Robert Plant Gets It

[Blueskies]

Thoughts?...Perry doesn't want to sing for the public....his life, his choice.




Then why does he "think about it everyday?" Why the "I miss it terribly" comments?

because he probably does miss it...just like he said about Sherrie...you can miss someone...doesnt mean you want to be back with them.

If he missed it he would perform. As for Sherrie I doubt she wants him back.

you can miss something and still not want to do it for a variety of reasons. There are good sides and bad sides...which side weighs more on his mind? Bet he's been torn for years about it..but the negatives must have kept him away.
Another reason may be he doesn't want to change "What Was" and leave HIS legacy as it stands...leave HIS stone uncracked.

His "legacy" ended with an unfinished tour, suspicious injuries and "gag orders." His stone is far from uncracked, especially since his last disappearing act came on the heels of an almost 10 year layoff. It's also painfully obvious that the 1996 album and false tour hopes where nothing more than one selfish man's inability to let Journey move forward.

that is your opinion and you have the right to it.....but.... We do not know everything that happened and when between whom and what their reasons for doing things the way they did are. There are many facets to the stone which we cannot see. It's not my business or my need to know how the stone was cut......I just want to enjoy the beauty of it.

[Saint John]

I'm starting to think that he can't face these guys face to face alone and has to use his lawyers because he's ashamed of what he's done to them over the years. They seem more than willing to openly talk, but the gag order doesn't allow them to do so.

[Andrew]

Drew, you seem pretty adament that Perry's voice is shot;
have you been holding out on some tatsy inside info all these years?
...

I said this 3 or 4 years ago right here and was nearly run off my own board by the Loons. But...here we are 2007 and nothing has changed yet. And it won't.
But don't paint me anti-Perry....I love the dude. I wish more than anything for the same things everyone else wants - music.
I just know it won't happen.

[Saint John]

He can sing. It's not the physical part that is holding him back. I think it's having to face those guys after the latest shit he pulled from 1996-1998. He knows he was wrong whether he chooses to admit it or not.

[Marabelle]

Good discussion. I think it's not that he can't sing it just seems that he doesn't want all the crap associated with singing. There is a lot of scrunity of the voice, the look, the time and the show and it seems it's like, "i been there" and "done it" why do it again at his age when he can walk away and look back and say it ended well. People can shred him now but not his voice; I think that is the most precious and cherished gift he has left and he'd rather it be thought of fondly rather than referred to as anything less than it is or was.

[Blueskies]

He can sing. It's not the physical part that is holding him back. I think it's having to face those guys after the latest shit he pulled from 1996-1998. He knows he was wrong whether he chooses to admit it or not.

SJ..., seems like you have the need to know every bit of every detail of what goes on behind the curtain.....so I will continue with my stone analogy for you to consider this aspect to that desire for a moment.......

If you start looking at the stone thru a magnifying glass and see all the hidden flaws....wont it change the way you view the stone for the beauty it held for you to begin with? If we look so hard at every facet and look for the flaws and how it was made, ...it changes the value it held for us and how we first perceived it, ...when we just simply loved and admired the beauty of it. The magic it held is then lost.

[Saint John]

He can sing. It's not the physical part that is holding him back. I think it's having to face those guys after the latest shit he pulled from 1996-1998. He knows he was wrong whether he chooses to admit it or not.

SJ..., seems like you have the need to know every bit of every detail of what goes on behind the curtain.....so I will continue with my stone analogy for you to consider this aspect to that desire for a moment.......

If you start looking at the stone thru a magnifying glass and see all the hidden flaws....wont it change the way you view the stone for the beauty it held for you to begin with? If we look so hard at every facet and look for the flaws and how it was made, ...it changes the value it held for us and how we first perceived it, ...when we just simply loved and admired the beauty of it. The magic it held is then lost.

I don't think any of these guys are bad people. I do however think they have all made mistakes as band mates and musicians, and have all been assholes at one time or another.....Perry has simply done it the most and is the biggest one. No decision Neal or Jon made took this band from the top of the music world in 1983 to the depths of obscurity in 1998. That was ALL Steve Perry.

