finalfight wrote:Playitloudforme wrote:
When the vocals are more than a key element to the band's notariety, you run a risk. Van Halen was not completely dependant on vocals, nor was Queen. Both found success with other singers, but then again, both had rock GODS as their guitarists. Schon doesn't rank up there, as much as he'd LIKE to... he doesn't. I'm not saying he's not brilliant...he is. But is NOT regarded that high up the rock god ladder (meaning public & industry opinions... if you had to rank them all, and not just you, cause we all know which way you'd vote, but say, everyone in your city, Neal wouldn't make the list of the top 10. I'd venture to say Eddie Van Halen and Brian May would -- http://www.votenumber1.com/vote1rockguitarist.html for an example. Neal was the first voted off. On the lead singer poll, even tho Perry hasn't sung in 10 years... he's #2. That's rock god status).
Should they have changed their name? I for one, think they should have. Neal could have had the total freedom to do whatever he wanted, have the band as all HIS, which is what he wanted it to be about to begin with. As long as it had the name JOURNEY,... it will forever be compared to the Steve Perry version of the band. Shoot, who was it that heard a DJ who STILL thought Perry was in the band....The fan base would forever be split apart, constantly comparing. Using another name, it would be brand new, and his success would be made or broken by his own merit, and not because it failed to meet expectations based upon past experience. Neal took the easy money way out. He knew he could make money playing the songs that worked, and he'd rather have the money than risk being out there with something new. Shit...they got rid of JSS...and with HIM they could have had NEW. I don't think Neal's into risk. JMHO.
And what would happen to the Journey catalogue and name, would you rather it was left to deteriorate along with Perry's vocal ability? Schon tried the new approach at least twice with questionable success. Bad English and the so called new approach with JSS in Soul Sirkus. It just didn't wash with the majority. I am sure Schon would love to have massive success outside of Journey so he could step out of Steve Perry's shadow once and for all but it appears that it is not going to happen so better not to derail the money train.
As for that ridiculous best of 'whatever' poll - there is a dedicated thread on this very board that has kept Perry in contention. Without that he would have dropped off it ages ago. Want proof go check the position of Don't Stop Believin' on the best rock song poll...Seems that everyone so far forgot to vote on that one they did with Schon as best guitarist. No rock god status merely a handful of dedicated fans who dutifully vote as often as they are able.
The remainder of the band have done enough over the past decade to be called Journey. In fact this whole thread is ten years too late. Seriously no-one seemed this pissed when Paul Rogers took on the frontman role in Queen and that could really be considered messing with a legacy. In fact fans appeared to be pleased that they would get a chance to see the band play once again and many considered the move in some ways respectful. To my ears Rogers sounds horrible on those songs but different enough from Freddie to avoid the sound alike and coverband jibes that Journey are frequently subjected to. Now what if JSS was given the frontman role in Queen instead of Rogers? Would there have been so much bitterness then? Jeff is amazing on that material matching Freddie note for note and bettering him live for consistancy in my opinion. Does he sound too similar to Freddie? Would Queen then be a cover band despite the inclusion of a performer far more suited to that material and a much better frontman tehn a short Northerner with the charisma of a 2x4? Of course not.
Journey is the money maker and the current members better damn well shake it for all its worth before the bottom falls off.
Well, for one example, the Beatles catalogue didn't fade. It kept its integrity. Paul, George, John & Ringo went their separate ways, and found their own versions of success. Had any one of those guys been replaced... the fan base would have crucified them.
Queen's situation is different...they didn't replace Freddy. Freddy died. I'd be happy with either Rogers or JSS for Queen. Both are brilliant. Michael H from INXS died. Not replaced. JD... not so hot. OK... good, but no where near the greatness they once had. At least JD is trying to carve his own nitch.
Ultimately, Neal chose to continue Journey instead of the risky unknown of doing something different. He still is. You said it. JOURNEY is a money maker, and that formula requires riding on PERRY's Coattails to continue to make money. Hence Arnel, and not JSS. If Neal wanted a name for himself... it should have been anything BUT Journey.
Um, uh, yeah, good idea, or whatever. 
