December 5, 2004: From Sea to Shore

Clearwater, FL
Ruth Ekhard Center

Back on land for my second Journey show in three days. A tip for you all -- don't attempt to sway to "Lights," "Open Arms," or "Faithfully" after spending a week on a ship -- you WILL fall over.

But what a fun evening. The night started with a quick gathering of Back Talkers before heading over to the Ruth Ekhard Center and discovering an amazingly talented new band opening for Journey -- The Road Crew Band! Stage Manager Rocko led the motley crew with Jethro on bass, Jim on drums, Brent on keyboards, Jay and Scott on guitars, and Brian also on bass when Jay went off stage and Jethro took over guitar. Rocko was quite good in the role of lead singer and rhythm guitar. They played about four songs and closed by saying "Anyone can be a rock star. All they need is good lighting, expensive equipment, stylish clothing [laughing at the crew attire], and four chords." And then launched in to "With or Without You," which morphed into "I Want to Hold Your Hand," "Just What I Needed," and "Don't Stop Believin'" -- which was done under a minor protest of "But I'll get fired." The crowd loved every minute!

A brief intermission while the road crew got back to their real jobs, and it was time for our boys to hit the stage. The lights went out and behind the stage the word "Journey" began scrolling across a light screen as the Intro began. The crowd was on their feet as the band hit the stage, but plopped right back down less than 30 seconds in to "Be Good to Yourself"... it was going to be a long night of chair dancing.

Despite the lack of obvious enthusiasm by the crowd, they did respond well and would stand up and applaud at the end of most songs before sitting back down again. The whole crowd WAS on their feet for "The Star Spangled Banner" as a red, white, and blue pattern scrolled on the light screen behind the stage. The band put on a good show in spite of the yo-yo crowd. Nothing new in the set list, and there was much smooth sailing (hey, my body still thinks I'm on a ship...) A couple of little highlights that caught my eye included Steve giving a little girl a high five during "Chain Reaction" -- she was probably about 5 or 6 and just having a great ole time. Steve gave her one of Deen's drumsticks after the show. During "Separate Ways," Jethro (Ross's bass tech) scurried out on stage and twiddled with Ross's mic stand. A few minutes later, Ross hit the squirting baby and squirted the first five rows!

By the end of the set the crowd was finally on their feet (though sat again for "Faithfully") and rocked out the show. At last, some enthusiasm!

Another enjoyable evening with our boys and now it's back to reality for a few days before RENO!

Until then....

Road Crew Set List:

No Matter What You Do
Rocky Mountain Way
Voices??
Born Under a Bad Sign
With or With Out You medley

Journey Set List:

Intro
Be Good to Yourself
Only the Young
Joy to the World/Star Spangled Banner
Stone in Love
Wheel in the Sky
Keep on Running -- Deen vox
Higher Place
Suzanne -- Deen vox
Lights
Walks Like a Lady -- Ross vox
Chain Reaction
Voodoo Chile/Gypsy Queen -- Neal vox
-- Jon solo --
Send Her My Love
Open Arms
Mother, Father
Just the Same Way
Rubicon
Edge of the Blade
Escape
Faithfully
Don't Stop Believin'
Separate Ways
Any Way You Want It

Encore:
Lovin', Touchin', Squeezin'

See ya in Reno!