Does it get any better?! Reaction and Analysis feat. Journey's LIVE performance of "Mother, Father"

[@jamiemacdonald436]

Often imitated, never duplicated. Steve is one of a kind.

[@robertfindley921]

"The Voice"

[@polarvortex6601]

yes he was

[@Starchild4084]

He is amazing! No auto-tune no lip syncing no computer dubbing. Thankfully I grew up on true live music !

[@BigTimeRushFan2112]

Gen Xer here. Amen to what you said!

[@SF-yl2si]

When Steve Perry was in his prime there was no one better vocally IMO. So smooth

[@johncrocker-nh7ey]

I agree. Entirely that journey was our push back against queen. We showed the world you could be straight and still sing

[@jeffmoore1435]

And with Greg Rolly they would blow Led Zepplin of the stage

[@keithconnell8460]

You probably never have heard this, but it might be the best live vocal performance ever. It's a fan favorite, but lost on most casuals. Through bitter tears, and wounded years". Best live vocal line ever.

[@johnterry1852]

One of the greatest vocalists to ever come along.

[@levisalvini4110]

Yep!

[@Me20241]

Journey with Steve Perry is mind blowing

[@cjen1959]

A real treat watching a professional assess what many think is the greatest rock vocalist ever.

[@mitchmercredi]

This entire concert was amazing.

[@sallyatticum]

One of my favorite concerts ever. They were astonishing live. Steve Perry seems effortless, but we know it took a toll on him later, physically and emotionally. He interacted with the audience quite a lot, he spent a good amount of time singing directly to us.

[@gram5751]

Steve and Neal have both said that this song is one of their favorites, that they are most proud of this performance. Steve said that it was one of the hardest songs for him to sing, both vocally and emotionally. Excellent song by Steve and the rest of the band! The piano solo was designed to both let Jonathan Kain has his solo moment and to let Steve recuperate and get ready for the next song. Hard to think that he would sing at this level for a full concert night after night for months at a time. They had a grueling tour schedule.

[@yaris-612]

They were on the road for 9-10 months and sometimes performing 4-5 days in a row. That sounds exhausting

[@helenlucia3785]

What always got me about Steve Perry's performances wasn't just the insanely beautiful God Given voice, it was the emotion and passion that he brought to his songs that for me just put him head and shoulders over other singers he made you feel the song.

[@yaris-612]

Exactly!!! Is not only the beautiful voice and perfect pitch, what makes him so unique and special is that passionate singing and his ability to convey emotions. That's what “the others” don't have

[@geraldhartley]

One of Perry's finest moments. Such a powerful emotional performance.

[@Bsquared1972]

Perry sings with so much passion and emotion! This song always draws a tear or two...incredibly well-written and performed by the entire band!

[@matthewgoodA1206]

After a performance on this level, all there is to do is acknowledge you witnessed true greatness.

[@steveszanto1581]

"I'm not even halfway through"...buckle up. Steve Perry is simply incredible.

[@maskmedusa]

Yeah, it’s masterful. One of the best vocal performances in Rock, no doubt. What an astounding voice.

[@tenbones1274]

I remember when this song came out - I was *going through it* at home. This song hit me hard (still does) but it helped me get through it. Steve Perry's vocals completely are on a different level. Even as a kid I realized how powerful his singing was versus other stuff I was listening to. This is why Journey is part of the soundtrack to every Gen X kid that grew up in 70's and 80's. Great reaction!

[@On_Te_Ie_GramThe_Vocalyst]

I would prefer if we have private discu-ssion!!

[@jbunte31]

No need to apologize for pausing or going back! It's good to hear your thoughts, so pause all you want!

[@ozaman1064]

This performance, I've always said, may be the best rock vocal performance of all time. Just God level superhuman! Perry's "Mother Father Live" is the vocal standard.

[@taki2003]

The Voice...Steve Perry has said this is the most difficult song to do live...yet he nails it every time!! saw them eight times between 1980 and 1981...their shows were perfection!!

[@euryalestheno]

Steve Perry - Best in the Business - Glad you chose this song / version -- Really shows the gift of vocals He has.

[@johnniecalhoun5381]

Steve always says this was the hardest song for him to sing . What can you say , he makes it look easy !!

[@smavtmb2196]

Fantastic song/performance Your reaction was awesome, and knew you wouldn't be able to resist stopping several times. Totally worth it. Especially combined with your facial expressions. Which were priceless and so endearing.

[@EatinPaste]

Time to swoon over Steve Perry all over again.

