Steve Lukather on Steve Perry & More...

[Arkansas]

Uhm, even if Perry can still sing today, then he might as well be not singing to anyone because it just doesn't matter. I mean, if he's not singing for the public, or if he's not singing as a vocation, then what does it matter? Seriously, you or I are singing just as good as he is, no? No one is hearing us, just as much as no one is hearing him.

No offense SP...or to all the 'loons'. But the point is, if a tree falls in the woods, and no one hears it fall, did it make a sound? If Perry sings for himself, or in some secluded situation, and the general public doesn't hear it, ... you know where this goes.

If I told you that I can sing Perry better than Augeri, Chalfant, AP, or whoever, but no one hears me do it, then shouldn't you take my word on it just like you do when told by someone that Perry actually sang?

Record it. Do it for an audience. Or publicly profess it. Thing is, who cares if you (HE) sing or not, if we never hear it...???

later~

[Rick]

Uhm, even if Perry can still sing today, then he might as well be not singing to anyone because it just doesn't matter. I mean, if he's not singing for the public, or if he's not singing as a vocation, then what does it matter? Seriously, you or I are singing just as good as he is, no? No one is hearing us, just as much as no one is hearing him.

No offense SP...or to all the 'loons'. But the point is, if a tree falls in the woods, and no one hears it fall, did it make a sound? If Perry sings for himself, or in some secluded situation, and the general public doesn't hear it, ... you know where this goes.

If I told you that I can sing Perry better than Augeri, Chalfant, AP, or whoever, but no one hears me do it, then shouldn't you take my word on it just like you do when told by someone that Perry actually sang?

Record it. Do it for an audience. Or publicly profess it. Thing is, who cares if you (HE) sing or not, if we never hear it...???

later~

Fuck dude, that was an amazingly intelligent post. (tipping my hat)

[annie89509]

Ok. Gonna share my thoughts, which I was talking with Lora about yesterday.

In 1994, I saw the warm-up show for Steve Perry’s solo tour. I had gotten there way early, for some reason. I was able to walk in and watch the sound check, thanks to a friend who’s name will go unmentioned - Lora. I suppose this was a much longer sound check than usual, it being the first show in front of an audience. I cannot even tell you how blown away I was. The things he was doing with his voice were flat out amazing. And I am sorry, but there was still not a singer I’ve ever heard that could touch it. It far exceeded even the show itself. Missing You was spectacular. If I had not have seen him rehearsing it live, I would have sworn the version in the show was taped.

I was chatting with the guy running the mixing board. He was telling me he had been in the business for 30+ years (and he looked it) and had worked on many Journey shows during that time. He agreed that he had never witnessed a voice sounding that good.

It wasn’t as high as say Evolution or Escape, etc. But for my money, it was far better. I think his voice did wear down over the tour, but I can understand that.

Just as Ehwmatt stated, I just do not believe that kind of ability can fall away completely. He would have to take an arrow to the throat from a crossbow, and even then I think he’d manage.

I can’t imagine Uncle Joe and Steve Lukather and whoever else stating that he can still sing just to prop him up. Makes no sense.

Maybe this lies within Steve Perry himself. He made comments that he didn’t feel he could sing to his expectations. Well, maybe he just needs to adjust that. I mean, if he doesn’t want to do it anymore, fine, enjoy the life. God speed. But if he is staying away because he feels he does not have enough to offer, I hope he rethinks it.

Memorex, thanks so much for sharing your thoughts and SP story with us. It literally brought tears to my eyes.

As much of a perryloon as I am, I’m guilty of not liking FTLOSM as much as his Journey albums, or even as much as ST. I’m a latecomer to the hardcore fanbase, never followed them in actual time. My initiation to the entire song catalog, concert boots, and Journey history(soap opera) was condensed and played over a 9-month time period during 2005-06. After listening to him in the earlier records, I don’t think I fully appreciated the mature-sounding, slower songs on FTLOSM. Missing You, omg, that soulful voice and the emotion Steve puts into his singing, just grabs you in the heart. Who else in the history of rock music has his vocal delivery? It is very sad, indeed, that SP seemingly has chosen to stop singing. He, of all people, should know singing is not all about range and high notes. If Frankie Valli and John Fogerty can come back out after long absences, at their ages, ….

