Journey, the AOR machine that dominated the charts and FM dials in the 1980s will release Live in Concert at Lollapalooza.
The live recording was captured during the band’s 2021 Lollapalooza appearance in Chicago on July 31, 2021. Songs for the set were mainly pulled from the string of monster albums during Journey’s classic era.
Of that magical time in Journey’s career, only two members remain and are on Live in Concert at Lollapalooza. Guitarist and founding member Neal Schon and keyboardist Johathon Cain who joined in the late 1970s after leaving the Babys. Not to take anything away, the remaining members have impressive entries on their resumes as well.
For example, drummer Deen Castronovo spent time in Bad English with Schon. Bassist Marco Mendoza logged time with the Dead Daisies.
As for the current voice of Journey, Arnel Pineda has been executing a honorable job to the band’s song catalog prior to his 2007 arrival. Pineda’s vocal performance on the Lollapalooza release is spot on and the crowd reaction agrees wholeheartedly.
In addition to the previously mentioned musicians, there’s additional keyboardist Jason Derlatka and second drummer Narada Michael Walden. Derlatka is a two-time Emmy nominated composer and Walden has an impressive roster of artists he has produced.
Albums from Infinity through Frontiers received the most love during the set. Hits such as the set opener, “Separate Ways,” “Lights,” “Open Arms,” “Faithfully” and “Wheel in the Sky” grace the set list. There’s plenty more chart toppers on the album not mentioned.
Even though not a major player as prior releases, 1986’s Raised on Radio is represented with “Be Good to Yourself.”
As for the album that received the most love, it’s Escape with six tracks followed by Frontiers with four.
The band effortlessly plows through hit after hit much to the liking of the crowd. Schon has two guitar interludes, one prior to “Stone in Love,” the other for before “Wheel in the Sky.”
Cain, has one interlude preceding “Who’s Crying Now” but shines on “Just the Same Way” with his amazing vocal performance.
Unfortunately, there are no songs from 2008’s Revelation or 2011’s Eclipse, Pineda’s albums with the band. As for the 2022’s Freedom, it wasn’t out at the time of the Lollapalooza show.
There’s no fancy band introduction, just a quick couple cords and beats before Journey launches into “Separate Ways.” The crowd reaction is roof raising even though the Lollapalooza show was outdoors. An incredible audience response from what can be considered more than just the 1980’s fan base.
It’s obvious the crowd knows the material as they sing away chorus after chorus throughout the night. That all peaks as the audience sings their hearts out during “Faithfully” late in the set.
At the midpoint, “La Do Da” from 1978’s Infinity turns into a cool groove session concluding with a drum solo.
Over the years, several Journey songs have taken on a life of their own. One fine example is “Don’t Stop Believin,” the band’s massive hit from 1981’s Escape album. It’s the show closer but the crowd still has plenty of energy to belt out lyrics and chorus.
Journey has a handful of tour dates on the books for January 2023. From the results of Live in Concert at Lollapalooza it’s a show that is a no-brainer. The band will be supporting their 2022 release Freedom on what is being referred to as the 2023 Freedom Tour.
Live in Concert at Lollapalooza has a December 9, 2022 release date through Frontier Records. This fine, live and ear enjoying Journey experience will be available for the masses in vinyl and CD formats.
Video for Anyway You Want It from Journey’s Live in Concert at Lollapalooza.
