Arnel Interview

[wednesday's child]

Hi Luvsaugeri,

That's the second implication on this thread (after Donna's) that a Journey lead vocalist chumminess with the fans = termination.

From what little I can perceive, I think Augeri was relieved (in a most unfair fashion) because of performance issues,
which had no doubt been caused by Journey themselves. Neal cites a throat condition that resisted treatment,
which in turn jibes with the "Tapegate"allegations. Similarly, I think Soto was relieved (again, in a most unfair fashion)
mostly because Neal felt the band didn't sound/feel like Journey with Jeff in front.

Jeremey's short stay can be traced to Jeremey's own decision, and only after that can Neal's own reservations (in
contrast with Jon's enthusiasm) about Jeremey be considered. In a reversal, Arnel had Neal's vote, but Jon was in
vocal opposition, and it is what it is today.

Now if Arnel's giddy interaction with the fans is a dealbreaker, then yes, Arnel is going to be out of a job very soon.
The guy is Filipino to begin with, and a sweetheart among Filipinos too. His easygoing friendliness is not some schtick,
nor something that can be switched off for any love of money.

I, however, do not believe that it can be a dealbreaker, not after all this talk about how Arnel has made bandmembers
better persons, how he has recharged them and their onstage performances. For the bean-counters, not after the confluence
of events and personalities (not least of which is Arnel's) has sold out venues throughout the current tour. You don't mess
with a good thing going, and right now Arnel is going out to the fans, even as he goes all out onstage.

The album has been doing rather very well. The tour is also doing remarkably well.
That's a lot of money, and I say money talks --rather than buys off Nel's silence

But that's JMO and I respect yours,

-wech

[Luvsaugeri]

Hi Luvsaugeri,

That's the second implication on this thread (after Donna's) that a Journey lead vocalist chumminess with the fans = termination.

From what little I can perceive, I think Augeri was relieved (in a most unfair fashion) because of performance issues,
which had no doubt been caused by Journey themselves. Neal cites a throat condition that resisted treatment,
which in turn jibes with the "Tapegate"allegations. Similarly, I think Soto was relieved (again, in a most unfair fashion)
mostly because Neal felt the band didn't sound/feel like Journey with Jeff in front.

Jeremey's short stay can be traced to Jeremey's own decision, and only after that can Neal's own reservations (in
contrast with Jon's enthusiasm) about Jeremey be considered. In a reversal, Arnel had Neal's vote, but Jon was in
vocal opposition, and it is what it is today.

Now if Arnel's giddy interaction with the fans is a dealbreaker, then yes, Arnel is going to be out of a job very soon.
The guy is Filipino to begin with, and a sweetheart among Filipinos too. His easygoing friendliness is not some schtick,
nor something that can be switched off for any love of money.

I, however, do not believe that it can be a dealbreaker, not after all this talk about how Arnel has made bandmembers
better persons, how he has recharged them and their onstage performances. For the bean-counters, not after the confluence
of events and personalities (not least of which is Arnel's) has sold out venues throughout the current tour. You don't mess
with a good thing going, and right now Arnel is going out to the fans, even as he goes all out onstage.

The album has been doing rather very well. The tour is also doing remarkably well.
That's a lot of money, and I say money talks --rather than buys off Nel's silence

But that's JMO and I respect yours,

-wech

I guess time will tell. I know SA and JSS liked to interact with fans and it did not sit well with JT and the powers that be. Perhaps things have changed. But it's my belief that a leopard doesn't change it's spots. Look at the meet and greet fiasco with ILAA. You don't honestly believe there was a 'scheduling conflict' and they had to cancel them do you?? That is typical Journey bullshit regarding fan interaction.

[MartyMoffatt]

One thing to remember Edcha is that this forum does not wish to be a clone of The official Journey board. All members are encouraged to voice there opinions even if they don't like the current line up of the band. Even if all the opinions were done tastefully and viewed as constructive criticsm would that be enought to appease the band? If we are all going to tow the company line and support the new line up 100% than we might as well go over to the official site and be members there instead. We are what we are with no pretensions at this forum.

