If Journey is a tribute band...

I dropped by MR earlier today to see if there was any news on upcoming albums for Journey or Steve Perry; to make a long story short, I read where one of the members posted that Journey was "a really good tribute act," which makes me curious: if modern-era Journey constitutes a tribute act, would that not make Steve Perry (particularly during the early '90s) one?

• Both Journey and Perry put out new albums with brand new material (Arrival, Red 13, Generations & Revelation; For the Love of Strange Medicine).
  
• Both Journey and Perry brought on certain bandmembers to replicate one another's iconic sounds (Arnel & Augeri for Journey to emulate Perry; Brewster for Perry to emulate Neal Schon [I'll be generous and not include the rest of the band]).
  
• Both Journey and Perry, during their respective tours, played songs from Journey's catalogue as well as their new material.
  
• Journey has played songs written by Perry (LTS); Perry's played songs written by Cain ("Faithfully").
  

I'll also play fair and exclude the fact that the hits performed by Journey were performed under the name Journey (they're not playing "Oh Sherrie" and Perry isn't playing anything off Late Nite) and the fact that (with the exception of LTS), the other songs were either co-written by Schon or Cain. (And two or three of the biggest were ultimately Cain's creations.)

So does that mean that Steve Perry is a tribute act as well? If not, why? Discuss.

Loons beware: if you participate in this civilized discussion, I expect reasons other than LOL CUZ PERRY'S NOSE IS LONGER or BECAUSE HIS MOTHER DIED or BECAUSE PERRY HAD LESS DIVORCES or some other bullshit. Thank you in advance.

Pinheads/Arneliots beware: if you're even on this forum, don't reveal yourselves.

Gideon, I consider them a tribute band, but hear me out. KISS are my favorite band of all time and I consider THEM a tribute band as well. What I am paying for is the KISS experience these days and it's still fun.

Same thing if you go see Foreigner or Styx.

Now I am ok with lead singer changes. Van Halen and AC/DC did it prefectly without hiring clones. I don't even mind similar sounding vocalists but I DESPISE karaoke soundalikes and want to piss in the face of anyone who watches American Idol. The worst offender ever is not Journey in my opinion it is Boston. Just put a Home Depot vest on this guy with zero stage presence as he stands in one spot clapping over his head cloning Brad Delp. No thanks - I'll pass.

Not a fan of Arnel in Journey, but he's better than that tool time guy in Boston. I know dude was a huge fan of Delp but it makes me sick. Not for the guy living his dream but moreso of Tom Sholtz wanting to make a buck.

Kelly Hansen works for me in Foreigner a bit because he wasn't some discovery. He was a hard working singer with a track record who took the gig.

We can all agree to disagree on this one but that's how I feel.

I just want to say Hi Giddy!

PEACE, LOVE AND HAPPINESS!!!


and one more thing....I agree with ED...they are now a tribute band and I bet that
Arnel does a great OH Sherrie!

Ed wrote:
Kelly Hansen works for me in Foreigner a bit because he wasn't some discovery. He was a hard working singer with a track record who took the gig.

Arguably, no one worked harder than Pineda to get a break. It's not his fault that he was born impoverished in a country with really no exposure and where karaoke is basically king in that particular genre of music. He loved the music and he paid great tribute to it by singing it. But he's now in Journey, has a double platinum album on his resume (when it's finally certified) and they're making more new music. Seems to me that that pretty much takes the "tribute" tag off of him. Journey simply has an obligation to the fans to play a good amount of the old songs because the fans love those songs as they hold great memories of a better musical period and it's unfair to the other contributing members to have to shelve those songs because their ex-lead singer is a mental case who can no longer sing because he didn't take care of his voice.

Different rules apply to different roles Dan.

Can you say that encouraging Lincoln Brewster to play like Neal Schon is making Steve Perry solo a tribute act? I call bullshit there....

To me, that's laughable. Asking one to play in a particular style is one thing. Scouring the internet to find someone that will sonically fool others is another.



Regardless, this sorta fighting is fucking ridiculously old.


