]

Many like to tear down Perry & say ALOT of cruel & unkind things about him, but the people that say these things are NOT people who really KNOW him personally , or have ANY REAL KNOWLEGE about him in his private life, so I DON'T buy into any of the bad stuff said about him.

Perry has done LOTS of kind things FOR the fans, and GIVEN us a ton of music to enjoy for many years to come, I for one appreciate that about Perry, and I will remain a fan of his forever!!

Lori

[Moose]

Many like to tear down Perry & say ALOT of cruel & unkind things about him, but the people that say these things are NOT people who really KNOW him personally , or have ANY REAL KNOWLEGE about him in his private life, so I DON'T buy into any of the bad stuff said about him.

Perry has done LOTS of kind things FOR the fans, and GIVEN us a ton of music to enjoy for many years to come, I for one appreciate that about Perry, and I will remain a fan of his forever!!

Lori

I can see why people would be disapointed Perry has gone into exile, but I don't get the venom sent his way.

[Matthew]

Here is a little description of Tesla from Wikepedia:

Cheers SF. Will check out the Tesla videos on You Tube now and report back...

[Granny]

...all underscores my exisiting feelings that TBF non-tour, non-promotion, was Steve's big "F.U." to Sony.

Maybe, but Sony had other artists, mostly he fucked over his bandmates...
But I think its because he knew he couldn't deliver live anymore.

Where do you get off saying Mr P F offed the guys .You don't know that at all none of us really now what happend there. I will never believe he did that to Sonny to get back at them.He is a man not a child Why do you have to keep rehashing all this anyway it is in the past let it stay there.There is so much more i could say but that is all i can't even get past the frist page and i am pissed. So you don't like Mr P and you or most of you think he is a bad ass.Well i do not nor will i ever feel that way about him.And he did hurt his hip and he did everything he trying not to have surgery .But in the end he had to have it done & let me tell you it is not a day in the park either. As for his voice i feel sure it is just fine maybe not the way it was but he can still sing. But why should he try because some of you would start crap like why is he back i was hoping he was gone. I for one hope he is doing just fine and he know he has ture fans. Ok i am off my soap box .

I'll start where u left off. Yes, he did have hip surgery and orthopedic surgery is no fun(speaking from experience). His voice is fine , like u said, just a little lower and definitely more sexy and I don't care what anyone on here has to say about it. He is my fav. singer of all times and will remain as such. Forever.!!!!

I am with you! People on this site like to crush Perry, but he is the greatest voice since Elvis! As long as he is alive, this board will live and breathe............................

I could care less if people like to crush Perry, it's their loss. In my opinion he has a quality that no other singer has......he can emote a song like no one else....period. And after meeting him and seeing that he is a humble, funny, very down to earth guy, my opinion has only gone up. OK and being sexy as hell for a 57 yearold without even friggin trying.....is a major plus!

I am so jealous that u got to meet him. That's a once in a lifetime event. Hell, tell me more! I'm in his age bracket, if he needs a girlfriend.

[PROPERRY]

Many like to tear down Perry & say ALOT of cruel & unkind things about him, but the people that say these things are NOT people who really KNOW him personally , or have ANY REAL KNOWLEGE about him in his private life, so I DON'T buy into any of the bad stuff said about him.

Perry has done LOTS of kind things FOR the fans, and GIVEN us a ton of music to enjoy for many years to come, I for one appreciate that about Perry, and I will remain a fan of his forever!!

Lori

I can see why people would be disapointed Perry has gone into exile, but I don't get the venom sent his way.

I don't see it like that, while he may not be making new music, ( that I know of anyway), he is still reaches out to the fans in different ways. Like the May 6th event suprising the Perryville ladies at the Star, showing up & suprising EVERYONE at the HWOF Ceremony, getting to see him during the White Sox games, so I wouldn't say he has gone exile,, he is still out there , he is just living his own personal life , that's all.

Lori

[SF-Dano]

Let me say this about Steve Perry. The man is quite possible the best rock vocalist of all time. That said, my problems with Perry are the fact that in early 1987 he decided to walk away from the band without a word. According to all statements, articles, interviews, etc., this is a fact. He did not communicate his intentions to the rest of the band and essentially left them in limbo. After a few years Jon and Neal figured it and moved on. It wasn't until there was a planned reunion with Rollie and Chalfant on vocals, that Steve got the "itch" to be in Journey again, but again only on his terms. Now I do blame Neal and Jon for going this route for TBF, big big mistake in my opinon. Then the second communication break down by Perry towards the rest of the band.

Also, Perry, who said he "Never Felt like Part of the Band", was absolutely controlling everything. If he truelly felt that way, it was because he parted himself from the rest of the band, not the rest of the band pushing him out.

I do think think these are the main reasons alot of people have some "resentment" towards Perry. At least it is for me. And for I guy who " Never Felt like part of the Band" to come out and say "Don't Crack the Stone" was just way out there to me.

[MISTYGREENANDBLUE]

Off Topic here Matthew, but I noticed your avatar is now Michael Schenker. Love that guys playing. I have always dreamt of Michael and Neal getting together and jamming. Two very complimentary styles in my opinion.

Cheers to you.

