Jeremey/JSS/Augeri/Perry-arc and more candidates for THE JOB

[Maro]

What a drama... since I've read about Journey sacking Jeff Scott Soto I've been reading most of discussions regarding whole situation... and I have mixed feelings about it and lot other things about my favourite rock band...

- I love Journey's music... always have since 1996. when I've read story about them in old music magazine (released in 1982.) and heard song "When You Love A Woman" and found and listened to their album Escape at local radio station where I was volunteering as DJ for my metal/hard rock show. They were the band who influenced me so much that I moved from thrash/death metal I mostly listened at that time... and moved to melodic rock I kept listentening, still - 11 years from then...

- Trial By Fire was fine album for me, but I was surprised they made only one video, and weren't touring...

- I was sad when they sacked Steve Perry... but I understood their wish to move on and tour... I was hoping they would continue with Kevin Chalfant or Hugo but they took Steve Augeri instead...

- I was often thinking how would things go if before TBF reunion they instead went on with Kevin Chalfant, Neal Schon, Ross Valory, Gregg Rolie, Jonathan Cain, Steve Smith line-up like they planned but abandoned it for Escape/Frontiers era line-up... Kevin Chalfant mentioned some killer songs written by that line-up... shame they're still locked in his sock drawer...

- Even if Steve Augeri wasn't my choice for lead vocalist, I gave man a chance and I was happy when Remember Me surfaced on Armageddon soundtrack... Arrival totally convinced me... I love that album immensly...

- I was also exploring other Steve Perry-soundalike vocalists (like Hugo, Kevin Chalfant, etc.) and love most of them...

- I bought Live 2001 DVD and I was pleasantly surprised... Steve Augeri was damn good vocalist at that time...

- Red 13 was cold shower to me... those songs just lacked something... hooks, choruses... never really got into that EP...

- Generations was strange animal... even if some songs are really good, there wasn't good old ARRIVAL magic... some of songs Steve Augeri sung there would be more suited for his solo album and same goes for Jonathan (whose solo albums with vocals - Back To The Innocence and Where I Live - I really love), and Ross/Neal vocal experiments were serious mistakes... on the other hand - Deen's vocals were nice discovery...

- later I've read about whole taping controversy, and You know what, I kinda believe it was true, but I think Steve Augeri wasn't real villain there... I think he was victim of management and/or band... after the story got out of control, they forced him to sing without tapes, which almost destroyed his vocals (which would be a shame - I love Tall Stories and Tyketto's Shine, and I'm looking forward to hear his new solo album and new Tall Stories album) and then they sacked him over night...

- Jeff Scott Soto in Journey? huh... that's hard one... I really admire this guy... his voice, talent, energy, attitude, large discography... BUT... I wasn't really sure he was the right choice... again, I thought there are almost 20 other guys who could better "emulate" Steve Perry's soaring tenor than JSS... at least as good as Steve Augeri at his prime...

- anyway, I decided to give JSS a chance... concert reviews were mostly good... I watched couple of videos on youtube and it wasn't exactly Journey I knew, but, it wasn't bad at all... so, I was thinking, let's give JSS a chance... I wasn't really surprised when Journey switched JSS from stand-in to permanent vocalist... I thought maybe new Journey record would be smokin' like some stuff from album Frontiers (Edge Of The Blade, Chain Reaction, etc.) they were playing again live after long time...

- rumour about them re-recording old hits with JSS was bad idea for me... I wanted to hear new album to see if they could make something relevant again... and then... JSS was also cold-bloodedly sacked... he wasn't even a year in the band...

- I doubt Steve Perry or Steve Augeri would ever return to Journey... maybe Steve Perry WOULD at some point in future if money becomes really important to him... but I doubt it would be soon...

- idea about using tribute band vocalist without recording history was at first repulsive to me... I was again wanting them to take HUGO as new vocalist... but after seeing videos from Frontiers (Jeremey's band) on youtube I changed my mind...

