Is Deen a co-lead singer for the band?

[bluejeangirl76]

Deen is as much a singer for this band as Gregg Rolie was... maybe moreso since Rolie's (post-1978) appearances were shared with Perry.

Deen deserves props. The guy can nail some tough material and calling him one of the singers in this band is not at all a bad thing.

[Deb]

Does anyone know all the songs Deen sang when Augeri's voice went downhill?

I know that he's always done Mother, Father.

I have a boot that Deen sang 4 oldies on. Back when they were doing the long shows, I think it is Konocti? Patiently, La Do Da, Where Were You and one other one, can't remember it off the top of my head.

You hear that 78? Some pre-Escape love right there.

Yep!

Deb, can you post it Please? Please?

It's a dvd boot. I'll try to put a couple of Deen's songs up on youtube. If not, pm me your addy and I'll burn it and send ya a copy.

[Rhiannon]

Fuck, now I'm derailing my own thread.

Damn threadjackers.

I think he went to threadjackers anonymous! Personally, I just can't seem to kick it.

That's a shame, you could be kickin' it old school.

[Don]

Deen doesn't have to win this poll by the way. Getting more than one vote is validation for what I was arguing about.
Co-singers is probably a more accurate description of him and Arnel at this point. I can agree with the argument that neither is really leading the band, more like cogs in the machine that help keep it rolling along.

[steveo777]

I voted no. Taking the lead means being out front, having stage presence and command of the audiance. You can't do that from behind the kit. Deen has a great voice, but I wouldn't catagorize him as co lead singer. He simply shares some of the singing responsibility, giving Arnel some resting time.

[portland]

Sorry - How many songs did Smith sing for Perry?

The same amount as Perry sang on the TBF tour.

That's was a interesting response.......

[JRNYFan]

Great question.

I'd say no. I think of him more as a "helper." He helped relieve the pressure off Augeri and now he's helping Arnel save his voice. Until we see him sing lead vocals on an album, not out of neccessity (i.e., Generations) I would still consider him a "helper."

[Don]

Why don't they mix it up and have AP sing some of the songs that Deen is covering. If Deen is now pretty much owning those songs, that is more than just giving Arnel a rest if AP is not even going to sing them eventually. We know Deen can sing open Arms and Faithfully, as he has done before during the 2006 tour, so why not let Arnel have a crack at Keep On Runnin' or Still They Ride.

Don Henley used to sing behind the kit, I still think of him as a Co-lead for vocals even though the other singers for the Eagles might have done more songs during a particular show.

[Gideon]

Deen keeps adding songs to his own setlist that Arnel doesn't sing such as the one's listed below.


Still they ride
After The fall
Mother , Father
Keep on Runnin'
One More?

This is true. But "co-lead singer"? That implies a certain level of parity. Like it or not, Gunbot, Arnel still tackles the vast majority of the songs and the vocal demand on Deen isn't nearly as immense. At the end of the day, when it comes to singing, Arnel has the harder job by far.

Someone made a point that Deen has assumed Gregg's position. This is the case; Gregg, even though he performed duets and a couple of leads, was not "a co lead singer." He did an admirable, incredible job, but the lead spot was always Perry. Same for Arnel. It's no different.

However,

I voted yes. And I think it's a good thing. Perry had several voices as his voice aged and expecting Arnel to capture the later years is a tall order. Considering Deen has that same gritty sound as Perry due to years of wear and tear and the aging process, why not let him sing the songs that he can sound closer than Arnel on.

I also agree with this. Deen's a powerhouse and definitely Journey's secret weapon (I'd hesitate to call him MVP; Neal's the most skilled instrumentalist in the band, and Jon's versatility and songwriting skills are arguably the nucleus) and I love to hear his voice. He should carry a couple of songs if he so chooses. It gives Arnel a break and allows Journey to show off the talent of their band.

And Deen should never leave the kit. And he never would.

And on the subject of egos:

Neal has never had an ego. He just shows up and plays/records. Nothing more and nothing less.

No, I'm going to have to disagree with you. Neal Schon is a guitarist of enormous pedigree and talent and, typically, large egos follow suit. As per Behind the Music; the reason he hated "Open Arms" wasn't because it was a power ballad but because, and I quote: "Well, what am I going to do on this [song]?"

That suggests a prominent, if not colossal, ego. And a sense of entitlement.

And on the other hand...

Then I must have met his evil twin, eh?

Dude has an ego. A big one.

Perry had a bigger one (and by that I mean ego, BGJ... ). By far. Neal's ego doesn't diminish the band. If anything, his ego has taken an asskicking all over the years. He gets a guitar solo every song, sure. But the band still isn't in the direction he wants to go and allows the spotlight to be on Arnel and Cain's musical direction.

[jrnyman28]

I voted no. Taking the lead means being out front, having stage presence and command of the audiance. You can't do that from behind the kit. Deen has a great voice, but I wouldn't catagorize him as co lead singer. He simply shares some of the singing responsibility, giving Arnel some resting time.

