Manila YouTubes here.

[StevePerryHair]

Great thing about music...nobody and I mean NOBODY can tell you what to like....

But somehow that never stops them from trying

[Saint John]

Great thing about music...nobody and I mean NOBODY can tell you what to like....

But somehow that never stops them from trying

I hate when people do that.

[Rockindeano]

Filipino culture has a tendency to be a bit subdued at times. I don't think it's that they weren't digging it, I just think they didn't know the songs yet.

They don't know the songs? Come on. They bought that fuckin cd the day it came out.

Crowd just seemed more active on the dirty dozen stuff. ????? Ok, then maybe they were just mezmerized beyond response. Or they didn't like the new shit, is that where you were going?

No. The Filipinos should be hog wild on EVERY song, being that their boy is the new super hero and they worship the ground he walks on. You telling me that the Pinoy's haven't listened to the new disc a thousand times? you trying to tell me they don't know, or shouldn't know every word to every new song? They should.

[Jana]

Jana, Gideon (for one) has said he preferred Arnel's version on certain songs (over and over, again) .. which is really what I don't understand.

Why does this matter so much to people?
Arnels "Only The Young" is better than Perry's version to me. Doesn't mean I can't listen to both.
I prefer Perry's version of Wheel in the Sky, but I like what Arnel did with it too.

I don't understand the mentality here at all. Journey's getting to do what they want. So is Perry. Everybody's happy.

What's the problem?

Exactly. Annie, when Deano said WTF is wrong with you people, you go "short memories" (plural) "apparently."

What, do we all on here have to every time we rave over Arnel's performance throw in Perry's name? Whose memories besides Gideon's and Deb's b/c she liked JSS's version of a song over Perry? Jesus, crucify her for that.
And if I happen to love a version by Arnel without having Perry on the brain what's wrong with that?

[annie89509]

Jana, Gideon (for one) has said he preferred Arnel's version on certain songs (over and over, again) .. which is really what I don't understand.

Why does this matter so much to people?
Arnels "Only The Young" is better than Perry's version to me. Doesn't mean I can't listen to both.
I prefer Perry's version of Wheel in the Sky, but I like what Arnel did with it too.

I don't understand the mentality here at all. Journey's getting to do what they want. So is Perry. Everybody's happy.

What's the problem?

No problem here. I'm just responding to Jana when she said "no one is saying Arnel is better than Perry." And, Maui Tom is right. Nobody can tell you who to listen to (or who is better). I tend to side with Deano, though, that there is enough records and dvds out there that shows SP (in his prime) simply cannot be matched (in the singing department).

[RocknRoll]

Filipino culture has a tendency to be a bit subdued at times. I don't think it's that they weren't digging it, I just think they didn't know the songs yet.

They don't know the songs? Come on. They bought that fuckin cd the day it came out.

Crowd just seemed more active on the dirty dozen stuff. ????? Ok, then maybe they were just mezmerized beyond response. Or they didn't like the new shit, is that where you were going?

No. The Filipinos should be hog wild on EVERY song, being that their boy is the new super hero and they worship the ground he walks on. You telling me that the Pinoy's haven't listened to the new disc a thousand times? you trying to tell me they don't know, or shouldn't know every word to every new song? They should.

I was reading the comments/reviews on AP's site and many have written about being in awe and mesmerized by the band particularly Neal's guitar playing. Many had never seen a concert like Journey's before.

[Rockindeano]

Filipino culture has a tendency to be a bit subdued at times. I don't think it's that they weren't digging it, I just think they didn't know the songs yet.

They don't know the songs? Come on. They bought that fuckin cd the day it came out.

Crowd just seemed more active on the dirty dozen stuff. ????? Ok, then maybe they were just mezmerized beyond response. Or they didn't like the new shit, is that where you were going?

