Festival Viña 2008

[Strange Medicine]

Completely aware that there are numerous threads on the subject already, some of them have turned into a veritable melee between Steve Perry-, Steve Augeri-, JSS-, and Arnel Pineda-loyalists, and rather than take the time to try to squeeze in some on-topic posts, my ego compelled me to make a new thread on the subject. If it is against the rules, feel free to lock it. I have read numerous posts by my fellow posters on the forums, and feedback has been rather mixed. Some liked it, some hated it, and an overwhelming majority just seemed to think it was "okay".

Personally? I about fell out of my fucking chair with excitement, for a multitude of reasons.

First, the stage was absolutely magnificent, and going along with other posts by Saint John, I have to say that the eye candy helped out a hell of a lot, combining with the spectacular light-work to make for one rockin' environment -- which (for numerous technical reasons) dwarfed anything I've ever seen Journey play at.

Second, the people. There seemed to be so many fucking people present (does anyone know the proper count?), which would hint that the embittered vows of certain parties that Journey would be working at "state fairs" have been finally put to rest. And it's not just the sheer size of the people -- they were pumped. It's not like some of the 2001 DVD where the crowd was happy, but relatively calmed and relaxed. These people were holding banners, dancing, rocking, singing, making out, sacrificing their firstborn, ect.

Third, the musicianship. I've never heard Journey quite at that level of rocking as a band before. With all due respect to Steve Perry and Steve Augeri, their live concerts, while amazing and unique never quite had the rock feel -- it seemed as though the songs were played much softer in comparison to now. I believe, personally, that we can thank Mr. Soto for this. Journey sounded great; "Don't Stop Believin'", in particular, had one hell of an edge to it that puts the studio musicianship (if not the vocals) to shame. And "Chain Reaction" was amazing, particularly the middle-solo at the 2 minute mark. There were times when I couldn't make out Neal's guitar that well (AWYWI), but overall, I'm in awe. The band (minus Cain for the most part) seemed very energized and very excited. Neal interacted more with Arnel than I've seen him do with anyone since Perry.

Fourth, Arnel. He started off on the "okay-" level. But I was impressed with how much he got the crowd into it (seriously, did you see how nuts they went?) and his vocal technique.

Essentially, I've turned into a complete girl about this concert. It was very, very, very good.

Whew.

Favorite parts?

[texafana]

"With all due respect to Steve Perry and Steve Augeri, their live concerts, while amazing and unique never quite had the rock feel -- it seemed as though the songs were played much softer in comparison to now. I believe, personally, that we can thank Mr. Soto for this."

Soto? Noto.

Thank a rockin drummer who thuds like no other, and thank Neal for having a more bluesy/warm/fat guitar sound. Actually, the sound was very similar to the 2001 DVD, just slightly more heavy sounding. Again, it's mainly due to the guitar sound Neal uses.

[Saint John]

A few things, Strange Medicine:

That stage was awesome. Don't expect another one like it.

I heard 16,000 people.

South American fans, like Euros, know how to rock. They would've burned that place down if they had the opportunity. They, like Euros, also like throwing shit at each other. Must be a custom or something.


If you "turned into a girl" for that concert, you'll be a dick sucking sissified fool by the end of the tour because I suspect it wll get a lot better.

[Strange Medicine]

A few things, Strange Medicine:

That stage was awesome. Don't expect another one like it.

I heard 16,000 people.

South American fans, like Euros, know how to rock. They would've burned that place down if they had the opportunity. They, like Euros, also like throwing shit at each other. Must be a custom or something.


If you "turned into a girl" for that concert, you'll be a dick sucking sissified fool by the end of the tour because I suspect it wll get a lot better.

It's my misguided yet sincere hope that Journey will be playing at larger venues and making use of more elaborate stages. Is it true that they're also putting out a new music video?

[Rick]

A few things, Strange Medicine:

That stage was awesome. Don't expect another one like it.

I heard 16,000 people.

South American fans, like Euros, know how to rock. They would've burned that place down if they had the opportunity. They, like Euros, also like throwing shit at each other. Must be a custom or something.


If you "turned into a girl" for that concert, you'll be a dick sucking sissified fool by the end of the tour because I suspect it wll get a lot better.

It's my misguided yet sincere hope that Journey will be playing at larger venues and making use of more elaborate stages. Is it true that they're also putting out a new music video?

I heard the video was scratched and that they're filming the Vegas show in March.

[Strange Medicine]

A few things, Strange Medicine:

That stage was awesome. Don't expect another one like it.

I heard 16,000 people.

