Journey at the Greek - 2008

[Don]

Slow news day so I thought I would bring back my review from last September.
As you can see, I wasn't always Mr. Doom & Gloom

I finally got to see Arnel at the Greek Theatre. Having not got Tickets for the first show, I lucked out with the second show which ended up being performed two days before the first one anyway. I can say that I was impressed. He is not Steve Perry but these songs were meant to be sang live and he is as good as it gets. This is going to sound strange but a lot of fans at the Greek only knew about WYLAW from seeing Arnel sing it on youtube. I'm not talking about just the filipinos in the crowd, many people had written Journey off after ROR and didn't know anything about TBF or didn't follow the group anymore at that point. I had to tell people that this was a Grammy Nominated song as they thought it was a new one. I wonder if TBF sales wil go up a little now. Anyone saying Arnel does not sing with emotion has to see him sing this song live. Maybe it's because he misses his girlfriend and is homesick but the emotion is there. Having seen Perry live before on the Escape and Frontiers tour, even Steve only laid it on the line for certain songs (Stay Awhile, Still they ride), it just isn't possible to pour your heart into every song or you'd be burnt out in 20 minutes. Journey made the right choice as far as I'm concerned. The crowd loved the ballads and these are songs that really need to be done by a frontman and not from behind the drumkit like the last few years.
The Greek is small but has a wonderful sound layout. I've been there for Kenny Loggins, Celtic Woman and even my son's graduation ceremony and the acoustics have always been top notch. Arnel came out before the show and mixed with fans in the courtyard which was good since I heard but didn't verify that the meet and greet was canceled.
I had my son drop us off (Screw Stacked parking) and had no problems finding our seats on the South Terrace in time for Cheap Trick. Let me say that Robin shouldn't be in anyone's top 5 for vocalists but CT has been more about having fun and they delivered with that.
Heart is wonderful but I have to disagree with those who say Anne hasn't lost any range. Just a little from when I saw her at the fair a few years ago but then again she is not that young anymore. It doesn't matter as I would gladly see Heart again by themselves.
Journey was the main attraction though and they delivered. It was funny seeing all the cellphones light up during lights. There were a few lighters but that's a no-no at the Greek because of it being part of Griffith Park. I would like to see Arnel take it a step down as far as running and jumping all over the place, he had a faux pas with the mic stand one time but he just needs to slow down a bit that's all. I wish I could get tickets for the show tomorrow night but I don't think it will happen, that's fine as I'd like everyone to get a chance and see the group live so once for me is enough i guess.
I would love to see Perry do a show at the Greek, it's a small venue with more of a wine and cheese setting but it would suit him and his solo stuff. Hopefully that will be my next show I get to see there.

[steveo777]

Looks like you gave a pretty glowing review. Do you feel differently about the lineup today, or do you post the way you do to effect the zealots?

I don't care what anyone says, this is a better year for Journey than last year. Sure, there have been a couple off nights, but overall it seems they are on fire.

[Don]

Looks like you gave a pretty glowing review. Do you feel differently about the lineup today, or do you post the way you do to effect the zealots?

I don't care what anyone says, this is a better year for Journey than last year. Sure, there have been a couple off nights, but overall it seems they are on fire.

I post how I interpret things. I don't care for the stepped down tunes, it doesn't wash with me. Now Neal says they are playing longer solos to help Arnel out also? Total crap, the guy is not going to be doing 600 shows with the band, let him sing now before his voice changes naturally. The most requested song in the forums all year long last year, TDTWT, zero appearances in stateside shows.
I saw the dirty dozen when they were new in 81, 82 and 83. After seeing the same songs last year, I don't care to see the same things anymore. I can just put on my Escape DVDs and get the same thing in original key. Thank God I got to at least hear WYLAW when I did. It's appearances have been few and far between this year and it's it being sang flat. Steve Perry has an excuse for singing stepped down, he's 60 years old. There is no excuse for a NEW singer to be doing this on his second tour with the band.
I'm glad the people that are going to the shows are having a good time. My PERSONAL OPINION is that the quality of the show they are putting out this year is inferior to what they did last year. To each his own, but I blame the stagnant setlist and the stepped down tunes. Again. my opinion. People say be grateful that Journey is still around. Why? When it's time for them to hang it up, what's the big deal? They haven't had a blockbuster hit since forever. What would I be missing that I don't already have on CD or DVD? They are going on pure nostalgia just like most of the other summer acts.
I don't blame Arnel for any of these things that I deem unsatisfactory, I blame his handlers who are going to ride him into retirement, one way or the other.
Last year was Arnel's chance to dip his feet in the water, this year was supposed to be the one where he busts out. Maybe that next album will be that moment because singing the dirty dozen for 70 more shows this year isn't exactly busting out, in my opinion.
Now you know how I really feel. Neal won't miss me and I won't miss him this year.
And thank you Andrew for providing a place where people on both sides of the fence can express their opinion.

