First time in 30 years.....

[Deb]

.....Journey is playing here. LOL and I'm not going. Last time they played here was in '82 (ya dont' get any better than that!). Journey/Loverboy/Night Ranger.......not a big fan of this version of Journey, and never been a fan of Loverboy/Mike Reno, so the only one I would really like to see is Night Ranger, but not going to pay $150.

You know you've moved on, when.........

[Vocalsmanvocals]

but not going to pay $150

We are with ya Deb! Minus a year break here and there by Journey, this will be the first tour in 10 years we are missing. Ticket prices are out of control on the concert scene. Though our reasoning is simple, we like to be up close and are spoiled in that regard. Just too much $$.

[scarab]

my all time fav band, but wont see them anymore,

first they wouldnt let augeri heal,
then they fire JSS after he bails them out,
they call Journey fans idiots because we cant comprehend a drummer singing,
and they hire a Karaoke singer

very sad

[Triple S]

I'm with you there, Deb (and I didn't see them in Calgary in '82, so I've never seen them live). They're playing Kelowna this tour too, but like you, I have no interest anymore - not for $115.00 anyway. Unlike you, I do like Loverboy, but I've seen them many times, the last time just a couple of years ago. I'll save my money for something else

[DrFU]

I don't have tickets for any shows. First time in 8 years.

[steveo777]

LMAO! Great attendance from what I've seen of the first two gigs this year. Also sounds like they are playing in standard key, although that might change as the tour "wears" on the singer's voice. That said, I'm sure the opinions of those who are butt hurt over not waiting for Augeri to heal (he still hasn't and the band would still be waiting), or the unceremonious firing of JSS, will certainly bring the band to it's knees.

But, you guys go ahead and rock on!!!

[slucero]

aren't you the parade-rainer...

[steveo777]

aren't you the parade-rainer...

Why, I might be. Having not seen a show last year and seeing them only 5 dates into this tour, in a climate that is suitable for Arnel, I just might get a good performance. I think it's a pretty safe bet.

[Don]

With the setlist of the last few shows, it seems everything has come full circle. Cain said upon the firing of JSS that Journey wanted to go back to its legacy sound; it appears after the failure of Eclipse, the realization that Arnel will never be a third spoke in the writing department and the now stale PR line of Pineda's back story the band is actually doing what Jon said they wanted to do five years ago.

[slucero]

With the setlist of the last few shows, it seems everything has come full circle. Cain said upon the firing of JSS that Journey wanted to go back to its legacy sound; it appears after the failure of Eclipse, the realization that Arnel will never be a third spoke in the writing department and the now stale PR line of Pineda's back story the band is actually doing what Jon said they wanted to do five years ago.

bingo...

[steveo777]

With the setlist of the last few shows, it seems everything has come full circle. Cain said upon the firing of JSS that Journey wanted to go back to its legacy sound; it appears after the failure of Eclipse, the realization that Arnel will never be a third spoke in the writing department and the now stale PR line of Pineda's back story the band is actually doing what Jon said they wanted to do five years ago.

Taking the path of least resistance, really. For those longing for it to be 1981 again, it's really the best offering out there. At least the aging musicians can still bring it with a fresher voice than Mr. P would have these days. In a live setting people aren't expecting studio perfection. The legacy pays the bills and always will. Nothing new is gonna bring any great wealth to any of them.

[yulog]

my all time fav band, but wont see them anymore,

first they wouldnt let augeri heal,
then they fire JSS after he bails them out,
they call Journey fans idiots because we cant comprehend a drummer singing,
and they hire a Karaoke singer

very sad

Well at least they hired the correct Karaoke singer

[yulog]

LMAO! Great attendance from what I've seen of the first two gigs this year. Also sounds like they are playing in standard key, although that might change as the tour "wears" on the singer's voice. That said, I'm sure the opinions of those who are butt hurt over not waiting for Augeri to heal (he still hasn't and the band would still be waiting), or the unceremonious firing of JSS, will certainly bring the band to it's knees.

But, you guys go ahead and rock on!!!

[Deb]

I'm with you there, Deb (and I didn't see them in Calgary in '82, so I've never seen them live). They're playing Kelowna this tour too, but like you, I have no interest anymore - not for $115.00 anyway. Unlike you, I do like Loverboy, but I've seen them many times, the last time just a couple of years ago. I'll save my money for something else

Haha, I don't know if you recall back then, but there was the one guy (can't think of his name off the top of my head) that did all the concert reviews for The Sun, lol 9 times out of 10 I didn't agree with him. That '82 Escape show was fantastic, I remember reading the review the next day and the dude saying it was too polished, etc etc.....LOL I remember thinking....'no, they're just that good!'

