Does anyone know exactly why Journey took the year off?

[steveo777]

Other than being in the studio to record a new album, what sense could taking a year off of touring make? It seems like the band was really getting in the groove last year and one would think they'd want to keep up that momentum. It seems like it did give Neal and Jon time to do their things outside of Journey. I wonder if it was Azoff's idea or if they needed to sell him on taking all that time off?

[Jana]

they needed to. Most bands don't tour every year. Except maybe Styx.

[steveo777]

they needed to. Most bands don't tour every year. Except maybe Styx.

There you are. It was your signature that got me to thinking, hence this thread.

[Jana]

they needed to. Most bands don't tour every year. Except maybe Styx.

There you are. It was your signature that got me to thinking, hence this thread.

I know. I do miss them. Maybe a one off show would be nice.

[steveo777]

they needed to. Most bands don't tour every year. Except maybe Styx.

There you are. It was your signature that got me to thinking, hence this thread.

I know. I do miss them. Maybe a one off show would be nice.

Yes....do it! Give me 2 weeks notice and I'll get there somehow.

[Don]

Neal said that management told them they were not touring this year. Azoff has a lot of clients and maybe didn't want one to steal the thunder from the other of for whatever reason. This worked out in a way for Neal. He mentioned how Journey would be headlining festivals in Europe next time they tour, well AC-DC and Aerosmith are both at Download this year and no way in hell was Journey going to headline over them, it just wouldn't happen. AC- DC just had the number one album in the UK last week, they won't open for anyone.
Not to mention, The DSB ride on the UK charts is over as both the Journey original and the Glee Rendition have fallen out of the top 40. No one could have predicted that would happen this spring but you can't really try to go out and ride it's popularity now that's on the down spiral. If the X-Factor guy had did his version, it would assuredly gone to #1 and there might still have been an opportunity for a few shows in the UK this summer but things didn't work out that way.

I actually think The band might be hoping to go back to normal tuning with the long break. They never played tuned down before and hopefully with the long rest, they go back to their normal sound. Arnel hasn't sang stepped down at all on any of his solo performances, he should be able to do the same with Journey. I think Journey might do the same thing for the next year after 2011, take off a year and recharge again. Those days when they would tour for 11 months straight, like 1981/82 are long over.

[Peartree12249]

Because they're old and tired?

[steveo777]

Because they're old and tired?

Can you still play bass sitting down? Maybe that should be an option for Ross.

Actually, most of them are in pretty good shape.

[parfait]

Because they're old and tired?

Can you still play bass sitting down? Maybe that should be an option for Ross.

Actually, most of them are in pretty good shape.

Dude, seriously?

Mummified, acne scarred hint: Ross Valory.

[Peartree12249]

Seriously, the guys may be in great shape, workout etc. but touring is very hard work. Not to mention being away from friends and family for so long. There is nothing wrong with slowing down, enjoying the fruits of their 2009 labors, pursuing some other interests and collaborating on a new album. That way when it's released, they're excited and ready to hit the road again next year.

[Don]

I'm sure Deen's little medical problem in Europe last year might have been in the back of a few minds also, not to mention the whole deal with Arnel bringing his family along with him.

[Saint John]

My guess is Arnel told them he is not touring this year. He needed, and deserved, a break.

[steveo777]

My guess is Arnel told them he is not touring this year. He needed, and deserved, a break.

Hahaha
Arnel doesn't tell them shit, would be my guess. I can't quite see him standing up to Neal, Jon, or, especially Azoff. I can't feature that.

[Jana]

My guess is Arnel told them he is not touring this year. He needed, and deserved, a break.

Hahaha
Arnel doesn't tell them shit, would be my guess. I can't quite see him standing up to Neal, Jon, or, especially Azoff. I can't feature that.

no way. I agree.

I think management thought it was good to take a break and build up anticipation again. Plus I have a feeling Jon wanted the time off to be in Nashville with his family and work on his daughter's career.

[DrFU]

Maybe they actually learned from experience ... :lol

Sucks for us die-hard fans though ... summer calendar us looking kinda empty ...

