Well put Joe. Let the music do the talking...

As much as I love the old Styx and the old Van Halen (and especially the old Journey), I must say that it is a disapointment to me that these bands haven't been able to work out their internal problems- shit happens left and right- that's the way it goes. But I refuse to let the inner bickerings of a band to take anything away from the appeal of a new CD and/or tour, regardless of the circumstances. I'm gonna like it or I'm gonna hate it- regardless of who's playing in the band. If there's a change in the line-up of a band, I approach it as if it's a new band- I'm gonna like it or I'm gonna hate it (I'm repeating myself now!). I'm just glad these guys are still at it.

In a perfect world, Perry would be back with Journey (although I think Augeri will do just fine), Deyoung would be touring with Styx (although Gowan seems to be doing very well on the tour), and Roth would be in VH again (I'm selfish...). The problem is that there are no guarantees in life, especially the music biz. I'm just glad that these bands are still out there doing what they do best- rock our worlds. For all of you nay-sayers out there: always remember that it could be worse- there might not be a Journey or a Styx or a VH now...

One thing that we should keep in mind is that these bands (and other AOR staples) can disappear as early as next week due to the ever-changing trends of music (i.e. the flavor of the day.). Regardless of the changes in the line-ups in MHR/AOR bands, we MUST support them- even if it's not the "perfect world" we have hoped for.

nuff said...

C