July 4, 2002: Somewhere in Canada

Orillia, ONT Canada
Casino Rama

It's been a loooooooooong day, but have laptop, will travel.

Canada has been invaded by Journey fans. Starting yesterday, fans from across the US, Canada, and the UK arrived in the small town of Orillia, Ontario, about an hour's drive north of Toronto for the first show of the "Under the Radar" tour. There were many gatherings of friends old and new, and far too numerous to mention, but just a reminder to folks planning on hitting a show this summer, try to hook up with your fellow fans for a time you will never forget!

Most of today was spent with the everyone doing their own various things -- going to the casino, shopping, taking a jog around the lake. Folks gathered for a small pre-show meal at the casino sports bar, then took off for a little pre-concert gambling.

The show started off right on time, despite the fact that a good number of the seats weren't filled yet (from what I could tell, they did fill in quickly.) As usual, I was on my feet immediately, and I noticed that most of the other fans I'd been spending time with had migrated down to the front of the stage. Since everyone ELSE was sitting down (and would remain so for most of the show), I grabbed my things and spent the night up against the stage at Neal's feet.

One of my criteria for how good a show is or isn't is based on the crowd reaction. The group of dedicated die hards at the front of the stage were having a GREAT time. The rest of the crowd seemed pretty sedate, not getting on their feet until Steve asked them to during "Escape." Again they opened with "State of Grace," and this time I got to pay more attention to it since I didn't have to guess what it was! All I can say is, wow! When does Red 13 ship???

Steve flubbed a few lines tonight, but recovered quickly. There also seemed to be some kind of monitor problem (??) during the acoustic set. Neal had to get off his stool and step back a ways from the rest of the guys to play. Those were really the only "glitches" of the night.

A quick wardrobe report -- Steve in blue suede pants and black shirt. Neal was sporting a blue vest with white stars (a la the US flag) that he said his mom made for him. Neal's looking great, by the way, and seems to have lost some weight.

OH! I nearly forgot! Prior to the show, I noticed a song over the PA that sounded like Steve singing and after conversing with a few fellow fans, we agreed it was one of the new tracks. Then, AFTER the show, they played "Walking Away From the Edge" over the PA. THAT sounded fantastic!!! (again, when does Red 13 ship????) 

All in all another fantastic show!

Set list:

State of Grace
Separate Ways
Ask the Lonely
Neal solo -- Star Spangled Banner
Stone in Love
Only the Young
Send Her My Love
Lights
Jon solo
Open Arms
Feeling That Way
Anytime
I'll Be Alright Without You
Trial By Fire - acoustic
Liberty - acoustic
Higher Place
The Time
Don't Stop Believin'
La Raza del Sol
Faithfully
Escape
Neal solo
Wheel in the Sky
Be Good To Yourself

Encore:

Any Way You Want It
Lovin', Touchin', Squeezin'

...back on the road for Journeydigest.com