I think there is a lot more BALANCE to this forum now than it had in the recent past. That doesn’t mean just cheerleading, nor just bashing, whether that be bashing of Perry/Augeri/JSS/Arnel (take your pick) or of Schon and Cain. It means that in amongst the polarised black and white views of a few months ago, I detect a lot more grey. People here now seem to recognise that it’s OK to have different opinions without having to have nose to nose confrontations, and I think the forum is stronger for it. I think that’s reflected in the fact that there are now many more regular posters and a wider variety of opinions expressed.

But…. (and here’s the issue with MR and Andrew’s association with it) … people remember the things that irritated them much more than the things they agreed with. This forum DID have a reputation for attacking the band, both in the lead up to and the wake of Augeri’s departure and subsequently Soto’s departure, and even Arnel got a less than welcome ‘welcome’ from some quarters here after his appointment. Some of those comments do not get forgotten quickly. It may only have been a minority expressing these views, but it was a very vocal minority and it was certainly noted.

Andrew didn’t condone any of those activities and has always been a man of great integrity. It’s unfortunate therefore that this one forum is the one he has been most associated with. I’m sure it has contributed to Journey Management’s opinions and decision making regarding Andrew. It’s not right but it is the way things are.

Good reputations take a while to build or to change and take a lot of sustained effort. Bad reputations get created much more quickly and only require one or two individuals to fashion them. I see this forum building a good reputation for balanced debate now and I’d like to think that if it maintained it, opinions may well change in the Journey camp over time.

Marty

[Michigan Girl]

I think there is a lot more BALANCE to this forum now than it had in the recent past. That doesn’t mean just cheerleading, nor just bashing, whether that be bashing of Perry/Augeri/JSS/Arnel (take your pick) or of Schon and Cain. It means that in amongst the polarised black and white views of a few months ago, I detect a lot more grey. People here now seem to recognise that it’s OK to have different opinions without having to have nose to nose confrontations, and I think the forum is stronger for it. I think that’s reflected in the fact that there are now many more regular posters and a wider variety of opinions expressed.

But…. (and here’s the issue with MR and Andrew’s association with it) … people remember the things that irritated them much more than the things they agreed with. This forum DID have a reputation for attacking the band, both in the lead up to and the wake of Augeri’s departure and subsequently Soto’s departure, and even Arnel got a less than welcome ‘welcome’ from some quarters here after his appointment. Some of those comments do not get forgotten quickly. It may only have been a minority expressing these views, but it was a very vocal minority and it was certainly noted.

Andrew didn’t condone any of those activities and has always been a man of great integrity. It’s unfortunate therefore that this one forum is the one he has been most associated with. I’m sure it has contributed to Journey Management’s opinions and decision making regarding Andrew. It’s not right but it is the way things are.

Good reputations take a while to build or to change and take a lot of sustained effort. Bad reputations get created much more quickly and only require one or two individuals to fashion them. I see this forum building a good reputation for balanced debate now and I’d like to think that if it maintained it, opinions may well change in the Journey camp over time.

Marty

Classy Post from a Classy guy!!!!

[Andrew]

You are a wise man Marty.... Thank you for the post and the well considered points. I agree on all.

[Rip Rokken]

You are a wise man Marty.... Thank you for the post and the well considered points. I agree on all.

Hope you don't mind, Marty, but I reposted your excellent message on Arnel's board. Very well worded and accurate -- thanks!

[brywool]

...but between this and the ilaa screwup with the meet and greets they are getting some not so good publicity

what was that?

[Tito]

Schon and Cain had a history of fuck ups to wage war against them at least in some capacity.

Schon and Cain do not have a history of f-ckups. Notta one. They've done nothing wrong.

[MCC620]

...but between this and the ilaa screwup with the meet and greets they are getting some not so good publicity

what was that?

when ilaa first went on sale people were complaining about the prices. obviously the newer fans who didn't go to shows in 2005 and 2006 didn't realize the cost of sitting up close. suddenly within a week or so, the official board announced a change to 5* package that included a meet & greet and group photo with the band. with the 5* package there had always been the chance a band member would show up. but now by the band's own official site admin posting it was guaranteed. based on that many people started purchasing the 5* packages to meet the band. now they announce that the meet & greet would no longer be happening due to scheduling conflicts. this just a month into the tour and where people purchased 5* tickets well in advance. seemed to many like a "bait & switch" to get people to buy the 5* package that may not have been selling all that well. many people were upset by this change in plan and even some old timers who did the 5* before, voiced their opinions that they wanted the "real" reason behind the change. it was perceived overall on that site as yet another slam to the fans. ilaa is offering full refunds and partial refunds.

