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THE JOURNEY ZONE
http://www.journey-zone.com
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THE REVIEWS
May, 2002
Chrysler/Jeep Bay Fest, Vinoy Park
St. Petersburg, Florida
May 4, 2002
Reviewer: Birdwoman
On a balmy spring evening, as an unseasonably hot and cloudless day filled with music and madness drew towards dark, I awaited the arrival of Journey on the stage to cap off a wonderful day. Boats had pulled up along the bay, and the searing heat had relented just a touch, a gentle breeze was swaying the palm trees ever so slightly. The summer concerts had started here in Florida. As I stood there gazing at the somewhat tired, yet excited crowd questions ran though my head, and I felt a sense of anticipation a bit unlike other concerts I had attended previously. This wasn't just another show. This could be the last hurrah or a bold new direction for a most influential "Classic Rock" band. It seemed that tonight would bring no answers to many of my questions but would certainly answer one: there are MANY, MANY fans who are not yet ready for Journey to give it up. There was a crush to see Journey unlike any other for all the bands that played throughout the weekend.
The "Under the Radar" pre-tour officially began as "the boys" made a staggered entrance to the stage. Ross, wearing a dragon-imprinted vest over a black t-shirt, was his usual clowning self. Deen, somewhat hidden behind the HUGE (ok, it was not so big) Sponge Bob Sticker on the drum cage, was wearing black. Has the Sponge Bob sticker replaced the lava lamp as tour mascot, I wonder? Jon looked liked he would be equally at home playing in an upscale jazz club, in black leather pants and a simple gray shirt. Neal was still sporting the cool goatee along with a tapestry-like vest and jeans. And finally, what you've all been waiting for. Steve arrived on stage wearing head to toe blue water reflection--something that ONLY Steve could pull off, but he pulls it off quite well!
The band immediately launched into "State of Grace" one of the brand new songs from the upcoming EP, due out sometime soon--July, perhaps? This song rocks, and is beautiful at the same time. I can't be quite sure, but I think we got a shorter version than the 10-minute version the "Friends and Family" were treated to at Santa Rosa. It seemed to be well received by all and had so many changeups that one security guard actually thought it was two songs. However, I think this song perhaps should have been reversed with the second song, "Separate Ways" or even the third song, "Ask the Lonely", as the crowd seemed a little caught off guard by a brand new song with no introduction.
The one flaw that was noticed right away, at least from the front rows, was that Steve's vocals were struggling to compete with the band. The sound was simply not quite right for you to be able to hear him as well as you should have been able to hear him. This was particularly a problem during the first three songs, and remained somewhat of a problem throughout the show, unfortunately. Perhaps this is a causality of the quick set up and little or no sound check at the festival shows? Or maybe it had more to do with my location in the crowd: when you are right up front, you don't always get optimal sound.
Either way, I don't think the crowd minded much at all--they just wanted to hear and see Journey!!!! And Journey delivered. Some people actually got there at 9:30am for the 8:15pm show. Now that is true dedication in a fan.
The set was just shy of 2 hours and included the standards that you HAVE to hear at a Journey concert as well as the two new songs, "State of Grace" and "The Time" and only the one track from Arrival, "Higher Place". The big video screen has been replaced by an awesome new lighting system, which gave great lighting on the stage but occasionally blinded the audience. The risers are gone, leaving Steve looking for a place to climb, on occasion, but bringing a closer, more intimate, show set up overall.
Neal's first solo came just three songs into the show and included the now trademark "Star-spangled Banner" which was an almost surreal moment with the crowd hushed and still, the lighters glowing. This was the ONLY moment of the show when the crowd was quiet, I can assure you!
"Stone in Love" was followed by "Only the Young," which led into "Lights". If you have the DVD, this is probably sounding somewhat familiar to you. But sometimes familiar can be a good thing. Next, Jon launched into his incredible piano solo and they went into the requisite "Open Arms" which the crowd sang as loudly as the band. After which, Jon brought us back to a "Special Time called Infinity" with "Feeling That Way" and "Anytime" during which Steve was having fun playing with Deen's cymbals.
There was no acoustic set, and Jon was playing both guitar and piano on "Higher Place", the only song from last year's CD, Arrival. What a guy! Good looks, amazing talent, and a really nice guy, what else can you say?
