Question for Perry-Heads

[Eric]

What is it about JSS, that has made you excited about Journey again?

I guess compare and contrast Augeri and JSS.

And, how excited are you?

[Moon Beam]

I'll answer this one even though I feel as
if I'm treading through a minefield

For me, this time around I gave the guy a chance.
I can't say I did that for Augeri.
I disliked him simply because Steve P was gone.
Since then I have listened to some of his stuff
with the guys and I admit I was far to hard on
him then.

Sir Soto has soul period and I think that's
what grabbed me.
Have yet to see a live show by either but
am listening to much Soto sheet as of late.

[larryfromnextdoor]

one reason about the excitment is that other fans are excited... this entire Soto thing is creating positives waves.... great reviews in the local papers... anticipation of a new album... a new fun live band,, even the Perry only fans are getting into it some.. and now Perry is being seen in person and rumors surrounding his comeback in a solo effort are flowing,,, not that it is true,, but its exciting........ so at this time everyone is pumped up ... that being said, they are just a rock band , and i have to go to work!!!!!

[LucyFurr]

I've said this many times: Being a fan of Perry and Journey since I was a youngster, I got addicted to Perry's voice. It is different than most you hear even today with all the singers out. Perry brought energy, fun, great frontman antics. I'm not speaking of his personal side since I've never met the man. When I saw Mr. A in concert, I was excited to see the "new" guy. I was horrified for years after that concert. My experience was one that being from a musical background, being raised by a musician that played on stage also, I payed closer attention to the guys, not the music. I knew the music. I was interested to see how the guys acted onstage. I was interested in the chemistry. I can smell bullshit for miles and that night I did. Being a Perry lover, I was less than impressed with Augeri. (dont get me wrong, Mr. A has a great voice, OUTSIDE of Journey) I wanted him to be like Perry too badly, so in all fairness, i didnt give him a chance. To top all of that, the guys never cracked a smile up there, were fighting with Mr. A over sound during the concert (I was sitting to the left of the stage where the soundboard was and Mr. A and Neal kept telling the sound guy to turn them up, and it got so annoyingly loud and obnoxious, I was just DONE with Journey after that night).

So I never followed Journey again after that until this past July when I heard they had a new lead singer. I was sort of weary of the whole thing really. I didn't want another experience like that again, so I decided to check out JSS and just who he was, what he looked like, ect. I was amazed at how well he has been hidden before now. The man has been hard at work for his entire adult life onstage, and before that, growing up singing and performing. He has a huge following in Europe so I began to tell all the naysayers and Perryheads and Augeri freaks to give the guy a chance. Then I saw the first night of him singing on youtube and decided this guy might be worth watching since the guys were all having alot of fun up there.

I've never ever met anyone famous for the reasons of ego. They all are so full of it already, they don't need me to pump it up. Somehow, JSS read an email I had written stating how impressed and relieved with the choice to bring him onboard for the tour that he emailed me back and after expressing my concerns about egos and smoke and mirrors onstage, without meaning to, he convinced me into wanting to meet him. He is a very humble, real, sweet, generous human being. Not to mention he has pipes the size of Boston!!!!!! He does not take this job lightly, he is a fan of both Perry and Augeri. Moreso Perry, but I digress.......

My point is, JSS brought Journey back into the limelight. I did go to a concert, didn't get to meet JSS as planned, and he felt bad enough to apologize to me that very night via an email. He is great. He is the only famous person I would feel priveleged to know. I have mixed emotions about him and Journey only because I enjoy all of this projects, bands, albums that he has done previoulsy aside from Journey. He has been a busy man, and I like him with Journey, but I don't know if he would be happy JUST in Journey for a long period of time. I could be wrong as he is not as young as he used to be, but you'd never know it by watching his performance. I would love to see him stick with Journey for the long haul. He gives hope to Journey and Perry fans. Most Perryheads I know have been won over because he is DIFFERENT than Perry, and that is the main key. Jeff is Jeff, and its a relief!!!!!!!!

[froy]

What is it about JSS, that has made you excited about Journey again?

There is nothing about JSS that has made me excited about Journey again
Once again he is the next guy in line to sing Perry songs
I still say Neal should be the lead singer its his band so let him sing Open Arms
Then we can see how excited everyone is .

[chickpea]

I'm also one who didn't give SA a chance at all. I didn't like him simply because he wasn't Steve Perry. I've listened to a few songs SA did with them over the last few months and honestly, I didn't care for it. Now I don't know if it's #1 because I truly just didn't like his voice or #2 if the *scandal* has tainted my view of him and it wouldn't matter what he sounded like.