No. The Filipinos should be hog wild on EVERY song, being that their boy is the new super hero and they worship the ground he walks on. You telling me that the Pinoy's haven't listened to the new disc a thousand times? you trying to tell me they don't know, or shouldn't know every word to every new song? They should.

I was reading the comments/reviews on AP's site and many have written about being in awe and mesmerized by the band particularly Neal's guitar playing. Many had never seen a concert like Journey's before.

Well, they are after all in the Phillipines. Not a lot of big acts go there.

[Jana]

Jana, Gideon (for one) has said he preferred Arnel's version on certain songs (over and over, again) .. which is really what I don't understand.

Why does this matter so much to people?
Arnels "Only The Young" is better than Perry's version to me. Doesn't mean I can't listen to both.
I prefer Perry's version of Wheel in the Sky, but I like what Arnel did with it too.

I don't understand the mentality here at all. Journey's getting to do what they want. So is Perry. Everybody's happy.

What's the problem?

No problem here. I'm just responding to Jana when she said "no one is saying Arnel is better than Perry." And, Maui Tom is right. Nobody can tell you who to listen to (or who is better). I tend to side with Deano, though, that there is enough records and dvds out there that shows SP (in his prime) simply cannot be matched (in the singing department).

I don't believe you will find on MR one person who doesn't believe across the board Perry is a true one of a kind and brilliant, untouchable. So if they want to discuss one or two songs and like Arnel's version better or SA's or JSS's, big deal. Gideon is the only person to say this is the best concert. He's fearless, that boy.

[RocknRoll]

Filipino culture has a tendency to be a bit subdued at times. I don't think it's that they weren't digging it, I just think they didn't know the songs yet.

They don't know the songs? Come on. They bought that fuckin cd the day it came out.

Crowd just seemed more active on the dirty dozen stuff. ????? Ok, then maybe they were just mezmerized beyond response. Or they didn't like the new shit, is that where you were going?

No. The Filipinos should be hog wild on EVERY song, being that their boy is the new super hero and they worship the ground he walks on. You telling me that the Pinoy's haven't listened to the new disc a thousand times? you trying to tell me they don't know, or shouldn't know every word to every new song? They should.

I was reading the comments/reviews on AP's site and many have written about being in awe and mesmerized by the band particularly Neal's guitar playing. Many had never seen a concert like Journey's before.

Well, they are after all in the Phillipines. Not a lot of big acts go there.

I think a lot of pop acts do go to the Phillipines, but Journey isn't for the young crowd. It appears to be the same age group that shows up here in the states with a smattering of younger fans.

[Don]

Filipino culture has a tendency to be a bit subdued at times. I don't think it's that they weren't digging it, I just think they didn't know the songs yet.

They don't know the songs? Come on. They bought that fuckin cd the day it came out.

Crowd just seemed more active on the dirty dozen stuff. ????? Ok, then maybe they were just mezmerized beyond response. Or they didn't like the new shit, is that where you were going?

No. The Filipinos should be hog wild on EVERY song, being that their boy is the new super hero and they worship the ground he walks on. You telling me that the Pinoy's haven't listened to the new disc a thousand times? you trying to tell me they don't know, or shouldn't know every word to every new song? They should.

I was reading the comments/reviews on AP's site and many have written about being in awe and mesmerized by the band particularly Neal's guitar playing. Many had never seen a concert like Journey's before.

Well, they are after all in the Phillipines. Not a lot of big acts go there.

I think a lot of pop acts do go to the Phillipines, but Journey isn't for the young crowd. It appears to be the same age group that shows up here in the states with a smattering of younger fans.

Peter Cetera, Air Supply. Later this spring Natalie Cole, John Legend. American acts perfom there, provided that they play the kind of music the locals are into. Rihanna and Chris Brown played in front of 70k over there. It's all about the style of music.

[Don]

For the record, 25k appears to be the official attendance figure according to the papers and the admin on AP's site. Probably the band's biggest crowd in a while, especially with no opening act.