Will have to admit though, if ya swap out any band of that package above with Mr Big, I'd already have my tix in hand. Actually scratch that, I'm more than thrilled they didn't package up on last year's tour (easily could have done, say, a Rush pairing or Whitesnake/Night Ranger/Mr Big trio or anything). But as a fan, finally seeing them live for the first time.......and getting a 2+ hour show of old, new and rare gems......ya don't get any better than that! Being able to witness that much talent close up was just jaw dropping.

[Eric]

I had buyer's regret since paying $89 for mediocre tickets for their CMAC show in Rochester, NY - but now that the tour has begun I'm really excited.

[FamilyMan]

With the setlist of the last few shows, it seems everything has come full circle. Cain said upon the firing of JSS that Journey wanted to go back to its legacy sound; it appears after the failure of Eclipse, the realization that Arnel will never be a third spoke in the writing department and the now stale PR line of Pineda's back story the band is actually doing what Jon said they wanted to do five years ago.

Taking the path of least resistance, really. For those longing for it to be 1981 again, it's really the best offering out there. At least the aging musicians can still bring it with a fresher voice than Mr. P would have these days. In a live setting people aren't expecting studio perfection. The legacy pays the bills and always will. Nothing new is gonna bring any great wealth to any of them.

Amen. Good post. I can't speak to anyone's means (we all need to decide what we can and can't afford these days). But a Journey show is ol' reliable. Songs we know, played by amazing musicians who can really bring it live. Arnel is not a karaoke singer, people. He's a true talent with an amazing gift and he's doing what's being asked of him. I worry if they find themselves playing to half empty houses this year, they'll disband once and for all. And then we'll all be missing them. "You don't know what you got until it's gone." - Cinderella

[KenTheDude]

I don't have tickets for any shows. First time in 8 years.

Wow, I'm surprised to see this. We're doing Houston only this time around.

[Don]

With the setlist of the last few shows, it seems everything has come full circle. Cain said upon the firing of JSS that Journey wanted to go back to its legacy sound; it appears after the failure of Eclipse, the realization that Arnel will never be a third spoke in the writing department and the now stale PR line of Pineda's back story the band is actually doing what Jon said they wanted to do five years ago.

Taking the path of least resistance, really. For those longing for it to be 1981 again, it's really the best offering out there. At least the aging musicians can still bring it with a fresher voice than Mr. P would have these days. In a live setting people aren't expecting studio perfection. The legacy pays the bills and always will. Nothing new is gonna bring any great wealth to any of them.

Amen. Good post. I can't speak to anyone's means (we all need to decide what we can and can't afford these days). But a Journey show is ol' reliable. Songs we know, played by amazing musicians who can really bring it live. Arnel is not a karaoke singer, people. He's a true talent with an amazing gift and he's doing what's being asked of him. I worry if they find themselves playing to half empty houses this year, they'll disband once and for all. And then we'll all be missing them. "You don't know what you got until it's gone." - Cinderella

I really don't buy that argument. Journey has never had that devout of a fanbase since their monster run in the early '80s A lot of their new fans are finding a connection from outside avenues, whether it be nationalism (Pineda being Asian) or media association (fans of Glee and other artists who cover DSB live on occasion). Journey is more of a brand now days than a group of talented musicians. Most people didn't even know who the one consistent element of the band was until he started getting press for being associated with a media monger.
2010 is a perfect example. DSB was in the top 10 on iTunes charts in over two dozen countries. In the U.K (the third largest music market outside of the US and Japan), Don't Stop Believin' was #6 on the singles charts and Journey's Greatest Hits was 12 on the album chart. Outside of this board though, no one was clamoring for the band Journey itself to be out there touring; the mostly highly visible member during that time was arguably Steve Perry of all people. DSB became its own brand and was in fact larger than the people that created it at that point. Every licensing deal Journey signs in facts pushes them further into being a faceless entity in comparison to the music they are riding the royalties on (just like Foreigner during the majority of the tour last year after Jones fell ill).
This isn't Iron Maiden or Pink Floyd. The music is accessible enough where there will always be someone or something other than Journey that can bring it to the people whether it be from talent shows or movie soundtracks. For the majority of this new generation of music lovers that may very well be good enough.

Realistically, I don't see Journey thinking about shutting it down if they only played to half empty halls this year. Look at 2011; they only had 17 sellouts yet you would think they were setting the world on fire. They aren't going anywhere for the next few years if they can help it.

