Arnel In Perspective

[Rip Rokken]

Maybe part of the reason Arnel is so "scared" is because he's seen or heard of all the venom directed toward him on message boards. I'll tell you why I wish him the best:

1) Anyone who carries a torch for 80's-90's era melodic rock like he has, in his own country no doubt, has my ultimate respect. The guy is obviously a huge fan, and people like him only generate more interest in the genre. With enough people bringing that to the masses, the better chance we have of getting a hunger for decent music back in people's hearts. Younger audiences already seem to be rediscovering melodic rock (or discovering it for the first time), and who knows? Maybe someday we can hear decent music back on the radio again if more people learn what decent music is? So -- anyone who carries that torch for as long as Arnel wins my top respect.

2) C'mon, what a dream for a guy, to sing for one of his favorite bands... and get paid, too!

Say whatever you want about Journey or their management, but I don't see a single reason to throw the slightest insult his way. Hope to meet him someday and be one of several fans who encourage him instead of punish him.

[SteveForever]

You and your ilk Soto All The Way have turned ANDREW'S FORUM into a joke. Your posts are illiterate and stupid and reflect badly on us Americans who read and post here and who have legitimate, thoughtful things to say. Any response you have to my post is going to look dumb, so why don't you stifle yourself.

Nancy, I think he has a head injury.

[knox]

I 100% agree that Perry in Journey would be the biggest thing in music in a long, long time.

If that is what you took from my post, I didn't mean that inference.

Perry and Journey would literally turn the music world on its head.

[heardonthestreet]

I'd be willing to bet that there is nothing he would like better than to give us one more effort, not because he owes us but just to be able to make so many of his fans have a dream come true. The pressure has to be a nightmare.

[Perrydise]

A Journey reunion with SP would be the biggest thing ever in rock.

With that being said, no one owes me anything. I have bought the releases, seen the concerts, enjoyed the music daily since it all happened. I am a fan of the music and it has brought me to listen to a new singer JSS. I am a Perry fan, not a loon or maniac or anything else that may make me seem like a lunatic.

SP had that "thing", the "it factor", the presence, the charisma and the voice that made it all possible. Jss had it also. With Arnel, I just dont see it. All of the links have shown him in his "element", singing and forgetting lyrics, being below par for a professional. (which I am sure is what he would refer to himself as, a professionial singer)He is going to need alot of training and structure to become the crutch that this band needs to pull it all off again and bring it all together.

As far as him being scared, that says alot. Singing is something that is a part of you. It is deep seeded into your gut, you eat, drink, sleep music. Fear should never be a factor, it will cripple you. As, I have said, I just dont see it. He doesn't have the "IT factor".

I will throw a bet out there. Here it is. Twelve hours after the final concert of the 2008 tour, Arnel will get a phone call.....you all know the rest of the story.

**I truly believe that the reason JSS was let go was because both Neal and Jon seen that Jeff was bigger and better than Journey on it's own. They had seen it before with Perry and they weren't going down that road again.**

[BobbyinTN]

I agree. Arnel deserves a chance. He might astound us all. The thing is he's a good singer and I'd listen to him no matter who he was playing with.

It's sometimes best to concentrate on the positive.

I was most reluctant to Steve Augeri, but I grew to love him. I loved JSS with Soul Sirkus and he gained many new fans in his short time with Jorney.

I just hope Arnel gets a fair chance and doesn't become another victim.

[Saint John]

A Journey reunion with SP would be the biggest thing ever in rock.

With that being said, no one owes me anything. I have bought the releases, seen the concerts, enjoyed the music daily since it all happened. I am a fan of the music and it has brought me to listen to a new singer JSS. I am a Perry fan, not a loon or maniac or anything else that may make me seem like a lunatic.

SP had that "thing", the "it factor", the presence, the charisma and the voice that made it all possible. Jss had it also. With Arnel, I just dont see it. All of the links have shown him in his "element", singing and forgetting lyrics, being below par for a professional. (which I am sure is what he would refer to himself as, a professionial singer)He is going to need alot of training and structure to become the crutch that this band needs to pull it all off again and bring it all together.