[Saint John]

For the record, 25k appears to be the official attendance figure according to the papers and the admin on AP's site. Probably the band's biggest crowd in a while, especially with no opening act.

Pretty good sized crowd all things considered.

[Jana]

For the record, 25k appears to be the official attendance figure according to the papers and the admin on AP's site. Probably the band's biggest crowd in a while, especially with no opening act.

That's fantastic. Thanks.

[Maui Tom]

For the record, 25k appears to be the official attendance figure according to the papers and the admin on AP's site. Probably the band's biggest crowd in a while, especially with no opening act.

Pretty good sized crowd all things considered.

Rokkenfest will get 50k...easy....

[Gideon]

Jana, Gideon (for one) has said he preferred Arnel's version on certain songs (over and over, again) .. which is really what I don't understand.

Well, to my knowledge, I've only said that I prefer Arnel's take to Perry's on a grand total of two songs: "Open Arms" and "Only the Young" and I have clarified my position on that many times.

To reiterate, I find Perry's take on "Open Arms" to meet only fifty percent of its burden. That is to say that it is certainly a ballad, but there is no power to be found within its three tiresome minutes of play. Arnel, on the other hand, both live and in the studio, managed to deliver a punch that I felt Perry simply did not give. As far as "Only the Young" is concerned, those few videos of Perry singing it live yield nothing but incoherent shrieking and yelling. Studio-wise, I would give Perry the slight edge on that song. Meanwhile, despite obvious phrasing and diction issues, Arnel sounds more cogent than Perry ever did on that song.

I realize that this forum is unabashedly pro-Perry and very rigorous in its stance. The bottom line for me is that no where will I be blinded by a name. I am critical of vocalists, particularly those with great talent, like Perry and Arnel. If you are a professional of high pedigree as those two are, you have higher burdens and greater standards to achieve than the average Joe. To me, neither Perry's nor Arnel's fuck ups can be excused simply because they're Steve Perry and Arnel Pineda. I was critical of Arnel's job at the Superbowl preshow and typical performances of "Edge of the Blade" which tend to be lackluster, and I am critical of Perry's needless theatrics and performances of "Only the Young."

As I recall, Annie, you were particularly annoyed if I breathed the tiniest bit of dissent against Perry for any reason. Though he remains my favorite singer, he was human. Imperfect, vocally and otherwise. Studio-wise, with the exception of "Open Arms", I find him largely to be peerless. In a live environment, his theatrics and the wear 'n tear accumulated through excessive touring were detriments I couldn't overlook.

But that's just my opinion and I don't want to impose it on others. If that's blasphemy, I'll take my chances in Journey hell.

[Rockindeano]

One point of clarification: Perry always sang Only the Young live as the first song of the night. That is the hardest time of the show to hit it perfectly, and this is no excuse mind you. However, that makes a huge difference.

I fail to see, and I am being completely honest with you- How the hell you see more power in Arnel in any song than Steve Perry is infallible to me. Comparing Pineda to Augeri is one thing, as Augeri had the power of a Yugo in reverse, but regarding Open Arms..Perry had tons of power in that turd and it shows..you can damn near feel his diaphragm vibrating, let alone hear it. Sorry Gideon, Arnel does not nor will ever possess the power that Perry had at any stage of his career. It simply is wishful thinking, and while I am owning it here, to even put Pineda on the same level as Perry, with the great talent comment, let alone in the same sentence is laughable.

[Gideon]

One point of clarification: Perry always sang Only the Young live as the first song of the night. That is the hardest time of the show to hit it perfectly, and this is no excuse mind you. However, that makes a huge difference.

It was the second song for Arnel, immediately after the demanding "Never Walk Away." And I doubt that immediately after the first song the singer hits his peak. Something else to consider: Arnel is tackling it even though: it wasn't tailor made for his vocals, it is being played in the proper (slower) speed, he is a few years older than ROR-era Perry, English is not his native language thus resulting in all sorts of phrasing and diction issues, and he also enjoyed a demanding career of night-after-night singing when he was playing with the Zoo.

