December 11, 2004: A Road to Reno

Reno, NV
City Center Pavilion

And so concludes the 2004 touring season. As I drove up to Reno yesterday, I couldn't help but remember the other trips I'd made through the Sierra Nevadas on my way to a Journey show. The mountains are always so pretty in winter time and this trip brought back vivid memories of being stuck just short of Donner Pass back in November of 2000 while on my way to hear the first playing of tracks from Arrival. I popped Arrival in my CD player and had it blaring as I pulled in to Reno a short while later.

I arrived in Reno late yesterday morning and met up with Darla and Emerson for lunch. With nothing much going on until evening, I took a quick nap before heading over to Brew Brothers and the gathering of 70 or so Back Talkers. A fun evening of seeing friends I hadn't seen in a while (and some I'd just seen last week!) I left the gathering a little early to deal with some JPP business, and made it to my seat at the show just in time for the opening notes.

We'd heard before the show that most of the band was sick, which since they were sick last week too didn't surprise me much. Alas, this universal illness meant that the set list was cut WAY short. When "Escape" started, I looked at my watch -- it was only 9:15! Lots of songs were cut out.

But, while short, the set was strong. Better a good short show than a mediocre long show, right?? I had a pretty good seat -- 9th row center section. With the high rollers sitting in rows 1-7, it was easy to see the stage since they sat for most of the show. Unlike last week in Clearwater, however, those NOT in the high roller seats were on their feet and singing and dancing along. Other than a guy getting on stage and trying to sing with the band towards the end of the show (and immediately whisked off stage) there weren't any particular stand out moments for the evening. Alas, it was over all too soon, and it was time to turn back around for the drive home.

The end of the year's touring is always met with mixed emotions, but at least we know that the break will be short -- Hollywood is just 5 weeks away!

Set List:

Intro
Be Good to Yourself
Only the Young
Joy to the World/Star Spangled Banner
Stone in Love
Wheel in the Sky
Suzanne -- Deen vox
Lights
Walks Like a Lady -- Ross vox
Chain Reaction
Voodoo Chile/Gypsy Queen -- Neal vox
-- Jon solo --
Open Arms
Just the Same Way
Escape
Faithfully
Don't Stop Believin'
Separate Ways
Any Way You Want It

Encore:
Lovin', Touchin', Squeezin'

November 23, 2002: The End of the Road Again

Reno, NV
City Center Pavilion

The Under the Radar Tour has officially come to a close, but what a spectacular close it was! The day began fairly early when Cheryl and I went downstairs at the Silver Legacy for a late breakfast when we ran in to Deen in the lobby. He had recently arrived from Vegas where, he reported, they had a great show.

A little later in the day, we ran in to Jon in the lobby, and he mentioned he was getting over a bug and wasn't feeling all that great, so they probably wouldn't be doing "Feeling That Way" and "Anytime" but would find something else to fill that slot.

A group of folks from the Back Talk forums had organized a pre-show dinner at the Brews Brothers, and I must compliment all their hard work. It went of beautifully! They had a raffle of a wide variety of items for the Carousel Foundation. Some very cool prizes were won. In addition to the raffle there was an auction for a few "special" items. One of these was a copy of Red 13 with the new cover autographed by Neal, and the GRAND item -- the shirt off Steve's back! One of his white shirts, complete with sweat stains, a stain from the red leather pants, and autographed by the band was auctioned off for a whopping $550!

Then it was off to the show where we found that the hall was configured differently than it had the last time Journey performed there in 2000. This was a bit of a surprise to me since the last show there had plenty of space down in front where the crowd could head up to the stage unimpeded. Alas, this time the configuration didn't allow for that and the security in my section was adamant about checking tickets, so heading down front was a near impossibility.

There seemed to be two different crowds at the show. There was a large group clustered down in front of Neal (where, apparently, security wasn't quite as stringent about going up to the barricade) and reports from friends who survived the section said it was a bit wild in there with several near fights breaking out. Back in the 16th row, where I was sitting just off the center aisle, it was more subdued. About half of the people near me sat through most of the show, which, while somewhat disappointing in the enthusiasm sense, allowed me a GREAT view of the stage all night long! Color me happy!

Deen's drumkit appeared to have been eaten by Spongebob Squarepants (who apparently has mastered cloning as Spongebob was also spotted over by Jon's keyboards.) The set was incredible, though going from "La Raza del Sol" into the acoustic set was a little disjointed to me. The guys played quite well, but both Jon and Ross looked a bit weary. (Ross must have the same bug that Jon picked up.)