Steve introduced "The Time" making sure everyone KNEW this was a BRAND NEW song. It is guitar-heavy and takes you from bluesy to heavy, Zepplin-style rock and back again. This is gonna' be a GREAT song to sit back and listen to for hours on end. There are so many little nuances in it. "Don't Stop Beleivin'" came next, and is still simply a classic song. The next time you hear it, try to listen to it as if you've never heard it before and you'll see what I mean.
The funky "La Raza del Sol" took us into dancing mode and gave Mr. Augeri a chance to catch his breath before "Faithfully" and "Escape". Then Neal and his guitar took the audience on a short trip to outer space with another solo before launching "Wheel in the Sky" where Steve finally found something to climb on and about gave the Security folks a heart attack! They didn't know he was too smart to fall or jump into the crowd! And finally "Be Good To Yourself" closed out the show. By the way, Deen really did a kick-ass ending on this song.
Then came the encore with the predictable, yet, MUST HAVE, " Any Way You Want It" and "Lovin,' Touchin,' Squeezin'" before the guys threw out guitar picks, drumsticks, etc. and said their goodbyes and headed up the road to Atlanta for another show the next night.
One of the incredible things for me about a Journey show, is that throughout the show, I can feel as one with thousands of others, or all alone, as if they are playing only for me. This is enhanced by Ross' continuing antics and eye games. That man says more with his eyes than most folks say with their voices.
Steve Augeri goes out of his way to find the younger fans in the crowd and pay extra attention to them and you can tell he really CARES. Pointing out the person he wants to get the drumstick or whatever he is handing into the crowd. Towards the end of the show Neal was throwing water and then his water bottles into the crowd. And he seemed to be getting as big a kick out of it as the fans catching the stuff. Well, almost.
As I was walking out of the park, I overheard one fan saying "Now if Steve Perry had been there." But I also heard her say "That 'New Steve' does a pretty good job too, and I'm really glad I came". One thing I DID agree with her about, it is STILL hard to hear "Lovin', Touchin', Squeezin'" without it being followed by "City of the Angels", I guess it was just too many years of AOR radio and playing that album. Those two songs just NEED to go together.
Set List:
State of Grace
Separate Ways
Ask The Lonely
Neal solo with AMAZING Star Spangled Banner
Stone in Love
Only The Young
Lights
Jon Solo
Open Arms
Feeling That Way
Anytime
Higher Place
The Time
Don't Stop Believin'
La Raza del Sol
Faithfully
Escape
Neal solo
Wheel in The Sky
Be Good To Yourself
Encore:
Any Way You Want It
Lovin,' Touchin,' Squeezin,'
Merchandise:
Sticker Pak - $5 (includes new Red 13 sticker)
Mouse Pad - $15
Baseball Cap - $25
Girl's Tank (White) - $30
JNRY Red 13 Tshirt (Gray) $27 size xx-$32
Journey logo Tshirt (white) $27 size xx-$32
Baseball shirt (White w/Blue sleeves) $35 - Under the Radar Summer Tour 02
Sweatshirt (Navy) $45
No CDs, keychains, or necklaces...and what? No panties? ;)
May 4, 2002: Gregg Rolie Band Fresno Review
Music Midtown
Atlanta, GA
May 5, 2002
Reviewer: Drmaftrdrm
Photos by JRNYDV and Doug in NC
WOW What to say??? When Journey comes to my town, I fear bad sound from Chastain, but from where I was standing about three deep on Jon's side of the stage, the sound was awesome and the crowd was really into each and every note. I was amazed at the different ages showing interest. Some knew the songs but had no idea what our fellas even looked like, God Bless 'em every one.
This was a spectacular show. Jon seemed to be everywhere at once, playing both keyboards and guitars and looking great all in black leather; Deen has no peer on the drums and backup vocals. I loved watching Steve play drums with Deen. The dive off the piano did scare me just a bit but he seemed to recover quite nicely and never missed a beat. He was wearing Cream colored leather with a white shirt for those who need to know these things. Neal was, well, Neal, tearing up those threads. I think the long solos at time lose the younger folks though (sorry, Neal). Ross was so hilarious and the looks he gave while singing "Faithfully" were the topper. There was excitement in the air and no one can fill that like Journey can. They were the high light of the Festival for sure.