Osherrie alluded to the Perry bashings on the public Journey forums. As a new fan just starting to visit various boards at the time, I was quite dismayed at the hurtful things said about him. To be fair, however, there were probably equal venom hurled at SA as the replacement lead singer. You know how crazy some people can get. Hard to tell if it’s the lead singer that they’re angry with, or the poster(s) they’re arguing with. As Jeremey was complaining the other day, people like to name drop to bolster their argument, using his name to hurt the poster(s) they’re fighting with. There were equal nastiness on both sides. Then add to the mix, just crazy people (the notorious and rabid) and you've got internet wars.

Two of my favorite posters that I felt a connection with immediately (God, I hope I don’t embarrass them, or myself, lol) are Matthew and JohnfromBoston. Matt was AllEveryNight when we both signed on at the Perry.yahoo.board about the same time (midyear 2005). We were both quick to note that the people that started this “Perry” board were really Augeri fans, because all they ever talk about was what a great singer and person SA is, and let’s meet at the next Journey concert. Lol. Could they have started this board with a hidden agenda? Lure all the Journey fans in with the Perry name, then sway and convert them to the Journey (dark)side? Needless to say, we were not treated too popularly when we pointed this seemingly conflict of interest time and time again.

And JfromB, I first met (only on screen) at BT. He was one of the more vocal champions for the “Perry cause.” There were no venom or personal attacks thrown about; BT rules would never allow that. But the minimization of SP’s contributions to the Journey band and their musical direction was insidious. “Perry is gone, that’s the past, this is the present and future, let’s worship SA--what a great guy, great singer” yada, yada, yada. One Mod at BT actually had the gall to come out with “if you’re going to talk about Steve Perry, be sure to compliment SA in your post, too.” It was among that kind of environment that I refused to join BT, only chose to lurk every now and then scanning for any kind of SP thread (crumb), and John’s posts. He was(is) my hero.

Lol, sorry for taking up the whole page. This is my diary entry for the night. Good night!

[perryfaithful]

" One Mod at BT actually had the gall to come out with “if you’re going to talk about Steve Perry, be sure to compliment SA in your post, too.” o.

Don't remember him being a mod, but I do remember RICH (the Journey radio guy) as pushing that. DROVE ME CRAZY!! Wonder what is ahead?

[ohsherrie]

Thing is, who cares if you (HE) sing or not, if we never hear it...???

later~

I care and so do a lot of other Perry fans who saw all of the posts over the past 9 years or so berating and belittling Perry using the chant "Perry can't even sing any more" as one of the taunts.

[SteveForever]

Thing is, who cares if you (HE) sing or not, if we never hear it...???

later~

I care and so do a lot of other Perry fans who saw all of the posts over the past 9 years or so berating and belittling Perry using the chant "Perry can't even sing any more" as one of the taunts.

Exactly! how many people here posting daily could meet Perry in person and look him in the eye
as a fan after the garbage they've written about him? So many things have been written about him
and the band that may or may not be honest yet its becomes "truth" and........ some that came to this site
clueless are now regurgitating information as fact and trying be "Oz."

[ohsherrie]

[ So many things have been written about him
and the band that may or may not be honest yet its becomes "truth" and........ some that came to this site
clueless are now regurgitating information as fact and trying be "Oz."

Really amazing isn't it? You'd think at least a dozen or so people from VH1, BT and this board were on the tour busses with them during the Frontiers tour, in the recording studio with them during ROR, in Perry's Dr's office with him in '96, in the conference rooms and lawyer's offices when the negotiations between him and the band took place, and in Perry's home studio listening to him struggle to croak out a note. They new all the real info.