I like what I've heard of JSS thus far. I like that he seems approachable. Plus he seems to have the same sort of energy that I always liked about Steve Perry. I don't want a lead singer who stands stock still at the microphone and sings. I like to see them zipping and running around the stage acting like they are having the time of their life.

[larryfromnextdoor]

great post cathrine!!!

[Blueskies]

one reason about the excitment is that other fans are excited... this entire Soto thing is creating positives waves.... great reviews in the local papers... anticipation of a new album... a new fun live band,, even the Perry only fans are getting into it some.. and now Perry is being seen in person and rumors surrounding his comeback in a solo effort are flowing,,, not that it is true,, but its exciting........ so at this time everyone is pumped up ... that being said, they are just a rock band , and i have to go to work!!!!!

nice post, Larry!

[knox]

I liked "Remember Me" when I heard it, but it went downhill from there.

To me, Augeri's voice was always weak, hoarse, on the verge of cracking. He never sounded comfortable. Though I am sure he is a nice guy, he never seemed "part of the band" to me - just a replacement. And not a good one at that. I didn't care at all for his stage presence, either. He was one of the most boring lead singers I have ever seen.

Soto has a strong voice. He has power in his delivery. He seems to take the reigns and say "This is me, this is my band. Let's Go!"

A lot of it might be intangible, but Augeri just never "grabbed" me like Soto does.



Excellent question, by the way!

[Blueskies]

Saw JSS when he first joined in this summer. Got me interested in Journey again. ( even without SP ) Going to see them again this weekend! Can't wait!....don't have great seat's and no camera's allowed , but I'll tell how the show went next week!

[somethingtohide]

I think JSS has the power in his voice and in his delivery to carry off the songs.
He's able to make me "believe the song".

[larryfromnextdoor]

no camera's allowed

no cameras allowed!!! laugh riot,, TVL your such a sweet kid....... hahahahahha no cameras... oh u crack me up......

[ohsherrie]

Nothing about Steve Augeri appealed to me. I didn't think he was a strong enough singer or performer to front Journey and, to be very blunt, I didn't think he was physically attactive enough. He just didn't have any of what it takes to follow and act like Steve Perry. If he'd been a little more impressive perhaps the loss of Perry wouldn't have been quite as hard to accept. I'm not saying he wasn't a good singer on the CDs. He sounded fine on them and I enjoy several songs on both of them. There's a long way between good and good enough for Journey though. I have none of those problems with Jeff. He's got it all.

[Wildfire]

I see that JSS has passion for the music. SA, I thought he never did. If we can have SP fronting the band JSS is the next best thing.

[Blueskies]

no camera's allowed

no cameras allowed!!! laugh riot,, TVL your such a sweet kid....... hahahahahha no cameras... oh u crack me up......

Glad I make ya happy, Lar!

[Just Mindy]

no camera's allowed

no cameras allowed!!! laugh riot,, TVL your such a sweet kid....... hahahahahha no cameras... oh u crack me up......

Larry, man, when we went to Paul Stanley we tried to smuggle the cameras in, but the security was pretty good there, they searched our bags with sticks and flashlights, and when the guy found my camera he wouldn't let me it, I had to go and check it He was even using metal detectors. That was the first time that happened. Gonna have to think of a better hiding spot

[Just Mindy]

What is it about JSS, that has made you excited about Journey again?

I guess compare and contrast Augeri and JSS.

And, how excited are you?

The man is on fire, he is just electric, if that makes any sense. Excited, yes, extremely so.

I didn't hate Augeri, but I just didn't get that feeling from him, either.

[fred_journeyman]

What is it about JSS, that has made you excited about Journey again?

I'm not excited about Journey.

I guess compare and contrast Augeri and JSS.

I like Augeri's voice, except for its thinnness at times. JSS has a great voice.

And, how excited are you?

Not very. I think Journey is on its last leg. I do not think they'll move ahead and even though they may release a new CD, it will likely go nowhere and they will certainly not introduce any songs from it in concert. That's too much of a risk that Neal does not want to take and therefore, will not go for it.

I think Neal is doing the nostalgia circuit without telling anyone and right now, all he's concerned about is having someone on stage in the lead singer position who can do justice to the classic material that people go to the concerts to hear. I'm putting away my crystal ball now...

At this point, I'd be willing to have Steve Perry back at the helm, even if the songs were tuned two octaves down...