PS The music is the music. I don't see fucking stones and flaws or beauty and value. I see a former front man that masquerades around perpetuating the fallacy that he gives a shit about anything but himself. Furthermore, said singer also perpetuates the lie that he cares about a band and its music when in the last 21 years he has produced ONE album with said band and been a roadblock at every pass.

[NealIsGod]

SJ, I think Perry is a lot like Barry Sanders. He had his time in the spotlight, made his money, and left the fans wanting more. I am sure Barry has moments when he is watching a game that he wishes he was still playing, but then remembers all of the hard work and effort that goes into it, and realizes he is happier now.

[Saint John]

SJ, I think Perry is a lot like Barry Sanders. He had his time in the spotlight, made his money, and left the fans wanting more. I am sure Barry has moments when he is watching a game that he wishes he was still playing, but then remembers all of the hard work and effort that goes into it, and realizes he is happier now.

Barry Sanders went out strong, with his head up and as a good teammate. Perry did none of those things.

[Stoneyman]

There is no way anyone in their late 50's can hit the notes they sang as a twenty-something. Plant understands his legacy and realizes that his appearance on stage means more to people than what notes he hits. Perry needs to realize this. However, fans are complete jerks. When we remember Perry as simply the best melodic rock singer ever, he has nowhere to go but down. I dont think Perry wants to do it poorly, and I think he doesnt have the confidence to go out and deliver mediocrity.
Having said that, Steve doesnt understand that most diehards just want to hear him sing HIS songs, no matter what tuning. For me, it is about his soulfulness and emotional delivery, not how high he signs. Keep in mind that Journey WITH Perry would be a bonifide hot selling tour. That means a show every other day for a few months, playing to slightly bigger venues than the current lineup is used to. I am not sure that a voice like Steve's could hold up anymore at his age.

Can we get a one time gig with Perry to shut us all up? Record a dvd and cd and call it quits. Wishful thinking.

[(Crazy)Dulce Lady]

I just listened to an interview with James Young from Styx and a local DJ. JY went on to say how Plant was dead against an extended tour. HOWEVER, after last night and after the response internationally, he feels like there's a certain emotional obligation to give this to the fans. That Zeppelin needs to exit a certain way because of the role they've played in the lives of their fans. He gets it. He knows they have to exit properly. They have, as a band, a responsibility to their fans, to their craft and to themselves, to end this thing right. They will no doubt be touring North America and other parts of the world soon. I will personally be going to see these guys because of their sentiments. I've never liked their music, but it isn't too late to win me over and there's no better way to do that than live. I wish Robert Plant would have a talk with Steve Perry. Thoughts?

I don't have a comment about sp and rp talking but I sure wish you could have been around when Led Zepplin first came on the scene. there was just nothing like it. it's not too late tho'! get on board NOW!!

[(Crazy)Dulce Lady]

There is no way anyone in their late 50's can hit the notes they sang as a twenty-something. Plant understands his legacy and realizes that his appearance on stage means more to people than what notes he hits. Perry needs to realize this. However, fans are complete jerks. When we remember Perry as simply the best melodic rock singer ever, he has nowhere to go but down. I dont think Perry wants to do it poorly, and I think he doesnt have the confidence to go out and deliver mediocrity.
Having said that, Steve doesnt understand that most diehards just want to hear him sing HIS songs, no matter what tuning. For me, it is about his soulfulness and emotional delivery, not how high he signs. Keep in mind that Journey WITH Perry would be a bonifide hot selling tour. That means a show every other day for a few months, playing to slightly bigger venues than the current lineup is used to. I am not sure that a voice like Steve's could hold up anymore at his age.

Can we get a one time gig with Perry to shut us all up? Record a dvd and cd and call it quits. Wishful thinking.

I think I finally found a reason for the absence in this, stoney. everyone knows what a perfectionist perry is/was so he probably won't do it cuz he can't make it meet his own standards. and it's ok for sp to be like he is/was---we got a lot of great stuff out him because he is like he is. this does hamper reunion efforts, however. dangit. move forward--don't look back.