[Saint John]

Hahaha
Arnel doesn't tell them shit

I think you're wrong.

[Archetype]

What medical issue did Deen have last year in Europe?

[steveo777]

What medical issue did Deen have last year in Europe?

Chest pains.
He was admitted to the hospital and held for a few days for observation. Steve Toomey, his drum tech, sat in for him one night.
In the end he was fine, at least that's what we were told. I decided not to speculate that it could have been hookers and blow.

[perryswoman]

they needed to. Most bands don't tour every year. Except maybe Styx.

There you are. It was your signature that got me to thinking, hence this thread.

I know. I do miss them. Maybe a one off show would be nice.

Yes....do it! Give me 2 weeks notice and I'll get there somehow.

Me too!

[perryswoman]

My guess is Arnel told them he is not touring this year. He needed, and deserved, a break.

Hahaha
Arnel doesn't tell them shit, would be my guess. I can't quite see him standing up to Neal, Jon, or, especially Azoff. I can't feature that.

Hell no! Me either!

[7 Wishes]

Oh. boo hoo.

"I don't want to be a rock star, Bluto. It's so hard. I have to wake up every day at five P.M., kick the groupies out of bed, and do what I love for the next three hours. Rinse, lather, repeat. And I haven't seen cousin Mario and uncle Luigi in two months."

Whatever.

[steveo777]

Oh. boo hoo.

"I don't want to be a rock star, Bluto. It's so hard. I have to wake up every day at five P.M., kick the groupies out of bed, and do what I love for the next three hours. Rinse, lather, repeat. And I haven't seen cousin Mario and uncle Luigi in two months."

Whatever.

Like a fuckin bull in a china store, 7Wishes busts in. Just because I don't believe in your man made global warming doesn't mean you have to come in here and show us your ass. Bored?

[BobbyinTN]

They shouldn't tour all the time. That's what finished off Steve Perry's voice. A few months during the summer is the best possible scenario for touring and allowing Arnel to keep his voice for a few more years.

[Escape Artist]

I've read several different interviews with Neal where he said, and i'm paraphrasing "no one can miss you if you don't ever go away" I think they just want a build up w/ the new release and all...not to mention time off from touring, each other, etc.

[The Sushi Hunter]

Their probably spreading it out over the course of time, plus working on new material. AP is doing some gigs this summer and this is good because he's making his fan base happy and keeping his talents exposed. There will be lots of fans to buy tickets when Journey does go back out on the road. I'm happy and satisfied as to how it is.

[Don]

They shouldn't tour all the time. That's what finished off Steve Perry's voice. A few months during the summer is the best possible scenario for touring and allowing Arnel to keep his voice for a few more years.

I think they're planning a long tour in 2011, starting in Spring and going through the fall. Arnel's been given a lot of time off to recuperate and should be ready to sing after 14+ months break from touring with Journey.

[Michigan Girl]

I've read several different interviews with Neal where he said, and i'm paraphrasing "no one can miss you if you don't ever go away" I think they just want a build up w/ the new release and all...not to mention time off from touring, each other, etc.

Are you sure Neal said that?!?! I think Perry said it!!

[Escape Artist]

I've read several different interviews with Neal where he said, and i'm paraphrasing "no one can miss you if you don't ever go away" I think they just want a build up w/ the new release and all...not to mention time off from touring, each other, etc.

Are you sure Neal said that?!?! I think Perry said it!!

It was Neal...positive, he may have borrowed the phrase.

[StyxCollector]

they needed to. Most bands don't tour every year. Except maybe Styx.

Styx could use a year off ... it may even make some die hards want to see them live again

[Chubby321]

My guess is Arnel told them he is not touring this year. He needed, and deserved, a break.

Hahaha
Arnel doesn't tell them shit, would be my guess. I can't quite see him standing up to Neal, Jon, or, especially Azoff. I can't feature that.

Really?

Well, he doesn't have to stand up, he can do it sitting down and say it in the most loving way.