[@On_Te_Ie_GramThe_Vocalyst]

I would prefer if we have private discu-ssion!!❤

[@EM-gr6xp]

We saw him right after the break up with Journey, downtown Tulsa, Brady Theater. Right after his break up with Sherrie too I believe, he talked about her. Performance was perfection, and man he was a comedian that night. What a talent.

[@debbieabrahams149]

Great reaction - bring on more Steve Perry analysis - he's my favorite all time male rock star!

[@robertfindley921]

This is probably the song that shows off Steve's voice the best. Especially the ending where he shows why he's special. "The Voice"

[@polarvortex6601]

that falsetto was almost out of this world. i agree, its difficult as a dude to go that high. usually castrato can go there for obvious reasons.

[@stevebarber8501]

Glad you checked this great performance out.

[@DiverBand]

I’ve been waiting for you to do this reaction and analysis. Wonderful insights as usual. The one word that you use numerous times to describe Perry’s performance is magnificent. This is a vocal coach’s dream. This may very well be the greatest rock vocal performance I’ve ever seen or heard. In his prime, no one could touch Steve Perry from a technical standpoint. He’s done things that are simply otherworldly. And it’s so wonderful to see a younger generation be exposed to his wonderful vocal magic.

[@victorialw1]

Years ago, this performance was voted the best live performance of any artist/band of all time. So you're right! 😆

[@johncassinari9175]

He doesn’t miss a note. And I was lucky enough to see them in this tour. 40+ years later I can still remember being in the nosebleed section of the old Boston Garden loving every minute. Great analysis Bethany.

[@glennshepherd5862]

Now imagine being 17 and seeing this live with all your friends. I saw them live 6 times in the early 80’s. Amazing 😊

[@markvanderstelt8999]

i remember seeing you at those shows

[@LesKrupa]

I was 17 and there at this show in Houston along with half my high school. Loverboy opened. Fought off the flu to get tickets at Cactus Records when they went on sale at midnight. All worth it.

[@CharlyDS]

Fantastic deep cut choice, love this song, the instruments work (the guitar solos!), and of course Perry is out of this world (he's full of those moments!). Love your cat, catting in as they do ;)

[@joaopaulohenriques1404]

This is the best rock ballad ever performed live. Dot, period, paragraph.😊

[@danjmcs]

i remember listening to this on the local rock radio station when they simulcasted the show from Houston, broadcast on MTV and local radio the same night. MTV had just launched in August of 81 and this show was in November of 81, so it was really just as MTV was starting to roll. I recorded it on cassette in my radio so we could listen to it back, because that's what you did in the day, heh. Such an amazing performance from the entire band that night and so glad we have it to enjoy 40+ years later.

[@beelzebubbalicious]

Wow, as soon as I saw the title, I couldn’t wait to see your analysis of it, it’s one of my favorite performances of theirs. Thanks for that😊

[@rondaddio4004]

So glad you done this one! Steve has a vocal that's very rare. I can tell you get excited when he sings. Great reaction

[@jeffreyhender5272]

I’m so here for this!! What a vocal tour de force by Perry!

[@ericrathburn5475]

Music magic. Perry, Schon, Valory, Cain and Smith. No one makes music like this anymore. Melody, Passion and Power melded into a perfect performance. Beyond his tone, Perry’s inflection, projection and diction placed him above many rock/pop singers of his era.

[@tat2jim]

He's having a moment. Lol. Love it!😂😂😂😂

[@albertnavarro1120]

Thank you for another fantastic reaction, Bethany! This is my favorite Journey song ever. As a former musical theater performer turned rock vocalist, I am in awe of Steve Perry's effortless and flawless showcase of his incredible voice. Your reactions have inspired me to return to singing at 62. Keep doing what you do, and I’ll keep listening!

[@jled1995]

Houston 1980! My hubby was there at 16! Steve and Neal were so magical together!

[@Jeff_of_all_trades]

I was lucky enough to see them on that tour. No words can describe what it was like to be there. To see how almost out of breath you get just trying to keep up with everything Steve does. Your appreciation and knowledge of what he's doing is why I watch your content.

[@rickcranston9920]

Perry's vocals are ridiculous, and to be able to do it live- no words. He actually recorded this song for the Escape album in 1 take.

[@johncage5368]

What an amazing performance.

[@artsilva]

So glad you finally got to this song/performance. It is one of the most incredible vocal gymnastics in rock and love hearing your thoughts and reaction with detailed insight.

[@asipasi16]

It is funny that you mentioned it sounds like a fight to you. I have ALWAYS felt that same way. He is ready to take on whoever stole her from him and show her who genuinely loves her.

