Neil, It was the summer of 1981, Saratoga Performing Arts Center. There was lots of bands that year, some great music that I'll never forget. But one groups sound and feel stood out. It truly was unique. It wasn't just a voice that made you say HOLY SHIT (Perry), or lead guitar that could make a clumsy young man close his eyes and REALLY DANCE for the first time ever (You). The feel was INCREDIBLE, and TOGEtHER, all of you made it that way. My eyes weren't always closed. You could look on the stage and see you weren't just performers, you were brothers from different mothers, that were meant to be together. That bond and that sound is a part of millions of hearts and minds still. With replacements you've managed to imitate that sound and that's okay, if okay is enough. As for us older fans, the ones that followed ya till it fell apart, and later replacements came in, we can close our eyes and know it's not the right ones Neil. So you had differences amongst brothers, or WHATEVER, I'm sure most would understand or even relate. I for one have 9 brothers or sisters, and many brothers from other mothers. If I may offer one piece of advise, and this goes out to Steve Perry, Jonathan Cain, Ross Valory, and Steve Smith. "Don't sweat the petty shit, Pet the Sweaty Shit! " Watch the magic come alive, again! Regards Mac
Steve - 12 years ago
Schon get off your high horse, your there to make money, it is a business, do what is best for your business. Steve Perry, Cain, Vallory, Smith, and yes you Schon belong in the group. If you wnat to see you tours sell out again bring the old group back. Yes the middle agers will spend the money to see the orignal group.
DB - 12 years ago
Schon said Perry walked out?? He was contemplating hip replacement surgery and Schon was the one that didn't want to wait and hired a different singer. Perry IS Journey...the band wasn't squat until Perry started singing.
M3 - 12 years ago
I agree 100% with everyone's comments!! I'm a die hard Journey and Steve Perry fan. None of the singers can replace Steve. They might be an ok substitute but they could never replace the man known as "The Voice". Listen to him sing "Mother Father" from the Escape Live from Houston cd and you will hear why!! It baffles me when I hear people say that Arnel sounds exactly like Steve. They definetly need their hearing checked. The drummer for Journey(Deen Castronovo) comes in a close second when comparing his voice to Steve as far as hitting the high ranges of his voice. The way I see it; If Van Halen finally reunited with David Lee Roth after 23yrs so can Journey and Steve Perry. Lets face it Neal, you guys are not getting any younger and at the rate that are music hero's are passing away please don't wait to forgive each other before it's "Too Late". Journey fans, "Don't Stop Believin" because it can come true one day!! I pray for the day when I see these headlines, "After 15 yrs frontman Steve Perry reunites with Journey for a worldwide tour"!!!!!!!
Rachel - 12 years ago
Steve Perry is most defiantly the reason I love Journey SO much. Arnel is great! --I'm not trying to bash him, he's got real talent! But there was seriously something magical about Steve Perry singing the songs he did.... I miss you Steve!!
John - 12 years ago
I will never go to a concert to see Journey unless Steve Perry is the lead singer, nor will I buy an cd. He may have not been the first or last lead singer for the band, and yes, he didn't write most of the songs, but he made what Journey is. Without Steve Perry, there will never be a real Journey.
alvaro m.alvarez - 12 years ago
Life is limited today for something to give a soul that one special feel good smile. You know the one that makes every thing seem so simple and far away.when hair stands on ends and the world becomes silent. I will share my "something" it is the band 'journey' the band that took the 80s and did what they wanted with . The band that allowed us all to enjoy there talent and chemistry unselfishly. I would like to say thank you to the band journey you know the one I'm talking about .my kids won't ever feel what I'm thankful for .but they love it when I listen to journey so I share my good feel . If there was a way I would share it with world. jrny fan fort worth Texas convention center 1979 " wow"
schell - 12 years ago
I agree Steve Perry made Journey!!!!
When I hear the name Journey I think Steve Perry!!!!!
When I hear Jackson 5 I think Michael Jackson...we all know what happened to that group once Michael left!!!
