journey should...

[JRNYFan]

So you think Arnel should cut the ties and get out now?

He's doing a great job with Journey and I do understand his need to make a name for himself as he has a lot more years to perform. While it may not be the same big payday as 2008, 2009 looks like it could still be a good year. More money and more name recognition. I'm definitely not in favor of AP doing solo tours while he is in the band, since that historically has spelled the end. Why not wait untill the Journey is done, which is probably only a year or two at best? The band then disbands with AP as the lead singer and he keeps his reputation as Journey's lead singer with the blessings of the band. Win/Win

I know I'd be very disappointed not seeing the band in 2009.

I don't know. I think Journey will go for a lot longer than some people may think. I think it's all in Neal's hands. As long as he wants to tour, he'll tour under the Journey name, even if Cain leaves the band.

[aliaslen]

I'm not sure the diction issues will ever work themselves out. It's VERY difficult for an adult to learn how to annunciate words completely differently than they always have. Sure, it can be done, with endless hours of work, but it's tough. Have you ever called a customer service number for any company and ended up at a call center in The Phiilipines or India? It's definitely a challenge. All in all I think Arnel has done a reasonable job for a guy who is singing in a language that isn't his native tongue.

As for the Arnel solo tour...Am I the only one who finds this beyond bizarre? This guy wasn't doing any solo tours when he was in his cover band, and now that he has his 15 minutes of fame, he's turning into Steve Perry? Truly odd stuff.

The fact is, no one ever invited arnel to do any US or Manila tour while he was with the band as he was totally unknown then.
IMO, the show's promoter is the one riding on Arnel's popularity that they suddenly included him on these shows. Oh and not in
a Steve Perry category, it is not a solo tour, he's doing the shows probably to give support to filipino artist abroad like Lani Misalucha.

[Don]

I was just thinking, even when Journey was big in Japan, the biggest venue they played was 15k (Budokan). When I saw Bon Jovi's New years eve show in 89, they played to 55k at the Tokyo Dome. It was ROR that really killed Journey's fanbase in Japan. They went from rockers to poppers, while the Japanese were digging Aerosmith and freaking Dokken.
Nothing to do with the topic but I thought I'd mention it.

Back on topic, I'd like to see Journey retire now that they hit the top 10. I saw them at the Greek and enjoyed it but they only played three new songs. When I saw them on The Escape and Frontiers tour, half their setlist was off the new albums. If they don't want to play the new stuff I don't want to waste money seeing something that I've seen half a dozen times before. It was the last week of the tour, they could have took some chances, had Arnel sing the new songs which probably would have been easier on his voice. They played it safe but shouldn't have. It's like they feel comfortable under Perry's umbrella.
Sad. I don't see myself buying another album from them unless it is another remastered GH Compilation, seeing as that is all they'll play at their shows anyway.
I do understand why many of you want it to continue just like those of us there in the Escape era and earlier will probably have a different perspective as our high shool memories and such will always be entwined with that incarnation of Journey.
That's my opinion of things anyway.
Now let's hear how the next album will be bigger than Revelation. I want to hear how they'll do it. Throw your thoughts out there on how they'll top this recent success.

[SherriBerry]

Schon needs to lay off the botox!

Don't be rude on Christmas.

I'm not saying it to be rude or take a cheap shot - I honestly think Neal needs to quit using botox.

I've never seen the band play live, but I've watched a hell of a lot of boots and concert recordings on YouTube. Neal's passion floods his music without doubt, and when you see the earlier clips, that passion is reflected in his face. In the recent ones, his face is an emotionless plastic mask because it's partially paralysed from the botox. It jars with me, every time I see it. I'll freely admit I loathe the way botox makes people look, and I'd prefer to see Neal's laughing, full-body grin and a face with wrinkles that he earned, rather than a smooth face that looks like the Joker when he tries to smile.

Pure and simple, the man doesn't need it, and I wish he'd quit using it.

Fair enough. Good points.

I agree with Ari and I'm actually a proponent of botox for minimal maintenance. But you can't use it to turn back
the clock 20 years, nor should anyone try - it's too much and that's how you get the mask effect.

I love watching videos of Journey from the Perry years when those two were having the time of their lives
onstage and some of the Bad English videos on YouTube. Neal was so expressive when he played and
he had the most beautiful smile of any rockstar ever except Elvis. That's much more youthful
to me. Besides, men don't need it - the best thing they can do if they want to look and feel younger
is work out - a few lines just add character.

