If Journey is a tribute band...

portland wrote:
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!

You are what is known as a fawner, not a fan. Without question, both of the aforementioned singers are (or in Perry's case was) tremendously talented. Fawners almost exclusively latch on to the lead singer and will do everything they can to, like you mentioned, prove that it's "not possible" to replace their obsession. And that's what it is ... an obsession. Putting up avatars of said artist like you're fucking 14, and posting and drooling in ridiculous "rare pics" threads shows a tenacious desire to make the man more of a deity than a singer in your mind. And these guys know this ... Perry never interacts with his fans because, when it comes to the majority of the female fans, it's probably just too scary.

Saint John wrote: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.

I agree with this. I believe that as Ed mentioned, though, it very much has to do with the front man. I realize that there are all kinds of people out there who love Neal's talent, or any of the other members, but I think we can all agree that the success of a song/band lies heavily in the lap of the lead singer. Perry is tied inextricably to those songs, and when someone else sings them it simply feels off. This was true when SA sang them, JSS sang them, and would've been true if Jeremey would've sang them. It doesn't mean we can't enjoy someone else singing them, but to suggest (as many of the pinoy population has done) that Arnel can out-Perry Perry is ridiculous and IMO what has gotten lots of those 'karaoke' comments thrown his way. In some aspects, I think his fans have been his own worst enemy (as some probably feel about the more neurotic of the 'loon' class).

Bottom line, Steve Perry is not a 'tribute act' because he is singing the songs that HIS VOICE made famous. I never saw SP perform live, with or without Journey, but I'm sure had I ever seen a solo show I would've felt something was missing from that as well. They will NEVER be as good apart as they were together.

Saint John wrote:
Putting up avatars of said artist like you're fucking 14,

Says the guy wacking off in the corner.

I disagree with your post to a point, sure there are some fans that cross the line, I've met a couple. But vocals are by far my favorite instrument, so of course that is what attracts me to the music/band first. You show me a band with great pipes and I'm interested, you show me a band with mediocre pipes but great guitar, I'm not as interested.

And I agree with Ed on his tribute take. I too like Kelly as frontman for Foreigner and also not as impressed with Boston and Journey going the soundalike route. Would much rather Boston have left it as Sweet doing all the vocals like they did at the beginning. Micheal and Kelly bring enough uniqueness to not sound like the original, not sure if I'm explaining it right but that's my opinion.

Deb wrote:Journey going the soundalike route.

Arnel sounds nothing like Perry on the original material. He does a pretty good job singing the old songs like they were originally performed and that's what you have to do with a band that has such an extensive catalog.

You people either still don't understand the topic or are intentionally dodging it.

The point is that Steve and Journey have both taken lengths during their time apart to recreate the environment (Journey seeking out a singer who can emulate Perry, Steve seeking a band who can emulate Journey) that they were used to. Journey is lambasted by a few as a tribute band. If this is the case, what saves Perry from being one?

If Perry's "just not," then clearly neither can Journey. I'm not sure the fame line is valid: Glee's version of DSB is being remarkably successful and has gotten a lot of attention, does that mean it's not a tribute?

Not to mention, you could counter it with the fact that Neal and Jon helped create (or in the case of songs like "Faithfully") COMPLETELY created the songs that Steve made famous, meaning their involvement has been just as important as his for the songs' very existence.

Gideon wrote:You people either still don't understand the topic or are intentionally dodging it.

The point is that Steve and Journey have both taken lengths during their time apart to recreate the environment (Journey seeking out a singer who can emulate Perry, Steve seeking a band who can emulate Journey) that they were used to. Journey is lambasted by a few as a tribute band. If this is the case, what saves Perry from being one?

Only agree with part of that, Gid. Yes, Journey was seeking a singer to emulate the Perry sound, but I don't think Perry was seeking a band to emulate the Journey sound when he put together his solo (For The Love Of Strange Medicine) band.

Saint John wrote:

portland wrote:
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!

You are what is known as a fawner, not a fan. Without question, both of the aforementioned singers are (or in Perry's case was) tremendously talented. Fawners almost exclusively latch on to the lead singer and will do everything they can to, like you mentioned, prove that it's "not possible" to replace their obsession. And that's what it is ... an obsession. Putting up avatars of said artist like you're fucking 14, and posting and drooling in ridiculous "rare pics" threads shows a tenacious desire to make the man more of a deity than a singer in your mind. And these guys know this ... Perry never interacts with his fans because, when it comes to the majority of the female fans, it's probably just too scary.

Yeah and your AV is so mature!

Oh yeah if you need help changing it just let met know....

I don't post in the rare picture threads...so I guess I am a little less "scary" than the fawners that
you mention here.

I know what you mean about the over the top fans...and no I am really not one of them. I just like
what I like and it's really as simple as that.

