Augeri......Right choice? Wrong choice?-Debate.

[heardonthestreet]

"who would you choose to replace Perry."

With all due respect NC, that's what you're not getting. He's irreplaceable.

[heardonthestreet]

With fans like you guys, Augeri dosen't need any enemies. How do you think this stupid topic makes him feel?

[The_Noble_Cause]

Actually, I felt that way years ago when Mr. Big first came out with "To Be With You". He has that soulful voice that matches Journey so well. He also toured with Journey and was managed by Herbie. There are also Neal/Jonathan writing credits on some of his solo stuff and early Mr. Big albums. So, I thought there were some close enough ties to Journey, especialy because of Herbie, that he may fit into the band.

That's really interesting to know. Thanks for the insight, Monker.

I think Neal played guitar on a track with Eric Martin called "I Can't Stop the Fire" or something like that.

[The_Noble_Cause]

"who would you choose to replace Perry."

With all due respect NC, that's what you're not getting. He's irreplaceable.

Everyone here is well aware that you disagree with the decision of "replacing Perry", and you are entitled to feel that way, but this thread isn't about that.

"This thread is about the possible replacements Neal and Jon had to choose from during the audition process. This is not about Steve Perry needing to come back or about debating if Neal was right or wrong in deciding to replace Perry."

If you don't wanna talk about the topic of this thread, then move along.
It's that simple really.

[The_Noble_Cause]

With fans like you guys, Augeri dosen't need any enemies. How do you think this stupid topic makes him feel?

Why aren't you equally as concerned about hurting Augeri's feelings when you go out of your way in this thread to say his job is futile and a fool's goal because "SP is irreplaceable".

Why are you only concerned about Augeri's feelings when it comes to other people discussing this particular topic?

You know what I think? I think you just have issues when it comes to discussing the possibility of someone else singing for Journey other than Steve Perry. I don't think you can handle the thought.

Besides, this was already covered earlier in this thread.
Why are you bringing this up again?

As I already stated......

No one on here ever said Augeri wasn't a good choice.
No one on here is needlessly carping on Augeri.
Most of us are all objective enough to be able to listen to more than one singer and maturely discuss their respective talents. IMO, Chalfant is a slightly better singer than Augeri. Doesn't mean I don't like Augeri or don't like the new music. Doesn't mean he was a bad choice. I think Chalfant is more talented by a small margin and would have prefferred to have seen him up on the stage.
Big deal.
The show goes on.

Does my slight prefernce for Chalfant in any way hinder my enjoyment of new music or my concert-going experiences? Nope. The lack of Chalfant's presence deters from the show about as much as Rolie's absence does. In that, yeah, in a perfect world, I'd both rather see them up there on that stage, but truthfully, when the show actually starts neither of the two enter my mind. Most of all, I am thankfull for what I have.

[PROPERRY]

Changed my mind...how about Constantine Maroulis?? Sang one of my favorite songs, "Kiss from a Rose" by one of my favorite singers "SEAL" Oh Oh OH, but according to the Cause....or was it YAK (the same) I do not know any singers besides Steve Perry!! YAWN.......

Suggest any singer you want. Fine by me. I never heard of Constatine Maroulis, hey, maybe she's a good fit for the band. I dunno.
Just don't try to turn this around and make this about "Should Journey have moved on without Steve Perry".

It's about, should Steve Augeri been Perry's replacement, or should someone else have been Perry's replacement?
We know that you want Perry. We know that think Journey should have ceased without Perry. But I wonder, if you take those two options away, who would you choose to replace Perry.

Shriveled black little heart?? You are a sicko! Journey should be doing anything and everything to DISTANCE themselves from a weirdo like you!! [/color]

Andrew said stop arguing. Why do you persist? Oh that's right, because you hate Journey in it's present form and want him to shut down this forum. How silly of me. Whoopsie. I forgot.

NC,

You've been telling EVERYONE that "This thread is NOT about Steve Perry needing to come back or about debating if Neal & co. were right or wrong in deciding to replace Perry"

You even stated on another post (same thread) that, "this is a non-Perry related thread." You've been yelling at Perry fans & even resorting to calling us names for our opinions that were stated in a respectful manner.

NOW NC, you say this, "who would you choose to replace Perry."

I'll give you my answer, but you should already know it.
The answer is: NO ONE!!! As HOT said, "Perry is irreplaceable!" That is how I feel about Perry & it will never change.

I feel this thread is disrespectful to Augeri considering he holds the job right now.