[steveo777]

Looks like you gave a pretty glowing review. Do you feel differently about the lineup today, or do you post the way you do to effect the zealots?

I don't care what anyone says, this is a better year for Journey than last year. Sure, there have been a couple off nights, but overall it seems they are on fire.

I post how I interpret things. I don't care for the stepped down tunes, it doesn't wash with me. Now Neal says they are playing longer solos to help Arnel out also? Total crap, the guy is not going to be doing 600 shows with the band, let him sing now before his voice changes naturally. The most requested song in the forums all year long last year, TDTWT, zero appearances in stateside shows.
I saw the dirty dozen when they were new in 81, 82 and 83. After seeing the same songs last year, I don't care to see the same things anymore. I can just put on my Escape DVDs and get the same thing in original key. Thank God I got to at least hear WYLAW when I did. It's appearances have been few and far between this year and it's it being sang flat.
I'm glad the people that are going to the shows are having a good time. My PERSONAL OPINION is that the quality of the show they are putting out this year is inferior to what they did last year. To each his own, but I blame the stagnant setlist and the stepped down tunes. Again. my opinion. People say be grateful that Journey is still around. Why? When it's time for them to hang it up, what's the big deal? They haven't had a blockbuster hit since forever. What would I be missing that I don't already have on CD or DVD? They are going on pure nostalgia just like most of the other summer acts. Steve Perry has an excuse for singing stepped down, he's 60 years old. There is no excuse for a NEW singer to be doing this on his second tour with the band.
I don't blame Arnel, I blame his handlers who are going to ride him into retirement, one way or the other.
Last year was Arnel's chance to dip his feet in the water, this year was supposed to be the one where he busts out. Maybe that next album will be that moment because singing the dirty dozen for 70 more shows this year isn't exactly busting out, in my opinion.
Now you know how I really feel. Neal won't miss me and I won't miss him this year.
And thank you Andrew for providing a place where people on both sides of the fence can express their opinion.

Thanks. I understand. I guess I'm one of the people who feel grateful that Journey is still with us. I only got to see one show last year and really want to see another one because the venue sucked so bad and the sound was terrible in there. I just want to see one good show. What gets to me though, is how Heart could sound so good in the same building, but Journey could sound so distorted, overly loud, where it didn't need to be, etc. It seemed Arnel's voice was piercing and in way disproportionate volume to the instruments that were being played. This is not the first I've heard that same complaint last year. Hopefully this year their sound techs have their shit together.

[Rick]

Looks like you gave a pretty glowing review. Do you feel differently about the lineup today, or do you post the way you do to effect the zealots?

I don't care what anyone says, this is a better year for Journey than last year. Sure, there have been a couple off nights, but overall it seems they are on fire.

I post how I interpret things. I don't care for the stepped down tunes, it doesn't wash with me. Now Neal says they are playing longer solos to help Arnel out also? Total crap, the guy is not going to be doing 600 shows with the band, let him sing now before his voice changes naturally. The most requested song in the forums all year long last year, TDTWT, zero appearances in stateside shows.
I saw the dirty dozen when they were new in 81, 82 and 83. After seeing the same songs last year, I don't care to see the same things anymore. I can just put on my Escape DVDs and get the same thing in original key. Thank God I got to at least hear WYLAW when I did. It's appearances have been few and far between this year and it's it being sang flat.
I'm glad the people that are going to the shows are having a good time. My PERSONAL OPINION is that the quality of the show they are putting out this year is inferior to what they did last year. To each his own, but I blame the stagnant setlist and the stepped down tunes. Again. my opinion. People say be grateful that Journey is still around. Why? When it's time for them to hang it up, what's the big deal? They haven't had a blockbuster hit since forever. What would I be missing that I don't already have on CD or DVD? They are going on pure nostalgia just like most of the other summer acts. Steve Perry has an excuse for singing stepped down, he's 60 years old. There is no excuse for a NEW singer to be doing this on his second tour with the band.
I don't blame Arnel, I blame his handlers who are going to ride him into retirement, one way or the other.
Last year was Arnel's chance to dip his feet in the water, this year was supposed to be the one where he busts out. Maybe that next album will be that moment because singing the dirty dozen for 70 more shows this year isn't exactly busting out, in my opinion.
Now you know how I really feel. Neal won't miss me and I won't miss him this year.
And thank you Andrew for providing a place where people on both sides of the fence can express their opinion.

Thanks. I understand. I guess I'm one of the people who feel grateful that Journey is still with us. I only got to see one show last year and really want to see another one because the venue sucked so bad and the sound was terrible in there. I just want to see one good show. What gets to me though, is how Heart could sound so good in the same building, but Journey could sound so distorted, overly loud, where it didn't need to be, etc. It seemed Arnel's voice was piercing and in way disproportionate volume to the instruments that were being played. This is not the first I've heard that same complaint last year. Hopefully this year their sound techs have their shit together.

Supposedly they're using their own sound equipment now, so it should be fairly consistent from show to show, depending on acoustics.

