Augeri years...

[Navarro]

It has been over 10 years since the release of Arrival and 5 years since SA left Journey. As a Journey fan, how do you feel about the Augeri years in hindsight? How significant were they to Journey's history? Why did Schon and Cain choose Augeri as Perry's replacement (Were Neal and Jon ever satisfied with SA)? Thoughts?...

[marco17]

Just my opinion....And, I am sure we'll get a lot of differing thoughts here...

I think at the beginning Neal and Jon were happy with their decision and if they weren't happy, they never would have gone on with him. I think when SA began to have vocal problems Neal lost interest. I think Cain liked Steve, thought he was a good fit, and that was a major reason why he lasted as long as he did. It may have had to do with chemistry on/off stage and comfort. If there wasn't something to that, why would they have ever risked using canned vocals to get through shows?

I think Augeri's time with Journey is significant because if it were not for him, Journey would not have continued. I am sure someone will say that it would have with someone else, but it didn't, it continued with Augeri. There are a lot of good tracks from his time, certainly not as memorable as those from the Perry era, but it was also a different time for the music business. Journey had been out of the spotlight for a long time, and was now coming back without Perry. They all worked their asses off, and yes, maybe they are more successful now because with Arnel they have been able to promote the "worldly" thing and DSB has been all over everything, but they played a lot of the same venues in 2-3 band tours as they do now. But, regardless, they would not be where they are today if it weren't for the Augeri years and all the touring they did during that time. I also think that there is a generation of Journey fans (like me) who never had the chance to see Journey fronted by Perry. We were either introduced to Journey through Remember Me, or seeing them first fronted by SA, and now Arnel.

This is certainly subjective and so I am sure a lot of the responses are going to be, but that's just my 2 cents.

[YoungJRNY]

Just my opinion....And, I am sure we'll get a lot of differing thoughts here...

I think at the beginning Neal and Jon were happy with their decision and if they weren't happy, they never would have gone on with him. I think when SA began to have vocal problems Neal lost interest. I think Cain liked Steve, thought he was a good fit, and that was a major reason why he lasted as long as he did. It may have had to do with chemistry on/off stage and comfort. If there wasn't something to that, why would they have ever risked using canned vocals to get through shows?

I think Augeri's time with Journey is significant because if it were not for him, Journey would not have continued. I am sure someone will say that it would have with someone else, but it didn't, it continued with Augeri. There are a lot of good tracks from his time, certainly not as memorable as those from the Perry era, but it was also a different time for the music business. Journey had been out of the spotlight for a long time, and was now coming back without Perry. They all worked their asses off, and yes, maybe they are more successful now because with Arnel they have been able to promote the "worldly" thing and DSB has been all over everything, but they played a lot of the same venues in 2-3 band tours as they do now. But, regardless, they would not be where they are today if it weren't for the Augeri years and all the touring they did during that time. I also think that there is a generation of Journey fans (like me) who never had the chance to see Journey fronted by Perry. We were either introduced to Journey through Remember Me, or seeing them first fronted by SA, and now Arnel.

This is certainly subjective and so I am sure a lot of the responses are going to be, but that's just my 2 cents.

That is probably the best post I've seen here in quite some time. Right on. I'm in total agreement with you. 100%. +1. Augeri, IMHO, was and IS still more valuable than what people think. Regardless if you think he wasn't cut out for it, regardless if the band decided to pipe in canned music, even in the midst of ALL of that, Augeri brought in a crowd, made a superb record, left his staple of his own sound and music and toured the Journey-road for YEARS. And, on top of it, after what he went through with a severe, possible career ending procedure to any singer with his throat, he's back out there singing, singing live, and even supporting his old bandmates when they are on the road. Augeri left his mark and it was a good one.

[Jana]

If I averaged out over the last ten years listening to Journey albums including GHs, Arrival by far is my most listened-to album. Infinity/Departure second tied. Frontiers third. So Augeri made a huge contribution for me.

[wednesday's child]

I remember seeing Augeri for the first time, on some concert footage of Journey,
and going WTF, that can't be Perry...