[perryfaithful]

Well thank you "Luke" for weighing in. Real people with real information. Can't beat it!

Thanks Andrew for having the kind of place where these REAL people can say a few words

[Jeremey]

"The fire's still there, my heart is too scared to fall again...It's a little too late because we'll never change what was..."

- Steve Perry

[Moon Beam]

"The fire's still there, my heart is too scared to fall again...It's a little too late because we'll never change what was..."

- Steve Perry

How long ago did he say that Jeremey?, it doesn't look familiar to me.
Happy Green Day to you and yours Sir.

[conversationpc]

"The fire's still there, my heart is too scared to fall again...It's a little too late because we'll never change what was..."

- Steve Perry

How long ago did he say that Jeremey?, it doesn't look familiar to me.
Happy Green Day to you and yours Sir.

Those are lyrics from the song "What Was" from "Greatest Hits + Five Unreleased".

[Moon Beam]

Thanks Dave I don't have that one and have never heard it before.

[Lady Luck]

Please chill and look at the blessings in your life. I do. It is what keeps me somewhat sane.

Amen to that! Great read!

[Red13JoePa]

Uh, the bashing Schon's endured (and on a far more personal level than Saint Steven, to boot) from loons and psuedo Journey fans is approximately TEN times as heavy as that which perry's gotten.

[Saint John]

Uh, the bashing Schon's endured (and on a far more personal level than Saint Steven, to boot) from loons and psuedo Journey fans is approximately TEN times as heavy as that which perry's gotten.

And the funny thing is that I can't think of one thing Neal has ever done to impede, slow down, detour or retire Journey. The man is a machine and a model for work ethic. Neal is God.

[Red13JoePa]

And the funny thing is that I can't think of one thing Neal has ever done to impede, slow down, detour or retire Journey. The man is a machine and a model for work ethic. Neal is God.

I like, kinda know.
That's why NealIsGod is, after all, "NealIsGod."

[Saint John]

That's why NealIsGod is, after all, "NealIsGod."

And to think that I just had that epiphany today.

[Red13JoePa]

That's why NealIsGod is, after all, "NealIsGod."

And to think that I just had that epiphany today.

Forgiveable.
Next time some dope accuses YOU of being quick on the uptake will be the first.

(wincing for incoming clothespin/anotomical/poppy Survivor joke).

[ohsherrie]

Thanks Dave I don't have that one and have never heard it before.

It's a really beautiful song Gerene. It's on Perry's GH+5. He actually wrote it about the aftermath of his breakup with Sherrie, but the lines that Jeremey quoted could easily apply to the way he feels about singing now.

[annie89509]

Uh, the bashing Schon's endured (and on a far more personal level than Saint Steven, to boot) from loons and psuedo Journey fans is approximately TEN times as heavy as that which perry's gotten.

And the funny thing is that I can't think of one thing Neal has ever done to impede, slow down, detour or retire Journey. The man is a machine and a model for work ethic. Neal is God.

And you guys are 2 of the worst instigators of fanning the flames. Neal's problem is he has a double whammy against him--incurring the wrath of both loons and wigglers. Wait, there's the JSS diehards, too. Let's face it, the guy is screwed! For the record, I have never denounced Neal, or Jon, or any band member, past or present, choosing only to join in discussions that interest me.

At least Red13 is consistent. SJ has the worst case of flipflop disease I have ever encountered--worst than Deano. Has anyone forgotten that he called Neal a Peter Pan, an uneducated grown man forever trapped in the fast lane of sex, drugs, and rocknroll? And the reason he has to make music and tour is to feed those habits? Or, how about this: "If Arnel gets hired, I'm going to eat a dog!"

Just playing with you, SJ, nothing personal, eh.

[Saint John]

Uh, the bashing Schon's endured (and on a far more personal level than Saint Steven, to boot) from loons and psuedo Journey fans is approximately TEN times as heavy as that which perry's gotten.

And the funny thing is that I can't think of one thing Neal has ever done to impede, slow down, detour or retire Journey. The man is a machine and a model for work ethic. Neal is God.

