The third man from the right IS Arnel Pineda

[treetopovskaya]

that's too cool wendy! people noticing jss in public & getting excited. maybe one day soon he'll need bodyguards just to walk the streets! };C))

i'm still on a jss high from sat night! the jss band ROCKS!! }=C))

Thing is, people around here don't care absolutely one iota who is singing for Journey as long as they sound like 'classic Journey'. After each of the shows around here, you'll hear the following conversation. "Wow. That was fun. They were good. They've still got it. Was that Steve Perry? No. Well, I don't know who that short Japaness looking dude is, but he was pretty good. Let's go to the bar."

And that will be all there is to it. I guarantee you.

later~

A little different around here in Southern California. After spending the weekend at Jeff Scott Soto shows, I must throw in you've got to go see his solo shows live.

Anyway Sunday night was Def Leppard, Jeff was backstage and the people around me(at our seats) spotted him. The conversations around me went like "OMG that's Jeff Scott Soto, he sang for Journey last year, did you see him?! Amazing!!!" They were excited just to see him off to the side of the stage! They were not talking about Journey last year they were talking about JEFF. That is how the Def Leppard California fans are. I am not alone in this. Journey picked up lots of new fans last year because of Jeff, they got old fans back that didn't care for Augeri. Those fans are gone now and I think the numbers are huge.

Arnel will pick up fans I am sure, but it is too bad that Journey couldn't care less.

~Wendy

[summergirl]

Don't worry, SJ. Arnel is not in the band.

what do you know that Andrew doesnt?

Just what I said. He is as much the new singer as Jeremey is. It isn't over yet.

OK, what's the deal? You say Arnel is out, Andrew confirmed yesterday that he had been hired. Do you have reliable sources? Can anyone give us the real story? Andrew??

[ScarabGator]

Don't worry, SJ. Arnel is not in the band.

what do you know that Andrew doesnt?

Just what I said. He is as much the new singer as Jeremey is. It isn't over yet.

OK, what's the deal? You say Arnel is out, Andrew confirmed yesterday that he had been hired. Do you have reliable sources? Can anyone give us the real story? Andrew??

Thats what the hell Im asking....

[fightingilliniJRNY]

Its not because of the new singer but what friga has said numerous times they want to live on the old legacy ( or in other words on the dirty dozen plus some) I just dont see that including new music at all

I believe the quote was "going back to the legacy sound". That could very well mean having the legacy sound (Arnel) on a new record. I would see nothing wrong with that. Maybe they feel they will get a better reception for new music if it sounds like Perry. Jonathan Cain never said that they were going to "live on the old legacy".

There is no way you can say that they will not record new music with a new singer just because they want to go back to the legacy sound.

[NealIsGod]

Don't worry, SJ. Arnel is not in the band.

what do you know that Andrew doesnt?

Just what I said. He is as much the new singer as Jeremey is. It isn't over yet.

OK, what's the deal? You say Arnel is out, Andrew confirmed yesterday that he had been hired. Do you have reliable sources? Can anyone give us the real story? Andrew??

I didn't say Arnel is out. Just that if it fell apart on Jeremey, it can fall apart on Arnel.

[xflajrnylvr]

Its not because of the new singer but what friga has said numerous times they want to live on the old legacy ( or in other words on the dirty dozen plus some) I just dont see that including new music at all

I believe the quote was "going back to the legacy sound". That could very well mean having the legacy sound (Arnel) on a new record. I would see nothing wrong with that. Maybe they feel they will get a better reception for new music if it sounds like Perry. Jonathan Cain never said that they were going to "live on the old legacy".

There is no way you can say that they will not record new music with a new singer just because they want to go back to the legacy sound.

Hey Fightin I was just statng my opinion on this I wasnt say ing they ont I dont believe they will even with arnel P not because of him but because they dont want to. Many of us are done with them .

[fightingilliniJRNY]

Hey Fightin I was just statng my opinion on this I wasnt say ing they ont I dont believe they will even with arnel P not because of him but because they dont want to. Many of us are done with them .

And I'll agree with you that it is very possible that they will never put out a new album again. That's a very distinct possibility. I'm just reacting to the posts that say, more or less, that Journey will never come out with new music because they have (supposedly) hired a singer from a tribute band and have said that they want to go back to the legacy sound. I don't buy those arguments that say [Arnel + "going back to legacy sound" = no new music.]

