Please see RockAAA’s story, “Steve Perry is not rejoining Journey” here for a reality check, as Perry continues to enjoy his retirement.
Some crazy news following Journey picking up the "Event Of The Year" honour at Classic Rock magazine's annual awards ceremony on Wednesday.
Steve Perry wants to rejoin the band.
Wow.
Perry left Journey in 1998, replaced by Steve Augeri, Jeff Scott Soto and, in 2007, Filipino YouTube discovery Arnel Pineda.
In recent years, the band’s 1981 smash, “Don’t Stop Believin’” (with Perry) has been featured in The Sopranos and covered by the cast TV’s Glee, introducing Journey to a whole new audience.
“Don’t Stop Believin’” is a phenomenon: it topped downloads in the iTunes Music Store amongst songs not released in the 21st century, and sits just outside of the top twenty best selling digital songs of all time.
In the U.K., ITV's The X-Factor 2009 winner Joe McElderry covered the song, and it went Top 10.
On Wednesday, the Marshall Classic Rock Roll Of Honours "Event Of The Year" award was presented to Journey to honor the return of "Don't Stop Believin'" to the UK Top 10 this summer. Journey guitarist Neal Schon was on hand to pick up the prize.
The song’s renewed success has Journey making headlines again, and with it, news that Perry wants back in.
The band was reportedly stunned when approached by Perry to rejoin them. Schon told Britain's Daily Star, "He seems to be enjoying the spotlight a little too much. The fact is he's no longer the lead singer. He walked out."
Ouch.
In summer 2007, Schon found YouTube videos of Pineda singing Journey songs, tracked him down for an audition, and he was announced as the band’s new voice in December of that year.
No disrespect intended but, with a Perry sound-alike in Pineda, is Schon telling the world he wants Perry’s voice in the band, but not Perry himself?
Stay tuned….
Journey - Don't Stop Believin' - Escape Journey – Don’t Stop Believin’ (Steve Perry) (1981)
Journey – Don’t Stop Believin’ (Arnel Pineda) (2008)
42 comments:
Sorry Neil,
YOU and Jonathan Cain forced Steve out of the band legally. Nice try. Bottom line is, you will never reach the level of success and class with any other lead singer other than, Steve Perry. As far as I am concerned, the band Journey died when Steve was no longer your front man. Funny how you still manage to capitalize on all the songs he wrote and the success of those songs and claim them as your own. You were all so magical together, come on and bring the magic back together, mend the differences and get on with it, would you?
I have to say I was a big fan of Perry back then. I went to all the concerts and got the albums all the way up to Raised on Radio. After that it was a different band. Different music.... Then even on Perrys reunion I didnt care for that album. Journey was dead. However Pineda brought back the good old days of Journey. I got the new cd and was blow away (by the new songs) I even let others hear it and they liked it to. Its hard I have the most respect for Perry and said journey would NEVER be journey without Perry but I think I have moved on .. I wouldnt mind a reunion show but Pineda earned his shoes for the new days.
Arnel can sound enough like Steve Perry to sing his songs, but he simply cannot get them back on the radio. Why? Well, it isn't just about being able to sing. Steve Perry can write songs and has an ear for hits and how to put a song together. It is the combination of Steve, Jonathan and Neal writing together that produces hits, period. And why would you want to continue reproducing the same live shows rehashing the old songs with anyone other than the original when the man who actually co-wrote and made those songs what they are is available for producing more hits and a renewed iterest with fans that goes far beyond what they can possibly achieve with a sound alike. No disrespect to Arnel and the rest of the band working so hard to sound like the band like they did back in the day, but you really need Steve himself back for the writing and the studio work to make new hits. Maybe Arnel could do the live shows to help Steve get past the fear of living up to performing live every night. What do you say guys....work it out so everyone wins?
You won't see huge success without Steve back on the writing and recording. And really, that's what all the fans want.
There is no Journey without Steve Perry. It's a shame and embarrassment to see this little youtube filipino bopping around in his best Steve Perry impersonation. It's not cutting it, bring Steve back! Bring back the magic that was once Journey!! Steve Perry's voice is legendary. Could you replace Freddy Mercury of Queen- NO!! Can you replace Steve Perry NOOO!!!
There was a hip Journey well before Perry.
Also, do some digging on the web, read the interviews with their former manager (name escapes me right now), Perry is a tool.
