ARF reviews anyone?

[Melissa]

How is your ankle Pam?

Chocolate fixes everything, lol

[SunshineTwilight]

How is your ankle Pam?

Chocolate fixes everything, lol

Then I need to dunk my ankle in chocolate.
I am still hobbling around. I see the doc tomorrow and the specialist on Monday. It has been a week and it still isn't any better! But I am too busy to worry about it right now. I just hope it isn't fractured. It will be okay, I've been through much worse! Thanks you guys for helping me across the street after I fell!

[JSS]

OK, I'll clear it up here as most who read Neal, jon or anyone from Journey are appearing somewhere automatically assume it will be a Journey filled evening.

When we were asked to do this, it was all directed towards Neal coming up with an ensemble that could perform, not Journey, something to the event. We were on tour & I got a call from Neal who was on the other bus asking if I would donate my off time to charity for this event. Me being a HUGE animal lover immediately signed on without even knowing what would be expected of us.

Neal thought to go outside the Journey box as the others' down time between tours is GOLD, but Jonathan having a long time friendship with LaRussa stepped up as quickly. When we discussed what we'd do, it didn't make sense to be doing Journey stuff as it was booked as Neal & Friends....we chose old R&B stuff that we could grind into for it.

Now to all who bought tix thinkng it was a Journey show, perhaps next time look for details stating 'performing their hits' or 'Journey appearing together for a benefit', neither of which was represented of our involvement. Had we promoted Journey or the fact that it'd be all Journey material, I can understand disappointment. We went into this KNOWING we didn't want to do the usual schtick. I know people expected Journey songs from a Soul SirkUS show just because Neal was there & I did my best to fill that expectation for the love of it but nowhere on the ads was it advertising we were Journey Jr.

Yes, it was rough, yes, it was a bit self indulgent, but hell, it was what we decided to do in a 'jam' scenario, not a Journey concert. For those who paid top dollar to see a close up Journey show, it certainly was never our intention & we apologize if you didn't get what you thought you would....this was a charity event, a benefit, a chance for us to go outside the box & pay tribute to the amazing music that inspired us....& we did have a great time amidst any technical problems.

There you have it, my take in it all, for those who 'got it', I hope you had a great time, for those who left disappointed, all I can say is sorry & read the fine print (if any) next time so you don't waste your hard earned $$.

I loved it.

The covers were great, the Purple Rain into Faithfully blended perfectly. Even with the tech issues, the band was rocking and played through the issues. I felt sorry for Jon but I think tech issues make shows unique. It was pretty fun IMO to hear Seperate ways with all guitar.

Another thing...could actually hear Mr. Valory singing back-up! Ack! Maybe that's why they use backing vocals tracks

Now....the set LENGTH was the biggest issue for me. Way too short with a 45 minute set. Tesla did a full 2 hour set in years past, or they played a shortened set with a big finale jam with all the bands. I was hoping Journey would do a big jam with everybody but no dice.

ahem!

Fun to hear JSS sing Faithfully even if it was only the last line of the song. Not so fun to hear the REAL backing vocals on the Journey songs but when you play to the masses with added "sauce" for years the real thing is never going to live up to the product you get at a real Journey show.

The production problems made me think this was some high school bands first run at a show... sound mixes, computer teleprompter, keyboard/cables. The band did get by with flying colors... Jon was the most bothered by the set backs and JSS was fast on his feet to sing through songs and to fill gaps. If he forget some lyrics it was not noticed. I would expect something more professional next time around.

The set list was FUNKY but nice to see these guys play something other than the Journey 101 hits. If they could of PLAYED LONGER it would of been a great show. I would hate to have been a total die-hard and traveled to this show for what was given. Sorry to those of you who traveled or spent a ton of cash on this event.

[Blueskies]

OK, I'll clear it up here as most who read Neal, jon or anyone from Journey are appearing somewhere automatically assume it will be a Journey filled evening.

When we were asked to do this, it was all directed towards Neal coming up with an ensemble that could perform, not Journey, something to the event. We were on tour & I got a call from Neal who was on the other bus asking if I would donate my off time to charity for this event. Me being a HUGE animal lover immediately signed on without even knowing what would be expected of us.