When I hear Eddie and the Cruisers..Michael Pare does not even enter the picture. It is John Cafferty and Beaver Brown...John Cafferty's vocals made the movie a hit... he drives the band.
Bottom line Neil Schon needs to put the past behind him....in his heart he knows the choice he made regarding Arnel is all about replacing a legend who made the band big. Neil, Arnel may sound like Steve, but we all know he is no comparison. If you were to take Steve back you would be off the charts....Arnel just ain't cutting it.
R. J. - 12 years ago
When I think of Journey, I think of Steve Perry. "Steve Perry is Journey".
In fact Perry is the only reason I loved Journey so much...
If the band don't let him in, "they loose"..
Steve should get his own band and do it like only he can do it.
Go Steve Perry. Love Ya Steve.
convairxf92 - 12 years ago
Members come and go in ensembles all the time - orchestras, bands choirs, etc - that's a fact of life. It's more noticable when the conductor leaves because that individual has an impact on the direction of the group. Steve Perry was no different. Not only was he the front man and the 'voice," but he was also one of the prime songwriters. I saw Journey twice with Steve Augeri as lead. The band was good live and I enjoyed the performance; however, their new music has taken a turn and I wouldn't say for the better. The new songs tend to be not as melodic and not as bass driven - think of "Don't Stop," "Who's Cryin Now." The bass is a melodic line, not just support for the chords. Steve's impact on Journey was greater than just his stage presence and his voice.
carl - 12 years ago
journey would be selling out the big arena not getting laughed at like i seen at the small stage i seen them on there were more boos than cheers that is the truth
carl - 12 years ago
with out steve journey is just a warm up band steve perry made journey what it was let him back if he is for real about returning
rose potter - 12 years ago
journey isn't journey with out steve perry. sure the other guys sang good, but they're not the same. No one has the same vioce as steve perry. His voice is AMAZING. If they let him back in journey, they would sale more albums then they have before. steve perry = journey.
sorry to the other guys steve perry is irreplaceable.
Tina - 12 years ago
Sorry new guy DON"T LIKE HIM. Seen him adn he is NO STEVE PERRY Journey needs Steve to go back to the TOP
STEVE IS THE VOICE OF JOURNEY
Danielle - 12 years ago
Although I do like Arnel and respect him, he cannot fill Steve's shoes. No one can. Augeri, Soto (I saw Jeff Scott Soto with them and he was great but it just wasn't the same) and Arnel have done a good job in helping to sustain Journey's enduring legacy, but Steve Perry brought more than just THE VOICE to the group. With those guys together, it was pure magic. Steve + Journey together have a bond with the fans that no one else has or can duplicate. Bring Steve Perry back!
Brian Smith - 12 years ago
I saw them in 87 with Steve and in 2009 with Arnel. Arnel did a pretty good job, but he does not fill Steve's shoes.I would definitely go see them with Steve Perry.
steve perry is amazing you should let hin come back,he has a amazing voice,and everyone loves him,I know i love him ,PLEASE LET HIM COME BACK:)
albert Hernandez - 13 years ago
I recently saw journey perform on NBC's Today Show on July 29, 2011 and I must admit that Arnet Pineda did not do Journey justice in trying to reach his high notes on Don't stop believeing. I truly believe that their is no replacing Steve Perry. I would not go to a Journey concert or buy cd's with their new lead singer Pineda. This group is one of my all time favorites that I just refuse to spend money on them anymore without the irreplaceable Steve Perry!!! I do buy all of Steve Perry's solo releases, and hope that the group will come to their senses and bring back Steve Perry and really make the big bucks like they deserve with Perry's golden voice that will never be duplicated regardless of anyone elses opinion. keeping my fingers crossed for better days for Journey!!! Albert Hernandez
Roy gr - 13 years ago
Since steve perry left i stopped going to their concerts the new guy i dont like him
MKIKULSKI - 13 years ago
STEVE PERRY WAS THE BAND ,JOURNEY WOULD NOT BE HERE WITHOUT HIM ,YOU SUCK!
