After Watching Oprah.....

[madsplash]

I've decided that I'm a big fan of SP and am still a huge fan of Journey. I mean, can't you be both?

Yes, I'm still pissed that SP and the band couldn't/wouldn't work it out and that we don't get to hear them together anymore, and yes I still blame Jon and Neal for not waiting longer, but being that that's how it is, I'm still very happy that Journey is still playing that music and getting that great, positve music out there to a new generation.

After watching how it still affects people to hear that stuff, it's pretty moving to see.

Arnel is a hell of a nice, modest guy and while he's not near the singer SP was/is, he IS really, really good and better than about anyone else now.

Can't wait to hear SP's new stuff.
Still dig hearing Arnel sing the hits.
Still hoping to one day hear SP sing with the band again.

Bottom line: SP and Journey still kick everyone's ass!

[journeygirl]

I've decided that I'm a big fan of SP and am still a huge fan of Journey. I mean, can't you be both?

Yes you can, I know I am.

Yes, I'm still pissed that SP and the band couldn't/wouldn't work it out and that we don't get to hear them together anymore, and yes I still blame Jon and Neal for not waiting longer, but being that that's how it is, I'm still very happy that Journey is still playing that music and getting that great, positve music out there to a new generation.

I agree!

After watching how it still affects people to hear that stuff, it's pretty moving to see.

Arnel is a hell of a nice, modest guy and while he's not near the singer SP was/is, he IS really, really good and better than about anyone else now.

Can't wait to hear SP's new stuff.
Still dig hearing Arnel sing the hits.
Still hoping to one day hear SP sing with the band again.

Bottom line: SP and Journey still kick everyone's ass!

I think Arnel is doing a hell of a job considering the shoes he had to fill. He does seem genuine and in the music business that is hard to find these days. Good post Madsplash!

[Jana]

I've decided that I'm a big fan of SP and am still a huge fan of Journey. I mean, can't you be both?

Yes, I'm still pissed that SP and the band couldn't/wouldn't work it out and that we don't get to hear them together anymore, and yes I still blame Jon and Neal for not waiting longer, but being that that's how it is, I'm still very happy that Journey is still playing that music and getting that great, positve music out there to a new generation.
After watching how it still affects people to hear that stuff, it's pretty moving to see.

Arnel is a hell of a nice, modest guy and while he's not near the singer SP was/is, he IS really, really good and better than about anyone else now.Can't wait to hear SP's new stuff.
Still dig hearing Arnel sing the hits.
Still hoping to one day hear SP sing with the band again.

Bottom line: SP and Journey still kick everyone's ass!

This did not come from you. I don't believe it. If so, I might cry it was so sweet , but I wonder . . . . . . . . . . . .

And, yes, I'm a huge fan of both. Very easy to be a fan of both.

[Blueskies]

I've decided that I'm a big fan of SP and am still a huge fan of Journey. I mean, can't you be both?

Yes, I'm still pissed that SP and the band couldn't/wouldn't work it out and that we don't get to hear them together anymore, and yes I still blame Jon and Neal for not waiting longer, but being that that's how it is, I'm still very happy that Journey is still playing that music and getting that great, positve music out there to a new generation.

After watching how it still affects people to hear that stuff, it's pretty moving to see.

Arnel is a hell of a nice, modest guy and while he's not near the singer SP was/is, he IS really, really good and better than about anyone else now.

Can't wait to hear SP's new stuff.
Still dig hearing Arnel sing the hits.
Still hoping to one day hear SP sing with the band again.

Bottom line: SP and Journey still kick everyone's ass!

Good attitude to take, Madsplash.

[Ligzig]

Proud SP and Journey/Arnel Fan.

Arnel has the voice and range to do whatever they want, it's up to them to take advantage of it. The memories with Steve will live on forever. New ones can be created.

[steveo777]

Good post. I have always felt that you can be both a fan of the old and a fan of the new. I know Arnel has a huge responsibility to fill and he does it gracefully. What a great guy. I really wish more old Journey fans could see it this way. The music lives on we still get live shows. That's pretty damn cool.

[Blueskies]

Good post. I have always felt that you can be both a fan of the old and a fan of the new. I know Arnel has a huge responsibility to fill and he does it gracefully. What a great guy. I really wish more old Journey fans could see it this way. The music lives on we still get live shows. That's pretty damn cool.