There were a few interesting moments during the show. The first occurred during "Chain Reaction" when a woman climbed up on stage and started dancing next to Jon. She dashed off before one of the road crew and/or security could get her, but I think she was detained after she was back on the floor. At the very end of the show, while the guys were taking their final bow, a guy ran out on stage and grabbed one of the Spongebobs in front of Deen's drums!! He was nearly tackled on stage by the stage manager, and was grabbed by security. (So, it seems I was sitting in the only section with effective security!)

During the show, a few thoughts ran through my head. At one point I looked over at the cluster of people by Neal and saw a good dozen red glow sticks waving back and forth in time with the music. I knew these were folks from the pre-show dinner since the glow sticks were available there. Watching the glow sticks move back and forth among a mass of arms waving I thought "it's like a cult." And of course it is... a mass of worshipers at the Holy Shrine of Journey. While this certainly could be a bad thing, in the context of the show, it was a very positive experience. Looking particularly at the 50 or 60 people who had gathered before the show I saw many friends who had been brought together by the love of this music, and now, during this final show of the year, celebrating that music with boundless enthusiasm. It never ceases to amaze me.

A bit later, during "Escape," it crossed my mind how glad I was that they kept "lesser known" songs such as this one in the set. With the number of hits in their catalog, songs like "Escape" and "Chain Reaction" could easily be set aside in favor of better known songs like "Who's Crying Now." It particularly hit me during "Escape" because, by coincidence, that happened to be the song on my CD player when I hopped in the car after work on Friday afternoon for the drive to Reno. I've always associated that song with liberation and possibility. I've played it often during those transition times in my life to help celebrate the changes (even the ones I've been less than enthusiastic about.) It also works wonderfully on a smaller scale, like taking a Friday afternoon off after a hard couple of weeks to hit the road to a Journey show. So, for the final show of the tour, this was the song that hit me most.

And so, we head in to the holiday season to spend time with our family and friends, and wait again for the coming of summer and the next round of shows. This Thanksgiving I will once again be thankful for the cherished friends I have made through our common love of Journey. May you and yours have a pleasant holiday, and I will see you on the road in 2003!

Set List:
(may not be 100% accurate, I forgot to write it down since they haven't changed it much this year, so I cribbed it from the website and made a few changes that I remember.)

Intro/State of Grace
Separate Ways
Ask the Lonely
-- Neal Solo -- Star Spangled Banner
Stone in Love
Only the Young
Lights
-- Jon solo --
Open Arms
I'll Be Alright Without You
La Raza del Sol
Trial By Fire (acoustic)
Liberty (acoustic)
Higher Place
The Time
Don't Stop Believin'
Chain Reaction
Faithfully
Escape
-- Neal solo --
Wheel in the Sky
Be Good to Yourself

Encore:

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

November 11, 2000: Same Show, Different Take

Reno, Nevada
Silver Legacy City Center Pavilion 

While combing through my archived files, I found this alternate review of the November 11, 2000 show in Reno. It looks like I wrote it as a separate piece for the Journey Digest website. Since this pre-dates the first of the "official" Rockin' Road Reports, I suspect I had told Dan Stacy, the list/website owner, that I would work up an article for the site. This was obviously written a couple of days after the show rather than in the immediate aftermath as the previous account was.

As any Journey fan knows, this is a band that puts on one fantastic show, so I was looking forward to the first public Journey performance since November 12, 1999, in San Francisco. I couldn’t believe it had been a full year since the last show. More importantly, it was the first show since the new material had been recorded. The big questions of the night were “How many new songs will they play?” and “Which ones do you think they’ll do?”

As Journey fans from around the world descended upon Reno on a cold, snowy weekend, there was a sense of anticipation that became an electrical charge hours before the show started. As has become customary for me at a Journey show, I found myself having dinner at a pre-show gathering of fans held at Brews Brothers in the El Dorado Hotel (which is attached to the Silver Legacy.) With 30 or so people gathered, the excitement grew exponentially as each new person arrived. I recommend this experience to every fan! About half way through our gathering, we were pleasantly surprised to have a visit from Neal’s mom and stepfather – what a great treat!

