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Review by Warro.

AOR Tastic from US Veterans .

Last year, Journey came over to the UK for 3 dates - their first over here for 25 years. (That's 1982! - Ed). Thankfully, they decided not to wait until 2032 for a return visit. They liked the audiences so much that they came back this year for another 9 shows. The audience were also obviously pleased to see them back. For some, it was a (bloody expensive) family event. For others, a chance to see if some of the old glad rags still fitted - in many cases, sadly not but they still tried - fortunately in other cases the leather trousers and lacey white blouse still looked great - but enough of my attire, onto the music.

Danny Vaughan and his cohort Tony Mitchell played a short acoustic support set. It was pleasant enough and was lapped up by a knowledgable crowd. I must admit a lot of it passed me by, but strongest song of the set by far was 'Forever Young' (and it was the only one I knew). Danny seemed very pleased with the reaction and hopefully he managed to shift a few copies of his 'Traveller' CD down at the merchandise stall.

The crowd was well warmed up by the time Journey hit the stage. The anticipation of AOR heaven was palpable - a chap with a wonderful grey mullet seemed particulary excited. Surprisingly, they opened with Neal Schon playing a solo version of 'Jerusalem' - perhaps an acknowledgement of their setting foot onto this green and pleasant land - before heading straight into 'Rubicon'. The set was largely based around thier zenith albums of 'Escape' and 'Frontiers' - in fact, for those interested in such matters, there were only three songs post 1983 - out of a 23 song set, this weren't bad. There may also be those who may be interested to note that 3 (Neal Schon, Ross Valory and Jonathan Cain) of the five members were from the 'classic' line up. The two 'new' guys were Jeff Scott Soto on vocals - a definate Steve Perry soundalike, but carrying it off very well - no lip synching whatsoever; and Deen Castronov on drums. He also did the vocals for some of the slushier songs such as 'Open Arms' and 'Faithfully' - probably because he has a higher range than Scott Soto.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, Journey are much heavier live than on record - at times really quite chunky - but I couldn't get it out of my head that Neal Schon looks like Leo Sayer. The set climaxed with 'Don't Stop Believing' and 'Anyway You Want It' before the band returned for a single song encore of 'Separate Ways'. A wonderfully AORtastic 2 hour set - hopefully it won't be another 25 years....

(In true NME style) - Journey played:-
Jerusalem
Rubicon
Stone in Love
some track post 1983 that I didn't recognise
Wheel in the Sky
Keep on Running
Who's Crying Now
Edge of the Blade
Faith in the Heartland
Chain Reaction
Lights
Still They Ride
Key-bored solo
Open Arms
Where Were You
another new song - was ok though
Bass/drum (not drum and bass)solos
After the Fall
Blues Jam
Lovin Touchin Squeezin
Escape
Dead or Alive
Faithfully
Don't Stop Believing
Anyway You Want It
Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)

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