[AR]

Most average fans thought Augeri was fine live originally. I remember many shows leaving watching people amazed and complimenting his performances. Not everyone listens to every single note with baited breath. I think the band reforming and touring made a lot of people happy in 1998 and only a smaller minority were unaccepting of a Journey without Perry fronting the band.

So I was just happy to be able to see Journey again, so I was very accepting of Augeri. A lot of other people were too despite what you may read on these boards. In fact the first show I saw without Perry I went kicking and screaming. I had some friends who had already seen Augeri and they told me not to worry and that I would be surprised and I was.

As a recording band, the lineup ended up not working for me. Now while I loved Arrival, I thought Red 13 and Generations sucked. So those recordings began the slide for me. Then once Augeri's voice went south and he was discovered that was it. I would have been done with them if they hadn't been lucky enough to have Jeff waiting in the wings. Now I am excited about the band again.

As much as I rag on Steve Perry, I considered him a tremndous vocalist. Not incomparable, "the voice" or all this gay shit I read on here sometimes, but an awesome talent nonetheless. So when he wouldn't tour and Journey was able to carry on and put on a show that I was able to enjoy - I was all for it.

[Clasicrockldy]

What is it about JSS, that has made you excited about Journey again?

I guess compare and contrast Augeri and JSS.

And, how excited are you?

It is JSS's powerful pipes and his infectious onstage persona that gets me excited once again for Journey.

I didn't know that Perry left Journey until about 2001 when I got a computer for college ( the last time I saw Perry with Journey was in '86 at Mountainaire in Angels Camp. Shortly after that, life with kids took hold and I didn't keep up with any rock music....... ). I have heard Augeri, tried to like him, but his voice didn't capture me like Perry's did. Yeah, I did make comparisons between Augeri and Perry, but Augeri didn't have the soulful powerhouse vocals like Perry has/had.

Now steps in JSS........... soulful powerhouse vocals, awesome frontman, approachable guy, who has now re-energized Journey. And has got me very excited about the future of the band.

[knox]

AR, I am not a big Jessica Simpson fan, but DANG! That clip is nothing but mesmorizing

[Matthew]

Maybe I'd feel differently about Augeri if I saw him in Tall Stories - but to be honest....in Journey he gave me the creeps.

There was something so phoney about the guy. It was like he was just playing a role - and he brought no depth, passion and orginality to the group . Sure, he was a perfectly capable AOR singer but this isn't an ordinary AOR band. This is JOURNEY we're talking about.

The arrival of JSS was exciting at first because it confirmed Augeri's departure. But from the videos I've seen he has much more charisma and energy than Augeri had. And the JSS solo track "Believe In Me" was so much better than anything on Arrival or Generations. Also - JSS comes across as a really good guy in these forums.

But having said that...I so badly want Journey to be a great band again that it's possible that I'm kidding myself about the band making even a creative comeback. It might turn out to be little more than a fantasy.

And as time has gone on there are a few things that have dampened my initial enthusiasm. Some of the live recordings I've heard sound okay - but not brilliant. And looking back over JSS's career it could be argued that he's a 'jack of all trades and master of none'.

So JSS is a huge improvement on Augeri - but is he special enough to be the Journey frontman? I'm not sure yet. I really hope he is - and I've bought tickets for the shows and I'll buy the album - and as I've said, I badly want this to work out - but I'm worried that Journey will sound a bit generic instead of magical and extraordinary. We'll see...

[AR]

AR, I am not a big Jessica Simpson fan, but DANG! That clip is nothing but mesmorizing

I know. Not a big fan of hers either but when I saw this pic I knew it was a keeper.

[styxman]

What is it about JSS, that has made you excited about Journey again?

There is nothing about JSS that has made me excited about Journey again
Once again he is the next guy in line to sing Perry songs
I still say Neal should be the lead singer its his band so let him sing Open Arms
Then we can see how excited everyone is .

That's a fuckin' funny post Froy..LMAO

[Enigma869]

What is it about JSS, that has made you excited about Journey again?

I guess compare and contrast Augeri and JSS.

And, how excited are you?

I think many "Perry-Heads" probably love the fact that Jeff seemingly has so much respect for Perry and seemed to be very influenced by the man, on a musical level, that they almost had to give the guy a shot. I also think the fact that Jeff is so much different than Perry was, works heavily in his favor. I never had much of an issue with Augeri. In fact, I thought Arrival (with the exception of a couple of songs I didn't like) was really superb. I just think Augeri's voice wasn't strong enough to sing Journey material from the Perry era. I think Augeri tried his damndest to do the job, but his voice just didn't work for such demanding material. The fact that Augeri couldn't sing Journey material night after night doesn't make him a criminal or a bad guy. The reality is that there probably aren't 5 singers on the planet who could pull off this material, with Journey's relentless touring schedule.