South American fans, like Euros, know how to rock. They would've burned that place down if they had the opportunity. They, like Euros, also like throwing shit at each other. Must be a custom or something.


If you "turned into a girl" for that concert, you'll be a dick sucking sissified fool by the end of the tour because I suspect it wll get a lot better.

It's my misguided yet sincere hope that Journey will be playing at larger venues and making use of more elaborate stages. Is it true that they're also putting out a new music video?

I heard the video was scratched and that they're filming the Vegas show in March.

Damn. Why can't they have both? I understand that they want to "return to their classic roots" but given the fact that Neal's still on guitar, their primary songwriter remains in the band, and they have a singer with extraordinary potential and vocal prowess under their belt -- and Ross Valory's quote that "this is only the beginning" -- you'd think that they'd want to try to churn out the hits again. A music video + a radio friendly single might do that.

Though, of course, I'm thrilled with the DVD. The real question is: will it be more enjoyable than the concert in Chile? Think about it; the shit's all over Youtube, they've pulled 15,000 people, and who can forget the Emmy-class stage?

[Saint John]

A few things, Strange Medicine:

That stage was awesome. Don't expect another one like it.

I heard 16,000 people.

South American fans, like Euros, know how to rock. They would've burned that place down if they had the opportunity. They, like Euros, also like throwing shit at each other. Must be a custom or something.


If you "turned into a girl" for that concert, you'll be a dick sucking sissified fool by the end of the tour because I suspect it wll get a lot better.

It's my misguided yet sincere hope that Journey will be playing at larger venues and making use of more elaborate stages. Is it true that they're also putting out a new music video?

I heard the video was scratched and that they're filming the Vegas show in March.

The March 8th show is being recorded for the DVD. I never believe anything til I see it, though. They've nixed quite a few things for me to get excited about anything other than just seeing them. Can't wait!!!

PS I thought the video was already done.

[Liam]

I still want the Dallas '05 show just because the Dallas Cowboys' cheerleaders were there. .

[Strange Medicine]

Hmm.

Well, that's just the thing. I'm thrilled about the DVD and this latest incarnation of the band, but like I've said, we already have a kickass performance on Youtube. The only thing that can improve is Arnel's technique and his behavior on stage (to curb the anxiety). That's well and good, but not that big of an improvement, no? Hopefully, they'll make it longer and add a.) a few classic songs not included in the Dirty Dozen and b.) new material. A nice stage and high venue would be nice, too.

Maybe I'm just being picky.


Edit: Good call, Liam. Though, given the "tapegate scandal" -- as I believe it's referred to as -- I doubt the DVD will ever see the light of day.

[Rick]

A few things, Strange Medicine:

That stage was awesome. Don't expect another one like it.

I heard 16,000 people.

South American fans, like Euros, know how to rock. They would've burned that place down if they had the opportunity. They, like Euros, also like throwing shit at each other. Must be a custom or something.


If you "turned into a girl" for that concert, you'll be a dick sucking sissified fool by the end of the tour because I suspect it wll get a lot better.

It's my misguided yet sincere hope that Journey will be playing at larger venues and making use of more elaborate stages. Is it true that they're also putting out a new music video?

I heard the video was scratched and that they're filming the Vegas show in March.

The March 8th show is being recorded for the DVD. I never believe anything til I see it, though. They've nixed quite a few things for me to get excited about anything other than just seeing them. Can't wait!!!

PS I thought the video was already done.

I could have sworn I saw where Andrew posted and said it was scratched. Hopefully I'm wrong, but that's almost never the case.

[Rick]

I still want the Dallas '05 show just because the Dallas Cowboys' cheerleaders were there. .

You know why they nixed that! That one can't happen now.

[Liam]

I still want the Dallas '05 show just because the Dallas Cowboys' cheerleaders were there. .

You know why they nixed that! That one can't happen now.

Oh I know. They just need to send me the cheerleader footage and I'll be ok.

[Strange Medicine]

Is it available anywhere on Youtube?

[Liam]

Is it available anywhere on Youtube?

Not to my knowledge. But I could be wrong.

[Strange Medicine]

Is it available anywhere on Youtube?

Not to my knowledge. But I could be wrong.

Might be worthwhile to check. I would, but my computer is a piece of shit. Not being computer literate, I find it the single major source of frustration for my life. When we get a new one, I'm going to take it outside and anoint it with my Louisville Slugger, set the remains ablaze, and then participate in a mating ritual over the ashes.

[Liam]

Is it available anywhere on Youtube?

Not to my knowledge. But I could be wrong.

