Well I went.....

last night to the GCC last night to see Journey...why you ask? BECAUSE THE TICKETS WERE FREE. It by no means was a sold out show.

My opinion.

It was ok, not bad and not good either...just ok. Are there still diction issues? YES. And trust me when I say that what has been written on the boards about this issue is tame compared to the statements I heard last night.

Neal was awesome. He seemed somewhat annoyed at certain times*(see below)

Cain looked like he was constipated and wished he was sitting on a commode trying to remedy his troubles. He actually acted like a freaking fish out of water, like he didnt belong there. No interaction or acknowledgement of the crowd.

Ross, well is Ross. The Resident Hunk (now known as TRH) asked who "moses" was. Wow he looks bad, I have clients that are in their 80's that look better than him. One thing for sure, he was into it and was having fun.

Deen was fantastic! Actually both he and Ross truly looked like they wanted to be there. When he did Still They Ride, I have to say that was one of the few highlights of the show.

Arnel likes to jump around alot like a monkey. Does that impress me? Not really. There was a couple of songs that he did do well, and they were the songs that were written for him to sing. The DD's were iffy in my opinion. To me, he looks as if this is all to big for him. Still somewhat sheepish. All his running around and jumping seemed almost like a nervous twitch. To me he didnt command the stage nor the audience. He looked like a novice amongst professionals, yet he has been singing how many years?

A few observations:

The crowd at some point decided when their "pee breaks" and beer 30 was to be and that was when they played anything from Revelations. Actually the crowd sat down like it was boring to them.* The acknowledgement from the crowd to these songs ran from a cool to a luke warm.

Alot of interesting "old" tees being worn. Alot of Perry shirts and alot with Augeri also. Seems "the fans", the ones that attend the concerts, more of them than those of us that get on music boards, obviously have their choice also...and this is a year and a half after he has been with the band. Seen very few "new" J shirts out there at all.

THR and many others that could retreated to the private members club about 6 songs into it. Means nothing to you but to me says tons.

Finally....In the past J concerts left me with that warm and fuzzy feeling, ya know, satisfied, worn out, excited yet pleasured. Last night left me with the feeling "is that all ya got?"

(need to get setlist off my answering machine...all I had with me was the 4 C's - cash, credit card and cell so I would call myself and list the songs 3 at a time)

The tickets here in GSO were $68.50 and up. Personally I would not consider that to be a $68.50 show...but I can never turn down a freebie!!

BTW....Night Ranger was great....got inside late and didn't see all of their set, but what I did see was great...LOUD AND CONSISTANT.

I would not pay $68.50 to see em.....free I would make an effort for.
Thanks for the review doka.

You couldn't pay me to see Asian karaoke with butchered lyrics.

It's funny Ed, but I think they lost some "fans" Friday night.

The thing is...they can see them here in GSO or Charlotte or Raleigh. They grew up with the music or became fans after the music died (Perry leaving). The majority are the ones and like I said there are more of them than us (us being the ones on the music boards) that are shaking their heads wondering what is going on. More than a few left there Friday night shaking their heads.

Something else I forgot to mention was that the music was not as loud as it once was. There was a time when the sound would take you over...it wasnt like that. Also, there was a few occassions where they played over AP, which got me to thinking that they now know where his vocal faults are and they play over him to hide them, if that makes sense.

Moon Beam wrote:I would not pay $68.50 to see em.....free I would make an effort for.
Thanks for the review doka.

Good to see you Moonie...missed you around here girlie!!

doka wrote:It's funny Ed, but I think they lost some "fans" Friday night.

The thing is...they can see them here in GSO or Charlotte or Raleigh. They grew up with the music or became fans after the music died (Perry leaving). The majority are the ones and like I said there are more of them than us (us being the ones on the music boards) that are shaking their heads wondering what is going on. More than a few left there Friday night shaking their heads.

Something else I forgot to mention was that the music was not as loud as it once was. There was a time when the sound would take you over...it wasnt like that. Also, there was a few occassions where they played over AP, which got me to thinking that they now know where his vocal faults are and they play over him to hide them, if that makes sense.

