Journey finds new singer on YouTube

While some bands are lucky enough to have a reality show based on the search for their new lead singer (e.g., Rock Star: INXS), others have to do it the old-fashioned way: a painful series of auditions. But when those fail, what is a band to do? In the case of ballad superstars Journey, they found their answer in the world of new media—YouTube, to be specific.

From the mouth of guitarist Niel Schon (via Stereogum, via Blabbermouth):

I was frustrated about not having a singer, so I went on YouTube for a couple of days and just sat on it for hours. I was starting to think I was never going to find anybody. But then I found THE ZOO and I watched a bunch of different video clips that they had posted. After watching the videos over and over again, I had to walk away from the computer and let what I heard sink in because it sounded too good to be true. I thought, 'he can't be that good.' But he is that good, he's the real deal and so tremendously talented.

Good news for Journey fans who haven't had the chance to hear "Don't Stop Believin'" and "Faithfully" live yet.  Even better news for all of those rock star wannabes who flood YouTube and MySpace with videos and audio clips of their performances in hopes of being "discovered" by a Web-savvy A&R exec or a surviving superband in search of a new lead singer. 

Comments

[perry4ever]

I truly wish both steve and neal could put there differences aside and colaborate once more for the sake of the true and loyal journey fans. ;Journey just isnt the same without steve just like it wouldnt be the same without neal, they both compliment each other well.please steve come back soon your presence is so missed. God bless you steve and be well;love from your loyal listener