JEREMEY could do it... he's closest to Steve Perry I've ever heard and doesn't look much like Perry (as Hugo or Steve Augeri do, which some used as argument against them)... I'll give him a my support if Journey decide to take him as new vocalist...

If Jeremey won't be band's final choice, I have gathered a list of other vocalists who might become new Journey vocalist and do dirty dozen with A+ grade:

MICHAEL BADAGLIACCO - former vocalist of band ARRIVAL

DAVE BALDWIN - vocalist of band NORWAY, formerly in VOICES, TRADIA, solo and DEPARTURE

MARTY BALIN - vocalist of band JEFFERSON STARSHIP, his AOR work was in KBC BAND and 90's solo albums

DAVE BICKLER - former SURVIVOR vocalist (albums 1-4)

KIMMO BLOM - vocalist of bands URBAN TALE and HEARTPLAY

TERRY BROCK - solo, formerly in STRANGEWAYS, THE SIGN, solo, PHANTOM'S OPERA and SLAMER

KEVIN CHALFANT - solo, formerly in 707, STEEL BREEZE, VU, THE STORM, TWO FIRES, SHADOWS FADE and SHOOTING STAR

FREDDY CURCI - vocalist of band ZION, formerly in SHERIFF, ALIAS and solo

DAVID GLEN EISLEY - solo, his AOR work was in band GIUFFRIA

ANDREAS EKLUND - vocalist of band HOUSE OF SHAKIRA

MARC ENGERAN - vocalist of band ROKBOX

FERGIE FREDERIKSEN - vocalist in FREDERIKSEN/DENANDER, formerly in TRILLION, DAVID LONDON, LE ROUX, TOTO, FREDERIKSEN/PHILLIPS, solo, MECCA, RADIOACTIVE, AOR and NORTHERN LIGHT

HUGO VALENTI - solo, formerly in VALENTINE, OPEN SKYZ, STREET TALK and AVALON

JIMI JAMISON - solo, formerly in COBRA and SURVIVOR (albums 4-7

JIM JIDHED - solo, formerly in ALIEN

STEPHAN KAEMMERER - vocalist in band FRONTLINE

TIMOTHY LEWIS - vocalist in band DEPARTURE, formerly solo

ALEXANDER J. LIGERTWOOD - solo, formerly in SANTANA (transitional 70's-80's AOR albums)

EARLE LORD - formerly in bands SAVANNAH and LORD GREY

JOHN DAVID MARTIN - formerly in band ARTICA

TONY MILLS - vocalist in band TNT, his Journeyesque works are on his first solo album, last couple of albums of his former band SHY, on NORTHERN LIGHT project and upcoming CHINA BLUE project

ROB MORATTI - vocalist in band FINAL FRONTIER, formerly in MORATTI, solo and NORTHERN LIGHT

TED POLEY - vocalist in bands DANGER DANGER, formerly in BONE MACHINE, MELODICA, POLEY/PICHLER and solo

PETER SUNDELL - vocalist in band DECOY, formerly in PROMOTION, GRAND ILLUSION and NORTHERN LIGHT

MICKEY THOMAS - vocalist in band STARSHIP, formerly in JEFFERSON STARSHIP, solo and OVER THE EDGE

BILLY TRUDEL - formerly in THE CITY, WARPIPES and PUBLIC DOMAIN

MARK WEITZ - formerly in RAMOS

PIERRE WENSBERG - formerly in SAYIT, PRISONER and HEARTBREAK RADIO

GARY WEST - original vocalist in SHOOTING STAR (albums 1-5)

Anyway, thanks to JOURNEY for all the magic and inspiration I took from their previous work...
In the end, I hope everything would be resolved and they'll continue to tour and make new records...

[squirt1]

I just don't want to hear anyone doing Perry's songs unless they are good. Really good ! Jeff surpirsed me and so did his talent and how he handled the stage. I won't be going now. I don't want to hear someone that sounds like Perry, because nobody will ever be able to do that.

[dcvader]

I just don't want to hear anyone doing Perry's songs unless they are good. Really good ! Jeff surpirsed me and so did his talent and how he handled the stage. I won't be going now. I don't want to hear someone that sounds like Perry, because nobody will ever be able to do that.

