Why Augeri?

[StoneCold]

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.

No one with authoritative info has quelled the speculation. Silence speaks volumes sometimes. They will remain speculations of course but the scenarios proffered by TNC and SG are not completely implausible.

Its obvious Friga and Fro wanted to get the band rolling at any cost. From HH, the Rolie/KC six piece was coming together pre TBF. Seems it'd be a natural to just call them back. I just don't see KC turning down the chance to be immortalized as the one who replaced "The Voice".

[Ehwmatt]

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.

The way I interpreted Deano's comment is that Chalfant is through and through a much more established singer and seasoned performer, not necessarily a 1:1 comparison with singing Journey songs. I think KC isn't that great in that department, at least any more.

[StoneCold]

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.

The way I interpreted Deano's comment is that Chalfant is through and through a much more established singer and seasoned performer, not necessarily a 1:1 comparison with singing Journey songs. I think KC isn't that great in that department, at least any more.

Its a given any comparisons would be KC and AP each at their prime. As has been pointed out by many above, KC was a proven commodity. Voice, experience, and already charted with a pseudoJourney band.

[kgdjpubs]

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.

No one with authoritative info has quelled the speculation. Silence speaks volumes sometimes. They will remain speculations of course but the scenarios proffered by TNC and SG are not completely implausible.

Its obvious Friga and Fro wanted to get the band rolling at any cost. From HH, the Rolie/KC six piece was coming together pre TBF. Seems it'd be a natural to just call them back. I just don't see KC turning down the chance to be immortalized as the one who replaced "The Voice".

We KNOW he didn't turn it down the first time, which would have been 1993-94ish. That being said, I could come up with a bunch of reasons why I might turn it down the 2nd time, ie 1997, if I was in his position. That exact situation happened with Van Halen after the last Hagar album. Mitch Malloy was hired, then the band did the quick reunion with DLR at the awards show. Malloy knew it would never work, so he walked, and the band eventually tapped Gary Cherone for the VH 3 album.

If you were stuck in Chalfant's situation in 1997 after TBF, where you knew the band wouldn't hesistate to replace you again if Perry changed his mind again, you are in a no-win situation. Chalfant had a MUCH better chance of being accepted with Perry last performing with the band almost 10 years before. Once you got Perry back for TBF, all Journey did was reinforce the "Perry is the singer for Journey" again. That meant whoever stepped in was in a much more difficult situation than they would have been had Journey just reunited with another singer for Trial By Fire. That's more than enough reason to walk--especially if they already kicked you out once. Nobody knows exactly what happened, and even if it did happen with Chalfant turning it down, he's not stupid enough to mention it, but it wouldn't surprise me at all if that is exactly what went down in 1997.

That being said, I seriously doubt that Perry had the power to "ban" Journey from using Chalfant as a replacement singer. There were certainly several singers as good--if not better--than Chalfant would have been at that time.

[Jana]

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.

The way I interpreted Deano's comment is that Chalfant is through and through a much more established singer and seasoned performer, not necessarily a 1:1 comparison with singing Journey songs. I think KC isn't that great in that department, at least any more.

And that's the only comparison I was making, re the Journey catalogue in concert.

[annie89509]

Some good discussions here. Regarding "why Augeri over Chalfant" in '97, anyone remember the Herbie interview statements that Chalfant was the ideal choice to replace Perry, but that he carried "some baggage" with him, and "baggage" is a dirty word with Jon Cain? And I do believe there has been several interviews with KC over the years that showed he would have and still will accept the Journey lead singer job--if only he were to be asked--but that he still "loved those guys."

I believe that's what nixed Chalfant with Journey and not anything to do with SP's wishes ...as if they would ever cared what SP thought .

[Enigma869]

You CAN be too ugly for rock and roll.

Two words for you...MICK JAGGER!

[Enigma869]

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.

While anything is certainly possible, this seems NUTS! I've never quite understood the whole Chalfant thing. To be fair, I've never seen the guy live. That said, every clip I've ever seen posted on this forum with Chalfant singing is VERY average, at best! As far as I'm concerned, the only person who should have had any envy is Chalfant, because he wasn't and isn't on the same planet as Perry ever was! Then again, there are those on this board who think Hugo is Christ reincarnated and I think the guy sucks and is a complete fucking embarrassment to artistic integrity!