As far as him being scared, that says alot. Singing is something that is a part of you. It is deep seeded into your gut, you eat, drink, sleep music. Fear should never be a factor, it will cripple you. As, I have said, I just dont see it. He doesn't have the "IT factor".

I will throw a bet out there. Here it is. Twelve hours after the final concert of the 2008 tour, Arnel will get a phone call.....you all know the rest of the story.

**I truly believe that the reason JSS was let go was because both Neal and Jon seen that Jeff was bigger and better than Journey on it's own. They had seen it before with Perry and they weren't going down that road again.**

Absurd. The reason the guy is scared is because he's been subjected to ridicule and general nastiness, all while being thousands of miles from home with no support group. He's a fuckin' singer, not a Navy Seal, so your attempts to discredit his love for music are neither valid nor logical. Singing IS something he loves. Evidence of that is showcased in any one of the THREE HUNDRED cover songs he knows and the multiple successful albums he's had while under contract. And your "I truly believe" theory is exponentially more laughable than me thinking that Steve Perry was coming back to Journey. And that was pretty stupid.

[Lula]

My issue with Journey is character. I am in no way a casual fan, I've loved these guys more than half of my life... yikes, since 1978 . Tapegate was completely unbelievable to me, Dean can tell you it was months before I would listen to the proof. I was devastated that they would do such a thing. The only reason I came around was because of Jeff and my belief in him as a human being. I already had purchased my tix to a few shows and would have been there regardless of singers. The lack of respect and consideration shown to Jeff did it. I know this is a business. I also know these men refer to one another as brothers. Jon/Neal et al have every right to hire and fire as they see fit and had they shown Jeff the courtesy of respect I'd be on board with their next move. I can't say I'd go to more than one show without new material though.

I think Arnel Pineda has a great voice. I thinks it's wonderful for any person to live out their dream. I wish only the best for him and Journey.

[kbo]

A Journey reunion with SP would be the biggest thing ever in rock.

With that being said, no one owes me anything. I have bought the releases, seen the concerts, enjoyed the music daily since it all happened. I am a fan of the music and it has brought me to listen to a new singer JSS. I am a Perry fan, not a loon or maniac or anything else that may make me seem like a lunatic.

SP had that "thing", the "it factor", the presence, the charisma and the voice that made it all possible. Jss had it also. With Arnel, I just dont see it. All of the links have shown him in his "element", singing and forgetting lyrics, being below par for a professional. (which I am sure is what he would refer to himself as, a professionial singer)He is going to need alot of training and structure to become the crutch that this band needs to pull it all off again and bring it all together.

As far as him being scared, that says alot. Singing is something that is a part of you. It is deep seeded into your gut, you eat, drink, sleep music. Fear should never be a factor, it will cripple you. As, I have said, I just dont see it. He doesn't have the "IT factor".

I will throw a bet out there. Here it is. Twelve hours after the final concert of the 2008 tour, Arnel will get a phone call.....you all know the rest of the story.

**I truly believe that the reason JSS was let go was because both Neal and Jon seen that Jeff was bigger and better than Journey on it's own. They had seen it before with Perry and they weren't going down that road again.**

Absurd. The reason the guy is scared is because he's been subjected to ridicule and general nastiness, all while being thousands of miles from home with no support group. He's a fuckin' singer, not a Navy Seal so your attempts to to discredit his love for music are neither valid nor logical. Singing IS something he loves. Evidence of that is showcased in any one of the THREE HUNDRED cover songs he knows and the multiple successful albums he's had while under contract. And your "I truly believe" theory is exponentially more laughable than me thinking that Steve Perry was coming back to Journey. And that was pretty stupid.

He's a fuckin' singer, not a Navy Seal

This is the best retort I've read to date!! Couldn't agree more. Absolutely Hilarious as well..

