The Rockumentary Journey Should Have Made

[MysteryMountain]

So I finally saw History Of The Eagles (2013) last night, and all I could think is Why hasn't Journey done something of this scope?? I saw so much wonderful footage of backstage hijinx, studio recording sessions, mega interviews, live footage, still photographs, & more (Joe Walsh's affinity for destroying hotel rooms - tells the story of when Belushi helped him one night). I hadn't seen much of this stuff (other than the concert clips on youtube, like the Capital Center concert, and some more of the live performances available, and was just in awe of everything. One of the best parts was their disregard for hiding what many bands hide, or simply elude to, and that was their drug use (prominent in lots of the footage), excess, & party lifestyle. I hate when bands play that off, or pretend it was a minor part of their process, or simply a given, or wink-wink. Here the Eagles embrace it, and admit from that darkness comes much of the creative process that drove them and eventually destroyed them.

For me I hold the Eagles right up there along with Journey. I've read & read that Journey recorded everything in their hey day (late 70s), so when will it be assembled and see the light of day? When Sony stops holding it hostage (is this the truth?)? What a joke... The VH1 BTM was a teardrop compared to what should have been produced by now. There should have been at least 1 Hr alone on the original lineup & first 3 albums, not a asterisk to what they became.

As enlightened, and entertained as I was watching the Eagles stuff, I was just more & more frustrated that Journey has not tackled a project of this magnitude, covering their entire career, with a large amount of time spent on each chapter & member. Their window is closing for something like this, and I hope we don't have to wait until Steve or Neal croaks before it comes to light, then they end up using outdated interviews.

If you aren't familiar with this video history, please go stream it on Netflix, or purchase it (I believe the DVD/Blu Ray has even more footage), then ask yourself the same question: Why hasn't Journey done the History of Journey.

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KlOSWRZ4bl0

Now, before you say how much you hate the Eagles, please, instead, explain why there isn't a History Of Journey 3 hr. Rockumentary out there, with an extra hour of bonus footage.

[FamilyMan]

Because Perry and the rest of the band members are not on the same terms the Eagles were when they made it. The Eagles - for whatever their own reasons - made their peace with one another. Journey has yet to do that.

[MysteryMountain]

That is an excellent point. Although there was a lot of tension, and brotherly quarreling amongst them, you're absolutely right Don & Glenn were able to set their egos aside & reconcile for Hell Freezes Over & all post band appearances. I guess I'd counter with, who cares if they get along. There was as lot of Bernie Leadon in that doc - but I know that's not an apple to apple comparison like Steve/Neal to Glenn/Don. I did think about that, and that's where the idea for me would splinter a bit - while they may all agree on how the band came about & their rise to fame, it would probably fragment into a he said/she said as to why they broke up. Either way, I think it's still worth pursuing by all parties. Considering most of it would be/should be history & historical footage/photos - they can have their differences, and disagree on how things broke apart, it would be the original members memories of the first 3 albums & original lineup, Perry would add to his era & legacy, then Neal, Ross, Jon/Arnel could sum up the post Perry era & where they stand today, and bringing Smitty back on board. Meh, I don't know - disagreements & ego just seems like a very weak reason not to make something of that magnitude which would be just as popular to their fans as the Eagles one was to theirs, IMHO.

Sad - how many bootlegs I've heard where Perry exclaims we're recording audio & video tonight.... where are those Reels? Even if new footage was not uncovered we know the Winterland pre-perry footage is out there, & we've seen the Infinity/Evolution/Departure Perry era (Capital Theatre & Japan), the Frontiers & beyond (Escape/Frontiers), the split up/Raised on Radio footage, etc. etc. It's out there - just needs some compiling & updating to the story.

Someone get me Herbie Herbert on the phone.

[Art Vandelay]

There was also a very good documentary that Showtime aired about Genesis. Not quite as long as the Eagles documentary, but still very good. Lots of old, classic footage shown. The only thing that they did skip out on was the temporary phase when Phil Collins left the band and they actually got a replacement singer, Ray Wilson (this was some time in the late 90's). They went from doing multiple night stadium gigs to doing theaters. Not one word was mentioned about this.

Again, unlike Perry and Journey, all of the original members of Genesis are now on good terms and were all able to sit in a room together to talk and reminisce about the band.

[MysteryMountain]

Again, unlike Perry and Journey, all of the original members of Genesis are now on good terms and were all able to sit in a room together to talk and reminisce about the band.