D. Ford - 13 years ago
Yah the new guy kind of sounds like him but, Steve perry is undoubtably the voice of Journey. Neil Schon should put the past behind him. If he could do that they would sell out everywhere they went. Stop the BS and rock on!
Neil, It was the summer of 1981, Saratoga Performing Arts Center. There was lots of bands that year, some great music that I'll never forget. But one groups sound and feel stood out. It truly was unique. It wasn't just a voice that made you say HOLY SHIT (Perry), or lead guitar that could make a clumsy young man close his eyes and REALLY DANCE for the first time ever (You). The feel was INCREDIBLE, and TOGEtHER, all of you made it that way. My eyes weren't always closed. You could look on the stage and see you weren't just performers, you were brothers from different mothers, that were meant to be together. That bond and that sound is a part of millions of hearts and minds still. With replacements you've managed to imitate that sound and that's okay, if okay is enough. As for us older fans, the ones that followed ya till it fell apart, and later replacements came in, we can close our eyes and know it's not the right ones Neil. So you had differences amongst brothers, or WHATEVER, I'm sure most would understand or even relate. I for one have 9 brothers or sisters, and many brothers from other mothers. If I may offer one piece of advise, and this goes out to Steve Perry, Jonathan Cain, Ross Valory, and Steve Smith. "Don't sweat the petty shit, Pet the Sweaty Shit! " Watch the magic come alive, again! Regards Mac
Schon get off your high horse, your there to make money, it is a business, do what is best for your business. Steve Perry, Cain, Vallory, Smith, and yes you Schon belong in the group. If you wnat to see you tours sell out again bring the old group back. Yes the middle agers will spend the money to see the orignal group.
Schon said Perry walked out?? He was contemplating hip replacement surgery and Schon was the one that didn't want to wait and hired a different singer. Perry IS Journey...the band wasn't squat until Perry started singing.
I agree 100% with everyone's comments!! I'm a die hard Journey and Steve Perry fan. None of the singers can replace Steve. They might be an ok substitute but they could never replace the man known as "The Voice". Listen to him sing "Mother Father" from the Escape Live from Houston cd and you will hear why!! It baffles me when I hear people say that Arnel sounds exactly like Steve. They definetly need their hearing checked. The drummer for Journey(Deen Castronovo) comes in a close second when comparing his voice to Steve as far as hitting the high ranges of his voice. The way I see it; If Van Halen finally reunited with David Lee Roth after 23yrs so can Journey and Steve Perry. Lets face it Neal, you guys are not getting any younger and at the rate that are music hero's are passing away please don't wait to forgive each other before it's "Too Late". Journey fans, "Don't Stop Believin" because it can come true one day!! I pray for the day when I see these headlines, "After 15 yrs frontman Steve Perry reunites with Journey for a worldwide tour"!!!!!!!
Steve Perry is most defiantly the reason I love Journey SO much. Arnel is great! --I'm not trying to bash him, he's got real talent! But there was seriously something magical about Steve Perry singing the songs he did.... I miss you Steve!!
I will never go to a concert to see Journey unless Steve Perry is the lead singer, nor will I buy an cd. He may have not been the first or last lead singer for the band, and yes, he didn't write most of the songs, but he made what Journey is. Without Steve Perry, there will never be a real Journey.
Life is limited today for something to give a soul that one special feel good smile. You know the one that makes every thing seem so simple and far away.when hair stands on ends and the world becomes silent. I will share my "something" it is the band 'journey' the band that took the 80s and did what they wanted with . The band that allowed us all to enjoy there talent and chemistry unselfishly. I would like to say thank you to the band journey you know the one I'm talking about .my kids won't ever feel what I'm thankful for .but they love it when I listen to journey so I share my good feel . If there was a way I would share it with world. jrny fan fort worth Texas convention center 1979 " wow"
I agree Steve Perry made Journey!!!!
When I hear the name Journey I think Steve Perry!!!!!