If you love the current illegitimate version of Journey, listen to it!

If you dont, don't listen.


It's as simple as that.



I think you're unsettled by the fact that some people out there who were former Journey fans, do not consider Journey currently legitimate....and you need to continue this bullshit.



I think we've all moved on.


I'll consider the current sound-alike in Journey to be legitimate when Journey is compared and contrasted with other legendary acts and not it's former self.


Until then, you'll ALWAYS be haunted by what Perry brought to the band....and you will ALWAYS strive, unsuccessfully, to trump it.

Frank wrote:Different rules apply to different roles Dan.

Can you say that encouraging Lincoln Brewster to play like Neal Schon is making Steve Perry solo a tribute act? I call bullshit there....

To me, that's laughable. Asking one to play in a particular style is one thing. Scouring the internet to find someone that will sonically fool others is another.



Regardless, this sorta fighting is fucking ridiculously old.


If you love the current illegitimate version of Journey, listen to it!

If you dont, don't listen.


It's as simple as that.



I think you're unsettled by the fact that some people out there who were former Journey fans, do not consider Journey currently legitimate....and you need to continue this bullshit.



I think we've all moved on.


I'll consider the current sound-alike in Journey to be legitimate when Journey is compared and contrasted with other legendary acts and not it's former self.


Until then, you'll ALWAYS be haunted by what Perry brought to the band....and you will ALWAYS strive, unsuccessfully, to trump it.

Your answer was much more thought out than mine....you are correct in the fact that this argument is getting very old!

Frank wrote: Scouring the internet to find someone that will sonically fool others is another.

If anything is bullshit ... it's this. Pineda is Asian, has an accent and sounds less like Steve Perry than Augeri did. They passed on Hunsicker for that very reason and didn't even consider Hugo, Kelty and a few others because of the vocal likeness to Perry. But you want me to believe that they chose an Asian dude with an accent because they're trying to find a "clone"? Get a fucking grip, man.

Frank wrote:I think you're unsettled by the fact that some people out there who were former Journey fans, do not consider Journey currently legitimate....and you need to continue this bullshit.

I don't really give 2 fucks about current Journey fans, let alone former ones. If Steve Augeri standing up there and committing one of the biggest frauds in the history of music didn't unsettle me, what a bunch of overweight women and jilted fanboys that got too close to the band think certainly won't. I go for the music and the friends ... the latter being far more important, and I continue to meet incredible people annually while hearing great music live.

Frank wrote:I'll consider the current sound-alike in Journey to be legitimate when Journey is compared and contrasted with other legendary acts and not it's former self.

I'll form my own opinions ... while you're busy forming yours around what others think about the band.

Frank wrote:Until then, you'll ALWAYS be haunted by what Perry brought to the band....and you will ALWAYS strive, unsuccessfully, to trump it.

1980-1984 ... because of the musical climate, the band's immense talent at the time, the band's management and the Schon, Perry and Cain chemistry, that period will never be matched ... let alone trumped. I've never waivered from that or said anything different. I consider that era the greatest incarnation of any band ever.

Found an interesting Journey blurb online:

Former Pres. Bill Clinton, reportedly a fan of the American rock band Journey, is said to be catching Arnel Pineda’s New Jersey concert on July 25 at the Boardwalk Hall of Atlantic City (the Las Vegas of the US East Coast). Arnel is Journey’s Pinoy lead vocalist.

“Mr. Clinton is set to headline a lecture series of big-name politicians to be hosted by the Atlantic City Hilton Casino Resort. He is scheduled to speak two days before the Arnel Pineda concert,” Edmund Silvestre (of The Filipino Reporter) confirmed news reports.

Edmund added that his paper learned that a staffer of Mr. Clinton has made reservations for six front-row seats at Boardwalk Hall’s Adrian Philips Ballroom, venue of the Arnel Pineda concert that will also feature Filipino belter Rachelle Ann Go and the Ammo Band, the group where Pineda started in the Philippines before he became the singer of Journey in 2008 replacing the great Steve Perry. Arnel was discovered by Journey’s lead guitarist, Neal Schon, via You Tube.

