The enduring majesty of Journey

Say one thing about the Journey-Heart-Cheap Trick tour: After four solid hours of 70s and 80s rock, these three bands had nothing left to prove to anyone.

Here are some highlights from the tour stop at Tampa's Ford Amphitheatre on Wednesday night:

EARLY START: It looked like a nearly full house at the outdoor venue, but maybe half had managed to arrive in time for Cheap Trick's 7 p.m. start time. That's a shame, because Robin Zander & Co. played only 45 minutes.

IF THEY WANT OUR LOVE, THEY GOT IT: Despite their short set, Cheap Trick got in all the classics, including "The Flame," which doesn't work itself in set-lists often. And hearing "Surrender" live just proves once again it's one of the best teenage anthems of any decade.

THEY'RE NEVER ALONE: Heart sisters Ann and Nancy Wilson were brilliant in an hour-long set. If you've never seen Heart play live, then frankly you haven't seen the best that rock n' roll has to offer. When Nancy starts the frantic acoustic chord work of "Crazy on You," I felt like my heart was about to explode. "Magic Man" remains as powerful today as it did 32 years ago. And their acoustic version of "Alone" never seems to lose its charm.

WE (HEART) HEART: The fans seemed surprised by Heart's commanding performance. A female fan two rows in front turned around and gushed at me: "God, I love Heart!" When waiting in the t-shirt line, where Heart's "Crazy on You" tank-tops were hot-sellers, another woman asked me, "Do you think Heart will come back and play more?" Nope, I told her while explaining the night's lineup, and she seemed  crushed.

NO DREAMS: One missing piece to the Heart set -- "These Dreams," their 1986 classic sung by Nancy. But reportedly she had a cold, so we'll take a rain check.

A LITTLE WARM: Pass the word to other bands visiting soon -- it's warm here in Florida during the summer. Still most bands came on stage dressed like they were playing a winter sock-hop at Clear Lake, Iowa. (Oh, I'd have paid double to see Nancy Wilson in a skirt and halter-top. Sorry, Cameron Crowe. You're wife is amazing, and I'm only human)

NICE SURPRISE: Journey opened with a surprise -- playing "Majestic," an aptly titled instrumental from 1979's "Evolution" album. Many fans recognize it also as the opening tune from their live "Captured" album. The harmonizing by the band members sent chills straight from your feet to your brain stem. The perfect opening to a great set.

ARNEL IS THE REAL DEAL: New lead singer Arnel Pineda worked the stage like a seasoned front-man, no small task in a steamy Florida summer night. Give him another two years, and he'll be the face of the band.

TWO-TISSUE SPECIAL: In an odd move, Journey stacked their two best-known ballads on top of each other, playing "Open Arms" and then going straight into "Faithfully." But hey, they've been doing this for 35 years now. I'm sure they had their reasons. Just feel free to share those with the women around me who spent 10 solid minutes crying during that love-a-polooza marathon.

THE CLASSICS: Many of the band's older tunes in the set -- "Lights," "Wheel in the Sky" and encore "Lovin' Touchin' Feelin' " -- had some extra zing that really brought them alive. But "Separate Ways" -- never my favorite tune -- really was pumped up, and it made all the difference.

WHAT ABOUT...: Hey, no "Who's Crying Now?" No problem, as far as I'm concerned. It wasn't for lack of time though. A hillbilly jam with Jonathan Cain on harmonica and Neal Shon on acoustic guitar seemed out of place and time-consuming. Still, it's obvious the band is changing its set-list nightly, and that's always the sign of a confident group of musicians.

THE SHIRTS: Ah, of course, the big question. All three bands have decent shirts for sale. And yeah, I bought two, including a Journey shirt that will soon replace my beloved 1981 "Escape Tour" jersey. (Click here to buy a replica online.) I chose a traditional black number, with the "Revelation" artwork on front and the tour stops listed on back. Dare I say classic?

BOTTOM LINE: A fantastic lineup of bands who still perform as well today as any point in their careers. This is the summer tour to beat right now. If this lineup passes within 500 miles of you, go!

Comments

[jane]

i saw them in maryland on 9/9/09 it was the best show just close your eyes and u would think it was steve , but its not ,i think arnel is better . if anyone could tell me i would like to buy a tour shirt of journey and heart together tour shirt 2009 with print on front and back of shirt need a xxlg

[Bassnote]

This one is kind of long:

Well, I took the family (my Wife and two daughters-ages 7 & soon to be 9) to see Journey, Heart and Cheap Trick last night. The bands were great, but the weather sucked. It was at the First Midwest Amphitheater, in Tinley Park, Illinois. It rained all day and throughout the show, and we were on the lawn. To the credit of my ladies, they were troopers. They toughed it out standing on the muddy lawn getting drenched through Cheap Trick and Heart, but two songs into Journey's set the skies cut loose with the heaviest downpour yet. I put my families welfare ahead of my desire to see Journey, and decided to leave.