Obviously, ANYONE stepping into SP's former job back then would have faced a
serious challenge dealing with fan expectations. Augeri had decent chops and
kept the band a viable entity: no small feat given how dominant Perry'd become
in the band's identity, and the band's performing/creative process.

I think THAT policy (the band's, not Augeri's) of keeping the band a viable entity,
as opposed to just making music, is what ruined Augeri. A lot of other acts with
heavy touring schedules were using prerecorded vocals to help frontmen along,
but an obsession with keeping the machine running gave the band less pause than
'tapegate' should have.

But that's all in hindsight. Journey didn't seem to put out anything new (post SP):
at least it seemed that way on this side of the Pacific, so I lost track of the band.
Only much later did I seek out Augeri's music with Journey.

Augeri didn't look/sound too different from Perry, and didn't look/sound too much
like Perry. Whether as a result of deliberation or happy coincidence, it worked for
me. Guess that makes me a closet Wiggler, lol.

Ultimately...
If Journey had several memorable hit songs with Augeri aboard, we wouldn't
have to wonder so much about Augeri's "significance to Journey's history". The
same applies to subsequent Journey frontmen, who all suffer the same handicap:
If priority is placed on "keeping the machine running", rather than just the music,
there won't likely BE any memorable hits forthcoming.

JM2

[Enigma869]

Augeri's "significance" to Journey isn't a factor in my opinion, because Journey's history was written long before anyone knew Steve Augeri's name, and the same goes for Arnel. The reality is that people who don't visit boards like MelodicRock have no idea who Steve Augeri is. Not to mention, those same people view Journey as a 1980's band and nothing really beyond that. Journey's history was cemented by a group of guys and a brilliant collection of music that Steve Augeri and Arnel Pineda had nothing to do with.

[YoungJRNY]

Augeri's "significance" to Journey isn't a factor in my opinion, because Journey's history was written long before anyone knew Steve Augeri's name, and the same goes for Arnel. The reality is that people who don't visit boards like MelodicRock have no idea who Steve Augeri is. Not to mention, those same people view Journey as a 1980's band and nothing really beyond that. Journey's history was cemented by a group of guys and a brilliant collection of music that Steve Augeri and Arnel Pineda had nothing to do with.

Pretty much but their contributions can not go unnoticed. Augeri gave Journey back their backbone for the fanbase. Journey has fans all over the world and they are obviously a band where the fanbase has a strong stranglehold over. This couldn't be done without Augeri and now with Arnel. They all contributed. They made albums with the Journey label with their voices on it. They allowed the band to continue to stay in the spot-light and give the fanbase their band, something that would never have happened waiting for Perry. It's obvious in Andrew's interview that Perry is scared to absolute death of his own voice, he doesn't believe in himself. He's burned out forever and Journey knew they were burned out forever if they waited for Perry. Augeri and Arnel allowed the band to not only continue, but also put in their worth of new records to put out and keep Journey alive and well. That's significant in my eyes because quite frankly, I wouldn't be here today typing if Augeri wouldn't of taken the gig to go forward.

[tater1977]

Augeri's "significance" to Journey isn't a factor in my opinion, because Journey's history was written long before anyone knew Steve Augeri's name, and the same goes for Arnel. The reality is that people who don't visit boards like MelodicRock have no idea who Steve Augeri is. Not to mention, those same people view Journey as a 1980's band and nothing really beyond that. Journey's history was cemented by a group of guys and a brilliant collection of music that Steve Augeri and Arnel Pineda had nothing to do with.

Pretty much but their contributions can not go unnoticed. Augeri gave Journey back their backbone for the fanbase. Journey has fans all over the world and they are obviously a band where the fanbase has a strong stranglehold over. This couldn't be done without Augeri and now with Arnel. They all contributed. They made albums with the Journey label with their voices on it. They allowed the band to continue to stay in the spot-light and give the fanbase their band, something that would never have happened waiting for Perry. It's obvious in Andrew's interview that Perry is scared to absolute death of his own voice, he doesn't believe in himself. He's burned out forever and Journey knew they were burned out forever if they waited for Perry. Augeri and Arnel allowed the band to not only continue, but also put in their worth of new records to put out and keep Journey alive and well. That's significant in my eyes because quite frankly, I wouldn't be here today typing if Augeri wouldn't of taken the gig to go forward.