[Saint John]

My issue with Journey is character. I am in no way a casual fan, I've loved these guys more than half of my life... yikes, since 1978 . Tapegate was completely unbelievable to me, Dean can tell you it was months before I would listen to the proof. I was devastated that they would do such a thing. The only reason I came around was because of Jeff and my belief in him as a human being. I already had purchased my tix to a few shows and would have been there regardless of singers. The lack of respect and consideration shown to Jeff did it. I know this is a business. I also know these men refer to one another as brothers. Jon/Neal et al have every right to hire and fire as they see fit and had they shown Jeff the courtesy of respect I'd be on board with their next move. I can't say I'd go to more than one show without new material though.

I think Arnel Pineda has a great voice. I thinks it's wonderful for any person to live out their dream. I wish only the best for him and Journey.

Great, valid, well thought out post.....as usual.

[Perrydise]

Absurd. The reason the guy is scared is because he's been subjected to ridicule and general nastiness, all while being thousands of miles from home with no support group.

He is in the music industry. There will be many critics, he better grow a thick skin. Plus all this sudden BS from you is laughable at the most. You were one of the first to ridicule and say he didnt have what it takes. If you are a man stand up and stand by your comments. There is more flip flopping going on here than in a coin toss before the beginning of a football game.

What did someone threaten you to make you change your mind? You once had some credibility - you have nothing now.

[Rip Rokken]

If I knew which hotel Arnel is staying in, I'd call him myself and tell him not to sweat it so hard, that people are rooting for him. Heck, if he had an e-mail address, I'd mail him. I feel both happy and sad for the guy at the same time.

[Saint John]

Absurd. The reason the guy is scared is because he's been subjected to ridicule and general nastiness, all while being thousands of miles from home with no support group.

He is in the music industry. There will be many critics, he better grow a thick skin. Plus all this sudden BS from you is laughable at the most. You were one of the first to ridicule and say he didnt have what it takes. If you are a man stand up and stand by your comments. There is more flip flopping going on here than in a coin toss before the beginning of a football game.

What did someone threaten you to make you change your mind? You once had some credibility - you have nothing now.

I always speak my mind. I'm not real concerned with what anyone, friend or foe, thinks. Threatened? Never. My "comments" were never about his voice. I expressed concern about his diction and his stage presence. THOSE are fixable things. As far as my "credibility" in your eyes goes, I really coundn't care less how you view my opinions. I've been wrong MANY times and admit as much. I was hasty when I decided Arnel wasn't right, but after putting forth a bit of research on his career and really listening to his voice, I've warmed up to him and what I view to be almost limitless potential.

[wastingbeerz]

I spoke to someone really important in the music industry today. Of course I had to ask about Journey and their current situation. Apparently, against what I was dreaming for, Arnel Pineda will be Journey's next singer. He was selected, by chance, after Jeff Scott Soto was terminated. Arnel has a wife and several children, including a newborn. For the better part of 20 years he has idolized American AOR. He covers Journey, Bryan Adams, Survivor, Bon Jovi, Heart, The Eagles and countless other American bands. He, like Steve Augeri and Jeff Scott Soto before him, is living out a dream. How long, if at all, it will last, is anyone's guess.
Fast forward to right now. Arnel is currently several thousand miles from home holed up in a hotel away from his family, his country and his home. He's here to do what Steve Augeri and JSS before him did so well. Carry the Journey torch that Steve Perry lit. It's time to give all of the negative bullshit, name calling, and bickering a rest. The dude, I've been told, is scared shitless. I can't imagine what leaving your country, your home and your family behind must be like. The least we can do is show the man the common decency of indifference. If you don't like him, fine. Don't support him, the band or their shows. But when the fuck is the nonstop abuse gonna stop? Let's judge this dude when he performs with Journey and not prior to. If you listen purely to his voice, his tone, and his range, there is NO doubt he's immensely talented. Sure he has diction issues, but afford him the benefit of at least officially performing with the band before you crucify him. Personally, I think Augeri, Soto and Hunsicker pale in comparison to this guy's vocal capabilities. And while he might not be much taller than Neal Schon, he's got King Kong sized balls for travelling halfway around the world to chase his dream. I'm behind this guy 100%. "Pineda's Posse" has a nice ring to it. Goodnight and God bless.

