Excited about Journey's future?

[danielb]

Does anyone else feel the same way about Journey right now?

That you were really disappointed when it was announced JSS was fired thinking "WTF?!". That it felt like such a huge shame letting him go seeing the potential that was shown on the US tour, and being disappointed with the likeliness that they would play it safe with a new singer and be content with doing the greatest hits, ie not very exciting.

Then watching Arnel's Zoo clips hearing the resemblance to Perry, thinking this might not be that bad after all. And then watching the Chile/Vegas clips being really excited and impressed not only with Arnel sounding so similar to a young Perry (check out Wheel in the Sky from Chile), but also with Schon being on such good form. In conclusion, being very supportive of their new start and interested in what a new studio album and tour will bring. Also thinking it actually worked out for the best in the end, since hearing Arnel with the band reassured you he's the man for the job, even more so than JSS?

Looking forward to hear your thoughts.

Daniel

[Rick]

I think it took me a little while longer to warm up to the thought of Arnel fronting Journey. I was all kinds of pissed that they decided not to go with JSS. One day I just decided that Journey has been too important to me over the years to let myself keep feeling that way. I felt I needed to jump back on the Journey train because their music had been along for so many good times in my life. Then when I saw the Chile show, I was sure. It's a great fit. I don't know how they did it, but between the Chile show and the Las Vegas show, things had improved immensely, especially Arnel's delivery. I'm pretty excited about their future.

[brywool]

YUP. However, I felt Schon and Arnel were a bit sloppy on that first Chile show. The second one was great.

[Greg]

I'm not very excited about this band now. I was very excited when Jeff was in the band, because it meant Journey was going into a new, exciting direction. I was ready for Journey to have a new sound (vocally.) Unfortunately, it wasn't meant to be. I see them now as a tribute to Steve Perry. I'm sure they'll have some catchy songs on the new album and any other new albums they might release. I don't believe they'll ever be commercially successful ever again.

[ProgRocker53]

I see them now as a tribute to Steve Perry.

Which is funny, considering Steve Perry was only 1/5th of the band that made these songs, and only 1/3rd of the main writing team.... AND they're releasing at least 11 all-new original songs.

I don't believe they'll ever be commercially successful ever again.

Apart from the U2s and Bon Jovis and Bruce Springsteens of the music world, most bands from the pre-Grunge era won't. Journey not dropping a platinum record, shouldn't take away from your enjoyment of the band.

[YoungJRNY]

I'm not very excited about this band now. I was very excited when Jeff was in the band, because it meant Journey was going into a new, exciting direction. I was ready for Journey to have a new sound (vocally.) Unfortunately, it wasn't meant to be. I see them now as a tribute to Steve Perry. I'm sure they'll have some catchy songs on the new album and any other new albums they might release. I don't believe they'll ever be commercially successful ever again.

With all due respect to Mr. Soto, but aside from the few handful of fans, the more casual fan would of popped in a Soto-led Journey and asked the question.."Who and what the fuck is this?" and throw it to the to the back of the car to become a dust collector. The voice they were so use to and often heard would of been long gone, and for that matter would of been why the fan would of bought the new CD. It's all about the sound. You put Soto in lead, and Journey is Gone, just some different style of genre to the music.

Look, there is no more direction for Journey to go, vocally wise. The only thing they can do is put out new music to the fans and hope to god it's an album everyone embraces. They control their own fate on what to do with their new material. Will the effort be there, or will it be just another album to throw in the mix? Something tells me they really want to get back to what really counts, and that's making Rock 'N Roll. That's the certain vibe I get from this new lineup, and Arnel sure has the voice to put them in that spot.

[Greg]

Which is funny, considering Steve Perry was only 1/5th of the band that made these songs, and only 1/3rd of the main writing team.... AND they're releasing at least 11 all-new original songs.

And a band that was not scoring any major hits nor getting radio airplay until Steve Perry joined the band. The majority of music listeners who know about the band called Journey, at least casually, will know them mostly by their Escape line-up and not Pre-Perry line up. Unless you're a die hard fan, you wouldn't even know Journey existed before Steve Perry. And really, what does releasing 11 new songs have to do with anything? How many new songs has Journey released since Steve Augeri joined the band? How many were hits? The point I'm trying to make is Journey's whole point in trying to find "legacy" sound is trying to find someone who will sound like Steve Perry. Hence the reason why they drafted Steve Augeri in the first place. If Journey was seriously wanting to become a "new band" again like Neal suggested when Jeff was aboard, they would've kept Jeff.