[@kwirishman]

Greatest live vocals ever!

[@dust4magnet]

The funny thing is that Journey became so popular that folks like me were driven to alternative bands. It's all you heard over and over and over. Now, 45 years later, I'm going back and appreciating Perry's amazing talent. Plus it's forgotten that Journey were a prog rock band.

[@goldenruletv7301]

I saw them in 1982 on this tour and they wore the exact same outfit, lol. What a fantastic show.

[@TheColdrush22]

FINALLY. FINALLY. FINALLY. FINALLY. FINALLY. FINALLY. So excited. My favorite Journey song.

[@rrwdhw]

One of Journeys best live songs ever. Every band member was locked in. Songs Anytime/Feeling That Way, Lights, Wheel In The Sky, Girl Can't Help It are some of the bands best work. A great rabbit hole to go down!

[@907Bluedot]

This is the best song. I saw them live in the 80s. He can’t be compared.

[@SILVER_ON3]

Love it... Definitelymy fav. singer...

[@TheePIB]

My absolute favorite Journey song, bar none. The emotion, the power, the melody and vocal harmonies, the arrangement, the instrumentation, all are if not perfect, adjacent to perfection.

[@siggy-68]

Bethany , i don't normally comment when I come across these type of videos , but seeing your age group react to the bands that us older guys and gals witnessed and listen to just cracks me up to the facial expressions " Yea your really "diggin' it " , we did too ! Hahaha

[@sixslinger9951]

I saw them on this tour. Steve and the band gave everything they had. It was a perfect concert. Steve even wore the same shirt. ha! Great memories from the early 80s.

[@markvanderstelt8999]

i thought that was you at that show.

[@guanyin19]

Thanks for your reaction and analysis. It was fun to see you taken aback once again by Steve Perry's phenomenal vocals.

[@Gazza-z]

Steve Perry hes voice is magic ,great reaction Bethany

[@arob9981]

Yup the best male rock singer of all time. Nobody is more talented and recognizable. Some people were just born to sing and Steve Perry is one of them. Passion and feeling, technique, range, breathing, he has it all. His nickname in the industry is "The Voice" and you can see why. Another reactor called talking about him "God tier" lol. That's exactly what it is with Steve Perry. He was just in a different league than everyone else

[@spatulagames9881]

I love your reaction to this incredible performance!

[@SlitherWhisp]

This song ALWAYS makes me tear up. There is just so much emotion covered in it.

[@ruthlafler5622]

Yeah, that grounded stance. He moves around the stage a lot, but is always in that position in the more vocally challenging lines, which is why he moves so much less in this song -- he said this was his most difficult song. He sings this song with his whole body, and I think it's difficult both physically and emotionally (which is why in performance it goes into Jonathan Cain's piano solo -- according to Cain, Perry did the studio version in one take). And yeah, one of my favorite moments is when he flips the "l" in "blood."

[@sallyatticum]

He does use the entire stage. When I saw him he spent a lot of time singing directly to us off to the side in seats that were considered obstructed view seats, though they were beside the stage. The person that sold the tickets to us assured us he would spend time over there. It was fantastic.

[@Calypso231]

I have a feeling that this song was very, very reminiscent to Steve Perry's family life.That's what I think this song is about

[@billtaylor3382]

Great Singer! Loved Journey with Steve on vocals!

[@PhilliptBates]

This is one of my favourite live Journey songs. Steve's vocals are perfection. I saw them on this tour and they were so good live. He's for sure one of my ATF vocalists.

[@chaddubois8164]

That's how it's done kids.

[@wallhome464]

Two things - (1) Perry, Freddie, Delp. Legends. (2) That was live!! No auto tune. Journey is one of the rare bands (The Allman Brothers, Rush, etc.) that can showcase their talent live. So many artist are disappointing when seeing them in person.

[@laurierossi7901]

I love Steve! He's the best. With that being said, you should listen to Journey's drummer Dean Castronovo singing this song while playing the drums. That is purely amazing!

[@216Numbskull]

No bout a doubt it my friend I agree. Don't get it twisted nobody will ever replace Steve Perry. But, out of all the singers Journey's had who've tried, I feel Deen has done the songs the most justice out of all. ++Peace Funk & Rock n' Roll 4 Your Soul My Friend++ 🤘😜🤘

[@scottdaugherity1327]

While playing the drums!!!! He nails it!!