I absolutely agree 1000%!!! Well, except the Augeri thing, when he was back in his prime his voice was absolutely amazing... I really do wish he would be able to get his voice back in shape and go back to Journey, and I am hoping we hear something solo/Tall Stories-wise from hime soon. "Pineda's Posse" definitely does have a nice ring to it, but what about "Arnel's Armada"? Hmm, maybe that's too close to "KISS Army". Nah.

[Voyager]

But when the fuck is the nonstop abuse gonna stop?

I doubt that it will ever stop. The same thing would be happening to the Rolling Stones if they were on their third Mick Jagger replacement. People become devoted to a lead singer, then the person is replaced. Then they become devoted to the new singer, and the person is yanked again. After this happens too many times, people get fed up. They are simply tired of switching their devotion out for the latest new guy. We're talking about a rock band, not a ball team.

What would Ozzy be without Ozzy? What would The Police be without Sting? What would Aerosmith be without Steven Tyler? Journey has morphed into the ultimate chicken-with-its-head-cutoff band, and is being treated as such. After three head transplants, people have become suspect that a suitable donor will be found.

[Voyager]

Perry and Journey would literally turn the music world on its head.

It would be bigger the The Police reunion this year - and that was big.

[StoneCold]

There's an nearly empty Soto forum to play in.

This statement is uncalled for - debate as much as you want, but don't disrespect others in the process.

Have you read many posts here? "Dissin" is the goal for lots of folks around here. That's what they're here for. SA, Hugo, Jeremey, & AP have been roasted at one time or another not to mention the personal attacks that go on.

BTW, the above isn't so much a dis on JSS as on his fans that play in the MRJF instead of the Soto forum. JSS isn't dissed much since he's done nothing but help Journey and handled himself very professionally.

[RedWingFan]

There's an nearly empty Soto forum to play in.

This statement is uncalled for - debate as much as you want, but don't disrespect others in the process.

Didn't mean it as a dis to Jeff. I just wanted to point out there's plenty of room for positive posts about Jeff below instead of coming here and insulting and ripping people (Arnel) here. Andrew doesn't need it.

[Indyjoe]

There's an nearly empty Soto forum to play in.

This statement is uncalled for - debate as much as you want, but don't disrespect others in the process.

Have you read many posts here? "Dissin" is the goal for lots of folks around here. That's what they're here for. SA, Hugo, Jeremey, & AP have been roasted at one time or another not to mention the personal attacks that go on.

BTW, the above isn't so much a dis on JSS as on his fans that play in the MRJF instead of the Soto forum. JSS isn't dissed much since he's done nothing but help Journey and handled himself very professionally.

We have 2 forums to play in - the Jeff Scott Soto forum and the MRJF (Melodic Rock Jeff Forum)

Being that he is the last singer Journey had, his fans will be here too.

[treetopovskaya]

say it sistah. }:C)

There's an nearly empty Soto forum to play in.

This statement is uncalled for - debate as much as you want, but don't disrespect others in the process.

Have you read many posts here? "Dissin" is the goal for lots of folks around here. That's what they're here for. SA, Hugo, Jeremey, & AP have been roasted at one time or another not to mention the personal attacks that go on.

BTW, the above isn't so much a dis on JSS as on his fans that play in the MRJF instead of the Soto forum. JSS isn't dissed much since he's done nothing but help Journey and handled himself very professionally.

We have 2 forums to play in - the Jeff Scott Soto forum and the MRJF (Melodic Rock Jeff Forum)

Being that he is the last singer Journey had, his fans will be here too.

