I always get a little bit worried before seeing a legacy rock act, especially when the band has gone through a few significant changes since their classic lineup. Much has been written about Journey and Steve Perry’s departure in 1998, so a Perry-less band should be nothing new or shocking to anyone at this point. And yet, I still found myself fascinated at the idea of hearing a band, once defined by its voice, try to redefine itself with a new one. The thing is – if Tuesday night’s show at the Bell Centre is any indication, no one else really cares. Mouthing along with new frontman Arnel Pineda, the Montreal crowd proved that Journey songs will always be Journey songs, no matter who sings them.
Journey guitarist and co-founder Neal Schon set the table for the evening, pulling double-duty as an opener with his solo act “Vortex”, an instrumental combo that sounds just like its name suggests. Backed by mighty jazz drummer Omar Hakim, bassist Jerry Brooks, and Rachel Z on keys, Schon’s atmospheric shredding comes off like the soundtrack to early 1990’s CG demo reels. Ostensibly evoking a trip through time and space, Schon’s Vortex has impressive chops and (after dedicating the third tune to Neal’s wife) tangible soul – but after a half hour of Steve Vai-like New Age noodling, I could tell the crowd was ready for the main event.
After a quick intermission, Neal Schon returned to the stage with Omar Hakim, now filling in for Journey drummer Deen Castronovo during his recent legal troubles. Flanked by veteran Journey-men Ross Valory and Jonathan Cain, the band dutifully pulled into the opening chug of “Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)” as vocalist Arnel Pineda tore out of the gate to plant his flag in the 1983 classic. Although he’s has been with the band since 2007, the 47 year-old is a crackling live-wire. While the rest of the band played through the hits-heavy set like a well-oiled machine, Pineda worked the crowd tirelessly, twirling around, jumping off of monitors and throwing his mic into the air. Literally putting his sweat into his craft, I counted four t-shirt changes from the star amidst all his stage-athletics. What’s even better – for all his enthusiasm as Journey’s apparent number one cheerleader, Pineda has the pipes to back it up.
Perhaps explaining his discovery and recruitment from YouTube videos (the subject of 2012 documentary Don’t Stop Believin’: Everyman’s Journey) Pineda’s tone and range is eerily similar to Steve Perry’s. Made plain on signature ballads (“Open Arms” and “Faithfully”) and rockers (“Escape” and “Wheel in the Sky”) alike, the sound of the band is still alive. And yet, despite solo sections that foregrounded Cain’s sensitive keys and assured us that Schon hasn’t forgotten how to shred since the opening set (cribbing from Jimi Hendrix with a screeching performance of O Canada), it’s clear that Journey’s fans aren’t necessarily coming to see the band members. Instead, they’re coming to hear their songs.
Introducing “Faithfully”, Cain explained his inspiration in writing a song to keep him company during his own time on the road. “But then,” he said, “our song became your song” – and he’s right. At several times throughout the evening, Pineda’s voice sounded muddled, threatening to be overwhelmed by the rest of the band in the mix. But still, the whole arena was with him every step of the way, harmonizing along to the songs that they’ve adopted as their own. So while, unsurprisingly, the hour-and-a-half set built up to a one-two confetti bomb of “Don’t Stop Believin’” and “Any Way You Want It”, Pineda and the band never felt like they were pandering to the crowd – they were performing with them. And while the encore of “Lovin’, Touchin’, Squeezin’” saw the band actually invite a particularly pitchy guest vocalist to the stage, it was clear by that point that the audience was along for the ride – no matter who was up there singing.
Journey Setlist:
Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)
Be Good to Yourself
Faith in the Heartland
Open Arms
Only the Young
Guitar Solo
Stone in Love
Lights
Winds of March
Keyboard Solo
Who’s Crying Now
Escape
La Do Da
Guitar Solo
Wheel in the Sky
Faithfully
Don’t Stop Believin’
Any Way You Want It
Encore
Lovin’ Touchin’ Squeezin’
Review – Dan Corber
Photos – Jason Hughes