[SherriBerry]

I was just thinking, even when Journey was big in Japan, the biggest venue they played was 15k (Budokan). When I saw Bon Jovi's New years eve show in 89, they played to 55k at the Tokyo Dome. It was ROR that really killed Journey's fanbase in Japan. They went from rockers to poppers, while the Japanese were digging Aerosmith and freaking Dokken.
Nothing to do with the topic but I thought I'd mention it.

Back on topic, I'd like to see Journey retire now that they hit the top 10. I saw them at the Greek and enjoyed it but they only played three new songs. When I saw them on The Escape and Frontiers tour, half their setlist was off the new albums. If they don't want to play the new stuff I don't want to waste money seeing something that I've seen half a dozen times before. It was the last week of the tour, they could have took some chances, had Arnel sing the new songs which probably would have been easier on his voice. They played it safe but shouldn't have. It's like they feel comfortable under Perry's umbrella.
Sad. I don't see myself buying another album from them unless it is another remastered GH Compilation, seeing as that is all they'll play at their shows anyway.
I do understand why many of you want it to continue just like those of us there in the Escape era and earlier will probably have a different perspective as our high shool memories and such will always be entwined with that incarnation of Journey.
That's my opinion of things anyway.
Now let's hear how the next album will be bigger than Revelation. I want to hear how they'll do it. Throw your thoughts out there on how they'll top this recent success.

They can't retire yet - I've never seen them live and I refuse to miss out yet again!

As for an album that's a bigger success than Revelation, I think it's possible if Mutt Lange collaborates
on it and produces it. He is a pretty amazing hitmaker and producer and has a reputation for being a perfectionist,
so he wouldn't settle for anything less than the best.

[Rick]

I was just thinking, even when Journey was big in Japan, the biggest venue they played was 15k (Budokan). When I saw Bon Jovi's New years eve show in 89, they played to 55k at the Tokyo Dome. It was ROR that really killed Journey's fanbase in Japan. They went from rockers to poppers, while the Japanese were digging Aerosmith and freaking Dokken.
Nothing to do with the topic but I thought I'd mention it.

Back on topic, I'd like to see Journey retire now that they hit the top 10. I saw them at the Greek and enjoyed it but they only played three new songs. When I saw them on The Escape and Frontiers tour, half their setlist was off the new albums. If they don't want to play the new stuff I don't want to waste money seeing something that I've seen half a dozen times before. It was the last week of the tour, they could have took some chances, had Arnel sing the new songs which probably would have been easier on his voice. They played it safe but shouldn't have. It's like they feel comfortable under Perry's umbrella.
Sad. I don't see myself buying another album from them unless it is another remastered GH Compilation, seeing as that is all they'll play at their shows anyway.
I do understand why many of you want it to continue just like those of us there in the Escape era and earlier will probably have a different perspective as our high shool memories and such will always be entwined with that incarnation of Journey.
That's my opinion of things anyway.
Now let's hear how the next album will be bigger than Revelation. I want to hear how they'll do it. Throw your thoughts out there on how they'll top this recent success.

They can't retire yet - I've never seen them live and I refuse to miss out yet again!

As for an album that's a bigger success than Revelation, I think it's possible if Mutt Lange collaborates
on it and produces it. He is a pretty amazing hitmaker and producer and has a reputation for being a perfectionist,
so he wouldn't settle for anything less than the best.

You might be right about that, but if they do make a record with him and it has a country twang to it, I'm gonna be all kinds of pissed!

[Enigma869]

I think it's all in Neal's hands.

It's actually all in Neal's fingers. That fucker will play until his fingers fall off and anyone who believes otherwise hasn't been paying attention over the past 30 years! The name "Journey" pays Schon's bills and he will ALWAYS milk that cow for all it's worth. If someone offered him a gazillion dollars to use a Journey song in the dopiest commercial ever created, he would allow it, because that's just how the guy is wired.

[Enigma869]

I'm not sure the diction issues will ever work themselves out. It's VERY difficult for an adult to learn how to annunciate words completely differently than they always have. Sure, it can be done, with endless hours of work, but it's tough. Have you ever called a customer service number for any company and ended up at a call center in The Phiilipines or India? It's definitely a challenge. All in all I think Arnel has done a reasonable job for a guy who is singing in a language that isn't his native tongue.

As for the Arnel solo tour...Am I the only one who finds this beyond bizarre? This guy wasn't doing any solo tours when he was in his cover band, and now that he has his 15 minutes of fame, he's turning into Steve Perry? Truly odd stuff.

The fact is, no one ever invited arnel to do any US or Manila tour while he was with the band as he was totally unknown then.

