Steve Perry: Journey was not just me.

[Chubby321]

Flashback: excerpts from Steve Perry Off the Record w/Joe Benson, December 2000, Arrow 93.1 FM


Steve Perry:Journey was not just me. Journey was an entity bigger than the pieces. It was the sum of the parts that made this bigger entity.


Well said and who can argue with that?


Steve Perry:When we were at our biggest peak there was such a lot of conversation at that point that groups didn't have too much identity. Which I found very, very disturbing because I've always felt and still do that Journey had it's own identity. I would like to see it remembered for a group, the incarnation of myself and the guys as a group that had honest, honest heart-felt music. That really came from aggressive angst and passionate heart and all the stuff in between.

No own identity?


Steve Perry:I was apprehensive because you know, we never ended on a good note. These groups, they never fall apart because, gosh, it's been great, love ya brother, see ya in ten years. [ Laughter ] No. You know that's not what happens to none of them. It's usually a little explosive.

2010?

[Voyager]

That's like saying the Elvis band was more than just Elvis. Sure, the guys in the band were good players - the best. But it was Elvis' vocals and charisma that made the band popular.

Likewise, Journey owes their success to Steve Perry. If that were not true, Arnel would not be singing the hits that Steve Perry made famous. I realize you're a big Arnel fan, but let's face it man - he's basically working a Steve Perry tribute gig and nothing more.

It's funny how Arnel fans and even Neal himself tries to separate Journey's success from Steve Perry, but it just can't be done.

When will people stop trying to rob Steve Perry of his legacy? Why don't people try to do the same to Elvis? I just don't get it.

Imagine how ridiculous a post like this on some Elvis impersonator's fan forum would look:

Elvis Presley: The Elvis band was not just me. Elvis was an entity bigger than the pieces. It was the sum of the parts that made this bigger entity.

Well said and who can argue with that?

I can.

[Don]

You've got Steve being modest and saying it was a team effort while you have Neal actually coming out and saying Steve brought all the success to the band. I'm sure Schon wishes he could take that back but since we have those here who say he never lies we'll just have to take him at his word, won't we?
All I know is Bob Lefsetz is pushing the reunion angle and he has Azoff's ear. When you think about the power Steve has over the licensing of 90% of the catalog, you realize this guy is tied to Journey for life. Perry can just say no to using DSB and other songs he wrote/cowrote and even Arnel's documentary goes bye bye.
I think there's going to be one big push by Irving for a reunion tour. Not a long tour and and nothing permanent line up wise. Just a few shows to make money and to tell the R&R HOF, "Look, here's Perry, not singer #4,5 or 6. Just induct these guys already."
That gets done, Perry goes back to doing nothing and Journey continues on with Arnel until they retire.

[annie89509]

Flashback: excerpts from Steve Perry Off the Record w/Joe Benson, December 2000, Arrow 93.1 FM


Steve Perry:Journey was not just me. Journey was an entity bigger than the pieces. It was the sum of the parts that made this bigger entity.


Well said and who can argue with that?


:

Are you trying to start something, Chub?!?

[Don]

Even if Journey is the closing act at Download, it won't change the fact that Perry, not Pineda is still the point man for DSB and Journey's other hits.
“Steve Perry from Journey came by the set yesterday,” revealed Murphy. “We’re gonna do a big Journey tribute to him on the show in the season finale.”
Not the formal singer of Journey, not singer #3 from Journey, not the little Asian guy that sounds like Perry or the guy who got found on youtube who sounds like Perry, Just Steve Perry from Journey. Until Journey can come up with a new top 10 hit on Billboard that makes people sit up and take notice, it's always going to be that way.

Nothing against Mr. Pineda though. I'm sure Arnel understands his role with the band, just like Augeri did.

[Chubby321]

Who is separating Journey's success from Steve Perry? Who is robbing Steve Perry of his legacy?


By the way, what I posted were Perry's words, not mine.

[Chubby321]

Flashback: excerpts from Steve Perry Off the Record w/Joe Benson, December 2000, Arrow 93.1 FM


Steve Perry:Journey was not just me. Journey was an entity bigger than the pieces. It was the sum of the parts that made this bigger entity.


Well said and who can argue with that?


:

Are you trying to start something, Chub?!?

Why will I do that?