All in all, it's a colossal edge in Arnel's favor. He's doing a better job despite several disadvantages.

I fail to see, and I am being completely honest with you- How the hell you see more power in Arnel in any song than Steve Perry is infallible to me.

Because Perry was not always making full use of power. "Open Arms" was written and performed when Perry relied more on high tenor registers than the gutteral power seen later in Frontiers and beyond. Power is not the same thing as range; it's a lot like how Deen can mimic Perry's high end tonality and demonstrate breath control exceeding either Perry or Arnel yet lack the force.

Comparing Pineda to Augeri is one thing, as Augeri had the power of a Yugo in reverse, but regarding Open Arms..Perry had tons of power in that turd and it shows..you can damn near feel his diaphragm vibrating, let alone hear it.

Not to me, no. Perry demonstrated excellent vibrato and remarkable use of higher registers, but power is the hallmark of songs like "Separate Ways" and the Frontiers-era songs. Not "Open Arms."

Sorry Gideon, Arnel does not nor will ever possess the power that Perry had at any stage of his career.

This statement boggles the mind, but you're entitled to your opinion.

I would point out, by the way, that a live Arnel shames Perry in all technical aspects during TBF, which was a stage in Perry's career, even with the advantage of studio magic. Subjectively, you can argue emotion and shit all day. Objectively, Perry circa TBF is no match for Arnel in technical aspects. It's not even close.

It simply is wishful thinking, and while I am owning it here, to even put Pineda on the same level as Perry, with the great talent comment, let alone in the same sentence is laughable.

No, what is laughable is the idea that because Steve Perry, he is somehow infallible or perfect or on a plateau higher than any singer in existence. It's completely and utterly fallacious.

They are both highly accomplished and extremely skilled singers. I didn't say they were on par, I said they both were great and therefore beholden to a higher set of standards.

[Rockindeano]

I need to just admit defeat. The greatest singer to ever grace the rock n roll stage, Mr. Arnel Pineda.

Listen, you can argue a good game, bu there are many glaring holes in each one.

Firstly, I know the difference between power, range and all that shit. I get that Open Arms was a high register type song, and thusly not particularly written for a power sing. Having said that, go watch, right now, Houston DVD, and tell me that fucker doesn't bring it, and yes, he brings the power, complete with emotive circling of the words. Perry doesn't take the lyrics on straight. he always circles them, and he gets a lot of emotive expression that way. Like a fury if you will.

As for Pineda being older and singing a demanding schedule with the Zoo band, cut that crap right there. in addition to the Journey tunes, he was singing lazy songs, like Bryan Adams and the like, which are not exactly Departure and Infinity songs. Look,this is not a slam on Pineda, but you tell me Pineda has sung the songs from Infinity, Evolution, Departure and Captured eras in the Zoo band, and sang them constantly live, on the road, some times for 31 days straight(Departure tour), and all that without getting sick like Pineda does when the breeze picks up...Perry sang the gauntlet if you will and by the time 1983 came calling, he was either smart enough to "change direction" for his pipes, making frontiers sound "more angular" or was forced to go that route due to the wear and tear. I have my own feelings, and would choose the latter, but am not Perry and can't speak for him. Pineda wasn't belting out patiently,Lady Luck and I'm Cryin' all those years. Singing Summer of 69 and Time for Me to Fly is not early Journey wear and tear. Fuck, I can do those tunes.

Again, Pineda is a fine singer, and we will never know if he could stand up better than Steve Perry did for his 12 years or so, but so far, Pineda is having good nights and bad nights as well. If he was truly special and great like Perry was/is,Pineda could have winged into Tampa and knocked out that set with minimal ease, but he didn't did he? No, he sucked. Fast forward to Manila and Japan and he seems fine. I would call that inconsistent at best.