[NealIsGod]

SJ, I think Perry is a lot like Barry Sanders. He had his time in the spotlight, made his money, and left the fans wanting more. I am sure Barry has moments when he is watching a game that he wishes he was still playing, but then remembers all of the hard work and effort that goes into it, and realizes he is happier now.

Barry Sanders went out strong, with his head up and as a good teammate. Perry did none of those things.

Nope. If you recall, Sanders let nobody know of his decision. He was in Europe when training camp started and just faxed a letter to the newspaper. The entire Lions organization and all of the fans were fucked over right before the season. He has more in common with Perry than you think. I'm sure Barry never felt part of the team, either.

From Wikipedia:

At the age of 30, Sanders stunned many when he announced his retirement from pro football. His retirement was made public by faxing a letter to the Wichita Eagle, his hometown newspaper.

He left football healthy, having gained 15,269 rushing yards, 2,921 receiving yards, 118 kickoff return yards, and 109 touchdowns (99 rushing and 10 receiving). He retired within a one-season striking distance of Walter Payton's career rushing mark of 16,726 yards. Only Payton and Emmitt Smith, who broke the record in 2002, have rushed for more yards than Sanders.

Sanders's retirement came somewhat unexpectedly and was a matter of controversy. Two years beforehand, Sanders had renewed his contract with the Lions for $35.4 million over six years with an $11 million signing bonus. When he retired with several years left on his contract, the Lions demanded that he return $7.3 million of the bonus. Sanders refused, and the Lions sued and eventually won a judgment against him. On February 15, 2000, arbitrator Sam Kagel ruled that Sanders was in default of his bonus agreement and owed $5.5 million plus interest over the next three years.

Several years after retirement, and repeated refusals to discuss the abruptness of it, Sanders finally admitted that the culture of losing in the Lions' organization was too much to deal with even though he said that he could still play. He explained that it robbed him of his competitive spirit, and he saw no reason to believe things were going to improve. He also stated that there were tears in his eyes as the Lions lost the final game of his career the season before he left, because he knew in his heart he was never going to play another NFL game - "I sobbed for 3 months."

[Saint John]

SJ, I think Perry is a lot like Barry Sanders. He had his time in the spotlight, made his money, and left the fans wanting more. I am sure Barry has moments when he is watching a game that he wishes he was still playing, but then remembers all of the hard work and effort that goes into it, and realizes he is happier now.

Barry Sanders went out strong, with his head up and as a good teammate. Perry did none of those things.

Nope. If you recall, Sanders let nobody know of his decision. He was in Europe when training camp started and just faxed a letter to the team. The entire Lions organization and all of the fans were fucked over right before the season. He has more in common with Perry than you think. I'm sure Barry never felt part of the team, either.

He never quit mid-season, he never asked for the power to fire people and he met EVERY contractual obligation he ever signed his name under.

[NealIsGod]

SJ, I think Perry is a lot like Barry Sanders. He had his time in the spotlight, made his money, and left the fans wanting more. I am sure Barry has moments when he is watching a game that he wishes he was still playing, but then remembers all of the hard work and effort that goes into it, and realizes he is happier now.

Barry Sanders went out strong, with his head up and as a good teammate. Perry did none of those things.

Nope. If you recall, Sanders let nobody know of his decision. He was in Europe when training camp started and just faxed a letter to the team. The entire Lions organization and all of the fans were fucked over right before the season. He has more in common with Perry than you think. I'm sure Barry never felt part of the team, either.

He never quit mid-season, he never asked for the power to fire people and he met EVERY contractual obligation he ever signed his name under.

No, but he didn't leave with his head held high and a good teammate. He left his teammates behind even though he was under contract, and then tried to keep money he didn't earn yet. Totally selfish.

[Saint John]

SJ, I think Perry is a lot like Barry Sanders. He had his time in the spotlight, made his money, and left the fans wanting more. I am sure Barry has moments when he is watching a game that he wishes he was still playing, but then remembers all of the hard work and effort that goes into it, and realizes he is happier now.

Barry Sanders went out strong, with his head up and as a good teammate. Perry did none of those things.

Nope. If you recall, Sanders let nobody know of his decision. He was in Europe when training camp started and just faxed a letter to the team. The entire Lions organization and all of the fans were fucked over right before the season. He has more in common with Perry than you think. I'm sure Barry never felt part of the team, either.