[Liam]

Schon and Cain had a history of fuck ups to wage war against them at least in some capacity.

Schon and Cain do not have a history of f-ckups. Notta one. They've done nothing wrong.

PLEASE tell me you're joking.

[Saint John]

Schon and Cain had a history of fuck ups to wage war against them at least in some capacity.

Schon and Cain do not have a history of f-ckups. Notta one. They've done nothing wrong.

The only things I can say they did wrong were Tapegate and holding on to Perry for about 10 years too long. Other than that I have no problem with them.

[Lula]

...but between this and the ilaa screwup with the meet and greets they are getting some not so good publicity

what was that?

when ilaa first went on sale people were complaining about the prices. obviously the newer fans who didn't go to shows in 2005 and 2006 didn't realize the cost of sitting up close. suddenly within a week or so, the official board announced a change to 5* package that included a meet & greet and group photo with the band. with the 5* package there had always been the chance a band member would show up. but now by the band's own official site admin posting it was guaranteed. based on that many people started purchasing the 5* packages to meet the band. now they announce that the meet & greet would no longer be happening due to scheduling conflicts. this just a month into the tour and where people purchased 5* tickets well in advance. seemed to many like a "bait & switch" to get people to buy the 5* package that may not have been selling all that well. many people were upset by this change in plan and even some old timers who did the 5* before, voiced their opinions that they wanted the "real" reason behind the change. it was perceived overall on that site as yet another slam to the fans. ilaa is offering full refunds and partial refunds.

different day/tour, same bs. i'm glad i had all the fun in 05.

[Tito]

While both you and Dan make a good point about the band having good reasons to deny this interview, Maria makes a good point too....Why didnt the band deny Drew the interview in 2006 when Augeri wasnt being treated like a King here......

Because at that time Augeri wasn't a member of the band anymore (yes, officially and legally he was but bottom line he was gone). If you recall too, that interview was held up for months until Soto became an official member. Plus, they still needed to quiet the remaining tapegate talk and the best way was to capitalize on the Pro-Soto love on this board.

[Tito]

Thats retarded,nobody slams Arnel here anymore. There all just afraid of all the shit they will here when they start lying.They know peeps hear know who they really are. cowards

Nobody lied. They're good people too.

[Lula]

Schon and Cain had a history of fuck ups to wage war against them at least in some capacity.

Schon and Cain do not have a history of f-ckups. Notta one. They've done nothing wrong.

PLEASE tell me you're joking.

lol! sadly liam, i believe tito holds schon and cain in the highest regards. while i think their talents are stellar, their characters are not.... tapegate anyone?

[MCC620]

...but between this and the ilaa screwup with the meet and greets they are getting some not so good publicity

what was that?

when ilaa first went on sale people were complaining about the prices. obviously the newer fans who didn't go to shows in 2005 and 2006 didn't realize the cost of sitting up close. suddenly within a week or so, the official board announced a change to 5* package that included a meet & greet and group photo with the band. with the 5* package there had always been the chance a band member would show up. but now by the band's own official site admin posting it was guaranteed. based on that many people started purchasing the 5* packages to meet the band. now they announce that the meet & greet would no longer be happening due to scheduling conflicts. this just a month into the tour and where people purchased 5* tickets well in advance. seemed to many like a "bait & switch" to get people to buy the 5* package that may not have been selling all that well. many people were upset by this change in plan and even some old timers who did the 5* before, voiced their opinions that they wanted the "real" reason behind the change. it was perceived overall on that site as yet another slam to the fans. ilaa is offering full refunds and partial refunds.

different day/tour, same bs. i'm glad i had all the fun in 05.

hi lula hope you and the little man are doing well. and it was fun!