But there's no denying that it is very possible that Journey's studio album catalog ended with Generations. Sad...

[SF-Dano]

Most of us around here do not follow Journey at all. We do hear 'classic Journey' on the radio every single day...often many times a day. Most of us only know about Steve Perry. Some did realize that Steve Augeri was a replacement and thought that he was just about a dead ringer for Perry. Some of us during last year's Def Leppard tour (Yes, that was the bill...co-headlining wasn't advertised, just DL w/Journey.) thought that 'this fill in guy' is pretty good too.

Thing is, people around here don't care absolutely one iota who is singing for Journey as long as they sound like 'classic Journey'. Yes, we do have hillbillies & rednecks that won't like it when (if) they learn that "some Asian guy" is singing for Journey now. HOWEVER, people around here will still go to the shows. All people around here want is a party night. Cold beers, cigarettes, a little weed, loose women, and the music they grew-up with. They'll talk about their old Camaros, Firebirds, & Mustangs...or that old truck that we used to haul kegs in.

No, I'm not belittling my southern brethren. I'm just stating the obvious.

After each of the shows around here, you'll hear the following conversation. "Wow. That was fun. They were good. They've still got it. Was that Steve Perry? No. Well, I don't know who that short Japaness looking dude is, but he was pretty good. Let's go to the bar."

And that will be all there is to it. I guarantee you.


later~

I think alot of what you say here applies to most places. I have seen Journey with Augeri several times and with JSS last tour at various locations around N California (Bay area, Sacramento, Konocti) and also in Reno Nevada. All that the majority of people at these shows were interested in was that Journey sounded good and and that they had a good time. That is it. Nothing more. They were able to escape their regular routine and not think about their problems for a couple hours. Isn't that what it is really supposed to be about? Escaping reality and living in the music for a few hours. Apparently not for all of us (as we prove here daily), but for the majority of AOR fans out there, they just want to be entertained, enjoy the fact that there are still bands playing the music they enjoy live, and basically have a good time.

[Deb]

Me too! I think Jeff got custody of a lot of us fans in this divorce. (Especially most of the Perry fans that came back)

that's too cool wendy! people noticing jss in public & getting excited. maybe one day soon he'll need bodyguards just to walk the streets! };C))

i'm still on a jss high from sat night! the jss band ROCKS!! }=C))

Thing is, people around here don't care absolutely one iota who is singing for Journey as long as they sound like 'classic Journey'. After each of the shows around here, you'll hear the following conversation. "Wow. That was fun. They were good. They've still got it. Was that Steve Perry? No. Well, I don't know who that short Japaness looking dude is, but he was pretty good. Let's go to the bar."

And that will be all there is to it. I guarantee you.

later~

A little different around here in Southern California. After spending the weekend at Jeff Scott Soto shows, I must throw in you've got to go see his solo shows live.

Anyway Sunday night was Def Leppard, Jeff was backstage and the people around me(at our seats) spotted him. The conversations around me went like "OMG that's Jeff Scott Soto, he sang for Journey last year, did you see him?! Amazing!!!" They were excited just to see him off to the side of the stage! They were not talking about Journey last year they were talking about JEFF. That is how the Def Leppard California fans are. I am not alone in this. Journey picked up lots of new fans last year because of Jeff, they got old fans back that didn't care for Augeri. Those fans are gone now and I think the numbers are huge.

Arnel will pick up fans I am sure, but it is too bad that Journey couldn't care less.

~Wendy

[SF-Dano]

It is too late for this band. They live in the minute i.e $$$$. Unless Jeff or Perry sings , we have a duty to inform local radio stations and casual friends of their demise and who is really in this whatever( cover band ). I am thoroughly disgusted. Bands w/o orig members is a huge problem in this country. Some have no orig members. Bl Ash pays BIG buck to bring in acts. It is my duty to tell them not to get the bands from name recognision but to go for the orig singer/songwriter. Sometimes it seems like fraud.

Bands w/o orig members is a huge problem in this country? Are you kidding me? With all that is going on in the world and this country today, you think that this is a "huge" problem. Holy reality check batman!!!!!!.