[Gideon]

.....Journey is playing here. LOL and I'm not going. Last time they played here was in '82 (ya dont' get any better than that!). Journey/Loverboy/Night Ranger.......not a big fan of this version of Journey, and never been a fan of Loverboy/Mike Reno, so the only one I would really like to see is Night Ranger, but not going to pay $150.

You know you've moved on, when.........

This is off topic, but I expect you'll appreciate the fact that I've been wearing "Undertow" out for the past week. Finally succumbed and downloaded the song to my iPod and it has the best, catchiest, most badass rhythm guitar work I've ever heard. Great, great tune.

[DrFU]

I don't have tickets for any shows. First time in 8 years.

Wow, I'm surprised to see this. We're doing Houston only this time around.

Moving to CA; dates not working out either place.

[Deb]

I don't have tickets for any shows. First time in 8 years.

Wow, I'm surprised to see this. We're doing Houston only this time around.

Moving to CA; dates not working out either place.

Cool! LOL not that I live there either or anything, but I'm sure we'll see each other at more shows...........

[Deb]

.....Journey is playing here. LOL and I'm not going. Last time they played here was in '82 (ya dont' get any better than that!). Journey/Loverboy/Night Ranger.......not a big fan of this version of Journey, and never been a fan of Loverboy/Mike Reno, so the only one I would really like to see is Night Ranger, but not going to pay $150.

You know you've moved on, when.........

This is off topic, but I expect you'll appreciate the fact that I've been wearing "Undertow" out for the past week. Finally succumbed and downloaded the song to my iPod and it has the best, catchiest, most badass rhythm guitar work I've ever heard. Great, great tune.

Easily my most favorite solo. Never usually care much about the guitar solos in songs, but that one I just love! And being able to witness that solo and others from just a few feet away was one of the highlights for me, of the two shows I saw on last year's tour. To find out PG is just as much of an all around nice, down to earth dude as EM is, too, was just icing on the cake. Those 4 guys appreciate their fans and show it, no matter what country they're playing in.

LOL I have to laugh, my younger brother is so proud of me for my taste in rock lately. Haha, teases me for noticing more than just the singer/vocals nowadays. After finally seeing them live after all these years, I totally see what all the commosion is about talent-wise. And seeing all 4 of them switch out instruments amongst themselves a couple times over on one of the songs was just amazing. So much talent on one stage...... it almost burns your retinas.

[FamilyMan]

With the setlist of the last few shows, it seems everything has come full circle. Cain said upon the firing of JSS that Journey wanted to go back to its legacy sound; it appears after the failure of Eclipse, the realization that Arnel will never be a third spoke in the writing department and the now stale PR line of Pineda's back story the band is actually doing what Jon said they wanted to do five years ago.

Taking the path of least resistance, really. For those longing for it to be 1981 again, it's really the best offering out there. At least the aging musicians can still bring it with a fresher voice than Mr. P would have these days. In a live setting people aren't expecting studio perfection. The legacy pays the bills and always will. Nothing new is gonna bring any great wealth to any of them.

Amen. Good post. I can't speak to anyone's means (we all need to decide what we can and can't afford these days). But a Journey show is ol' reliable. Songs we know, played by amazing musicians who can really bring it live. Arnel is not a karaoke singer, people. He's a true talent with an amazing gift and he's doing what's being asked of him. I worry if they find themselves playing to half empty houses this year, they'll disband once and for all. And then we'll all be missing them. "You don't know what you got until it's gone." - Cinderella

I really don't buy that argument. Journey has never had that devout of a fanbase since their monster run in the early '80s A lot of their new fans are finding a connection from outside avenues, whether it be nationalism (Pineda being Asian) or media association (fans of Glee and other artists who cover DSB live on occasion). Journey is more of a brand now days than a group of talented musicians. Most people didn't even know who the one consistent element of the band was until he started getting press for being associated with a media monger.
2010 is a perfect example. DSB was in the top 10 on iTunes charts in over two dozen countries. In the U.K (the third largest music market outside of the US and Japan), Don't Stop Believin' was #6 on the singles charts and Journey's Greatest Hits was 12 on the album chart. Outside of this board though, no one was clamoring for the band Journey itself to be out there touring; the mostly highly visible member during that time was arguably Steve Perry of all people. DSB became its own brand and was in fact larger than the people that created it at that point. Every licensing deal Journey signs in facts pushes them further into being a faceless entity in comparison to the music they are riding the royalties on (just like Foreigner during the majority of the tour last year after Jones fell ill).
This isn't Iron Maiden or Pink Floyd. The music is accessible enough where there will always be someone or something other than Journey that can bring it to the people whether it be from talent shows or movie soundtracks. For the majority of this new generation of music lovers that may very well be good enough.