Neal thought to go outside the Journey box as the others' down time between tours is GOLD, but Jonathan having a long time friendship with LaRussa stepped up as quickly. When we discussed what we'd do, it didn't make sense to be doing Journey stuff as it was booked as Neal & Friends....we chose old R&B stuff that we could grind into for it.

Now to all who bought tix thinkng it was a Journey show, perhaps next time look for details stating 'performing their hits' or 'Journey appearing together for a benefit', neither of which was represented of our involvement. Had we promoted Journey or the fact that it'd be all Journey material, I can understand disappointment. We went into this KNOWING we didn't want to do the usual schtick. I know people expected Journey songs from a Soul SirkUS show just because Neal was there & I did my best to fill that expectation for the love of it but nowhere on the ads was it advertising we were Journey Jr.

Yes, it was rough, yes, it was a bit self indulgent, but hell, it was what we decided to do in a 'jam' scenario, not a Journey concert. For those who paid top dollar to see a close up Journey show, it certainly was never our intention & we apologize if you didn't get what you thought you would....this was a charity event, a benefit, a chance for us to go outside the box & pay tribute to the amazing music that inspired us....& we did have a great time amidst any technical problems.

There you have it, my take in it all, for those who 'got it', I hope you had a great time, for those who left disappointed, all I can say is sorry & read the fine print (if any) next time so you don't waste your hard earned $$.

I loved it.

The covers were great, the Purple Rain into Faithfully blended perfectly. Even with the tech issues, the band was rocking and played through the issues. I felt sorry for Jon but I think tech issues make shows unique. It was pretty fun IMO to hear Seperate ways with all guitar.

Another thing...could actually hear Mr. Valory singing back-up! Ack! Maybe that's why they use backing vocals tracks

Now....the set LENGTH was the biggest issue for me. Way too short with a 45 minute set. Tesla did a full 2 hour set in years past, or they played a shortened set with a big finale jam with all the bands. I was hoping Journey would do a big jam with everybody but no dice.

ahem!

Fun to hear JSS sing Faithfully even if it was only the last line of the song. Not so fun to hear the REAL backing vocals on the Journey songs but when you play to the masses with added "sauce" for years the real thing is never going to live up to the product you get at a real Journey show.

The production problems made me think this was some high school bands first run at a show... sound mixes, computer teleprompter, keyboard/cables. The band did get by with flying colors... Jon was the most bothered by the set backs and JSS was fast on his feet to sing through songs and to fill gaps. If he forget some lyrics it was not noticed. I would expect something more professional next time around.

The set list was FUNKY but nice to see these guys play something other than the Journey 101 hits. If they could of PLAYED LONGER it would of been a great show. I would hate to have been a total die-hard and traveled to this show for what was given. Sorry to those of you who traveled or spent a ton of cash on this event.

that is great, Jeff..that you all took your time to do something for charity. I cant understand why anyone would have a problem with it...I would have loved to see that show...and see you guys step out of the "Journey" box for a change. I think it's cool when musicians can just go out and be themselves, do some songs they love and have some fun and jam!....who could argue with that?..That would be a great evening!..I dig it when a group even going out as themselves and advertised that way...will throw in a different song or two....especially when they are paying homage to their mentors. I would love to see that done in every concert...some may not like it...but adding in one song ...a different song...at each show would be a fresh change...and really cool for those who attend many shows per tour.....give us something more to talk about and look forward to at each show....just a little surprise and gift for the fans each time instead of the straight dirty dozen or even songs from the catalog. Never knowing what you might throw in next?....adds a little more excitement, IMO! I would love to see you guys in a smaller venue...just acoustic guitars...unplugged!! That would be the best!!

[JeremyP]

OK, I'll clear it up here as most who read Neal, jon or anyone from Journey are appearing somewhere automatically assume it will be a Journey filled evening.

When we were asked to do this, it was all directed towards Neal coming up with an ensemble that could perform, not Journey, something to the event. We were on tour & I got a call from Neal who was on the other bus asking if I would donate my off time to charity for this event. Me being a HUGE animal lover immediately signed on without even knowing what would be expected of us.

