Open Letter to Neal Schon

[Journey69]

It's also obvious that they've actually ridden off onto the county fair grounds without him. They have the legal right to the name and all they've done with it is continue to live off the legacy of the hits they wouldn't have had without Perry.

He hasn't hindered them in any way whatsoever since 1998 except to prevent them from rerecording the classics. Is anyone really stupid enough to think they'd have been successful with Augeri if they'd rerecorded the classics with him?

They've accomplished not one damned thing that anyone other than a few hundred internet fans know about.

Yes. You're right. Journey is going to be playing county fairs from this minute on, and that's all they did since 1998. You're absolutely right.

Define what you mean by "success." Yes, Augeri-fronted Journey never had a hit on the radio. Is that what you would consider successful? Millions of people saw them live. Seems like a few more than a few hundred internet fans enjoyed seeing that from 1998-2006, and more than a few hundred internet fans are going to enjoy that from 2008 on. But you're right. Journey lived and died with Steve Perry, and Steve Perry alone.

Hey, if your happy with them that's fine with me. I really couldn't care less what you consider success. I don't think Neal and Jon seem to feel particularly successful or fullfilled by what they've accomplished in the last 10 years though, do you? They appear to keep wanting something more.

What I said was in my post was in response to people saying that Steve Perry is responsible for them not achieving the kind of success and recognition without him that some fans apparently think they should have.

But in response to your question, of those "millions" of people who have seen them live since '98 how many of them came just to see this line-up of Journey? Weren't the biggest audiences for the most part in attendance for multiple billed shows? I'm sure quite a few of those fans were there for Styx, REO, Foreigner, Def Leppard, etc. Of the ones that did come to see Journey how many do you think knew or cared what the names of the band members were? How many of them wanted to hear anything from Arrival? How many of them even knew Arrival existed? I'm thinking a great many of Journey's stand alone shows were in Casinos, at smaller fairs, even a rodeo or two.

I guess you could call the fact that Styx, Survivor, REO, Foreigner, Journey are still making a living in music at all a success.

So what was it that Perry kept them from doing that has some fans still so pissed at him? If they're happy with what they've had and are apparently going to get more of, what's to be mad a Perry about?

The isolation and the fact that he won't just retire or at least say I'm retired.. He says he's not rejoining Journey,but he hasn't done anything on his own either.. Journey was an 80's band..There still is a crowd for that..The are a 2007 band now,times have changed,the crowd is different..Nickleback and groups like that are more popular.. If Journey comes up with a good radio song with a hit..That will put them back in play. Jon Cain are you listening.. A good rock song on 93X.. When you love a woman on KS95 isn't gonna do it.. You have to draw a younger crowd,they could do it with a good radio rock song!!

[STORY_TELLER]

But you're right. Journey lived and died with Steve Perry, and Steve Perry alone.

I agree, and it's good to see you coming around to reality.

Wow. Where were you guys when I was arguing with the speculators?

[fightingilliniJRNY]

But you're right. Journey lived and died with Steve Perry, and Steve Perry alone.

I agree, and it's good to see you coming around to reality.

Wow. Where were you guys when I was arguing with the speculators?

He took my quote out of context. Re-read my original post, and then decide if you want me on your side.

[STORY_TELLER]

But you're right. Journey lived and died with Steve Perry, and Steve Perry alone.

I agree, and it's good to see you coming around to reality.

Wow. Where were you guys when I was arguing with the speculators?

He took my quote out of context. Re-read my original post, and then decide if you want me on your side.

Just re-read the original post.

Here's how I define the life of a successful band who replaced their original lead singer:

Sammy Hagar after David Lee Roth

The original music created with Hagar sold millions of copies across multiple records, the majority of their high numbered fan base continued to show up to stadium sized live performances, radio played their hits.

Here's how I define the life of an unsuccessful band who replace their original lead singer:

Journey after Steve Perry

The highest grossing album of original music created with Augeri didn't sell a third of Trial by Fire, arguably the bands worst performing album with Perry on vocals. The majority of their once high numbered fan base doesn't support the group, making stadium sized tours a thing of the past unless the band is coupled with other one time popular bands on the same ticket. Radio doesn't play their new music.