Read that and rag on Neil....trust me, you won't.
Because of Steve Perry, Journey is who they were in the late 70's to the mid 90's. I won't lie, Steve Perry's last album with Journey sounded different then the others. I guess Steve started singing in a different style or different way. I guess that's the price you pay when you get older. Still, the album, though sounding different, showed melodic flow. I think they over used synthesized sounds instead of sticking the honest sound of classic rock. I was offended for Steve Perry when they re-recorded Journey's greatest hits with Arnel's voice! What were they thinking! Steve's voice is irreplaceable! No contest! When Augeri, Desoto & Pineda did it, it was just KARAOKE! Leave the classic alone! It's true, it's magical when they're all together but come on, don't impose or disrespect the memory or magic. If Journey must move on, then move on. Don't make a mockery of your classics. BTW, I am a big Journey/Steve Perry fan, there is nobody yet that can sound like Perry. Maybe a slight tone or vowel here & there but GOD made each of us unique, especially you, Steve. If they won't except you back in the band, I'll still support your solo career, hit or miss
Sincerely,
Fan of both D.T.
Steve IS Journey.....always was....always will be!!!! COME BACK STEVE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Bring him back...
Schon needs to decide if he wants history to remember him as the leader of a great cover band or as the lead guitarist for Journey. I'm not sure if Perry has the vocal stamina to perform 100 shows but the band could orchestrate a very respectful reunion - a series of shows - reissue all the records, record a few new songs - reclaim
their respectful place in music history and more importantly pad the retirement fund. Unless Perry rejoins I see Schon taking the band further and further down a distasteful road of mimicry.
the current Journey is a cover band. a reunited Journey is just a cash-in.
glad i still have my old albums to listen to.
Journey stinks now like they stunk yesterday.
I just won't spend the coin to see Journey without Perry singing. I was just a little too young to see them in the 80's, and by the time he left the band in the early 90's, I was bummed. Journey is a timeless sound, and Steve Perry is, along with Schon "that sound" No more puppet singers please...bring back Perry!
Oh man! when I heard on the radio that Steve Perry wants back in. I was so jazzed!!!!. After all Steve Perry IS journey! There can be no substitute, Why would Schon not want him back in the band? get over it, after all it's O.K. for Schon to want a sound alike Steve Perry voice but just not Steve himself. I only hope that the band can realize if Steve comes back the fans would come unglued, their popularity would skyrocket. I grew up in the seventies and Journey was a huge part of that. I heard Pineda and don't get me wrong, he's good no disrespect to the man but you can't come close to replacing the original. I had many chances to see the new Journey but without Steve whats the point. If he comes back and I pray he does I will not miss any performance!!!. Mary C from Rancho Cucamonga, Calif.
I went to see Journey in Sept 09- what a waste of money!! I could have spent a lot less seeing a cover band that had a better singer trying to sing like Steve Perry... what a pathetic attempt at trying to relive "the Glory Days"!! I left early cause it was just too painful to watch and listen to the Perry- Wannabe jumping around the stage - he was horrible and he could not even pronounciate certain words. Oh yeah.. and don't get me started about their new album-- another total waste of $$-- Thank goodness it was bought cheap @ Walmart-but I swear I caanot give it away- no one wants it!!
without Steve, there is no Journey... painful, but true... Journey lives ONLY because of their history, and nothing else...
I was hoping Steve Perry would unite again with the band...even if its a few concerts, if he does, they better make sure its a HUGE place lol
This is the same rumor that began in 2007. The tabloids insist on attempting to stir things up between Steve and Neal from time to time. The truth is that Steve was pressured into giving a definite yes or no answer about staying with the band as he was undecided about having his hip replacement surgery. How do you expect someone to commit to a contract if they are not certain they can fulfill it? It appears there would be much fence mending to be done before they ever speak about a reunion. Think of all that profit going to waste! Steve Perry is what made Journey special. No one will take his place in the eyes of his true fans...There they stand, worlds apart hearts broken in two... Very delicate situation on both sides, not to mention all of their fans...Only so many tears you can cry till the heartaches is over, So, Come on guys, give it a shot, Steve Perry and Journey were made for each other!
get real! he's 60 yrs. old. recently, he was asked twice to sing the national anthem for his favorite team, the SF Giants but refused both times. He keeps his delusional fans hanging on and hoping for something that will never come. everyone gets old. why can't he just swallow his pride and admit that he is incapable of singing these journey songs any more. that way he can put his obsessive fans out of their misery.