I would have enjoyed more Arrival tunes, but at times I felt like we in the fan club were the only ones who knew the words to these songs. But the others are learning just the same. It was a great pleasure meeting new fans, and old friends that I have talked to on the back talk boards and other sites as well. Fan gatherings are always next best thing to a concert. Oh, lets not forget--there was this guy out there in the crowd with an inflatable doll, with a little inflatable pig strapped onto it, you know just about where. I tell ya, the embarrassed look on Steve's face was priceless. Deen and Jon got a kick out of it. I never saw a reaction for Neal or Ross though.
Thanks, guys, for making all my dreams come true once again. You ROCK. Hope you got the two other JOURNEY afghans I gave to your roadie.
Additional review provided by young Rachel Romick, Journey's newest fan for life:
We flew to Atlanta from Asheville, NC with weekend passes to the Music Midtown Festival. The weather was not great Friday and Saturday, so we made the best of it with good food and swimming and health club and first run movies in the hotel suite.
We started getting really excited for the Journey concert Sunday after lunch when the clouds went their Seperate Ways. The temperature rose about 20 degrees.
We arrived at the festival prior to the Better Than Ezra show and my Dad started his quest for the front row. We watched BTE from about 10 feet from the front. The lights finally came down for Journey and with the help of some really nice people we were on the front row, center stage.
The concert was awesome. Journey was so tight. The music was legendary. Ross was messing with me the entire concert, making faces and waving.
Ross must have mentioned something to Deen because after the encore, the band joined at center stage and after a bow, Deen zeroed in on me. He yelled at the security guy, "Give it (the drumstick) to the girl, Give it to the girl." The security guy walks toward me and hands me one of Deen's drumsticks.
I about fainted. I have never inhaled so much air at one moment in my life. Deen then still looking at me pounds his center chest twice and points right at me. I'm hooked. My favorite band is my Dad's favorite band, Journey.
Thank you once again Dad for recruiting yet another fan for life. I had a great weekend, lets go on the road with Journey again soon!!!--Rachel
Editor's Note: How rare it is to find such a gentleman in such a cut-throat industry. Bravo, for Deen Castronovo, "Gentleman of Rock'n'Roll."
Set list:
State Of Grace
Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)
Ask The Lonely
Neal’s Solo with The Star-spangled Banner
Stone In Love
Only The Young
Send Her My Love
Lights
Jon Solo
Open Arms
Feeling That Way
Anytime
Higher Place
The Time
Don’t Stop Believin’
La Raza Del Sol
Faithfully
Escape
Neal solo
Wheel In The Sky
Be Good To Yourself
Encore:
Anyway You Want It
Lovin’, Touchin’, Squeezin’
Riverfest Ampitheatre
Little Rock, AR
May 7, 2002
Reviewer: Pris
My husband and I arrived in Little Rock at about 3 p.m., Tuesday, May 7, for the purpose of attending the Journey concert to be held that night. It would be the second show for me and the first for hubby. On the drive to our hotel, we passed the hotel where the guys were staying and I spotted the gold bus parked out front. My excitement mounted. I didn't see "anyone", but knew that I would soon.
After checking in, we freshened up and started the short walk to the venue. There we met up with a fellow fan and his brother. The crew was setting up the equipment on the stage of the Amphitheater and Neal was playing, getting ready for the night's event. Soon after, Deen arrived and began with the drum check. Shortly, Ross and Jon were there, too! I was in heaven! Then, Steve walked out and I realized that the whole group was there, right in front of me! I began to shake. I stayed quiet as a mouse and enjoyed every note I was hearing. I knew that in just a few hours I would be rocking with everyone else.
We left the venue after about 45 mins. and wandered to the restaurant where the fans' meeting had already commenced. I met some of the most wonderful people and the memories will last a lifetime. We talked, laughed, ate, drank, talked and laughed some more. Then it was time to head over for the event that we had all traveled so far to see!
I was on my feet for the entire 2 hours! Hubby was on his feet, also, most of the entire show. The crowd was really into it from the first and kept on rocking all night!
The highlight for me was the acoustic set of "Trial By Fire" and "Liberty." It was absolutely beautiful. Good job, Steve! For hubby, it was Neal's "Star-Spangled Banner." He looked at me with his mouth open and said "amazing"! The whole show was amazing to me! They only get better!