[steveo777]

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.

While anything is certainly possible, this seems NUTS! I've never quite understood the whole Chalfant thing. To be fair, I've never seen the guy live. That said, every clip I've ever seen posted on this forum with Chalfant singing is VERY average, at best! As far as I'm concerned, the only person who should have had any envy is Chalfant, because he wasn't and isn't on the same planet as Perry ever was! Then again, there are those on this board who think Hugo is Christ reincarnated and I think the guy sucks and is a complete fucking embarrassment to artistic integrity!

We don't normally agree on much, but thank you!

[Ehwmatt]

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.

While anything is certainly possible, this seems NUTS! I've never quite understood the whole Chalfant thing. To be fair, I've never seen the guy live. That said, every clip I've ever seen posted on this forum with Chalfant singing is VERY average, at best! As far as I'm concerned, the only person who should have had any envy is Chalfant, because he wasn't and isn't on the same planet as Perry ever was! Then again, there are those on this board who think Hugo is Christ reincarnated and I think the guy sucks and is a complete fucking embarrassment to artistic integrity!

Chalfant isn't great on Journey stuff imo, but his Storm stuff is top notch. He also does some great songs w/ Peterik's World Stage. His MySpace page has an awesome version of Survivor's I Can't Hold Back. He shines on that.

[Enigma869]

His MySpace page has an awesome version of Survivor's I Can't Hold Back. He shines on that.

Love that tune! Can I listen to it anywhere other than myspace?

[Ehwmatt]

His MySpace page has an awesome version of Survivor's I Can't Hold Back. He shines on that.

Love that tune! Can I listen to it anywhere other than myspace?

I'll put it on YouSendIt later if you want once I'm hooked back up to my external HD. I'll do it after the Cincinnati game, check your PM. MySpace averse are we?

[kgdjpubs]

His MySpace page has an awesome version of Survivor's I Can't Hold Back. He shines on that.

Love that tune! Can I listen to it anywhere other than myspace?

It was released on Jim Peterik's World Stage Rock America live cd, along with a live version of The Storm's I've Got a Lot To Learn About Love.

[Author2]

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.

While anything is certainly possible, this seems NUTS! I've never quite understood the whole Chalfant thing. To be fair, I've never seen the guy live. That said, every clip I've ever seen posted on this forum with Chalfant singing is VERY average, at best! As far as I'm concerned, the only person who should have had any envy is Chalfant, because he wasn't and isn't on the same planet as Perry ever was! Then again, there are those on this board who think Hugo is Christ reincarnated and I think the guy sucks and is a complete fucking embarrassment to artistic integrity!

We don't normally agree on much, but thank you!

Is there artistic integrity in mimicking "note for note" another artist then referring to the artist as one of your idols?

[Aaron]

I liked Augeri in Journey but I about shit my pants when Chalfant wasn't selected after the TBF fiasco. Kevin had, and still has, the chops to hang with the Journey catalog. I think Chalfant would have been the best choice for Journey back then. It's just too bad Rolie, Schon, Valory, Smith and Chalfant didn't getting rolling back in the 90's. Maybe TBF wouldn't have SUCKED so bad. I think they'd still be going today ... if they could keep the personal relationships going with the child like antics for Schon. I like Chalfant. The dude can write too.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pwnD23Grl7U

[Ehwmatt]

I liked Augeri in Journey but I about shit my pants when Chalfant wasn't selected after the TBF fiasco. Kevin had, and still has, the chops to hang with the Journey catalog. I think Chalfant would have been the best choice for Journey back then. It's just too bad Rolie, Schon, Valory, Smith and Chalfant didn't getting rolling back in the 90's. Maybe TBF wouldn't have SUCKED so bad. I think they'd still be going today ... if they could keep the personal relationships going with the child like antics for Schon. I like Chalfant. The dude can write too.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pwnD23Grl7U

It's much better to hear Chalfant with the Rolie band like this or with World Stage. That band he has backing him in these recent videos is seriously horrendous. It's amazing he can't find anyone better to back him.