[NealIsGod]

People have tried to pose the Sammy vs. Augeri shit before. You can't compare 1986 to 1998. And Sammy was already a major star, Augeri wasn't.

[Brigadier]

People have tried to pose the Sammy vs. Augeri shit before. You can't compare 1986 to 1998. And Sammy was already a major star, Augeri wasn't.

True. Van-Hagar was akin to a supergroup.

[STORY_TELLER]

People have tried to pose the Sammy vs. Augeri shit before. You can't compare 1986 to 1998. And Sammy was already a major star, Augeri wasn't.

True, I was about to add that the times were different. However, TBF came out in 1996 well after melodic rock had run it's course and the album sold around a million copies without a supporting tour (touring always sells albums).

Sammy might have been a star before, but HSAS didn't sell much and was an unsuccessful group. That band had both Hagar and Schon together during their heyday. What I will give you about Van Hagar is that Van Halen in general isn't a vocally oriented band. It's centered around Eddie's guitar playing. Roth was more of a personality than a vocalist. Hagar has always been the stronger singer. It was a step up for them vocally.

Journey on the other hand, is centered around the singer. Neal himself has said this. Perry was/is a very unique vocalist and that is why most people don't support a Perryless Journey. He's associated with the sound. That's why Cain wanted a soundalike vocalist. He knows what the fans want and has stated they want to sound like the 65 million units they have out there.

Bottom line is, it's a VERY rare thing for any group to survive let alone thrive after they've replaced a high profile member of the band who defines the overall sound or stylings. In Van Halen's case, it's Eddie. In Journey's case, it has been and always will be Steve Perry.

[ohsherrie]

The isolation and the fact that he won't just retire or at least say I'm retired.. He says he's not rejoining Journey,but he hasn't done anything on his own either..

So? What does that have to do with Journey. If people are so happy with what they've done without him why do they care whether or not he retires?

Here's a novel concept, at least apparently novel for some of you, what if all the answers that Steve has given to all the questions that he's been asked about what he's doing or not doing or planning or not planning are just the plain and simple truth as he sees it at the time? Do you want him to lie just so you can have a definitive answer?

If he says he's not planning on rejoining Journey in an interview, but yet again in a previous interview he said he'd "never say never", OMFG that's a contradiction.

The Schon fans, and the Perry fans that think he owes them something or he's betrayed them in some way say he's a liar.

His totally blind devotees say: Stevie is coming back, he said he wasn't "planning" that might mean he's toying with us and he said before that he'd never say never. Did you see how long his hair is? He's coming back our darling Stevie is coming back to us.

There are extremes on both sides of the Perry isssue.

The reasonable people say: Hey he's saying what he thinks based on what he feels at the time he's asked and not locking himself into or out of anything. I hope he does something because I'd really love to hear him sing again.

Grow the fuck up people(on both sides).

[Rick]

not locking himself into or out of anything.

I think this is exactly why his answers are sometimes vague. He's leaving the door open to possibilities.

[bluejeangirl76]

The isolation and the fact that he won't just retire or at least say I'm retired.. He says he's not rejoining Journey,but he hasn't done anything on his own either..

So? What does that have to do with Journey. If people are so happy with what they've done without him why do they care whether or not he retires?

Here's a novel concept, at least apparently novel for some of you, what if all the answers that Steve has given to all the questions that he's been asked about what he's doing or not doing or planning or not planning are just the plain and simple truth as he sees it at the time? Do you want him to lie just so you can have a definitive answer?

If he says he's not planning on rejoining Journey in an interview, but yet again in a previous interview he said he'd "never say never", OMFG that's a contradiction.

The Schon fans, and the Perry fans that think he owes them something or he's betrayed them in some way say he's a liar.

His totally blind devotees say: Stevie is coming back, he said he wasn't "planning" that might mean he's toying with us and he said before that he'd never say never. Did you see how long his hair is? He's coming back ... our darling Stevie is coming back to us.