Not because of Augeri.. but because Al Gore..invented the internet...

[Enigma869]

Journey has fans all over the world and they are obviously a band where the fanbase has a strong stranglehold over.

Right, and so do many other 80's bands and most of those fans are there to listen to the back catalog of music.

This couldn't be done without Augeri and now with Arnel.

It could be done with Mickey Mouse. The reality is that 99.9% of the fans who attend these concerts don't visit this site and have zero clue who is up there singing the songs. Their connection is to the music and most probably would have no idea that the guy who originally sang those songs isn't the same guy they're listening to.

They made albums with the Journey label with their voices on it.

Right...but beyond close family and friends, nobody noticed!

It's obvious in Andrew's interview that Perry is scared to absolute death of his own voice, he doesn't believe in himself. He's burned out forever and Journey knew they were burned out forever if they waited for Perry.

The great thing about Perry is he his legacy is firmly cemented as the voice who created this music. That will never change regardless of how burnt out he may or may not be. As Perry said in Drew's interview (and elsewhere), they've tried to run in three different singers to imitate what he did, and it's just never worked. I think the other thing that Perry really understands is that bands like Journey are yesterday's news, and I grew up as one of their biggest fans. They're about as relevant in 2011 as Atari!

[marco17]

If Augeri and now Arnel never existed to carry on the legacy that is Journey, the band would have been dead post Trial by Fire, and I know there are those who wished that happened. If Neal and Cain hadn't wanted to keep the train rolling or more recently as DSB was being played everywhere like it has the last few years, there would be no band out there performing or capitalizing on their legacy or creating any new matieral. There is no denying that Journey's history was determined during the mid-80's and by Steve Perry, but that doesn't, in my opinion, deminish either Augeri or Pineda's contribution. As mentioned before, they were hired to fill impossible shoes and did and are doing a damn good job at it, and for the most part, you don't see too many disappointed Journey fans leaving the show. Yes, neither are Perry, and those who believe that Journey didn't exist pre or post Perry are going to feel that way regardless to who is belting out the vocals, and therefore, they will not acknowledge their, but especially Augeri's contributions.

[parfait]

Journey has fans all over the world and they are obviously a band where the fanbase has a strong stranglehold over.

Right, and so do many other 80's bands and most of those fans are there to listen to the back catalog of music.

This couldn't be done without Augeri and now with Arnel.

It could be done with Mickey Mouse. The reality is that 99.9% of the fans who attend these concerts don't visit this site and have zero clue who is up there singing the songs. Their connection is to the music and most probably would have no idea that the guy who originally sang those songs isn't the same guy they're listening to.

They made albums with the Journey label with their voices on it.

Right...but beyond close family and friends, nobody noticed!

It's obvious in Andrew's interview that Perry is scared to absolute death of his own voice, he doesn't believe in himself. He's burned out forever and Journey knew they were burned out forever if they waited for Perry.

The great thing about Perry is he his legacy is firmly cemented as the voice who created this music. That will never change regardless of how burnt out he may or may not be. As Perry said in Drew's interview (and elsewhere), they've tried to run in three different singers to imitate what he did, and it's just never worked. I think the other thing that Perry really understands is that bands like Journey are yesterday's news, and I grew up as one of their biggest fans. They're about as relevant in 2011 as Atari!

Another bitter loon, huh?

Did Augeri and Arnel work as well as with Perry? Of course not. Their records have gone platinum and gold and consistently been on the highest grossing tour list for the last decade though. They've found a niche in playing the Greatest Hits for their fans and manage to make a decent amount of money while doing so.

If you want Perry, then go watch the Houston DVD. If you want to see them live, then go buy a ticket for one of their shows.

[Enigma869]

If you want Perry, then go watch the Houston DVD. If you want to see them live, then go buy a ticket for one of their shows.

Thanks for the brilliant assessment, Yogurt Man!

Oh...and fuck France!

[Red13JoePa]

The reality is that people who don't visit boards like MelodicRock have no idea who Steve Augeri is.

As with perry.

"Journey" is what is known, be it DSB or OS.

[Enigma869]

As with perry.

"Journey" is what is known, be it DSB or OS.

