A not so great San Diego show review

[Barb]

http://media.www.thedailyaztec.com/medi ... 2634.shtml

LIVE AND DANGEROUS: 'Don't Stop Believing'
Sandy Chase, Staff Writer
Issue date: 7/21/08 Section: Tempo


Why would someone have spent $300 to be front and center in VIP seats at the Cheap Trick, Heart and Journey concert last Tuesday? When you watch them perform, it's easy to see why. After 30 years of show business, these bands know what it takes to make an amazing music experience for their fans.

Seeing three tried-and-true rock acts is a worthwhile investment, even if the lineup is a little...tweaked.

Cheap Trick opened the show with a bang by playing "That '70s Show" theme song first, aptly named "In The Street." Lead singer Robin Zander definitely still knows how to rock. He often screams into the mic for no apparent reason and asks the crowd how it's feeling. Lead guitarist Rick Nielsen changed guitars nearly every song, with each instrument more outlandish than the next. From a square-shaped guitar to a one with, count 'em, five necks, Nielsen is a true showman. The multi-generational audience reverted back to high school days and by the end of the set, was anxious to move their feet and dance. If you've already shelled out a small fortune for your seats, why not buy a few $15 margaritas? After all those drinks, the crowd was reeling.

The personal favorite of the night, Heart, did everything but disappoint. This was especially evidenced by all of the plastered middle-age couples grinding to Heart's Guitar Hero-like anthems. The Wilson sisters have seen many changes in their band's lineup in the last 30 years, but they have managed to ride the storm with talent and grace. With Nancy showcasing her fingerpicking skills on the mandolin and Ann wailing like a banshee into the microphone, everyone in the crowd was on their feet in a heartbeat.

Most importantly, Heart followed rock 'n' roll rule No. 1 when performing live: Always end the set with an upbeat, popular song, such as "Crazy On You," to take the frenetic crowd over the edge and leave them wanting more. Heart is ranked No. 57 on VH1's 100 Greatest Artists of Hard Rock. Journey...not so much.

In case you haven't heard, things are not well in the Journey camp. After losing vocalist Steve Perry to a hip injury and drummer Steve Smith was subsequently canned, the remaining members of Journey have blindly forged ahead, refusing to call it quits. This determination has brought them to replace former lead singer Perry with a much younger Filipino man named Arnel Pineda.

The crazy thing is, Pineda sounds exactly like Perry. If you close your eyes, you wouldn't even notice the difference. Eyes open, however, and you get a 25-year-old, excuse me, 40-year-old man in a black tuxedo vest and neon yellow skinny pants, hopping around the stage while the other members of Journey try to ignore him.

It was a little sad.

It seemed like a very talented and lucky superfan (Pineda was in a Journey cover band before his big break) was trying on the oversized shoes of his rock heroes in hopes that no one would notice the difference in stature.

Disappointingly, Journey blew all its steam before the show was over, playing all their hits save for the ballad "Faithfully" before the encore. Fans were actually sitting during the encore, leaving this writer to think that Journey had broken several of those rock band rules: They ended with a ballad, they didn't save their hits for the end and they apparently don't know when to call it quits.

-For more information on upcoming concerts go to: www.livenation.com. For premium seating at Cricket Wireless Ampitheatre call (619) 671-3512 or e-mail VIP.SanDiego@livenation.com.

[RedWingFan]

The crazy thing is, Pineda sounds exactly like Perry. If you close your eyes, you wouldn't even notice the difference. Eyes open, however, and you get a 25-year-old, excuse me, 40-year-old man in a black tuxedo vest and neon yellow skinny pants, hopping around the stage while the other members of Journey try to ignore him.

It was a little sad.

That review was a bit beyond "not so great" Barb.

[finalfight]

Hardly an objective over view of Journey either. It skipped over 10 years of the band's history to make a bad point. The band is doing very well at the moment thank you very much Mr or Mrs 'reviewer'.

[wednesday's child]

Even if we were to assume the writer is biased, with an ulterior motive or worse,
we can also assume the reviewer was there and saw the show. That makes the
review useful for the band.