Boardwalk Hall officials would neither confirm nor deny the report citing security concerns, but the show’s Fil-Am producer, Mely Pacheco Gabriel of MPG Global Productions, confirmed to The Filipino Reporter that six VIP tickets worth $150 each have indeed been reserved by the former president’s party.

“That’s all we can say right now,” Edmund quoted Mely as saying. “Of course, it will be a big honor if Mr. Clinton would really show up. I was told he’s a big Journey fan and he’s familiar with the life story of Arnel Pineda especially his rise to stardom. It’s Mr. Clinton we’re talking about here that’s why it’s hard to assume that he’ll be there. Besides, he’ll have a hectic schedule that week and will be meeting with political leaders, supporters and fans that’s why we don’t want to just assume that he’ll be in Arnel’s show even if six front-row tickets have been reserved by his people.”

When Edmund asked further, he said that Mely said a Boardwalk Hall official requested that she secure “a special guitar” just in case “a special guest” comes up on stage to jam with Arnel.

The Filipino Reporter also learned that Mr. Clinton and the Filipino rock singer might be staying in one hotel during the duration of their Atlantic City stay.

Arnel is currently in L.A. recording a Journey album and preparing for the band’s world tour next year. His concert with Rachelle Ann Go and The Ammo Band will also be staged in other states. It will be Rachelle Ann’s first concert in the US as a Kapuso star.

“If and when Bill Clinton watches the Atlantic City show, I’m sure he’ll be blown away not only by Arnel and the Ammo Band, but also by Rachelle Ann’s impressive voice and beauty,” Edmund quoted concert promoter Odi Maningas of Las Vegas as saying. “Bill will get a closer look at a Pinay world-class performer just like Charice. Remember that Rachelle is not an ordinary singer, she’s a champion.”

The July 25 Boardwalk Hall concert called Loves to Rock will benefit the Street School Project of Arnel Pineda Foundation.



http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=578750&publicationSubCategoryId=70

I was actually thinking about doing this show as it's the only one I'd be able to make this year. Now, I'm not so sure.

Frank wrote:Different rules apply to different roles Dan.

Can you say that encouraging Lincoln Brewster to play like Neal Schon is making Steve Perry solo a tribute act? I call bullshit there....

To me, that's laughable. Asking one to play in a particular style is one thing. Scouring the internet to find someone that will sonically fool others is another.



Regardless, this sorta fighting is fucking ridiculously old.


If you love the current illegitimate version of Journey, listen to it!

If you dont, don't listen.


It's as simple as that.



I think you're unsettled by the fact that some people out there who were former Journey fans, do not consider Journey currently legitimate....and you need to continue this bullshit.



I think we've all moved on.


I'll consider the current sound-alike in Journey to be legitimate when Journey is compared and contrasted with other legendary acts and not it's former self.


Until then, you'll ALWAYS be haunted by what Perry brought to the band....and you will ALWAYS strive, unsuccessfully, to trump it.

Frank, is this directed at Dan or me? Be specific, please, because I need to know how to formulate my response.

I think all of you (with the exception of Frank) misunderstood the point of this thread. The point of this thread is not to ask whether or not Journey is a tribute band, since the thread assumes this to be the case. The question is, if Journey qualifies for status as a tribute band, does Steve Perry qualify? If not, why?

Giddy....just give your answer!!!

No bait and switch....Blueskies is the master of that crap!

What are you trying to say....spit it out!!!

Gideon wrote:I think all of you (with the exception of Frank) misunderstood the point of this thread. The point of this thread is not to ask whether or not Journey is a tribute band, since the thread assumes this to be the case. The question is, if Journey qualifies for status as a tribute band, does Steve Perry qualify? If not, why?

Steve Perry qualifies only to be a retired musician. A non entity.

When I get done talking to Ashley, I will.

I think all of you (with the exception of Frank) misunderstood the point of this thread. The point of this thread is not to ask whether or not Journey is a tribute band, since the thread assumes this to be the case. The question is, if Journey qualifies for status as a tribute band, doesdid Steve Perry qualify? If not, why?

