Can any 58 year singer reach the high notes?

[texafana]

After hearing the Guff tune, seeing SP sing DSB with the White Sox, I'm not 100% convinced SP could sing the older classic Journey tunes. Seeing a tribute band singer not handle all the notes can be forgiven, but regardless of his age, no one would ever give SP any slack if he did not sing the older songs like the originals. He would get raped by the press and legions of fans would post their disappointment with his performance IF he couldn't vocally handle it. Unlike other bands where it's "ok" if the lead vocals are not spot on, (The Police, Van-Halen), Journey with SP would be pretty much all about SP at that point. SP is a perfectionist, he probably is not coming back because he doesn't want to, he probably is not coming back because he simply can't do it anymore. I'm SURE we'll see some kind of music release from SP in the coming months/years, but my guess is it will be in a much softer, lower register voice, than we're used to. Wouldn't surprise me to see some kind of "jazz/ballad" hybrid from SP in the coming years.

So, does anyone know any male 58+ year old singer that could hit those classic Journey high notes?

[finalfight]

After hearing the Guff tune, seeing SP sing DSB with the White Sox, I'm not 100% convinced SP could sing the older classic Journey tunes. Seeing a tribute band singer not handle all the notes can be forgiven, but regardless of his age, no one would ever give SP any slack if he did not sing the older songs like the originals. He would get raped by the press and legions of fans would post their disappointment with his performance IF he couldn't vocally handle it. Unlike other bands where it's "ok" if the lead vocals are not spot on, (The Police, Van-Halen), Journey with SP would be pretty much all about SP at that point. SP is a perfectionist, he probably is not coming back because he doesn't want to, he probably is not coming back because he simply can't do it anymore. I'm SURE we'll see some kind of music release from SP in the coming months/years, but my guess is it will be in a much softer, lower register voice, than we're used to. Wouldn't surprise me to see some kind of "jazz/ballad" hybrid from SP in the coming years.

So, does anyone know any male 58+ year old singer that could hit those classic Journey high notes?

Here's two for starters - Dennis DeYoung and Rob Halford.

[JH'sTXfan]

So, does anyone know any male 58+ year old singer that could hit those classic Journey high notes?

I'm just thinking that the similarities in our screen names may result in confusion.

[LazzMan]

After hearing the Guff tune, seeing SP sing DSB with the White Sox, I'm not 100% convinced SP could sing the older classic Journey tunes. Seeing a tribute band singer not handle all the notes can be forgiven, but regardless of his age, no one would ever give SP any slack if he did not sing the older songs like the originals. He would get raped by the press and legions of fans would post their disappointment with his performance IF he couldn't vocally handle it. Unlike other bands where it's "ok" if the lead vocals are not spot on, (The Police, Van-Halen), Journey with SP would be pretty much all about SP at that point. SP is a perfectionist, he probably is not coming back because he doesn't want to, he probably is not coming back because he simply can't do it anymore. I'm SURE we'll see some kind of music release from SP in the coming months/years, but my guess is it will be in a much softer, lower register voice, than we're used to. Wouldn't surprise me to see some kind of "jazz/ballad" hybrid from SP in the coming years.

So, does anyone know any male 58+ year old singer that could hit those classic Journey high notes?

Here's two for starters - Dennis DeYoung and Rob Halford.

Yes, Dennis DeYoung would be on the list, Halford too. I would also include Robert Plant, Ronnie James Dio, and Paul Stanley. However, the person who would compare the closest to Perry would be Dennis DeYoung in terms of the style of music they sing. I would argue that Dennis hasn't put the same amount of strain on his voice over the years because Styx never toured as heavy as Journey back in the day. He also got to split lead vocal duties with JY and Tommy Shaw for all those years. Styx took a lot of breaks from touring back then and, of course, there was all of that "rock 'n' roll opera" stuff around Kilroy. Over the past several years Dennis' touring schedule has been very limited and he does what he needs to in order to limit vocal strain.