Apart from the U2s and Bon Jovis and Bruce Springsteens of the music world, most bands from the pre-Grunge era won't. Journey not dropping a platinum record, shouldn't take away from your enjoyment of the band.

That isn't the reason why I'm not excited over this band anymore. I'm not excited over this band anymore because it has become apparent that they want to live off of the voice's legacy sound and not the sound of the band itself. That is why they wanted Augeri, Jeremey, and of course Arnel. They had something new and exciting with Jeff Scott Soto and screwed it up. I loved Steve Perry era Journey and though Augeri's era was good, but after all of these years (no pun intended) I was ready for something completely new from the band. Time to say Perry gave them something special, but to go on with the band with a new direction that everybody seemed to enjoy.

[Deb]

Accepted ~ YES

Excited ~ NO

I do like Arnel, and some of the new songs......and will probably get the cd/dvd. But my Journey excitement went out the door with Perry and Soto. I can tell, because I'm much more looking forward to JSS' new cd than I am Journey's. I need soul/delivery. Eric Martin has been writing for a new cd too............so hopefully sooner than later for that too.

[YoungJRNY]

Accepted ~ YES

Excited ~ NO

I do like Arnel, and some of the new songs......and will probably get the cd/dvd. But my Journey excitement went out the door with Perry and Soto. I can tell, because I'm much more looking forward to JSS' new cd than I am Journey's. I need soul/delivery. Eric Martin has been writing for a new cd too............so hopefully sooner than later for that too.

Journey

Styx

Jeff Scott Soto

Wow, how can excitement go out the door with Soto? The only thing he sung was the greatest hits, and even though he sang them damn good, he didn't do anything SPECTACULAR no other than what Arnel is doing right now. He didn't even record an album or any new songs (besides Winds of Freedom, which was lame in itself.) JSS was a good front man, but to give up on the band sorely just because he didn't fit and to think Soto was the next big thing to the band is ludacris. He was everything Journey wasn't. That's why he is hacked.

That's just the way I feel regarding the band Journey when in the same sentence as Soto. I understand many are attached to him here as a friend, and as a very gifted musician. It just gets on my nerves and I'm sure many others too when people pound their chest about it. Ohwell, I guess that's why this forum is here. Makes for great discussion, I can tell you that.

[Lady Luck]

I think it took me a little while longer to warm up to the thought of Arnel fronting Journey. I was all kinds of pissed that they decided not to go with JSS. One day I just decided that Journey has been too important to me over the years to let myself keep feeling that way. I felt I needed to jump back on the Journey train because their music had been along for so many good times in my life.

Couldn't have said it better.

[Deb]

Accepted ~ YES

Excited ~ NO

I do like Arnel, and some of the new songs......and will probably get the cd/dvd. But my Journey excitement went out the door with Perry and Soto. I can tell, because I'm much more looking forward to JSS' new cd than I am Journey's. I need soul/delivery. Eric Martin has been writing for a new cd too............so hopefully sooner than later for that too.

Journey

Styx

Jeff Scott Soto

Wow, how can excitement go out the door with Soto? The only thing he sung was the greatest hits, and even though he sang them damn good, he didn't do anything SPECTACULAR no other than what Arnel is doing right now. He didn't even record an album or any new songs (besides Winds of Freedom, which was lame in itself.) JSS was a good front man, but to give up on the band sorely just because he didn't fit and to think Soto was the next big thing to the band is ludacris. He was everything Journey wasn't. That's why he is hacked.

That's just the way I feel regarding the band Journey when in the same sentence as Soto. I understand many are attached to him here as a friend, and as a very gifted musician. It just gets on my nerves and I'm sure many others too when people pound their chest about it. Ohwell, I guess that's why this forum is here. Makes for great discussion, I can tell you that.