Exactly! Journey fans have had a wealth of talent to enjoy from ALL band members, former and present.

[stevew2]

I took a dump

[aliaslen]

Wait i'll borrow a famous line... Madsplash is good people

[stevew2]

Wait i'll borrow a famous line... Madsplash is good people

unlike Friga and Tito

[mdaemon]

I've decided that I'm a big fan of SP and am still a huge fan of Journey. I mean, can't you be both?

Yes, I'm still pissed that SP and the band couldn't/wouldn't work it out and that we don't get to hear them together anymore, and yes I still blame Jon and Neal for not waiting longer, but being that that's how it is, I'm still very happy that Journey is still playing that music and getting that great, positve music out there to a new generation.

After watching how it still affects people to hear that stuff, it's pretty moving to see.

Arnel is a hell of a nice, modest guy and while he's not near the singer SP was/is, he IS really, really good and better than about anyone else now.

Can't wait to hear SP's new stuff.
Still dig hearing Arnel sing the hits.
Still hoping to one day hear SP sing with the band again.

Bottom line: SP and Journey still kick everyone's ass!

who are you and what did you do to madsplash?

[The Sushi Hunter]

I've decided that I'm a big fan of SP and am still a huge fan of Journey. I mean, can't you be both?

Yes, I'm still pissed that SP and the band couldn't/wouldn't work it out and that we don't get to hear them together anymore, and yes I still blame Jon and Neal for not waiting longer, but being that that's how it is, I'm still very happy that Journey is still playing that music and getting that great, positve music out there to a new generation.

After watching how it still affects people to hear that stuff, it's pretty moving to see.

Arnel is a hell of a nice, modest guy and while he's not near the singer SP was/is, he IS really, really good and better than about anyone else now.

Can't wait to hear SP's new stuff.
Still dig hearing Arnel sing the hits.
Still hoping to one day hear SP sing with the band again.

Bottom line: SP and Journey still kick everyone's ass!

Did you ever consider that perhaps SP can no longer sing anymore? It happens. Air Supply was one of my most favorite bands and listening to them live now, it is just depressing to me that his voice isn't the way it used to be in the 70's and 80's. Perhaps this is exactly what has happened to SP. If it didn't why isn't SP singing at all....period....with or without Journey?

I'm a big fan of SP too. But I'm also greatful that AP finally made it big time. It was a very long and winding road for him I know.

[Red13JoePa]

and yes I still blame Jon and Neal for not waiting longer

How could they have POSSIBLY waited any longer?
Given how how '87-early '98 played out I think they waited way TOO long after the release of TBF to pull the plug AND was pissed they even went back with him in the FIRST place.

[jrny84]

I've decided that I'm a big fan of SP and am still a huge fan of Journey. I mean, can't you be both?

Yes, I'm still pissed that SP and the band couldn't/wouldn't work it out and that we don't get to hear them together anymore, and yes I still blame Jon and Neal for not waiting longer, but being that that's how it is, I'm still very happy that Journey is still playing that music and getting that great, positve music out there to a new generation.

After watching how it still affects people to hear that stuff, it's pretty moving to see.

Arnel is a hell of a nice, modest guy and while he's not near the singer SP was/is, he IS really, really good and better than about anyone else now.

Can't wait to hear SP's new stuff.
Still dig hearing Arnel sing the hits.
Still hoping to one day hear SP sing with the band again.

Bottom line: SP and Journey still kick everyone's ass!

I totally agree. I too am a huge Perry fan, but I also really like the new music Journey is coming out with and appreciate the talent and heart Arnel brings to the band. I think Journey is way to good and popular to sit on the sidelines and not get out there and show old and new fans they can still rock. That period from 86-96 was awful, they were one of the biggest bands at the time, and all the sudden they were gone. Its sad that they didnt make any records or music during that time period. All I know is I am really greatful they are still out there and playing some of the best music in rock.

[brywool]

I've decided that I'm a big fan of SP and am still a huge fan of Journey. I mean, can't you be both?

Yes, I'm still pissed that SP and the band couldn't/wouldn't work it out and that we don't get to hear them together anymore, and yes I still blame Jon and Neal for not waiting longer, but being that that's how it is, I'm still very happy that Journey is still playing that music and getting that great, positve music out there to a new generation.