I just find it kind of ironic that it is the Perry fans sticking up for Augeri, not his own fans!

Lori

[Eric]

Actually, after hearing "Believe in Me" I think JSS would have made a very creative choice to lead a new Journey.

[JourneyTroll]

Actually troll...Journey has been putting on a greatest hits show since 1998....ironically with the exception IMO of 2001, when they played a good deal of Arrival...

I didn't see Journey in 1998. However, their 2002 show was fine. I just don't want to see the same old songs played over and over again. Plus, I am not a fan of Steve Augeri. Since the person who created this thread stated this is a debate, I wouldn't blink or protest at all if Journey ditched Augeri.

Journeytroll

[JourneyTroll]

Hi there. My opinion is Michael Jackson should become the new lead singer of Journey if he wins his case. Haven't you heard that allegations are only allegations, and a person is innocent until proven guilty? Michael Jackson is a better singer and performer than Steve Augeri. If Michael Jackson became the lead singer of Journey, then they would be able to sell out any venue throughout the world and reach mega-star status.
Journeytroll

Eh, Troll, your opinion can sway any which way it wants to. The website I gave has evidence galore of his sick persuasions. The mere fact that he is even considered to be what he is accused of would be enough for people to stay away from him. The people on the witness list have not been in touch with him in years. Quincy Jones told him years ago that hanging out with little boys didn't look good. His reply was 'nobody can tell me what to do.' He keeps calling Liz Taylor's home in the middle of the night and her staff keeps telling him to quit bugging her, because she is very ill. He was discovered registering both he and Emmanuel Lewis at a hotel as father and son. Those things don't even scratch the surface. Doesn't sound innocent to me. Unlikely that many people will back him up.

My point here is that YOU have the unmitigated gall to suggest that a creature of this nature should be standing in Steve Augeri's shoes. Maybe you need a shrink. Thank goodness Journey had the brains to choose another singer and move on.

Have you heard? Journey is recording an album, and has plans for what sounds like an awesome tour this summer! Can't wait!!

If you don't like Journey, why are you going to their shows

But Steve Augeri is a lousy singer. Michael Jackson's lifestyle is unusual, but does that make his actions illegal? The courts will decide. Sadly, I am predicting that Journey's "new" album will be just as bad as Red 13. Get ready!

Journeytroll

[The_Noble_Cause]

I feel this thread is disrespectful to Augeri considering he holds the job right now.

I just find it kind of ironic that it is the Perry fans sticking up for Augeri, not his own fans!

What is there to stick up for?
No one is saying the guy stinks.
No one is saying anything remotely offensive.
We are saying Augeri is in the upper tier of all time great singers, but at the same time, I am considering the slim chance that there were possibly even greater singers out there.
I am sure any singer would feel honored, just to be discussed in such esteemed company. Being compared with the all time greats like Chalfant and Perry is a compliment unto itself. For any singer.

Besides, if you are so concerned about hurting Steve's feelings then why have you repeatedly gone out of your way in this thread to say his job is futile and a waste of time because "SP is irreplaceable".


Furthermore, if every rock fan took a musician's "feelings" into consideration before posting here, then these message boards would serve absolutely no purpose to anyone.

Following that logic, it would be downright insensitive & offensive to honestly discuss or critique records or concert-experiences on these boards. Imagine if we were to debate "Arrival" and talk about what songs we like and which ones we don't like. Or imagine if we were to talk about a concert experience that was sub-par?

Wouldn't that be offensive to Steve?

I mean, hey, we don't want to hurt the man's feelings now, do we?

Steve Augeri is an adult. He of all people realizes that he was one of a select few lucky enough to be considered to sing for this band. I don't see what's wrong with talking about the other singers (as Monker and others have respectfully done in this thread) who were up for the job.
Even most fans today will readily concede to you that Deen the drummer has a better range then Augeri.

Is this disrespectful, too?
No, it's called "reality".
Something I'm not sure you're capable of dealing with.

[perryfaithful]

I am sure any singer would feel honored, just to be discussed in such esteemed company. Being compared with the all time greats like Chalfant and Perry is a compliment unto itself..

What?? Most people have never heard of Kevin Chalfant. I frankly like him, but sure wouldn't place him in a category called "all time greats" with Steve Perry!