The weather held, as it had been threatening to rain, and at the very end, Steve looked toward the sky and said "thank you for not letting it rain". All the guys seemed to be having the time of their lives. Ross' funny faces only get funnier! Deen is the god of thunder. Jon played a lot more guitar than usual. Neal....the master! Steve...what can I say?
The show ended and none of the crowd wanted to leave. But we had to, as security came up and politely asked us to clear the area. Some wandered back to the restaurant, but hubby and I left the group and made the walk back to our hotel. I was tired but oh so happy! My feet haven't touched ground yet!
Thank you to Journey for a most memorable night!
Set list:
State Of Grace
Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)
Ask The Lonely
Neal’s Solo with The Star-spangled Banner
Stone In Love
Only The Young
Send Her My Love
Lights
Jon's Piano Solo
Open Arms
Feeling That Way
Anytime
Trial By Fire (Acoustic)
Liberty (Acoustic)
Higher Place
The Time
Don’t Stop Believin’
La Raza Del Sol
Faithfully
Escape
Neal and Jon solo
Wheel In The Sky
Be Good To Yourself
Anyway You Want It
Lovin’, Touchin’, Squeezin’
Black River Coliseum
Poplar Bluff, Missouri
May 8, 2002
Reviewer: Jrnyval
It was a very much-anticipated day for me, my sister, my niece and good friend, Christine. We were going to Poplar Bluff, MO to see the greatest rock band in the world! When we all finally got to Poplar Bluff, we ate dinner at Ruby Tuesday’s where we met up with another Journey fan named Tom, and his daughter, Tori. She is a cutie! We didn’t get to meet up with Holly (The alternate reviewer) until at the show, but what a great pleasure that was!
The show started just a few minutes after 8 pm, with the new rocker called "State Of Grace". Sure wished I had known the words so I could have sang along! It did get me ready for the new CD, however.
I was shocked to find that Steve Augeri did not wear leather pants to this show. The pants almost looked corduroy to me. They were a light blue, and he wore the black and white faces shirt like he did in Santa Rosa. Still he looked fine! Neal was just as awesome on guitar as he always is. He can just blow me away with his riffs. Ross was just as funny and goofy as he usually is, making us all smile with his silly faces. He is one seriously funny guy! I always think of Ross when I hear the words "we all need the clowns to make us smile" from "Faithfully." Deen was brilliant, even animalistic. He is one of the best drummers that I have ever seen. And as for Jon, well, he was phenomenal as always. I wish one day that I can tickle the ivories even half as good as he. He is the best!
The highlights of the show were, of course, the two new rockers ("State of Grace" and "The Time"), "Feeling That Way" and "Anytime," and the acoustic songs. They were very special, especially in these times. Other highlights of the night were meeting other Journey fans from the Back Talk boards, and the fact that I had a hand in giving three different people their very first opportunity so see Journey. Two of these people were my sister and her 16-year-old daughter; the other person is a good friend of mine from another group I am in. I met her for the first time earlier this summer. She is a sweetheart.
After the show, we all went up to the guardrails and talked to some of the roadies, and Holly got a drum stick. I got the poster that was hanging in the window of the box office announcing the show. The only bad thing about the show, and it had nothing to do with the actual concert, was that NOBODY, I mean nobody, got backstage passes. Not even the press! The guy from the radio station that I was talking to said that all their contest winners that received backstage passes couldn’t go backstage. I bet they were pretty disappointed. But as far as the concert itself, I give it 4.5 stars out of 5. There were some technical difficulties and some messed up lyrics, but who cares? It was, after all, Journey. Overall, a fantastic show. I can’t wait for July so I can get another fix of my favorite band!
Set list:
State Of Grace
Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)
Ask The Lonely
Neal’s Solo with The Star-spangled Banner
Stone In Love
Only The Young
Send Her My Love
Lights
Intro to Open Arms
Open Arms
Feeling That Way
Anytime
Trial By Fire (Acoustic)
Liberty (Acoustic)
Higher Place
The Time
Don’t Stop Believin’
La Raza Del Sol
Faithfully
Escape
Neal and Jon solo
Wheel In The Sky
Be Good To Yourself
Anyway You Want It
Lovin’, Touchin’, Squeezin’
We did not receive an original review from the May 10 show at Moline, IL.