There are extremes on both sides of the Perry isssue.

The reasonable people say: Hey he's saying what he thinks based on what he feels at the time he's asked and not locking himself into or out of anything. I hope he does something because I'd really love to hear him sing again.

Grow the fuck up people(on both sides).

Spot on, sherrie. Dude, someone told me he woke up today and ate a bowl of Special K with cut up banana (gave a piece to the cat) and took shower... that means he's gonna TOUR!!!!

Why does he HAVE to say he's retired - why does he have to say anything? As I see it, it's the fans putting all kinds of meaning to stupid shit like growing his hair and then being disappointed when he doesn't "do anything". I grew my hair out for two years - all it meant was I was growing out a poor layering job. Maybe he grew it because his stylist went crazy on him or something?

If he thinks out loud and says something like he might want to do this or that, it becomes this huge expectation. How many other celebs do this? ALL of them. How many human beings do that? ALL of them. We all talk about doing things that we either don't do, take a long time to do, or change our minds about doing.

But when he does it, good lord it's like the second coming of christ when something soooooounds like he miiiight do something, and then it's "that selfish bastard, torch his house!" when he doesn't do it or doesn't hold a world wide press conference to make this big announcement that the fans feel he's obligated to make.

It's so weird. He does nothing - people bitch about it. He opens his mouth and says two words, people bitch about what comes out (or what doesn't come out). He records a backup vocal, "why isn't he recording his own songs?" He could crap ten dollar bills and people would go "why isn't he crapping twenties?"

[Brigadier]

not locking himself into or out of anything.

I think this is exactly why his answers are sometimes vague. He's leaving the door open to possibilities.

Well, IMHO, it strokes his fragile ego the keeps people guessing and talking about "maybe he'll comeback if Neal kisses has ass" and.... and "Steve made Journey"..... and "Journey owes it all to "The Voice""..... and.......

All this BS on the forums is nothing but stroking his ego.......People are talking about him. hell, even worshipping him.

If he gives a definitive answer - no, he fades away. No one talks about him.

If he gives a definitive Yes - then he has to deliver.

[ohsherrie]

The isolation and the fact that he won't just retire or at least say I'm retired.. He says he's not rejoining Journey,but he hasn't done anything on his own either..

So? What does that have to do with Journey. If people are so happy with what they've done without him why do they care whether or not he retires?

Here's a novel concept, at least apparently novel for some of you, what if all the answers that Steve has given to all the questions that he's been asked about what he's doing or not doing or planning or not planning are just the plain and simple truth as he sees it at the time? Do you want him to lie just so you can have a definitive answer?

If he says he's not planning on rejoining Journey in an interview, but yet again in a previous interview he said he'd "never say never", OMFG that's a contradiction.

The Schon fans, and the Perry fans that think he owes them something or he's betrayed them in some way say he's a liar.

His totally blind devotees say: Stevie is coming back, he said he wasn't "planning" that might mean he's toying with us and he said before that he'd never say never. Did you see how long his hair is? He's coming back ... our darling Stevie is coming back to us.

There are extremes on both sides of the Perry isssue.

The reasonable people say: Hey he's saying what he thinks based on what he feels at the time he's asked and not locking himself into or out of anything. I hope he does something because I'd really love to hear him sing again.

Grow the fuck up people(on both sides).

Spot on, sherrie. Dude, someone told me he woke up today and ate a bowl of Special K with cut up banana (gave a piece to the cat) and took shower... that means he's gonna TOUR!!!!

Why does he HAVE to say he's retired - why does he have to say anything? As I see it, it's the fans putting all kinds of meaning to stupid shit like growing his hair and then being disappointed when he doesn't "do anything". I grew my hair out for two years - all it meant was I was growing out a poor layering job. Maybe he grew it because his stylist went crazy on him or something?

If he thinks out loud and says something like he might want to do this or that, it becomes this huge expectation. How many other celebs do this? ALL of them. How many human beings do that? ALL of them. We all talk about doing things that we either don't do, take a long time to do, or change our minds about doing.

