August 5, 2005: Front Row Vegas!

Las Vegas, NV
Aladdin Casino

 

Finally some free time and access to a computer that can access the 'net. (Horrible how addicted we are to these things!) Well, two show in two days = two posts. First, Friday night in Vegas....

I arrived in Vegas Thursday afternoon, and, as I generally loathe Vegas, I took my time settling in to my room at the Stratosphere. After a while, I decided I'd better go find something to eat, so I headed back down to the lobby. When I stepped off the elevator, above all the din of the casino and the piped in music I could have sworn I heard Journey playing.Well, obviously I was just in Journey-on-the-brain mode since there would be no reason to be hearing Journey at the Stratosphere. I rounded the corner and stopped dead in my tracks -- one of the bars was playing the 2001 DVD! I wasn't crazy! I DID hear Journey!

After lunch, I decided to check out the public transportation options to get to the Aladdin, so I worked my way out and down the strip. By the time I got to the Aladdin, I was dying of thirst and tired of walking. I got a water and found a place to sit outside the performing arts center before exploring around to find out where the 5-star party would be the next day. Wound up running in to Jim and chatted with him for a bit. I had a hard time leaving the Aladdin because I kept running into folks -- including a brief hello to Neal in the casino. 

Friday started off quietly and Lula and I kicked back in our room most of the day before heading off to meet folks at the buffet. Wow, great food and good crowd! Lots of visiting and eating before I headed off to the 5-star pre-party. When I was handed my envelope with my ticket in it, I about fell over -- FRONT ROW SEAT! Yes! This was the key reason I shelled out the extra money for the package, and boy did it pay off!

I got into the show and walked all the way down front and just couldn't stop smiling. By the time the show was over my face hurt! As at the other shows this week, there was an intro explaining the whole concept which has been recorded by Ross. Then the boys took the stage. Since most of the folks in the pit were 5-star, we were all on our feet the second the first note was played (if not before) We never sat down again. I've gotta say, being front row, dead center in front of Steve was just an incredible experience. Got lots of "one on one" interaction from the guys -- though I think the wave from Ross during "Of a Lifetime" was the biggest thrill.

Now, of course there IS a drawback to being in the front row -- can't really hear the vocals. Ah well.... the music sounded great, and I know all the words anyway! It was the same set list they've been playing, so no surprises. I did get a kick during "Faith in the Heartland" when Neal turned towards the side of the stage and started playing for Aja -- very cute! Not being able to hear the vocals, actually allowed me to notice a few different things -- Ross's playing on "Wheel in the Sky" was just outstanding! I kind of take him for granted, and was just pleasantly surprised at being able to really HEAR him for a change.

The guys were having loads of fun on stage as well. Steve would goof around with Ross's mic stand and he actually hit the squirty baby at the crowd! Deen was flirting with half the girls in the front, and generally being goofy behind the kit. When they hit "Don't Stop Believin'" Steve did something I hadn't seen before... he walked to the top of the risers behind Deen's drums, and started the song from there. Finally, when they came out for the encore, they started goofing on something, and at first I thought they were playing "Happy Birthday". I tried to think who's birthday it might be when the song morphed and I realized they were playing "It's a Small World"! Different kind of intro into "Lovin', Touchin', Squeezin'"! LOL!

After the show a bunch of folks gathered at one of the bars for the usual post-concert party. It was really nice seeing so many familiar faces and getting to hang out, especially with the Brits -- you guys rock!

It was a late night and back to the hotel for a quick sleep and then mad morning of packing, ticket buying, and traveling. Ahh... Tahoe... what a lovely destination. (more to come....)

