Journey @ Bell Centre▪

Journey didn’t try to reinvent anything when they rolled into the Bell Centre on Friday, March 13—and honestly, they didn’t need to. Marketed as a farewell run, it felt less like a goodbye and more like a celebration of a catalogue that has defined arena rock for more than 50 years.

Postponed from earlier in the week due to Montreal weather, the packed Bell Centre was treated to a nearly two-and-a-half-hour laid-back, feel-good night, and the set leaned fully into Journey’s ability to blend power ballads with driving rock anthems.

From the moment the intro tape of “Baba O’Riley” faded and the band slipped into “Be Good to Yourself,” the tone was set: familiar, comfortable, and very much about the crowd as much as the band.

Each member got their moment to shine, further showcasing the undeniable musical talent of this band. Jonathan Cain got to show off his French by thanking the fans for being there throughout the 50-year career.

The setlist was a perfect balance of chart-toppers along with deeper cuts that longtime fans could appreciate.

Frontman Arnel Pineda carried the bulk of the night’s signature songs with remarkable energy and vocal range that has defined his tenure with the band since 2007. Although it was hard to hear him at times, that didn’t stop him from belting out the tunes.

Guitarist Neal Schon delivered his fiery solos and riffs that have powered the band since the 1970s.

Piano/keyboardist Jonathan Cain anchored the band’s signature sound. One particularly emotional moment was his piano solo that led into the ballad “Faithfully,” which he dedicated to the Canadian Armed Forces. Cue an arena illuminated by a sea of cellphone lights!

Drummer Deen Castronovo added his dynamic vocals to “Lights,” “Walks like a Lady,” and joined Cain on “Feeling that Way” and “Anytime.”

I must admit that evening’s notable surprise was keyboardist/back-up vocalist Jason Derlatka’s impressive rendition of “I’ll Be Alright Without You” and “Suzanne.”

Pineda let the crowd take over when it made sense, especially on “Open Arms,” “Separate Ways (Worlds Apart),” which turned into full arena moments. He even ventured into the crowd and zipped around the length of the arena high-fiving fans.

The closing run was exactly what you’d expect, and in the best way. Cain even came out wearing a Montreal Canadiens jersey. “Any Way You Want It” got people on their feet, but the best moment and the charm of the night, “Don’t Stop Believin’,” had the entire Bell Centre singing so loudly and fittingly ending the evening under a shower of confetti.

Production-wise, no over-the-top visuals: just screens, lights, and a band that knows its catalogue will resonate with rock fans for years to come.

A simple night, a lot of great songs, and a reminder that sometimes that’s more than enough.