[Matthew]

Most of us around here do not follow Journey at all. We do hear 'classic Journey' on the radio every single day...often many times a day. Most of us only know about Steve Perry. Some did realize that Steve Augeri was a replacement and thought that he was just about a dead ringer for Perry. Some of us during last year's Def Leppard tour (Yes, that was the bill...co-headlining wasn't advertised, just DL w/Journey.) thought that 'this fill in guy' is pretty good too.

Thing is, people around here don't care absolutely one iota who is singing for Journey as long as they sound like 'classic Journey'. Yes, we do have hillbillies & rednecks that won't like it when (if) they learn that "some Asian guy" is singing for Journey now. HOWEVER, people around here will still go to the shows. All people around here want is a party night. Cold beers, cigarettes, a little weed, loose women, and the music they grew-up with. They'll talk about their old Camaros, Firebirds, & Mustangs...or that old truck that we used to haul kegs in.

No, I'm not belittling my southern brethren. I'm just stating the obvious.

After each of the shows around here, you'll hear the following conversation. "Wow. That was fun. They were good. They've still got it. Was that Steve Perry? No. Well, I don't know who that short Japaness looking dude is, but he was pretty good. Let's go to the bar."

And that will be all there is to it. I guarantee you.


later~

I think alot of what you say here applies to most places. I have seen Journey with Augeri several times and with JSS last tour at various locations around N California (Bay area, Sacramento, Konocti) and also in Reno Nevada. All that the majority of people at these shows were interested in was that Journey sounded good and and that they had a good time. That is it. Nothing more. They were able to escape their regular routine and not think about their problems for a couple hours. Isn't that what it is really supposed to be about? Escaping reality and living in the music for a few hours. Apparently not for all of us (as we prove here daily), but for the majority of AOR fans out there, they just want to be entertained, enjoy the fact that there are still bands playing the music they enjoy live, and basically have a good time.

Great couple of posts...and a real contrast to most of the posts I've just been reading about Arnel and the likely reactions of American audiences to him....

[treetopovskaya]

he's sharing custody of me with sp. steve gets some holidays & weekends. };C)

Me too! I think Jeff got custody of a lot of us fans in this divorce. (Especially most of the Perry fans that came back)

that's too cool wendy! people noticing jss in public & getting excited. maybe one day soon he'll need bodyguards just to walk the streets! };C))

i'm still on a jss high from sat night! the jss band ROCKS!! }=C))

Thing is, people around here don't care absolutely one iota who is singing for Journey as long as they sound like 'classic Journey'. After each of the shows around here, you'll hear the following conversation. "Wow. That was fun. They were good. They've still got it. Was that Steve Perry? No. Well, I don't know who that short Japaness looking dude is, but he was pretty good. Let's go to the bar."

And that will be all there is to it. I guarantee you.

later~

A little different around here in Southern California. After spending the weekend at Jeff Scott Soto shows, I must throw in you've got to go see his solo shows live.

Anyway Sunday night was Def Leppard, Jeff was backstage and the people around me(at our seats) spotted him. The conversations around me went like "OMG that's Jeff Scott Soto, he sang for Journey last year, did you see him?! Amazing!!!" They were excited just to see him off to the side of the stage! They were not talking about Journey last year they were talking about JEFF. That is how the Def Leppard California fans are. I am not alone in this. Journey picked up lots of new fans last year because of Jeff, they got old fans back that didn't care for Augeri. Those fans are gone now and I think the numbers are huge.

Arnel will pick up fans I am sure, but it is too bad that Journey couldn't care less.

~Wendy

[Calbear94]

It's like personnel changes in sports. If the new guy can do the job, fans will come to accept him very quickly...except perhaps some diehard fans.

[Jeremey fan forever]

I hope he gets the job as long as can create and not just cover the hits well.

Arnel writes songs and I believe he's good at that,too.

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=JFioizsgrlA

He wrote this one for the band Zoo.

Thanks for that! Its not very Journey like, but its pretty strong, and the guy is very versatile. I'm straining like hell to hear this alleged accent that is so funny. I think he is solid. I like how he has the high notes and is also to get some of the that grit in there.

[Soto All The Way]

All smiles for their state fair tour. I wish them nothing but ugly groupies, STD's, numerous more divorces and empty seats.

At least Neal finally found someone shorter than him.

Sro nrow I crom to ru wif Opan arms.

C'mon Ed, the only place you'll see them is outiside the $7.00 rib/wing cook offs opening up for Kansas and Deep Purple and maybe BOC......They couldn't score a state fair.....The Steelers have a rib.wing cook off coming up, maybe they'll be there.....it's FREE.

