Journey. Why do we care so much?

[Julie...Julie...Julie]

Journey. Why do I even care?

Do you too, spend time thinking about why this band means so much to you? (Isn’t there a 12-step group for this??) I listen to their music everyday. It’s an exercise in positivism for me.

I came pretty late to this game, folks. I blame VH1. That damned BTM got me interested in the story, which is, by the way, an awesome human drama (coming soon to HBO? Comedy Central? LOGO?) And then there is the MUSIC. Have any of you read Chris P’s Journey stories? She’s got something there … as human as they all are, something very special, something magic and timeless happened when Perry, Neal, Greg, Jon, Ross and Steve Smith did their thing. Worthy of fiction. Music that changes timelines … man, I’m a believer. I’m not a proselytizer for my spiritual beliefs, but I push this band and their music. Back in the day, I did a little vocalizing for fun and not-so-much profit. Singing is a joy, and did it for my community, so I hope that’s some good karma. But even my limited experience demonstrated just how frakking difficult, painful it is to make music to be proud of. My point, I guess, is that these guys made it look EASY. Perry makes a little prayer when he sang with these guys. Neal played like HE was the friggin guitar “…We are one, we are one …” These are all stellar musicians, and the moon and stars aligned and we got lucky. We got Journey. So now everyday I slip in Infinity, or Departure, or Trial by Fire and I get a little bit of happy and timelessness to get me by. I love these guys; I love their work. I wish this wasn’t happening. I will miss them everyday, but wish they would let it go. Neal and Jon are ending up hurting other people to be someone they aren’t anymore. I’ve seen these guys twice in the last five years. Neal just tunes into this weird space and is gone. And it’s kinda scary. He’s hurting himself too. I don’t KNOW these cats, but maybe because of their beautiful music, I feel like they know me. They certainly have been there for me; speak volumes for me … and I do care, damnit. And I want them to stop.

And letting go is hard. But it looks like it might be time. How do we even begin?

[piecesofeight]

Support Jeff and the same thing will happen. Turn everyone you know onto Jeff and spread what he is around the world.
Great post.

[StringsOfJoy]

How do we even begin?

Honor your own integrity.

Own your own choices; don't try to own those of others.

Respect free will. Have compassion for those who make mistakes while exercising it.

Forgive. Love. Rejoice in music and everything else in your life.

[larryfromnextdoor]

How do we even begin?

Honor your own integrity.

Own your own choices; don't try to own those of others.

Respect free will. Have compassion for those who make mistakes while exercising it.

Forgive. Love. Rejoice in music and everything else in your life.

well sure,, there is that .. .. lets be upset first.. then lets forgive and love..

[dcvader]

Support Jeff and the same thing will happen. Turn everyone you know onto Jeff and spread what he is around the world.

Exactly!!!!!

[Julie...Julie...Julie]

Hi Pieces of Eight: I'm only familiar with Jeff from this board, but I promise to listen. From the recommendations of so many here, I look forward to that exploration.

Strings of Joy: A suprising, wise and beautiful voice. Thank you. I truly don't mean to pass judgement. It's just I guess I didn't expect to feel sadness, after this began to sink in. When you love something, you expect it to last forever ... lots of echoes.
But ... I may print your post and hang in on my fridge.