So Don Henley is not a lead singer for the Eagles?

[steveo777]

I voted no. Taking the lead means being out front, having stage presence and command of the audiance. You can't do that from behind the kit. Deen has a great voice, but I wouldn't catagorize him as co lead singer. He simply shares some of the singing responsibility, giving Arnel some resting time.

So Don Henley is not a lead singer for the Eagles?

Don Henley is out front much more than Deen. Lead singer has never been a designated capacity for Deen.

[Gideon]

Lead singer has never been a designated capacity for Deen.

And rightfully so. I'm not sure where Gunbot's going with this. And it's not like performs all four of those songs in every setlist. Isn't it usually "Mother, Father" plus one?

[Red13JoePa]

I'm not sure where Gunbot's going with this.

Discredit Pineda as a lead singer, indicate Arnel needs crutches and help unlike his preferred lead vocalist in Journey did.

[Gideon]

I'm not sure where Gunbot's going with this.

Discredit Pineda as a lead singer, indicate Arnel needs crutches and help unlike his preferred lead vocalist in Journey did.

That's what I figured, but I like to be more charitable than people give me credit for.

[Don]

I'm not sure where Gunbot's going with this.

Discredit Pineda as a lead singer, indicate Arnel needs crutches and help unlike his preferred lead vocalist in Journey did.

Despite over a dozen yes votes, how many people in this thread have discredited Arnel?

If i wanted to start a thread on crutches, I would crank out a thread about stepping down but it's not a big deal to me. I understand how old Arnel is and what they're trying to do.


I don't see why AP can't sing some of the songs Deen is covering on alternate nights and viceversa. If Arnel isn't going to sing them, Deen is the lead singer for that part of the setlist, pure and simple.

Perry was my preferred vocalist in Journey but I get it that he's 60 years old and can't / won't do it anymore.

[brywool]

looking for another hole in the boat I see...

[Don]

looking for another hole in the boat I see...

Yep, cause I hate Arnel so much, as a matter of fact I hate all filipinos. I'm a bigot and a racist.

Oh I'm an asshole athiest too.

[bluejeangirl76]

Then I must have met his evil twin, eh?

Dude has an ego. A big one.

Perry had a bigger one (and by that I mean ego, BGJ... ). By far. Neal's ego doesn't diminish the band. If anything, his ego has taken an asskicking all over the years. He gets a guitar solo every song, sure. But the band still isn't in the direction he wants to go and allows the spotlight to be on Arnel and Cain's musical direction.

Where in my post did I ever say anything about Perry or make a comparison between them? What's Perry got to do with what I said? I was talking about Neal and Neal only because that was brought up in the post before mine, and because I met the guy.

I've not met Perry and can't speak on his ego, or lack of, or whatever. Maybe he's a douche, maybe not. I wouldn't know.

And the very phrase "Cain's musical direction" makes me want to both laugh and barf.

[Gideon]

I don't see why AP can't sing some of the songs Deen is covering on alternate nights and viceversa.

Perhaps diction issues? Perhaps preference? Perhaps Deen simply does a better job? Perhaps because the rest of the band and the management want Arnel -- the advertised lead singer -- to sing the more important songs rather than the obscure works?

All sorts of variables you apparently didn't pause to consider.

If Arnel isn't going to sing them, Deen is the lead singer for that part of the setlist, pure and simple.

Eh? Deen is the lead singer of whatever song he happens to sing on. You made a thread to simply say that? That's why I questioned a possible ulterior motive. Because the point you're seemingly so desperate to make is one of the lowest form of common sense.

[Deb]

I'm not sure where Gunbot's going with this.

Discredit Pineda as a lead singer, indicate Arnel needs crutches and help unlike his preferred lead vocalist in Journey did.

Oh for pete's sakes JoePa, where does Gbot discredit Pineda as a lead singer?

[Gideon]

Where in my post did I ever say anything about Perry or make a comparison between them? What's Perry got to do with what I said? I was talking about Neal and Neal only because that was brought up in the post before mine, and because I met the guy.

I simply meant to clarify. While I agree wholeheartedly that Neal has an ego, it isn't something that routinely does great damage to the band.

I've not met Perry and can't speak on his ego, or lack of, or whatever. Maybe he's a douche, maybe not. I wouldn't know.

Yes, you would. Demonstrations of his egotism are as well documented and, best of all, more damaging than any of Neal's.

And the very phrase "Cain's musical direction" makes me want to both laugh and barf.

Could you, in between chuckles and heaps of vomit, explain?

[SP Fan in Oregon]

In the video that was posted the other day, Journey in Sweden, Neal said that "Deen is our secret weapon." That statement seemed
directly linked to the questioner's praise of Deen's singing ability. I took Neal's comment to mean that in an effort to help Arnel save his voice
for heavy touring, that Deen sings a lot of the songs on tour, and together Deen and Arnel can pull off touring without killing Arnel's voice.Therefore, I think that Deen
is a co-lead singer. Being out in front shouldn't define the lead singer. Deen certainly isn't just singing in the background. He's singing those songs better
than most I've heard..