[The_Noble_Cause]

What?? Most people have never heard of Kevin Chalfant. I frankly like him, but sure wouldn't place him in a category called "all time greats" with Steve Perry! [/color]

Depends on your definition of "all time greats". Fame and fortune has always seeimgly alluded, Kevin. However, being considered an "all time great" is not measured solely on the merits of financial success & fame. If that was the case both Britney Spears and Nsync would be considered "all time greats".
Many in the music biz speak VERY highly of his talent including John Kalodner.
The point is, you don't become an "all time great" strictly on the virtue of financial success alone. There is the criterion of sheer, god given talent to take into consideration, as well.
In my opinion, his voice ranks right up there with Steve Perry, Freddie Mercury and Dennis Deyoung. His catalog of songs may be in no ways nearly as notable, but to me he is one of the "all time greats".
You are certainly more than entitled to your own feelings on the matter, PF.

[PROPERRY]

I feel this thread is disrespectful to Augeri considering he holds the job right now.

I just find it kind of ironic that it is the Perry fans sticking up for Augeri, not his own fans!

What is there to stick up for?
No one is saying the guy stinks.
No one is saying anything remotely offensive.
We are saying Augeri is in the upper tier of all time great singers, but at the same time, I am considering the slim chance that there were possibly even greater singers out there.
I am sure any singer would feel honored, just to be discussed in such esteemed company. Being compared with the all time greats like Chalfant and Perry is a compliment unto itself. For any singer.

Besides, if you are so concerned about hurting Steve's feelings then why have you repeatedly gone out of your way in this thread to say his job is futile and a waste of time because "SP is irreplaceable".


Furthermore, if every rock fan took a musician's "feelings" into consideration before posting here, then these message boards would serve absolutely no purpose to anyone.

Following that logic, it would be downright insensitive & offensive to honestly discuss or critique records or concert-experiences on these boards. Imagine if we were to debate "Arrival" and talk about what songs we like and which ones we don't like. Or imagine if we were to talk about a concert experience that was sub-par?

Wouldn't that be offensive to Steve?

I mean, hey, we don't want to hurt the man's feelings now, do we?

Steve Augeri is an adult. He of all people realizes that he was one of a select few lucky enough to be considered to sing for this band. I don't see what's wrong with talking about the other singers (as Monker and others have respectfully done in this thread) who were up for the job.
Even most fans today will readily concede to you that Deen the drummer has a better range then Augeri.

Is this disrespectful, too?
No, it's called "reality".
Something I'm not sure you're capable of dealing with.

"Besides if you are so concerned about hurting Steve's feelings, then why have you repeatedly gone out of your way in this thread to say his job is futile and a waste of time because SP is irreplaceable".


NC, have your forgotten that YOU are the one who STARTED this thread, and YOU were the one who asked the question, "Who would you choose to replace Perry?" I just responded to YOUR question!

I'm just pointing out that it was YOU who brought Perry into this thread, but kept telling EVERYONE that this was NOT about Perry,and telling Perry fans not to bring Perry into the discussion.

Lori

[The_Noble_Cause]

YOU were the one who asked the question, "Who would you choose to replace Perry?"

But, Lori, that isn't the question I'm asking.
Look up. ^^
Did you even read the topic title?

One last time....

"This thread is about the possible replacements Neal and Jon had to choose from during the audition process. This is not about debating if Neal was right or wrong in his divisive choice to replace Perry."

I'm just pointing out that it was YOU who brought Perry into this thread/
Lori

Ok. I see what you're saying. You're right. I goofed. If I at any time in this thread phrased the question as "who would you choose to replace perry" or said "should Steve Augeri been Perry's replacement, or should someone else have been Perry's replacement?" it was an oversight due to the fact that I was directly quoting jrnyman28's well-written post of politely asking you ladies for your input. I thought it was worth repeating and was a thoughtful attempt on his part to try to get you involved. Here's what he said. Feel free to compare it to what I said. I should've been more careful in selecting quotes to steal...err...I mean "borrow".

Should Steve Augeri been Perry's replacement, or should someone else have been Perry's replacement? I would be interested in hearing some of the Perry supporters views on who would have been the best choice to replace Perry.
We know that think Journey should have ceased without Perry. But I wonder, if you take those two options away, who would you choose to replace Perry.

[perryfaithful]

Is there an ACTUAL list of singers who DID audition??

[The_Noble_Cause]

Is there an ACTUAL list of singers who DID audition??

Not an actual "list" per se. Just what we know from various interviews with Neal and the gang. Some conducted by Andrew on this very site.

Geoff Tate was one.
Hugo was briefly considered, but ultimately they decided not to even give him a try out.