Understand completely. You know it's not just Journey, although they are the biggest offender. I am sick about Boston touring with a singer from Home Depot, and Yes with a tribute singer in toe. I am not against bands having to find new vocalist, but it's getting ridiculous. Especially with the whole "rags to riches" fucking bullshit spin management of these bands are giving.

Ed wrote:

doka wrote:It's funny Ed, but I think they lost some "fans" Friday night.

The thing is...they can see them here in GSO or Charlotte or Raleigh. They grew up with the music or became fans after the music died (Perry leaving). The majority are the ones and like I said there are more of them than us (us being the ones on the music boards) that are shaking their heads wondering what is going on. More than a few left there Friday night shaking their heads.

Something else I forgot to mention was that the music was not as loud as it once was. There was a time when the sound would take you over...it wasnt like that. Also, there was a few occassions where they played over AP, which got me to thinking that they now know where his vocal faults are and they play over him to hide them, if that makes sense.

Understand completely. You know it's not just Journey, although they are the biggest offender. I am sick about Boston touring with a singer from Home Depot, and Yes with a tribute singer in toe. I am not against bands having to find new vocalist, but it's getting ridiculous. Especially with the whole "rags to riches" fucking bullshit spin management of these bands are giving.

I agree with what you are saying....though I did like Michael Sweet's time with Boston.

doka wrote:

Ed wrote:

doka wrote:It's funny Ed, but I think they lost some "fans" Friday night.

The thing is...they can see them here in GSO or Charlotte or Raleigh. They grew up with the music or became fans after the music died (Perry leaving). The majority are the ones and like I said there are more of them than us (us being the ones on the music boards) that are shaking their heads wondering what is going on. More than a few left there Friday night shaking their heads.

Something else I forgot to mention was that the music was not as loud as it once was. There was a time when the sound would take you over...it wasnt like that. Also, there was a few occassions where they played over AP, which got me to thinking that they now know where his vocal faults are and they play over him to hide them, if that makes sense.

Understand completely. You know it's not just Journey, although they are the biggest offender. I am sick about Boston touring with a singer from Home Depot, and Yes with a tribute singer in toe. I am not against bands having to find new vocalist, but it's getting ridiculous. Especially with the whole "rags to riches" fucking bullshit spin management of these bands are giving.

I agree with what you are saying....though I did like Michael Sweet's time with Boston.

I had no problem with Matthew Sweet there. I also liked Kellly Hansen in Foreigner. But they both have a pedigree and some success in previous bands as did Steve Augeri. I just can't stand this karaoke/tribute singer horseshit. These bands ought to charge half price. And judging by Journey's recent attendance figures in Baltimore and Richmond - the game is over.

Ed wrote:
I had no problem with Matthew Sweet there. I also liked Kellly Hansen in Foreigner. But they both have a pedigree and some success in previous bands as did Steve Augeri. I just can't stand this karaoke/tribute singer horseshit. These bands ought to charge half price. And judging by Journey's recent attendance figures in Baltimore and Richmond - the game is over.

You mean Michael Sweet. Mathew Sweat is that gay alterna-rocker that hit lotto by recording albums with suzzanna hoffs...

Frank wrote:

Ed wrote:
I had no problem with Matthew Sweet there. I also liked Kellly Hansen in Foreigner. But they both have a pedigree and some success in previous bands as did Steve Augeri. I just can't stand this karaoke/tribute singer horseshit. These bands ought to charge half price. And judging by Journey's recent attendance figures in Baltimore and Richmond - the game is over.

You mean Michael Sweet. Mathew Sweat is that gay alterna-rocker that hit lotto by recording albums with suzzanna hoffs...

Yeah Frank, I fucked up. LOL. Matthew Sweet is playing in Annapolis, MD with Susanah Hoffs. I have tix too!

No disrespect meant to Michael Sweet who is an amazing talent.

A few (more) observations:

• None of your observations were positive.
  
• I think reviews are a demonstration of good, old fashioned psychology. To those who adore the new incarnation, they see the crowd in love with Arnel. To those who... don't, they see the crowd as essentially bored. Could it be the location or venue? Sure; obviously you'll have different reactions depending on the concert. It just seems to me that both sides see what they're intent on finding.
  