When I hear Jackson 5 I think Michael Jackson...we all know what happened to that group once Michael left!!!
When I hear Eddie and the Cruisers..Michael Pare does not even enter the picture. It is John Cafferty and Beaver Brown...John Cafferty's vocals made the movie a hit... he drives the band.
Bottom line Neil Schon needs to put the past behind him....in his heart he knows the choice he made regarding Arnel is all about replacing a legend who made the band big. Neil, Arnel may sound like Steve, but we all know he is no comparison. If you were to take Steve back you would be off the charts....Arnel just ain't cutting it.
When I think of Journey, I think of Steve Perry. "Steve Perry is Journey".
In fact Perry is the only reason I loved Journey so much...
If the band don't let him in, "they loose"..
Steve should get his own band and do it like only he can do it.
Go Steve Perry. Love Ya Steve.
Members come and go in ensembles all the time - orchestras, bands choirs, etc - that's a fact of life. It's more noticable when the conductor leaves because that individual has an impact on the direction of the group. Steve Perry was no different. Not only was he the front man and the 'voice," but he was also one of the prime songwriters. I saw Journey twice with Steve Augeri as lead. The band was good live and I enjoyed the performance; however, their new music has taken a turn and I wouldn't say for the better. The new songs tend to be not as melodic and not as bass driven - think of "Don't Stop," "Who's Cryin Now." The bass is a melodic line, not just support for the chords. Steve's impact on Journey was greater than just his stage presence and his voice.
journey would be selling out the big arena not getting laughed at like i seen at the small stage i seen them on there were more boos than cheers that is the truth
with out steve journey is just a warm up band steve perry made journey what it was let him back if he is for real about returning
journey isn't journey with out steve perry. sure the other guys sang good, but they're not the same. No one has the same vioce as steve perry. His voice is AMAZING. If they let him back in journey, they would sale more albums then they have before. steve perry = journey.
sorry to the other guys steve perry is irreplaceable.
Sorry new guy DON"T LIKE HIM. Seen him adn he is NO STEVE PERRY Journey needs Steve to go back to the TOP
STEVE IS THE VOICE OF JOURNEY
Although I do like Arnel and respect him, he cannot fill Steve's shoes. No one can. Augeri, Soto (I saw Jeff Scott Soto with them and he was great but it just wasn't the same) and Arnel have done a good job in helping to sustain Journey's enduring legacy, but Steve Perry brought more than just THE VOICE to the group. With those guys together, it was pure magic. Steve + Journey together have a bond with the fans that no one else has or can duplicate. Bring Steve Perry back!
I saw them in 87 with Steve and in 2009 with Arnel. Arnel did a pretty good job, but he does not fill Steve's shoes.I would definitely go see them with Steve Perry.
steve perry is amazing you should let hin come back,he has a amazing voice,and everyone loves him,I know i love him ,PLEASE LET HIM COME BACK:)
I recently saw journey perform on NBC's Today Show on July 29, 2011 and I must admit that Arnet Pineda did not do Journey justice in trying to reach his high notes on Don't stop believeing. I truly believe that their is no replacing Steve Perry. I would not go to a Journey concert or buy cd's with their new lead singer Pineda. This group is one of my all time favorites that I just refuse to spend money on them anymore without the irreplaceable Steve Perry!!! I do buy all of Steve Perry's solo releases, and hope that the group will come to their senses and bring back Steve Perry and really make the big bucks like they deserve with Perry's golden voice that will never be duplicated regardless of anyone elses opinion. keeping my fingers crossed for better days for Journey!!! Albert Hernandez
Since steve perry left i stopped going to their concerts the new guy i dont like him
STEVE PERRY WAS THE BAND ,JOURNEY WOULD NOT BE HERE WITHOUT HIM ,YOU SUCK!
Yah the new guy kind of sounds like him but, Steve perry is undoubtably the voice of Journey. Neil Schon should put the past behind him. If he could do that they would sell out everywhere they went. Stop the BS and rock on!