Jeff kicked some serious ass, stage presence etc and gave them a chance to go in a different direction. They fucked up (many times). We all know that.

I have seen Jeremey with FRONTIERS (his band) 20 + times. He can sing his ass off. No knock on either of these two, J or J. Both are great people and will do great with whatever they do.

[styxman]

Hey Maro, I can imagine S & C copying that list and writing alongside the names.....try him 2009, him 2010

What did Mickey once sing, it ain't over, till it's over...........it's a close call now

[Maro]

Hey Maro, I can imagine S & C copying that list and writing alongside the names.....try him 2009, him 2010

What did Mickey once sing, it ain't over, till it's over...........it's a close call now

heh, it's late here so I've not understood what You meant at first... had to edit my reply... it's not the first time I give list like that here... done a lot of researching since the last time...

can't help it... I love good music, and love researching... and maybe, just maybe, someone finds at least something from it useful... if not S & C, at least to other people to listen to some of very interesting and less known artists...

[*Laura]

Hey Maro, I can imagine S & C copying that list and writing alongside the names.....try him 2009, him 2010

What did Mickey once sing, it ain't over, till it's over...........it's a close call now

You know,S...I think your current avatar was prophetic...Who knew we would all be like that in less than 2 weeks?


2011,2012,2013....

[styxman]

Hey Maro, I can imagine S & C copying that list and writing alongside the names.....try him 2009, him 2010

What did Mickey once sing, it ain't over, till it's over...........it's a close call now

Partially You're right... but I've expanded it... done a lot of researching since the last time...

can't help it... I love good music, and love researching... and maybe, just maybe, someone finds at least something from it useful... at least to listen to some of very interesting and less known artists...

I had to go back and take another look, thought you might have slipped DDY in there. Now that's an idea put him up for audition, that way I can go back to the Styx board and not see his name every other post, they'd all be on here

[styxman]

Hey Maro, I can imagine S & C copying that list and writing alongside the names.....try him 2009, him 2010

What did Mickey once sing, it ain't over, till it's over...........it's a close call now

You know,S...I think your current avatar was prophetic...Who knew we would all be like that in less than 2 weeks?


2011,2012,2013....

Funny that, wonder where I got it from I want Helena back by the way...PM on its way

[Maro]

I had to go back and take another look, thought you might have slipped DDY in there. Now that's an idea put him up for audition, that way I can go back to the Styx board and not see his name every other post, they'd all be on here

But... isn't Tommy Shaw the one with voice more simmilar to Steve Perry than DDY's?

[styxman]

I had to go back and take another look, thought you might have slipped DDY in there. Now that's an idea put him up for audition, that way I can go back to the Styx board and not see his name every other post, they'd all be on here

But... isn't Tommy Shaw the one with voice more simmilar to Steve Perry than DDY's?

It's a joke Maro..I dislike DDY, that's all. Tommy in Journey, fuck no, he's far too good for that...period.

[stevew2]

Good post. very well thought out. If anyone can do it Jeremey can. He is even better live.Id support them if Jeremey got the job. Only cause I like the music ,Jemerey can do it justice, and he is a real person. Not a fake. I wont be hangin around for autographs anymore from the rest of the band

[Maro]

Good post. very well thought out. If anyone can do it Jeremey can. He is even better live.Id support them if Jeremey got the job. Only cause I like the music ,Jemerey can do it justice, and he is a real person. Not a fake. I wont be hangin around for autographs anymore from the rest of the band

You know what... I had some prejudices about this guy, Jeremey... I thought, he never officialy made a record or wrote songs... and Hugo and Chalfant did all that... but I become curious today and went to see Frontiers videos on youtube... what a surprise... he had that rare magic in his voice... and he was totally nuts on stage, much more from Steve Augeri on Live 2001 DVD... in the end, he might not become new Journey vocalist, but in the future - I'd definetely buy CD with his lead vocals on, whatever artist name would be on it...