Realistically, I don't see Journey thinking about shutting it down if they only played to half empty halls this year. Look at 2011; they only had 17 sellouts yet you would think they were setting the world on fire. They aren't going anywhere for the next few years if they can help it.

fair enough ... but I don't think the criticism of the musicianship is fair. I'd listen to Neal Schon play all night with Ross and Jon. Don't even need a singer as far as I'm concerned.

[Deb]

I'd listen to Neal Schon play all night with Ross and Jon. Don't even need a singer as far as I'm concerned.

Ok now that is just going too far. Gotta have vocals man vocals!

[Gideon]

.....Journey is playing here. LOL and I'm not going. Last time they played here was in '82 (ya dont' get any better than that!). Journey/Loverboy/Night Ranger.......not a big fan of this version of Journey, and never been a fan of Loverboy/Mike Reno, so the only one I would really like to see is Night Ranger, but not going to pay $150.

You know you've moved on, when.........

This is off topic, but I expect you'll appreciate the fact that I've been wearing "Undertow" out for the past week. Finally succumbed and downloaded the song to my iPod and it has the best, catchiest, most badass rhythm guitar work I've ever heard. Great, great tune.

Easily my most favorite solo. Never usually care much about the guitar solos in songs, but that one I just love! And being able to witness that solo and others from just a few feet away was one of the highlights for me, of the two shows I saw on last year's tour. To find out PG is just as much of an all around nice, down to earth dude as EM is, too, was just icing on the cake. Those 4 guys appreciate their fans and show it, no matter what country they're playing in.

LOL I have to laugh, my younger brother is so proud of me for my taste in rock lately. Haha, teases me for noticing more than just the singer/vocals nowadays. After finally seeing them live after all these years, I totally see what all the commosion is about talent-wise. And seeing all 4 of them switch out instruments amongst themselves a couple times over on one of the songs was just amazing. So much talent on one stage...... it almost burns your retinas.

Now we have to disagree on the solo. I love Gilbert and "Undertow" should be inspiration for Neal and co. on where to take the next album, but the solo is underwhelming to me.

[KenTheDude]

I don't have tickets for any shows. First time in 8 years.

Wow, I'm surprised to see this. We're doing Houston only this time around.

Moving to CA; dates not working out either place.

WOW! Why are you moving? By choice or career driven?

[DrFU]

I don't have tickets for any shows. First time in 8 years.

Wow, I'm surprised to see this. We're doing Houston only this time around.

Moving to CA; dates not working out either place.

WOW! Why are you moving? By choice or career driven?

Both; new job; it's all good!

[Deb]

This is off topic, but I expect you'll appreciate the fact that I've been wearing "Undertow" out for the past week. Finally succumbed and downloaded the song to my iPod and it has the best, catchiest, most badass rhythm guitar work I've ever heard. Great, great tune.

Easily my most favorite solo. Never usually care much about the guitar solos in songs, but that one I just love! And being able to witness that solo and others from just a few feet away was one of the highlights for me, of the two shows I saw on last year's tour. To find out PG is just as much of an all around nice, down to earth dude as EM is, too, was just icing on the cake. Those 4 guys appreciate their fans and show it, no matter what country they're playing in.

LOL I have to laugh, my younger brother is so proud of me for my taste in rock lately. Haha, teases me for noticing more than just the singer/vocals nowadays. After finally seeing them live after all these years, I totally see what all the commosion is about talent-wise. And seeing all 4 of them switch out instruments amongst themselves a couple times over on one of the songs was just amazing. So much talent on one stage...... it almost burns your retinas.

Now we have to disagree on the solo. I love Gilbert and "Undertow" should be inspiration for Neal and co. on where to take the next album, but the solo is underwhelming to me.

IMO that's the beauty of it, that solo isn't a PG technical masterpiece. I just love the catchy, crunchiness of it! The first time I heard the solo was watching the video and loved it the first time I heard the song. I think the video performance adds alot to the solo. Undertow ~ solo 2:25 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mHGv5FCS2j8 ......just love Paul's passion in that performance, he seems to be so into it. LOL, PG and BS just come across as some very cool badass dudes on that part of the vid. I don't know, maybe having witnessed their amazing fingerage a few feet in front of my face adds to the like-age and appreciation of it.