[brywool]

looking for another hole in the boat I see...

Oh I'm an athiest too.

Hey neat. Let's have lunch!

[Gideon]

In the video that was posted the other day, Journey in Sweden, Neal said that "Deen is our secret weapon." That statement seemed
directly linked to the questioner's praise of Deen's singing ability. I took Neal's comment to mean that in an effort to help Arnel save his voice
for heavy touring, that Deen sings a lot of the songs on tour, and together Deen and Arnel can pull off touring without killing Arnel's voice.Therefore, I think that Deen
is a co-lead singer. Being out in front shouldn't define the lead singer. Deen certainly isn't just singing in the background. He's singing those songs better
than most I've heard..

I'd agree with most of this, but one should probably clarify what a "co-singer" entails. For example, in most schools, you have a principal and an assistant principal (in my case, you have two or three assistant principals). They are, in the strict sense, "co-principals." But one is the primary, the most important, the (wo)man in charge.

I felt, but did not comment, that there was a suggestion or an implication that Deen's vocal contributions or demands were equal to Arnel's, which is not the case.

[steveo777]

looking for another hole in the boat I see...

Yep, cause I hate Arnel so much, as a matter of fact I hate all filipinos. I'm a bigot and a racist.

Oh I'm an asshole athiest too.

Don't let Rolling Stone Magazine see this without reading the rest of the thread. You'll surely be taken out of context!

[journey361]

This sucks for AP and i'm the biggest Journey with SP fan on this dam planet, but poor AP. I wonder if he hears all this crap concerning SP and how he can't live up to him or sound like him. The funny thing about all this is that both AP and Dean are some of the biggest fans of SP. Both have said great things about SP's his voice and legacy. But as much as i hate to admit it, Journey seems to be doing really well for now 2008 and 2009. It's not 1980-1987 and SP bailed and i might add bailed for what, retirement. Yea right, no one bails for retirement when their on the top of their game.

[Rhiannon]

looking for another hole in the boat I see...

Oh I'm an athiest too.

Hey neat. Let's have lunch!

Everyone knows atheists don't eat, silly.

[Red13JoePa]

I'm not sure where Gunbot's going with this.

Discredit Pineda as a lead singer, indicate Arnel needs crutches and help unlike his preferred lead vocalist in Journey did.

Oh for pete's sakes JoePa, where does Gbot discredit Pineda as a lead singer?

Just my impression of the whole intent of the poll and thread.

Listen, an admitted loon putting up a thread "questioning" if Journey in fact has co-lead singers, I'm not thinking is meant to praise Arnel Pineda in any way, shape, form or fashion.
Guess I'm reaching though.

[Jana]

In the video that was posted the other day, Journey in Sweden, Neal said that "Deen is our secret weapon." That statement seemed
directly linked to the questioner's praise of Deen's singing ability. I took Neal's comment to mean that in an effort to help Arnel save his voice
for heavy touring, that Deen sings a lot of the songs on tour, and together Deen and Arnel can pull off touring without killing Arnel's voice.Therefore, I think that Deen
is a co-lead singer. Being out in front shouldn't define the lead singer. Deen certainly isn't just singing in the background. He's singing those songs better
than most I've heard..

I'd agree with most of this, but one should probably clarify what a "co-singer" entails. For example, in most schools, you have a principal and an assistant principal (in my case, you have two or three assistant principals). They are, in the strict sense, "co-principals." But one is the primary, the most important, the (wo)man in charge.

I felt, but did not comment, that there was a suggestion or an implication that Deen's vocal contributions or demands were equal to Arnel's, which is not the case.

If Deen sings two songs out of that setlist that was posted that does not make him co-lead vocalist, anymore than if Richie Sambora sings two songs during their concert. Jon Bon Jovi is still considered the frontman. It's a great compliment to the show and I love hearing Deen doing a few numbers. If Deen starts singing a greater number of songs in the future, that's different, but that's not the case at all.

[Don]

I'm not sure where Gunbot's going with this.

Discredit Pineda as a lead singer, indicate Arnel needs crutches and help unlike his preferred lead vocalist in Journey did.

Oh for pete's sakes JoePa, where does Gbot discredit Pineda as a lead singer?

Just my impression of the whole intent of the poll and thread.

Listen, an admitted loon putting up a thread "questioning" if Journey in fact has co-lead singers, I'm not thinking is meant to praise Arnel Pineda in any way, shape, form or fashion.
Guess I'm reaching though.

It wasn't meant to praise Arnel, it was to give credit to Deen.
I bought a ticket and went to their show at the Greek last year, and gave Arnel limited praise in my review. Sorry if I'm off quota for praise this year.