[Don]

The sound is really an issue every show this year from what I've read. I blame a lot of that on the venues they're playing. It is shocking to see them play a dirt bowl like San Manual Pavilion this year while you have Styx and Reo Speedwagon Playing in the state of the art Nokia theater (and actually selling it out ).
Heart probably doesn't use all the layered back up vocals like Journey does and they do have a lot of softer numbers. That may have been why you heard a difference in performances In a place built more for theater than rock; I'm just guessing of course.

[Maui Tom]

Looks like you gave a pretty glowing review. Do you feel differently about the lineup today, or do you post the way you do to effect the zealots?

I don't care what anyone says, this is a better year for Journey than last year. Sure, there have been a couple off nights, but overall it seems they are on fire.

I post how I interpret things. I don't care for the stepped down tunes, it doesn't wash with me. Now Neal says they are playing longer solos to help Arnel out also? Total crap, the guy is not going to be doing 600 shows with the band, let him sing now before his voice changes naturally. The most requested song in the forums all year long last year, TDTWT, zero appearances in stateside shows.
I saw the dirty dozen when they were new in 81, 82 and 83. After seeing the same songs last year, I don't care to see the same things anymore. I can just put on my Escape DVDs and get the same thing in original key. Thank God I got to at least hear WYLAW when I did. It's appearances have been few and far between this year and it's it being sang flat. Steve Perry has an excuse for singing stepped down, he's 60 years old. There is no excuse for a NEW singer to be doing this on his second tour with the band.
I'm glad the people that are going to the shows are having a good time. My PERSONAL OPINION is that the quality of the show they are putting out this year is inferior to what they did last year. To each his own, but I blame the stagnant setlist and the stepped down tunes. Again. my opinion. People say be grateful that Journey is still around. Why? When it's time for them to hang it up, what's the big deal? They haven't had a blockbuster hit since forever. What would I be missing that I don't already have on CD or DVD? They are going on pure nostalgia just like most of the other summer acts.
I don't blame Arnel for any of these things that I deem unsatisfactory, I blame his handlers who are going to ride him into retirement, one way or the other.
Last year was Arnel's chance to dip his feet in the water, this year was supposed to be the one where he busts out. Maybe that next album will be that moment because singing the dirty dozen for 70 more shows this year isn't exactly busting out, in my opinion.
Now you know how I really feel. Neal won't miss me and I won't miss him this year.
And thank you Andrew for providing a place where people on both sides of the fence can express their opinion.

Tell me why
I don’t like Mondays
Tell me why
I don’t like Mondays
Tell me why
I don’t like Mondays
I wanna shoo-oo-oo-oo-oo-oot the whole day down

[Don]

Looks like you gave a pretty glowing review. Do you feel differently about the lineup today, or do you post the way you do to effect the zealots?

I don't care what anyone says, this is a better year for Journey than last year. Sure, there have been a couple off nights, but overall it seems they are on fire.

I post how I interpret things. I don't care for the stepped down tunes, it doesn't wash with me. Now Neal says they are playing longer solos to help Arnel out also? Total crap, the guy is not going to be doing 600 shows with the band, let him sing now before his voice changes naturally. The most requested song in the forums all year long last year, TDTWT, zero appearances in stateside shows.
I saw the dirty dozen when they were new in 81, 82 and 83. After seeing the same songs last year, I don't care to see the same things anymore. I can just put on my Escape DVDs and get the same thing in original key. Thank God I got to at least hear WYLAW when I did. It's appearances have been few and far between this year and it's it being sang flat. Steve Perry has an excuse for singing stepped down, he's 60 years old. There is no excuse for a NEW singer to be doing this on his second tour with the band.
I'm glad the people that are going to the shows are having a good time. My PERSONAL OPINION is that the quality of the show they are putting out this year is inferior to what they did last year. To each his own, but I blame the stagnant setlist and the stepped down tunes. Again. my opinion. People say be grateful that Journey is still around. Why? When it's time for them to hang it up, what's the big deal? They haven't had a blockbuster hit since forever. What would I be missing that I don't already have on CD or DVD? They are going on pure nostalgia just like most of the other summer acts.
I don't blame Arnel for any of these things that I deem unsatisfactory, I blame his handlers who are going to ride him into retirement, one way or the other.
Last year was Arnel's chance to dip his feet in the water, this year was supposed to be the one where he busts out. Maybe that next album will be that moment because singing the dirty dozen for 70 more shows this year isn't exactly busting out, in my opinion.
Now you know how I really feel. Neal won't miss me and I won't miss him this year.
And thank you Andrew for providing a place where people on both sides of the fence can express their opinion.

Tell me why
I don’t like Mondays
Tell me why
I don’t like Mondays
Tell me why
I don’t like Mondays
I wanna shoo-oo-oo-oo-oo-oot the whole day down

If y'all would post something of interest one in awhile, I wouldn't be forced to take such drastic measures to stimulate discussion.

Fat Journey fans and Steve Tyler buying suds is not going to make the grade.