But when he does it, good lord it's like the second coming of christ when something soooooounds like he miiiight do something, and then it's "that selfish bastard, torch his house!" when he doesn't do it or doesn't hold a world wide press conference to make this big announcement that the fans feel he's obligated to make.

It's so weird. He does nothing - people bitch about it. He opens his mouth and says two words, people bitch about what comes out (or what doesn't come out). He records a backup vocal, "why isn't he recording his own songs?" He could crap ten dollar bills and people would go "why isn't he crapping twenties?"

Preach it sistah. They say the 'loons are crazy, but don't realize the Perry executioners from the opposite end of the spectrum are just as crazy.

[strangegrey]

But you're right. Journey lived and died with Steve Perry, and Steve Perry alone.

+1,000,000

The unfortunate thing is that Fucka and Fro are quite intent on pissing on the headstone every chance they get....and charging admission to unsuspecting fans that seem to think it's worthy of attention!

[bluejeangirl76]

Preach it sistah. They say the 'loons are crazy, but don't realize the Perry executioners from the opposite end of the spectrum are just as crazy.

And I'm just standing in the middle going, "Okay, Y'ALL are nucking futs!!" I mean seriously. It's not a big deal. Just let the guy do what he's gonna do. If that means parking ass on a barco lounger with a bag of Funyuns, then what's the big deal. Does it affect us? Not really. He made a bajillion dollars in under 20 years. He earned it. Call me when y'alls bank account looks like that.

[RedWingFan]

But you're right. Journey lived and died with Steve Perry, and Steve Perry alone.

+1,000,000

The unfortunate thing is that Fucka and Fro are quite intent on pissing on the headstone every chance they get....and charging admission to unsuspecting fans that seem to think it's worthy of attention!

This was just as true 1 year ago. Since they started rolling the tapes, then plugging in a willing singer to prop them up for a summer tour.

[Rhiannon]

Preach it sistah. They say the 'loons are crazy, but don't realize the Perry executioners from the opposite end of the spectrum are just as crazy.

And I'm just standing in the middle going, "Okay, Y'ALL are nucking futs!!" I mean seriously. It's not a big deal. Just let the guy do what he's gonna do. If that means parking ass on a barco lounger with a bag of Funyuns, then what's the big deal. Does it affect us? Not really. He made a bajillion dollars in under 20 years. He earned it. Call me when y'alls bank account looks like that.

Your overusage of the word 'yall' is making me look bad. I reckon' I'm gonna have to mosey on in this here thread and lay down some real twang. Catty-motherfucking-wampus! You're completely right. He's kind of earned the right to do as he damn well pleases, don't you think? I mean, hey, retired people of the world. If people started telling you to go back to work because they liked the way you did things better than the new guy, and you refused said "Not only no, but hell no." Then those people get mad and start obsessing over why you are the way you are, and if you might just not be in some undisclosed town doing taxes under the radar or fixing a dishwasher for some punks in Georgia. Do we not see how silly this is?

People make impacts on the world every day in every walk of life, just because someone was a rockstar back in the day doesn't mean we have any right to be mad because they won't get up off the la-z-boy, put down the cat, and tour. Yeah, I still wish he would, but my world doesn't revolve around any one person's decisions. So ha. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to respond to this email from my ex.

[bluejeangirl76]

Your overusage of the word 'yall' is making me look bad.

Fine, I'll switch to "you'uns".

[Rhiannon]

Your overusage of the word 'yall' is making me look bad.

Fine, I'll switch to "you'uns".

What? No, "yousguys"?

[bluejeangirl76]

Your overusage of the word 'yall' is making me look bad.

Fine, I'll switch to "you'uns".

What? No, "yousguys"?

Actually, up here the correct term is just "youse".

"Where're youse goin'?"

"We're goin' over'ta dat sports bar overy by dere... whatta youse doin' after da game?"

"We'll go meet'cha dere an' have a couple two tree beers."

[donnaplease]

"We'll go meet'cha dere an' have a couple two tree beers."

Aight.