The trek from the restaurant to the concert hall was short, but chilly as most people had been meandering through the three attached hotels with out having to step out into the 20 degree temperatures. It was about thirty minutes before show time and there were fans gathered around chatting with each other and checking out the swag table. Alas, it was all gear from the 1999 summer tour.

The various fans scattered off to their seats around the hall, but about 20 of us had wound up in the same two rows, so it was a rowdy bunch in section C rows 13 & 14 – rows 1-12 were filled with comped tickets, so when the band hit the stage and we leapt to our feet, no one in front of us was standing. As in previous shows, the guys kicked off with "Separate Ways." A great opener I’ll admit, but one I am getting tired of hearing. I am definitely looking forward to a new set list on the 2001 summer tour.

The crowd got into the show right away – the electricity that had been crackling below the surface before the show, erupted into a wave of energy that hit everyone. Early in the show, Steve introduced "Higher Place," and those of us familiar with the song (from having played the imported copy of Arrival non-stop in the two weeks or so prior) cheered loudly. The reaction of the band was immediate, and I think they instantly revised their opinion of Napster when the audience was singing along with the entire song.

About 15-20 minutes into the set the security guards down in front waved their arms indicating fans could come up to the stage, so away we went – straight up to the barricade. So those of us who were up close and personal with the band, got a good look at poor Neal in his cast and boot – he apparently fell on some stairs a few days before the show and tore some ligaments in his ankle. He was all over that stage when he really should have just sat on a stool.

The excitement in the crowd fed the band, and the energy went back and forth all night. About half way through the show, they launched into "All the Way," and the reaction from the crowd was instantaneous. From my vantage point at the barricade in front of Ross and Steve, I could see the reaction as we were singing along – complete amazement. When I could take a peek at the crowd behind me, I could see that the folks who had no clue about the new songs were cheering loudly also.

Other highlights of the show included the surprising inclusion of "La Raza del Sol." This is just a fantastic song live, and I have got to learn the words – it’s the only song in the set list I was mumbling! The show ended in a truly amazing fashion, as the guys have done a little tweak to Faithfully that is an absolutely fantastic way to close the show.

The guys were very appreciative to all the fans who had done a lot of traveling to get to the show. Steve mentioned specifically the folks who had flown in from overseas, which I think was very classy. And I’m pretty sure most of those folks got after show passes.

The energy from this show spilled over into the days that followed, and as I talked with other fans, they all agreed that there was magic in the air that night. None of us could exactly put our finger on it, but it stayed with us for a while. 

The set list:

Separate Ways, Ask the Lonely, Stone in Love, Only the Young, Higher Place, Send Her My Love, Lights, Who’s Crying Now, Open Arms, Fillmore Boogie, Just the Same Way, All The Way, Escape, La Raza del Sol, Wheel in the Sky, Be Good To Yourself, Anyway You Want It
(First encore) Remember Me, Don’t Stop Believin’
(Second encore) Lovin’ Touchin’ Squeezin’, Faithfully

November 11, 2000: Arrival Debuts!

Reno, NV
City Center Pavilion

 

I learned there ARE advantages to getting stuck in the snow for 4 hours and turning a 4 hour drive into a 9 hour drive.

I arrived safe and sound in Reno about 9:00 last night, and once settled in, Toni, Cheryl, Ana Marie and I went to scrounge up some dinner. We headed over to the Silver Legacy and ran into Mary Ann, and while we were saying hello, who should happen to walk by, but Jonathan Cain!

We managed to corner him for a few minutes and got the scoop on the set list, which would include some new songs and “La Raza Del Sol” (BIG TREAT HERE. Apparently it got a good reaction in Central America so they added it to the set.)

We told Jon that getting stuck in the snow let us listen to Arrival for 9 hours and when he asked “How’d you get it, that Napster thing?” we said no, we’ve got the CD. We gave our two cents worth about what our favorite songs were (which, since there were 5 of us, was pretty much everything!) and then he volunteered some interesting information!

Seems like they just got out of the studio, where they recorded 2 NEW tracks to put on the US version of the CD... we’re gonna get 15 tracks total!!!! WOOO HOOOO!!!! And, yes, at least ONE of the songs was co-written by Jack Blades.*

After we let Mary Ann go check in, Toni, Cheryl, Ana Marie and I found a restaurant for dinner. Ana Marie and Toni went back to Circus Circus to look for Kate, who should have arrived by this time, and Cheryl and I waited for the table. While we were waiting,who should we see dashing past the restaurant but Ross Valory. Alas, by the time we noticed him, he was well down the hallway and out of chatting range.