I don't think there was one current (by this I mean at the time of filming of the doc) where any two members were together for any interview. Yes, in the older footage where riding in a limo, or being interviewed in a certain era, but not the modern/retrospective interviews that drove the doc. I don't need them in the same room or the same state for that matter, I just need them to talk & share their individual memories & the stories behind the songs. As I said, a lot of this is already out there in pieces. I may just start to DL those and assemble my own "B movie doc". It can be done, just requires time.

[Art Vandelay]

Again, unlike Perry and Journey, all of the original members of Genesis are now on good terms and were all able to sit in a room together to talk and reminisce about the band.

I don't think there was one current (by this I mean at the time of filming of the doc) where any two members were together for any interview. Yes, in the older footage where riding in a limo, or being interviewed in a certain era, but not the modern/retrospective interviews that drove the doc. I don't need them in the same room or the same state for that matter, I just need them to talk & share their individual memories & the stories behind the songs. As I said, a lot of this is already out there in pieces. I may just start to DL those and assemble my own "B movie doc". It can be done, just requires time.

I do like your idea and agree that it would be awesome to see...my point about all of the members at least getting along makes for a more celebratory piece. All old hard feelings have been aired out and it's water under the bridge, which makes for a celebration of what they've done and how they are able to finally enjoy it all today. Journey and Steve Perry are not at this point...not yet at least. You need the happy ending. A Journey documentary, based on the current state of the band vs. its heyday, would be like a rehash of the Behind The Music documentary.

[MysteryMountain]

No, I agree - you guys are absolutely correct about the hard feelings stuff. There was a bit of that in the Eagles one, as they approached the Long Run & the divisions were formed Don/Glenn & Walsh/Felder, and they cover it. Also when Meisner was all but tossed, and as mentioned Leadon's departure. I think that kind of thing is inevitable with all great bands, well most, and tough to avoid when approaching a project like that, which is why, while unavoidable, I think the angle of conception & history is my focus - rather than getting into the who's fault/he said-she said stuff. But yeah, the ability to get beyond those feelings and that bad history would certainly make for a more entertaining & fresh take on the band.

[Monker]

Because Perry and the rest of the band members are not on the same terms the Eagles were when they made it. The Eagles - for whatever their own reasons - made their peace with one another. Journey has yet to do that.

What I understand is Perry is very protective and particular of what gets released. There was point in time back in the Augeri years where there was talk of a sort of "Video Box Set" which probably would have contained some of the stuff you are talking about but it was never released.

If they did release it, it would be so watered down that I doubt that it would be anything comparable to what you describe. Can you imagine Perry approving video where he is shown Partying with Sammy Hagar and drinking or doing cocaine, or whatever? It will never happen. There are old Departure era live songs left over from Captured that Perry refuses, like "Patiently" and "Winds of March" and such, that fans (including me) think are incredible. Do you think he'll approve of VIDEO of those songs? I don't think it will ever happen.

I honestly don't think the rest of the band give a damn....they would release anything Perry agrees to released. But, they need his approval if what it contains is video footage of him.

[FamilyMan]

There is/was a 60 Minutes profile of the Eagles a year or two ago when the "Eden" album came out. My recollection is it was even more enlightening that the "History Of…" doc in terms of how dysfunctional the band was - even in recent years. It's amazing Azoff managed to keep them touring and speaking all these years. If only he could have worked his magic with Journey. Oh well, he did try.

[Onestepper]

Quite honestly, as much as the ego maniac label has been thrown at Frey and Henley, I have always believed they were still more mature than Perry and Schon.

I think Schon has grown up quite a bit in the last few years, enough to put aside his differences with Perry. But I have yet to ever see that from Perry's side.

I have always believed that the Eagles loved making money more than they needed to hate each other. They at least could co-exist on stage for about 2 hours a night. I don't think some in Journey have ever come to that point. And may never.

So it goes.

[Monker]

Quite honestly, as much as the ego maniac label has been thrown at Frey and Henley, I have always believed they were still more mature than Perry and Schon.

I think Schon has grown up quite a bit in the last few years, enough to put aside his differences with Perry. But I have yet to ever see that from Perry's side.

I have always believed that the Eagles loved making money more than they needed to hate each other. They at least could co-exist on stage for about 2 hours a night. I don't think some in Journey have ever come to that point. And may never.

So it goes.

You are assuming it is personalities keeping Perry out of the band.

