OT: Lou Gramm Beatle Cover - Wow!

[venomnation]

I love lou gramm's music as much as the next guy, but the sad reality is, much like many singers of his "era" and genre...he'll never sound that good again..it's not so much a statement on him...as much as the "era" is slowly fading away with the voices going away..

[Saint John]

Lou's gone through some serious health issues, battled them, and won. Now he's out there working his ASS off trying to regain the sound that made him one of the world's elite rock vocalists. While that may or may not happen, he's been honest with himself and his fans, he's given it everything he has, and most importantly, he'll never have to wonder whether or not he could have done it. He's out there trying and I respect the shit out of that. Lou's legendary career and catalog of hits give him that right because he's earned it. This dude has some serious balls to continue doing something he obviously loves. God bless you, Lou. See you on stage with Foreigner sometime in the future.

[Andrew]

Very true SJ....but the end point is that Lou's voice is not what it was

And he will not front Foreigner again. I can guarantee that.

[Saint John]

And he will not front Foreigner again. I can guarantee that.

Is that "guarantee" more or less believable than the one you made about a Soto fronted Journey album?

[Andrew]

And he will not front Foreigner again. I can guarantee that.

Is that "guarantee" more or less believable than the one you made about a Soto fronted Journey album?

One can never insure against musicians doing 180's...as we all well know.
But after speaking to the band in person, I do not see another reunion ever happening.

[Babyblue]

And he will not front Foreigner again. I can guarantee that.

Is that "guarantee" more or less believable than the one you made about a Soto fronted Journey album?

One can never insure against musicians doing 180's...as we all well know.
But after speaking to the band in person, I do not see another reunion ever happening.

That is sad they were so great at the time.And i just bet there still great together.

[Red13JoePa]

And he will not front Foreigner again. I can guarantee that.

Is that "guarantee" more or less believable than the one you made about a Soto fronted Journey album?

One can never insure against musicians doing 180's...as we all well know.
But after speaking to the band in person, I do not see another reunion ever happening.

Shame because I don't forsee this Mick Jones all-star band he has going around as Foreigner right now ever getting back above ground.

I enjoy the Extended Versions album for the music but would rather have Gramm @ 60% than the guy who looks like Steven Tyler.
To be fair, from most accounts Gramm is the one who pulled the plug on the partnership and at times can seem rather tempermental like the Urgent lyric.

[conversationpc]

Lou's gone through some serious health issues, battled them, and won. Now he's out there working his ASS off trying to regain the sound that made him one of the world's elite rock vocalists. While that may or may not happen, he's been honest with himself and his fans, he's given it everything he has, and most importantly, he'll never have to wonder whether or not he could have done it. He's out there trying and I respect the shit out of that. Lou's legendary career and catalog of hits give him that right because he's earned it. This dude has some serious balls to continue doing something he obviously loves. God bless you, Lou. See you on stage with Foreigner sometime in the future.

I salute this post. Well said.

[Marabelle]

With some people it seems there still remains the need to top their best even with no hopes of ever recapturing that sound. I echo Jerry Seinfeld's remark that "you can't top yourself" so why try. If you once were the best then leave it at that cause the likelihood of ever sounding like that again are remote and next to naught so don't die of embarassment trying.
I'd rather remember you at your best then a cover band's rendition of yourself.

[StoneCold]

With some people it seems there still remains the need to top their best even with no hopes of ever recapturing that sound. I echo Jerry Seinfeld's remark that "you can't top yourself" so why try. If you once were the best then leave it at that cause the likelihood of ever sounding like that again are remote and next to naught so don't die of embarassment trying.
I'd rather remember you at your best then a cover band's rendition of yourself.

In effect you're saying Perry should stay where he's at. Release nothing else and make no attempts at performances.

[Saint John]

With some people it seems there still remains the need to top their best even with no hopes of ever recapturing that sound. I echo Jerry Seinfeld's remark that "you can't top yourself" so why try. If you once were the best then leave it at that cause the likelihood of ever sounding like that again are remote and next to naught so don't die of embarassment trying.
I'd rather remember you at your best then a cover band's rendition of yourself.