[Gideon]

I need to just admit defeat. The greatest singer to ever grace the rock n roll stage, Mr. Arnel Pineda.

I stopped reading after this point. This is either the second or third time you've said this to me and I grow weary of your sarcasm. Especially when it is unwarranted. You're very smart, Deano, and bereft of reading deficits. I know you've caught my numerous statements of Perry being "my favorite singer" and "largely peerless" and that I "never said they were on par."

That you continue argue as though those carefully worded statements didn't appear in my stance annoys me. I'm more than happy to debate this with you and explain my perspective, but if that's how you're going to act, I'll pass.

[Rockindeano]

I need to just admit defeat. The greatest singer to ever grace the rock n roll stage, Mr. Arnel Pineda.

I stopped reading after this point. This is either the second or third time you've said this to me and I grow weary of your sarcasm. Especially when it is unwarranted. You're very smart, Deano, and bereft of reading deficits. I know you've caught my numerous statements of Perry being "my favorite singer" and "largely peerless" and that I "never said they were on par."

That you continue argue as though those carefully worded statements didn't appear in my stance annoys me. I'm more than happy to debate this with you and explain my perspective, but if that's how you're going to act, I'll pass.

Yeah, pass because it's convenient when I just laid out an eloquent argument that rebukes Pineda's superiority.

If I stopped reading after you said Pineda was better than Perry in this or that, I would have much more time in my evening to sip red wine.

[grimlocked]

[Gideon]

I need to just admit defeat. The greatest singer to ever grace the rock n roll stage, Mr. Arnel Pineda.

I stopped reading after this point. This is either the second or third time you've said this to me and I grow weary of your sarcasm. Especially when it is unwarranted. You're very smart, Deano, and bereft of reading deficits. I know you've caught my numerous statements of Perry being "my favorite singer" and "largely peerless" and that I "never said they were on par."

That you continue argue as though those carefully worded statements didn't appear in my stance annoys me. I'm more than happy to debate this with you and explain my perspective, but if that's how you're going to act, I'll pass.

Yeah, pass because it's convenient when I just laid out an eloquent argument that rebukes Pineda's superiority.

If I stopped reading after you said Pineda was better than Perry in this or that, I would have much more time in my evening to sip red wine.

You caught me. I am notorious for shying away arguments from those who disagree with me.

Seriously, Deano, stop being petty. You're being a complete ass because I'm not fawning over Perry or subscribing to the belief that he's perfect. I have expressed my opinion that Arnel is better than Perry in two fucking songs. I have reiterated ad infinitum that overall, he's not as good nor is he on par. I'm not interested in continuing a discussion when you're going to act like a petulant child and say shit like "lulz u arnel fanboy!!1!" and "arnel is teh greatest!!1!" when I have never asserted that he was anything other than a damn talented singer.

[perryswoman]

Well I have to say that AP does have great stage presence and have seen him twice and he delivered both times but there have been inconsistences as well. I am definitely a Perry loon but there is just something about listening to Perry I have never experienced with any other singer in 41 years. I get chills up and down my spine hearing his delivey on every single song being live or studio. Just something I don't feel any other singer has or will ever have. I know SP has huge insecurites and that makes me think we'll never see him live again which truely sux!

[SP Fan in Oregon]

I need to just admit defeat. The greatest singer to ever grace the rock n roll stage, Mr. Arnel Pineda.

I stopped reading after this point. This is either the second or third time you've said this to me and I grow weary of your sarcasm. Especially when it is unwarranted. You're very smart, Deano, and bereft of reading deficits. I know you've caught my numerous statements of Perry being "my favorite singer" and "largely peerless" and that I "never said they were on par."

That you continue argue as though those carefully worded statements didn't appear in my stance annoys me. I'm more than happy to debate this with you and explain my perspective, but if that's how you're going to act, I'll pass.