[ohsherrie]

He made a bajillion dollars in under 20 years. He earned it. Call me when y'alls bank account looks like that.

Yep, and it's not his fault that the others have to keep whoring out the legacy to the highest singer to make a buck.

[Rhiannon]

"We'll go meet'cha dere an' have a couple two tree beers."

Aight.

LOL... 'round here its...

"I kindly reckon we's a fixin' to head on yonder for a spell. If'n ya'll wanna, its just a fur piece down the road from that Watson boys' shop. Billy's bringin' some shine, just foller the four-wheelin' tracks down to the rivuh."

[Saint John]

He made a bajillion dollars in under 20 years. He earned it. Call me when y'alls bank account looks like that.

Yep, and it's not his fault that the others have to keep whoring out the legacy to the highest singer to make a buck.

They're a business, dumbfuck. There's money to be made and they're making it. It wasn't "whoring" last year but it is this year? OK. And I remember to a man everyone saying that there was "zero chance" of them making new music....that's why they fired Jeff. Now it's something else. The excuses keep changing. They are doing the EXACT same thing people had hoped for with Jeff. Touring and making new music. Suddenly, the "legacy" means something. The same legacy that Perry shit on from 1987 to 1998 with inactivity, detours and deception. The "legacy" is a catalog of songs that can't be touched, changed or tarnished. Your cheap excuse is a means to justify, like Steve Perry, that you hate seeing the band move forward without you. Seriously, why do you care so fucking much? It's a band. Find a fucking new one or go pet cats with Perry.

[ohsherrie]

He made a bajillion dollars in under 20 years. He earned it. Call me when y'alls bank account looks like that.

Yep, and it's not his fault that the others have to keep whoring out the legacy to the highest singer to make a buck.

They're a business, dumbfuck. There's money to be made and they're making it. It wasn't "whoring" last year but it is this year? OK. And I remember to a man everyone saying that there was "zero chance" of them making new music....that's why they fired Jeff. Now it's something else. The excuses keep changing. They are doing the EXACT same thing people had hoped for with Jeff. Touring and making new music. Suddenly, the "legacy" means something. The same legacy that Perry shit on from 1987 to 1998 with inactivity, detours and deception. The "legacy" is a catalog of songs that can't be touched, changed or tarnished. Your cheap excuse is a means to justify, like Steve Perry, that you hate seeing the band move forward without you. Seriously, why do you care so fucking much? It's a band. Find a fucking new one or go pet cats with Perry.

Hey dumber fuck, I wish it was possible to talk to you in rational terms about this but you're obviously overwrought with grief that Perry won't do what you want him to.

The legacy means the same thing today that it meant to me last year and will next year. The difference last year was that there was a hope of a new sound and direction with a dynamic singer, songwriter and frontman who didn't rely on his ability to screach out the high notes to sing the songs. He sang them in his voice, in his range and commanded the stage with his talent and presence.

Why do you care so much about Perry that you have to take every opportunity to make snide cracks about him and what he may be doing with his time? I'd say my interest in the future of Journey is more healthy than your fixation on Perry.

[Saint John]

He made a bajillion dollars in under 20 years. He earned it. Call me when y'alls bank account looks like that.

Yep, and it's not his fault that the others have to keep whoring out the legacy to the highest singer to make a buck.

They're a business, dumbfuck. There's money to be made and they're making it. It wasn't "whoring" last year but it is this year? OK. And I remember to a man everyone saying that there was "zero chance" of them making new music....that's why they fired Jeff. Now it's something else. The excuses keep changing. They are doing the EXACT same thing people had hoped for with Jeff. Touring and making new music. Suddenly, the "legacy" means something. The same legacy that Perry shit on from 1987 to 1998 with inactivity, detours and deception. The "legacy" is a catalog of songs that can't be touched, changed or tarnished. Your cheap excuse is a means to justify, like Steve Perry, that you hate seeing the band move forward without you. Seriously, why do you care so fucking much? It's a band. Find a fucking new one or go pet cats with Perry.

Hey dumber fuck, I wish it was possible to talk to you in rational terms about this but you're obviously overwrought with grief that Perry won't do what you want him to.