Pepsi Jammin' on the Main
Cincinnatti, Ohio
May 11, 2002
Reviewer: Ohiojourney
It was a warm humid night when Journey arrived in Cincinnati, Ohio to perform at Pepsi Jammin' on the Main. This was a general admission concert, so the Faithful Journey fans from all over arrived early to get the best spot in front of the stage. I have to say that Journey fans are one of the things that make going to a Journey concert so special! What a great group of people. I really enjoyed hanging out with the Back Talk group!
While we waited for Journey to take the stage we got to enjoy some very talented local bands who made it a point to let everyone know that they were playing on Journey's stage. The Romantics were the last band to take the stage before Journey. They did a great job of getting everyone fired up and ready. Of course by this time most of us had been standing for more than four hours so we were more than ready for Journey to take the stage.
Journey exploded onto the stage with their new song "State Of Grace". Neal's right, this song Rocks!! I can see why they decided to use this song as their opener. It makes a really bold statement about what kind of direction the band wants to take. The crowd really loved this song it didn't even seem to matter that no one knew the words. The other new song "The Time" was my personal favorite. Steve's vocals were fantastic his voice came through loud and clear.
The crowd was so into the show dancing and singing especially on the old Journey favorites "Lights", "Faithfully", "Wheel In The Sky", and numerous other classics that Steve's vocals were sometimes drowned out, but it was really exciting to see the crowd was so into the show!
Neal was amazing as always, his "Star Spangled Banner" solo was one of the many highlights of the evening. The lighting during this song was incredible--you couldn't actually see Neal, just a shinning bright light all around him. Neal's rendition of the "Star Spangled Banner" left many with tears in their eyes, myself included. I really hope that they add this to the LP!
Ross is really fun to watch on stage, he spends so much time interacting with the crowd. He was having a ball and the crowd loved it! Ross is so good at what he does that he makes it look effortless.
Another highlight of the evening was hearing Jon on Lead Vocals on "Feeling That Way" & "Anytime", two of my favorites from the Infinity days. Jon & Steve did an excellent job on these songs. It was also nice to see Jon out front more with his guitar. He is so multi talented it makes him a real pleasure to watch on stage!
The only word to describe Deen is "Amazing!" I have never seen anyone who can drum like this guy. I enjoyed watching Deen during "La Raza del Sol." He gave it his all and then some.
Steve has such incredible stage presence. I have been to a lot of concerts and I honestly have never seen another performer pull the audience into the show they way that Steve does. He did such a good job in Cincinnati of getting everyone singing and dancing that the audience sometimes drowned out that incredible voice of his. I have always thought "Open Arms" was a special Journey song but it wasn't one of my favorites until I heard Steve Augeri sing it in Cincinnati. Steve sang this song with such heart and soul. I'm sorry but words don't do it justice. This is something that you will have to see for yourself!
I won't go into details about what each of the Journey guys were wearing other than to say they all looked great, healthy & happy to be on stage and the Cincinnati crowd was very happy to have them there!
After the concert I heard a lot of people say that they wished Journey would have played more songs from Arrival. The only song they played off of Arrival was "Higher Place". I also would have liked to hear more from Arrival but overall I think they did a great job of covering the classics and some new material. "State of Grace" & "The Time" have given Journey fans a small taste of what the future holds. The fans I talked to in Cincinnati agreed that Journey's future is looking really bright!
If you get the chance to go and see Journey's "Under The Radar Tour" you won't be disappointed. I really don't know how its possible, but Journey gets better every time I see them! I'm already looking forward to my next show this summer. Hope to meet some of you there!
Set list:
State Of Grace
Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)
Ask The Lonely
Neal’s Solo with The Star-spangled Banner
Only The Young
Stone In Love
Lights
Jon's Piano Solo
Open Arms
Feeling That Way
Anytime
Higher Place
The Time
Don’t Stop Believin’
La Raza Del Sol
Faithfully
Escape
Neal solo
Wheel In The Sky
Be Good To Yourself
Anyway You Want It
Lovin’, Touchin’, Squeezin’
Last Updated 14 April, 2004 (JRNYDV)
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