I think I already said that. My point was never that Arnel wasn't doing U.S. solo tours. I never said anything about geography. I simply said that he wasn't doing solo tours anywhere, including his home country. Just because he has made a name for himself in his own country doesn't change the fact that there aren't 10 people outside of Journey internet websites who have any clue who the guy is, even today!

Oh and not in a Steve Perry category

Right! Truer words were never spoken! Perry has always been in a category by himself

it is not a solo tour

Um, yes it is!

he's doing the shows probably to give support to filipino artist abroad like Lani Misalucha.

I don't care if he's doing to to feed Angelina Jolie's dozen of adopted orphans. The reason doesn't change the fact that it's VERY odd for a guy who has had nothing more than 15 minutes of fame and is still an unknown almost everywhere outside of his own country.

[Rick]

I don't care if he's doing to to feed Angelina Jolie's dozen of adopted orphans. The reason doesn't change the fact that it's VERY odd for a guy who has had nothing more than 15 minutes of fame and is still an unknown almost everywhere outside of his own country.

Maybe he read Herbie Herberts interview and is making hay while the sun is shining.

[MrsPerry]

Schon needs to lay off the botox!

Don't be rude on Christmas.

I'm not saying it to be rude or take a cheap shot - I honestly think Neal needs to quit using botox.

I've never seen the band play live, but I've watched a hell of a lot of boots and concert recordings on YouTube. Neal's passion floods his music without doubt, and when you see the earlier clips, that passion is reflected in his face. In the recent ones, his face is an emotionless plastic mask because it's partially paralysed from the botox. It jars with me, every time I see it. I'll freely admit I loathe the way botox makes people look, and I'd prefer to see Neal's laughing, full-body grin and a face with wrinkles that he earned, rather than a smooth face that looks like the Joker when he tries to smile.

Pure and simple, the man doesn't need it, and I wish he'd quit using it.

it inhibits his guitar face. and that makes me sad. my 002, i do not see another album with AP.

[bluejeangirl76]

I think I already said that. My point was never that Arnel wasn't doing U.S. solo tours. I never said anything about geography. I simply said that he wasn't doing solo tours anywhere, including his home country. Just because he has made a name for himself in his own country doesn't change the fact that there aren't 10 people outside of Journey internet websites who have any clue who the guy is, even today!

I agree with you. But I figure he's gotta be doing it (whether its his idea/choice or his management's...I don't know the specs) because that 15 minutes is gonna be up soon and anyone would do the same... squeeze every ounce out of it that's possible before its gone. But yeah, a solo tour for a guy who's been sort of famous for basically 10 minutes and seriously, we all know its only because he's the "latest soundalike to replace Steve Perry in Journey" (not my words, I'm pulling what the media usually says) does seem odd.

[Don]

I think it's all in Neal's hands.

It's actually all in Neal's fingers. That fucker will play until his fingers fall off and anyone who believes otherwise hasn't been paying attention over the past 30 years! The name "Journey" pays Schon's bills and he will ALWAYS milk that cow for all it's worth. If someone offered him a gazillion dollars to use a Journey song in the dopiest commercial ever created, he would allow it, because that's just how the guy is wired.

Someone must have offered him something because DSB is in the closing credits of the movie Bedtime Stories with Adam Sandler. It might actually be the re-recorded version as people said they thought it was Brian Adams covering it. That is too funny to me, for Neal to license the song and have people think it's another artist. Poetic Justice I guess.

[Onestepper]

I seem to remember AP's manager saying that he signed a 3 year contract when they hired him on. Give or take. Doubt there are any contract issues.

I believe you can attempt to renegotiate any contract particularly if you think you have some leaverage, you may not succeed but you can try. Also, there may well be a clause in the contract that allows renegotiation.

He's making more money than he ever has in his life, and I think he's smart enough to know how that is happening. I really don't look at his solo appearances as anything more than him just out having fun during some down time.

Well I sure hope he now considers it fun (since he apparently didn't last summer) traveling 25.0K+ miles or so across the Pacific and the entire US, maddening airport delays, hotels, bad roads and freezing temps. Only the hardiest US bands seem to tour in the winter and let's not forget the rehearsals. Have you ever been to Chicago in Feb? It ain't pretty.

It's not like the band has a substantial history of over communicating to their fans. They communicate when they have something to sell, not many other times, and certainly not during their down time. Seems pretty consistent to me.

I seem to remember a Holiday message pretty much every year Augeri was in the band. Also, the rest of the band band wasn't planning on Nov/Dec being a down time.