I'll go see if I can find more.

Any suggestions are ok though. Talk about anyone you think had the chops for Journey. Eric Martin (although managed by Herbie) wasn't considered and me and Monker have both suggested his name.
Just say who you think might've had potential for the role other than the talented Steve Augeri.
Or if you feel that Augeri was 100% the right choice, then by all means, say that.
I would appreciate if we tried to keep the topic on the possible replacements Neal and Jon could've choosen from and not so much on the controversial act of "replacing Perry" itself. Right or wrong-the topic has proven to only lead to chaos.

Even if you completely disagree with what Neal did (replace Perry) the guys were resolute in finding a new singer just the same.
So where's the harm in talking about who they could've chosen?

[perryfaithful]

Right or wrong-the topic has proven to only lead to chaos.

Of course it would

Now...did you say Hugo???

"Visually and vocally"

http://www.almostjourney.com/

[maci]

neal is good but he's not that good. i've heard others who are a lot better. he always looks like he's in pain when he plays. whats up with that. only neal thinks that neal is god.[size=18][/size

[NealIsGod]

Right or wrong-the topic has proven to only lead to chaos.

Of course it would

Now...did you say Hugo???

"Visually and vocally"

http://www.almostjourney.com/

Wow, that gave me chills. He's got the voice, the look and the mannerisms down pat. Could you imagine Journey touring with him?!?!?

[perryfaithful]

Wow, that gave me chills. He's got the voice, the look and the mannerisms down pat. Could you imagine Journey touring with him?!?!?

Interesting huh?

[The_Noble_Cause]

Wow, that gave me chills. He's got the voice, the look and the mannerisms down pat. Could you imagine Journey touring with him?!?!?

No. I can't frankly.
I've written about Hugo before. I'm sure he's a nice chap, and visually he sorta resembles Perry, but I find his singing voice to be extremely thin and to have very, very limited range.
There's no strength to it.
No power.
No "oomph!"
Note how he relegates the "Noooooooooooo!" at the end of Separate Ways to the audience, for example.
Download the video clip of him singing Lights to see what I mean. Or download any solo tracks of his.
I mean, all singers occasionally skip out on a note, but this video is supposed to represent the best this guy has to offer, and I'm just not impressed.
None of these tracks even compare to Augeri or Perry on their worst day.
In terms of vocal ability, he's just not qualified for singing with a band of Journey's caliber.

I'm not saying this just to be argumentative or to stir the pot. As far as cover bands go, I'm sure he puts on one heck of a show.
I've just never been impressed with Hugo's vocal talents.

[perryfaithful]

Talk about anyone you think had the chops for Journey.

Journey is so much Steve Perry's voice/style! Talking about an "adequate" replacement is NUTS! It is more than just "chops." Much more.......

Sorry...

[NealIsGod]

Wow, that gave me chills. He's got the voice, the look and the mannerisms down pat. Could you imagine Journey touring with him?!?!?

No. I can't frankly.
I've written about Hugo before. I'm sure he's a nice chap, and visually he sorta resembles Perry, but I find his singing voice to be extremely thin and to have very, very limited range.
There's no strength to it.
No power.
No "oomph!"
Note how he relegates the "Noooooooooooo!" at the end of Separate Ways to the audience, for example.
Download the video clip of him singing Lights to see what I mean. Or download any solo tracks of his.
I mean, all singers occasionally skip out on a note, but this video is supposed to represent the best this guy has to offer, and I'm just not impressed.
None of these tracks even compare to Augeri or Perry on their worst day.
In terms of vocal ability, he's just not qualified for singing with a band of Journey's caliber.

I'm not saying this just to be argumentative or to stir the pot. As far as cover bands go, I'm sure he puts on one heck of a show.
I've just never been impressed with Hugo's vocal talents.

So what do you really think?

Those clips are the first I've heard of him, and the audio wasn't the greatest. But from what I saw and heard, it was pretty scary! But you have to admit, he sure looks like him and has a similar enough voice bring a smile to your face!

I was joking about Journey touring with him. Journey would have caught a lot of flak if they had Hugo as a singer -- an obvious attempt to get a Perry clone. Augeri is similar to Perry, but has his own style that is a welcome addition IMO. I am sure Journey took songwriting ability into consideration when hiring a new singer, skills which Augeri must possess. Neal and Jon must have high standards in that department.