Neal thought to go outside the Journey box as the others' down time between tours is GOLD, but Jonathan having a long time friendship with LaRussa stepped up as quickly. When we discussed what we'd do, it didn't make sense to be doing Journey stuff as it was booked as Neal & Friends....we chose old R&B stuff that we could grind into for it.

Now to all who bought tix thinkng it was a Journey show, perhaps next time look for details stating 'performing their hits' or 'Journey appearing together for a benefit', neither of which was represented of our involvement. Had we promoted Journey or the fact that it'd be all Journey material, I can understand disappointment. We went into this KNOWING we didn't want to do the usual schtick. I know people expected Journey songs from a Soul SirkUS show just because Neal was there & I did my best to fill that expectation for the love of it but nowhere on the ads was it advertising we were Journey Jr.

Yes, it was rough, yes, it was a bit self indulgent, but hell, it was what we decided to do in a 'jam' scenario, not a Journey concert. For those who paid top dollar to see a close up Journey show, it certainly was never our intention & we apologize if you didn't get what you thought you would....this was a charity event, a benefit, a chance for us to go outside the box & pay tribute to the amazing music that inspired us....& we did have a great time amidst any technical problems.

There you have it, my take in it all, for those who 'got it', I hope you had a great time, for those who left disappointed, all I can say is sorry & read the fine print (if any) next time so you don't waste your hard earned $$.

I wasn't at the show but it sounds like it was a really fun, loose kinda thing. I think it's great that you guys stepped outside the box and let people see that you guys can "go off" and jam and kick ass. I bet it was great.

Kudos for being an animal lover. \m/

[SunshineTwilight]

OK, I'll clear it up here as most who read Neal, jon or anyone from Journey are appearing somewhere automatically assume it will be a Journey filled evening.

When we were asked to do this, it was all directed towards Neal coming up with an ensemble that could perform, not Journey, something to the event. We were on tour & I got a call from Neal who was on the other bus asking if I would donate my off time to charity for this event. Me being a HUGE animal lover immediately signed on without even knowing what would be expected of us.

Neal thought to go outside the Journey box as the others' down time between tours is GOLD, but Jonathan having a long time friendship with LaRussa stepped up as quickly. When we discussed what we'd do, it didn't make sense to be doing Journey stuff as it was booked as Neal & Friends....we chose old R&B stuff that we could grind into for it.

Now to all who bought tix thinkng it was a Journey show, perhaps next time look for details stating 'performing their hits' or 'Journey appearing together for a benefit', neither of which was represented of our involvement. Had we promoted Journey or the fact that it'd be all Journey material, I can understand disappointment. We went into this KNOWING we didn't want to do the usual schtick. I know people expected Journey songs from a Soul SirkUS show just because Neal was there & I did my best to fill that expectation for the love of it but nowhere on the ads was it advertising we were Journey Jr.

Yes, it was rough, yes, it was a bit self indulgent, but hell, it was what we decided to do in a 'jam' scenario, not a Journey concert. For those who paid top dollar to see a close up Journey show, it certainly was never our intention & we apologize if you didn't get what you thought you would....this was a charity event, a benefit, a chance for us to go outside the box & pay tribute to the amazing music that inspired us....& we did have a great time amidst any technical problems.

There you have it, my take in it all, for those who 'got it', I hope you had a great time, for those who left disappointed, all I can say is sorry & read the fine print (if any) next time so you don't waste your hard earned $$.

I for one enjoyed the show, dispite the 'technical difficulties'. I was hoping to hear some Soul SirkUS and guess you did play us a little teaser of it!
I didn't mind flying all the way across country from Maryland to see the show. I had a blast with everyone and we had Deano to entertain us the rest of the weekend! Next time I'll leave the heels at home though! Alex will have my review of the show up on the JSS site soon with a video clip of the James Brown Medley.

[Michael Leigh]

We were only asked to do a 30 minute set which then extended to 40....somehow we went over 5 minutes, ha ha!! Ross's mic was up louder than usual but he's ALWAYS been known to sing the baritone backing vocals, doesn't deserve to be slagged just cuz he was heard over the lead vox, when everything is properly blended, it sounds full with or without backing assistance

Wish I could've been there.
Jeff-I love it when you tip the hat to your R&B Heroes.Your voice is perfect for it.
Neal & Jeff playing Sly!!?WTF!! THAT IS AWESOME!!I hope somebody got this on video!!
Just one of the MANY reasons why the vast majority of us have embraced you and have welcomed you!!