And you guys are 2 of the worst instigators of fanning the flames. Neal's problem is he has a double whammy against him--incurring the wrath of both loons and wigglers. Wait, there's the JSS diehards, too. Let's face it, the guy is screwed! For the record, I have never denounced Neal, or Jon, or any band member, past or present, choosing only to join in discussions that interest me.

At least Red13 is consistent. SJ has the worst case of flipflop disease I have ever encountered--worst than Deano. Has anyone forgotten that he called Neal a Peter Pan, an uneducated grown man forever trapped in the fast lane of sex, drugs, and rocknroll? And the reason he has to make music and tour is to feed those habits? Or, how about this: "If Arnel gets hired, I'm going to eat a dog!" Just playing with you, SJ, nothing personal, eh.

I still contend that. I've just changed my mind in regards to Neal being a bad person. He simply isn't. He's bad ass fucking guitar player and that's all he's ever wanted to be. As far as the sex, drugs and rock and roll thing goes...God bless him. I'd be doing the exact same thing.

As far as eating a dog...yes, I did say that and would have absolutely no problem trying that in a country where it is legal. After all, we eat pork, which is an exponentially more vile and disgusting animal. People here eat snakes, alligators, and raccoons. Kinda makes a "hot dog" sound good.

PS Appreciate you archiving my posts!!! Does that mean I'm interesting?

[annie89509]

Uh, the bashing Schon's endured (and on a far more personal level than Saint Steven, to boot) from loons and psuedo Journey fans is approximately TEN times as heavy as that which perry's gotten.

And the funny thing is that I can't think of one thing Neal has ever done to impede, slow down, detour or retire Journey. The man is a machine and a model for work ethic. Neal is God.

And you guys are 2 of the worst instigators of fanning the flames. Neal's problem is he has a double whammy against him--incurring the wrath of both loons and wigglers. Wait, there's the JSS diehards, too. Let's face it, the guy is screwed! For the record, I have never denounced Neal, or Jon, or any band member, past or present, choosing only to join in discussions that interest me.

At least Red13 is consistent. SJ has the worst case of flipflop disease I have ever encountered--worst than Deano. Has anyone forgotten that he called Neal a Peter Pan, an uneducated grown man forever trapped in the fast lane of sex, drugs, and rocknroll? And the reason he has to make music and tour is to feed those habits? Or, how about this: "If Arnel gets hired, I'm going to eat a dog!" Just playing with you, SJ, nothing personal, eh.

I still contend that. I've just changed my mind in regards to Neal being a bad person. He simply isn't. He's bad ass fucking guitar player and that's all he's ever wanted to be. As far as the sex, drugs and rock and roll thing goes...God bless him. I'd be doing the exact same thing.

As far as eating a dog...yes, I did say that and would have absolutely no problem trying that in a country where it is legal. After all, we eat pork, which is an exponentially more vile and disgusting animal. People here eat snakes, alligators, and raccoons. Kinda makes a "hot dog" sound good.

PS Appreciate you archiving my posts!!! Does that mean I'm interesting?

Oh, you are an interesting man, SJ, I'll give you that. The only time you and I have a problem is when you post against SP. He, I'm partial to. As for archiving posts, nah, I'm too busy for that. I do possess an uncanny ability to recall facts and events. People that know me are amazed. In fact, I have an encyclopedia of Journey info stored in my head--this from reading and listening to everything relating to the Journey guys only since June 2005.

[Saint John]

Uh, the bashing Schon's endured (and on a far more personal level than Saint Steven, to boot) from loons and psuedo Journey fans is approximately TEN times as heavy as that which perry's gotten.

And the funny thing is that I can't think of one thing Neal has ever done to impede, slow down, detour or retire Journey. The man is a machine and a model for work ethic. Neal is God.