After watching how it still affects people to hear that stuff, it's pretty moving to see.

Arnel is a hell of a nice, modest guy and while he's not near the singer SP was/is, he IS really, really good and better than about anyone else now.

Can't wait to hear SP's new stuff.
Still dig hearing Arnel sing the hits.
Still hoping to one day hear SP sing with the band again.

Bottom line: SP and Journey still kick everyone's ass!

Finally. Not sure why peeps feel the need to choose sides.
Perry's solo and Journey stuff is good. Arnel's Journey stuff is good. Augeri's Journey stuff is good.

Why not listen to all of it and be happy that some of them are still making music?
If you want to reminisce, throw on the old records and videos.

[epoy]

I've decided that I'm a big fan of SP and am still a huge fan of Journey. I mean, can't you be both?

Yes, I'm still pissed that SP and the band couldn't/wouldn't work it out and that we don't get to hear them together anymore, and yes I still blame Jon and Neal for not waiting longer, but being that that's how it is, I'm still very happy that Journey is still playing that music and getting that great, positve music out there to a new generation.

After watching how it still affects people to hear that stuff, it's pretty moving to see.

Arnel is a hell of a nice, modest guy and while he's not near the singer SP was/is, he IS really, really good and better than about anyone else now.

Can't wait to hear SP's new stuff.
Still dig hearing Arnel sing the hits.
Still hoping to one day hear SP sing with the band again.

Bottom line: SP and Journey still kick everyone's ass!

Post of the week!!!!! I took off my rose colored glasses a while back and that's where I'm at.

[Voyager]

Great post. If you would have been a Journey fan in the 80's, this conversion would have never been necessary.

[madsplash]

and yes I still blame Jon and Neal for not waiting longer

How could they have POSSIBLY waited any longer?
Given how how '87-early '98 played out I think they waited way TOO long after the release of TBF to pull the plug AND was pissed they even went back with him in the FIRST place.

Listen, if someone is really your friend and you really only care about the legacy that you created with that person, you wait as long as that person needs.
I mean, they waited from 87 to 96, what the hell is the difference if it takes another year or two? With the buzz TBF created by debuting at #3, it would have only been bigger a little bit later.

[steveo777]

and yes I still blame Jon and Neal for not waiting longer

How could they have POSSIBLY waited any longer?
Given how how '87-early '98 played out I think they waited way TOO long after the release of TBF to pull the plug AND was pissed they even went back with him in the FIRST place.

Listen, if someone is really your friend and you really only care about the legacy that you created with that person, you wait as long as that person needs.
I mean, they waited from 87 to 96, what the hell is the difference if it takes another year or two? With the buzz TBF created by debuting at #3, it would have only been bigger a little bit later.

1. The band was not getting any younger and the window of opportunity was closing in.
2. Steve Perry gave no committments of when he would return.
3. Friendship or no friendship, you have a business to run and the rest of the band needs to make a living
4. Don't be ridiculous! They did what they had to do.

[mdaemon]

and yes I still blame Jon and Neal for not waiting longer

How could they have POSSIBLY waited any longer?
Given how how '87-early '98 played out I think they waited way TOO long after the release of TBF to pull the plug AND was pissed they even went back with him in the FIRST place.

Listen, if someone is really your friend and you really only care about the legacy that you created with that person, you wait as long as that person needs.
I mean, they waited from 87 to 96, what the hell is the difference if it takes another year or two? With the buzz TBF created by debuting at #3, it would have only been bigger a little bit later.

One could argue though that if Neal and Jon waited, then they could end up like the Perry fans still waiting until now.

[Jana]

and yes I still blame Jon and Neal for not waiting longer

How could they have POSSIBLY waited any longer?
Given how how '87-early '98 played out I think they waited way TOO long after the release of TBF to pull the plug AND was pissed they even went back with him in the FIRST place.

Listen, if someone is really your friend and you really only care about the legacy that you created with that person, you wait as long as that person needs.
I mean, they waited from 87 to 96, what the hell is the difference if it takes another year or two? With the buzz TBF created by debuting at #3, it would have only been bigger a little bit later.