Maybe there CAN be a little more visible interacion between them during the set,
and a bit less of a disparity between Arnel's kinetic stage presence and that of the
rest of Journey. At least Neal runs across the stage at one point.

As for the writer's contention that ending the set on Faithfully is a downer which
does not leave the Journey fan with something extra, try viewing this YouTube vid.
Skip to 2:04 onwards, and check out the postshow fans leaving the venue.
(thanks to souhttexan for first posting this here)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pZAkb6aJ1F8

-wech

[Rick]

Shit, that one stung. Makes me wonder why I'm going to the Dallas show. I'm going out to sit in 100° heat among a bunch of people I don't know, to listen to songs I've heard 100's of times, played by a band that this guy thinks should've quite a long time ago.

[separate_wayz]

"The Daily Aztec"?

That's the student newpaper from San Diego State University.

You'll forgive me if I discount a review written by someone not old enough to legally buy beer, in a newspaper that's handed out for free in the student center, next to the McDonald's.

[Onestepper]

Even if we were to assume the writer is biased, with an ulterior motive or worse,
we can also assume the reviewer was there and saw the show. That makes the
review useful for the band.

Maybe there CAN be a little more visible interacion between them during the set,
and a bit less of a disparity between Arnel's kinetic stage presence and that of the
rest of Journey. At least Neal runs across the stage at one point.

As for the writer's contention that ending the set on Faithfully is a downer which
does not leave the Journey fan with something extra, try viewing this YouTube vid.
Skip to 2:04 onwards, and check out the postshow fans leaving the venue.
(thanks to souhttexan for first posting this here)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pZAkb6aJ1F8

-wech

I do hope Journey changes up the encore to end on a more upbeat song than Faithfully by time I see them in September, as much as I like the song. Some of their set lists have left me scratching my head over the last few years.

[Barb]

Even if we were to assume the writer is biased, with an ulterior motive or worse,
we can also assume the reviewer was there and saw the show. That makes the
review useful for the band.

Maybe there CAN be a little more visible interacion between them during the set,
and a bit less of a disparity between Arnel's kinetic stage presence and that of the
rest of Journey. At least Neal runs across the stage at one point.

As for the writer's contention that ending the set on Faithfully is a downer which
does not leave the Journey fan with something extra, try viewing this YouTube vid.
Skip to 2:04 onwards, and check out the postshow fans leaving the venue.
(thanks to souhttexan for first posting this here)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pZAkb6aJ1F8

-wech

I do hope Journey changes up the encore to end on a more upbeat song than Faithfully by time I see them in September, as much as I like the song. Some of their set lists have left me scratching my head over the last few years.

I remember one tour they ended with AWYWI and that was great.

[Rick]

"The Daily Aztec"?

That's the student newpaper from San Diego State University.

You'll forgive me if I discount a review written by someone not old enough to legally buy beer, in a newspaper that's handed out for free in the student center, next to the McDonald's.

[Eric]

This review was written before he/she even saw Journey. It happens all the time with critics. They hate Journey....

[RedWingFan]

This review was written before he/she even saw Journey. It happens all the time with critics. They hate Journey....

Then how'd they know they closed with "Faithfully"?

[Onestepper]

This review was written before he/she even saw Journey. It happens all the time with critics. They hate Journey....

Actually, if you read it, he doesn't say bad things about the show or music. Just that Arnel looked out of place jumping around like a kid, while the retirement village members stood around. And that they blew their wad too early.

'Set List Dysfunction' if you will

[Eric]

This review was written before he/she even saw Journey. It happens all the time with critics. They hate Journey....

Then how'd they know they closed with "Faithfully"?

I mean that some critics already have their minds made up. Nothing that could have happened would have changed this reviewer's mind. The lack of research also is infuriating.

[Don]

A review from a school paper? Journey used to be everything that the cool college kids hated. I thought Hanoi Rocks and The Butthole Surfers were more their speed. Times have definitely changed.

[larryfromnextdoor]

"The Daily Aztec"?