And you guys are 2 of the worst instigators of fanning the flames. Neal's problem is he has a double whammy against him--incurring the wrath of both loons and wigglers. Wait, there's the JSS diehards, too. Let's face it, the guy is screwed! For the record, I have never denounced Neal, or Jon, or any band member, past or present, choosing only to join in discussions that interest me.

At least Red13 is consistent. SJ has the worst case of flipflop disease I have ever encountered--worst than Deano. Has anyone forgotten that he called Neal a Peter Pan, an uneducated grown man forever trapped in the fast lane of sex, drugs, and rocknroll? And the reason he has to make music and tour is to feed those habits? Or, how about this: "If Arnel gets hired, I'm going to eat a dog!" Just playing with you, SJ, nothing personal, eh.

I still contend that. I've just changed my mind in regards to Neal being a bad person. He simply isn't. He's bad ass fucking guitar player and that's all he's ever wanted to be. As far as the sex, drugs and rock and roll thing goes...God bless him. I'd be doing the exact same thing.

As far as eating a dog...yes, I did say that and would have absolutely no problem trying that in a country where it is legal. After all, we eat pork, which is an exponentially more vile and disgusting animal. People here eat snakes, alligators, and raccoons. Kinda makes a "hot dog" sound good.

PS Appreciate you archiving my posts!!! Does that mean I'm interesting?

Oh, you are an interesting man, SJ, I'll give you that. The only time you and I have a problem is when you post against SP. He, I'm partial to. As for archiving posts, nah, I'm too busy for that. I do possess an uncanny ability to recall facts and events. People that know me are amazed. In fact, I have an encyclopedia of Journey info stored in my head--this from reading and listening to everything relating to the Journey guys only since June 2005.

Fair enough. I LOVE STEVE PERRY!!! Good enough?

[annie89509]

[quote="Saint John
Fair enough. I LOVE STEVE PERRY!!! Good enough? [/quote]

Yes, good man! Keep that in mind the next time you feel the urge to sprout hate against him .

[Red13JoePa]

I get a boot out of these perry apologists artists going around braying "he's still got it, you just have to take our word on it" and then you read about how they know and it's really a lot like they're using him as the relic he's become.

Like a golden budda or cigar store indian they (the guffs, the packs, the bettancourts, the lukathers, hell even the white sox) wheel him in there on a hand truck and just prop him up, maybe rub his schnoz and via osmosis his MERE PRESENCE in the studio just drums up this mystical vibe.
And VOILA! They know he still has IT so we mere pfiefs I mean fans who pay their bills should just pick up an instrument or shup up.

[Deb]

I get a boot out of these perry apologists artists going around braying "he's still got it, you just have to take our word on it" and then you read about how they know and it's really a lot like they're using him as the relic he's become.

Like a golden budda or cigar store indian they (the guffs, the packs, the bettancourts, the lukathers, hell even the white sox) wheel him in there on a hand truck and just prop him up, maybe rub his schnoz and via osmosis his MERE PRESENCE in the studio just drums up this mystical vibe.
And VOILA! They know he still has IT so we mere pfiefs I mean fans who pay their bills should just pick up an instrument or shup up.

Can't say it's not interesting to see just what kind of negative spin you always come up with regarding any and all things Perry.

[Red13JoePa]

Hey, that's no more spin than blaming me and St John for being the biggest culprits behind every detail of neal's existence from musical to personal being bashed on this board since 2006.

[ohsherrie]

Can't say it's not interesting to see just what kind of negative spin you always come up with regarding any and all things Perry.

Yep, everybody who knows Perry is lying or has some agenda, only Joe13 has the real sccop.

[Deb]

Hey, that's no more spin than blaming me and St John for being the biggest culprits behind every detail of neal's existence from musical to personal being bashed on this board since 2006.

Huh? In english please?

[Red13JoePa]

Can't say it's not interesting to see just what kind of negative spin you always come up with regarding any and all things Perry.

Yep, everybody who knows Perry is lying or has some agenda, only Joe13 has the real sccop.

Hey, emoticon

Don't you have whining to do about about bush somewhere?