Didn't say I was giving up on the band, I like Arnel.......just not over the top excited. Probably a good 80 percent of my enjoyment of a band comes from the vocals......like it or not. And when it comes to throwing down a song with soul/passion...........S Perry, E Martin and J Soto are tops in my books. We all have our vocal/frontman preferences.

[texafana]

I'm not very excited about this band now. I was very excited when Jeff was in the band, because it meant Journey was going into a new, exciting direction. I was ready for Journey to have a new sound (vocally.) Unfortunately, it wasn't meant to be. I see them now as a tribute to Steve Perry. I'm sure they'll have some catchy songs on the new album and any other new albums they might release. I don't believe they'll ever be commercially successful ever again.

Why t f would any serious Journey fan want Journey to sound like anything other than Journey? I am SOOOO sick of this argument, it's lame and simply does not make sense. Why t f anyone would want a 30 year history band to all of a sudden change their legacy sound is beyond me. Give me a break, get over it.

Arnel will do for Journey what Kelly Hansen did for Foreigner. Allow the band to get back to their legacy sound, but not exact, and in the process bring in new and old fans.

You already had your dream of JSS and company in a band, it was called Soul Sirkus and it rocked. But apparently the fans didn't push it enough because it died. Truley a shame too, because it truley rawked!!

"I don't believe they'll ever be commercially successful ever again."

I'm sure they will, perhaps only for a limited time. After All These Years has great cross over potential.

[Voyager]

I see them now as a tribute to Steve Perry.

In all reality, how can they not be considered that when they have a singer emulating Steve's every note and tonal inflection?

That said, I would still go see a show. I still love Journey.

[Voyager]

With all due respect to Mr. Soto, but aside from the few handful of fans, the more casual fan would of popped in a Soto-led Journey and asked the question.."Who and what the fuck is this?" and throw it to the to the back of the car to become a dust collector....

...Something tells me they really want to get back to what really counts, and that's making Rock 'N Roll. That's the certain vibe I get from this new lineup, and Arnel sure has the voice to put them in that spot.

The Arnel/Journey CD has every good a chance to be thrown to the back of a car as the JSS/Journey CD (that never happened) would have. The fact is, apart from the classic Journey material - the Arnel version of Journey has not proved itself with new original music yet. It's more or less like a new band now apart from the classics. When members of a band change the front man, there are no guarantees. If that were not the case, then why didn't the Robert Fleischman, Steve Augeri, or Gregg Rolie version of Journey create any hit songs?

[RebornJrny]

First time to post on this site..I got kicked out from Journey forum because they didn't like my avatar. Anyways, I'm very much excited about the future of this band. I've been a long time Journey fan since Perry, Augeri is OK but can't stand JSS. I'll be waiting for the new CD & DVD. I'm curious to re-recorded GH. I went to Vegas concert and Pineda's performance was phenomenal.

[Voyager]

First time to post on this site..I got kicked out from Journey forum because they didn't like my avatar. Anyways, I'm very much excited about the future of this band. I've been a long time Journey fan since Perry, Augeri is OK but can't stand JSS. I'll be waiting for the new CD & DVD. I'm curious to re-recorded GH. I went to Vegas concert and Pineda's performance was phenomenal.

Welcome to a place that actually allows you to think for yourself.

[Lula]

I'm much more looking forward to JSS' new cd than I am Journey's.

you know what? me too! i was thinking about this the other morning, when will we be treated to the JSS experience?!

I'm basically apathetic about journey now, which totally sucks, but oh well.

[squirt1]

My opinion is what Greg said. I was only willing to pay to see JSS. I don't want a semi sound alike as Augeri or Arnel and will not pay $$$$ anymore. Anyone here that never saw Perry live is deluded to think this is Journey. JSS did give it some life !

[Arkansas]

Excited? Nope. Don't get 'excited' about much today...just nothing to come-out-of-your-shoes over. I mean, not unless my next revenue-generating project exceeds expectations. Got everything (most) I need. Not in school any more when things were supposed to be exciting...musically any way.