[roknroseville]

Hey,

Cool list BUT Gary West formally of SHOOTING STAR died a few years ago.....

[Maro]

Hey,

Cool list BUT Gary West formally of SHOOTING STAR died a few years ago.....

Hi, sad information for me... didn't know that. May he rest in peace.

[stevew2]

Good post. very well thought out. If anyone can do it Jeremey can. He is even better live.Id support them if Jeremey got the job. Only cause I like the music ,Jemerey can do it justice, and he is a real person. Not a fake. I wont be hangin around for autographs anymore from the rest of the band

You know what... I had some prejudices about this guy, Jeremey... I thought, he never officialy made a record or wrote songs... and Hugo and Chalfant did all that... but I become curious today and went to see Frontiers videos on youtube... what a surprise... he had that rare magic in his voice... and he was totally nuts on stage, much more from Steve Augeri on Live 2001 DVD... in the end, he might not become new Journey vocalist, but in the future - I'd definetely buy CD with his lead vocals on, whatever artist name would be on it...

When I saw Frontiers live, his vocals blew me away. He didnt even break a sweat ,singing Perrys vocals{at least it looked that way} he is fucking awesome.

[Bon411]

DAVE BALDWIN - vocalist of band NORWAY, formerly in VOICES, TRADIA, solo and DEPARTURE

Holy crap!!! I almost fell out of my chair and had to supress a shriek when I read that .....I know Dave!!!!.....was a diehard Voices fan, and still follow DogVoices today, (the band that Voices became when Dave left, they got Who Brought the Dog singer Rob Monte and merged the band names) It's also ironic that just last week I dug out my old Voices cd and it was my ride home soundtrack hehe. Anyone from the NJ area should be familiar .....Also was happy to finally see he's doing something again....right after Voices he had another band called Vox for a short while....I think I'm gonna have to get my hands on that Norway cd......

[stevew2]

I had to go back and take another look, thought you might have slipped DDY in there. Now that's an idea put him up for audition, that way I can go back to the Styx board and not see his name every other post, they'd all be on here

But... isn't Tommy Shaw the one with voice more simmilar to Steve Perry than DDY's?

It's a joke Maro..I dislike DDY, that's all. Tommy in Journey, fuck no, he's far too good for that...period.

He could never handle Journeys vocals,not even one concert.

[styxman]

I had to go back and take another look, thought you might have slipped DDY in there. Now that's an idea put him up for audition, that way I can go back to the Styx board and not see his name every other post, they'd all be on here

But... isn't Tommy Shaw the one with voice more simmilar to Steve Perry than DDY's?

It's a joke Maro..I dislike DDY, that's all. Tommy in Journey, fuck no, he's far too good for that...period.

He could never handle Journeys vocals,not even one concert.

You're absoloutely correct, that's why he does a mighty fine job singing his own style and just like Jeff, he's one of the good guys left in Rock, the ones that earn respect and interact with their fans, that's why my hard earned cash will always go first on releases by these guys.

[Maro]

DAVE BALDWIN - vocalist of band NORWAY, formerly in VOICES, TRADIA, solo and DEPARTURE

Holy crap!!! I almost fell out of my chair and had to supress a shriek when I read that .....I know Dave!!!!.....was a diehard Voices fan, and still follow DogVoices today, (the band that Voices became when Dave left, they got Who Brought the Dog singer Rob Monte and merged the band names) It's also ironic that just last week I dug out my old Voices cd and it was my ride home soundtrack hehe. Anyone from the NJ area should be familiar .....Also was happy to finally see he's doing something again....right after Voices he had another band called Vox for a short while....I think I'm gonna have to get my hands on that Norway cd......

If You want more of his work, here is Dave Baldwin's discography

VOICES - ANYTHING CAN HAPPEN
TRADIA - WELCOME TO PARADISE
DAVE BALDWIN - TIME
DEPARTURE - OPEN YOUR MIND
TRADIA - FROM THE BASEMENT
NORWAY - RISING UP FROM THE ASHES

[Bon411]

I have the Voices cd, got it way back when they made it and it was available at the shows, also have Time

[aorgeneral]

All of your singers are excellent, but I would put my money on Tony Mills. Hands down the best choice. His new collaboration with TNT is a waste of time! Thier new cd is a BOMB!!! Any jouney fan should pick up Shy's Sunset and Vine and listen to a glorious AOR cd!