Agreed, but Perry is the voice that made the songs famous and also had reasonable success with a solo album so he was a bit more known.

[Red13JoePa]

As with perry.

"Journey" is what is known, be it DSB or OS.

Agreed, but Perry is the voice that made the songs famous and also had reasonable success with a solo album so he was a bit more known.

Agreed maybe a bit more known than the Schon or Cain names however it took him making a that was ersatz Journey to do it.
Rich from a guy who dinged the band on trying to continue to sound like themselves in this interview here

[Behshad]

As with perry.

"Journey" is what is known, be it DSB or OS.

Agreed, but Perry is the voice that made the songs famous and also had reasonable success with a solo album so he was a bit more known.

Agreed maybe a bit more known than the Schon or Cain names however it took him making a that was ersatz Journey to do it.
Rich from a guy who dinged the band on trying to continue to sound like themselves in this interview here

Why is it so hard to understand that what he meant was He hadnt heard of Arnel or Augeri before they joined Journey
He knew who Jeff was BEFORE Journey brought him onboard.

[Red13JoePa]

As with perry.

"Journey" is what is known, be it DSB or OS.

Agreed, but Perry is the voice that made the songs famous and also had reasonable success with a solo album so he was a bit more known.

Agreed maybe a bit more known than the Schon or Cain names however it took him making a that was ersatz Journey to do it.
Rich from a guy who dinged the band on trying to continue to sound like themselves in this interview here

Why is it so hard to understand that what he meant was He hadnt heard of Arnel or Augeri before they joined Journey
He knew who Jeff was BEFORE Journey brought him onboard.

Just going on what he said, not what I think he "meant."
Signed,

BEN.


There, used my name for ya, B

[Navarro]

Just my opinion....And, I am sure we'll get a lot of differing thoughts here...

I think at the beginning Neal and Jon were happy with their decision and if they weren't happy, they never would have gone on with him. I think when SA began to have vocal problems Neal lost interest. I think Cain liked Steve, thought he was a good fit, and that was a major reason why he lasted as long as he did. It may have had to do with chemistry on/off stage and comfort. If there wasn't something to that, why would they have ever risked using canned vocals to get through shows?

I think Augeri's time with Journey is significant because if it were not for him, Journey would not have continued. I am sure someone will say that it would have with someone else, but it didn't, it continued with Augeri. There are a lot of good tracks from his time, certainly not as memorable as those from the Perry era, but it was also a different time for the music business. Journey had been out of the spotlight for a long time, and was now coming back without Perry. They all worked their asses off, and yes, maybe they are more successful now because with Arnel they have been able to promote the "worldly" thing and DSB has been all over everything, but they played a lot of the same venues in 2-3 band tours as they do now. But, regardless, they would not be where they are today if it weren't for the Augeri years and all the touring they did during that time. I also think that there is a generation of Journey fans (like me) who never had the chance to see Journey fronted by Perry. We were either introduced to Journey through Remember Me, or seeing them first fronted by SA, and now Arnel.

This is certainly subjective and so I am sure a lot of the responses are going to be, but that's just my 2 cents.

Thanks for so many interesting responses. I am old enough that for years Journey without Perry was unthinkable. I was only 7 when my parents bought Escape and I wore that record out. From there I was hooked. I was too young to go to a Journey concert back in the early-mid 80's, but I did catch Perry on a great night on the FLOSM tour. I really like Augeri (and Pineda) and the new music they have recorded with Journey. I have to admit, Augeri on Arrival won me over and that wasn't an easy task at the time. I don't want to see anyone but Steve Perry sing the classics, but I love many of the songs Augeri sang on Arrival and a few others like WAFTE, APIYH, FITH, RM, and I am sure I am forgetting a few. SA, for all the shit he takes now, in the beginning of his Journey tenure was a great fit to move forward and the right guy personality wise to handle it. It sounds so weird to me to be introduced to Journey through Augeri or Pineda, but I guess there must be a whole generation of new fans that were. SA has some real soul to his voice. I agree, I think his contribution was very important and Neal should acknowledge that instead of acting like those 8 years didn't happen.

[SF-Dano]

They're about as relevant in 2011 as Atari!