At the same time, Perry and DeYoung are two different people and everybody ages differently. With all of these singers that try to do Perry...even SA and JSS, you can definitely see the strain when they sing. I saw Journey with SA live three different times and there were parts of the show where the veins on his forehead were about to burst. It looked like he was about to have an aneurysm. For the last couple of years of his tenure with the band, they helped him out by having Deen sing a few songs. His voice couldn't take an entire set anymore. Same thing with Jeff. He's got a much stronger voice than SA but, there were times when he would strain as well. Perry, on the other hand, had such a powerful, yet soulful voice. In his prime, no one had a stronger voice than Steve Perry and he could sing the highest of notes with no effort whatsoever. Even playing 160 - 180 shows per year, he could hit those high notes effortlessly. That was the most impressive thing about him and why people still look at him as one of the all-time greats. A good female comparison would be Aretha Franklin. Even in her 60's she will blow anybody off the stage. Absolutely effortless.

[finalfight]

After hearing the Guff tune, seeing SP sing DSB with the White Sox, I'm not 100% convinced SP could sing the older classic Journey tunes. Seeing a tribute band singer not handle all the notes can be forgiven, but regardless of his age, no one would ever give SP any slack if he did not sing the older songs like the originals. He would get raped by the press and legions of fans would post their disappointment with his performance IF he couldn't vocally handle it. Unlike other bands where it's "ok" if the lead vocals are not spot on, (The Police, Van-Halen), Journey with SP would be pretty much all about SP at that point. SP is a perfectionist, he probably is not coming back because he doesn't want to, he probably is not coming back because he simply can't do it anymore. I'm SURE we'll see some kind of music release from SP in the coming months/years, but my guess is it will be in a much softer, lower register voice, than we're used to. Wouldn't surprise me to see some kind of "jazz/ballad" hybrid from SP in the coming years.

So, does anyone know any male 58+ year old singer that could hit those classic Journey high notes?

Here's two for starters - Dennis DeYoung and Rob Halford.

Yes, Dennis DeYoung would be on the list, Halford too. I would also include Robert Plant, Ronnie James Dio, and Paul Stanley. However, the person who would compare the closest to Perry would be Dennis DeYoung in terms of the style of music they sing. I would argue that Dennis hasn't put the same amount of strain on his voice over the years because Styx never toured as heavy as Journey back in the day. He also got to split lead vocal duties with JY and Tommy Shaw for all those years. Styx took a lot of breaks from touring back then and, of course, there was all of that "rock 'n' roll opera" stuff around Kilroy. Over the past several years Dennis' touring schedule has been very limited and he does what he needs to in order to limit vocal strain.

At the same time, Perry and DeYoung are two different people and everybody ages differently. With all of these singers that try to do Perry...even SA and JSS, you can definitely see the strain when they sing. I saw Journey with SA live three different times and there were parts of the show where the veins on his forehead were about to burst. It looked like he was about to have an aneurysm. For the last couple of years of his tenure with the band, they helped him out by having Deen sing a few songs. His voice couldn't take an entire set anymore. Same thing with Jeff. He's got a much stronger voice than SA but, there were times when he would strain as well. Perry, on the other hand, had such a powerful, yet soulful voice. In his prime, no one had a stronger voice than Steve Perry and he could sing the highest of notes with no effort whatsoever. Even playing 160 - 180 shows per year, he could hit those high notes effortlessly. That was the most impressive thing about him and why people still look at him as one of the all-time greats. A good female comparison would be Aretha Franklin. Even in her 60's she will blow anybody off the stage. Absolutely effortless.

I was toying with adding Dio but figured he really doesn't sing anything that high. How about King Diamond (aka Kim Bendix Petersen), that guy is insane although not yet 58!

[texafana]

Dio? I agree, but there's some distortion in his voice on those high notes now.
Plant? While I LOVE the Zep, his voice is no where near capable of singing those classic Zep tunes in the higher range.
Halford? According to the DVD's I've seen, his high notes are limited to a burst few once in a while, not an entire song.
Paul Stanley? Seriously??? Sorry, but I can't even comment on that one.
Dennis Deyoung is an awesome singer, truly one of the best. But Styx material is not always an excersize in high pitch singing.

Journey's hits pretty much all have high note sections. It would be a work out for anyone at any age. None of the singers mentioned so far in my opinion could sing Journey's classic material in the proper range. Am I wrong?

[donnaplease]

no one would ever give SP any slack if he did not sing the older songs like the originals.

Welcome to MR. But I absolutely disagree with you in the above statement. There are many of us here and elsewhere that WOULD understand if SP didn't hit all the high notes. Hell, there's been lots of agreement that he wasn't able to do that in the last few years of his time in Journey. Certainly, 10 years later, one would assume that he hasn't re-gained the ability that TONS of touring and overuse took from him.