Teasing aside, the crowd rarely seems super excited about anything other than the major hits, and this is coming from someone who goes to these things expecting a great show and keen on observing the positive angles. Honestly, the "obscure" Perry-era tracks don't fly over too well either. I'd wager that these folks are here to see the major hits: DSB, Faithfully, Open Arms, Separate Ways, Lights, and Any Way You Want It. Not that they aren't happy to hear the rest, but not nearly to the same extent. When I saw them in Louisville, the Revelation material garnered enough interest for the majority to stay standing. Some people make it sound like the arena fucking empties: this isn't the case. They don't know the words and aren't as eager to hear it as the major hits, but they didn't terribly mind, from what I've seen personally and from the videos.

doka wrote:THR and many others that could retreated to the private members club about 6 songs into it. Means nothing to you but to me says tons.

I would like to interject here to defend (?) my actions.

There were 2 reasons for me going into the PMC.

1. The woman in front of me bathed in some cheap perfume she bought at Wallyworld and her aroma was not mixing well with my beer.
2. I wasn't impressed overall.

I am, or so I have been told, the oldest member here. While some of you were wiping your noses on your mothers sleeves or still sperm waiting to be extracted from your fathers, I was going to Journey concerts. They were loud, exciting, exhilerating and there was fun to be had by all, in the crowd and on the stage. It was invigorating and stimulating. I didnt see that on Friday night. What I did see was a poor animation of what once was. The interaction between the musicians/singer was non-existant, more like cha ching lets do it, get paid and leave. They looked bored. Bored with the music and bored with themselves.

I have no dog in this fight. Arnel can sing. He just doesnt have what it takes to capture me. He lacks power. The type of power it takes to captivate and control a listener. Perry (seen him a few times) had it. Augeri (seen him too) had a form of it also. That power exists in very few singers and there are not many of them today. One of the best was Farrokh Bulsara and his little band (google the name) which I witnessed in Houston and Atlanta. When a singer can take the lyrics, mix it with the melody, create a sound that is completely empowering then you have a magical singer that will stand out above any other.

Like I said, Arnel is a good singer. But the guy is 40ish. Why was he not discovered long before this? I personally wouldnt find it too complimentary to be "found" by an 80's band on what might be it's last leg.






Hey bubbles why dont you have a picture of ME instead of lynch and mendoza? They arent the ones letting you buy $150 handbags and matching shoes, which I still havent found the price tag yet. (thought I didnt know)

doka wrote:last night to the GCC last night to see Journey...why you ask? BECAUSE THE TICKETS WERE FREE.

I must say that at this point I don't even think *FREE* would be enough to get my curiousity piqued, Arnel completely aside. I don't see where watching Neal with his nose shoved so far up in the air and Jon looking like he has been constipated for 2 weeks is the least bit enjoyable. Thanks for the review - reminds me of what i am *NOT* missing!

Bubbles!!?!?!?

Thanks for the review Doka and Don ..... ( a very important point about the beer, Don)

The sad thing about the reviews is deja vu - the reviews always start taking this turn when Journey is about to regurgitate yet ANOTHER singer.

Cat

They won't be shitcanning Arnel.

Gideon wrote:They won't be shitcanning Arnel.

Nope they will destroy his voice with over touring and find the next pawn.

Ed wrote:

Gideon wrote:They won't be shitcanning Arnel.

Nope they will destroy his voice with over touring and find the next pawn.

Like deja vu all over again!!!

Cat

I don't think so, no.

Leaving aside the whole moral argument, Journey is the focus of media attention that they simply haven't enjoyed for many, many years. Like it or not, Soto nor Augeri garnered this much interest as far as the general public is concerned. Now that people are becoming increasingly more familiar with Journey's history (i.e. firing band members), Neal and co. can't afford to lose Arnel. Otherwise the bitterness that afflicted so many fans after Soto's departure would just spread to the public about Arnel.