That's the student newpaper from San Diego State University.

You'll forgive me if I discount a review written by someone not old enough to legally buy beer, in a newspaper that's handed out for free in the student center, next to the McDonald's.

no kidding.. punk kid that got all this info off the internet before he wrote a word.. you can always tell a punk writer because they write.."THIS WRITER...".. you know they've seen the movie the PAPER or something..

this writer.
this reporter
this journalist
this wanna be..

[Deb]

A review from a school paper? Journey used to be everything that the cool college kids hated. I thought Hanoi Rocks and The Butthole Surfers were more their speed. Times have definitely changed.

I actually googled "Butthole Surfers" and there is actually a band called that. I thought you were just being funny.

[Don]

A review from a school paper? Journey used to be everything that the cool college kids hated. I thought Hanoi Rocks and The Butthole Surfers were more their speed. Times have definitely changed.

I actually googled "Butthole Surfers" and there is actually a band called that. I thought you were just being funny.

Then you won't have to google The Dead Kennedy's.

[Gordon from Edinburgh]

Hardly an objective over view of Journey either. It skipped over 10 years of the band's history to make a bad point. The band is doing very well at the moment thank you very much Mr or Mrs 'reviewer'.

Its a fair point tho - ending on a ballad is quite downbeat - thankfully the encores in the uk were Escape and AWYWI - which had the crowd rocking big time - its a fairly small point tho - and i cant believe the band were "ignoring him" they were all smiling at his energy and antics when i watched them......so - you are certainly right that its not an objective view - sounds like it was half written BEFORE the gig started - but then, that could be fallout from some of the treatment former members have had from current members..........

[Rick]

Hardly an objective over view of Journey either. It skipped over 10 years of the band's history to make a bad point. The band is doing very well at the moment thank you very much Mr or Mrs 'reviewer'.

Its a fair point tho - ending on a ballad is quite downbeat - thankfully the encores in the uk were Escape and AWYWI - which had the crowd rocking big time - its a fairly small point tho - and i cant believe the band were "ignoring him" they were all smiling at his energy and antics when i watched them......so - you are certainly right that its not an objective view - sounds like it was half written BEFORE the gig started - but then, that could be fallout from some of the treatment former members have had from current members..........

They ended the 2001 DVD the same way. Arnel is singing an extended version of the whoa whoa's with the crowd. I thought that was kind of a neat way to end a show. I also liked the way they changed up the ending to DSB on that DVD.

[conversationpc]

Hardly an objective over view of Journey either. It skipped over 10 years of the band's history to make a bad point. The band is doing very well at the moment thank you very much Mr or Mrs 'reviewer'.

Its a fair point tho - ending on a ballad is quite downbeat - thankfully the encores in the uk were Escape and AWYWI - which had the crowd rocking big time - its a fairly small point tho - and i cant believe the band were "ignoring him" they were all smiling at his energy and antics when i watched them......so - you are certainly right that its not an objective view - sounds like it was half written BEFORE the gig started - but then, that could be fallout from some of the treatment former members have had from current members..........

They ended the 2001 DVD the same way. Arnel is singing an extended version of the whoa whoa's with the crowd. I thought that was kind of a neat way to end a show. I also liked the way they changed up the ending to DSB on that DVD.

If they're going to end a concert/DVD with a ballad, THAT'S the one to do it with.

[RedWingFan]

Hardly an objective over view of Journey either. It skipped over 10 years of the band's history to make a bad point. The band is doing very well at the moment thank you very much Mr or Mrs 'reviewer'.

Its a fair point tho - ending on a ballad is quite downbeat - thankfully the encores in the uk were Escape and AWYWI - which had the crowd rocking big time - its a fairly small point tho - and i cant believe the band were "ignoring him" they were all smiling at his energy and antics when i watched them......so - you are certainly right that its not an objective view - sounds like it was half written BEFORE the gig started - but then, that could be fallout from some of the treatment former members have had from current members..........

They ended the 2001 DVD the same way. Arnel is singing an extended version of the whoa whoa's with the crowd. I thought that was kind of a neat way to end a show. I also liked the way they changed up the ending to DSB on that DVD.

