Where I'm at right now...

[Matthew]

It's their band and they want to give the fans what they want them to hear. It's not the other way around. .

I disagree with this, Marabelle. This is true of Rush - but Journey play what they think people expect them to play. That's why Rush continue to have a thriving career and Journey...er, don't.

[Saint John]

I think we as fans look at the situation too emotionally and think we have a part in the decison making beyond buying tickets. The band bases their decision on what is best for the band which is how they want to play their music and how they want to be remembered. Look at Perry. He is a genius when it comes to his legacy and it's totally handscripted. It's their band and they want to give the fans what they want them to hear. It's not the other way around. The fans don't dictate what they play or how they play the music. They buy the tickets or do not buy the tickets. If you like what they give you fine otherwise you don't buy the tickets or sit there and remember what was.

Which is EXACTLY why I said that we, as paying or non-paying fans, "vote" with ticket stubs a few posts up. Better elaboration on your part, though.

[Marabelle]

Matthew, I believe what the fans still want to hear is Perry singing, watch in wonder as he runs and sings and prances from one side of the stage to the other singing Don't Stop Believing or Faithfully or any of those classics. The band is a nostalgic band at this time in their career. People come back not for just the songs but for the memories and that is what they sell. People buy tickets cause they want to imagine it's Perry singing those songs. Perry is not inocent in this; he dangles his carrot too and keeps you interested with Neal and Jon and the band at least they still wander unto the stage and try to help you relive your dreams. How can you fault them if you still buy the ticket?

[Matthew]

Matthew, I believe what the fans still want to hear is Perry singing, watch in wonder

You're not wrong there.....

[Red13JoePa]

Not right either.


"Some" even "many" would be the word.

[ArnelRox]

Matthew, I believe what the fans still want to hear is Perry singing, watch in wonder as he runs and sings and prances from one side of the stage to the other singing Don't Stop Believing or Faithfully or any of those classics. The band is a nostalgic band at this time in their career. People come back not for just the songs but for the memories and that is what they sell. People buy tickets cause they want to imagine it's Perry singing those songs. Perry is not inocent in this; he dangles his carrot too and keeps you interested with Neal and Jon and the band at least they still wander unto the stage and try to help you relive your dreams. How can you fault them if you still buy the ticket?

But the majority of ticket buyers don't know the names of the individual band members at all. They don't know who is singing the songs at the shows. They just buy the tickets for the nostalgia.

I could recount so many conversations w/ people at shows who were having a ball. When I said "but it's not Steve Perry", they said "Who's he, the lead singer of Aerosmith?" If they knew Perry had been replaced, they said Augeri looked EXACTLY like a younger Steve Perry. If I had a buck for every time I heard that one! Grr. If they didn'd know, when it was Augeri, they said "the lead singer got a perm since the 80s." Then the crowning glory, at a Jeff-fronted show last year, someone actually said to me "Wow, Steve Perry is living the good life since the 80s. Just look at his tan!"

[Marabelle]

LOL! It just seems to solidfy what I and others think...when you think of Journey's singers you think of Perry. No matter if the singer is Puerto Rican or from New Jersey or wherever. I'm afraid no matter whose singing or who is in the band the stone will never be broken it's forged in our thoughts as Schon, Cain and Perry and Smith and Rollie. And it's not just our faults; it's how they want us to remember the band. And really that is not a bad thing.

[ArnelRox]

LOL! It just seems to solidfy what I and others think...when you think of Journey's singers you think of Perry.

If they even know who Journey's lead singer was. I also had a lot of people say they were pissed Journey didn't play their biggest hit & they waited all nite for it: "Oh Sherrie"

[X factor]

Matthew, I believe what the fans still want to hear is Perry singing, watch in wonder as he runs and sings and prances from one side of the stage to the other singing Don't Stop Believing or Faithfully or any of those classics. The band is a nostalgic band at this time in their career. People come back not for just the songs but for the memories and that is what they sell. People buy tickets cause they want to imagine it's Perry singing those songs. Perry is not inocent in this; he dangles his carrot too and keeps you interested with Neal and Jon and the band at least they still wander unto the stage and try to help you relive your dreams. How can you fault them if you still buy the ticket?

But the majority of ticket buyers don't know the names of the individual band members at all. They don't know who is singing the songs at the shows. They just buy the tickets for the nostalgia.

I could recount so many conversations w/ people at shows who were having a ball. When I said "but it's not Steve Perry", they said "Who's he, the lead singer of Aerosmith?" If they knew Perry had been replaced, they said Augeri looked EXACTLY like a younger Steve Perry. If I had a buck for every time I heard that one! Grr. If they didn'd know, when it was Augeri, they said "the lead singer got a perm since the 80s." Then the crowning glory, at a Jeff-fronted show last year, someone actually said to me "Wow, Steve Perry is living the good life since the 80s. Just look at his tan!"

Perhaps, but I still feel that in this situation there are more fans out there who DO know Steve Perry. What they MAY not know is that he isn't singing with Journey anymore (till they actually get to the show), but I believe the lion's share do know Perry.

