Should true Journey fans love every version of Journey?

[m]

i’m a true fan because I keep coming back, no matter how many versions, or decisions I don’t like, lol

[Rick]

I think a true fan owes the band an objective review of every incarnation but if the core changes, I don't think you have to like that vintage of the band.

I think that is a very important point. I think a "true fan" SHOULD praise what deserves praising and criticize what needs criticizing. A think a "true fan" that has been with the band through it all almost has a RESPONSIBILITY to voice those opinions...good and band. It is obvious, with our access to information, that "we" can be more educated than ever before. But that is a double-edged sword because I know that my Journey "loving" has taken a beating over the past year or so. And I do not like everything this band has done. But I still follow them....because I am a fan.

Very good post. I couldn't agree more.

[ArnelRox]

i’m a true fan because I keep coming back, no matter how many versions, or decisions I don’t like, lol

Wow good point! We're all still here.

[AR]

Some of us are still here only to ridicule Journey.

[ArnelRox]

Some of us are still here only to ridicule Journey.

That means u were a fan at one point tho. Otherwise, why bother?

[AR]

Some of us are still here only to ridicule Journey.

That means u were a fan at one point tho. Otherwise, why bother?

Of course I was. Past tense though. I stay on the boards because of the friends here, to have some laughs (mostly at Frig and Fro's expense) and to plan get togethers.

If I want a live Journey fix, there's "Frontiers".

[ArnelRox]

Some of us are still here only to ridicule Journey.

That means u were a fan at one point tho. Otherwise, why bother?

Of course I was. Past tense though. I stay on the boards because of the friends here, to have some laughs (mostly at Frig and Fro's expense) and to plan get togethers.

If I want a live Journey fix, there's "Frontiers".

Whatever floats ur boat, I guess.

[SPFan4ever]

The only Journey that I liked was when it was SteveP, Schon and Cain. THEY were Journey. What Journey has become is not Journey. So now, I am just a Steve Perry fan. I also loved Evolution and missed Greg when he left.

[hoagiepete]

Would Rush be Rush without Geddy Lee or Neil Peart?
Beatles with a substitute for Paul McCartney, John Lennon or George Harrison?
Rolling Stones without Keith Richards or Mick Jagger?
Led Zeppelin without Jimmy Page or Robert Plant?
The Who without Roger Daltrey or Pete Townsend?
The Police without Sting?
U2 without Bono?
Heart without Ann or Nancy Wilson?
Aerosmith without Stephen Tyler or Joe Perry?
Boston without Tom Scholtz or Brad Delp?
Triumph without Rick Emmett?
Eagles without Glen Frey or Don Henley?

My point is...some parts may be replaceable, others are not. Depends on the fan I guess. Is Perry or Schon that part of Journey that really isn't replaceable?

[AR]

Jeff Scott Soto = Rockstar

Arnel = American Idol type parrot

That little dude will not connect with the crowd nor fire it up. I'd love to see what his contract will be. You just know, they chose him so they could control the lead singer completely and pay him dirt. You think there's anyway Arnel is going to be made a full partner in the band? Jeremey showed he had a back bone and that was too much for them. Ditto with Soto. So they found the liittle meek looking guy who those 2 sharks can eat alive.

Journey is supposed to be a seminal rock band worthy of the shitty Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. By choosing Arnel, they might as well have really had the TV show "Rock Star Journey" and had Arnel compete with Sanjaya and a bunch of other karoake singers who just fucking stand there.

[Carlitto H@kk]

Third singer change in less than a year, with little chance of anything
new or "creative" in the future = WTF!?!?

Why dont u just wait & see? U havent even heard Arnel sing anything so I suppose u havent heard anything he's written either, right? Want me to send u some? Just ask. Then u can give an "informed" opinion. Ok?

Suzer, you misunderstand me. My comments aren't aimed at Arnel at all.
You're right, I can't make any "informed" decision on him because I haven't
heard him sing... ever. He may be really great, and I hope he does well.