How about now?

Gideon wrote:When I get done talking to Ashley, I will.

I think all of you (with the exception of Frank) misunderstood the point of this thread. The point of this thread is not to ask whether or not Journey is a tribute band, since the thread assumes this to be the case. The question is, if Journey qualifies for status as a tribute band, doesdid Steve Perry qualify? If not, why?

How about now?

Who is Ashley...an 1990's name I am sure....but oops that would give the impression that I actually give a fuck and well I don't.

Nooooooo Perry was not a tribute band as he sang said songs in concert ad-nasuem before he went
on tour with out the asshole known as Neal!!!

He also sang songs that were not Journey they were from his solo work or from Sam Cooke.

Arnel seems to sing the entire 1980-1990 song book while on his "solo" tour....and well that makes him the king of karaoke!!! Whooo Hooo...always wanted that title at the bowling alley on a Saturday night or on the Wii in our living room with my 10 year old on gutiar and my 8 year old on drums.

Sooo here we go again....but well I am bored anyway!!!

Steve Perry wasn't billing himself as Journey so the answer is no. Paul Stanley plays Kiss songs on his solo tours as does Ace Frehley. Paul Rodgers does Bad Company songs solo.

If Journey billing themselves as Journey is a problem because they didn't have Steve Perry, then they've been a tribute band since Rolie left.

Ed wrote:Steve Perry wasn't billing himself as Journey so the answer is no.

That's because he couldn't ... even if he wanted to.

Gideon wrote:If Journey billing themselves as Journey is a problem because they didn't have Steve Perry, then they've been a tribute band since Rolie left.

The current band touring as Journey has every right to call themselves "Journey" because they are. It's all semantics and not worth debating really. It's your job as a fan to accept a lineup or not accept it. Your choice, but the band is Journey, just as KISS, Foreigner, Van Halen or whoever are the legal band as a corporate entity. You determine yourself how valid a lineup is by supporting it with your wallet or not.

KISS are my favorite band. The current lineup is half original. I will be paying to see them. Is it as valid to me as the 4 originals? No. Legally they are KISS, but to some fans, it's just the "Kiss experience". It's an opinion. Just as others put the tag "tribute" on acts like these.

I'm done with bands like Yes and Boston reaching to tribute bands as replacements for their original singers. Personal preference, and I'm no longer spending my money that way. I wasn't thrilled when Kiss dressed Eric Singer and Tommy Thayer up like Ace and Peter, but I chose to accept it anyway. It's the only way to have the group remain functional, and I was too big a fan to let go. But I know, it's not the same. You can call it a tribute, and you might be right.

Ed wrote:

Gideon wrote:If Journey billing themselves as Journey is a problem because they didn't have Steve Perry, then they've been a tribute band since Rolie left.

The current band touring as Journey has every right to call themselves "Journey" because they are. It's all semantics and not worth debating really. It's your job as a fan to accept a lineup or not accept it. Your choice, but the band is Journey, just as KISS, Foreigner, Van Halen or whoever are the legal band as a corporate entity. You determine yourself how valid a lineup is by supporting it with your wallet or not.

KISS are my favorite band. The current lineup is half original. I will be paying to see them. Is it as valid to me as the 4 originals? No. Legally they are KISS, but to some fans, it's just the "Kiss experience". It's an opinion. Just as others put the tag "tribute" on acts like these.

I'm done with bands like Yes and Boston reaching to tribute bands as replacements for their original singers. Personal preference, and I'm no longer spending my money that way. I wasn't thrilled when Kiss dressed Eric Singer and Tommy Thayer up like Ace and Peter, but I chose to accept it anyway. It's the only way to have the group remain functional, and I was too big a fan to let go. But I know, it's not the same. You can call it a tribute, and you might be right.

It's all a matter of opinion....IMO the lead singer is what makes a band...he or she is the one
out front night after night...they are the personality of the music.

My two favorite bands now have "new" lead singers....I don't happen to like either of them.

