Rock and Roll legends Journey continue their massive series of shows in the U.S. as part of their “San Francisco Fest Tour”, ending appropriately enough in San Francisco early next month.  Founded in San Francisco in 1973, Journey has sold over 80 million albums worldwide, recording countless top hits in their career.  Neal Schon (founding member and lead guitarist), Ross Valory (original member and bassist), along with longtime members Jonathan Cain (keyboardist) and Arnel Pineda (lead singer) are joined on this tour with Steve Smith on drums – the first time he has toured with the band since 1998.

Journey’s Greatest Hits album was certified a staggering 15-times platinum, and remain an icon of rock. They are famed for releasing enduring favorites including “Lovin, Touchin’, Squeezin’”, “Faithfully”, “Lights”, “Any Way You Want It,” and of course, the biggest selling digital catalog single in history, “Don’t Stop Believin’,” made popular by hit TV series Glee.

But tonight belongs to the wonderful people in San Diego and what a night it is turning out to be.  Starting the night off with “Separate ways” from the 1983 album “Frontiers” which is always a crowd favorite and got the crowds blood flowing, while Pineda dropped to his knees for dramatic effect and did a sort of martial arts ballet that consists of him spinning in the air. This is why rockers have such a problem with pop artists having to lip-sync to allow for dancing in their performances. A guy like Pineda proves that you can still do both if you work on it.  There are certain Journey songs you expect to hear at one of their shows.  And Journey clearly did not come to Chula Vista to disappoint.  After setting the tone with “Separate Ways,” they made their way through “Be Good To Yourself” and “Only the Young” before Neil Schon put on a guitar clinic featuring his beautiful solo guitar work, which included the Star Spangled Banner.  It was absolutely stellar.  Next, keyboardist Jonathan Cain switched to guitar for the one-two punch of “Stone in Love” and “Any Way You Want It.” During “Any Way You Want It” the crowd sang along which was just the start of a wonderful connection between Pineda and the audience.  The audience continued to sing along during “Lights” from the 1978 album “Infinity” and then Jonathan Cain went into the intro to “Send my Love”, and the crowd favorite “Open Arms” which got the whole crowd singing along.  It was like a giant love fest between crowd and band.  With Neil Schon’s Solos ingrained in our DNA it was easy for Arnel Pineda to lead the crowd in a singalong of the solo to “Who’s Crying Now.”  And the band was also here tonight to celebrate the 35^th anniversary of the album “Escape” which they proceeded to play the title track.  Arnel’s energy was contagious and showed on songs like “La Do Da” also from the 1978 “Infinity” album.  The night just kept getting better and better with an amazing drum solo from Steve Smith. It was nice seeing a master at his craft.

The concert ended with three of Journey’s best known songs – “Wheel in the Sky,” an emotional version of “Faithfully” and “Don’t Stop Believin’, ” Seems like the perfect ending to a Journey concert, saving the biggest, most triumphant singalong for last.

“Lovin’, Touchin’, Squeezin’.”  What a memorable way to end a beautiful night of music in San Diego.  This was a Journey we would all take again.

Journey is:

Arnel Pineda (Vocals)

Neil Schon (Guitars)

Ross Valory (Bass)

Steve Smith (Drums)

Jonathan Cain (Keyboards, Guitars)

Review by: Storm@backstage360.com

Venue:  Sleeptrain SD