Set List:

People & Places intro
Kohoutek
Of a Lifetime (Jon)
I'm Gonna Leave You (Jon)
Nickel & Dime
Mystery Mountain (Jon)
Patiently (Deen)
Where Were You (Deen)
Feeling That Way (Jon/Steve)
Anytime (Jon/Steve)
Any Way You Want It

--Intermission--

DVD intro
Be Good to Yourself
Only the Young
Faith in the Heartland
Star Spangled Banner
Stone in Love
Higher Place
Wheel in the Sky
Voodoo Chile/Gypsy Queen (Neal)
Lights
Walks Like a Lady
Every Generation (Jon)
Who's Crying Now
-- Jon solo --
Open Arms
Escape
Out of Harms Way
Faithfully
Don't Stop Believin'
Separate Ways

Encore:
Lovin', Touchin', Squeezin'

Seriously, there were WAY too many fantastic photos to choose from, so I just picked some favorites for this post.

May 10 2003: ...And Now The Main Event

Las Vegas, NV
Aladdin Casino 

WOW! That's the first thought that comes to mind, just WOW! Last night opened the "Classic Rock's Main Event" Tour featuring REO Speedwagon, Styx, and our Journey boys. I've got to say this is probably the most impressive FIRST show of a tour I've seen. The glitches were basically non-existent, which was amazing. All three bands put on excellent shows, and I had a WONDERFUL night.

REO opened the night and had the most reserved response of the night -- most people sat through most of their set. (Personally, I was up and down as of the three bands REO ranks 3rd for me.) The show didn't start "right on time" as promised by Kevin Cronin in the recent Rockline interview (which I didn't expect anyway) -- they took the stage at 7:30, a full half hour past the stated start time. They had a very cool opening video sequence before they came out which features pictures from all eras of the band and was a good energizer before they hit the stage with "Ridin' the Storm Out."

As I expected, Kevin talked WAAAAY too much. Just shut up and sing dude! But that was probably my only complaint on their set. And folks, be prepared... he's got a looooooooooooooooong tale about the Playboy mansion that since the video screens behind him were showing pictures going along with the story, it will be there the whole tour. (My personal favorite was the "blah blah blah" screen!)

Before the show started I noticed a red digital clock back by the soundboard and didn't think much of it until about half way through REO's set when I was surveying the crowd and noticed the clock was reading 45:15 and counting down. Yes folks, they've got a TIMER on all three bands!

So after about 80 minutes and 4 shirt changes for Kevin, REO wound up their set. (Of course, the timer had run out and they went about 2 minutes long... once again, shut up and sing!)

Then out rushed the stage crew and I gotta tell ya the fact that they actually were able to switch stages from REO to Styx in 20 minutes was VERY impressive. Both Styx and REO had risers behind the drum kit where various members of the band would appear through out the set. (Kevin Cronin and Neil Dougherty taking turns on a piano mostly for REO, and everyone but the drummer for Styx.) Though their stages were similar, they made enough changes that the look was different.

9:00 -- a giant carrot appears on the video screen (what is up with that Cyclorama cover anyway??) and the boys from Styx all appear standing on top of the riser and take the stage. The crowd kicked in gear when they started their set -- most everyone was on their feet for "Too Much Time on My Hands." As I think everyone knows, Styx has a new CD out (which I bought last week so I'd have some clue of the new songs and recommend -- it's quite good) so they played three tracks from Cyclorama which got a fairly lackluster response, though having Glen Burtnik out in the audience singing "Kiss Your Ass Goodbye" was an inspired move and got the audience into a song they had never heard before. (And damn is that man energetic, he was running all OVER the place.) Chuck Panazzo joined in for a few songs -- coming out towards the end of the set during "Fooling Yourself (Angry Young Man)."

Styx actually finished their set with about a minute and half left to go on the timer, and spent that time tossing picks and "Styx" beach balls out into the audience. (I think Tommy Shaw even signed a few things.)

Time for another 20 minute set change and Journey would hit the stage! The last time I'd seen Journey and Styx on the same stage was at Junefest in 2001 and that time Styx just blew Journey out of the water with their set, and after the high energy show Styx put on last night, I kept my fingers crossed that our boys would be up to following that set.