Skid Row now sucks....The new lead singer cannot hold a candle let alone a note to Sebastian Bach
the music that I loved as a teenager is being butchered night after night because the band
members cannot come to terms with the fact that the voice makes the songs..and well that can
be a bitter pill to swallow.

At least Bach is out with what is left of Guns and Roses and he is touring..IMO
he is as good as his Skid Row days...and well now rumor has it he is signed for another solo
album with a major record company...that makes me Giddy...no pun intended!!

As for Mr. Perry...love him always have always will...for me that is the voice of Journey! you
can try to replace the magic....it can't be done....I watch Youtubes and I see him and the songs
that he put his heart and soul into...ya can't replace it....not possible...sorry!

Contrary to what Frank believes, I'm not out to convince anyone to accept the new lineup. (I'm also interested in a lot of the wild, baseless accusations he tossed my way.) I simply don't care about changing one's personal preferences. That Portland loves Steve Perry and worships the very ground he walks on means as much to me as Chubbs from MelodicRock having her head crammed up Arnel's ass. Perry is my favorite singer and Neal is my favorite guitarist, but I don't have to blind myself to their glaring personal deficits or issues in order to be a fan of their talent (which gives me an advantage over every Loon and Pinhead). Journey is still touring and still performing regardless of who does and does not like it, which means that attempting to appeal to the "new" band is pointless.

No, my question was to make you think: if Journey is a tribute band because they have a singer who emulates Perry and because they performed hits created with and performed by Perry, then wouldn't Perry be just as much of a tribute act for doing the exact same thing by getting a guitarist to emulate Neal and performing hits during his solo tour that were performed and played with by his ex-bandmates?

(Before we get on the whole name thing, I'm going to state the obvious by pointing out that Perry doesn't get an exemption because he didn't style himself Journey; Evolution and Frontiers are tribute bands who don't share Journey's band name.)

If Perry isn't, then I'd like to see a valid reason for it.

I think people do see things differently when it's the lead vocalist. Kiss plan on doing a Kiss 2.0 version when Paul and Gene retire and I flat out will not accept that.

Journey will get a hard time from me mostly because it's become musical chairs with vocalists. When Augeri joined I was laughing on the way to the concert saying no one could replace Steve Perry. And while that's true to a certain extent, the show was great and I ended up interested in the band again.

Then that got ruined with the stink of tapegate, and I would have been happy leaving Journey to my memories. Jeff came in and again I wasn't accepting of it at first, but got sucked into the vortex. (and also a little to close to the situation for a time). I ended up liking his performance because it was different in a Roth/Hagar Van Halen sort of change. Liked the harder image of the band which Friga obviously did not.

When he got sacked, I would have never been interested in a guy from a Journey tribute band getting the gig, but again, I was part of this universe and was friendly with Jeremey as well, so ok I'll give it a shot was my thought at least in support of someone I knew. Still I wasn't happy about it - the musical chairs vocalist thing already had taken it's toll.

Arnel Pineda is a tremendously talented singer, but I was already done at this point, any performance issues I have with him (or any post Perry Journey vocalist) are besides the point. They ARE Journey. It's up to each individual to decide if they like the lineup and follow it or not.

^ That's a very mature opinion Ed, and a reason why I don't get pissed about tribute band comments at all (at least anymore). Personal preference is entirely acceptable which is why I don't care if people prefer the Perry-era Journey. Or Augeri-era. Or Soto-era. Or Arnel. Or the pre-vocalist era.

Gideon wrote:^ That's a very mature opinion Ed, and a reason why I don't get pissed about tribute band comments at all (at least anymore). Personal preference is entirely acceptable which is why I don't care if people prefer the Perry-era Journey. Or Augeri-era. Or Soto-era. Or Arnel. Or the pre-vocalist era.

Well, Gid, in all honesty that's an opinion I can now have with much distance put behind it. It's well known I wasn't exactly politically correct or "evolved" about it back when it happened.

I'm perfectly ok with Journey continuing to perform Journey songs and Nostrildamus singing them solo if he ever chooses to do so again. Both entities have more than earned that right.