One could argue though that if Neal and Jon waited, then they could end up like the Perry fans still waiting until now.

[steveo777]

and yes I still blame Jon and Neal for not waiting longer

How could they have POSSIBLY waited any longer?
Given how how '87-early '98 played out I think they waited way TOO long after the release of TBF to pull the plug AND was pissed they even went back with him in the FIRST place.

Listen, if someone is really your friend and you really only care about the legacy that you created with that person, you wait as long as that person needs.
I mean, they waited from 87 to 96, what the hell is the difference if it takes another year or two? With the buzz TBF created by debuting at #3, it would have only been bigger a little bit later.

One could argue though that if Neal and Jon waited, then they could end up like the Perry fans still waiting until now.

Exactly! If Perry was ever coming back to perform in any capacity he would have done it years ago. So, back to that part about waiting. Where would Journey be today if they had waited for Steve? Be honest with yourselves....you all know the answer.

[madsplash]

and yes I still blame Jon and Neal for not waiting longer

How could they have POSSIBLY waited any longer?
Given how how '87-early '98 played out I think they waited way TOO long after the release of TBF to pull the plug AND was pissed they even went back with him in the FIRST place.

Listen, if someone is really your friend and you really only care about the legacy that you created with that person, you wait as long as that person needs.
I mean, they waited from 87 to 96, what the hell is the difference if it takes another year or two? With the buzz TBF created by debuting at #3, it would have only been bigger a little bit later.

One could argue though that if Neal and Jon waited, then they could end up like the Perry fans still waiting until now.

Exactly! If Perry was ever coming back to perform in any capacity he would have done it years ago. So, back to that part about waiting. Where would Journey be today if they had waited for Steve? Be honest with yourselves....you all know the answer.

They would not have a few bad selling records and one decent one and they would have a little less money in the bank, and they would have waited on one of the most anticipated reunion tours of all time.

They would have been playing the places they're playing now times 10.

[steveo777]

and yes I still blame Jon and Neal for not waiting longer

How could they have POSSIBLY waited any longer?
Given how how '87-early '98 played out I think they waited way TOO long after the release of TBF to pull the plug AND was pissed they even went back with him in the FIRST place.

Listen, if someone is really your friend and you really only care about the legacy that you created with that person, you wait as long as that person needs.
I mean, they waited from 87 to 96, what the hell is the difference if it takes another year or two? With the buzz TBF created by debuting at #3, it would have only been bigger a little bit later.

One could argue though that if Neal and Jon waited, then they could end up like the Perry fans still waiting until now.

Exactly! If Perry was ever coming back to perform in any capacity he would have done it years ago. So, back to that part about waiting. Where would Journey be today if they had waited for Steve? Be honest with yourselves....you all know the answer.

They would not have a few bad selling records and one decent one and they would have a little less money in the bank, and they would have waited on one of the most anticipated reunion tours of all time.

They would have been playing the places they're playing now times 10.

No, they would have been all but forgotten and dissolved. On the brighter note: we can continue to hope for that most anticipated reunion tour of all time. I hope I'm still alive when it finally happens!

[Jana]

and yes I still blame Jon and Neal for not waiting longer

How could they have POSSIBLY waited any longer?
Given how how '87-early '98 played out I think they waited way TOO long after the release of TBF to pull the plug AND was pissed they even went back with him in the FIRST place.

Listen, if someone is really your friend and you really only care about the legacy that you created with that person, you wait as long as that person needs.
I mean, they waited from 87 to 96, what the hell is the difference if it takes another year or two? With the buzz TBF created by debuting at #3, it would have only been bigger a little bit later.

One could argue though that if Neal and Jon waited, then they could end up like the Perry fans still waiting until now.

Exactly! If Perry was ever coming back to perform in any capacity he would have done it years ago. So, back to that part about waiting. Where would Journey be today if they had waited for Steve? Be honest with yourselves....you all know the answer.

They would not have a few bad selling records and one decent one and they would have a little less money in the bank, and they would have waited on one of the most anticipated reunion tours of all time.

They would have been playing the places they're playing now times 10.

Delusional. Perry did nothing for thirteen years. And what's the bet that he will not be singing live in concert if this album comes out? There's your answer for why Journey needed to move on. Perry always wanted to be a solo artist. Why he's done nothing for all these years is just a guess.

[portland]

and yes I still blame Jon and Neal for not waiting longer

How could they have POSSIBLY waited any longer?
Given how how '87-early '98 played out I think they waited way TOO long after the release of TBF to pull the plug AND was pissed they even went back with him in the FIRST place.

Listen, if someone is really your friend and you really only care about the legacy that you created with that person, you wait as long as that person needs.
I mean, they waited from 87 to 96, what the hell is the difference if it takes another year or two? With the buzz TBF created by debuting at #3, it would have only been bigger a little bit later.

One could argue though that if Neal and Jon waited, then they could end up like the Perry fans still waiting until now.

Exactly! If Perry was ever coming back to perform in any capacity he would have done it years ago. So, back to that part about waiting. Where would Journey be today if they had waited for Steve? Be honest with yourselves....you all know the answer.

They would not have a few bad selling records and one decent one and they would have a little less money in the bank, and they would have waited on one of the most anticipated reunion tours of all time.

They would have been playing the places they're playing now times 10.

No, they would have been all but forgotten and dissolved. On the brighter note: we can continue to hope for that most anticipated reunion tour of all time. I hope I'm still alive when it finally happens!

12/22/12????

[steveo777]

and yes I still blame Jon and Neal for not waiting longer

How could they have POSSIBLY waited any longer?
Given how how '87-early '98 played out I think they waited way TOO long after the release of TBF to pull the plug AND was pissed they even went back with him in the FIRST place.

Listen, if someone is really your friend and you really only care about the legacy that you created with that person, you wait as long as that person needs.
I mean, they waited from 87 to 96, what the hell is the difference if it takes another year or two? With the buzz TBF created by debuting at #3, it would have only been bigger a little bit later.

One could argue though that if Neal and Jon waited, then they could end up like the Perry fans still waiting until now.

Exactly! If Perry was ever coming back to perform in any capacity he would have done it years ago. So, back to that part about waiting. Where would Journey be today if they had waited for Steve? Be honest with yourselves....you all know the answer.

They would not have a few bad selling records and one decent one and they would have a little less money in the bank, and they would have waited on one of the most anticipated reunion tours of all time.

They would have been playing the places they're playing now times 10.

No, they would have been all but forgotten and dissolved. On the brighter note: we can continue to hope for that most anticipated reunion tour of all time. I hope I'm still alive when it finally happens!

12/22/12????

Yeah, but unfortunately I went looking for tickets and they're not on sale yet!
I got a spam email where someone was already trying to scalp me for some front row seats though.

[Since 78]

Wow!

[Jubilee]

They would not have a few bad selling records and one decent one and they would have a little less money in the bank, and they would have waited on one of the most anticipated reunion tours of all time.

They would have been playing the places they're playing now times 10.

I just don't get this "they shoulda waited" line of thinking. What on earth makes anyone think that Perry ever had any intention of returning, surgery or no surgery?? Let's face it if Perry's past actions were any indication of his future actions, the band was right to cut it's losses when it did. In fact, they may have waited a little longer than they really should have. Perry had already taken one rather extended hiatus, and only returned to the band, by some accounts, under an immense amount of pressure applied by Sony to fulfill his contractual obligation to complete the last record.

IMO, after the shortened ROR tour, when Perry told Jon & Neal "I don't want to/can't do this anymore", he really meant just that, and they should have taken him at his word.

[JasonD]

They would not have a few bad selling records and one decent one and they would have a little less money in the bank, and they would have waited on one of the most anticipated reunion tours of all time.

They would have been playing the places they're playing now times 10.

I just don't get this "they shoulda waited" line of thinking. What on earth makes anyone think that Perry ever had any intention of returning, surgery or no surgery?? Let's face it if Perry's past actions were any indication of his future actions, the band was right to cut it's losses when it did. In fact, they may have waited a little longer than they really should have. Perry had already taken one rather extended hiatus, and only returned to the band, by some accounts, under an immense amount of pressure applied by Sony to fulfill his contractual obligation to complete the last record.

IMO, after the shortened ROR tour, when Perry told Jon & Neal "I don't want to/can't do this anymore", he really meant just that, and they should have taken him at his word.

+1.

My sentiments exactly!!!