I get what Giddy is saying.....and at this point it really does not matter a heck of lot these days...the point
has been argued to death.

I think Perry actually met with the gals from Perryville in person....I know there are stories that
went with that day that spoiled it.....but I think most were there because of the love of the music...I don't
know...but I also don't judge.

Anyway....Dan xoxoxoxo!!!

What was that really bizarre loon group? Portuguese something or another? They were writing love stories about SP. I forget what the fuck it was but remember it being really strange shit.

It's ok Portland, I'm a fawner too.

Ed wrote:What was that really bizarre loon group? Portuguese something or another? They were writing love stories about SP. I forget what the fuck it was but remember it being really strange shit.

LOL, no idea who they were, it wasn't Perryville at least not the time I was there. But I remember JoePa talking about them, I think he called it some kind of Portuguese Sausage group or something.

portland wrote:I think Perry actually met with the gals from Perryville in person....I know there are stories that
went with that day that spoiled it.....but I think most were there because of the love of the music...I don't
know...but I also don't judge.

Very true. Most of us were there that weekend to meet other fans of the same music/vocals. Perry showing up was a surprise bonus. LOL, I'll fully admit being in love with his pipes (vocal delivery second to none) and performer, but I think a couple of the gals were actually in love with "the man". To set the story straight, since bits and pieces are out there anyway.... it started out as just a few of us who had met on Perryville and got along great with similar taste in music deciding to get together at one of the gals place in Burbank, the owner of the site got wind of it and took over and it became a big Perryville weekend thing so it got moved to a hotel, except for the few of us that L (from Burbank) had talked to on msn, gotten to know and felt comfortable with staying at her place. A few of the girls from the hotel that had gotten wind of some restaurant that Perry was having a breakfast meeting at, had dropped everything and went there to have breakfast. One gal even had the balls to wear a Journey tshirt. Not cool! Too stalkerish for me, made me uncomfortable.

Anyway, the next day we all met up to do some shopping on Hollywood blvd and check out the Journey star, lol had to get a pic of the Crue star for my brother too, so I made some friends throw the horns and pose on the Motley Crue Star. Steve walked up while we were all milling about figuring out where to shop first. Surprised the shit out of us! I was actually the one who saw him first, I was looking up the street at the different stores when I saw some bodyguard looking type guy with shades walking up the street, but didn't see who was behind him until they were almost right there and Steve smiled and asked where the Journey star was???!! Seriously never thought I'd be flying home the next day a couple Perry hugz later. Was a GREAT experience that day.....but I'll bet Perry recognized the couple gals from the restaurant the day before. But thankfully I've heard, he didn't paint us all with the same brush and he was just as happy to meet us as we were to meet him. Super nice guy, very down to earth. Wouldn't trade any of it for a million bucks, met a few life long Cali friends and music pals that weekend too who I still go to JSS or EM concerts with to this day......and visit at least once a year.

One of my fave pics from that day.......sharing a laugh with Mr. P.

Deb wrote:

Gideon wrote:You people either still don't understand the topic or are intentionally dodging it.

The point is that Steve and Journey have both taken lengths during their time apart to recreate the environment (Journey seeking out a singer who can emulate Perry, Steve seeking a band who can emulate Journey) that they were used to. Journey is lambasted by a few as a tribute band. If this is the case, what saves Perry from being one?

Only agree with part of that, Gid. Yes, Journey was seeking a singer to emulate the Perry sound, but I don't think Perry was seeking a band to emulate the Journey sound when he put together his solo (For The Love Of Strange Medicine) band.

What makes you think so? You all don't seriously think that the majority of the people were there to listen to his solo work, do you? That's easily as ridiculous as the majority of concert goers attending to listen to Revelation.

The Journey angle was a huge angle to Perry's tour.

Gideon wrote:

Deb wrote:

Gideon wrote:You people either still don't understand the topic or are intentionally dodging it.

The point is that Steve and Journey have both taken lengths during their time apart to recreate the environment (Journey seeking out a singer who can emulate Perry, Steve seeking a band who can emulate Journey) that they were used to. Journey is lambasted by a few as a tribute band. If this is the case, what saves Perry from being one?

Only agree with part of that, Gid. Yes, Journey was seeking a singer to emulate the Perry sound, but I don't think Perry was seeking a band to emulate the Journey sound when he put together his solo (For The Love Of Strange Medicine) band.

What makes you think so? You all don't seriously think that the majority of the people were there to listen to his solo work, do you? That's easily as ridiculous as the majority of concert goers attending to listen to Revelation.

The Journey angle was a huge angle to Perry's tour.