[kgdjpubs]

Is there artistic integrity in mimicking "note for note" another artist then referring to the artist as one of your idols?

debatedly, one could say that Perry did the same with Sam Cooke. I hear more Cooke in Perry's vocal style than Perry (or Cooke) in Hugo's vocals on the original material. I think Hugo's stage presence freaks people out more than his vocal style.

[steveo777]

Is there artistic integrity in mimicking "note for note" another artist then referring to the artist as one of your idols?

debatedly, one could say that Perry did the same with Sam Cooke. I hear more Cooke in Perry's vocal style than Perry (or Cooke) in Hugo's vocals on the original material. I think Hugo's stage presence freaks people out more than his vocal style.

Nostrildamus II

[Enigma869]

debatedly, one could say that Perry did the same with Sam Cooke. I hear more Cooke in Perry's vocal style than Perry (or Cooke) in Hugo's vocals on the original material.

The problem with that argument is that Perry is singing his own original material...not copying someone else's material! Hugo is up on stage pretending, and looking like a fucking freak doing it! Also, making a statement like "I hear more Cooke in Perry's vocal style than Perry" is one of the more nonsensical sentences I've ever seen. Perry's style was pretty consistent, so if what we're hearing isn't Perry's style, then I'm not sure what is!

[Rick]

debatedly, one could say that Perry did the same with Sam Cooke. I hear more Cooke in Perry's vocal style than Perry (or Cooke) in Hugo's vocals on the original material.

The problem with that argument is that Perry is singing his own original material...not copying someone else's material! Hugo is up on stage pretending, and looking like a fucking freak doing it! Also, making a statement like "I hear more Cooke in Perry's vocal style than Perry" is one of the more nonsensical sentences I've ever seen. Perry's style was pretty consistent, so if what we're hearing isn't Perry's style, then I'm not sure what is!

Agreed. Certainly you hear Cooke's influence in Perry, but everyone develops their musical style by listening and being influenced by someone else. SP's style is his own, it was developed the same way it is in every other singer, by the songs they've heard in the past, and those that are their favorites.

[StoneCold]

Let's put another fly in the ointment.

When Augeri became "sick", why wasn't KC the one that saved the day as opposed to JSS? Things that make you go hmmmm.

[Ehwmatt]

Let's put another fly in the ointment.

When Augeri became "sick", why wasn't KC the one that saved the day as opposed to JSS? Things that make you go hmmmm.

attention loony lefties here: This is intended as a joke

[perryswoman]

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.

While anything is certainly possible, this seems NUTS! I've never quite understood the whole Chalfant thing. To be fair, I've never seen the guy live. That said, every clip I've ever seen posted on this forum with Chalfant singing is VERY average, at best! As far as I'm concerned, the only person who should have had any envy is Chalfant, because he wasn't and isn't on the same planet as Perry ever was! Then again, there are those on this board who think Hugo is Christ reincarnated and I think the guy sucks and is a complete fucking embarrassment to artistic integrity!

We don't normally agree on much, but thank you!

He sure does~

[Author2]

Is there artistic integrity in mimicking "note for note" another artist then referring to the artist as one of your idols?

debatedly, one could say that Perry did the same with Sam Cooke. I hear more Cooke in Perry's vocal style than Perry (or Cooke) in Hugo's vocals on the original material. I think Hugo's stage presence freaks people out more than his vocal style.

Most artist are influenced by others, but Steve Perry was not singing Sam Cooke's songs nor did he sign on with Cooke's former group and re-record all the songs Cooke made hits "word for word and note for note" then go around the country mimicking.

Don't know how Hugo got into this, but if the new Journey is a tribute band then all is fine.

[StoneCold]

Let's put another fly in the ointment.

When Augeri became "sick", why wasn't KC the one that saved the day as opposed to JSS? Things that make you go hmmmm.

attention loony lefties here: This is intended as a joke

reminds me of:

[kgdjpubs]

debatedly, one could say that Perry did the same with Sam Cooke. I hear more Cooke in Perry's vocal style than Perry (or Cooke) in Hugo's vocals on the original material.

The problem with that argument is that Perry is singing his own original material...not copying someone else's material! Hugo is up on stage pretending, and looking like a fucking freak doing it! Also, making a statement like "I hear more Cooke in Perry's vocal style than Perry" is one of the more nonsensical sentences I've ever seen. Perry's style was pretty consistent, so if what we're hearing isn't Perry's style, then I'm not sure what is!

the comment was as follows....I'll separate it here
I hear more Cooke in Perry's vocal style.....than Perry (or Cooke) in Hugo's vocal style.