Logic like this wouldn't have given us Frontiers, ROR and TBF from Journey as Perry's voice had already begun to change after Escape and he wasn't able to "top" himself anymore. Didn't matter one fucking bit to me and seemingly anyone else, though. Should Greg Maddux have retired 10 years ago because he was no longer able to "top himself?" Should Gretzky have not played his last 10 or so years? Should Favre have not played the last 6 or so years? Should Ron Jeremy quit making pornos because he's fat? I smell "Loon" logic all over your post with a side order of Perry apologist.

[Rhiannon]

Should Ron Jeremy quit making pornos because he's fat?

YES

[yulog]

Should Ron Jeremy quit making pornos because he's fat?

YES

its not how fat you are ,its the size of the PETER

[G.I.Jim]

With some people it seems there still remains the need to top their best even with no hopes of ever recapturing that sound. I echo Jerry Seinfeld's remark that "you can't top yourself" so why try. If you once were the best then leave it at that cause the likelihood of ever sounding like that again are remote and next to naught so don't die of embarassment trying.
I'd rather remember you at your best then a cover band's rendition of yourself.

In effect you're saying Perry should stay where he's at. Release nothing else and make no attempts at performances.

When I posted what I did about Lou, it was with the upmost respect. I love Lou, and think he's one of the top 3 vocalists (In my mind anyways) that has EVER graced the melodic rock stage! What I'm saying is...it's not just his vocal range. He's so out of shape (which is completely understandable considering what the hell he's been through) that he's out of breath the entire time he's on stage! Just look at the videos!!! And they weren't from "Years ago" or just after his surgery either...they were from last year!

Steve Perry is by no means out of shape. Steve doesn't sing because he doesn't WANT to sing. I'm 100% convinced that if Perry wanted to record/tour that he could do so, and even give us some kick-ass tunes! I believe the reason he'll never tour again is because all of his fans will expect the "Separate Ways", "Don't Stop Believing" etc...that he just can't sing anymore. That is, unless he tunes way down, and take some of the lower notes. I'd be happy as hell with even that, as I'm sure most of you would also!

Again, I LOVE Lou...I just think when you go out on stage and sound that bad..................... Maybe it's time to throw in the towel.

[Saint John]

Maybe it's time to throw in the towel.

What kind of fucking attitude is that?!?! Rocky Balboa would've lost to Clubber Lang and Ivan Drago with advice like that.

[mistiejourney]

Maybe it's time to throw in the towel.

What kind of fucking attitude is that?!?! Rocky Balboa would've lost to Clubber Lang and Ivan Drago with advice like that.

I've never figured what exactly you are supposed to throw the towel in....

[Aaron]

I'll second that ...

Lou's gone through some serious health issues, battled them, and won. Now he's out there working his ASS off trying to regain the sound that made him one of the world's elite rock vocalists. While that may or may not happen, he's been honest with himself and his fans, he's given it everything he has, and most importantly, he'll never have to wonder whether or not he could have done it. He's out there trying and I respect the shit out of that. Lou's legendary career and catalog of hits give him that right because he's earned it. This dude has some serious balls to continue doing something he obviously loves. God bless you, Lou. See you on stage with Foreigner sometime in the future.

I salute this post. Well said.

[Pacfanweb]

Man,

I really hate to make this post, because Foreigner has been one of my all-time favorite bands but... Sometimes it's just best to walk away from the mic! Foreigner made the best decision they could make by moving on with another singer. I'm one of the biggest fans Lou has, but he is making an absolute mockery of himself by still singing today. I hate to say it, but I'd rather never hear him sing live again.

It's so sad, because he nearly died a few years back due to a tumor. He's put on a good 100 to 150 pounds, and ALL of his vocal range is gone. He's constantly out of breath and it just makes me sad every time I see a new clip of him singing. I wish he would have just gone out on top.

Listen to these clips:

"Waiting for a girl like you"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XkxGPQOs ... re=related


"Juke box Hero"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wH9EbxDc ... re=related

Wow, that sounds terrible. Glad he's still trying, but I agree....maybe he shouldn't.

Glad I saw him with Foreigner in 1996....he was AWESOME.

