Journey Back Again

Ten years ago, Journey seemed dead. Fans complained about a band unable to connect to their music and to their fans, about concerts lacking in energy. Band members talked about disbanding, about no more new music. But at the Sleep Train Amphitheater Tuesday night, the negative cloud seemed dissipated, replaced by a strong and vibrant energy, as the band bounded on to the stage and performed a set that might have rivaled even the tours in the band’s heyday.

Who knows exactly what caused this night-long stamina. Maybe it was Journey’s recent commercial success on the charts. Possibly the cool summer air, or The Doobie Brother’s warm-up opening set. But most likely, Journey’s revival rests heavily in the arms of new frontman Arnel Pineda, who since 2007 has both reflected the singing style of legendary frontman Steve Perry and has added a modern spin to the epic 70s rock. Jumping off speakers and engaging the audience, he embodied the essential rock star look with the strong vocal to back it up.

You could tell the audience was picking up what Journey was putting down. By filling the stadium with classic hits like “Don’t Stop Believin’” and “Anyway You Want It,” the band got lots of help from audience members screaming the classic lyrics at the top of their lungs. And from the concert’s start to the encore’s end, the synthesizers and heavy electric guitar got the people out of their seats.

Memorable moments included not one but two dedications toward the military and their families, with the heartfelt ballad “Faithfully” and an entire guitar solo of the National Anthem by lead guitarist Neal Schon.