Iconic rockers Journey who have been selling out arenas and stadiums worldwide since 1975 said goodbye to Detroit for the final time. The rock ‘n’ roll, Hall of Famer’s took their final bow at Little Caesars Arena Monday night giving their fans one last evening with Journey, one last breathing performance. The Final Frontier tour maybe a farewell from touring but not from the lasting memories that will be carried on forever. Just like listening to the classic hits in the 80’s around those backyard bonfire are still taking place today. The night definitely took me back to my high school days. The sell-out crowd eagerly waiting for the LCA to go dark didn’t have to wait long usually headliners have a warmup band or two before hitting the this wasn’t the case this time around. The energy level reached its peak, it’s time to celebrate 50 years of music, it’s time rock!
Journey hit the stage at 7:45 pm exactly with a clock displaying the countdown. The band hit us with three classic tracks with “Be Good to Yourself,” “Stone In Love,” and “Ask the Lonely.” Cain dawning the iconic Detroit hockey team logo with his name on the back with the #26. Quick note one of the biggest pops of the night along with being the loudest sing along in LCA history “Don’t Stop Believin'” did just that. The song has become a staple here in Detroit played at almost every event from concerts, to games, to life itself. Pineda could have took a seat on this one and take in the energy from the crowd even our neighbors in Canada could hear the pop. I needed to get that out of the way early. The whole night was filled with highlights. Pineda voice, his tones, his highs and lows, closely sound like vintage 80’s Steve Perry with fans making note of that during “Lovin,’ Touchin, Squeezin,” and “Open Arms” hands in the air, swaying side to side, was the theme of the night. Led by founder and workhorse guitarist Neal Schon and the boys laid down one ass kicking almost 2-1/2 hour set. The 29-song performance left you feeling like a kid at Christmas.
Pineda laid it all out Monday night with his fans from asking them to join in on some songs, to dropping high fives up and down the stage to even take a lap around the arena. The Final Frontier Tour was intended as a farewell, but Neal Schon said on his IG post, “Not so fast.”, he said that “maybe we think about” keeping Journey going, maybe it’s just a long goodbye. We will let the music and our fans decide that. The nostalgic and sentimental night definitely took your soul for a ride.
The 29-song set certainly gave fans every reason to keep that Detroit party going. Some highlights from the night were Schon’s guitar ripping solos — along with a killer drum solo by Deen Castronovo. The best of the highlights came during “Faithfully,” Cain still wearing the Redwing jersey dedicating the song to injured Detroit Lions player Jack Campbell along with the US Armed Force. Talk about getting all misty eyed which was seen throughout the LCA. Journey went deep into its catalog leaving nothing unturned. “Wheel in the Sky” brought the heat for the night with pyros ablaze. Like a fine bottle of wine (red) Cain delivered the best piano solo you will ever see. I don’t think the goosebumps have left the fans arms and legs yet.
Journey has the luxury a lot of bands don’t and that is four singers who all at some point take lead on songs like drummer Deen Castronovo who took leads on “Lights,” “Precious Time” and “Keep On Runnin.” Pineda, still has the energy flowing through him while Schon and Cain get together a lot throughout the night coming together trading guitar rips to the fans delight. For all the dancers/exercise folks out there Journey had you covered with “La Do Da” turning the lower level into a giant dance floor. The ending was like a winter wonderland with confetti pouring down onto the arena floor rocking out to “Any way You Want It.” The night ended with a final bow for now if this was the bands last go around, then damn, it will be quite hard to top tonight. If and when South Detroit will be waiting with “Open Arms.” “Horns up, America! Keep rocking!”