[annie89509]

You've got Steve being modest and saying it was a team effort while you have Neal actually coming out and saying Steve brought all the success to the band. I'm sure Schon wishes he could take that back but since we have those here who say he never lies we'll just have to take him at his word, won't we?
All I know is Bob Lefsetz is pushing the reunion angle and he has Azoff's ear. When you think about the power Steve has over the licensing of 90% of the catalog, you realize this guy is tied to Journey for life. Perry can just say no to using DSB and other songs he wrote/cowrote and even Arnel's documentary goes bye bye.
I think there's going to be one big push by Irving for a reunion tour. Not a long tour and and nothing permanent line up wise. Just a few shows to make money and to tell the R&R HOF, "Look, here's Perry, not singer #4,5 or 6. Just induct these guys already."
That gets done, Perry goes back to doing nothing and Journey continues on with Arnel until they retire.

No doubt a reunion tour w/SP announcement would sent us loons into hyper-ventilate state. Or get the smelling salt out....

But it's just a pipe dream, is it not?!?

[Don]

Who is separating Journey's success from Steve Perry? Who is robbing Steve Perry of his legacy?


By the way, what i posted, were Perry's words, not mine.

No one. We're just making sure that's understood.

[Don]

You've got Steve being modest and saying it was a team effort while you have Neal actually coming out and saying Steve brought all the success to the band. I'm sure Schon wishes he could take that back but since we have those here who say he never lies we'll just have to take him at his word, won't we?
All I know is Bob Lefsetz is pushing the reunion angle and he has Azoff's ear. When you think about the power Steve has over the licensing of 90% of the catalog, you realize this guy is tied to Journey for life. Perry can just say no to using DSB and other songs he wrote/cowrote and even Arnel's documentary goes bye bye.
I think there's going to be one big push by Irving for a reunion tour. Not a long tour and and nothing permanent line up wise. Just a few shows to make money and to tell the R&R HOF, "Look, here's Perry, not singer #4,5 or 6. Just induct these guys already."
That gets done, Perry goes back to doing nothing and Journey continues on with Arnel until they retire.

No doubt a reunion tour w/SP announcement would sent us loons into hypo-ventilate state. Or get the smelling salt out....

But it's just a pipe dream, is it not?!?

It's like the dreaded encounter with someone that nags at the back of your thoughts on a daily basis, and feels like such a relief when you get it over and done with. I'm sure Neal wakes up at night sometimes yelling "I've found a guy that sounds like Steve, why are you still tormenting me?" as he hears the soft echoes of "REUNION" in the far reaches of his mind.

[Saint John]

Words from yesteryear from a habitual liar, quitter and cry baby. Yawn. The legacy is the fans and they seem to have moved on with a new singer, singing the songs that were made famous by a long time ago singer. Nostrildamus's legacy is in cement ... the greatest singer ever, liar ever and quitter ever ... all in one. But, no matter what, he'll always be the the most famous voice of Journey. No one refutes that.

[annie89509]

The word REUNION has been talked (speculated) about among fans as long as I've been a fan and reading messageboards(2005). Back in those days, even Neal and Jon (and SteveA) were quoted as saying....anytime SP wants his job back, it's his. Well, we all know (now) that year was the beginning of the end for SA (his voice), so I really believe Neal/Jon were sincere about wanting SP back (and the talk after Tapegate was that Journey mgmt. did try to push hard for SP to rejoin the band).

But it didn't happen then, and I'm just thinking that too many years have passed for it ever to happen now . I think Arnel is safe.

[Jana]

Why is everybody so bent out of shape? He brought success to the band b/c he is the vocalist, absolutely, but what he is saying is also true: It was the sum of its parts that made the entity - Journey. Steve Perry solo was never going to come close to what he achieved with Neal, Jon, Rolie, Smitty. And the proof is in his solo career.

He spoke the truth. Rock on, Steve.

[annie89509]

Words from yesteryear from a habitual liar, quitter and cry baby. Yawn. The legacy is the fans and they seem to have moved on with a new singer, singing the songs that were made famous by a long time ago singer. Nostrildamus's legacy is in cement ... the greatest singer ever, liar ever and quitter ever ... all in one. But, no matter what, he'll always be the the most famous voice of Journey. No one refutes that.

SJ, it's late, why aren't you in bed sleeping?!?

[Don]

No one's upset, we're just having a debate. It looked like Chubby got tired with all the tsup, tsup over at the plokker sites and was looking to engage in some conversation. We obliged.

[Voyager]

Why is everybody so bent out of shape?