Might be worthwhile to check. I would, but my computer is a piece of shit. Not being computer literate, I find it the single major source of frustration for my life. When we get a new one, I'm going to take it outside and anoint it with my Louisville Slugger, set the remains ablaze, and then participate in a mating ritual over the ashes.

i'm sure, if there IS footage out there from the Dallas '05 show, that Rick or Dan will find it. I can't as I'm on dial-up right now. God...I fucking hate the 70's.

[The_Noble_Cause]

Is it available anywhere on Youtube?

I haven't found it.
Neither is the Warfield Augeri dvd with Sammy Hagar cameo.
Still, there is a decent Augeri pro-shot concert from Virginia Beach making the viral rounds.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=QWalG1t5dPo

[Rick]

Is it available anywhere on Youtube?

No. It never saw the light of day. They filmed the '05 Dallas show at the Nokia theater actually located in Grand Prairie for a DVD, but word got out that Augeri lip synced that show, so they decided that since people knew that, it would be a really bad idea.

[ttango1]

Might be worthwhile to check. I would, but my computer is a piece of shit. Not being computer literate, I find it the single major source of frustration for my life. When we get a new one, I'm going to take it outside and anoint it with my Louisville Slugger, set the remains ablaze, and then participate in a mating ritual over the ashes.

If you did that...it could be a tad dangerous. If some of the plastic semiconductor pieces were to catch fire, there is a chance that the smoke it causes could be TOXIC. Do the mating ritual upwind though...you should be okay.

[Rick]

Might be worthwhile to check. I would, but my computer is a piece of shit. Not being computer literate, I find it the single major source of frustration for my life. When we get a new one, I'm going to take it outside and anoint it with my Louisville Slugger, set the remains ablaze, and then participate in a mating ritual over the ashes.

If you did that...it could be a tad dangerous. If some of the plastic semiconductor pieces were to catch fire, there is a chance that the smoke it causes could be TOXIC. Do the mating ritual upwind though...you should be okay.

[The_Noble_Cause]

No. It never saw the light of day. They filmed the '05 Dallas show at the Nokia theater actually located in Grand Prairie for a DVD, but word got out that Augeri lip synced that show, so they decided that since people knew that, it would be a really bad idea.

Yup. Likely would've looked as bad as this.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=4eYK2lejTmo&feature=related

Didn't Augeri ever think to pull the mic away from his face at least once? Y'know, to at least try to make it seem real?
His piss-poor Paris street mime act is a disgrace not just to the casual concertgoer who doesn't know any better, but especially to die-hard Journey/Augeri fans that have followed him and know his style.
Give your fans a shred of credit, man.

In case u were wondering, the only part of this clip that isn't straight off Vegas 2001 comes at 4:45 when he attempts to sing for real.
Disgusting.

[Strange Medicine]

Might be worthwhile to check. I would, but my computer is a piece of shit. Not being computer literate, I find it the single major source of frustration for my life. When we get a new one, I'm going to take it outside and anoint it with my Louisville Slugger, set the remains ablaze, and then participate in a mating ritual over the ashes.

If you did that...it could be a tad dangerous. If some of the plastic semiconductor pieces were to catch fire, there is a chance that the smoke it causes could be TOXIC. Do the mating ritual upwind though...you should be okay.

Are you serious?

There should be a fucking disclaimer.

I'm going to sue their asses.

[ttango1]

Might be worthwhile to check. I would, but my computer is a piece of shit. Not being computer literate, I find it the single major source of frustration for my life. When we get a new one, I'm going to take it outside and anoint it with my Louisville Slugger, set the remains ablaze, and then participate in a mating ritual over the ashes.

If you did that...it could be a tad dangerous. If some of the plastic semiconductor pieces were to catch fire, there is a chance that the smoke it causes could be TOXIC. Do the mating ritual upwind though...you should be okay.

Are you serious?

There should be a fucking disclaimer.

I'm going to sue their asses.

http://www.etoxics.org/site/PageServer? ... and_health

1,000+ Chemicals Used in Electronics Production
Just one computer can contain hundreds of chemicals, including lead, mercury, cadmium, brominated flame retardants (BFR’s) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Many of these chemicals are known to cause cancer, respiratory illness and reproductive problems. They are especially dangerous because of their ability to travel long distances through air and water and accumulate in our bodies and the environment.

But again, if you do the mating ritual upwind...you should be ok. Or at the very worst, grow a 3rd nipple.

[Strange Medicine]

Well, a third nipple is a Hindu sign of invincibility. Of course, everywhere else, is a sign of social rejection.