Not exactly sure what your point is there, but okay. Whatever. I have no idea what the guy went through other than his statements about missing his family. He had never toured before, so I'm sure it would be taxing on anyone new to the gig. Think I'll just let AP's actions speak for themself. And right now, the dude is doing some solo stuff during the J break. I'm not going to analyze it any further than that.

[stevew2]

So you think Arnel should cut the ties and get out now?

He's doing a great job with Journey and I do understand his need to make a name for himself as he has a lot more years to perform. While it may not be the same big payday as 2008, 2009 looks like it could still be a good year. More money and more name recognition. I'm definitely not in favor of AP doing solo tours while he is in the band, since that historically has spelled the end. Why not wait untill the Journey is done, which is probably only a year or two at best? The band then disbands with AP as the lead singer and he keeps his reputation as Journey's lead singer with the blessings of the band. Win/Win

I know I'd be very disappointed not seeing the band in 2009.

I don't know. I think Journey will go for a lot longer than some people may think. I think it's all in Neal's hands. As long as he wants to tour, he'll tour under the Journey name, even if Cain leaves the band.

Friga leave the band?? Never,he might take a month off to play with The Vilage People,he would never leave Neal They are both up each others ass to much

[bluejeangirl76]

Friga leave the band?? Never,he might take a month off to play with The Vilage People,he would never leave Neal They are both up each others ass to much

LMAO!!

[JRNYFan]

Friga leave the band?? Never,he might take a month off to play with The Vilage People,he would never leave Neal They are both up each others ass to much

LMAO!!

Judging by how tired Cain looks of the road in recent years, I would say he'll end up leaving the band before Neal, Deen, or Ross.

[bluejeangirl76]

Friga leave the band?? Never,he might take a month off to play with The Vilage People,he would never leave Neal They are both up each others ass to much

LMAO!!

Judging by how tired Cain looks of the road in recent years, I would say he'll end up leaving the band before Neal, Deen, or Ross.

Ross will eventually be the only one left. He is immortal.

[Saint John]

All of this arguing about why Arnel's "touring" has pretty much been answered. It's to support the AP Foundation and a fellow Filipino. Can we really call 6 shows a "tour?" I have a feeling that if the word "tour" was working for Arnel in this instance that everyone here would be scoffing at the idea that he's "touring", but since it fits seamlessly into conspiracy theories, all of a sudden he's "touring." I didn't even know what the hell to call it so I used the term "mini-tour" in a thread I started. But check yoursleves, folks, because 6 shows is not a fucking tour.

[JRNYFan]

All of this arguing about why Arnel's touring has pretty much been answered. It's to support the AP Foundation and a fellow Filipino. Can we really call 6 shows a "tour?" I have a feeling that if the word "tour" was working for Arnel in this instance that everyone here would be scoffing at the idea that he's "touring", but since it fits seamlessly into conspiracy theories, all of a sudden he's "touring." I didn't even know what the hell to call it so I used the term "mini-tour" in a thread I started. But check yoursleves, folks, because 6 shows is not a fucking tour.

Exactly. I don't see what the fuss is about. He's helping out a fellow Filpino and his foundation for a few shows. Big deal.

[journeyMusic]

i figure we should give some unsolicited advice for journey on improvements/adjustments they need to make for their upcoming 2009 tour compared to their recent tour. i have some.

...improve pineda's diction.
i keep hearing him say "hue" instead of "you".
his "T"s are a bit over pronounced.
he has a habit of saying "ah" in some words like "night-ah", "girl-ah"

...keep arnel on the stage floor.
the dude is like a michael jordan with a mic. haha. he ends up gasping for air on some songs because of jumpin around. he got lucky last tour without injuring himself.

...sing more of their new songs.
...take longer breaks in between shows.

...give pineda acting lessons.

how about you guys?
do y'all have some advice for journey?

Just curious,but does this fall under a somewhat racist remark that he can't speak clear english? Just wondering.

[bluejeangirl76]

i figure we should give some unsolicited advice for journey on improvements/adjustments they need to make for their upcoming 2009 tour compared to their recent tour. i have some.

...improve pineda's diction.
i keep hearing him say "hue" instead of "you".
his "T"s are a bit over pronounced.
he has a habit of saying "ah" in some words like "night-ah", "girl-ah"

...keep arnel on the stage floor.
the dude is like a michael jordan with a mic. haha. he ends up gasping for air on some songs because of jumpin around. he got lucky last tour without injuring himself.

...sing more of their new songs.
...take longer breaks in between shows.

...give pineda acting lessons.

how about you guys?
do y'all have some advice for journey?

Just curious,but does this fall under a somewhat racist remark that he can't speak clear english? Just wondering.