Journey is just a band, an old band that's really not relevent at all today, a side note of interest. They have no bearing on my personal life, never have. Anymore, I think I'm just quasi-addicted to this forum for entertainment value when I want it.


later~

[T-TIME]

Journey has been in my life since I was 11 years old. Thats 26 years. I'm talking every single day for 26 years. Outside of my mother, there is no one in my life as long as the music of Journey. To see that they are still moving forward is good enough for me. If it fails then so be it but they are still stepping up to the plate. Augeri, Soto, Pineda...whom ever it has been since SP they are still in the game and they shuffle and tweak things until they have a winning team. Just like any sports franchise. Bring someone in to help the squad sometimes it don't last at all. Keep drafting new talent until it is just what you are looking for. They brought Augeri in, he went down in the game so you bring in the quick replacement..Soto. It worked well for what it was worth but Journey didn't think he could lead them to the promise land so the went out and got themselves a franchise quarterback that could run the old and new offense. Journey has to hold on to there old fans to bring in new ones. Starting from scratch is a dead end street. What new audience would they appeal to? The Steve Perry sound is what our generation knows of Journey. Stick with what worked best (Steve P sound ) and build on that for the future with Arnel. I think that Journeys hit and miss process since 98 and staying in the game has finally paid off. Judging by the reception live of the new material. Journey just might have there Tom Brady

[piecesofeight]

I see them now as a tribute to Steve Perry.

Which is funny, considering Steve Perry was only 1/5th of the band that made these songs, and only 1/3rd of the main writing team.... AND they're releasing at least 11 all-new original songs.

I don't believe they'll ever be commercially successful ever again.

Apart from the U2s and Bon Jovis and Bruce Springsteens of the music world, most bands from the pre-Grunge era won't. Journey not dropping a platinum record, shouldn't take away from your enjoyment of the band.

Journey would not be known as they are..or for what they..if not for what Steve Perry brought to the table. Same with DDY and Styx.

Walk up to anyone and mention Journey and you will not have a conversation without Steve's name being brought up.

Walk up to anyone and mention Styx..they will bring up a DDY song.






Don't forget to think for yourself and be true to yourself.

[T-TIME]

I see them now as a tribute to Steve Perry.

Which is funny, considering Steve Perry was only 1/5th of the band that made these songs, and only 1/3rd of the main writing team.... AND they're releasing at least 11 all-new original songs.

I don't believe they'll ever be commercially successful ever again.

Apart from the U2s and Bon Jovis and Bruce Springsteens of the music world, most bands from the pre-Grunge era won't. Journey not dropping a platinum record, shouldn't take away from your enjoyment of the band.

Journey would not be known as they are..or for what they..if not for what Steve Perry brought to the table. Same with DDY and Styx.

Walk up to anyone and mention Journey and you will not have a conversation without Steve's name being brought up.

Walk up to anyone and mention Styx..they will bring up a DDY song.

I was holding the Vegas concert board in my hand ( The lobby board with the band picture ) and some guy says " hey how was the show?" then in one quick breath he says pointing to Arnel "who the hell is that guy?"





Don't forget to think for yourself and be true to yourself.

[T-TIME]

I see them now as a tribute to Steve Perry.

Which is funny, considering Steve Perry was only 1/5th of the band that made these songs, and only 1/3rd of the main writing team.... AND they're releasing at least 11 all-new original songs.

I don't believe they'll ever be commercially successful ever again.

Apart from the U2s and Bon Jovis and Bruce Springsteens of the music world, most bands from the pre-Grunge era won't. Journey not dropping a platinum record, shouldn't take away from your enjoyment of the band.

Journey would not be known as they are..or for what they..if not for what Steve Perry brought to the table. Same with DDY and Styx.

Walk up to anyone and mention Journey and you will not have a conversation without Steve's name being brought up.

Walk up to anyone and mention Styx..they will bring up a DDY song.






Don't forget to think for yourself and be true to yourself.

I was holding the Vegas concert board in my hand ( The lobby board with the band picture ) getting on the plane and some guy says " hey how was the show?" Then in one quick breath he says pointing to Arnel "who the hell is that guy?"

[Arkansas]

...
Journey would not be known as they are..or for what they..if not for what Steve Perry brought to the table. Same with DDY and Styx.
...

