Matthew wrote:If Neal Schon was the singer or even the lyricist of Journey then I'd probably agree with you Strangegrey. But the fact is - his guitar playing has always been highly emotive - and there's nothing contrived about it. He has a pure natural talent. Schon himself probably doesn't even know how he communicates such feeling and maybe that's the only way he can express himself anyway. I don't think he's claiming to be anything other than a guitar player so I'm not sure it's right to call him a hypocrite or a fraud like the addiction counsellor who needs a line before talking to their patients.
The point I was making, is that it is *not* your place or mine to judge what someone else gets out of their music. Plain and simple. You have ZERO right to make a judgment over how I apply a filter to what is good music verses bad music to anyone including myself.
However, having said that..I will say this. I am a guitar player. To me, guitar playing is like singing. I hear emotion in guitar solos differently than you do. While one is not more or less valid...the fact that I try to emote when I play (and in doing so, I put my own life experiences into it) I can't respect someone who tries to do the same thing, and has a miserable life...it doesn't work for me. It might work for you....good for you. I'll pin a medal on your chest. But to me, it doesn't work. sorry.
In my ears and eyes, Neal's playing is no less fruadulant than a drug counseler that's hooked on smack.
Matthew wrote:Also - what is it that he's done that's so terrible anyway? How do we know he has no love or faith? For all we know he could have a great relationship with his kids and his ex-wives and his closest friends. And for all that has gone wrong with Journey since 1998 you could argue that he did overcome serious obstacles but had the faith to step into the unknown and try to make it work.
Have you met him? Sorry, we judge people based on how they act towards you and others...Also, let's not forget the fact that he's a public figure and is subject to considerably different rules. People have judged and sentenced Brittany Spears, Welsey Snipes and others for far less than what Neal Schon has done.
Sadly, you're grasping at straws here just to be combative...which is your MO around here. The point I was trying to make, which doesn't seem to sink into your head in these scenarios is that EACH opinion is valid. I dont care if you like schon and his playing, despite whether or not you think he's a genuine person. Its your choice....I support it. My choice is my choice. Respect that, as I respect yours.
Matthew wrote:
So he fired a couple of people and snubbed the occasional fan and he's probably got married too often...but for someone who has been a rock star for over 35 years this really isn't that bad...especially for a guy who has never claimed to be a source of spiritual guidance and comfort...or a role model for our children.
Again, you're missing my point. I am not expecting him to be a role model for my kids or me or anyone else. That's not the issue here. Neither is it snubbing the ocassional fan or his inability to stay married. It's
*MY* interpretation of it that matters...nothing more, nothing less.
I will also submit to you, that you are trivializing what Neal has done in the past to try to prove your point....Let's be a little more acurate, he's not snubbed the occasional fan. A guy like him doesn't earn the reputation he has, if he does it 'occassionally' or 'once in a while'....he's done it far more than that. If you chose not to believe that and slam your head into the sand and ignore that FACT, then I submit that you're doing it to protect your impression of the man. And I will further submit that you are trying to protect your impression of the man, because the man DOES matter to you and your music. Getting married 5 times is about 3 times more than "too often" sorry!!!! Especially when there are children involved.
Matthew wrote:To be honest Strangegrey...I think you've been looking in the wrong place for all that. I'd put that old copy of Arrival away in a drawer somewhere and get yourself off to church.
Listen, Now I think you're crossing the line....which you've done in the past. I'll respectfully ask you to appologize for saying something like that and I'll expect you to refrain from ever saying something like that again. I'll leave it at that.
What I look for in my music is justified by my OWN reasons. I don't tell you what you shouldn't listen to. I will offer commentary on what I feel is good music and bad and may explain myself and justify my reasons....but I don't force that on you. Show some fucking respect!
Like I've already submitted, what someone listens to and why they listen to it, are personal reasons. Nothing more nothing less. I have my reasons. How dare you even remotely suggest that my reasons are subject to your interpretation. I've never suggested that anyone elses reasons in this thread or elsewhere are illegitimate or immoral. We can argue about the music and the people behind the music....
...but i really think you're missing the point I'm trying to make, and I am forcing myself to make my point as respectfully as I can around here....that the choices we make to what we listen to are personal, and equally justified....whether or not you chose to listen to someones music because you like the person, the music or both.
Let it go!!!