Perry actually could have come up with a full setlist from Street Talk and the solo CD he had in 94 when he last did anything. I think the suggestion is he relied heavily on Journey songs instead of his own. I have 1 video of that tour and have never really watched it through. I think the set was mostly Journey if I recall correctly though. Meaning - What's the point of a solo tour if you're not playing mostly solo stuff? I get that to an extent.

That's my own opinion in a nutshell. I personally couldn't care less if Journey's called a tribute band, but Perry's solo act is just as much of one. The idea that he has more of a right to sing/perform them (or the only right) without being called a tribute because his performance of the song is famous doesn't make any sense. By that reckoning, Glee's version of the song isn't a tribute performance either.

Realistically, the only acceptable (to me) way to reconcile Perry not being a tribute act would be because he helped create the songs. But then you pretty much nail the coffin shut on the idea that Journey is a tribute band, since Neal and Jon had as much to do with the creation of the songs as he did.

Basically, either they're both tribute acts or neither of them are. I wanted to see a solid opinion that could excuse Perry but not Journey.

Gideon wrote:

Deb wrote:

Gideon wrote:You people either still don't understand the topic or are intentionally dodging it.

The point is that Steve and Journey have both taken lengths during their time apart to recreate the environment (Journey seeking out a singer who can emulate Perry, Steve seeking a band who can emulate Journey) that they were used to. Journey is lambasted by a few as a tribute band. If this is the case, what saves Perry from being one?

Only agree with part of that, Gid. Yes, Journey was seeking a singer to emulate the Perry sound, but I don't think Perry was seeking a band to emulate the Journey sound when he put together his solo (For The Love Of Strange Medicine) band.

What makes you think so? You all don't seriously think that the majority of the people were there to listen to his solo work, do you? That's easily as ridiculous as the majority of concert goers attending to listen to Revelation.

The Journey angle was a huge angle to Perry's tour.

That's not what I said in my post. I wasn't talking about who the people were there to see. You said in your post "Perry seeking a band that emulates Journey". And I disagree. I don't think he was looking for a band to emulate the Journey sound. JMO but I think he was moving away from the Journey sound at the time. He was looking for guys to bring his solo work (FTLSM and Streettalk) out. Just had a peek at a '95 NJ SP setlist and 9 out of 20 songs are off his solo cds along with one cover song (Let It Be Me). Like you said I'm sure a good portion of the people were there to hear the Journey tunes, but he DID also have a fair bit of radio success with Oh Sherrie on his own too.

Deb wrote:

Gideon wrote:

Deb wrote:

Gideon wrote:You people either still don't understand the topic or are intentionally dodging it.

The point is that Steve and Journey have both taken lengths during their time apart to recreate the environment (Journey seeking out a singer who can emulate Perry, Steve seeking a band who can emulate Journey) that they were used to. Journey is lambasted by a few as a tribute band. If this is the case, what saves Perry from being one?

Only agree with part of that, Gid. Yes, Journey was seeking a singer to emulate the Perry sound, but I don't think Perry was seeking a band to emulate the Journey sound when he put together his solo (For The Love Of Strange Medicine) band.

What makes you think so? You all don't seriously think that the majority of the people were there to listen to his solo work, do you? That's easily as ridiculous as the majority of concert goers attending to listen to Revelation.

The Journey angle was a huge angle to Perry's tour.

That's not what I said in my post. I wasn't talking about who the people were there to see. You said in your post "Perry seeking a band that emulates Journey". And I disagree. I don't think he was looking for a band to emulate the Journey sound. JMO but I think he was moving away from the Journey sound at the time. He was looking for guys to bring his solo work (FTLSM and Streettalk) out. Just had a peek at a '95 NJ SP setlist and 9 out of 20 songs are off his solo cds along with one cover song (Let It Be Me). Like you said I'm sure a good portion of the people were there to hear the Journey tunes, but he DID also have a fair bit of radio success with Oh Sherrie on his own too.

He had radio success with Foolish Heart as well. I get what Giddy is saying, but I also think if you actually
polled the people who went to see the solo tour they would say that they were there to see Steve Perry sing.

I don't know but I get the feeling that the fans who attended the solo tour were as much Steve Perry fans
as they were Journey fans.

The contrast with the current "new" Journey fans and the Steve Perry fans is that from what I have seen on
YouTube when Journey plays anything but the Dirty Dozen people are either in the bathroom lines, at the bar
or sitting and watching.

I watch what is on YouTube from Perry's solo tour and there is a constant sing along no matter what he
was singing.....they love it.....and they show it.

JMO

and thanks DP....fawning is not all that bad!