Not necessarily a big Jon Cain fan, however, I firmly believe that Escape didn't get to the top simply because of Perry. Perry had four Journey albums under his belt, but it wasn't until Cain joined the band that Journey had a #1 album.

Btw, not dissing Rolie at all. I wish he was in the band today along with JC.

Paint Perry as the god that most think he is (I do.), however, I think the biggest talent that Journey has ever had is Jon Cain. (No offense Neal. You're a guitar god, but considering all aspects of musicality,Cain is the total package.)


later~

[Jeremey]

Most definitely excited. For a long while I've been able to separate what "was" with what Journey has become. Journey with Perry was another place and time - It all means something different to each of us. But I am excited that the band has a singer that can really wail on the songs and I shouldn't have to go to a Journey show and wince and cringe everytime a high note was ducked or blown out. I'm looking forward to the CD. As I said when JSS was with the band - It's a different Journey, and I can separate that from those old days of re-renting "Frontiers and Beyond" from the corner video store several times a month just to look on in amazement at all that I missed out on.

[RocknRoll]

Most definitely excited. For a long while I've been able to separate what "was" with what Journey has become. Journey with Perry was another place and time - It all means something different to each of us. But I am excited that the band has a singer that can really wail on the songs and I shouldn't have to go to a Journey show and wince and cringe everytime a high note was ducked or blown out. I'm looking forward to the CD. As I said when JSS was with the band - It's a different Journey, and I can separate that from those old days of re-renting "Frontiers and Beyond" from the corner video store several times a month just to look on in amazement at all that I missed out on.

Nice post. ++

[lparn]

not excited in the least. I am not happy with the decisions that the band has made over the past 2 years and the way that they handled things with the departure of the last 2 singers and the lies we were told about the 06 tour.
I do not feel that they care about what the loyal and long time fans think or care.
I have spent alot of time and money on this band and traveling to see them over the past 5 years. I do not think that they care nor do they appreciate the fans.
I have lost alot of faith in them as a band and individuals,
I think what they are doing now with the package and the dvd and cd should have been done over the past 8 years especially rerecording the older songs.
I think they are concentrating on the dirty dozen and the past and the journey name.
I do not get excited about their music anymore and heard DSB on vh1 tonite and felt a sense of sadness rather than excitement.
Grateful to SP for the music he helped create.

[lparn]

not excited in the least. I am not happy with the decisions that the band has made over the past 2 years and the way that they handled things with the departure of the last 2 singers and the lies we were told about the 06 tour.
I do not feel that they care about what the loyal and long time fans think or care.
I have spent alot of time and money on this band and traveling to see them over the past 5 years. I do not think that they care nor do they appreciate the fans.
I have lost alot of faith in them as a band and individuals,
I think what they are doing now with the package and the dvd and cd should have been done over the past 8 years especially rerecording the older songs.
I think they are concentrating on the dirty dozen and the past and the journey name.
I do not get excited about their music anymore and heard DSB on vh1 tonite and felt a sense of sadness rather than excitement.
Grateful to SP for the music he helped create.
and to Steve Augeri for what hje contributed.

[tammy]

No, not excited. Maybe go to a concert, maybe not. Might buy the one single new ballad I heard, but not the package. I'm feeling like a casual fan.

[stevew2]

not excited in the least. I am not happy with the decisions that the band has made over the past 2 years and the way that they handled things with the departure of the last 2 singers and the lies we were told about the 06 tour.
I do not feel that they care about what the loyal and long time fans think or care.
I have spent alot of time and money on this band and traveling to see them over the past 5 years. I do not think that they care nor do they appreciate the fans.
I have lost alot of faith in them as a band and individuals,
I think what they are doing now with the package and the dvd and cd should have been done over the past 8 years especially rerecording the older songs.
I think they are concentrating on the dirty dozen and the past and the journey name.
I do not get excited about their music anymore and heard DSB on vh1 tonite and felt a sense of sadness rather than excitement.
Grateful to SP for the music he helped create.

I totally agree with your post . I cant even watch the 2001 DVD right now. If other fans are loving it ,thats fine for them, it dosent do it for me. I do like one new song, I dont need the dirty dozen sung again by a 3rd lead singer. Fuck how many times do you want to hear fucking Open Arms for Petes sake?