[@216Numbskull]

IDK if either one of you are hip to the super group called Revolution Saints with Deen Jack Blades & Doug Aldrich. But if you haven't & really dig Deen's voice & drum playing. Do yourself a favor & check out Deen's singing on one of their tune called "I Wouldn't Change A Thing." Just saying.. +++Peace Funk & Rock n' Roll 4 Your Soul My Friends+++ 🤘😜🤘

[@scottdaugherity8361]

Thank you. I had not heard the track but will definitely check it out.

[@LilOlFunnyBoy]

Ooh Jonathan sneaked a nice bit of Supertramp (Crime of the Century) into his piano solo. Respect.

[@rgtwngman]

Love all of your reactions, thank you!... ...and beside that, you are absolutely beautiful, and seem to be such a kind, sweet person. I hope the loved ones in your life appreciate how lucky they are...

[@jrossiter2117]

Voice of the Master. Steve Perry is the G.O.A.T 🔥

[@lisabp_0]

I saw Journey several times back then, and Steve had the audience eating out of his hand every show.

[@LesleeWilliams-zd4uz]

When you said, story telling. I was just going to say that, very thing. He was like a true, rock opera performer. I love watching your reactions to my music history! Journey always delivered! At the very end of that song, when Neal plays a very brief almost, mashup of Lights? Very haunting.

[@allengray5748]

Great song and stellar vocals as always by the Man buttt,,, 😊 for a Vocal Coach the dual singer, dual song FEELING THAT WAY/ANYTIME ❤️ where keyboard player Gregg Rolie opens with his nice vocals is pretty cool!! Perhaps on our next Journey!! Nice Job Bethany! Peace 🕊️☮️♾️😎🎸🤟🏼

[@On_Te_Ie_GramThe_Vocalyst]

I would prefer if we have private discu-ssion!!

[@AndrewCCM]

Love watching your reaction here... It was an amazing performance without a doubt...

[@debranelson1987]

The way Steve is singing this particular song makes it sound quite operatic.

[@johnnyhunt6892]

I Really Enjoy watching your reactions and giving your Professional analysis to the Music I just Love So Much when you do your reactions to Bands I grew up to and have gotten to see so many times from start and realize Music is a Big part of my Life especially in young years in Hospitals when it did save my Life and was Escape and Really want to see what other people Especially younger generations really Think I can remember how it affected me and also how so called critics with no clue accept jealousy and tried labeling The Greatest eras late 70s to 80s and seeing how much real Fans still Love these Songs and Especially The Incredible Musicians who performed. Since 1977 I have gotten to go to 702 concerts and have variety of music but mostly this Journey Triumph so many I was 18 years old at the time of this Journey concert and had already seen them several times but now a different keyboard player Amazing Song writer took them to Top I would go to so many concerts and my hometown in Texas situated perfect just a few hours to drive to Dallas Houston Austin and Shreveport La just an hour I went to this concert in Houston at their Basketball Arena and everything and remember MTV who was still New broadcast this concert live on their channel I remember having goosebumps from Steve’s Performance and Amazing Band it’s kinda funny now when I go visit my Wife and Daughter in Houston the Arena is Huge and is now Joel Olsteen’s Very Big Church as we are going to seats whe😢I look towards stage memories of that concert are always there You make this Fun and Yeah I want to know if other people see what I saw funny didn’t meet and marry my wife until I was 36 and she is Just 3 years younger she was in Ministry from young age singing when we met I was taking her to all these concerts she missed we have a Daughter first thing we did at just a couple months old she went to every concert with us Her Favorite Band Journey by age 6 she had seen 5 times in concert and we would have this Little Beautiful Girl not even 1 we were very careful with her ears but people were so Amazed because she was very focused on Band and Songs and the only place we could take her she Really Loved being at Music Love it Thank You

[@alwaysengines]

This is an amazing reaction to an amazing song. You definitely get it

[@pegajense]

Steve Perry is my all time favorite male singer ❤❤❤❤

[@mitchelljernigan4771]

I think what you said about the members not doing much interaction with each other is probably due to the nature of the song. The song is about family turmoil. Usually when members have more interaction, the songs are of a more fun nature. With that said, I have seen this whole concert, and I think hands down, this is Perry's greatest performance out of all the songs.

[@bridgey3706]

One of the best ever. Remember hearing Escape when it came out and I was an instant fan and have been ever since. Thanks for reviewing this amazing song. Steve Perry is one of a kind.

[@thegorn68]

I'm surprised at how popular this song has become for reactions on KZbin. I always thought of it as a throw away song off Side 2 from Escape album. Great to see it get a new life 40+ years later.