Neal is such a fucking asshole as is Friga......

e-

[Soto All The Way]

JSS was sure to have brought something however there was just too much baggage with him.

To put it politely....you are speaking out of your bottom on this particular matter.

First of all I like JSS. What I mean by "baggage" is this:

He inadvertently insulted A LOT of BT fans. You know what I'm talking about. He also was associated with this forum and certain members - all of which have been perceived as the reasons behind the SA horror story. We all know what the details are and have our own perceptions of them so there's no sense going into them.

I'm simply saying that there was baggage. I'm not assigning blame - just making an observation. If I were JOURNEY I'd have to cut that baggage, too. Although I may have found a "nicer" way.

I was charged about JSS, too. It took me a while to get up to speed with him but I was charged. What I couldn't stand was the constant bickering between fans regarding how, when and why he was brought in. Way too much drama - way too much baggage.

Seriously dude. Are you of that psychotic medcine or what. What Jeff said about BT os what needed to be said fo about 6 years. He just had the balls to do it and offened the weak souled and weak minded folks like you. What he said and for that matter what Friga said years ago was right. Most of BT was 100% loons.....

e-

[crazy mar tay]

I am of the opinion that Jeff Soto is an amazing talent. I am a newer JSS fan but still nonetheless a fan of his. I didn't think his hiring was the BEST idea at first but... he was damn good with the gig after seeing them July 19th 2006 chicagoland IL at the tweety bird center.

I do think Jeff is great, I don't think his voice is naturally suited for this Perry/Augeri range and type of singing. I think he may even agree with that statement. He does HIS versions of the catelog and they are great but far different than the 2 Steves.

MR people liked him alot esp. those who frequent this and his site in the band Journey. Audience response was FAR different and varied and not everyone was into the JSS journey thang abroad. Some loved it some not so much.

I believe Jeff's gained fans, exposure and is better off for it and Journey will find a guy who sounds more like Augeri or Perry in that classic sorta sound. Well, regardless of what we think they are doing it. love it or hate it. This Arnel guy has a much more softer and melodic voice and seems better suited for singing Journey hits than Jeff does.

Jeff did it. Kicked ass mostly at it and I think he rules! I just didn't think he was the right guy for the gig but I WAS looking forward to seeing what they would come up with next.

They (Journey) clowned Jeff and behaved disgracefully. I called out Perry years ago when all that mess of how a nightmare he was came out and I will say it with Neal n Jon n the boys as well here. They really acted like assholes here with the way this was handled and went down.

IMO anyways for what that is worth.

I like Journey I like Jeff and look forward to both esp. Jeff's new endeavors. I hope Journey goes with this guy Arnel, he's really talented if thats how he really sounds live. I'd be interested in seeing them with him.

In the end of all of this...Jeff Scott Soto comes out the winner!! He got his name out there, in the press, to the fans, toured all over with a legendary band and now can ride that success further.



c.m.

[ScarabGator]

Without stepping on any toes isnt it true that JSS struggled with the ballads, Open Arms, Faithfully, etc and this was why Dean took over the leads on them? I'm certainly not making any excuses for Journey because I agree, Jeff is an amazing talent and I would love to see him live. Just a harmless question?

[ohsherrie]

Without stepping on any toes isnt it true that JSS struggled with the ballads, Open Arms, Faithfully, etc and this was why Dean took over the leads on them? I'm certainly not making any excuses for Journey because I agree, Jeff is an amazing talent and I would love to see him live. Just a harmless question?

No, he didn't struggle at all. There have been links to him singing them posted on here. I actually preferred his versions to Deens. Deen sang them because he wanted to.

[The Fly]

Everybody looking great,don't you think so? I like it.

It's a complete joke!!

[Matthew]

Everybody looking great,don't you think so? I like it.

It's a complete joke!!

The puppy is a bit too cutesy...but other than that...this is the happiest I've seen the band look in years.

[Rhiannon]

Everybody looking great,don't you think so? I like it.

It's a complete joke!!

The puppy is a bit too cutesy...but other than that...this is the happiest I've seen the band look in years.

It doesn't take a genius to fake a smile. Time will tell if anything here is genuine or otherwise.