[Carlitto H@kk]

Carl, this post reeks of sour grapes. Why is it that when Jeff accepted the gig it was OK? Why wasn't it a "really bad decision" then? Oh wait, I know why. Because coming on the heels of TapeGate we didn't know Jon, Neal and Azoff management weren't sinister, cunning, cut throat businessmen. Riiiiggghhhtt. Jeff chose to take a chance at working with guys he KNEW were less than honest. He had to know because the only reason he got the opportunity in the first place was because their smoke and mirrors show was outed. Still, he took it because he knew it's the opportunity of a lifetime. I'm sure he'd tell you that he'd do it all over again and I'm also pretty sure that if they asked him back he'd accept. Why? Because it's probably the best longterm decision for his career and his family, which is EXACTLY why Arnel is doing the same.

Dan, it's not Sour Grapes. I didn't sat anything bad about Arnel; I really can't give an opinion on him since I have never heard him sing, seen a decsent picture and can't get to YouTube from here.

My dissappointment, mixed w/ a little bit of anger, lies with the rest of the band. You know that. Sure I was excited when Jeff came on. Why? Because it seemed like, w/ Jeff and the way these guys interacted on stage, there was a chance for an exciting future from the band. Jeff wasn't a "spot-on Perry" but, honestly, after hearing the DD and other tunes for 20 years, Jeff's interpretations on the songs were refreshing. His energy and style breathed some new life into those classics, made them sound 'current' again. And you know as well as I do that it had been years since the rest of the band seemed to be having so much fun on stage; the energy was infectious. We "thought" that with Jeff on board that excitement would carry into the studio and produce a Journey album we've been wanting for years... Great, in-your-face melodic rock with some timeless ballads.

Now we are left w/ Journey hiring a guy because he sounds very much like Perry, they have stated they want to get back to the legacy sound and it appears we will be treated to yet more DD and Nostalgia tours. I wish Arnel all the best but, just like most of us told Jeremy on this board when he was in the running, the losses/gains in the long run just might not be worth it. If they record new material, I may check it out. I've been a fan so long, how could I NOT to be curious? But with so many changes and left-turns in the past 1-2 years, its hard to be excited.

[Saint John]

Carl, this post reeks of sour grapes. Why is it that when Jeff accepted the gig it was OK? Why wasn't it a "really bad decision" then? Oh wait, I know why. Because coming on the heels of TapeGate we didn't know Jon, Neal and Azoff management weren't sinister, cunning, cut throat businessmen. Riiiiggghhhtt. Jeff chose to take a chance at working with guys he KNEW were less than honest. He had to know because the only reason he got the opportunity in the first place was because their smoke and mirrors show was outed. Still, he took it because he knew it's the opportunity of a lifetime. I'm sure he'd tell you that he'd do it all over again and I'm also pretty sure that if they asked him back he'd accept. Why? Because it's probably the best longterm decision for his career and his family, which is EXACTLY why Arnel is doing the same.

Dan, it's not Sour Grapes. I didn't sat anything bad about Arnel; I really can't give an opinion on him since I have never heard him sing, seen a decsent picture and can't get to YouTube from here.

My dissappointment, mixed w/ a little bit of anger, lies with the rest of the band. You know that. Sure I was excited when Jeff came on. Why? Because it seemed like, w/ Jeff and the way these guys interacted on stage, there was a chance for an exciting future from the band. Jeff wasn't a "spot-on Perry" but, honestly, after hearing the DD and other tunes for 20 years, Jeff's interpretations on the songs were refreshing. His energy and style breathed some new life into those classics, made them sound 'current' again. And you know as well as I do that it had been years since the rest of the band seemed to be having so much fun on stage; the energy was infectious. We "thought" that with Jeff on board that excitement would carry into the studio and produce a Journey album we've been wanting for years... Great, in-your-face melodic rock with some timeless ballads.