[@donaldborckardt8147]

I think this is the most excited I’ve seen you from a reaction video. 😃

[@edfletcher1716]

The Voice! Pure talent augmented by Coke and youth.. Freaking awesome love his voice and the band. Well done.

[@UgoFolco]

I like that you perceived the band as not being too interactive because each member was doing their job. That’s way better than just pawning it off as “ego”.

[@HenrikKKristensen]

Another fine reaction from you ❤ If I want to listen to emotional singing in an Hard Rock setting, I always go back to Steve Perry and Jami Jamison in their prime. Amazing vocalists, but not just from a technical standpoint, but also their ability to express emotions in their singing. Love them both (R.I.P Jimi)

[@bryanjensen2614]

Midnight Express, Journey, Patiently. Awesome rendition.

[@sherryramirez6329]

girl it is about time ! THANK U luv Also i hope you had a wonderful christmas and new years as well.

[@sethcashman1011]

As for the performance itself... astonishing. Arguably even better than the studio recording. I saw them on this tour when I was a kid. My dad took me on a school night. Later, the Escape concert aired on MTV. While I'm not one of those curious creatures who believe that "Steve Perry IS Journey" - to me, each and every member of that band, in all of its incarnations, was vital to its sound - there is no denying that he is one of the greatest vocalists of all time, in any style, of any era. He is, in my humble opinion, the Sinatra, the Bennett, the Nat King Cole, of his generation. Easily. What he did to the band in the 80s was terrible, but he'll be the first one to admit that now. I'm just glad he's left us with all of those incredible performances to enjoy. There's talk of his actually performing live again. I sure hope it happens, and I'll be there cheering him on if it does.

[@ТурбоТ-р5х]

Вы королева солнечной улыбки !!! ❤

[@brigittereimprecht8334]

Steve Perry, the voice, nobody sings like him with this voice, the intensity and charisma. Journey with him were great and this concert was awesome. Also check out Live Osaka, also amazing and they managed to sweep the rather reserved Japanese away with songs like “Lights/Stay awhile”, “Wheel in the sky” and many more. Steve is simply amazing

[@MarisolMartin-o7g]

Steve is the best singer of all time!!!!! Please react to more journey with Steve Perry.. Houston 1980 it's just audio but the best live performance of all time!!!!!!

[@jled1995]

My husband was there!

[@Trebor_I]

I've seen them a few times... This song always gives me chills. The way Steve transfers to head voice is seemless

[@Julieroo28]

This is my favorite Journey song. I discovered it when I was about 12.

[@LudwigSC93]

Great choice. One of the best songs (if not the best) on the album and this album is a masterpiece.

[@ecceben]

I'd honestly never heard this Journey song until seeing its analysis on various channels, and it's become one of my favorites. It certainly ranks well, well within the top live performances I've ever seen recorded, bolstered by the fact that it was pre the era of autotune and effects on live mics, etc. When Steve Perry ascends into those top notes, it's so darn captivating. I've noticed particularly in this entire live concert Perry tends to take breaths in through an open mouth. Complete layperson here in terms of voice, but wouldn't that dry the vocal cords out quicker? Thanks for explaining what's going on with the voice and your other thoughts!

[@bradharris8935]

I was really hoping you would do this one day! Thanks!

[@gremmiehodad]

As a vocalist yourself, You MUST listen to Journey's “Something to Hide”, “Sweet and Simple” and “Winds of March”!(Talk about breath control!) Other beautiful and emotional songs that are criminally overlooked “Why Can’t this Night Go On Forever”, ‘Patiently”, "Little Girl”, “Departure/Good Morning Girl/Stay Awhile”, “Eyes of A Woman”(personal favorite!), “I’m Cryin”, “Still She Cries” and “It’s Just the Rain”! Other great emotional songs are the hits "Send Her My Love" and '"Still They Ride"! You'll Love Steve's vocal gymnastics on "Homemade Love" & For Great harmonies and a cappella check out “Feeling That Way/Anytime” and “Girl Can’t Help It” among others! (As ALWAYS with Journey, The musicianship is also outstanding!) PS If you like rock with great piano do yourself a favor and check out Pablo Cruise live particularly their epic masterpiece “Ocean Breeze" that starts with incredible piano by Cory Lerios building into a full blown rock instrumental and coming back down at the end in a beautiful vocal ballad!

[@Alberto_1965_BR]

One of the best live performances ever! The real Journey

[@butchmorrow3182]

Don't feel bad about "going back" to listen the various sections you highlighted...we came here for your reaction, and that is part of it. We came to hear your impression of the piece. 🙂👍And of course, Steve's vocals.