[G.I.Jim]

Maybe it's time to throw in the towel.

What kind of fucking attitude is that?!?! Rocky Balboa would've lost to Clubber Lang and Ivan Drago with advice like that.

Rocky wasn't too out of breath to fight either!!!

[RPM]

What a great clip that is of Lou doing the the beatles tune, thats the way I will remember him.
AND just because youve earned the right thru a catalogue of great tunes to go out and sing
them, even when your flat, out of key, a shadow of the greatness you once had, it doesnt mean
you should. I was embarrased for him just watching those other two clips.....just awful.

Ray

[piecesofeight]

I love lou gramm's music as much as the next guy, but the sad reality is, much like many singers of his "era" and genre...he'll never sound that good again..it's not so much a statement on him...as much as the "era" is slowly fading away with the voices going away..

Sadly..we will never know what Lou what have sounded like still now if he hadn't gotten sick and had to be on so many meds that affected him..


Through everything he has remained a class act..he has an amazing heart and morals.

[StoneCold]

Thanks to Dave, "CPC", I discovered Gramm's other band Shadow King.

Here's some great clips from them.

Once Upon A Time
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Uj0SZQv ... re=related

I Want You
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ImRY3iHs ... re=related

What Would It Take
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a0J8FGOl ... re=related

Russia
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YagVqNuQ ... re=related

[Journey/Survivor]

+1 on the vocals.. To me its.. Steve Perry,Brad Delp,Lou Gramm then everyone else.. Also,I have Lou's earlier solo projects including Shadow King..They are so good..I think I would take Lou's solo stuff over Perry's..

For me it's...

#1 Jimi Jamison
#2 Steve Perry
#3 Lou Gramm

Brad Delp's great too though.

If you like Gramm you should also give a listen to Jamison, Joe Lynn Turner and Paul Rodgers.

And even John Wait, and Dan Huff from "Giant."

[scarygirl]

I'm torn because I too have seen the videos, and yes, they are painful to watch. So painful that you can hardly believe it is the same person. Just goes to show the power of illness and it's ravages combined with the strength of the human spirit to soldier on no matter come what may. In short, he's closer to God than we'll ever be.

[Saint John]

I'm hearing gradual improvement. This is better than 2007. I love this dude and what he's doing to regain some of that old form. Obvious improvement is occuring.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EFESreLk ... re=related

[kgdjpubs]

I'm hearing gradual improvement. This is better than 2007. I love this dude and what he's doing to regain some of that old form. Obvious improvement is occuring.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EFESreLk ... re=related

yea, I think there is some improvement there. The 2008 videos do sound a bit better. Sounds like he has got a little more range back. Haven't heard enough to determine whether he is actually better on a consistent basis or just a case of good night, bad night. Either way, it's a good thing.

[scarygirl]

I'm hearing gradual improvement. This is better than 2007. I love this dude and what he's doing to regain some of that old form. Obvious improvement is occuring.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EFESreLk ... re=related

I agree he sounds alot better there. How old is he?

[Saint John]

I'm hearing gradual improvement. This is better than 2007. I love this dude and what he's doing to regain some of that old form. Obvious improvement is occuring.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EFESreLk ... re=related

I agree he sounds alot better there. How old is he?

He'll be 58 on May 2nd.

[StoneCold]

I'm hearing gradual improvement. This is better than 2007. I love this dude and what he's doing to regain some of that old form. Obvious improvement is occuring.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EFESreLk ... re=related

I agree he sounds alot better there. How old is he?

He'll be 58 on May 2nd.

58, overcame the following and is still going today. Much respect.

From Wikipedia:

In April 1997, two months after providing vocals for Christian rock band Petra's Petra Praise 2: We Need Jesus, and on the eve the band was to leave for a Japan tour, Gramm was diagnosed with a type of brain tumor called a craniopharyngioma. Although the tumor was benign, the resulting surgery damaged his pituitary gland. In addition, the recovery program had caused Gramm to gain weight, and likewise affected his stamina and voice. He continued to work with Jones throughout his illness and in 1999, Gramm was back touring with Foreigner playing summer festivals and smaller markets until late 2002