He never quit mid-season, he never asked for the power to fire people and he met EVERY contractual obligation he ever signed his name under.

No, but he didn't leave with his head held high and a good teammate. He left his teammates behind even though he was under contract, and then tried to keep money he didn't earn yet. Totally selfish.

Fine. They're both pricks.

[NealIsGod]

Fine. They're both pricks.

Good boy. Here's a treat.

[Saint John]

Fine. They're both pricks.

Good boy. Here's a treat.

LOL....would you do it for two Scooby Snacks? OK, NIG...no problem.

[wildone]

I don't think any band owes it to anyone, any more than fans owe it to a band to support them.

I have read for years about how bands owe it to their fans for supporting them all of these years, buying their albums, concert tickets, swag, etc. No one forces us to buy anything from them. All the band owes us is a performance for our money, either via album or concert.

Journey has provided 3 decades of good music. We have our money's worth.

To funny how REAL MUSICIANS feel they owe there fans whom they couldv'e never done the things they've got to do without them.Robert Plant and crew are top notch ....Journey could never be in the same legue as that.They've proven that time and time again.I guess the motto should be take care of those who are taking care of you...Not to hard to understand!

[4everkop]

I agree with saint John... Regarding high notes in Perry, the musician and singer that he is, it shouldnt matter to him whether he can hit the high notes, he should know that the male voice isnt supposed to be that high that frequently anyway. Also the male voice naturally goes lower as he gets older. That is nothing to be ashamed of, even Pavarotti got nervous around B4's to the tenor C. Perry is a musician and to him it should be more of adapting to the song and finding new meaning with each performance, ear shattering highs or not.

[EightyRock]

What's odd is this, Andrew. JSS confirmed that Perry was in fact going to be a part of Journey Night on American Idol or at the very least was considering it. Unfortunately, Journey had to understandably say no. That said, why would he go on national TV and perform if he can't sing? I think he still can.

UNDERSTANDABLY SAY NO?????????? Why would they say no, S.J.? I thought this is what they CLAIM they've been wanting for years. Was that all a lie, too? They actually told him NO? WTF????????


As for the Plant/Perry comparisons, I think Plant's voice is much more diminished than Perry's at this point. Nomatter what the Wombat says, I won't believe Perry couldn't get through either one HUGE show or a couple large ones to say goodbye.
Plant said for YEARS that he'd never sing rock n' roll again. He didn't hit ANY high notes, and looked like a homeless guy living under a bridge....but who cares? He chose mostly blues based tunes to sing for this concert. He's Robert Plant, he can still sing the songs they wrote well enough to make everybody feel 17 again. That's what it's all about...claiming your spot in history for the old fans and letting the younger ones experience that legend just once. Nothing a non-Perry fronted Journey could do would accomplish that without Perry in any way, shape or form.

Now tell me again WHY Neal and Jon wouldn't want that on AI or anywhere else?

[brywool]

I just listened to an interview with James Young from Styx and a local DJ. JY went on to say how Plant was dead against an extended tour. HOWEVER, after last night and after the response internationally, he feels like there's a certain emotional obligation to give this to the fans. That Zeppelin needs to exit a certain way because of the role they've played in the lives of their fans. He gets it. He knows they have to exit properly. They have, as a band, a responsibility to their fans, to their craft and to themselves, to end this thing right. They will no doubt be touring North America and other parts of the world soon. I will personally be going to see these guys because of their sentiments. I've never liked their music, but it isn't too late to win me over and there's no better way to do that than live. I wish Robert Plant would have a talk with Steve Perry. Thoughts?

One issue that remains the Pink elephant dude....Plant can still sing.

BUT- You know...
ALL indications were that Plant couldn't sing the tunes. Live Aid was the absolute worst as was a gig in 1988. Also, Page couldn't play the tunes at those gigs either. So the fact that they apparently came out and kicked ass is a big surprise to a lot of people including hard core fans.