I think they are relevent to anyone who enjoys their newer music. Relevant in the grander picture of the music business? Not so much, but then, I personally could care less about the music and artists that are deemed "relevant" by the music business these days.

Look - this band has continued to make a pretty decent living playing live and giving their current fans new music. Are they a top tier name in the industry anymore? Obviously not. But who among their true peers is? Only a very select few (Bon Jovi, Aerosmith, U2, maybe Def Leappard?). Journey is at the top of that ladder just below those groups as far as AOR acts go.

[Yoda]

If you want Perry, then go watch the Houston DVD. If you want to see them live, then go buy a ticket for one of their shows.

Thanks for the brilliant assessment, Yogurt Man!

Oh...and fuck France!

Yogurt Man!!!! That hilarious!

[Yoda]

The reality is that people who don't visit boards like MelodicRock have no idea who Steve Augeri is.

As with perry.

"Journey" is what is known, be it DSB or OS.

I don't know Red, I'd have to disagree with you on the as with Perry part. Like him or not, he's pretty famous.

[Navarro]

They're about as relevant in 2011 as Atari!

I think they are relevent to anyone who enjoys their newer music. Relevant in the grander picture of the music business? Not so much, but then, I personally could care less about the music and artists that are deemed "relevant" by the music business these days.

Look - this band has continued to make a pretty decent living playing live and giving their current fans new music. Are they a top tier name in the industry anymore? Obviously not. But who among their true peers is? Only a very select few (Bon Jovi, Aerosmith, U2, maybe Def Leappard?). Journey is at the top of that ladder just below those groups as far as AOR acts go.

I agree. I couldn't care less about what the media sells as "relevant". The media has their heads up their ass as far as understanding what good music and art is. The media spoon feeds people what they are going to think and like. It would be interesting to see what music would be popular without any media marketing or brainwashing. If people could truly choose through their own tastes. Of course, at one time, it was closer to this, but there has always been payola,etc...

[Red13JoePa]

The reality is that people who don't visit boards like MelodicRock have no idea who Steve Augeri is.

As with perry.

"Journey" is what is known, be it DSB or OS.

I don't know Red, I'd have to disagree with you on the as with Perry part. Like him or not, he's pretty famous.

Most loons think this way.

[Navarro]

The reality is that people who don't visit boards like MelodicRock have no idea who Steve Augeri is.

As with perry.

"Journey" is what is known, be it DSB or OS.

I don't know Red, I'd have to disagree with you on the as with Perry part. Like him or not, he's pretty famous.

Most loons think this way.

I would say for most of us 35 and up Steve Perry is pretty famous. Oh Sherrie and Foolish Heart were pretty big hits. Most of us grew up with Steve's music and voice. I would say younger than 35 are pretty clueless about who SP is.

[Yoda]

The reality is that people who don't visit boards like MelodicRock have no idea who Steve Augeri is.

As with perry.

"Journey" is what is known, be it DSB or OS.

I don't know Red, I'd have to disagree with you on the as with Perry part. Like him or not, he's pretty famous.

Most loons think this way.

I would say for most of us 35 and up Steve Perry is pretty famous. Oh Sherrie and Foolish Heart were pretty big hits. Most of us grew up with Steve's music and voice. I would say younger than 35 are pretty clueless about who SP is.

This is where I'm getting at. I don't know how old Red is, but I'm assuming he must be younger than 35 to think Perry's fame is on the same level as Augeri. To me, growing up in the 80's, that's pretty ridiculous. Perry was about as famous as the likes of Madonna, Phil Collins, and Rod Stewart back then. While his bread and butter was Journey - like you said - Oh Sherrie and Foolish Heart were huge! Certainly, I can see his point if you don't include the late 70's, 80's, and 90's.

[Ehwmatt]

The reality is that people who don't visit boards like MelodicRock have no idea who Steve Augeri is.

As with perry.

"Journey" is what is known, be it DSB or OS.

I don't know Red, I'd have to disagree with you on the as with Perry part. Like him or not, he's pretty famous.

Most loons think this way.

I would say for most of us 35 and up Steve Perry is pretty famous. Oh Sherrie and Foolish Heart were pretty big hits. Most of us grew up with Steve's music and voice. I would say younger than 35 are pretty clueless about who SP is.