[Maro]

All of your singers are excellent, but I would put my money on Tony Mills. Hands down the best choice. His new collaboration with TNT is a waste of time! Thier new cd is a BOMB!!! Any jouney fan should pick up Shy's Sunset and Vine and listen to a glorious AOR cd!

Tony Mills? Interesting choice... I was listening to samples from his different projects and seems like he could change his voice in different directions... from Geoff Tate to Tony Harnell to Steve Perry-like style...
He is singing in great Steve Perry-like voice on following CD's:

TONY MILLS - CRUISER
SHY - UNFINISHED BUSINESS
SHY - SUNSET AND VINE
upcoming CHINA BLUE project

I think older SHY albums are more like Tony Harnell's style, and SIAM is more like Geoff Tate's style...

[Liquid_Drummer]

oops

[Don Wishon]

Hey,

Cool list BUT Gary West formally of SHOOTING STAR died a few years ago.....

Not sure where you got your information.

This is not true.

[NealIsGod]

All of your singers are excellent, but I would put my money on Tony Mills. Hands down the best choice. His new collaboration with TNT is a waste of time! Thier new cd is a BOMB!!! Any jouney fan should pick up Shy's Sunset and Vine and listen to a glorious AOR cd!

You're preaching to the choir here. I have maintained that Sunset & Vine is reminiscent of E5C4P3 era Journey. The best CD of the young century so far, for me.

[Liquid_Drummer]

think Jeremy does a killer job but if they are now looking for a soundalike they need Jason Fucking Kelty.... This guy sounds like late 70's perry and has/had a killer stage presence...... Im all for Jeremy but this guy just sounds more like perry however he became very religious over the last few years and is "retired".... I heard he is playing keys and singing with a band now in Cleavland, Oh called Gotham City..... He also has a computer repair buisness called Escape Pc.. Heh..

I know a bunch of you have heard this but for those you have not.....

http://members.core.com/~e5c4p3/LovinYou.mp3

[NealIsGod]

think Jeremy does a killer job but if they are now looking for a soundalike they need Jason Fucking Kelty.... This guy sounds like late 70's perry and has/had a killer stage presence...... Im all for Jeremy but this guy just sounds more like perry however he became very religious over the last few years and is "retired".... I heard he is playing keys and singing with a band now in Cleavland, Oh called Gotham City..... He also has a computer repair buisness called Escape Pc.. Heh..

I know a bunch of you have heard this but for those you have not.....

http://members.core.com/~e5c4p3/LovinYou.mp3

Doesn't sound like a good fit as far as personalities. The dude can sing, tho.

[Liquid_Drummer]

If you heard him sing mother father you would shit tie dye !! I did and it was very colorfull and people didnt seem to mind because they were so shocked and blown away buy this guy that they all excreated something.

[NealIsGod]

If you heard him sing mother father you would shit tie dye !! I did and it was very colorfull and people didnt seem to mind because they were so shocked and blown away buy this guy that they all excreated something.

Yeah, I've experienced the same thing at Frontiers' shows.

[Enigma869]

think Jeremy does a killer job but if they are now looking for a soundalike they need Jason Fucking Kelty.... This guy sounds like late 70's perry and has/had a killer stage presence...... Im all for Jeremy but this guy just sounds more like perry however he became very religious over the last few years and is "retired".... I heard he is playing keys and singing with a band now in Cleavland, Oh called Gotham City..... He also has a computer repair buisness called Escape Pc.. Heh..

I know a bunch of you have heard this but for those you have not.....

http://members.core.com/~e5c4p3/LovinYou.mp3

I actually hadn't heard that before. Thanks for posting. I have to say....I never heard of that guy in my life, but he sounds as close to Perry as anyone I've ever heard!


John from Boston