[Matthew]

Without stepping on any toes isnt it true that JSS struggled with the ballads, Open Arms, Faithfully, etc and this was why Dean took over the leads on them? I'm certainly not making any excuses for Journey because I agree, Jeff is an amazing talent and I would love to see him live. Just a harmless question?

No, he didn't struggle at all. There have been links to him singing them posted on here. I actually preferred his versions to Deens. Deen sang them because he wanted to.

Sherrie - I agree that JSS didn't struggle on the most obvious ballads - and it's worth saying that his version of slower tracks likw IBAWY was superb - but he did struggle on "After The Fall" even toward the end of his time in the band.

The point is though that JSS struggled with any number of songs when he first joined the band and loads of people here were given him shit for this. A year on and you'd think it was perfection from the start. It wasn't.

That's why it's far too early to judge Arnel properly.

[Andrew]

The puppy is a bit too cutesy...but other than that...this is the happiest I've seen the band look in years.

Even for you Matthew, that statement is completely OTT

[WIX]

word has it they have tried out a new lead singer since arnie. They have decided to go with someone more their own age and that will have a great stage presence like neal Although they are concerned that even though this new choice will be shorter, he is yet longer in other areas and may conflict in the tight jean area with a certain band member tho. Ron Jeremy is in the front running for the new lead singer position. He is a legend and they feel they can draw an all new crowd.
Ron Jeremy will be the new lead weiner er I mean singer of the band formerly known as Journey !

This has all been confirmed by Drew Johnson

[Matthew]

The puppy is a bit too cutesy...but other than that...this is the happiest I've seen the band look in years.

Even for you Matthew, that statement is completely OTT

Anyone got any old 'happy snaps' we can compare it to?

[ScarabGator]

Without stepping on any toes isnt it true that JSS struggled with the ballads, Open Arms, Faithfully, etc and this was why Dean took over the leads on them? I'm certainly not making any excuses for Journey because I agree, Jeff is an amazing talent and I would love to see him live. Just a harmless question?

No, he didn't struggle at all. There have been links to him singing them posted on here. I actually preferred his versions to Deens. Deen sang them because he wanted to.

Sherrie - I agree that JSS didn't struggle on the most obvious ballads - and it's worth saying that his version of slower tracks likw IBAWY was superb - but he did struggle on "After The Fall" even toward the end of his time in the band.

The point is though that JSS struggled with any number of songs when he first joined the band and loads of people here were given him shit for this. A year on and you'd think it was perfection from the start. It wasn't.

That's why it's far too early to judge Arnel properly.

Absolutely good point!!!

[NoMoreTails]

Without stepping on any toes isnt it true that JSS struggled with the ballads, Open Arms, Faithfully, etc and this was why Dean took over the leads on them? I'm certainly not making any excuses for Journey because I agree, Jeff is an amazing talent and I would love to see him live. Just a harmless question?

No, he didn't struggle at all. There have been links to him singing them posted on here. I actually preferred his versions to Deens. Deen sang them because he wanted to.

I believe Deen sang them because Cain wanted him instead of JSS singing them, otherwise Deen would have kept singing his regular songs instead of taking over the two biggest ballads, I think this is a major clue to what eventually happened with JSS, Cain didn't want him in as the new voice of Journey.
Interestingly, I played the demo of the new Journey tune with JSS for my wife a few weeks ago. She is a long time Journey fan who knows the entire catalog who has become familiar with JSS through Soul Sirkus and Lost in the Translation. She thought the vocals were supplied by a new, more Perry-ish guy that the band was auditioning. She was surprised when I told her it was JSS as his Perry-isms had him sounding more like Perry than she thought possible, even already knowing the SS tune Coming Home. This, coming from someone who strongly felt JSS was wrong for Journey after seeing the second show he did with them, shows how far JSS had come in adapting and that Cain was wrong about JSS not being right "sonically".

[Red13JoePa]

I don't think that photo's airbrushed. I've seen them up close also and that photo looks like a good representation to me. Ross has always looked old, the other guys look pretty good for their ages.

Ross is the Charles Bronson of Journey.

Fuckin guy NEVER looked young.

[Rhiannon]

I don't think that photo's airbrushed. I've seen them up close also and that photo looks like a good representation to me. Ross has always looked old, the other guys look pretty good for their ages.

Ross is the Charles Bronson of Journey.

Fuckin guy NEVER looked young.