Now we are left w/ Journey hiring a guy because he sounds very much like Perry, they have stated they want to get back to the legacy sound and it appears we will be treated to yet more DD and Nostalgia tours. I wish Arnel all the best but, just like most of us told Jeremy on this board when he was in the running, the losses/gains in the long run just might not be worth it. If they record new material, I may check it out. I've been a fan so long, how could I NOT to be curious? But with so many changes and left-turns in the past 1-2 years, its hard to be excited.

Fair enough, CH. I retract my "sour grapes" comment.

[Carlitto H@kk]

Carl, this post reeks of sour grapes. Why is it that when Jeff accepted the gig it was OK? Why wasn't it a "really bad decision" then? Oh wait, I know why. Because coming on the heels of TapeGate we didn't know Jon, Neal and Azoff management weren't sinister, cunning, cut throat businessmen. Riiiiggghhhtt. Jeff chose to take a chance at working with guys he KNEW were less than honest. He had to know because the only reason he got the opportunity in the first place was because their smoke and mirrors show was outed. Still, he took it because he knew it's the opportunity of a lifetime. I'm sure he'd tell you that he'd do it all over again and I'm also pretty sure that if they asked him back he'd accept. Why? Because it's probably the best longterm decision for his career and his family, which is EXACTLY why Arnel is doing the same.

Dan, it's not Sour Grapes. I didn't sat anything bad about Arnel; I really can't give an opinion on him since I have never heard him sing, seen a decsent picture and can't get to YouTube from here.

My dissappointment, mixed w/ a little bit of anger, lies with the rest of the band. You know that. Sure I was excited when Jeff came on. Why? Because it seemed like, w/ Jeff and the way these guys interacted on stage, there was a chance for an exciting future from the band. Jeff wasn't a "spot-on Perry" but, honestly, after hearing the DD and other tunes for 20 years, Jeff's interpretations on the songs were refreshing. His energy and style breathed some new life into those classics, made them sound 'current' again. And you know as well as I do that it had been years since the rest of the band seemed to be having so much fun on stage; the energy was infectious. We "thought" that with Jeff on board that excitement would carry into the studio and produce a Journey album we've been wanting for years... Great, in-your-face melodic rock with some timeless ballads.

Now we are left w/ Journey hiring a guy because he sounds very much like Perry, they have stated they want to get back to the legacy sound and it appears we will be treated to yet more DD and Nostalgia tours. I wish Arnel all the best but, just like most of us told Jeremy on this board when he was in the running, the losses/gains in the long run just might not be worth it. If they record new material, I may check it out. I've been a fan so long, how could I NOT to be curious? But with so many changes and left-turns in the past 1-2 years, its hard to be excited.

Fair enough, CH. I retract my "sour grapes" comment.

Whew! Feels good to still be able to dodge a Bitch-Slap from Jaun Santo

But I forgot to mention; I don't think Jeff would accept an apology and re-join this crew.
For one thing, as far as long-term decisions for his career, how great of decision would it
be to tour behind someone else's achievements for a few years?
Creatively, Jeff would probably get frustrated. And how many more years do you
really think these guys have left in them, performing as "Journey", that is?
I give them 2-3 TOPS and that's being optimistic.

But I guess "secretly" I hope Arnel turns out to be a golden ticket. I hope he blows me away.
No matter the dissappointment or anger, I'm like most; I can't fathom a life w/o Journey...
Even if its only to bash

[Rip Rokken]

But I guess "secretly" I hope Arnel turns out to be a golden ticket. I hope he blows me away. No matter the dissappointment or anger, I'm like most; I can't fathom a life w/o Journey... Even if its only to bash

I hope he blows everyone away... From all the Arnel bashing I've read (before he even debuts with Journey, no less), you'd think his last name was Pinata instead of Pineda. Hmm... That might actually work for the people who still think a Filipino is a Latino...

[wildone]

But I guess "secretly" I hope Arnel turns out to be a golden ticket. I hope he blows me away. No matter the dissappointment or anger, I'm like most; I can't fathom a life w/o Journey... Even if its only to bash

I hope he blows everyone away... From all the Arnel bashing I've read (before he even debuts with Journey, no less), you'd think his last name was Pinata instead of Pineda. Hmm... That might actually work for the people who still think a Filipino is a Latino...