Would there be critics? Absolutely. Those of us that love Steve Perry (and even those that just like him, but want to see him just do something) will gladly accept him in whatever form he is in.

[BobbyinTN]

Ann Wilson still sings all the old hits in the original keys.

[conversationpc]

Paul Stanley? Seriously??? Sorry, but I can't even comment on that one.

Paul Stanley is a much better singer now than he was 30 years ago. I'm not a KISS fan at all but dude can sing now.

[AR]

Robin Zander

[knox]

I have always liked Paul Stanley's voice.

[Foolish Heart]

no one would ever give SP any slack if he did not sing the older songs like the originals.

Welcome to MR. But I absolutely disagree with you in the above statement. There are many of us here and elsewhere that WOULD understand if SP didn't hit all the high notes. Hell, there's been lots of agreement that he wasn't able to do that in the last few years of his time in Journey. Certainly, 10 years later, one would assume that he hasn't re-gained the ability that TONS of touring and overuse took from him.

Would there be critics? Absolutely. Those of us that love Steve Perry (and even those that just like him, but want to see him just do something) will gladly accept him in whatever form he is in.

Took the words right out of my mouth. I couldn't agree with you more Donna. And I know there are a lot of people who would agree with you.

So Steve - if you read this - please think about the many people who so want to see you perform again. And, believe me, there are more than you can ever imagine!!!!

[AR]

I have always liked Paul Stanley's voice.

Paul Stanley singing "All Right Now" by Free @ RnR Fantasy Camp

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xe7I6EYd ... ed&search=

[journeyrock]

no one would ever give SP any slack if he did not sing the older songs like the originals.

Welcome to MR. But I absolutely disagree with you in the above statement. There are many of us here and elsewhere that WOULD understand if SP didn't hit all the high notes. Hell, there's been lots of agreement that he wasn't able to do that in the last few years of his time in Journey. Certainly, 10 years later, one would assume that he hasn't re-gained the ability that TONS of touring and overuse took from him.

Would there be critics? Absolutely. Those of us that love Steve Perry (and even those that just like him, but want to see him just do something) will gladly accept him in whatever form he is in.

Took the words right out of my mouth. I couldn't agree with you more Donna. And I know there are a lot of people who would agree with you.

So Steve - if you read this - please think about the many people who so want to see you perform again. And, believe me, there are more than you can ever imagine!!!!

Absolutely 110% true!!!!!!

[Rip Rokken]

David Coverdale, for sure (isn't he at least that old?) Watch him on that live Whitesnake DVD they put out a few years ago, and it's amazing!

[texafana]

Don't get me wrong, I personally would LOVE to see Steve back on stage regardless! I was just pondering perhaps that's why he isn't performing publicly with or without Journey. I hope he proves me wrong and surprises everyone.

Thanks for the welcome!

[Saint John]

no one would ever give SP any slack if he did not sing the older songs like the originals.

Welcome to MR. But I absolutely disagree with you in the above statement. There are many of us here and elsewhere that WOULD understand if SP didn't hit all the high notes. Hell, there's been lots of agreement that he wasn't able to do that in the last few years of his time in Journey. Certainly, 10 years later, one would assume that he hasn't re-gained the ability that TONS of touring and overuse took from him.

Would there be critics? Absolutely. Those of us that love Steve Perry (and even those that just like him, but want to see him just do something) will gladly accept him in whatever form he is in.

Right on, DP! What this poster fails to realize is this. Journey is a FANS band. They've NEVER been given credit by the press, music insiders, or the outlets like Rolling Stone. The numbers this band put up as far as albums, tour numbers and sales, rank with anyone that has ever produced music. All that with a simple formula...great musicianship, genuine, heartfelt lyrics and the master of passionate emotion...Mr. Perry. Neal's guitar and Steve Perry's voice were meant for each other. Neal has even stated "My guitar playing in Journey is an extension of Steve Perry's vocals." Bravo, Mr. Schon. The two of you are the best I've ever heard at what you do. Do whatever it takes to grace the stage together one more time. We've waited far too long and life is much too short.

[Wally_Hatchet]

I dunno about a 58 year old, but how 'bout a 65 year old.