Regarding Perry, medical Technology has come a long way since 1994 in regards to surgery on the Larynx. It's also been a long time since Perry did tours, so chances are, his voice has healed a bit. But then again, nobody really knows what the damage is SPECIFICALLY. Is it nodules? Those can be diminished via non-talking (for a long long time), is it ruptured blood vessels in the chords? That can be handled via surgery. I mean, nobody really knows what Perry's problems are, do they (?) or really even IF there are problems. Granted, on the FTLOSM tour, he was rough, even with the keys lowered, but he was still able to do the job (at least for part of the tour before he quit early).
It may just be that the guy is SUCH a perfectionist that getting up there and not being able to do it as good as it should be is what's holding him back.

Think if LZ had done the gig and it had not gone down well. What if Plant couldn't sing? What if Page couldn't play? They would've been crucified. Maybe Perry just doesn't want that to happen. You can't blame him. Also, if Journey reunited, sorry to say, but it wouldn't be as huge a deal as if Zep reunited. Journey didn't have that major of a musical impact and most likely, no matter how good it would be, the press would probably just roast the band.

I can understand why Perry wouldn't want to go out live. Go out while you're on top, not while you're on the bottom...

[ohsherrie]

As for Sherrie I doubt she wants him back.

This one does.

[brywool]

What's odd is this, Andrew. JSS confirmed that Perry was in fact going to be a part of Journey Night on American Idol or at the very least was considering it. Unfortunately, Journey had to understandably say no. That said, why would he go on national TV and perform if he can't sing? I think he still can.

wow, I'd never heard this...
THAT is what Journey should do. ONE live television appearance. Nothing else. I can understand not wanting to tour. But ONE night live, would be cool. I think Zep should do the same thing. I cannot believe that they'd be able to maintain the high standard they've set on a gruelling tour.

[larryfromnextdoor]

As for Sherrie I doubt she wants him back.

This one does.

i know almost everyones real name,, you look like a betty to me..

[Lula]

An opportunity to see Zeppelin live would make me very happy. I was just talking to my sister Katy about this last night, the whole gang would come out for this show, no doubt!!

[ohsherrie]

As for Sherrie I doubt she wants him back.

This one does.

i know almost everyones real name,, you look like a betty to me..

Hey Lar, you look like an Earl.

[Rocker Chic]

Being a big fan of Led Zeppelin since my pre-teen years, I heartily agree with you, Dan. Although many may disagree that no band really "owes" anything to their fans, it is a bit different in Zep's case. They (we) lost John at the height of their popularity and then there was suddenly nothing.

I understand how saddened they were and how they couldn't feel like going on without him then. I still remember how my heart sunk that day of the news. I don't think that they could have ever found someone to fill his shoes properly then anyway. However, with Jason at the kit, he's the most fitting and natural heir to John's spot. From all accounts, he is just as good as his dad and plays the classics with as much passion and skill as his father did.

Now, is the perfect time for them to say goodbye properly and to give the fans what they have been sorely missing out on all these years. I can't wait to buy a ticket to this tour! It will be my first Zep show ever and I wouldn't miss it for the world.

Debbie

[Rockindeano]

Instead, he trumped up an injury, or at worst exploited it,

You are treading on libel now. The onus is up to YOU to prove Steve Perry faked anything. You are becoming a fucking all out joke here.

If anyone has no respect for the legacy it's the guy that disappeared during Trial By Fire only to resurface on Behind The Music with ridiculous statements like "I never felt like part of the band" and "Don't crack the stone."

Again, SP was right. Perhaps they didn't crack the stone, the broke it into a million pieces.

What utter bullshit. You think these guys aren't perfectionists?

What are you high on lately? The only bullshit that is current is what remains of a once proud and great band and your endless need to cheer lead them into the category of mediocrity.

They just have the balls to end things right and to cement the "legacy" so many of you speak of.

This is the single stupidest retarded thing I have ever read on this Board. You're saying Neal and Jon are "cementing" the legacy with the awe inspiring efforts of Arrival, Red13 and Generations and oh I forgot, the soon to be released gem with a new singer? Dude, you have lost ALL credibility.

I know you will come in here and drop bombs and I don't care. Lately you have fallen off the deep end.

I am home and ready to debate this with you.

[ohsherrie]

Love the holiday Av. Ho Ho Ho