Out comes the crew and the set changed yet again. Deen's drum kit looks much bigger than past years and WOW the artwork on the bass drums looks great -- good job Christopher! Also looks like Deen's "mascot" for this year is some kind of stuffed lobster, which I noted was sitting on one of the drums towards the back of the kit.

10:27 -- the Red 13 opening starts and the video screen starts showing stars and galaxies and I'm on my feet in an instant! We know by now, of course, that "State of Grace" is the opening song and in my opinion is probably the best place to stick a new/unfamiliar song. The crowd stayed pretty well on their feet through most of it (though I did notice folks sitting yet again -- ah well.) Everyone was back on their feet for "Separate Ways" and stayed that way for much of the night. Unlike Styx and REO, Journey didn't utilize the wings of the stage as much. A little disappointing for me since I was sitting right next to the wing on Jon's side. The configuration of the Alladdin's theater is VERY strange -- all the seats are in a semi-circle so that the ones off to the sides are actually facing the middle of the theater and NOT the stage. Of course, if they were facing the stage, you wouldn't be able to SEE anything. Not a typical view.

They played a very tight set, which was fairly similar but not exactly the same as the show they just did in San Francisco. There are some fun moments in the video projection behind the band that I won't ruin for everyone, but there are a few cool things that I wanted to mention. For one, there was a camera SOMEWHERE above Deen and periodically the screen would show shots looking down at the top of Deen's head and (of course) his kit. (I noticed at least 4 video cameras going from where I was seated, so hopefully they'll save a lot of this footage and put it together in some form of DVD.) Another personal favorite moment of mine with the video was during "Lights" -- they had some SPECTACULAR shots of San Francisco and "the sun shine on the bay." I tend to forget sometimes just how pretty my hometown is!

During the "Star Spangled Banner" I happened to notice the shirt Neal was wearing (yes, you're gonna get a minor fashion report, but it is relevant) It was a Journey shirt with the current scarab version (the one with the Golden Gate Bridge in the body) but instead of the blue/red/yellow wings it had the stars and stripes as wings. I didn't take time to check out the swag table at all, but hopefully this is something that will be available for sale -- it looked GREAT!

The audience overall was pretty good, though the response on some of the less familiar songs in the set ("Rubicon", "La Do Da"/"Dixie Highway"/"Line of Fire") was pretty weak -- it was apparent that a good chunk of the audience didn't know these songs. Too bad, because they rocked!
 
Journey finished up their set about 11:45 (yes, also about 2 minutes over the 80 minute allotment!) and I was in that "good tired" mode after a good concert -- ears ringing a little, back and feet a little weary, but bubbling with that buzz you get from a good show.

Set lists in order of appearance:

REO:
(thanks to Cheryl for helping w/ song titles)

Riding the Storm Out
Keep Pushing
I Can't Fight This Feeling
Don't Let Him Go (following the Playboy mansion story)
Keep on Loving You
In Your Letter
Take It on the Run
-- exit for wardrobe change by Kevin Cronin --
-- more talking --
In My Dreams (acoustic)
Time for Me to Fly
Back on the Road Again
Roll With the Changes

Encore:
157 Riverside Avenue

STYX:

Too Much Time on My Hands
Grand Illusion
Waiting for Our Time (new -- I love this one)
Lady
Blue Collar Man
-- Lawrence Gowan solo --
Fields of the Brave (new)
Kiss Your Ass Goodbye (new)
Fooling Yourself (Angry Young Man) w/ Chuck Panazzo
Miss America
Come Sail Away (w/ Chuck Panazzo)

Encore:
Renegade

JOURNEY:

State of Grace
Separate Ways
-- Neal Solo -- Star Spangled Banner
Stone in Love
Medley: La Do Da, Dixie Highway, Line of Fire
Lights
-- Jon Solo --
Open Arms
Precious Time
Rubicon
Don't Stop Believin'
Faithfully
Escape
Wheel in the Sky
Be Good to Yourself

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

[Note how many more songs Journey was able to play than Styx or REO in the same amount of time!]

Until San Jose.....