Remember, Perry didn't just quit Journey, he all but left the industry barely recording anything at all....and the only time we have really heard him sing was with the Eels.

Also remember that Neal has extended a permanent invitation to Perry to join Journey on stage. That invitation goes all the way back to the Augeri days.

It's not ego keeping a reunion from happening - it's Perry and IMO, his voice can't complete a tour. Herbie knew that back in the TBF days.

[Onestepper]

Quite honestly, as much as the ego maniac label has been thrown at Frey and Henley, I have always believed they were still more mature than Perry and Schon.

I think Schon has grown up quite a bit in the last few years, enough to put aside his differences with Perry. But I have yet to ever see that from Perry's side.

I have always believed that the Eagles loved making money more than they needed to hate each other. They at least could co-exist on stage for about 2 hours a night. I don't think some in Journey have ever come to that point. And may never.

So it goes.

You are assuming it is personalities keeping Perry out of the band.

Remember, Perry didn't just quit Journey, he all but left the industry barely recording anything at all....and the only time we have really heard him sing was with the Eels.

Also remember that Neal has extended a permanent invitation to Perry to join Journey on stage. That invitation goes all the way back to the Augeri days.

It's not ego keeping a reunion from happening - it's Perry and IMO, his voice can't complete a tour. Herbie knew that back in the TBF days.

You are somewhat making part of my point. Schon has extended that invite, and has made it quite clear that he wants to play with or even just have Perry around the band again. Perry insists on communicating through lawyers. That's not someone that is demonstrating a high level of interest in continuing a relationship...whether they feel they can perform on stage or not.

I'm not slamming Perry, but I'm also not excusing that his own actions don't represent someone that has the ability to put the past behind him and move on for the greater good, which is what the Eagles were able to do. If he isn't that type of person, he wouldn't be the first or the last. Henley and Fry were stupidly stubborn regarding guys like Felder, so they aren't perfect by any means.

I do think it's pretty clear, as you noted, that Perry just doesn't seem to like the spotlight, which is his right.

[JourneyHard]

If Steve Perry's voice cannot complete a tour, why not just do three shows like Journey is doing with Santana? Hint Hint Hint And then Steve Perry can release his new album, and never have to perform live again.

[Art Vandelay]

I still say that a one-off, unplugged set of the Greatest Hits with just Steve and Neal would put all of the bad feelings to an end. The music would be stripped down to a level where Perry could breath new, magical life into it, and both he and Neal could take it to a whole new stratosphere.

[tj]

Henley and Frey were the Eagles. Everyone else is just a hired hand, including Joe Walsh. After Meisner and Leadon left, Henley, Frey and Felder were the only business members. Felder got booted by the other two when he tried to get an equal percentage of the profits in the early 2000s.

Henley and Frey got along well enough to keep it going for the money until Freys death in January. Without both of their agreement, the History of the Eagles would never have been made. Felder was a minor side note in the film and only then shown in a poor light.

No way that Perry signs off, much less participates, in something like this for Journey. He and Neal were the Henley /Frey of Journey, but Perry was by far much more dominant. That they can't get in a room together to talk speaks volumes.

I also don't see Neal agreeing to anything with Perry that doesn't keep Neal in control. Too much water under the bridge. ROR, 10 year break, TBF no tour, 2 years waiting on Perry, and now almost 20 years of rebuilding his band into a touring /money making machine is too much to let Perry just walk back in and have any control. But I don't think Perry would participate without control.

[JourneyHard]

This makes me wonder if Steve Perry has a lot of solo songs and maybe Journey songs sitting on the shelf somewhere that he hasn't given permission to release. How many songs have we never heard? And with the death of Prince, will we have to wait for the same to happen to him before we hear them?

[tj]

This makes me wonder if Steve Perry has a lot of solo songs and maybe Journey songs sitting on the shelf somewhere that he hasn't given permission to release. How many songs have we never heard? And with the death of Prince, will we have to wait for the same to happen to him before we hear them?

At that point will most people really even care. Some sort of Prince unreleased masters will be released and probably do very well. Mostly because he created a persona that was far more intriguing than his talent.

SP is a unique vocal talent, unrivaled (even by Arnel). It sets him apart to those who focus on the music. He didn't need androgony, change his name to a symbol and back, etc. Most people who know SP know the voice, not some media persona. Those who love the voice will buy whatever SP releases, but I doubt it will compare to the spectacle that was Prince.