My Thoughts on Journey, Arnel, Perry, Augeri, And JSS...

[venomnation]

I've been challenged by someone....who shall remain nameless, but they are a member on this board.... Unless THEY want to identify themselves....they'll remain unidentified.

And I Quote:

Steve

For many months I've sat back and watched as many people have put down
decisions regarding the lead singer position in Journey. In a world where
you "can't please everybody" it seems that you were the hardest to please.
Intriguing enough were your comments about Arnel being a "forty pound Philippino runt" (those WERE your words, were they not?) but what intrigues me more is how as hateful as you were, you still seem to want to play the
music on your show. And now I'm told you've gone the "other" direction?
You should make up your mind. Are you a Journey fan...or are you a fan of
Steve Perry. I understand both situations. Fans of Steve Perry have hated Neal Schon
since the day Kevin Chalfant first walked into the studio....I've heard they sent him death threats when I hired Steve Augeri, and I hear it more now than ever with Arnel. The only time that I heard ANYTHING positive is when Jeff stepped in, and much as people don't want to hear it, Jeff was not a permanent replacement. The lies and deceit regarding the situation only comes with people on the internet, not between Soto and Neal. I heard your recent comments that he was "the hardest working man in the business" and while I agree to a certain point, you need to understand that he does that of his own free will.


There was a band BEFORE Steve Perry and there will be a band AFTER Steve
Perry. I would love, as much as the next guy for him to walk up to Neal’s
front door and say "hey, wanna jam?" but the sad fact is, it's not going to
happen. The open door policy they initiated with Steve Augeri likely remains. Arnel
has most likely stated emphatically that he'd step aside if only for one chance to see
Steve back in this band, but it won't happen, and it's not by any choice of the guys still IN the band.

Why might you ask, would I send you a message? Why bother with the
"critics"? Quite simply, because you seem to be a fairly educated person
when it comes to Journey music. So here's my challenge to you. I challenge you
to open your biased ears and give the new music a listen....give Arnel a
chance...and if you still don't like it....then I can accept it for what it
is.....but just once, I'd like to hear you stop riding the fence on the
issue and just make a decision and stick by it. Either praise them or bury
them, but regardless of the choice you and other critics make, understand that
that band WILL go on. I just want to see one honest critic give one honest
opinion of the MUSIC, instead of basing opinions on the nationality of the
guy singing.

Are you capable of at least that? I think you are... And on a side
note...I think it’s cool you’re bringing exposure to the other side...the Soul Sirkus, and the
solo work...it's nice to see someone appreciates it.

End Quote.

Well – here’s my thoughts – You’re absolutely right. I called him a 40 pound phillipino runt. At the time, I just knew him as some guy they picked up off youtube. Who, In their right mind, knowing ONLY that, could see some youtube singer replacing Steve Perry? Who, for that matter, could see some youtube singer replacing Steve Augeri? And I DAMN SURE…. REFUSED to see some youtube singer replacing Jeff Scott Soto! But that was months ago, and I’ve remained relatively quiet since…..with a few exceptions, where I’ve rather publicly RETRACTED my statement about Arnel. I’ve never gone on-record in the resoundingly POSITIVE…..but I’ve stopped making the NEGATIVE show through.

These are the hard facts as I see them. You’re right. My dream, for Journey, would be to wake up tomorrow morning and see on the E! bulletin that Steve Perry reunited with Journey and they’re all going to go on a world tour. The sad reality is, that won’t happen. I know it. You know it. As much as the rest of the dreamers in the world don’t want to, I think THEY know it. Do I think he’s not capable anymore? Hell no..but the rest of the world seems to think that’s the only reason he’s not back licking Schon’s boots for his job back. Maybe….and here’s a stretch…maybe he just got tired of it. Not of the band. Not of his bandmates. Maybe he just got burnt out on the lifestyle and the whole thing, and said “screw it, I’m too old for this” (And yes, I know he’s relatively young for the rock scene today..). I don’t think he’s lost his voice…not completely….I think he lost his fire…

I pitched the biggest opposition to Steve Augeri when it was announced he was replacing him. I knew of Tall Stories and Tyketto….and said “no way…he doesn’t even sound like him”. At the time, I was wrong. Eventually, the stresses of the position got to him….and his voice cracked. We all know the story behind that, need we re-hash it?

Immediately the first thing that came to mind when the put JSS in the spot was “HELL YEAH…finally Journey gets the true artist they deserve, and JSS gets the respect he’s earned for HOW many years?.... I stand behind what I say. Quote me on it now…Flame me later, but don’t misconstrue my words:

“Pound for pound….song for song…night for night…Jeff Scott Soto is the hardest working, most sincere, most genuine man in the music business today”.