We made our way through the mud and Ankle deep puddles of water to the walkway between the pavilion and the lawn, and watched part of 'Stone In Love' from behind the seats. Just as we were about to go, a couple walked up to us and gave us their four pavilion tickets for row VV in the middle; God bless those people, and I'm sorry I didn't get your names. So we trooped into the seats past people smirking at how young our children were, and settled in for some more great tunes by Journey.

Alas, the rain had taken its toll on my family, and they had hit the proverbial wall. My seven year old, who was dying to hear 'Don't Stop Believin'", never did. She had a glazed look in her eyes, and just nodded when I asked her if she had had enough. The nearly 9 year old had passed out in the seat leaning against my wife, who was fading fast. So we trooped out past the still smirking people and headed for the exit as Journey cruised through "Anytime / Feelin' That Way." As we made our way out to our car, we could hear Arnel crooning the first line of "Open Arms". Yes, I was sad. I really wanted to stay, but my family comes first.

Anyway, The bands:
Cheap Trick: I was not super impressed. Their sound was muddy, and for most of the set they didn't play anything I recognized, except the theme for "That 70's Show." But, the sound got Ironed out and closed the set with killer versions of "I Want You To Want Me", "The Flame" (with Jonathan Cain on keyboards), and "Surrender." They even did an encore of "Dream Police", again with Jonathan Cain, and Dean Castronova (Journey's drummer) singing back -up. Not great, but the last few songs mad up for a lack luster beginning.

Heart: Un-be-frickin'-lievable! This band was smokin'. They opened with a newer song that I had never heard, but still a good one. After a quick hello, and acknowledgement of all of us standing in the rain, they ripped into "Magic Man" They did not disappoint the 80s fans. They did three of their big 80s hits in a row; "Never", "These Dreams" and "Alone". Nancy plucked a mandolin for "These Dreams" and "Alone". When "Barracuda" stated, the place went nuts. Ann Wilson still has some the best pipes in the business, she did not miss a note. They did a cover of The Who's "Love Reign O'er Me", which was very appropriate considering the weather. The also covered Led Zeppelin with "Going To California". But the closer of "Crazy On You" was euphoric. Next time they come as headliner, I will so be there.

Journey: What I got to see, I loved. Arnel was fantastic. They started the show with shots of them on the video screen coming up to the stage, while AC/DC's "Back In Black" was blasted over the PA. Schon ripped into a fantastic version of "The Star Spangled Banner", with an American Flag on the video screen, and most of the crown singing the words for him. The band blasted "Never Walk Away" for their opener, and followed with "Only The Young", as the skies above cut loose. I did not get to see much of the next two songs performed, but "Stone in Love" sounded great. The surprises for me were "ask The Lonely", which was awesome, and Castronova belting out "Keep On Runnin'" as he bashed away at the drums. My wife and I held hands through "After All These Years", and "Lights" was sublime. The song that really sent the crown into a frenzy was "Seperate Ways (Worlds Apart)" But, as I said before, as Jonathan Cain started the lead vocal on "AnyTime" it was time for us to go. I would have loved to hear "Don't Stop Believin'" and "Any Way You Want It", but it was not meant to be last night. Arnel was in top form, and had a ton of energy for a guy around my own age. my seven year old was shocked to find out he was in his 40s. 'He didn't have any gray hair like you Dad." Thanks Arnel. I thought the show was great, but Mother Nature did her best to take away some of the enjoyment. Next time, I hope they play indoors.

[Katie]

OH MY GOSH! I'M SO THRILLED TO SEE THEM IN JUST 19 DAYS! I have to drive 2 hours but hell, I'd drive 20 to see them!

[CHRISTIAN]

STEVE PERRY IS NOT JOURNEY OK!! A TRUE JOURNEY FAN WOULD NEVER BASE THEIR SUPPORT ON ONE PARTICULAR MEMBER OF THE BAND..ARNEL PINEDA IS A GREAT MUTLI-DIMENSIONAL SINGER AND IM AFRAID FAR GREATER THAN PERRY..DONT BE MISTAKEN,I LOVE STEVE PERRY BUT ARNEL IS SO DAMN GOOD!! CONGRATULATIONS JOURNEY!! MORE POWER!

[charlie]

to all steve perry fans...shut the f..k up!

[Miguel]

I understand your point of view Dan,but it`s true that a band is more than just its vocalist.

Think of AC/DC for example.They changed vocalist and kept their quality(although their latest albums have been quite boring actually)

[Clarence]

@Dan

Journey is not about steve perry its the whole band itself regardless whos singing.

[Dan]

No Steve Perry? How can you even still call it "Journey"? That's like David Gilmour trying to call it Pink Floyd minus Roger Waters.