wow a lot of talk about a journey reunion, the reunion we really need is santana with schon and rollie. now that wpold be amazing
Rumors, rumors... This rumor began 3 years ago and people are still buying it! Steve is currently recording solo according to his live radio interview last month. As for you "get real"! Sixty one years old doesn't mean your at deaths door. Fans hoping to see their favorite vocalist perform again doesn't mean that they are delusional or obsessive. Fans are the people who buy music, You must be jealous because someone else is getting the attention you long for! It's sounds as if you have an obsession for posting comments and believing somehow in you delusional mind that everyone believes what you say! I do hope you find a way to escape your own misery soon. Attempting to insult the intelligence of others is not your forte. Anyway...Personally I am hoping to hear a new release from Steve after hearing his recent LIVE interviews. After purchasing Journeys 2008 release including Arnel, I will not bother wasting my money on their music again. It was no more than a cheap karaoke recording to me. Again people, this rumor of Steve wanting to rejoin is 3 years old, so find something real to bicker about!
So sad. The stones, van halen, the police, take that.......so many bands have reunited...wtf
We need Perry Back on vocals. Arnel Pineda can sing like Steve Perry, But one song he can't compare and im sure others he can't compare to Perry's oustanding voice on Lovin', Touchin', Squeezin'. So many Reunions, Journey should just do it, there not Journey without Perry, sorry Arnel.
It would be great if somehow Neal, Steve and Jonathan could put away their differences and perform together again but i don't see that happening. Too much water under the bridge and financially, they don't have too. I'm not sure if Steve will ever record again either (even though I would love him too!)If you've heard him talk the last ten years he's hinted about recording but never followed thru with new music.
30 Years from now when anyone listens to classic rock and they come to Journey, a very somber knowing nod will be common for the fall of such greatness from the obvious desire for the lead spotlight.
Together, you all work. Separetely....is not how God intended.
Someone needs to pull their head out of their ass and secure their status in history as the Great Band as you were intended to be, as One.
When Schon passes and goes to ?.... how are your children and so forth going to think of their great dad.
Hopefully not a stubborn ol' goat who missed the boat for a ride through the generations to come, on the dingy of pride.
love and miss you Steve.
Alexs' ol' neighbor.
(For the love of strange medicine)
ksheldon.ljl
I don't think there is any other band in the history of music that people have talked and longed so much about a reunion. For whatever it's worth I'm sure it's getting old in Neal and Steve's mind. I'm also sure they will keep hearing us until it actually happens... In the meantime, we'll keep hearing the classics on the radio only with Steve on them. I'll be ok with that.... really!!!
UUUMMMM yah some one is really mental steve perry is and will always be the best he can still sing like he did in 1978 and i know because i herd him so journey needs to f***ing take a hike!
Journey without steve perry cant fill a stadium floor today but if steve perry returned it would be a rockin tour sellout!
Come on Neal, do this before its too late. Its already too late for a number of other bands, don't let it happen to your band.
Steve eres el mejor, desde Puerto Rico con mucho amor.
Ivette
Come on Neil Schon. Journey is nothing without Steve Perry. And when you wake up, we will be at your sell-out concert with Steve as the lead singer. Long live Journey.
ok Journey is coming to the los angeles hollywood bowl october 11 (school night)...
nose bleed seats-$65-$100
reach out and touch their feet seats-$700.00
seats that do not require glasses-$175.00 (bench seats)
i just can not bring myself to pay 175.00 each for tickets with Steve perry NOT being there... (if steve would be there i would have already bought the 700.00 tickets!)
Steve Perry has such a beautiful soulful voice, no one can come close to the emotion he conveys...I would love to see him in concert, ideally with the old band but I would settle for Steve singing Journey tunes without them if it had to be that way. I listen to all those old hits on my mp3 player and fantasize that I'm 14 years old again listening to them on my transistor radio...summer fun...carefree...heavy sigh
Digging up some of the Steve Perry/Strange Medicine Band covers of the classic Journey tunes from those early 90s tours shows quite easily that the Journey "sound" is at its best when the early 80s lineup is together. Steve had to carry his bandmates' vocals most of the time in his solo shows. He has also said himself Journey's best time together was in '81, particularly the Houston, TX concert (no, I didn't go it - just watch clips on YT like most of us).