Dio still sounds great - and he had a cold when these shows were taped:

LADY EVIL (2007):
http://youtube.com/watch?v=76ztr5xLE2U

FALLING OFF THE EDGE OF THE WORLD (2007):
http://youtube.com/watch?v=R75l88-vZYY


...and anyone who can sing high-harmony vox with Geoff Tate has to kick ass vocally:

THE CHASE
QUEENSRYCHE w/ RONNIE JAMES DIO (duet, 2007):
http://youtube.com/watch?v=HmfN7Fu2d6A

[squirt1]

Was there another example of anyone singing to a guitar or a guitar playing back to the voice like they did ? I don't think so.

[AR]

I dunno about a 58 year old, but how 'bout a 65 year old.

Dio still sounds great - and he had a cold when these shows were taped:

LADY EVIL (2007):
http://youtube.com/watch?v=76ztr5xLE2U

FALLING OFF THE EDGE OF THE WORLD (2007):
http://youtube.com/watch?v=R75l88-vZYY


...and anyone who can sing high-harmony vox with Geoff Tate has to kick ass vocally:

THE CHASE
QUEENSRYCHE w/ RONNIE JAMES DIO (duet, 2007):
http://youtube.com/watch?v=HmfN7Fu2d6A

Yes, agreed wholeheartedly!!!!!

[StoneCold]

He was never the "high note" singer but he still sounds great.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3gj_G7QycLU

[Nicodim]

Was there another example of anyone singing to a guitar or a guitar playing back to the voice like they did ? I don't think so.

I only can remember Queen. A great combination of unique Freddie Mercury's voice and equally unique Brian May's guitar sound.

[Nicodim]

Sorry, edited previous post.
Have some problems with using forum right now. Thus posted twice the same post.

[JohnH]

His 58th is on August 21, 2009, and I'm sure then that ex Deep Purple bassist/vocalist Glenn Hughes will still be able to hit the high notes as he is now. (And his bio is wrong, he was not born in 1952, he just has never bothered to correct it.)

John

[Rawbean]

Ann Wilson still sings all the old hits in the original keys.

Adding to the female singers who can still hit the high notes, definitely throw in Pat Benatar. I've seen her live the last three summers in a row and her voice is still absolutely incredible. Believe she's in her mid-50's at this point. She hit notes in "We Live for Love" that sent chills down my spine!! You won't hear Britney Spears 25 years from now hittin' anything, maybe the bottle...that's what kills me about the music and musicians of today, none of it will transcend time.

[ohsherrie]

I think what Steve sees as the expectations of the fans is a big reason why he isn't doing anything.

There's no doubt that he can absolutely still sing. Too many people who are in positions to know have said that he can for me to think otherwise. I doubt that he can still sing in the same key that the Infinity thru Escape material was written in though. I see no reason to expect that he could.

However, ever since 1997 the fanbase that supported the band going on with Augeri has been trying to justify that mistake by saying Steve Perry couldn't sing the songs in the original keys anymore anyway. Until JSS, that was the primary justification given for the "Perry who?" and "Who needs Perry?" posts that were all over the Journey messageboards.

Steve Perry has been treated like shit by the portion of the fanbase that supported Augeri. It was as though there was nothing great about his voice but the high notes . FTLOSM and TBF have both been bashed on the boards because he sang in a lower register. Why would he want to sing now when he knows he'll just get skewered if he doesn't hit the high notes?

[Nicodim]

Ann Wilson still sings all the old hits in the original keys.

Adding to the female singers who can still hit the high notes, definitely throw in Pat Benatar. I've seen her live the last three summers in a row and her voice is still absolutely incredible. Believe she's in her mid-50's at this point. She hit notes in "We Live for Love" that sent chills down my spine!! You won't hear Britney Spears 25 years from now hittin' anything, maybe the bottle...that's what kills me about the music and musicians of today, none of it will transcend time.

Damn, she's one of hot favs 4 me. Why can't I see Pat live? Guess, she'll never come here 2 Moscow. What a shame..
Well, Robin, if she sings anything from 'Innamorata' now? It's so underrated yet still my favorite album. Though I believe if there's anything from the album in her set it's only 'I don't wanna b your friend', isn't it?

P.S. - sorry, seems I'm goin' the wrong way. There's a Pat's tread somewhere in the 'Female Singers' part... Just can't keep myself off when it's about Pat.

[SF-Dano]

Not sure how old he is, but I think Eric Martin can still get his voice up there.

[Marc S]

Glenn Hughes....awesome

[conversationpc]

Not sure how old he is, but I think Eric Martin can still get his voice up there.

He's 47.