Of course it isn't racist. Its a fact. I speak what little spanish I do know VERY poorly, so to say I have diction problems and mess up the words would be true, not a racist statement against me by a spanish native.

[Saint John]

Just curious,but does this fall under a somewhat racist remark that he can't speak clear english? Just wondering.

No, it's called a fucking opinion. You have to be kidding with this bullshit, right?

[journeyMusic]

Everybody chill the fuck out. It's only a question. It wasn't intended to call it more than that. I swear,people get so damn sensitive.

[skinsguy]

Not trying to stir the pot or start an argument, but I'm a bit confused on the diction issue here. Now, in advance, I don't mean any harm in saying this, but I am just looking for clarification.

When I was lurking on MR during the time that Arnel Pineda had first been chosen as Journey's lead singer, there was a small group here who were against AP joining Journey because of his diction issues. Some here felt that some of those individuals were being racist for having those opinions. Maybe there were other things that went along with it, but I do remember several very sharp comments anytime someone mentioned diction issues.

I guess my question is, if it was a sensitive subject that should not have been discussed earlier, why is it suddenly "PC" to have a discussion on it now? Again, not trying to start anything, but I'm just seeing a few people admit now that they have issues with diction that swore off any issues when AP first joined the band.

Is it that the newness has worn off, or was it because at the time of Pindea's joining the band, a person either had to jump on the bandwagon completely or they were tossed into the pit with the others?

[Don]

Not trying to stir the pot or start an argument, but I'm a bit confused on the diction issue here. Now, in advance, I don't mean any harm in saying this, but I am just looking for clarification.

When I was lurking on MR during the time that Arnel Pineda had first been chosen as Journey's lead singer, there was a small group here who were against AP joining Journey because of his diction issues. Some here felt that some of those individuals were being racist for having those opinions. Maybe there were other things that went along with it, but I do remember several very sharp comments anytime someone mentioned diction issues.

I guess my question is, if it was a sensitive subject that should not have been discussed earlier, why is it suddenly "PC" to have a discussion on it now? Again, not trying to start anything, but I'm just seeing a few people admit now that they have issues with diction that swore off any issues when AP first joined the band.

Is it that the newness has worn off, or was it because at the time of Pindea's joining the band, a person either had to jump on the bandwagon completely or they were tossed into the pit with the others?

If you didn't like Arnel when it first was announced you were considered a racist and lumped with that group. I think we've got beyond that now, no more dog eating commentary or photoshop images. He still does have a few diction issues, just like Sheena Easton, Celine Dionne and others when they first started sing in American English. If anyone wants to bring it up as racist critique, let them. That card won't play here this time.

[Esc]

i figure we should give some unsolicited advice for journey on improvements/adjustments they need to make for their upcoming 2009 tour compared to their recent tour. i have some.

...improve pineda's diction.
i keep hearing him say "hue" instead of "you".
his "T"s are a bit over pronounced.
he has a habit of saying "ah" in some words like "night-ah", "girl-ah"

...keep arnel on the stage floor.
the dude is like a michael jordan with a mic. haha. he ends up gasping for air on some songs because of jumpin around. he got lucky last tour without injuring himself.

...sing more of their new songs.
...take longer breaks in between shows.

...give pineda acting lessons.

how about you guys?
do y'all have some advice for journey?

Just curious,but does this fall under a somewhat racist remark that he can't speak clear english? Just wondering.

dude..did you have to bring that up?
i didnt mean it to be racist.

im Filipino for Christ's sake.

[Liam]

Ok....so 6 months ago you mention diction issues and it was a cardinal sin and you were labeled a racist. But NOW it's perfectly fine because all the "bad people" are gone??

FUCK THAT. You're a bunch of hypocrites.

[Don]

Ok....so 6 months ago you mention diction issues and it was a cardinal sin and you were labeled a racist. But NOW it's perfectly fine because all the "bad people" are gone??

FUCK THAT. You're a bunch of hypocrites.

No. We don't put up photoshops of people in Chinese hats and fucking run commentary on dog eating, do we? Grow the fuck up. You guys say you are done with this site but you always drag your asses back here don't you? Who's the fucking Hypocrite then?

[Liam]

I only come back when I see hypocrisy. I never posted ANY picture of anything like that. Others did, INCLUDING the BIGGEST "Arnel supporter" now, St. John. If you read back a few hundred pages, you'll see a LOT of people who didn't stick their guns...so Shut the fuck up before you know the facts.

[Red13JoePa]

Saint John, you are a popular man in some circles, dude.

Like a Patron Saint John you're referred to so much.