We can break the career of the legendary band Journey into several different eras. There\u2019s the early part where they focused on a somewhat proggy fusion style. Of course, there\u2019s the Steve Perry era when the band rose to ridiculous heights. And then there\u2019s the post-Perry era, where a bunch of Perry soundalikes have helped the band keep the brand afloat with the occasional studio album and copious touring. But what about the Robert Fleischman era? <\/p>\n
Well, it\u2019s hard to call it an era when it lasted less than a year. Here\u2019s a look back at Journey\u2019s brief stint with Fleischman as their lead singer.<\/p>\n
Looking for Lead Vocals<\/p>\n
When Journey formed in 1973, they originally intended to serve as a kind of Wrecking Crew backing band for acts in the Bay Area of California. But then they nabbed their own record deal. Gregg Rolie, who played keyboards, took over as the band\u2019s main vocalist on their early albums.<\/p>\n
The band released three albums from 1975 to 1977. They developed a reputation as an impressive outfit in terms of their instrumental virtuosity, led by the thrilling guitar work of Neal Schon. Journey toured constantly and gained notoriety on the West Coast.<\/p>\n
But they also watched as bands like Boston and Foreigner thrived on the radio with melodic, song-focused rock. Band manager Herbie Herbert wanted to see his band succeed on that level. To make that happen, he decided, the band would need a dedicated lead singer and frontman. The search was on.<\/p>\n
A Brief Stint<\/p>\n
The gig went to Robert Fleischman. Previously the head of an LA-based band called Shatterminx, he had put out his shingle looking for a new position as either a solo artist or a frontman. Herbert hired him to lead Journey, telling him that he\u2019d be expected to take the band in more of a pop-rock vein as lead singer while contributing as a songwriter.<\/p>\n
Fleischman got right to work in the latter vein. He started writing with several different band members. Perhaps his most notable contribution was in writing the lyrics to \u201cWheel In The Sky\u201d, which would become a concert staple for the band and one of the first songs that gained them a modicum of mainstream airplay.<\/p>\n
In addition, Rob Fleischman headed out on tour with Journey. Fans of the band\u2019s more instrumental-based approach weren\u2019t always happy to hear the new style. Nonetheless, Fleischman didn\u2019t think there was too much amiss. Little did he know that his time with the band was drawing to a sudden end.<\/p>\n
Pivoting to Perry<\/p>\n