He’s not scared to step on stage in front of 40,000 people, but he’s also not scared to share the stage with great (GREAT) men like Jeremey Hunsicker in front of 4,000 people. It’s just the kind of man he is. He’s had SO many success stories, and if I were him…I’d be proud as hell of it. I can’t speak for him, but I have serious doubts he’s ashamed, by any means, of what happened with Journey. He got to spend what, a year….in the company of true legends, filling the shoes OF a legend. He did it humbly….and he did it well….and when his time what up (for whatever reason, nobody here can say officially, and those who can, aren’t talking) he didn’t sulk…he went right back to work. Good for him. If that work ethic existed in the 80’s and then again mid 90’s, we would have never had a gap with no Journey in it. It didn’t…and as a result, we went ten years with no Journey, got one album which to me was their best, but to the rest of you was a commercial and musical failure, and it was off to the ‘great singer search” race again.


Why was Kevin Chalfant turned away? I don’t know. I don’t care. It’s irrelevant at this point.

Why was Steve Augeri turned away, instead of them waiting for him to come back? I don’t know. I don’t care. It’s irrelevant at this point.

Why was Jeff Scott Soto turned away, when he was the greatest fit for the job? I don’t know. I don’t care. It’s irrelevant at this point.

Why isn’t Jeremey Hunsicker (and not kissing ass, he doesn’t even know me, but I truly think he is and will be a star…it just hasn’t happened yet) singing for Journey right now? I don’t know. I won’t say I don’t care, but nothing but gossip abounds, but it’s STILL irrelevant at this point.

What’s relevant to Journey, RIGHT NOW…is that they HAVE indeed done what they needed to do. They are back on top…they have a brand new album with the CLOSEST thing to the classic sound I’ve heard SINCE the classic sound….and a singer that, despite his outward appearance, diction, nationality, or any other bias I or any other person may have against him, IS WHAT THE BAND NEEDED.

Do I agree with the way that Pineda was discovered? Yes. I think if you’re looking for something like that, Youtube is probably THE greatest showcase of any out there. It’s like having a billion demo tapes at your fingertips.

Do I think the band is going to make it with Pineda? Yes. As much as I would LOVE to see one of the aforementioned guys back….it’s not in the cards….and if only for the love of the music, and the dedication to the fans, then I wish the best of luck to them with their new singer. The guy has “it’’….he had that magical ‘element’ needed to make it work.

Do you recall them being on national television (albeit…Ellen Degeneres) with Augeri? Sure it probably happened, but not to the same media focus and frenzy as Arnel..

Do you recall fans being in THIS BIG of an uproar because Augeri sang the old stuff? Sure…an uproar, but nothing like this.

I’m not on the fence. I’ve just switched sides of the fence. I’m a music lover. I’m a music historian. That’s public knowledge. MY opinions on cover singers are very well known. I appreciate them in their own bands but can’t see them filling in on a permanent basis…. But it happens….and there’s not a damn thing I can do about it. My biggest musical influence is Queen. I don’t think there’s a man alive (EXCEPT…for Jeff Scott Soto) that can do Freddie Mercury’s vocals ANY justice….(and JSS does it his own way, he doesn’t try to be Mercury). For that purpose, I’ve simply soured my opinion on replacement singers. Rarely is there a TRUE success story to be had. Hagar…maybe….but look who’s eventually come back to the band. When I heard pineda was in, I said “no way…no thanks”.

Now I’ve indeed gone to the “other” side of the fence as you claim. I’m all for it. Bring it on. I’ll pay to see them, I’ll listen to him sing the songs…and I’ll love every minute of it. And I’ll buy the records. I bought trial by fire. I bought Arrival and Generations, and I’ll buy Revelations.

Call me a fence rider if you choose, but I’m squarely planted in the “let’s rock” garden….regardless of what side of the fence it’s on, or who’s out front singing. And yes, I will continue to play Journey in the Venom Nation. Because it’s good. And because I “Can”.

So here's your ONE and ONLY opportunity to get a public apology out of me.

To Neal and John, I apologize. The decision was actually for the better, and I wish you the best of luck. No. It's not Steve Perry. Would love to see him back. No it's not JSS or Jeremey..both of which deserve the respect and admiration that they COULD earn being the singer for Journey....but as a fan who hates replacement singers, and gets paid to criticize bands for a living....you have my vote

Rock out.

That satisify your demands, sir?

[The_Noble_Cause]

....I've heard they sent him death threats when I hired Steve Augeri

The only people who hired Steve Augeri were Neal and Jon.
Sony's pointman in the project was actually against him.

Is this post addressed to LockNLoad?

Do you recall them being on national television (albeit…Ellen Degeneres) with Augeri? Sure it probably happened, but not to the same media focus and frenzy as Arnel..

I dunno.
Minus the Ellen thing there hasn't been much media focus that I'm aware of.
With Augeri you had VH1 Behind-the-Music, the Direct TV Vegas Concert, A 3 song live performance on the CBS Morning Show, a nationwide live radio blitz, as well as appearances on syndicated hits Access Hollywood and Blind Date.

[Enigma869]

My thoughts are:

Perry - THE MASTER! "Journey" will FOREVER attempt to imitate this guy, but will ALWAYS fall short!

Jeff - Love the guy as a musician. I honestly never heard of him, before he was brought into Journey. I never thought he had the right voice for Journey, but still enjoy his music. I also love the fact that the guy is simply a class act, and has always been very respectful of Perry.