[ArnelRox]

Perhaps, but I still feel that in this situation there are more fans out there who DO know Steve Perry. What they MAY not know is that he isn't singing with Journey anymore (till they actually get to the show), but I believe the lion's share do know Perry.

Let's see. I've been to Journey concerts in 6 states: IL, GA, FL, CA, MI, WI. That certainly wasnt the case w/the majority of fans. I have friends who bought the GH album (some also bought the GH DVD) & went to concerts in some other states MO, OH, WA, NY, VA, CA, WV, NJ, CT, CO, NV, & AK. The only reason they know Steve Perry was the lead singer is b/c of me.

They now also know who Jeff is, again, b/c of me & many have bought his other work.

[Saint John]

It's their band and they want to give the fans what they want them to hear. It's not the other way around. .

I disagree with this, Marabelle. This is true of Rush - but Journey play what they think people expect them to play. That's why Rush continue to have a thriving career and Journey...er, don't.

Let's see Rush switch vocalists. And when was the last time Rush had a platinum record? I'm asking because I don't know. Also, Journey had hits and they HAVE to play them for the causal fans that go there BECAUSE of those songs.

[conversationpc]

Let's see Rush switch vocalists. And when was the last time Rush had a platinum record? I'm asking because I don't know. Also, Journey had hits and they HAVE to play them for the causal fans that go there BECAUSE of those songs.

"Roll the Bones" 1991

[Saint John]

Let's see Rush switch vocalists. And when was the last time Rush had a platinum record? I'm asking because I don't know. Also, Journey had hits and they HAVE to play them for the causal fans that go there BECAUSE of those songs.

"Roll the Bones" 1991

16 years ago. Journey had one without a tour or promotion in 1996. You can't compare these two bands. Journey was a juggernaut. Rush has never been.

[conversationpc]

Let's see Rush switch vocalists. And when was the last time Rush had a platinum record? I'm asking because I don't know. Also, Journey had hits and they HAVE to play them for the causal fans that go there BECAUSE of those songs.

"Roll the Bones" 1991

16 years ago. Journey had one without a tour or promotion in 1996. You can't compare these two bands. Journey was a juggernaut. Rush has never been.

Rush is 5th on the list of bands with consecutive gold/platinum albums, behind only KISS, The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and Aerosmith. That's a juggernaut.

[ArnelRox]

16 years ago. Journey had one without a tour or promotion in 1996. You can't compare these two bands. Journey was a juggernaut. Rush has never been.

Dan, I'd have to disagree. Rush is HUGE all over the world.

[Moon Beam]

Aw never mind SJ he hates all things Canadian.

[fightingilliniJRNY]

I agree about the touring, Saint John. But JSS' departure does signal the end of Journey's recording career, doesn't it?

Why? Why does hiring a "tribute band singer" (as people are so quick to point out) mean that they won't record anymore? That argument doesn't fly with me.

[ArnelRox]

Aw never mind SJ he hates all things Canadian.

U mean he hates u & Deano too?

[Deb]

Aw never mind SJ he hates all things Canadian.

U mean he hates u & Deano too?

LOL, he wuvs ME.

[ArnelRox]

Aw never mind SJ he hates all things Canadian.

U mean he hates u & Deano too?

LOL, he wuvs ME.

Then he doesn't hate ALL things Canadian. Then again, ur pretty hard NOT to wuv

[SusieP]

RUSH need several Juggernauts just to transport the drums!

[conversationpc]

RUSH need several Juggernauts just to transport the drums!

At least Peart actually uses all the equipment he has. Some drummers just have all that stuff to look impressive but they don't play half of it.

[SusieP]

RUSH need several Juggernauts just to transport the drums!

At least Peart actually uses all the equipment he has. Some drummers just have all that stuff to look impressive but they don't play half of it.

And many of them don't even succeed in looking impressive.
Drummers get a bad name IMO. Many people think drumming is easy. It isn't. And there aren't that many truly great technicians about.
We've discussed this before. Peart is one of the best. My other faves are Brian Downey from Thin Lizzy, Philthy Phil from Motorhead, Ian Paice from Deep Purple and I have a soft spot for Stewart Copeland and also Clem Burke from Blondie.

Smitty is good, too.
And don't laugh, but Shiela E fascinates me.
I love a good drummer, me.

[conversationpc]

RUSH need several Juggernauts just to transport the drums!

At least Peart actually uses all the equipment he has. Some drummers just have all that stuff to look impressive but they don't play half of it.

And many of them don't even succeed in looking impressive.
Drummers get a bad name IMO. Many people think drumming is easy. It isn't. And there aren't that many truly great technicians about.
We've discussed this before. Peart is one of the best. My other faves are Brian Downey from Thin Lizzy, Philthy Phil from Motorhead, Ian Paice from Deep Purple and I have a soft spot for Stewart Copeland and also Clem Burke from Blondie.

Smitty is good, too.
And don't laugh, but Shiela E fascinates me.
I love a good drummer, me.