"Pinata"............your killin me here!!!

[Rip Rokken]

"Pinata"............your killin me here!!!

Hehe... I try to ration those out very sparingly, lest I get myself run out of town.

[wildone]

"Pinata"............your killin me here!!!

Hehe... I try to ration those out very sparingly, lest I get myself run out of town.

quicker then JSS at a.......awww forget it ...lol

[WIX]

I remember when I first got my license and had to drive 3 hours out of town by myself at 16, I was scared shitless.

But none of them bastard Utah Drivers gave a shit about me, they ran me off the road, flipped the bird, cut me off, left me for dead !

But like Gloria Gaynor, I suvived !

[NealIsGod]

Neal shreds, Deen rocks, John smokes the keys...hell yah I'm looking forward to a show soon!! HELLS YAH!

Neal shreds every chance of making this band relevant again by making shitty decisions.
Deen rocks at acting like the "hired help" Jon and Neal expect him to be by letting them run this band into the dirt.
Jon blows smoke up everyone's asses with all his talk and "good guy" image, when in reality he's got a bigger power-trip
than Neal and is even more content than Neal to just live off of the Perry-era Magic.

Arnel, probably a good guy about to make a really bad decision that he will regret in a few years.
Sure, he'll make some money, get to play to some big crowds and get to play w/ some great musicians.
But it will all end badly for him when either Neal and Jon decide to put this band to rest permanently after
a few years of Arnel only being allowed to sing Perry's material or they will just get rid of him.

Good Luck, Arnel. You may want to "carry the torch Perry lit" but don't be surprised if it burns your ass

Carl, this post reeks of sour grapes. Why is it that when Jeff accepted the gig it was OK? Why wasn't it a "really bad decision" then? Oh wait, I know why. Because coming on the heels of TapeGate we didn't know Jon, Neal and Azoff management weren't sinister, cunning, cut throat businessmen. Riiiiggghhhtt.

Were you here back then? Many of us thought JSS was not a good fit at first but he won us over. Let's see if your new boyfriend can do that.

[Saint John]

Neal shreds, Deen rocks, John smokes the keys...hell yah I'm looking forward to a show soon!! HELLS YAH!

Neal shreds every chance of making this band relevant again by making shitty decisions.
Deen rocks at acting like the "hired help" Jon and Neal expect him to be by letting them run this band into the dirt.
Jon blows smoke up everyone's asses with all his talk and "good guy" image, when in reality he's got a bigger power-trip
than Neal and is even more content than Neal to just live off of the Perry-era Magic.

Arnel, probably a good guy about to make a really bad decision that he will regret in a few years.
Sure, he'll make some money, get to play to some big crowds and get to play w/ some great musicians.
But it will all end badly for him when either Neal and Jon decide to put this band to rest permanently after
a few years of Arnel only being allowed to sing Perry's material or they will just get rid of him.

Good Luck, Arnel. You may want to "carry the torch Perry lit" but don't be surprised if it burns your ass

Carl, this post reeks of sour grapes. Why is it that when Jeff accepted the gig it was OK? Why wasn't it a "really bad decision" then? Oh wait, I know why. Because coming on the heels of TapeGate we didn't know Jon, Neal and Azoff management weren't sinister, cunning, cut throat businessmen. Riiiiggghhhtt.

Were you here back then? Many of us thought JSS was not a good fit at first but he won us over. Let's see if your new boyfriend can do that.

Whether or not he was or wasn't a "good fit" has nothing to do with actually accepting or declining the gig. And I certainly didn't see anyone photoshopping Jeff eating tacos or stomping cockroaches, which would be the equivalent (and ridiculous) stereotype Arnel has been subjected to with this whole "dog eating" thing. And as far as "boyfriends" go, I'm not the sap with "Neal Is God" as my handle.