My "WTF" comment is more towards a band seemingly desperate to somehow
re-live their glory years. not to mention that a revolving-door of singers tends
to make me lose interest; there isn't anything unique or 'magical' left there for me...

[ArnelRox]

Is Perry or Schon that part of Journey that really isn't replaceable?

That's the million dollar question isnt it? Some have made up their minds on the issue tho. Others havent.

[Rick]

Is Perry or Schon that part of Journey that really isn't replaceable?

Like I told a new found friend of mine. The band that Perry sings with is arbitrary. Perry is the reason we are all here, really.

[AR]

I have the informed opinion that Arnel is mediocre as a full package. Very good voice, ZERO stage presence, and it's going to be hilarious when he tries to address an ampitheater (really a state fair) crowd.

This is going to be a trainwreck.

[Rick]

Is Perry or Schon that part of Journey that really isn't replaceable?

Like I told a new found friend of mine. The band that Perry sings with is arbitrary. Perry is the reason we are all here, really.

With the possible exception of Niggy and Stu.

[ArnelRox]

My "WTF" comment is more towards a band seemingly desperate to somehow
re-live their glory years. not to mention that a revolving-door of singers tends
to make me lose interest; there isn't anything unique or 'magical' left there for me...

I just dont know that they're trying to relive their glory years. I think they're just trying to live, make a living, do what they always did: make music. I doubt they think they'll top the charts or fill huge stadiums again, do u?

Yeah they've hired 2 different singers in the last 18 mths. Augeri was w/them for a long time & his voice was shot. There was no choice there, either retire or go on. They went on. For some reason, they decided that direction w/that singer wasnt right & many of us (me included) didnt think they handled it well. But for them, something wasnt going as they wanted it to. I dont know what that "thing" was. But new music could be unique & magical w/any singer. They've got a guy who can sing all the songs & has writing capabilities. Why give up on them now?

[ArnelRox]

I have the informed opinion that Arnel is mediocre as a full package. Very good voice, ZERO stage presence, and it's going to be hilarious when he tries to address an ampitheater (really a state fair) crowd.

This is going to be a trainwreck.

I disagree about his stage presence sorry. He's addressed ampitheaters before.

Many people didnt care for Augeri's stage presence, some people (odd as this may sound) didnt like Jeff's stage presence. Believe it or not, some people I know (tasteless fools) didn't like Perry's stage presence. Different people like different things. But ur entitled to ur opinions. I just wonder how informed u really are.

[bluejeangirl76]

Journey is supposed to be a seminal rock band worthy of the shitty Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. By choosing Arnel, they might as well have really had the TV show "Rock Star Journey" and had Arnel compete with Sanjaya and a bunch of other karoake singers who just fucking stand there.

[heardonthestreet]

I am a Perryonly! Need I say more?

[Rick]

I am a Perryonly! Need I say more?

Need you say that? We know.

[AR]

I have the informed opinion that Arnel is mediocre as a full package. Very good voice, ZERO stage presence, and it's going to be hilarious when he tries to address an ampitheater (really a state fair) crowd.

This is going to be a trainwreck.

I disagree about his stage presence sorry. He's addressed ampitheaters before.

Many people didnt care for Augeri's stage presence, some people (odd as this may sound) didnt like Jeff's stage presence. Believe it or not, some people I know (tasteless fools) didn't like Perry's stage presence. Different people like different things. But ur entitled to ur opinions. I just wonder how informed u really are.

Augeri actually interacted with the crowd pretty well. The "let the Journey continue" deal on the Vegas DVD went over great.

Arnel does not come off as a frontman of a major band. Karoake/American Idol parroting. And going to 3rd World to find someone? It sounds bad. Ridiculous. A REAL band wouldn't stoop to this. I don't care if the new singer is Filipino, Mongolian, or Ugandan - he better fit in. And yes looks and stage presence count. This guy is so mousy quiet when he talks in between songs and doesn't talk with authority and won't be able to. Zero charisma. He's a fucking parrot. In fact, THAT is his new name.