[StevePerryHair]

OK, I'll clear it up here as most who read Neal, jon or anyone from Journey are appearing somewhere automatically assume it will be a Journey filled evening.

When we were asked to do this, it was all directed towards Neal coming up with an ensemble that could perform, not Journey, something to the event. We were on tour & I got a call from Neal who was on the other bus asking if I would donate my off time to charity for this event. Me being a HUGE animal lover immediately signed on without even knowing what would be expected of us.

Neal thought to go outside the Journey box as the others' down time between tours is GOLD, but Jonathan having a long time friendship with LaRussa stepped up as quickly. When we discussed what we'd do, it didn't make sense to be doing Journey stuff as it was booked as Neal & Friends....we chose old R&B stuff that we could grind into for it.

Now to all who bought tix thinkng it was a Journey show, perhaps next time look for details stating 'performing their hits' or 'Journey appearing together for a benefit', neither of which was represented of our involvement. Had we promoted Journey or the fact that it'd be all Journey material, I can understand disappointment. We went into this KNOWING we didn't want to do the usual schtick. I know people expected Journey songs from a Soul SirkUS show just because Neal was there & I did my best to fill that expectation for the love of it but nowhere on the ads was it advertising we were Journey Jr.

Yes, it was rough, yes, it was a bit self indulgent, but hell, it was what we decided to do in a 'jam' scenario, not a Journey concert. For those who paid top dollar to see a close up Journey show, it certainly was never our intention & we apologize if you didn't get what you thought you would....this was a charity event, a benefit, a chance for us to go outside the box & pay tribute to the amazing music that inspired us....& we did have a great time amidst any technical problems.

There you have it, my take in it all, for those who 'got it', I hope you had a great time, for those who left disappointed, all I can say is sorry & read the fine print (if any) next time so you don't waste your hard earned $$.

I loved it.

The covers were great, the Purple Rain into Faithfully blended perfectly. Even with the tech issues, the band was rocking and played through the issues. I felt sorry for Jon but I think tech issues make shows unique. It was pretty fun IMO to hear Seperate ways with all guitar.

Another thing...could actually hear Mr. Valory singing back-up! Ack! Maybe that's why they use backing vocals tracks

Now....the set LENGTH was the biggest issue for me. Way too short with a 45 minute set. Tesla did a full 2 hour set in years past, or they played a shortened set with a big finale jam with all the bands. I was hoping Journey would do a big jam with everybody but no dice.

ahem!

Fun to hear JSS sing Faithfully even if it was only the last line of the song. Not so fun to hear the REAL backing vocals on the Journey songs but when you play to the masses with added "sauce" for years the real thing is never going to live up to the product you get at a real Journey show.

The production problems made me think this was some high school bands first run at a show... sound mixes, computer teleprompter, keyboard/cables. The band did get by with flying colors... Jon was the most bothered by the set backs and JSS was fast on his feet to sing through songs and to fill gaps. If he forget some lyrics it was not noticed. I would expect something more professional next time around.

The set list was FUNKY but nice to see these guys play something other than the Journey 101 hits. If they could of PLAYED LONGER it would of been a great show. I would hate to have been a total die-hard and traveled to this show for what was given. Sorry to those of you who traveled or spent a ton of cash on this event.