This has nothing to do with Hugo's admittedly freaky stage presence. I agree with you 100% on the stage persona. WAY too close to Perry, and very little original "Hugo" (whatever that may be).

All my comment meant is that Hugo has a quite original style on his own material. I hear a little Perry as an influence (as you hear with a bunch of singers who admired Perry), but Hugo certainly was not a copy-cat in his vocal mannerisms. Totally different singer than the persona that did the Journey tributes.

Listen to Cooke and Perry back to back, and it's VERY obvious that Perry copied a lot of Cooke's inflections and phrasing. Nothing wrong with it--if you're going to copy, Cooke is one of the best to do it from. Perry's original material certainly stands on its own. If you disregard the Journey tribute band, so does Hugo's original material.

[Aaron]

I agree, Kevin's band could use a tune up. I seen Journey at the Illinois State Fair back in 2004? Anyhow, Kevin was there singing his stuff and Journey stuff about a two hours before the Journey show. I was impressed with Kevin and his band (the same guys) seemed a lot better. I think Kevin was better doing Journey stuff than Journey was that night.

I seen Gregg and Kevin back in the early 90's as The Storm. They were fucking awesome back then. They opened up for Brian Adams and blew him off the stage.

I liked Augeri in Journey but I about shit my pants when Chalfant wasn't selected after the TBF fiasco. Kevin had, and still has, the chops to hang with the Journey catalog. I think Chalfant would have been the best choice for Journey back then. It's just too bad Rolie, Schon, Valory, Smith and Chalfant didn't getting rolling back in the 90's. Maybe TBF wouldn't have SUCKED so bad. I think they'd still be going today ... if they could keep the personal relationships going with the child like antics for Schon. I like Chalfant. The dude can write too.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pwnD23Grl7U

It's much better to hear Chalfant with the Rolie band like this or with World Stage. That band he has backing him in these recent videos is seriously horrendous. It's amazing he can't find anyone better to back him.

[Abitaman]

Saw Storm open for Brain Adams too (in Memphis-roadie fell while going up to lights above audience and hit a person killing the roadie). Adams was good, but The Storm wipped the floor with adams.

[marco17]

After reading all this a couple things come to mind. I can accept that KC may have been scared off at the time of TBF when Perry came back into the picture, and he may not have wanted to get his hopes up again if Perry jumped back in the picture hearing they were trying to do another new record. Fast forward to Augeri's vocal issues and the band moving on... They [Journey] may have seen a guy who wasn't willing at the time to take the plunge knowing that there is always a chance that Perry could show up and he'd have to step aside. It's years later and Perry hasn't shown back up, so I am sure KC is confident and would be willing to join the band now, because Perry isn't the threat he would have been previously. Hard to say.

Augeri, was probably a safer pick. He could pull off the Journey catalog at the beginning, could sound close to Perry without doing an exact replica so to speak like Arnel does [no critism to Arnel, but he mimmicks all sorts of singers and that's his game. It works for him, and is now making him big money]. Being a relative nobody, Augeri would probably get paid well, but would also understand that Perry could always come back, and while I doubt any of them would like it, would probably make less of a scene if he were to do so. He'd probably also get some decent $$$$ to walk away in the circumstance too. Augeri also doesn't seem to have an ego, and I don't know about KC, after Perry, Neal may have been looking for someone who would just go with the flow and do his job, and Augeri had that personality.

I disagree with people who question the bands interaction to mean that they didn't have good relationships or whatever. Since Arrival was not viewed as a success for various reasons, they could have easily called it a day, bagged Augeri and found someone new, bagged Journey, and gone on to other musical things. They didn't, and all parties were willing to move forward with lipped performances to keep him at the helm. Logic would tell you that if the relationships weren't there, the idea would have never flown, and SA probably would have been outta there much sooner. Just my 2 cents there...

[Rockindeano]

Let's put another fly in the ointment.

When Augeri became "sick", why wasn't KC the one that saved the day as opposed to JSS? Things that make you go hmmmm.

Oh I know this one.