It reminds me of a Rockstar INXS, or letting an American Idol contestant front what was once a great band.

Imagine Aerosmith doing something like this if Steven Tyler retired or couldn't sing.? It wouldn't happen.

This is going to fail and I am going to LMFAO.

I'm going to really enjoy the crash and burn.

But ur entitled to ur opinions. I just wonder how informed u really are.

Well I go to 20 or 30 concerts a year and have been doing so for well over 20 years. I think I know what works. Also, if you don't think I know people in the music business, well you'd be wrong about that.

[Deb]

I have the informed opinion that Arnel is mediocre as a full package. Very good voice, ZERO stage presence, and it's going to be hilarious when he tries to address an ampitheater (really a state fair) crowd.

This is going to be a trainwreck.

I disagree about his stage presence sorry. He's addressed ampitheaters before.

Many people didnt care for Augeri's stage presence, some people (odd as this may sound) didnt like Jeff's stage presence. Believe it or not, some people I know (tasteless fools) didn't like Perry's stage presence. Different people like different things. But ur entitled to ur opinions. I just wonder how informed u really are.

You're right everybody's entitled to their opinions. But come on Suz, as far as stage presence goes, it's going to be pretty damn hard to follow JSS. IMO, JSS just commanded the stage in much the same way Perry, Mercury(RIP), Tyler, Roth, Hutchins(RIP) did/do. I just don't see that charismatic confidence........in Arnel.

[stevew2]

I would like to get fre tickets just to see it blow up, I wont be buying them

I have the informed opinion that Arnel is mediocre as a full package. Very good voice, ZERO stage presence, and it's going to be hilarious when he tries to address an ampitheater (really a state fair) crowd.

This is going to be a trainwreck.

[heardonthestreet]

I would like to get fre tickets just to see it blow up, I wont be buying them

I have the informed opinion that Arnel is mediocre as a full package. Very good voice, ZERO stage presence, and it's going to be hilarious when he tries to address an ampitheater (really a state fair) crowd.

This is going to be a trainwreck.

I bet that Arnel is more impressive than JSS but very short of Perry, but then who wouldn't be?

[marco17]

If you are a true fan, you should have the right to like or dislike things the band does. Here's my take...

If there weren't so many changes, and so many in a short period of time, I think everyone would be more open to yet another incarnation of the band. The only thing all these changes have done for most is take sides with their lead singer of choice, and most likely follow their careers more closely then the band's.

Arnel is probably a great singer, but after all the changes, and the band again trying to find someone who can imitate Perry for the vintage sound, the band has to realize that the ship has sailed and many diehard fans chose not to get on it this time around.... and that isn't Arnel's fault. It just depends how many people are going to stick around or care enough to even test drive this lineup.

But, I still personally say there is a credibility issue here with Arnel at the helm, though it isn't his fault. If they ever play the songs again [they probably won't], who is going to take him seriously singing "Faith In The Heartland" or "Winds of Freedom." Everyone would laugh his @$$ right off the stage seeing a foreigner singing songs about a country the dude isn't even from.

[larryfromnextdoor]

I would like to get fre tickets just to see it blow up, I wont be buying them

I have the informed opinion that Arnel is mediocre as a full package. Very good voice, ZERO stage presence, and it's going to be hilarious when he tries to address an ampitheater (really a state fair) crowd.

This is going to be a trainwreck.

I bet that Arnel is more impressive than JSS but very short of Perry, but then who wouldn't be?

more impressive than what ?? JSS' singing and stage performance? hardly,,, Soto was the complete package,, writer, performer, AND vocalist.. amazing vocalists..

[Rick]

If you are a true fan, you should have the right to like or dislike things the band does. Here's my take...