I think most of us would probably still give anything to see Perry with Journey again. That said, most of us are intelligent enough to understand that simply isn't EVER happening, in ANY lifetime! I think what it really comes down to is that most of us are fans of the music of Journey, and would rather hear Jeff sing Journey's catalogue than nobody at all. Jeff seems to have a stronger voice to be able to handle some of these VERY demanding songs, night after night. I also think that it probably doesn't hurt that Jeff seems to be as big of a fan of Journey music as all of us are. Finally, the fact that the guy is so down to earth and seems to actually enjoy interacting with his fans all but guarantees that many people are at least going to give the guy a shot to convince them!

John from Boston

[fred_journeyman]

But having said that...I so badly want Journey to be a great band again that it's possible that I'm kidding myself about the band making even a creative comeback. It might turn out to be little more than a fantasy...

I'm in agreement with you, Matthew. Journey - in my opinion - will do one of two things...fade from view eventually or simply stay on the nostalgia circuit.

[tammy]

I don't know if I'd especially call it "excited", but I feel relieved that my fave band, didn't go down in history as becoming a joke after "tapegate". I truly feel JSS has redeemed them in that way.

Here's my perspective & I think I can make a fair judgement: I was drawn to Steve Perry's voice in '78 & HE was the one I wanted to see & hear in concert (which I did in '79) -- fast forward to 2004 after losing touch about Journey & just learning they had broken up with SP & now had a different lead singer, SA...even 'tho I knew no one could replace the feelings I have for SP (and I say "feelings" because no other voice/performer has made me experience what I did), I still am open-minded and gave SA a chance. Saw them 3 times in concert, bought Arrival CD/DVD, Generations...do like some songs on each CD (didn't care for Red13, nor Tall Stories), thought SA was fine but no where near SP (SA also seemed to sing & look only to the first rows at concerts -- I still felt sorry for him at Irvine when his voice was not doing great...anyway...then came "tapegate" and I listened/compared/read it all...disappointed - moreso, in the disregard for the legacy & high standards they held. But, I also don't think he deserved to be crucified & called ugly things here, no one does.
So...back to JSS. I had already seen Jeff before he joined Journey, so I knew his style, voice & interaction with Neal. I think that may be a reason that many are more open to him because they heard/saw him with SoulSirkUs & he has a fire & energy that was lacking with SA & is reminiscent of Steve Perry. Anyway, it remains to be seen where Journey will go...will they make a new album, will they tour alone or with another band?

[whocares]

But having said that...I so badly want Journey to be a great band again that it's possible that I'm kidding myself about the band making even a creative comeback. It might turn out to be little more than a fantasy...

I'm in agreement with you, Matthew. Journey - in my opinion - will do one of two things...fade from view eventually or simply stay on the nostalgia circuit.

No shit. But, they've already faded from the view of many, and are totally a nostalgia act, even if they come out with new stuff. Even a 3rd grader can tell that. Augeri came in as a touted (by the band) clone of Perry, looks and sound wise. That's Journey's fault, as much as it is Augeri's fault. JSS isn't coming in as anyone's clone, and he sure isn't coming in as Perry's replacement. That's where the big difference is for many Perry fans.

[heardonthestreet]

I'm a Perryonly that is not the least bit excited about this new lineup. IMO, it's just a Perry tribute band.

Hope everyone watch's the second half of the 100 greatest songs of the eighties tonight. Journey will be there and I'm wondering how up to date the info on present day Journey will be. They use Perry singing DSB for their ad.

[fred_journeyman]

No shit. But, they've already faded from the view of many, and are totally a nostalgia act, even if they come out with new stuff.

Gee, you think? You mean even though there are people who don't believe what you just said, it still could be true? Wow...

Even a 3rd grader can tell that. Augeri came in as a touted (by the band) clone of Perry, looks and sound wise. That's Journey's fault, as much as it is Augeri's fault. JSS isn't coming in as anyone's clone, and he sure isn't coming in as Perry's replacement. That's where the big difference is for many Perry fans.

Of course he's not coming as Perry's replacement. He's replacing Augeri. However, ultimately, the band is further away from the goal than they were with Augeri.

JSS may be coming in as his own person, but that's not going to get the band anywhere. He's only going to succeed in getting HIMSELF somewhere.

Even a mentally challenged person would understand that. Sorry you don't get it. Now, head off to the resource lab and get some learnin' in ya, will you? Thanks.