[Lula]

hi lula hope you and the little man are doing well. and it was fun!

doing well, thank you. the little man will be 1 on the 21st . picked up the pooh and friends bday gear for his party and ordering a cake..... i'm a mommy now lol.

sounds as though the jttc event was fantastic. i'm so glad you got to see steve (you too kelly!)

[Tito]

I believe MR is like a big family headed by Andrew.

I hope there aren't any Steve Perrys in here - The Defiant One.

[Liam]

Schon and Cain had a history of fuck ups to wage war against them at least in some capacity.

Schon and Cain do not have a history of f-ckups. Notta one. They've done nothing wrong.

PLEASE tell me you're joking.

lol! sadly liam, i believe tito holds schon and cain in the highest regards. while i think their talents are stellar, their characters are not.... tapegate anyone?

So there ARE other people who aren't blind here.

[Lula]

Maybe they will grant you the interview if you ban Soto,,,,,,without letting him know about it,,,,

kind of like me at wtf?

[Tito]

One thing to remember Edcha is that this forum does not wish to be a clone of The official Journey board.

No sh!t. You're telling me. My appreciation threads being shut down are a prime example of this.

[Rhiannon]

One thing to remember Edcha is that this forum does not wish to be a clone of The official Journey board.

No sh!t. You're telling me. My appreciation threads being shut down are a prime example of this.

Kidding. I liked the threads. But then again, I'm not bitter.

[Tito]

There has been some ongoing efforts from a few forum members (started by Rip Rokken) to bridge some of the divide between this forum and the official Arnel Pineda forum.

That is why Rip Rokken is now known as The Ambassador.

[Saint John]

There has been some ongoing efforts from a few forum members (started by Rip Rokken) to bridge some of the divide between this forum and the official Arnel Pineda forum.

That is why Rip Rokken is now known as The Ambassador.

I have one for you but I'm not gonna tell you what it is.

[Luvsaugeri]

different day/tour, same bs. i'm glad i had all the fun in 05.

Amen to that Lula!! I'm glad we had some great times before we knew what assholes they all are!!

Glad to hear you guys are doing well. I can't believe he is going to be a year old already!! Time flies!!

It was great to see SA. He looked and sounded great. And was as sweet as ever. Hopefully at some point we can see him live together!! It would be a blast!!

[Saint John]

I'm glad we had some great times before we knew what assholes they all are!!

Yet they played live onstage. They all share equal guilt, Kelly. Sorry, but it's neither fair nor logical to absolve Augeri for that incident. Personally, I'm over it and have no problem with Steve or any other members. I really wish I could have made the JTTC event. There's always next year, though.

[Tito]

There has been some ongoing efforts from a few forum members (started by Rip Rokken) to bridge some of the divide between this forum and the official Arnel Pineda forum.

That is why Rip Rokken is now known as The Ambassador.

I have one for you but I'm not gonna tell you what it is.

The Ambassador of Kick Your Assador?

[Luvsaugeri]

I'm glad we had some great times before we knew what assholes they all are!!

Yet they played live onstage. They all share equal guilt, Kelly. Sorry, but it's neither fair nor logical to absolve Augeri for that incident. Personally, I'm over it and have no problem with Steve or any other members. I really wish I could have made the JTTC event. There's always next year, though.

Oh I know. This isn't just about tapegate. I blame them all equally for that. My gripe with NS and JC is how they treated SA since tapegate, how they treated JSS, how they continue to treat the fans, the whole ILAA fiasco etc.

Now I KNOW you and Tito will explain it all away as it's a business and all......but IMO they SUCK!!! So we will agree to disagree on this.

[Red13JoePa]

Don't worry about it folks. It is what it is.

I know where I stand and that's ok with me.

I seriously doubt this is only about you not supporting the new line up since you obviously do support the new line up. You allowed discussion of Tapegate and were one of the few places where the truth was told. They are probably not happy about that.

No worries, Andrew. Their loss.

Nah.
It's not 'gate otherwise there'd've been no '06 interview.
It's the dopes who blast/blasted Schon/Cain/Pineda day in and day out here and AJM who walks the fine line between fairness and free speech is being punished.

[Rhiannon]

It's the dopes who blast/blasted Schon/Cain/Pineda day in and day out here and AJM who walks the fine line between fairness and free speech is being punished.

Yup.