We did pay to be up close and we did fly far to see you guys I have to say though, we very much expected it to be NOT very much Journey. When it's called "Neal Schon" and friends it was pretty clear to us! We actually saw it as a unique experience to see you guys do something other than the "typical" thing so don't feel like you disappointed people! I thought it was quite clear! We also thought we wouldn't see you again until 2008, much to our surprise, here you are coming to our back yard

I also think that at a charity event, you have to expect other entertainment! What you guys did was awesome to us, although with the technical difficulties I'm sure you were critical of yourselves! Don't worry about us fans, we couldn't be disappointed, and I'm sure we paid more than most to be there

[Ratgirl]

We did pay to be up close and we did fly far to see you guys I have to say though, we very much expected it to be NOT very much Journey. When it's called "Neal Schon" and friends it was pretty clear to us! We actually saw it as a unique experience to see you guys do something other than the "typical" thing so don't feel like you disappointed people! I thought it was quite clear! We also thought we wouldn't see you again until 2008, much to our surprise, here you are coming to our back yard

I also think that at a charity event, you have to expect other entertainment! What you guys did was awesome to us, although with the technical difficulties I'm sure you were critical of yourselves! Don't worry about us fans, we couldn't be disappointed, and I'm sure we paid more than most to be there

Well said... Ms. Hair.

[StevePerryHair]

We did pay to be up close and we did fly far to see you guys I have to say though, we very much expected it to be NOT very much Journey. When it's called "Neal Schon" and friends it was pretty clear to us! We actually saw it as a unique experience to see you guys do something other than the "typical" thing so don't feel like you disappointed people! I thought it was quite clear! We also thought we wouldn't see you again until 2008, much to our surprise, here you are coming to our back yard

I also think that at a charity event, you have to expect other entertainment! What you guys did was awesome to us, although with the technical difficulties I'm sure you were critical of yourselves! Don't worry about us fans, we couldn't be disappointed, and I'm sure we paid more than most to be there

Well said... Ms. Hair.

No one knows who I am now Not that they knew before the name change anyway

[Melissa]

Great post Jeff!

I knew all along it wasn't going to be a Journey-only show, it was pretty obvious in the advertisements I read. I love Journey, but I was a fan of Jeff's before he joined Journey, & if he did an evening of nursery rhymes (lol) I'd be there if my work & family schedule permitted, which thanks to my hubby it did.

I loved the show despite the tech difficulties, & I thought it was great to see the members on stage have a laugh about it all, lol.

Pam, get that ankle taken care of! Yes you scared the HELL out of me when you fell, no more of that now, ok?? lol

[Melissa]

We did pay to be up close and we did fly far to see you guys I have to say though, we very much expected it to be NOT very much Journey. When it's called "Neal Schon" and friends it was pretty clear to us! We actually saw it as a unique experience to see you guys do something other than the "typical" thing so don't feel like you disappointed people! I thought it was quite clear! We also thought we wouldn't see you again until 2008, much to our surprise, here you are coming to our back yard

I also think that at a charity event, you have to expect other entertainment! What you guys did was awesome to us, although with the technical difficulties I'm sure you were critical of yourselves! Don't worry about us fans, we couldn't be disappointed, and I'm sure we paid more than most to be there

Well said... Ms. Hair.

Yeah StevieHair, lol. No one one knows who you are huh? lol

[SacredEyes]

As we have stated, it's not always just about the music. The experience, the laughter, meeting of great folks was well worth it. I loved the set list! Class act all the way around despite the technical issues! It was well worth it!

I loved the show still despite the sound probs. There were actually a few very funny moments with those we got to see since we were standing right up front on Neal's side. When Jonathan's harmonica couldn't be heard, Jeff started laughing & looked at Neal & said "They can't hear him!"...it was actually hilarious. Then the keys weren't working later, & Jonathan looks over at Jeff & Neal & mouths "Nice!"...Jeff also said a little something about the computer up front not working but I won't repeat that lol...it was great! lol

Purple Rain/Faithfully was my fav.

LOL! I remember all that.. quite amusing really.
No regrets flying how far? for how long? to see the show.. would do it again in a heartbeat.

Agree totally with Ratgirl! No regrets whatsoever......got to see the band play songs I would have NEVER gotten to see, met some great people, and had a fantastic time in San Francisco. Worth every penny!!!

[SunshineTwilight]

No one knows who I am now Not that they knew before the name change anyway

Lynn, is that you??

[Melissa]

No one knows who I am now Not that they knew before the name change anyway

Lynn, is that you??

Yep, that's her, the little freak, lol.

[StevePerryHair]

No one knows who I am now Not that they knew before the name change anyway

Lynn, is that you??

Yep, that's her, the little freak, lol.

Yep! It's me! I'm outed