And then no one will really care about Journey one way or another. Say what you want about Neal or Cain or Azoff, but they do prioritize and have an eye for success. Arnel, like him or not, is bringing them success. And before people bitch and say "they got rid of Perry," Perry got rid of Perry.

Giddy
Considering that Soto was in the band less than a year, without any new material released, its not fair to say he wouldnt been able to give the band the same attention as Arnel does, when it comes to the media....
Keep in mind that Soto kicked major ass, night after night , getting many Leppard fans converted to Journey... these were people that were goin there to see Leppard mainly and Journey just as a warm up, get drunk band,, but ended up going home in awe as how good Journey sounded

Getting WallyWorld involved helped a lot too,,,regardless of it Arnel was the singer, or Soto, or even Stevew2

Behshad wrote:Getting WallyWorld involved helped a lot too,,,regardless of it Arnel was the singer, or Soto, or even Stevew2

Um, lets not go *that* far!!! LOL

Behshad wrote:Giddy
Considering that Soto was in the band less than a year, without any new material released, its not fair to say he wouldnt been able to give the band the same attention as Arnel does, when it comes to the media....

I didn't say Soto couldn't have garnered the attention, I said he didn't. Which is a fact as cold and hard as a cock through rigor mortis.

And, also to be fair, Arnel was in the band less than a year and enjoyed the spotlight to an extent far greater than Soto ever did.

Behshad wrote:Keep in mind that Soto kicked major ass, night after night , getting many Leppard fans converted to Journey... these were people that were goin there to see Leppard mainly and Journey just as a warm up, get drunk band,, but ended up going home in awe as how good Journey sounded

This is true, but Journey has always been a critically acclaimed band when it comes to live performances. For this tour in particular, the naysayers or critics or whatever you call them are in the vast minority. Augeri, who was notorious for pitch issues, was frequently heralded in the reviews for his fantastic voice. Critical acclaim was not something new to Journey with Soto.

Behshad wrote:Getting WallyWorld involved helped a lot too,,,regardless of it Arnel was the singer, or Soto, or even Stevew2

I'm not disputing that, nor am I disputing whether or not Soto was a good choice. Personally, I've seen him live with Journey in Indianapolis during the tour with Def Leppard and I've seen numerous bootlegs. Soto has a powerful voice with a deceptive range; he knocked some performances out of the ballpark, but I found that others (the '70s and early '80s stuff in particular) were utter letdowns. He simply did not have the range to tackle this catalogue. But that's neither here nor there.

Arnel, like Perry, is a tremendous source of their newfound popularity. His voice, his story, what have you. Journey is enjoying media attention they haven't had since Perry left the band, which is why, even if we're quick to dismiss Jon and Neal as self-centered assholes, I feel that they won't dump Pineda. They have the eyes of the musical world on them; they can't afford to fuck up.

Arnel and Company just played to a half house here in Baltimore. Let's not pretend they are selling out everywhere. Same thing happened in Reading, PA.

They are not drawing anymore than they did with Steve Augeri in the band. Yes the album did better, but good lord for 3 discs for such a small amount - it had to.

Here's a funny review I found of a recent Night Ranger/Journey show.

http://streamingdrivel.blogspot.com/

"Has the all the stage presence of deranged muppet on uppers. He is so
small that he would get lost on stage and had to stand on monitors to
be seen. After the third song he left the stage and the drummer sang
for him. I don't know why. He came back on stage and said something
about living in Manilla, and then broke into that song from Vision
Quest. Which got me thinking about Mathew Modine and all those rumors
that he went nuts and all the stuff that was pulled out of his rectum."

LOL....great review!!!!


I can also pipe in and say that the Long Island show at Nassau Coliseum was half capacity as well. Not any better than the last time that they came through that building with Augeri....

Ed wrote:Arnel and Company just played to a half house here in Baltimore. Let's not pretend they are selling out everywhere. Same thing happened in Reading, PA.

No one said or that they were selling out everywhere. But multiple sold out shows >>>> two shows that didn't sell out. They're being extraordinarily successful, given the circumstances, which is the point.

This success is the reason why Neal and Jon are stuck with Arnel. If it gets out that they fucked up or fucked over another singer, then they'd be pretty much finished.