That's what I have been asking myself ever since I joined this forum . But for some odd reason, it's addicting! Plus, it's much healthier for you than religion. If you get bent out of shape over the dissenters and detractors of Jesus or Allah, you might fly an airplane into a building and kill thousands of people. If you get bent out of shape over a Steve Perry vs. His Impersonators debate - at least you won't mass murder any "infedels". Well, not yet anyway. If Perry decides to come out of hiding, all bets are off. With the hostile mentality of the hardcore fans of Perry, JSS, Augeri, and Pineda - it could easily escalate into some serious mob action. Infidels beware!

[Michigan Girl]

Chubby's just doing her research, good job, Chubs!!!
SP garners new fans every day ...class act, that man!!

I love this dance, let's do the bump next!!

[Chubby321]

No one's upset, we're just having a debate. It looked like Chubby got tired with all the tsup, tsup over at the plokker sites and was looking to engage in some conversation. We obliged.

[Chubby321]

Chubby's just doing her research, good job, Chubs!!!
SP garners new fans every day ...class act, that man!!

I love this dance, let's do the bump next!!

Thanks MG!

[BobbyinTN]

Anyone that thinks Steve Perry did it by himself has never been in a band and obviously never listened to the bands tunes before SP.

Don't be confused though, Steve Perry definitely brought something new, but without the musicality of Neal and the others guys, the magic would not have been made.

To lift someone else up doesn't mean we have to stomp on others.

[Peartree12249]

I think Steve Perry got it absolutely right and wasn't just being modest. To compare Steve and Journey with Elvis & his back-up band is apples and oranges. With Journey, SP was not a solo act with a nameless backup band. He was the front man of a band that existed before he came along. Elvis never wrote his own music. Perry, Cain & Schon did. A great rock band is a rare occurrence that is created when there is a confluence of talented musicians, songwriters and vocalists. It's success is ignited by that creative spark only the tension of differing musical influences, creative views, egos and talent can bring. Its the yin and yang. Did Steve make a huge contribution to their success? Of course he did, but as much as I appreciate Perry's solo work, I like his work with Journey more. Reunion? never going to happen IMO.

It will be very interesting to hear Journey's new music with Arnel as a full participant in the creative process. Will they be as successful as the Perry era band? Not likely, lightning rarely strikes twice in the same place. Plus the music business has changed so drastically. That doesn't mean Journey can't still create & perform some really good new music. I wish today's version of Journey much success.

[Jana]

I think Steve Perry got it absolutely right and wasn't just being modest. To compare Steve and Journey with Elvis & his back-up band is apples and oranges. With Journey, SP was not a solo act with a nameless backup band. He was the front man of a band that existed before he came along. Elvis never wrote his own music. Perry, Cain & Schon did. A great rock band is a rare occurrence that is created when there is a confluence of talented musicians, songwriters and vocalists. It's success is ignited by that creative spark only the tension of differing musical influences, creative views, egos and talent can bring. Its the yin and yang. Did Steve make a huge contribution to their success? Of course he did, but as much as I appreciate Perry's solo work, I like his work with Journey more. Reunion? never going to happen IMO.

It will be very interesting to hear Journey's new music with Arnel as a full participant in the creative process. Will they be as successful as the Perry era band? Not likely, lightning rarely strikes twice in the same place. Plus the music business has changed so drastically. That doesn't mean Journey can't still create & perform some really good new music. I wish today's version of Journey much success.

What an absolutely great post. I agree with everything you said, except you say it better.

[Peartree12249]

I think Steve Perry got it absolutely right and wasn't just being modest. To compare Steve and Journey with Elvis & his back-up band is apples and oranges. With Journey, SP was not a solo act with a nameless backup band. He was the front man of a band that existed before he came along. Elvis never wrote his own music. Perry, Cain & Schon did. A great rock band is a rare occurrence that is created when there is a confluence of talented musicians, songwriters and vocalists. It's success is ignited by that creative spark only the tension of differing musical influences, creative views, egos and talent can bring. Its the yin and yang. Did Steve make a huge contribution to their success? Of course he did, but as much as I appreciate Perry's solo work, I like his work with Journey more. Reunion? never going to happen IMO.

It will be very interesting to hear Journey's new music with Arnel as a full participant in the creative process. Will they be as successful as the Perry era band? Not likely, lightning rarely strikes twice in the same place. Plus the music business has changed so drastically. That doesn't mean Journey can't still create & perform some really good new music. I wish today's version of Journey much success.

What a great post. I agree with everything you said, except you say it better.