Yeah, pass because it's convenient when I just laid out an eloquent argument that rebukes Pineda's superiority.

If I stopped reading after you said Pineda was better than Perry in this or that, I would have much more time in my evening to sip red wine.

You caught me. I am notorious for shying away arguments from those who disagree with me.

Seriously, Deano, stop being petty. You're being a complete ass because I'm not fawning over Perry or subscribing to the belief that he's perfect. I have expressed my opinion that Arnel is better than Perry in two fucking songs. I have reiterated ad infinitum that overall, he's not as good nor is he on par. I'm not interested in continuing a discussion when you're going to act like a petulant child and say shit like "lulz u arnel fanboy!!1!" and "arnel is teh greatest!!1!" when I have never asserted that he was anything other than a damn talented singer.

"OPINIONS ARE LIKE ASSHOLES....... EVERYONE HAS ONE."

Fawning over Perry and subscribing to the belief that he's perfect has become a full time occupation for me......................

[Gideon]

Well I have to say that AP does have great stage presence and have seen him twice and he delivered both times but there have been inconsistences as well. I am definitely a Perry loon but there is just something about listening to Perry I have never experienced with any other singer in 41 years. I get chills up and down my spine hearing his delivey on every single song being live or studio. Just something I don't feel any other singer has or will ever have. I know SP has huge insecurites and that makes me think we'll never see him live again which truely sux!

You like "Why Can't This Night Go On Forever"?

[Rockindeano]

Wow, that was a completely well written, mature and worthwhile post I must say.

And I am the petty one?

Don't break your arm patting yourself on the back. A good debate sees you darting through the woods and over the river to some safe house not seen by those watching. What the hell is that?

[Gideon]

Wow, that was a completely well written, mature and worthwhile post I must say.

Thank you.

And I am the petty one?

On this subject? Yes. Give me one explanation for your comments about "Arnel is teh greatest!" when I've never even implied as much and stated otherwise. I'm genuinely interested.

Don't break your arm patting yourself on the back. A good debate sees you darting through the woods and over the river to some safe house not seen by those watching. What the hell is that?

Yep. That's how I roll.

When you explain your comments (or better yet, retract them), we can carry on. It's 9:36 pm though and I have an AP class on the 'morrow. Do be a good sport and let me know your decision soon, please.

[perryswoman]

Well I have to say that AP does have great stage presence and have seen him twice and he delivered both times but there have been inconsistences as well. I am definitely a Perry loon but there is just something about listening to Perry I have never experienced with any other singer in 41 years. I get chills up and down my spine hearing his delivey on every single song being live or studio. Just something I don't feel any other singer has or will ever have. I know SP has huge insecurites and that makes me think we'll never see him live again which truely sux!

You like "Why Can't This Night Go On Forever"?

One of my all time favorites!!

[Gideon]

Well I have to say that AP does have great stage presence and have seen him twice and he delivered both times but there have been inconsistences as well. I am definitely a Perry loon but there is just something about listening to Perry I have never experienced with any other singer in 41 years. I get chills up and down my spine hearing his delivey on every single song being live or studio. Just something I don't feel any other singer has or will ever have. I know SP has huge insecurites and that makes me think we'll never see him live again which truely sux!

You like "Why Can't This Night Go On Forever"?

One of my all time favorites!!

My favorite vocal performance ever. But, ironically, not my all time favorite Journey song.

[Michigan Girl]

Well I have to say that AP does have great stage presence and have seen him twice and he delivered both times but there have been inconsistences as well. I am definitely a Perry loon but there is just something about listening to Perry I have never experienced with any other singer in 41 years. I get chills up and down my spine hearing his delivey on every single song being live or studio. Just something I don't feel any other singer has or will ever have. I know SP has huge insecurites and that makes me think we'll never see him live again which truely sux!

Nicely stated!!!
You're Perryswoman?!?!?
Mrs. Perry Hangs out here too!!!:wink: