Why Augeri?

[strangegrey]

I heard through my own channels, that Chalfant was disappointed in the selection of Augeri....because he *wanted* the job and thought it should've been his. If that was indeed the case, it's rather significant support for the "No Chalfant" clause in the Perry contract....Just sayin'.

And seriously, I wouldn't put it past Perry for such a thing. Especially since I *also* heard a story about Chalfant and Perry meeting in a studio once in the 80s, and Perry reportedly being insanely jealous of chalfant's pipes. There just might have been a bit of EVH syndrome with Perry.....

Remember how in the late 70s and 80s, EVH used to get fucking pissed when someone would do 2-hand tapping (even though guitarists had been doing that technique far earlier than EVH)....he would go around bitching and moaning about it straight through into the Hagar years, before backing off of people's use of the technique.

Given the fact that Perry takes a manicaly active role in preserving and expanding the sony catalog, it might make sense. His idea of "cracking the stone" may never have been Journey parading around with another singer, but Journey parading around with another singer that could reduce the significance of Perry's work within the band (i.e. having a negative net effect on Journey sales with Perry on Vox, reducing Perry's income stream).....


Who knows....it's all up to speculation.

But it does seem clear that there was some jockeying and power playing around 97, when they were trying to fill the role....and perhaps even some folks were in the greater running, but never made it for non-musical reasons.

That actually makes me thinnk of the whole Mitch Malloy-Van Halen thing. Mitch was going to be the new singer of VH after Hagar...but they settled on Cherone after Mitch saw VH hit the stage with Roth at the MTV music awards....(smart man, mitch)....Mitch left for non-musical reasons.....but would have been a FAR better singer than Cherone in the lead singer role of VH, on VHIII.

[Ehwmatt]

Good points, but you put KC and AP on the same stage and I will say Chalfant wipes the floor with Pinny Boy.

Ridiculous...absolutely ridiculous.

Chalfant is a proven singer and writer with three decades of industry experience.. AP is a proven karaoke maestro, albeit a very good one for the most part. How is Deano's statement ridiculous?

[The_Noble_Cause]

I heard through my own channels, that Chalfant was disappointed in the selection of Augeri....because he *wanted* the job and thought it should've been his. If that was indeed the case, it's rather significant support for the "No Chalfant" clause in the Perry contract....Just sayin'.

And seriously, I wouldn't put it past Perry for such a thing. Especially since I *also* heard a story about Chalfant and Perry meeting in a studio once in the 80s, and Perry reportedly being insanely jealous of chalfant's pipes. There just might have been a bit of EVH syndrome with Perry.....

Interesting stuff.
Thanks.

[Jana]

Good points, but you put KC and AP on the same stage and I will say Chalfant wipes the floor with Pinny Boy.

Ridiculous...absolutely ridiculous.

Chalfant is a proven singer and writer with three decades of industry experience.. AP is a proven karaoke maestro, albeit a very good one for the most part. How is Deano's statement ridiculous?

Talking about nowadays, though, if you're talking as far as a Journey concert straight through with Journey songs, I give it to Arnel as far as a better overall performance. Chalfant is older. Though, I believe Chalfant would have been the better choice for Journey songs back years ago when they chose Augeri. His voice is better than Augeri's. I guess he's still friends with the guys if he was at a Journey concert where Chubby saw him.

[Jana]

I heard through my own channels, that Chalfant was disappointed in the selection of Augeri....because he *wanted* the job and thought it should've been his. If that was indeed the case, it's rather significant support for the "No Chalfant" clause in the Perry contract....Just sayin'.
And seriously, I wouldn't put it past Perry for such a thing. Especially since I *also* heard a story about Chalfant and Perry meeting in a studio once in the 80s, and Perry reportedly being insanely jealous of chalfant's pipes. There just might have been a bit of EVH syndrome with Perry.....

Interesting stuff.
Thanks.

I find a "no Chalfant clause" theory not believable.

[Jana]

Why isn't Steve Smith in this video of The Storm? Did he leave the band at some point?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FKj9Xr1mGkA

[Chubby321]

Good points, but you put KC and AP on the same stage and I will say Chalfant wipes the floor with Pinny Boy.

Ridiculous...absolutely ridiculous.

Chalfant is a proven singer and writer with three decades of industry experience.. AP is a proven karaoke maestro, albeit a very good one for the most part. How is Deano's statement ridiculous?

Talking about nowadays, though, if you're talking as far as a Journey concert straight through with Journey songs, I give it to Arnel as far as a better overall performance. Chalfant is older. Though, I believe Chalfant would have been the better choice for Journey songs back years ago when they chose Augeri. His voice is better than Augeri's. I guess he's still friends with the guys if he was at a Journey concert where Chubby saw him.

Here's the Rockford thread from AP's site discussing the presence of KC but the picture is no longer available.

http://arnelpinedarocks.com/forum/index ... 9&start=25

[Onestepper]

I heard through my own channels, that Chalfant was disappointed in the selection of Augeri....because he *wanted* the job and thought it should've been his. If that was indeed the case, it's rather significant support for the "No Chalfant" clause in the Perry contract....Just sayin'.
And seriously, I wouldn't put it past Perry for such a thing. Especially since I *also* heard a story about Chalfant and Perry meeting in a studio once in the 80s, and Perry reportedly being insanely jealous of chalfant's pipes. There just might have been a bit of EVH syndrome with Perry.....

Interesting stuff.
Thanks.

I find a "no Chalfant clause" theory not believable.

Agreed. Chalfant had about 13 1/2 minutes of fame with the Storm. And they were popular because they had some ex Journey members, and everyone thought they sounded like Journey. I'd find it very unlikely that SMFP felt threatened enough by KC to have language written up to keep him out of the band. It was in his best interest for them to do well, and he's smart enough to know that they would have done very well with him. Why? Cause he sounds like SMFP, that's why.

[Ehwmatt]

I heard through my own channels, that Chalfant was disappointed in the selection of Augeri....because he *wanted* the job and thought it should've been his. If that was indeed the case, it's rather significant support for the "No Chalfant" clause in the Perry contract....Just sayin'.
And seriously, I wouldn't put it past Perry for such a thing. Especially since I *also* heard a story about Chalfant and Perry meeting in a studio once in the 80s, and Perry reportedly being insanely jealous of chalfant's pipes. There just might have been a bit of EVH syndrome with Perry.....

Interesting stuff.
Thanks.

I find a "no Chalfant clause" theory not believable.

Agreed. Chalfant had about 13 1/2 minutes of fame with the Storm. And they were popular because they had some ex Journey members, and everyone thought they sounded like Journey. I'd find it very unlikely that SMFP felt threatened enough by KC to have language written up to keep him out of the band. It was in his best interest for them to do well, and he's smart enough to know that they would have done very well with him. Why? Cause he sounds like SMFP, that's why.

On one hand I agree with you because it's only logical/sensible... on the other hand, artists are funny creatures with massive egos... so who the hell really knows?

[Onestepper]

I heard through my own channels, that Chalfant was disappointed in the selection of Augeri....because he *wanted* the job and thought it should've been his. If that was indeed the case, it's rather significant support for the "No Chalfant" clause in the Perry contract....Just sayin'.
And seriously, I wouldn't put it past Perry for such a thing. Especially since I *also* heard a story about Chalfant and Perry meeting in a studio once in the 80s, and Perry reportedly being insanely jealous of chalfant's pipes. There just might have been a bit of EVH syndrome with Perry.....

Interesting stuff.
Thanks.

I find a "no Chalfant clause" theory not believable.

Agreed. Chalfant had about 13 1/2 minutes of fame with the Storm. And they were popular because they had some ex Journey members, and everyone thought they sounded like Journey. I'd find it very unlikely that SMFP felt threatened enough by KC to have language written up to keep him out of the band. It was in his best interest for them to do well, and he's smart enough to know that they would have done very well with him. Why? Cause he sounds like SMFP, that's why.

On one hand I agree with you because it's only logical/sensible... on the other hand, artists are funny creatures with massive egos... so who the hell really knows?

Good point. I didn't mean for my post to come off so authoritatively. Perry is/was a unique duck, so lord only knows what got him riled up and what didn't.

[Starrider]

Why isn't Steve Smith in this video of The Storm? Did he leave the band at some point?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FKj9Xr1mGkA

Steve Smith left The Storm not long after their first album was completed. Ron Wikso, who is now Gregg Rolie's drummer, took over. That's him in the video.

[The_Noble_Cause]

Why isn't Steve Smith in this video of The Storm? Did he leave the band at some point?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FKj9Xr1mGkA

I think Smitty only stuck around to record, don't think he toured.

[Don]

So, not only did Perry have enough pull to get paid as a sixth member after his dismissal from the band, he could also dictate who was allowed to be hired? Come on guys, Dennis DeYoung was a freakin' founder of Styx and he couldn't even stop the band using the Styx name, nor was he able to tie the band up in court for years, yet Perry, who comes into a band five years after it's creation has the keys to the castle?

I know it's fun to cast Perry as Beelzelbub but come on! Who was the attorney for Friga and Fro when all of this supposedly went down? Fucking Bozo The Clown?

If all of this really did happen, then in a bizaare way, you could say Perry really was Journey at that point.

[Abitaman]

Good points, but you put KC and AP on the same stage and I will say Chalfant wipes the floor with Pinny Boy.

Ridiculous...absolutely ridiculous.

KC rocks, so does AP, KC has more talent and more expertise.

[Ehwmatt]

I heard through my own channels, that Chalfant was disappointed in the selection of Augeri....because he *wanted* the job and thought it should've been his. If that was indeed the case, it's rather significant support for the "No Chalfant" clause in the Perry contract....Just sayin'.
And seriously, I wouldn't put it past Perry for such a thing. Especially since I *also* heard a story about Chalfant and Perry meeting in a studio once in the 80s, and Perry reportedly being insanely jealous of chalfant's pipes. There just might have been a bit of EVH syndrome with Perry.....

Interesting stuff.
Thanks.

I find a "no Chalfant clause" theory not believable.

Agreed. Chalfant had about 13 1/2 minutes of fame with the Storm. And they were popular because they had some ex Journey members, and everyone thought they sounded like Journey. I'd find it very unlikely that SMFP felt threatened enough by KC to have language written up to keep him out of the band. It was in his best interest for them to do well, and he's smart enough to know that they would have done very well with him. Why? Cause he sounds like SMFP, that's why.

On one hand I agree with you because it's only logical/sensible... on the other hand, artists are funny creatures with massive egos... so who the hell really knows?

Good point. I didn't mean for my post to come off so authoritatively. Perry is/was a unique duck, so lord only knows what got him riled up and what didn't.

No harm no foul, didn't take it that way at all. Just puttin my 2c in. We'll never know unless SP or Fro were to write a tell-all

[Abitaman]

Good points, but you put KC and AP on the same stage and I will say Chalfant wipes the floor with Pinny Boy.

Ridiculous...absolutely ridiculous.

Chalfant is a proven singer and writer with three decades of industry experience.. AP is a proven karaoke maestro, albeit a very good one for the most part. How is Deano's statement ridiculous?

Talking about nowadays, though, if you're talking as far as a Journey concert straight through with Journey songs, I give it to Arnel as far as a better overall performance. Chalfant is older. Though, I believe Chalfant would have been the better choice for Journey songs back years ago when they chose Augeri. His voice is better than Augeri's. I guess he's still friends with the guys if he was at a Journey concert where Chubby saw him.

I think KC would still put AP to shame. Remember AP is sing a half step down now too. KC has a lot of training and could out last AP one night or a whole tour.

[Jana]

Good points, but you put KC and AP on the same stage and I will say Chalfant wipes the floor with Pinny Boy.

Ridiculous...absolutely ridiculous.

Chalfant is a proven singer and writer with three decades of industry experience.. AP is a proven karaoke maestro, albeit a very good one for the most part. How is Deano's statement ridiculous?

Talking about nowadays, though, if you're talking as far as a Journey concert straight through with Journey songs, I give it to Arnel as far as a better overall performance. Chalfant is older. Though, I believe Chalfant would have been the better choice for Journey songs back years ago when they chose Augeri. His voice is better than Augeri's. I guess he's still friends with the guys if he was at a Journey concert where Chubby saw him.

I think KC would still put AP to shame. Remember AP is sing a half step down now too. KC has a lot of training and could out last AP one night or a whole tour.

I like Arnel's youth and energy on stage and I love the sheer power of his voice. So it's all a matter of preference.

[Abitaman]

Good points, but you put KC and AP on the same stage and I will say Chalfant wipes the floor with Pinny Boy.

Ridiculous...absolutely ridiculous.

Chalfant is a proven singer and writer with three decades of industry experience.. AP is a proven karaoke maestro, albeit a very good one for the most part. How is Deano's statement ridiculous?

Talking about nowadays, though, if you're talking as far as a Journey concert straight through with Journey songs, I give it to Arnel as far as a better overall performance. Chalfant is older. Though, I believe Chalfant would have been the better choice for Journey songs back years ago when they chose Augeri. His voice is better than Augeri's. I guess he's still friends with the guys if he was at a Journey concert where Chubby saw him.

I think KC would still put AP to shame. Remember AP is sing a half step down now too. KC has a lot of training and could out last AP one night or a whole tour.

I like Arnel's youth and energy on stage and I love the sheer power of his voice. So it's all a matter of preference.

Have to agree, it is all in what a person likes.

[Eric]

Good points, but you put KC and AP on the same stage and I will say Chalfant wipes the floor with Pinny Boy.

Ridiculous...absolutely ridiculous.

Chalfant is a proven singer and writer with three decades of industry experience.. AP is a proven karaoke maestro, albeit a very good one for the most part. How is Deano's statement ridiculous?

1) Listen to Arnel's version of the GH and then Chalfants. Arnel blows him away.
2) Watch clips of the Storm live and then watch Arnel with Journey live. Arnel 10x the frontman.

This fascination with Chalfant has always struck me as odd. Very medicore...at best.

Let me add that I like JSS better than all of them, but Arnel has helped make them a clear definitive success again - so how can you argue with him I guess?

[Jana]

Good points, but you put KC and AP on the same stage and I will say Chalfant wipes the floor with Pinny Boy.

Ridiculous...absolutely ridiculous.

Chalfant is a proven singer and writer with three decades of industry experience.. AP is a proven karaoke maestro, albeit a very good one for the most part. How is Deano's statement ridiculous?

1) Listen to Arnel's version of the GH and then Chalfants. Arnel blows him away.
2) Watch clips of the Storm live and then watch Arnel with Journey live. Arnel 10x the frontman.

This fascination with Chalfant has always struck me as odd. Very medicore...at best.

Let me add that I like JSS better than all of them, but Arnel has helped make them a clear definitive success again - so how can you argue with him I guess?

Chalfant has a really good voice, and maybe would have been better for Journey than Augeri earlier on. But at his age now he doesn't have the energy on stage needed nor do I believe the vocal power longterm compared to Arnel.

Example of Arnel: And if someone doesn't think he's absolutely awesome on this clip, they will never like Arnel.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OTJlTumW-Zw

[jrnyjetster]

I think Chalfant could have been the right choice after Perry left the first time in 1987... and Journey may have had a bit of success if the band came back as a 6 piece with Chalfant and Rolie in '94/'95. BUT NOT NOW.

Hmmm, let's see...2 incredibly successful tours, a friggin' platinum CD, all the positive media buzz, plus the Manila DVD already on it's way to platinum which WalMart can't seem to keep on their shelves. I'd say Arnel's all the proof you need, he's the right choice for Journey.

[Abitaman]

Seen KC solo and with the Storm, man WAS all over the place, but not jumping around, etc....

He is a good frontman

[ttango1]

Chalfant is a proven singer and writer with three decades of industry experience

I take it you don't think that all those years in Asia recording for various bands and solo projects does not qualify as 2 decades of industry experience. If the name was Jeff Scott Soto, who recorded for several bands and did solo projects since the late eighties, then praytell, what is the difference? Other than AP being in a different international market?

[Chubby321]

Good points, but you put KC and AP on the same stage and I will say Chalfant wipes the floor with Pinny Boy.

Ridiculous...absolutely ridiculous.

Chalfant is a proven singer and writer with three decades of industry experience.. AP is a proven karaoke maestro, albeit a very good one for the most part. How is Deano's statement ridiculous?

1) Listen to Arnel's version of the GH and then Chalfants. Arnel blows him away.
2) Watch clips of the Storm live and then watch Arnel with Journey live. Arnel 10x the frontman.

This fascination with Chalfant has always struck me as odd. Very medicore...at best.

Let me add that I like JSS better than all of them, but Arnel has helped make them a clear definitive success again - so how can you argue with him I guess?

Chalfant has a really good voice, and maybe would have been better for Journey than Augeri earlier on. But at his age now he doesn't have the energy on stage needed nor do I believe the vocal power longterm compared to Arnel.

Example of Arnel: And if someone doesn't think he's absolutely awesome on this clip, they will never like Arnel.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OTJlTumW-Zw

Compare that video to this live by KC.......

Kevin Chalfant - Separate Ways

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QrERN3_UZlY

I'll take Arnel anytime.

[Jana]

Good points, but you put KC and AP on the same stage and I will say Chalfant wipes the floor with Pinny Boy.

Ridiculous...absolutely ridiculous.

Chalfant is a proven singer and writer with three decades of industry experience.. AP is a proven karaoke maestro, albeit a very good one for the most part. How is Deano's statement ridiculous?

1) Listen to Arnel's version of the GH and then Chalfants. Arnel blows him away.
2) Watch clips of the Storm live and then watch Arnel with Journey live. Arnel 10x the frontman.

This fascination with Chalfant has always struck me as odd. Very medicore...at best.

Let me add that I like JSS better than all of them, but Arnel has helped make them a clear definitive success again - so how can you argue with him I guess?

Chalfant has a really good voice, and maybe would have been better for Journey than Augeri earlier on. But at his age now he doesn't have the energy on stage needed nor do I believe the vocal power longterm compared to Arnel.

Example of Arnel: And if someone doesn't think he's absolutely awesome on this clip, they will never like Arnel.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OTJlTumW-Zw

Compare that video to this live by KC.......

Kevin Chalfant - Separate Ways

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QrERN3_UZlY

I'll take Arnel anytime.

No comparison on those two performances. Arnel blew the roof off the arena with his performance.

[kgdjpubs]

No comparison on those two performances. Arnel blew the roof off the arena with his performance.

No comparison at all, but you aren't exactly getting the same thing either. Chalfant has probably done the song about 10 times live vs. Arnel who has done 2 tours, not to mention the difference in the band or Chalfant's age. Arnel certainly does better, but it's a flawed comparison at best.

If you can find any audio of The Storm doing Just the Same Way or Anytime, Chalfant kicked those two out of the ballpark.

[Chubby321]

No comparison on those two performances. Arnel blew the roof off the arena with his performance.

No comparison at all, but you aren't exactly getting the same thing either. Chalfant has probably done the song about 10 times live vs. Arnel who has done 2 tours, not to mention the difference in the band or Chalfant's age. Arnel certainly does better, but it's a flawed comparison at best.

If you can find any audio of The Storm doing Just the Same Way or Anytime, Chalfant kicked those two out of the ballpark.

Did you read all the comments here comparing Arnel and KC. Well, here's what Rockindeano said....

Good points, but you put KC and AP on the same stage and I will say Chalfant wipes the floor with Pinny Boy.

I say not, nope, no way.

[kgdjpubs]

No comparison on those two performances. Arnel blew the roof off the arena with his performance.

No comparison at all, but you aren't exactly getting the same thing either. Chalfant has probably done the song about 10 times live vs. Arnel who has done 2 tours, not to mention the difference in the band or Chalfant's age. Arnel certainly does better, but it's a flawed comparison at best.

If you can find any audio of The Storm doing Just the Same Way or Anytime, Chalfant kicked those two out of the ballpark.

Did you read all the comments here comparing Arnel and KC. Well, here's what Rockindeano said....

Good points, but you put KC and AP on the same stage and I will say Chalfant wipes the floor with Pinny Boy.

I like both, and I don't necessarily believe everything everyone writes either. I've heard plenty from both (both live and studio) to have a fairly well-informed opinion on both Arnel and Chalfant. Arnel is probably the more talented singer, but I think Chalfant has a much more defined singing style--which shouldn't seem surprising since he's recorded about 10 albums of original material. Arnel has a higher ceiling though so to speak, and I think he's barely touched what he is capable of. Look at early Perry vs later Perry, or early Chalfant (ie 707) vs. later Chalfant (the 2nd Storm album or the Running with the Wind solo album). Arnel hasn't done much original material, and I don't think he has a really defined vocal style at this point.

As far as covering Journey, Arnel is much better, even though Chalfant never really got to the point being very familiar with putting his own spin on the songs. As far as singing original material however, I might give the edge to Chalfant--especially the Chalfant of 10-15 years ago. How's that?

[Ehwmatt]

Chalfant is a proven singer and writer with three decades of industry experience

I take it you don't think that all those years in Asia recording for various bands and solo projects does not qualify as 2 decades of industry experience. If the name was Jeff Scott Soto, who recorded for several bands and did solo projects since the late eighties, then praytell, what is the difference? Other than AP being in a different international market?

#1 JSS worked and toured with legitimate artists, like the legendary Yngwie Malmsteen. Arnel worked with one of the worst backing bands I've ever heard of in The Zoo. Their guitar player licks my left nut. No different for Chalfant, who has worked with MR monsters like Rolie and Peterik.

#2 Compare JSS's/KC's record output to Arnel's and what label he is on. Not that quantity trumps quality necessarily, but there's no way you can tell me Arnel is involved in the music industry like JSS/LC have been. Like it or not, the music industry has always been primarily based in America... not solely there, but primarily.

You can rate Arnel as a singer however you want, but there is no argument to be made as far as experience and pedigree if compare him to KC or JSS.

BTW, not many gayer phrases out there than "pray tell"

EDIT: Also, I don't like KC or JSS in Journey. But as singers with pedigrees, they kill Arnel right now in that department, whatever vocal upside Arnel has next to them aside. These are seasoned professionals who I'd much, much rather see perform over Arnel. Arnel's like a nervous rookie with lots of potential when you see him jumping all over the stage like a monkey and hopping off speaker cabinets.

[Jana]

No comparison on those two performances. Arnel blew the roof off the arena with his performance.

No comparison at all, but you aren't exactly getting the same thing either. Chalfant has probably done the song about 10 times live vs. Arnel who has done 2 tours, not to mention the difference in the band or Chalfant's age. Arnel certainly does better, but it's a flawed comparison at best.

If you can find any audio of The Storm doing Just the Same Way or Anytime, Chalfant kicked those two out of the ballpark.

Did you read all the comments here comparing Arnel and KC. Well, here's what Rockindeano said....

Good points, but you put KC and AP on the same stage and I will say Chalfant wipes the floor with Pinny Boy.

I like both, and I don't necessarily believe everything everyone writes either. I've heard plenty from both (both live and studio) to have a fairly well-informed opinion on both Arnel and Chalfant. Arnel is probably the more talented singer, but I think Chalfant has a much more defined singing style--which shouldn't seem surprising since he's recorded about 10 albums of original material. Arnel has a higher ceiling though so to speak, and I think he's barely touched what he is capable of. Look at early Perry vs later Perry, or early Chalfant (ie 707) vs. later Chalfant (the 2nd Storm album or the Running with the Wind solo album). Arnel hasn't done much original material, and I don't think he has a really defined vocal style at this point.

As far as covering Journey, Arnel is much better, even though Chalfant never really got to the point being very familiar with putting his own spin on the songs. As far as singing original material however, I might give the edge to Chalfant--especially the Chalfant of 10-15 years ago. How's that?

You have good points.

For me, I was just addressing Arnel for Journey now compared to whether Chalfant would be better, not his other work or talent. Chalfant doesn't "wipe the floor" with Arnel re Journey songs at all for a tour at this stage of the game with Chalfant at his age and vocals powerwise nor energy on stage.