A Schenker and Schon collaboration would be so amazing wouldn't it? I definitely agree - they're such similar guitarists aren't they? They both have this incredibly melodic and clean and focused style...with the full-on energy too....hard to describe...but I love them both equally for the same reasons.

Strange now to think that Schenker nearly joined Aerosmith in 1979...and was nearly Randy Rhoad's replacement for Ozzy...but as with UFO in '78 he shied away from all the golden opportunities that came his way.

I absolutely love everything the guy did from 1974-1983 - but I lost track of his career from the mid-80s onwards - although I did see him live again in '96 on the disastrous UFO reunion tour. I'm going to try and get hold of the stuff he's released in the last ten years or so. Have you heard any recent records by him?

Michael's non involvement with Ozzy as touring replacement for RR wasn't simply down to his ability to always shoot himself in the foot when opportunity knocked. At the time when approached by the double 'O' to replace Randy on the tour, Schenker was involved in recording, the studio time was already booked, the bills were mounting. Chrysalis records weren't going to allow Schenker to just walk away and help another record companies artist while they picked up the tab for wasted Studio time. The request made to Ozzy Osbourne was that he 'covered' the costs of the studio time if Schenker went on tour with him. The said request went down like a lead balloon, Osbourne labeled Schenker a 'shitbag' for asking for a 'kings ransom' to play. End of Story. Given Michael's dislike at the time for playing other guitarists solo's, I doubt it would have been a match made in heaven.

Forget about Aerosmith, the rolling Stones wanted Michael in their band also. It was a good job Rudi talked him around on that one......Chalk n' cheese.....

I have everything that Schenker and UFO have ever recorded, both as bandmembers and individuals. If you want to listen to something of Michael's done in the past ten years, go track down the 'Odd Trio', Michael plays everything on the album, so the bass work and drums are workman like, the lead guitar though is on another planet.

[Matthew]

Michael's non involvement with Ozzy as touring replacement for RR wasn't simply down to his ability to always shoot himself in the foot when opportunity knocked. At the time when approached by the double 'O' to replace Randy on the tour, Schenker was involved in recording, the studio time was already booked, the bills were mounting. Chrysalis records weren't going to allow Schenker to just walk away and help another record companies artist while they picked up the tab for wasted Studio time. The request made to Ozzy Osbourne was that he 'covered' the costs of the studio time if Schenker went on tour with him. The said request went down like a lead balloon, Osbourne labeled Schenker a 'shitbag' for asking for a 'kings ransom' to play. End of Story. Given Michael's dislike at the time for playing other guitarists solo's, I doubt it would have been a match made in heaven.

Thanks for putting me straight on that, MGB.

I have everything that Schenker and UFO have ever recorded, both as bandmembers and individuals. If you want to listen to something of Michael's done in the past ten years, go track down the 'Odd Trio', Michael plays everything on the album, so the bass work and drums are workman like, the lead guitar though is on another planet.

Okay - the "Odd Trio" it is. I'll get it this week.

By the way...I hear good things about the latest UFO album. What's your verdict?

[yak]

OK and being sexy as hell for a 57 yearold without even friggin trying.....is a major plus!

It's been written that when certain women get a certain age, ANYTHING in pants looks sexy.

Leave it to the lewd and lascivious crowd to try and ruin a good music discussion.

[chickpea]

OK and being sexy as hell for a 57 yearold without even friggin trying.....is a major plus!

It's been written that when certain women get a certain age, ANYTHING in pants looks sexy.

LOL, but it would be my guess that statement was written by some nasty old fart who thinks every woman lusts after him personally.

And I guess I would be a "certain age" and I can promise you I do not think anything in pants looks sexy.

[Carlitto H@kk]

Let me say this about Steve Perry. The man is quite possible the best rock vocalist of all time. That said, my problems with Perry are the fact that in early 1987 he decided to walk away from the band without a word. According to all statements, articles, interviews, etc., this is a fact. He did not communicate his intentions to the rest of the band and essentially left them in limbo. After a few years Jon and Neal figured it and moved on. It wasn't until there was a planned reunion with Rollie and Chalfant on vocals, that Steve got the "itch" to be in Journey again, but again only on his terms. Now I do blame Neal and Jon for going this route for TBF, big big mistake in my opinon. Then the second communication break down by Perry towards the rest of the band.

Also, Perry, who said he "Never Felt like Part of the Band", was absolutely controlling everything. If he truelly felt that way, it was because he parted himself from the rest of the band, not the rest of the band pushing him out.

I do think think these are the main reasons alot of people have some "resentment" towards Perry. At least it is for me. And for I guy who " Never Felt like part of the Band" to come out and say "Don't Crack the Stone" was just way out there to me.

Very Well said...

Its not venom towards Perry as 'a person' you may see here.
Its venom at some of the decisions it seems he forced the band to make. His control over ROR was the reason Ross and Smitty were ousted and his control also led to the direction of that album. Were his vocals awesome, Absolutely. Was the songwriting up to par with Frontiers and Escape, hardly. And the same can be said for TBF but TBF was FAR worse than ROR; totally uninspired.
Although fans miss 'The Voice", I think Perry and Journey seperating was the best thing for both parties. Perry can now do whatever he wants and Schon, Cain and the rest of the guys can do thier own thing without the hassles of meeting Perry's 'Standards'. I know folks like Saint John keep hinting at Perry doing something soon; I will be first in line if he does