Thanks,

[BobbyinTN]

I think Steve Perry got it absolutely right and wasn't just being modest. To compare Steve and Journey with Elvis & his back-up band is apples and oranges. With Journey, SP was not a solo act with a nameless backup band. He was the front man of a band that existed before he came along. Elvis never wrote his own music. Perry, Cain & Schon did. A great rock band is a rare occurrence that is created when there is a confluence of talented musicians, songwriters and vocalists. It's success is ignited by that creative spark only the tension of differing musical influences, creative views, egos and talent can bring. Its the yin and yang. Did Steve make a huge contribution to their success? Of course he did, but as much as I appreciate Perry's solo work, I like his work with Journey more. Reunion? never going to happen IMO.

It will be very interesting to hear Journey's new music with Arnel as a full participant in the creative process. Will they be as successful as the Perry era band? Not likely, lightning rarely strikes twice in the same place. Plus the music business has changed so drastically. That doesn't mean Journey can't still create & perform some really good new music. I wish today's version of Journey much success.

Excellent points! Right on the money!

[jrnyjetster]

I'd say LIGHTNING did strike twice! Journey w/Arnel has been amazingly successful so far. Tour proceeds from 2008-2009 have proven that, plus Revelation is now nearly double platinum. Of course, sales of the back catalog have gone thru the roof, mainly the Greatest Hits and the tremendous popularity of DSB, plus major television appearances on Oprah, Ellen and most recently the Manila concert airing on VH1 and Palladia. I'd say Journey is right smack in the middle of a major resurgence. We'll see if Journey continues this ride in 2011.

[Michigan Girl]

I'd say LIGHTNING did strike twice! Journey w/Arnel has been amazingly successful so far. Tour proceeds from 2008-2009 have proven that, plus Revelation is now nearly double platinum. Of course, sales of the back catalog have gone thru the roof, mainly the Greatest Hits and the tremendous popularity of DSB, plus major television appearances on Oprah, Ellen and most recently the Manila concert airing on VH1 and Palladia. I'd say Journey is right smack in the middle of a major resurgence. We'll see if Journey continues this ride in 2011.

No disrepect intended ...you're insane!!!


Great Post, Peartree ...I concur!!!

[jrnyjetster]

No disrepect intended ...you're insane!!!

Michigan Girl: You disagree with those facts?

[Michigan Girl]

No disrepect intended ...you're insane!!!

Michigan Girl: You disagree with those facts?

My stance has been the same from the get go ...AP is doing a great job, he has brought
w/him a new fan base and a few stragglers of old. I'd go so far as to say that he
made believers out of some fans that had quit believing. He is helping to keep the music,
the DD, alive for those who still want to hear it and for those who have never had the opportunity
to hear it, live. He is making it possible for Neal and the boys to continue this Journey so they
can ride off into the sunset doing what they love to do most. But comparing this to the lightning
that has already struck ...NO, NO, NO, NO!! No comparison!! I find it hard to believe that you
would even make that comparison, you've been around for a while.
Exciting, perhaps...Lightning...NO!!

[Deb]

No disrepect intended ...you're insane!!!

Michigan Girl: You disagree with those facts?

My stance has been the same from the get go ...AP is doing a great job, he has brought
w/him a new fan base and a few stragglers of old. I'd go so far as to say that he
made believers out of some fans that had quit believing. He is helping to keep the music,
the DD, alive for those who still want to hear it and for those who have never had the opportunity
to hear it, live. He is making it possible for Neal and the boys to continue this Journey so they
can ride off into the sunset doing what they love to do most. But comparing this to the lightning
that has already struck ...NO, NO, NO, NO!! No comparison!! I find it hard to believe that you
would even make that comparison, you've been around for a while.
Exciting, perhaps...Lightning...NO!!

Great post MG!

[Jana]

No disrepect intended ...you're insane!!!

Michigan Girl: You disagree with those facts?

My stance has been the same from the get go ...AP is doing a great job, he has brought
w/him a new fan base and a few stragglers of old. I'd go so far as to say that he
made believers out of some fans that had quit believing. He is helping to keep the music,
the DD, alive for those who still want to hear it and for those who have never had the opportunity
to hear it, live. He is making it possible for Neal and the boys to continue this Journey so they
can ride off into the sunset doing what they love to do most. But comparing this to the lightning
that has already struck ...NO, NO, NO, NO!! No comparison!! I find it hard to believe that you
would even make that comparison, you've been around for a while.
Exciting, perhaps...Lightning...NO!!

Wow, I rarely agree with you, but I agree on this post.