I also enjoy Mike Portnoy (Dream Theater), Carl Palmer (Emerson, Lake & Palmer), and Bill Bruford (Yes, King Crimson). If you're not that familiar with Bruford, I'd highly recommend listening to the Yes albums "Fragile" and "Close to the Edge". Brilliant stuff.

[SusieP]

RUSH need several Juggernauts just to transport the drums!

At least Peart actually uses all the equipment he has. Some drummers just have all that stuff to look impressive but they don't play half of it.

And many of them don't even succeed in looking impressive.
Drummers get a bad name IMO. Many people think drumming is easy. It isn't. And there aren't that many truly great technicians about.
We've discussed this before. Peart is one of the best. My other faves are Brian Downey from Thin Lizzy, Philthy Phil from Motorhead, Ian Paice from Deep Purple and I have a soft spot for Stewart Copeland and also Clem Burke from Blondie.

Smitty is good, too.
And don't laugh, but Shiela E fascinates me.
I love a good drummer, me.

I also enjoy Mike Portnoy (Dream Theater), Carl Palmer (Emerson, Lake & Palmer), and Bill Bruford (Yes, King Crimson). If you're not that familiar with Bruford, I'd highly recommend listening to the Yes albums "Fragile" and "Close to the Edge". Brilliant stuff.

I have some YES albums on vinyl - but I have to say I haven't played them in years, nor have I bought them on CD. But back in the day I played them. Close to the Edge was almost worn out! Aaah, happy memories.
You have good taste, mate.
I prefer a good technician to a 'tub thumper.'
It seems you like the same.

[StyxCollector]

Rush is 5th on the list of bands with consecutive gold/platinum albums, behind only KISS, The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and Aerosmith. That's a juggernaut.

Not only that, I think most of their recent concert DVD have gone platinum - I know R30 did.

I mean, even the Stones aren't selling millions of albums anymore. Rush has impressively racked up a 33 year career with great album sales, popular concerts (still headlining decent venues and selling well), all the while not being "the latest best thing".

Journey's GH CD may sell a ton, but Journey can't touch Rush IMHO.

[Rick]

Rush is 5th on the list of bands with consecutive gold/platinum albums, behind only KISS, The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and Aerosmith. That's a juggernaut.

Not only that, I think most of their recent concert DVD have gone platinum - I know R30 did.

I mean, even the Stones aren't selling millions of albums anymore. Rush has impressively racked up a 33 year career with great album sales, popular concerts (still headlining decent venues and selling well), all the while not being "the latest best thing".

Journey's GH CD may sell a ton, but Journey can't touch Rush IMHO.

In a different world they would have. That world would have to be one that allowed SP some vocal rest. There is no telling what might have been if they hadn't toured at such an irresponsible rate. Look at Geddy Lee, he's in his mid 50's and still singing way up there and doing well.

[conversationpc]

Rush is 5th on the list of bands with consecutive gold/platinum albums, behind only KISS, The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and Aerosmith. That's a juggernaut.

Not only that, I think most of their recent concert DVD have gone platinum - I know R30 did.

I mean, even the Stones aren't selling millions of albums anymore. Rush has impressively racked up a 33 year career with great album sales, popular concerts (still headlining decent venues and selling well), all the while not being "the latest best thing".

Journey's GH CD may sell a ton, but Journey can't touch Rush IMHO.

"Snakes & Arrows" went as high as #3 on the charts and has sold over 260,000. That's obviously nowhere near going platinum but pretty good for a dinosaur band that supposedly no one is interested in anymore. "Rush in Rio" did go gold and this one has an outside chance also.

[Rick]

Rush is 5th on the list of bands with consecutive gold/platinum albums, behind only KISS, The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and Aerosmith. That's a juggernaut.

Not only that, I think most of their recent concert DVD have gone platinum - I know R30 did.

I mean, even the Stones aren't selling millions of albums anymore. Rush has impressively racked up a 33 year career with great album sales, popular concerts (still headlining decent venues and selling well), all the while not being "the latest best thing".

Journey's GH CD may sell a ton, but Journey can't touch Rush IMHO.

"Snakes & Arrows" went as high as #3 on the charts and has sold over 260,000. That's obviously nowhere near going platinum but pretty good for a dinosaur band that supposedly no one is interested in anymore. "Rush in Rio" did go gold and this one has an outside chance also.

Dave, any idea how much the band makes per unit on CD's now days?

[conversationpc]

Dave, any idea how much the band makes per unit on CD's now days?

No clue. My guess is they make pennies compared to what the music companies get for them. From what I've read, the markup on CDs is pretty high, so I'm sure they make a good profit.

The problem I've seen discussed is that bands now often have to sell an enormous amount of albums in order to get out of the red because they have to pay for studio time, videos, etc. It doesn't make sense to me that the bands pay for the studio time unless they're on their own independent label. It would make sense to me that the labels ought to foot the bill for the studio time. Of course, I guess maybe that's an incentive for the artists to get in the studio and get the job done instead of wasting months or even years to get it right (ala Boston).