[vdk]

Blaine,

I was disappointed that Only The Young wasn't on their tribute CD as well. If you bought the Revelation CD/DVD set, they do have it on the DVD with Arnel blasting out the tune and it made me want to go running and practice for wrestling season. LOL

"Ask the Lonely" and "Only the Young" were omitted from the "Frontiers" album because Perry in his DIVA-mode wanted to put 2(outta place songs) he wrote himself-the crappy-silly "Back Talk" and the maudlin "Troubled Child".

[don in tulsa]

just for dogran, one more post on journey and maybe then he'll know who they are...................

[Blaine]

Arnel's in a Rock Star 101 pose, but it sure looks like one Steve Perry often struck.

I really like the new album and hope to catch them up here in Indy in September. Still, it won't be the same for me without Perry on vox...

By the way, on a somewhat-related note, does it annoy anyone else that, apparently per last-minute A&R "advice," the band did not include Only the Young and Ask the Lonely on Frontiers? I've liked that album for 25 (!) years, but if they had gone ahead and included those two terrific tracks, it might be my all-time favorite by any group.

Did Heart sing "Who Will You Run To"?

[Markus]

Cheap Trick is simply the best!!!!

[Tonka61]

This was a fantastic show, although I believe Heart should have been the headliner. I don't think that a band on their fifth lead singer should headline a show. The new guy is extremely talented - and he sounds just like Perry - but it essentially had a "cover band" feel. Heart was great, as was Cheap Trick.

But I have a huge problem with the FORD AMPHITHEATRE. They continue to flip off the people who sit in the lawn. We are already nearly two football fields away from the stage. That is our own fault, for being cheap. BUT TURN ON THE JUMBO SCREENS, ESPECIALLY WHEN YOU HAVE A TALENTED CARD LIKE LAST NIGHT. They had them off for Steve Miller and Joe Cocker, and they were off again last night. I'm tired of it. I'm about done with that place.

[Kevin]

Cheap Trick was amazing. The best band there. The only real band there. They are still the orginal line up, still putting out new music. Working with Geoff Emrick and George Martin on the Sgnt Peppers 40th annivesary gig out in the Hollywood bowl. Bums me out they had to play opening act with the equivilant of tribute bands, when they are still vital. It was like watching the who open up for Air Supply. Would have rather seen them with Tom Petty or the Black Crows.

[don in tulsa]

i've already had to miss them so stop rubbing it in. i was going to go see the romantics tonight and will have to miss them as well. when life sucks, it REALLY sucks.

[Tammy]

OMG! OMG! What a nite for me and my hubby!!! People, Journey is Back !! Fantastic experience last night!

[Dogran]

Enough already! 4 Journey related posts in a row is enough for anyone, particularly those of us in Europe who have no idea who these people are...otherwise, loving your work Steve...

[Pasco Mom]

Loved Heart back in the day and never stopped. Still cant believe that THEY were not the headliners. Journey was as okay as ever they were. Arnel is the shifizzle and his young enthusiasm does indeed inspire even folks like me...making it more fun to be at their show, than I expected. Surprisingly, I could sing along with all the old songs and, on the way out (early) I stopped on the cement apron (between the inside and lawn areas) to turn around and watch the PEOPLE loving it all. Was a nice vibe, to be sure. BRING BACK HEART asap...cant get enough of those beautiful Wilson sisters!

[Bob]

FANTASTIC SHOW!!!!

Arnel is not new to show business, I guarantee he has sung these songs on stage more than Journey has! I was amazed by him back in 1988 while stationed in Olongapo, and I was further amazed last night!
Maraming Salamat Arnel!!!

[Tom]

The show was pretty good overall but Heart and Cheap Trick needed longer sets. I heard that shows need to be over by 11pm now because of the settlement. Well, guess what, this one was. Journey did only 1 encore song so it could be done by 11pm. I think that hurts shows and will make me reconsider what shows I see there from now on. That being said, all 3 acts were good. Cheap Trick was having some audio troubles at first but fixed them. Heart was good but they were much better at Universal earlier this year. (Just to give you a good tip, if you see a group you like playing Universal during Madri Gras, GO!! Saw Steve Miller and Heart for past 2 years, excellent shows. Worth the admission price to the park, cheaper than some of the seats at the show) Cheap Trick and Heart seemed to rush thru their sets and had very little interaction with the crowd which kinda of hurts their acts. Journey was very good. My wife is a big fan but never had a chance to seem them before. She loved it. Wore her pink Journey shirt to work. I was impressed myself. I was never that big of a fan, but now have to reconsider that after last night.

