A couple of points, SF.
Perry played a massive role in the band for many years. It's totally understandable and right that there are still discussions about him and Journey's history overall.
It's inevitable that there will be a contingent of 'classic Journey' fans who feel the band deserves criticism for the decisions they've made in recent years. And what's wrong with that? Would you want this site to just play a cheerleading role? Is modern day Journey beyond criticism?
Also - Perry is frequently attacked on this site - often by the same people who keep telling everyone to "move on". Why is it so puzzling that some Journey fans want to defend Perry? Or at the very least to discuss the guy and his role in the band?
And...if you'd been to Perryville you'd know that Kathy doesn't tolerate "bashing" of Schon and Cain.
First, I do not want to stifle all "discussion" of SP or his involvement in Journey. Some of the remarks become a little tiresome. Example: A thread is started about how JSS sang this tune well the other night. Without a doubt multiple people will chime in with Perry did it better. That is great and I bet alot of people would agree (probably including myself), but we are discussing the Journey of today. I don't understand the
CONSTANT need to inject Steve Perry into almost every thread. Am I going to change anything or anyones mind or opinion by stating this? I have been around this board long enough to know that will never happen. Some here are just Knights in the Steve Perry round table. And, at least to me it gets annoying at times.
Secondly, some of my comments were directed specifically towards Fred. As of late, he has been very adamant about his lack of interest in current Journey and any anticipation of new music from the band. I still do not understand his (and some others here)
NEED to post on a topic (Journey) that
he acknowleges he has no further interest in. I mean it either still interests you or it doesn't, no shades of gray there.
As far as Perryville, I have no desire to go there. I do know that comments were made on this board a while back saying that such actions (trashing Neal and Jon) were taking place there. Whether that info is correct or not, I do not know. I do not mind, or have a problem with, discussing Steve Perry here. As you said he was a major part of this band, and an incredible vocal talent. However, it is the comparison things and the Perry is infalable posters here that annoy. When people are discussing JSS as the new vocalist and you have Froy come into every thread with "this guy (SP) did it better", and the only vocalist they should have is Perry crap, it gets old. Like I said, say your peace and move on. Don't jump in every thread and post the same view over and over again. As somebody said here or in another thread, there are lines and people can't seem to stay with in them. It is for there own twisted pleasure that some like to post things that they know will cause dissent on the board.
Matthew, you and I have had very civil discussions and I think I know your point of view and you know mine. I have no problem with what you discuss or how you present your opinions. You basically get your opinion across and then maybe a view follow up comments to back your opinion. That is good debate. As opposed to what I described in the paragraph above.
Cheers