This is where I'm getting at. I don't know how old Red is, but I'm assuming he must be younger than 35 to think Perry's fame is on the same level as Augeri. To me, growing up in the 80's, that's pretty ridiculous. Perry was about as famous as the likes of Madonna, Phil Collins, and Rod Stewart back then. While his bread and butter was Journey - like you said - Oh Sherrie and Foolish Heart were huge! Certainly, I can see his point if you don't include the late 70's, 80's, and 90's.

I love Augeri, but no one knows who the fuck he is.

As for Perry's fame, he definitely was/is pretty famous. Everybody asks about Steve Perry when you mention seeing Journey, be it "Is Steve Perry back with the band?" or is "the guy who replaced Steve Perry any good?" etc etc.

[Jana]

The reality is that people who don't visit boards like MelodicRock have no idea who Steve Augeri is.

As with perry.

"Journey" is what is known, be it DSB or OS.

I don't know Red, I'd have to disagree with you on the as with Perry part. Like him or not, he's pretty famous.

Most loons think this way.

I would say for most of us 35 and up Steve Perry is pretty famous. Oh Sherrie and Foolish Heart were pretty big hits. Most of us grew up with Steve's music and voice. I would say younger than 35 are pretty clueless about who SP is.

This is where I'm getting at. I don't know how old Red is, but I'm assuming he must be younger than 35 to think Perry's
fame is on the same level as Augeri. To me, growing up in the 80's, that's pretty ridiculous. Perry was about as famous as the likes of Madonna, Phil Collins, and Rod Stewart back then. While his bread and butter was Journey - like you said - Oh
Sherrie and Foolish Heart were huge! Certainly, I can see his point if you don't include the late 70's, 80's, and 90's.

Not worldwide was the name Steve Perry as famous as Madonna, even back then, no way. The woman has sold over 300 million albums.

[Yoda]

The reality is that people who don't visit boards like MelodicRock have no idea who Steve Augeri is.

As with perry.

"Journey" is what is known, be it DSB or OS.

I don't know Red, I'd have to disagree with you on the as with Perry part. Like him or not, he's pretty famous.

Most loons think this way.

I would say for most of us 35 and up Steve Perry is pretty famous. Oh Sherrie and Foolish Heart were pretty big hits. Most of us grew up with Steve's music and voice. I would say younger than 35 are pretty clueless about who SP is.

This is where I'm getting at. I don't know how old Red is, but I'm assuming he must be younger than 35 to think Perry's
fame is on the same level as Augeri. To me, growing up in the 80's, that's pretty ridiculous. Perry was about as famous as the likes of Madonna, Phil Collins, and Rod Stewart back then. While his bread and butter was Journey - like you said - Oh
Sherrie and Foolish Heart were huge! Certainly, I can see his point if you don't include the late 70's, 80's, and 90's.

Not worldwide was the name Steve Perry as famous as Madonna, even back then, no way. The woman has sold over 300 million albums.

But, in terms of Journey, Steve Perry was more popular in Australia, per Andrew, than was Journey. Everybody there knows Perry by "Oh Sherrie" more than they do anything he did with Journey. Not going to sit here and split hairs on the numbers argument. Just merely stating that anyone who puts Perry's fame as equal to Augeri's (no offense to SA, love him) is just not being very honest. I mentioned Madonna and the others merely to state that all of those artists were household names.

[Jana]

Oh, okay. Got it. But I don't think anyone on here is trying to say Augeri has name recognition like Perry, though. Not even a fraction. But he was crucial to Journey carrying on.

[Rockindeano]

The reality is that people who don't visit boards like MelodicRock have no idea who Steve Augeri is.

As with perry.

"Journey" is what is known, be it DSB or OS.

LOL. Riiiggghhht. That's why so many millions of "Journey" fans thought Oh Sherrie was another dirty dozen hit Journey song. Get real Perry haters. You stupid fucks and your empty arguments are hilarious to read if not downright embarrassing.

As to the answer to the OP's qurestion? Augeri is a fucking embarrassment and a goddamned fraud, period, and that can NEVER ever be disputed. Game over.