[Tom]

Overall a good show. Was somewhat disappointed the both Cheap Trick and Heart could not play longer sets. I have heard the shows have to be over by 11pm now, and guess what, it was. 1 song encore by Journey showed that, they could have done at least one or 2 more songs but had to be done by 11. Saw Heart earlier this year at Universal and that was a much better set. Both Cheap Trick and Heart both seemed to rush thru their sets which takes away from the show. Probably would be better in Ft Myers tonight or another venue in the state. Plus, middle of the week shows are hard to sell out. Just glad it was not at the Ice Palace. Journey was outstanding. I am not that big a fan, but after last night, that has changed. My wife is a big fan but this was her first chance to see them. Loved it. Wore her pink Journey shirt to work today. I think that says it all.

[Ben]

Great Show! They did play "Stone in Love", it came right after Neil Schon's guitar solo- Arnel's mic volume was way too high the first few tunes! I wished they would've saved "Faithfully" for the last encore (they've done this on most of their shows this tour). On a negative note, far too many empty seats...this is the first show on their U.S. tour not to sell out- shame on you Florida. Also, it sucks when everyone sits down for the new tunes off of Revelation (just because people are not familiar with them yet- SUPPORT THE NEW CD...IT ROCKS!!!!!

[sparky]

Good to know that everything was a positive. I'm going to see the show up in Scranton on the 16th since the Mrs. will be out of town. It will be a guys night out of 80's music.

The one thing I have noticed with the 80's acts is that they don't come out drunk like the newer bands do. I guess they've been there done that and figure if their fans want to see them after all this time they should put on a show.

[Kevin]

Due to the wonderful traffic at the Amp, I missed Cheap Trick, but Heart was incredible and Journey really rocked. I couldn't believe, after all this time, they had so much energy. Arnel was incredible, it was so strange to hear such a thick accent when the music wasn't playing, and when they went back to the rocking music, I was back in the 80's. Incredible show!

[Matt]

No "Stone In Love?" Those summer nights are callin'.....

Serious dilemma for me -- this tour hits Mansfield, MA on 8/19. The Regeneration Tour is in Hyannis ON THE SAME NIGHT.

[Nokomis, FL]

The Ford Amphitheater on a hot, steamy July night? Was Right Guard a sponsor? (cringes)

[Tim]

We got there just in time for Cheap Trick, and while they were good it seemed to take a few songs before the sound mix got settled (at least from our seats at the back of the shed).

Heart's sound was much better, IMO, and they flat out rocked! I expected the Zeppelin cover (I know they've always been fans, and "Going to California" was a treat), but I was pleasantly surprised by The Who's "Love, Reign O'er Me". Nancy may have had a cold, but Ann was in fine form.

I agree with all you said about Journey. Arnel's voice is definitely the real deal. His entry in Wikipedia says that he's been singing 3-5 hours a night, 6-7 days a week for years. The fact that he has a voice at all after that is amazing, and he sounded great.

A great night. Classic rock indeed!

[CHAD]

oh, its a great cd, michelle. ive been listening nonstop since tuesday.

[Michelle]

Sounds like it was a great concert. I'm stopping by the library tonight to pick up a bunch of Journey CDs for our road trip to St. Louis.
Also bought Springfield's "Venus in Overdrive" last night and will give that a listen while I'm writing today.

[CHAD]

see steve, i told you about the power of separate ways. at least to me, its the one i wait for the whole show.

[boltcc]

I agree...Cheap Trick was ok, Heart came out and took control and really rocked, the vocals were great!

[anim8r]

Lovin', Touchin', SQUEEZIN'

[Dina]

the concert was great

Where did you come up with that Clear Lake, Iowa reference?! (I'm guessing Buddy Holly?) Reason it jumped out at me is that I have family there. Funny.

Awesome review.

[Marissa]

I think that stance Arnel strikes in that photo is pretty standard "front man pose."

Spearsy, I'm so thrilled the show was a hit. In fact, I could feel your excitement all the way here in Kankakee :P Thanks.

[T]

Arnel has a great voice, esp. for these songs, he just looked like he was still trying to find his stage presence while the band was soloing. I also thought either his voice was not quite as strong or they purposely upped the guitar sound on a few songs as well. I agree with the writer that in 2 years he will be a star in his own right.

Heart was good, but, like many, only got to hear a bit of Cheap Trick due to traffic

[Spears]

Arnel is scary dead-on for Perry in person. He's constantly moving around the stage. But he also does these cool little spins and drum riser jumps.

He has a real contagious enthusiasm. The other band members seem to get a real jolt out of watching him perform. That's what makes their live performances so fun to watch.

[Blaine]

Hey, that's awesome! Glad to hear it was a rockin' show.

Is it me or is Arnel striking a very Steve Perry-esque pose in that photo? All he needs are the tails...

[Bassnote]

Glad to hear it was great. Too bad I'll be Dj-ing a wedding the night they are in Chicago.