MR

Just in from the Phoenix show... took my 9-year-old daughter to her first concert! The visuals for this tour are far beyond anything Journey has undertaken in the past - truly stunning. I was surprised that I really did enjoy the new stuff more live - especially Chain of Love. There were two high points of the show for me - Deen sitting in at the kit while Kelly Keagy took center stage for Sister Christian during Night Ranger's set, and the sky opening up at the start of Wheel in the Sky and utterly drenching a Phoenix crowd that had obviously been waiting for rain for a LONG time. I expected a mass exodus, but the fans on the lawn just went nuts! I told Zoe that that is what going to a Rock 'n Roll show is all about! Great lesson for my newbie concert-goer!

What. The. Hell.

That... was Ross' attempt to keep the sweat from dripping down his forehead into his eyes. He also decided he looks FABULOUS in Retro 80's Valley Girl attire!

livin2do wrote:Just in from the Phoenix show... took my 9-year-old daughter to her first concert! The visuals for this tour are far beyond anything Journey has undertaken in the past - truly stunning. I was surprised that I really did enjoy the new stuff more live - especially Chain of Love. There were two high points of the show for me - Deen sitting in at the kit while Kelly Keagy took center stage for Sister Christian during Night Ranger's set, and the sky opening up at the start of Wheel in the Sky and utterly drenching a Phoenix crowd that had obviously been waiting for rain for a LONG time. I expected a mass exodus, but the fans on the lawn just went nuts! I told Zoe that that is what going to a Rock 'n Roll show is all about! Great lesson for my newbie concert-goer!

I was certain the lawn people were going to bail - or at least move down under the overhang trying to not get wet but just like you said, they loved and welcomed it with..... nah... I won't say it. Agree with you 100% about the visuals, they really classed up the show and added an aire of 21st century to a band whose collective career and legacy are rooted in the 20th. I was really impressed and I'll admit somewhat surprised at how good they were overall. I was completely expecting some sound problems and perhaps even for AP to have a high-note issue or two if for no other reason than the heat and arid climate here. And last but most definitely not least... how about the crowd huh? Were they amped or what?! They were so whipped into a frenzy it was crazy!
One of the things I like is listening to the conversations of the people around me when they talk about anything related to Journey. You can tell their info is a bit skewed if not altogether dead wrong. You can tell those folks don't come here to stay up on all things Journey!

fightingilliniJRNY wrote:What. The. Hell.

Obviously Ross is trying to get a gig as an 80's exercise video instructor after the tour ends.

OMG! How can you not love that guy? Ross is hilarious.

fightingilliniJRNY wrote:What. The. Hell.

I don't know why, and I'm sure it's just me but every time I look at this pic, it reminds me of Jane Fonda circa On Golden Pond/her workout video days... Does anyone else see that?

JRNYMAN wrote:

fightingilliniJRNY wrote:What. The. Hell.

I don't know why, and I'm sure it's just me but every time I look at this pic, it reminds me of Jane Fonda circa On Golden Pond/her workout video days... Does anyone else see that?

I thought I saw Richard Simmons in there somewhere. Nah!

steveo777 wrote:

JRNYMAN wrote:

fightingilliniJRNY wrote:What. The. Hell.

I don't know why, and I'm sure it's just me but every time I look at this pic, it reminds me of Jane Fonda circa On Golden Pond/her workout video days... Does anyone else see that?

I thought I saw Richard Simmons in there somewhere. Nah!

Nooooooooooooo! It's KEITH RICHARDS!!! Bwaaaahahahaha!

I saw some videos elsewhere. I'm amazed at Arnel's growth as a front man. He's really learning to involve the audience and has begun to ad lib and speak a bit more on stage. This concert saw that.

steveo777 wrote:I saw some videos elsewhere. I'm amazed at Arnel's growth as a front man. He's really learning to involve the audience and has begun to ad lib and speak a bit more on stage. This concert saw that.

Pineda gets to watch two other bands with outstanding frontmen perform every night. It should be no surprise that he's starting to pick up things from the professionals.

steveo777 wrote:I saw some videos elsewhere. I'm amazed at Arnel's growth as a front man. He's really learning to involve the audience and has begun to ad lib and speak a bit more on stage. This concert saw that.

He really has grown. His comfort level and self confidence are much higher. It was really a welcome change. As good as Arnel is at his craft, it was weird sitting through an entire show hearing the lead singer do nothing but sing. You kept expecting him to interact and at least announce some of the songs - which he started to do towards the end of the last tour. Hell, I'm still amazed every time I see him perform at how big of a voice comes out of such a minute package. Speaking of minute... you should see the two of us standing next to each other. I'm 6' and 250 lbs and he's 5'3" and maybe, maybe 120 lbs. That's why I don't like getting my picture taken with him. He makes me look fatter than I really am!

Don wrote:

steveo777 wrote:I saw some videos elsewhere. I'm amazed at Arnel's growth as a front man. He's really learning to involve the audience and has begun to ad lib and speak a bit more on stage. This concert saw that.

Pineda gets to watch two other bands with outstanding frontmen perform every night. It should be no surprise that he's starting to pick up things from the professionals.

Exposure is always educational.