[NealIsGod]

8) neal is good but he's not that good. i've heard others who are a lot better. he always looks like he's in pain when he plays. whats up with that. only neal thinks that neal is god.[size=18][/size

Neal is a guitar God. Take it from one who plays. Saying "he's not that good" is pretty funny. Just blew your cred.

[perryfaithful]

I am sure Journey took songwriting ability into consideration when hiring a new singer, skills which Augeri must possess. Neal and Jon must have high standards in that department.

Or not! Seems to me that having a lead singer who was "humble" and NOT hell bent on making a huge contribution...overshadowing the rest of the band....was important!!??!!?? Bag the songwriting.......

Just a thought

[The_Noble_Cause]

I am sure Journey took songwriting ability into consideration when hiring a new singer, skills which Augeri must possess. Neal and Jon must have high standards in that department.

Or not! Seems to me that having a lead singer who was "humble" and NOT hell bent on making a huge contribution...overshadowing the rest of the band....was important!!??!!?? Bag the songwriting.......

Just a thought

Only the new album will tell.
If Augeri hasn't significantly expanded his writing credits by then, I am afraid you just might be right.

[jrnyman28]

Now...did you say Hugo???[/color]

"Visually and vocally"

http://www.almostjourney.com/

Wow, that gave me chills. He's got the voice, the look and the mannerisms down pat. Could you imagine Journey touring with him?!?!?

Actually, I feel that IF Journey had chosen Hugo, then Perry fans would have been correct in their accusations that Journey was try to "pull the wool over the fan's eyes". That was a big argument about Steve...that he sounded so close to Perry that Journey was actually trying to fool their fans into believing that Perry was still there. I always thought that was ridiculous. While Steve is very good (and only getting better year after year) he was NOT on the same level as Perry. While Steve had similar influences and timbre he did not sound exactly like Perry. And over the years I think Steve has improved partially because he is no longer trying to sing like Perry. (I think that was a mistake.) Steve is finally singing like himself and he sounds better for doing so.

[jrnyman28]

I am sure Journey took songwriting ability into consideration when hiring a new singer, skills which Augeri must possess. Neal and Jon must have high standards in that department.

Or not! Seems to me that having a lead singer who was "humble" and NOT hell bent on making a huge contribution...overshadowing the rest of the band....was important!!??!!?? Bag the songwriting.......

Just a thought

Actually, I remember Neal commenting on Steve's songwriting from Arrival. Neal and Jon got together and started writing Journey songs. They used some outside sources, that may be because a portion of their "team" was indeed missing! It might also be because they hoped to find something new with a new perspective. But nEal said once Steve joined that they were impressed with his songwriting. Sadly, much of the songs chosen for Arrival were: A)chosen by Sony; B) Chosen because they sounded like Journey with Perry; C) written before Steve joined. It is not fair to criticize Steve for the material that Sony did not choose because it did not sound like 'classic' Journey.

The new CD will tell more. But much is conjecture anyway...in all the years that Neal, Jon and Perry shared writing credits we actually have NO idea how much each person truly contributed to the songs. However, we do know that Neal has said that Steve has been writing a LOT of music for the new CD...coming to Neal after the shows with more and more ideas. I am also willing to bet that the reason there is a change in direction which Neal compared to the Who comes from Steve's input. We will probably see most of the songwriting credits attributed to Cain, Schon and Augeri unless/even if it is material from Arrival.

[jrnyman28]

Speaking of options as vocalists in Journey...remember the rumor that Michael Bolton was going to be the new vocalist. This was of course spawned by Neal and Jon performing on Sittin' On The Dock O' The Bay.

I was, at the time, horrified by that idea! Bolton was just too different...I wanted Perry. And I honestly thought that IF perry was gone, they BETTER have someone that sounds LIKE Perry. 12 years later that is what I got.

Now I think about it and Bolton could have done the job. He is also a very emotive singer (Like Perry) but would have sounded different enough to avoid much of these discussions. I still don't think I would like Bolton in Journey...but I think he could have done the job well.

I wonder where Journey would be now if Bolton HAD joined Journey back then?

[Abitaman]

Augeri was a good choice! If Journey had went with Bolton, I don't know, he is too far from Perry. Would have been like Bad English keeping the name Journey, Waite is to far from Perry sound too. Augeri, Chalfant, or Hugo were the best choices.

And some one posted the Journey cd would stink like the Red 13. I will, if you into the cd thinking it will, with you mind already made up. Relax! It's Music for crying out loud. Good Music granted! Perry is the voice of Rock! But he not in the business no more. Let someone else "shine"-ERIC