Deb wrote: Just had a peek at a '95 NJ SP setlist and 9 out of 20 songs are off his solo cds

Which would explain why the majority of his shows had 2-3 thousand people. I love the "Steve Perry is/was Journey!!!" crowd always barking out that nonsense, but never able to explain why Perry averaged about 2,000 people per show and Journey averages about 10,000+ (2008 shows I was at ... Dallas 20,000, Cleveland 20,000, Chicago 26,000, Charlotte 16,000 and New York 15,000). Seems to blow that theory right out of the fucking water. And don't bother arguing that "he didn't get to tour under the Journey name" because if he "is/was Journey" then it shouldn't matter. Face it, since he's retired, no one (in masses) has really missed him or given a shit.

Saint John wrote:

Deb wrote: Just had a peek at a '95 NJ SP setlist and 9 out of 20 songs are off his solo cds

Which would explain why the majority of his shows had 2-3 thousand people. I love the "Steve Perry is/was Journey!!!" crowd always barking out that nonsense, but never able to explain why Perry averaged about 2,000 people per show and Journey averages about 10,000+ (2008 shows I was at ... Dallas 20,000, Cleveland 20,000, Chicago 26,000, Charlotte 16,000 and New York 15,000). Seems to blow that theory right out of the fucking water. And don't bother arguing that "he didn't get to tour under the Journey name" because if he "is/was Journey" then it shouldn't matter. Face it, since he's retired, no one (in masses) has really missed him or given a shit.

Just a question (I may need to hand in my Loon card) how big were the venues that he played in on
his solo tour?

I was under the impression they were smaller more intimate venues?? I don't know what ticket sales
were??

You can't put 10,000 people in a venue that only fits 2,500...it would be a little uncomfortable.

If I understand your above post...it would not matter if Perry came back to front Journey now?? No one
would care???? (and no I don't want the "he can't come back answer")...you know as well as I do...your ass would be in a seat to see it......so I guess it does matter a little bit!

Saint John wrote:

Deb wrote: Just had a peek at a '95 NJ SP setlist and 9 out of 20 songs are off his solo cds

Which would explain why the majority of his shows had 2-3 thousand people. I love the "Steve Perry is/was Journey!!!" crowd always barking out that nonsense, but never able to explain why Perry averaged about 2,000 people per show and Journey averages about 10,000+ (2008 shows I was at ... Dallas 20,000, Cleveland 20,000, Chicago 26,000, Charlotte 16,000 and New York 15,000). Seems to blow that theory right out of the fucking water. And don't bother arguing that "he didn't get to tour under the Journey name" because if he "is/was Journey" then it shouldn't matter. Face it, since he's retired, no one (in masses) has really missed him or given a shit.

You mean kinda like the huge fairs and casinos Journey was playing (on their own) before all the "Arnel story media coverage"?

portland wrote: how big were the venues that he played in on
his solo tour?

Small amphitheatres (2-4 thousand) that, by and large, he was unable to sell out.

portland wrote:If I understand your above post...it would not matter if Perry came back to front Journey now?? No one would care????

They'd probably see a bump in ticket sales and garner a lot of attention, seeing that they're really the last 80's mega-band whose lead singer hasn't been able to get over himself, but nothing that would move them from the current sheds they're performing in to stadiums.

Saint John wrote:

portland wrote: how big were the venues that he played in on
his solo tour?

Small amphitheatres (2-4 thousand) that, by and large, he was unable to sell out.

portland wrote:If I understand your above post...it would not matter if Perry came back to front Journey now?? No one would care????

They'd probably see a bump in ticket sales and garner a lot of attention, seeing that they're really the last 80's mega-band whose lead singer hasn't been able to get over himself, but nothing that would move them from the current sheds they're performing in to stadiums.

I still think it would bump ticket sales more than you think....but it's not going to happen anyway.

With the whole Glee thing and DSB being everywhere I think they could play some big venues with Perry fronting the band...not to mention the simple fact that he would be actually singing again.

I am anxious to hear what they have come up with for the upcoming release. Without the re-treads being
included it will be the "new" Journey for better or worse.

Guess we will never know what would happen.

Deb wrote:

Saint John wrote: Putting up avatars of said artist like you're fucking 14,

Says the guy wacking off in the corner.

I disagree with your post to a point, sure there are some fans that cross the line, I've met a couple. But vocals are by far my favorite instrument, so of course that is what attracts me to the music/band first. You show me a band with great pipes and I'm interested, you show me a band with mediocre pipes but great guitar, I'm not as interested.

And I agree with Ed on his tribute take. I too like Kelly as frontman for Foreigner and also not as impressed with Boston and Journey going the soundalike route. Would much rather Boston have left it as Sweet doing all the vocals like they did at the beginning. Micheal and Kelly bring enough uniqueness to not sound like the original, not sure if I'm explaining it right but that's my opinion.

Case in point, Sweet could have easily pulled it off without bringing in the home depot guy.

Looks like I've stumped the Loons!

Gideon wrote:Looks like I've stumped the Loons!

You could've done that with a Diet Coke.