Augeri - Nicest guy on the planet. He simply didn't have the voice to sing the Journey catalog. I've never understood why he was chosen. I've listened to many recordings of Augeri, and his voice completely falls apart EVERY time he has to hit the high notes. I thought he was superb on "Arrival", when he was singing songs that were written for his range. He was simply out of his league, trying to sing the back catalog, in spite of what all the red leather pant, worshipping chicks on Jackass Talk say

Arnel - The jury is still out. That said, the guy can definitely sing! He has a MUCH stronger voice than Augeri had, and I believe he is simply better well suited for singing Journey's back catalog.

The bottom line is that even with Arnel, Journey isn't making any sort of comeback. They are what they will always be...an 80's mega-group who made it big, for a time. That time has passed!


John from Boston

[finalfight]

As intriguing as all this is surely this should have been dealt with privately via pm or email?

I was a little worried that early in your response you seemed to be overfond of the term YouTube singer when Arnel is a singer plain and simple. There are videos of him singing on Youtube as there are with millions of other artists and musicians some well known some as yet undiscovered.

As nice as the YouTube story is I must admit I am slightly suspicious of the whole thing. Like it would take anyone searching for Journey covers on YouTube to several days to discover Arnel. A few minutes more like. I reckon Neal saw the clips of Arnel on here first but maybe thats just me.

[pinkvelvet]

singer that, despite his outward appearance, di

whats wrong with is appearance?

[venomnation]

I'm not going to defend an opinion. I was given a challenge to state my opinion publicly...and I did....shy of that...it's just out there to discuss and read...but I'm not going to DEFEND an OPINION.

[jrnyjetster]

Arnel - The jury is still out.

The bottom line is that even with Arnel, Journey isn't making any sort of comeback. They are what they will always be...an 80's mega-group who made it big, for a time. That time has passed!

I don't know, John, I have a feeling we're all gonna be very surprised. There are some monster tracks on Revelation and I think Journey's going to do very well with this.

[Natalie]

My thoughts are:

Perry - THE MASTER! "Journey" will FOREVER attempt to imitate this guy, but will ALWAYS fall short!

Jeff - Love the guy as a musician. I honestly never heard of him, before he was brought into Journey. I never thought he had the right voice for Journey, but still enjoy his music. I also love the fact that the guy is simply a class act, and has always been very respectful of Perry.

Augeri - Nicest guy on the planet. He simply didn't have the voice to sing the Journey catalog. I've never understood why he was chosen. I've listened to many recordings of Augeri, and his voice completely falls apart EVERY time he has to hit the high notes. I thought he was superb on "Arrival", when he was singing songs that were written for his range. He was simply out of his league, trying to sing the back catalog, in spite of what all the red leather pant, worshipping chicks on Jackass Talk say

Arnel - The jury is still out. That said, the guy can definitely sing! He has a MUCH stronger voice than Augeri had, and I believe he is simply better well suited for singing Journey's back catalog.

The bottom line is that even with Arnel, Journey isn't making any sort of comeback. They are what they will always be...an 80's mega-group who made it big, for a time. That time has passed!


John from Boston

My sentiments EXACTLY. Thanks for typing that all out for me JFB! Now could you be a sweetie and go get me an Evian??

[Jeremey]

Who is this "I" you are quoting?

[Journey/Survivor]

Arnel - The jury is still out.

The bottom line is that even with Arnel, Journey isn't making any sort of comeback. They are what they will always be...an 80's mega-group who made it big, for a time. That time has passed!

I don't know, John, I have a feeling we're all gonna be very surprised. There are some monster tracks on Revelation and I think Journey's going to do very well with this.

Are Journey ever going to be as huge as they were in the 1980's? No, their not.
But these people who act like Journey are not relevant anymore are insane. They continue to sell 10 to 20 thousand tickets to each of their shows, they still get tons of radio play, their constantly mentioned on TV, etc etc. Journey are still extremely relevant.

[ScarabGator]

My thoughts are:

Perry - THE MASTER! "Journey" will FOREVER attempt to imitate this guy, but will ALWAYS fall short!

Jeff - Love the guy as a musician. I honestly never heard of him, before he was brought into Journey. I never thought he had the right voice for Journey, but still enjoy his music. I also love the fact that the guy is simply a class act, and has always been very respectful of Perry.

Augeri - Nicest guy on the planet. He simply didn't have the voice to sing the Journey catalog. I've never understood why he was chosen. I've listened to many recordings of Augeri, and his voice completely falls apart EVERY time he has to hit the high notes. I thought he was superb on "Arrival", when he was singing songs that were written for his range. He was simply out of his league, trying to sing the back catalog, in spite of what all the red leather pant, worshipping chicks on Jackass Talk say

Arnel - The jury is still out. That said, the guy can definitely sing! He has a MUCH stronger voice than Augeri had, and I believe he is simply better well suited for singing Journey's back catalog.

The bottom line is that even with Arnel, Journey isn't making any sort of comeback. They are what they will always be...an 80's mega-group who made it big, for a time. That time has passed!


John from Boston

My sentiments EXACTLY. Thanks for typing that all out for me JFB! Now could you be a sweetie and go get me an Evian??

Hey, I'll get you an Evian....or a GATORade.