*I got in trouble for this post after the concert. The new songs for "Arrival" were supposed to be a secret. While checking out of the hotel, some friends and I ran in to Rindell Ivers, Journey's then road manager, and Mike, Journey's then webmaster. Mike was a fan who had gotten "promoted" to official status, so was also a member of the Journey Digest where I had posted this. We were talking about the show and various comments when Rindell said "Yeah, somebody's already posted about the new songs on the Internet. Someone's in trouble." We chatted about why that was for a moment when Mike suddenly looked at me and burst out "It was YOU!" I claimed innocence -- Jon had told us about the new songs and hadn't said anything about it being a secret! (The rumor about the recording had already been out for a while at this point any how.) Relieved that the leak was due to a member of the band talking to fans, Rindell and Mike chatted with us on other topics for a bit before heading out with the band. Only later did I learn that my post on the Journey Digest had been picked up by a couple of other sites where I was referred to as an "unconfirmed source." A claim to fame!
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I’m still on an adrenaline high from last night. What a GREAT GREAT show. It’s been exactly a year since I saw the boys last and I really needed this show!

We had about 30 or so people gather before the show for dinner and what a great time that was!! Lots of excited chatter among Journey fans (including a few at their first Journey show ever) and speculation on which new songs they would be playing. After dinner, the whole group of us traveled en masse across the street to the venue, posed for a picture in front of the marquee and dashed inside out of the 20 degree temps (brrrrrrr!!!)

The various fans scattered off to their seats around the hall, but about 20 of us had wound up in the same two rows, so it was a rowdy bunch in section C rows 13 and 14–rows 1-12 were filled with comped tickets, so when the band hit the stage and we lept to our feet, no one in front of us was standing.

One of the early songs was “Higher Place.” Man this song is just terrific. And since many of us have copies of the CD and have had at least a few hours to learn the lyrics, we were singing it as loud as we could and cheering like crazy.  I was told later that the guys were amazed at the crowd singing along.

About 15-20 minutes into the set the security guards down in front waved their arms and away we went—charged up to the barricade. So we were up close and personal with the band and got a good look at poor Neal in his cast and boot—he apparently fell on some stairs on Monday and tore some ligaments in his ankle, but he was all over that stage when he REALLY should have just sat on a stool.

The band was obviously very excited to be playing and the reaction of the audience was great. Even the folks who had no clue about the new songs were cheering loudly for them.

The set list wasn’t HUGELY different from most of the shows they’ve done the last couple of years, but you'll find it listed below for your enjoyment.

I’m not gonna spoil it for other people who will be going to a show soon, but I will say what they did to end the show was VERY cool.

The guys were very appreciative to all the fans who had done a LOT of traveling to get to the show. Steve mentioned specifically the folks who had flown in from overseas, which I think was VERY classy. And I’m pretty sure most of those folks got after show passes.

Okay, now this is a little more for the ladies, but I’ve got to give a hair and fashion report. There’s some interesting new looks goin’ on. Neal—I can’t even describe it accurately, but it was generally agreed that he was looking like Bruce Springsteen—circa 1974! His sideburns are down to his jaw line, his hair is grown out longer and shaggy, and he’s got some kind of weird beard on his chin. It’s a look that actually works in a weird way, and makes him look younger. Looks like he’s lost a little weight too. He was absolutely having a blast last night.

Jon and Steve came out in leather pants (looks to me like the exact same ones from the promo picture on their website) which was quite nice. Jon’s got an Escape-ish ‘do and Steve’s hair keeps getting longer and longer. And Steve has finally lost those two-tone shoes!

Ross has added some highlights to his hair, which makes him look younger. Alas, Deen is hard to see behind his drum kit, so I don’t remember noticing anything there.

See y’all in VEGAS!!! Woo hoo!

Set List:

Separate Ways
Ask the Lonely
Stone in Love
Only the Young
Higher Place
Send her My Love
Lights
Who’s Crying Now
Open Arms
Fillmore Boogie
Just the Same Way
All The Way (the look on the guys faces when we were singing this one said it all!)
Escape
La Raza del Sol
Wheel in the Sky
Be Good To Yourself
Anyway You Want It

First encore:

Remember Me
Don’t Stop Believin'

Second encore:

Lovin’, Touchin’, Squeezin’
Faithfully