How did SMFP/Journey do it...

....back in the day?
Hey, all.....
I trust you-all are well (read, "recovered"
) from your Fourth.....
But, in all seriousness....I'd really like to know....
Back BEFORE "Infinity", and then during.....how did they go about "making their mark" with Original Music?
Did they play mostly Covers....and THEN threw in their Originals to an "unsuspecting crowd"....?
Or, did they have Label Backing....so it didn't make any difference?
Anyone?
Bueller?
Lora?
Hey, all.....
I trust you-all are well (read, "recovered"

But, in all seriousness....I'd really like to know....

Did they play mostly Covers....and THEN threw in their Originals to an "unsuspecting crowd"....?
Or, did they have Label Backing....so it didn't make any difference?
Anyone?
Bueller?
Lora?