It was good for them to produce at least one more record together ("Trial By Fire") and that album produced their only Grammy-nominated song ("When You Love a Woman") in their history, if you can believe that.
I know this rumor has been debunked again, but the melodies sound the best when it's the original musicians performing them TOGETHER! As many of you have said, and I am in agreement, JUST DO THIS - REUNITE ONE MORE TIME!!!
I was, am, and always will be a fan of Journey, Steve Perry's Journey. My kids are fans too. My oldest daughter went to see the new Journey and she said, "Mom, they were ok, but after growing up listening to the Journey you played for us as kids, this new Journey didn't sound right. I was lucky enough to hang out with Steve back in the day, and will keep those memories close to my heart, along with the original Journey sound. <3 always, Tammy
I`m 42 now and never in the lucky situation to see Journey with Steve in front only one concert in Cologne-Germany with the singer before pineda, I forgot his name!!!It was such a bad concert and I went home in the halftime.The fact is that noone on earth can replace Steve Perry- his voice is not from this planet, it`s heavenly and please don`t understand it wrong, if you are the lead-singer of one of the best Rockbands in the world you should speak and sing fluently English but Arnel Pineda don`t!!!
Nice greets from Germany. Oliver
Steve, you have a gift from heaven. Your voice. Listen to what your mother told you years ago, keep singing, don't stop believing! She was right! Mend the fences, reunite with Journey, just make sure you reserve the biggest place for the reunite tour, cause you will sell out, it will be HUGE! Also just make sure you come to Kansas City. We love you!
I wish Michel Hutchence were still alive. INXS has done everything degrading humiliating and insulting to the legend that they had with Michael. The new lead singer (since 2005 chosen from a reaity tv show competition) is a mimic and impersonator.Like someone posted here it isn't just about being able to sing. Those beautiful songs were created and became magical through the 6 original members of the band. There is no replacement for Michael Hutchence. Like posted above will listen to the classics on the radio with Hutch singing them.
Styx, Foreignor, Journey whatever.......they are all totally irrelevant today. I'm a huge Journey fan and the only lead singer for this band is Steve Perry. There are certain singers in Rock and Roll who's voices are very well an instrument in that band. Unmistakeable and undescribable. I would say the same for Lou Gramm and Denis DeYoung......it's a shame that some of the these pioneers of the 70's have to cheapen themselves by providing the fans with a copykat....it doesn't matter if the new guy can sing, I still would feel cheated sitting there knowing I paid for a copy. Which is why I do not.
steve perry all the way!!!!!!! At least get a real singer from youtube!!! not tony jaa the martial artist!!!!!
Well, after reading all the previous comments about Steve Perry's heavenly voice & the band's attempts at replacing him I am able to report from England with a kind of independent view as I have been to see the band perform live with all their three new vocalists. What follows will be a brief review of my 3 Journey gigs over the past few years:
Edinburgh 2007- Steve Augeri:What the hell were Neal & Jon thinking about when they hired this man? I booed the band off when they did some of both of their new & old stuff it was that bad.
Newcastle 2008- Scott-Soto:Just a touch better-no boos this time! But nevertheless did Neal & Jon actually listening to this guy & considered comparing him to the class of Perry before hiring him? I doubt it!
somewhat ironic, copycat, attempts at replacing it with a second-rate duffer(Augeri- yes i had the pleasure of seeing Journey perform and yes I had to boo some of their songs off stage as I was that disappointed!), then one of dubious quality(Scott-Soto-frankly little better than Augeri, I had to ask myself was Schon & Co. actually listening to the hideous stuff their lead singers were producing or what?) and now one, who while there can be little doubt he can sing, it must be the area from where he was recruited that must be a worry-the
It's work. Nobody gets along with one of our top guys at the office; but he's damn good at what he does. And for that, I want him here. Grow up, Schon. Journey is a business. Hire the best man for the job (Perry, obviously) and get back to work. If you're not interested in that business anymore, then leave it and let someone else run it.
Arnel Pineda is doing a brill job, no one can doubt that. Steve Perry got too big for his boots back in the 80s, and because his final album with Journey did'nt do the business in the charts. Being a proud man he went solo, and good luck to him in the future. Journey deserve alot of respect,and any self respecting Journey fan should be delighted they found Arnel Pineda.
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