The legacy means the same thing today that it meant to me last year and will next year. The difference last year was that there was a hope of a new sound and direction with a dynamic singer, songwriter and frontman who didn't rely on his ability to screach out the high notes to sing the songs. He sang them in his voice, in his range and commanded the stage with his talent and presence.

Why do you care so much about Perry that you have to take every opportunity to make snide cracks about him and what he may be doing with his time? I'd say my interest in the future of Journey is more healthy than your fixation on Perry.

Several observations:

Arnel has yet to sing one song with these guys so you're "screaching" statement is ludicrous.

"New sound and new direction" might have made Jeff Sammy Hagar in the 80's but it would have made him Gary Cherone today.

Jeff did his very best to sing those songs EXACTLY as Perry did, the same thing you accuse Arnel, who hasn't played ONE show with them yet, of doing. An illogical, mindless rambling argument.

"More healthy" is terrible grammar. It's "healthier." Have the neighbor's kid proofread your posts, please.

Finally, I've noticed that so many of you have commented on how much better off Jeff is now that he is no longer in Journey. Sherrie, on behalf of those that feel that way, I think you should start a "Thank You Journey" thread since they obviously, in your minds, did Jeff a favor by firing him. That would be a really nice gesture.

[journeywoman]

Instead of another thread or another poll or another open letter to Neal...how about a letter to Santa????May get a better response....might even get what you want....me small request.what?Please Mr. Perry stop this insanity and come back,we can't take anymore of this crap.

[Saint John]

Instead of another thread or another poll or another open letter to Neal...how about a letter to Santa????May get a better response....might even get what you want....me small request.what?Please Mr. Perry stop this insanity and come back,we can't take anymore of this crap.

LOL...I like this post.

[Voyager]

I believe that the reason Neal wants to make a new album with Arnel is to finally prove that Journey doesn't need Steve Perry to get the Steve Perry sound. Journey members have been trying to accomplish this ever since The Storm was launched, yet none of them have been successful. Neal doesn't want to give Steve Perry full credit for the band's success. He is bound and determined to create an album that sounds like the Perry-Journey so he can say, "See, I told ya so. This sound came from Journey, not from Steve Perry." He doesn't even care if the album sells, as long as he can fill some concert venues and make some money.

[Voyager]

Instead of another thread or another poll or another open letter to Neal...how about a letter to Santa????

I think someone suggested that back on the first or second page of the thread. I wrote mine, did you write yours?

[ohsherrie]

Several observations:

Arnel has yet to sing one song with these guys so you're "screaching" statement is ludicrous.

All I've heard so far sounds like a rusty hinge, but hey, if you like it then go for it. Just don't blame Perry for not being there if you're satisfied with what you're getting.

"New sound and new direction" might have made Jeff Sammy Hagar in the 80's but it would have made him Gary Cherone today.

Gee, I had no idea you were so anti-Soto. I personally think he brought something new and exciting to the mix, but there's no accounting for opinions. Most of the ones like yours come from assholes.

Jeff did his very best to sing those songs EXACTLY as Perry did, the same thing you accuse Arnel, who hasn't played ONE show with them yet, of doing. An illogical, mindless rambling argument.

Well if that's what you heard from Jeff's performances then no wonder you like Arnel. I'd like to very humbly and courteously suggest that you see an audiologist as soon as possible.

"More healthy" is terrible grammar. It's "healthier." Have the neighbor's kid proofread your posts, please.

Sorry, the content of your posts made me think I should dumb it down a bit for you.

Finally, I've noticed that so many of you have commented on how much better off Jeff is now that he is no longer in Journey. Sherrie, on behalf of those that feel that way, I think you should start a "Thank You Journey" thread since they obviously, in your minds, did Jeff a favor by firing him. That would be a really nice gesture.

Dan, I think Frig and Fro have done so much more damage than good since 1997 that I just can't bring myself to thank them for anything at this point.

If some others might think it would be appropriate to thank them for shitting on one of the best singers and nicest guys in the business though, it's not for me to judge them.