If there weren't so many changes, and so many in a short period of time, I think everyone would be more open to yet another incarnation of the band. The only thing all these changes have done for most is take sides with their lead singer of choice, and most likely follow their careers more closely then the band's.

Arnel is probably a great singer, but after all the changes, and the band again trying to find someone who can imitate Perry for the vintage sound, the band has to realize that the ship has sailed and many diehard fans chose not to get on it this time around.... and that isn't Arnel's fault. It just depends how many people are going to stick around or care enough to even test drive this lineup.

But, I still personally say there is a credibility issue here with Arnel at the helm, though it isn't his fault. If they ever play the songs again [they probably won't], who is going to take him seriously singing "Faith In The Heartland" or "Winds of Freedom." Everyone would laugh his @$$ right off the stage seeing a foreigner singing songs about a country the dude isn't even from.

Good post dude, but my take on it is, the casual fan won't know the difference. We here are just a fraction of the fanbase. The target crowd is the casual fan that isn't here every day seeing and knowing what we do. So, the fans they're targeting will turn out in droves and their response will tell us if Arnel is the guy.

[heardonthestreet]

I would like to get fre tickets just to see it blow up, I wont be buying them

I have the informed opinion that Arnel is mediocre as a full package. Very good voice, ZERO stage presence, and it's going to be hilarious when he tries to address an ampitheater (really a state fair) crowd.

This is going to be a trainwreck.

I bet that Arnel is more impressive than JSS but very short of Perry, but then who wouldn't be?

more impressive than what ?? JSS' singing and stage performance? hardly,,, Soto was the complete package,, writer, performer, AND vocalist.. amazing vocalists..

If JSS was the complete package, he would be on top of things right now. As it is, he will always be filling in and still looking for a band to front. Imo, he's kinda like a "Rent All." Nothing stands out, or like he's not outstanding, imo. Journey was rough around the edges with him and I'm wondering if Arnel can give them the touch of class that Perry gave them. Have to wait and see.

[Rick]

I would like to get fre tickets just to see it blow up, I wont be buying them

I have the informed opinion that Arnel is mediocre as a full package. Very good voice, ZERO stage presence, and it's going to be hilarious when he tries to address an ampitheater (really a state fair) crowd.

This is going to be a trainwreck.

I bet that Arnel is more impressive than JSS but very short of Perry, but then who wouldn't be?

more impressive than what ?? JSS' singing and stage performance? hardly,,, Soto was the complete package,, writer, performer, AND vocalist.. amazing vocalists..

If JSS was the complete package, he would be on top of things right now. As it is, he will always be filling in and still looking for a band to front. Imo, he's kinda like a "Rent All." Nothing stands out, or like he's not outstanding, imo. Journey was rough around the edges with him and I'm wondering if Arnel can give them the touch of class that Perry gave them. Have to wait and see.

Hey woman, ease up on JSS. He's the shit! You want a noogie? Alright then.

[ArnelRox]

Arnel does not come off as a frontman of a major band. Karoake/American Idol parroting. And going to 3rd World to find someone? It sounds bad. Ridiculous. A REAL band wouldn't stoop to this. I don't care if the new singer is Filipino, Mongolian, or Ugandan - he better fit in. And yes looks and stage presence count. This guy is so mousy quiet when he talks in between songs and doesn't talk with authority and won't be able to. Zero charisma.

That's ur opinion. LOTS of women, American women, think Arnel is totally hot in the looks department. LOTS of men & women think his stage presence is great. As for him being from a 3rd world country, who cares? If he can do the job, it really doesnt matter where he comes from.

Well I go to 20 or 30 concerts a year and have been doing so for well over 20 years. I think I know what works. Also, if you don't think I know people in the music business, well you'd be wrong about that.

I wasnt referring to that. I was wondering how informed u are about Arnel. If all u saw were a few YouTube videos, then ur not fully informed, sorry.