So Arnel is who we are hearing on the 2001 DVD Rick? Alright what do you know? Spill it!

[Rick]

Hardly an objective over view of Journey either. It skipped over 10 years of the band's history to make a bad point. The band is doing very well at the moment thank you very much Mr or Mrs 'reviewer'.

Its a fair point tho - ending on a ballad is quite downbeat - thankfully the encores in the uk were Escape and AWYWI - which had the crowd rocking big time - its a fairly small point tho - and i cant believe the band were "ignoring him" they were all smiling at his energy and antics when i watched them......so - you are certainly right that its not an objective view - sounds like it was half written BEFORE the gig started - but then, that could be fallout from some of the treatment former members have had from current members..........

They ended the 2001 DVD the same way. Arnel is singing an extended version of the whoa whoa's with the crowd. I thought that was kind of a neat way to end a show. I also liked the way they changed up the ending to DSB on that DVD.

So Arnel is who we are hearing on the 2001 DVD Rick? Alright what do you know? Spill it!

No, Arnel ended the San Diego show that way. The same way Augeri ended the Vegas show that was actually December 30, 2000. Sorry if I wasn't clear on that.

[Fire99]

Steve Augeri gets a serious bum deal IMO regarding Journey press. Considering how long he was in the band and the number of concerts he performed he seems to get so easily overlooked..

Bloody press are nearly as bad as some Forum threads for accuracy..

[Maui Tom]

"The Daily Aztec"?

That's the student newpaper from San Diego State University.

You'll forgive me if I discount a review written by someone not old enough to legally buy beer, in a newspaper that's handed out for free in the student center, next to the McDonald's.

absolutely....

[squirt1]

It is about time a review sums it up for me. This is not Yo mama's Journey!

[aardivark]

It's a college paper. You can tell that the reviewer is stuck on that teenage phase that we all went through. You know the one where we thought coming up with a dismissive snide remark that made us feel superior was the epitome of cool. Then later on when we're older and done being stupid we look back and realize that what we thought made us really cool, actually just made us insufferable asses.

[journeypower]

http://media.www.thedailyaztec.com/media/storage/paper741/news/2008/07/21/Tempo/Live-And.Dangerous.dont.Stop.Believing-3392634.shtml

LIVE AND DANGEROUS: 'Don't Stop Believing'
Sandy Chase, Staff Writer
Issue date: 7/21/08 Section: Tempo


Why would someone have spent $300 to be front and center in VIP seats at the Cheap Trick, Heart and Journey concert last Tuesday? When you watch them perform, it's easy to see why. After 30 years of show business, these bands know what it takes to make an amazing music experience for their fans.

Seeing three tried-and-true rock acts is a worthwhile investment, even if the lineup is a little...tweaked.

Cheap Trick opened the show with a bang by playing "That '70s Show" theme song first, aptly named "In The Street." Lead singer Robin Zander definitely still knows how to rock. He often screams into the mic for no apparent reason and asks the crowd how it's feeling. Lead guitarist Rick Nielsen changed guitars nearly every song, with each instrument more outlandish than the next. From a square-shaped guitar to a one with, count 'em, five necks, Nielsen is a true showman. The multi-generational audience reverted back to high school days and by the end of the set, was anxious to move their feet and dance. If you've already shelled out a small fortune for your seats, why not buy a few $15 margaritas? After all those drinks, the crowd was reeling.

The personal favorite of the night, Heart, did everything but disappoint. This was especially evidenced by all of the plastered middle-age couples grinding to Heart's Guitar Hero-like anthems. The Wilson sisters have seen many changes in their band's lineup in the last 30 years, but they have managed to ride the storm with talent and grace. With Nancy showcasing her fingerpicking skills on the mandolin and Ann wailing like a banshee into the microphone, everyone in the crowd was on their feet in a heartbeat.

Most importantly, Heart followed rock 'n' roll rule No. 1 when performing live: Always end the set with an upbeat, popular song, such as "Crazy On You," to take the frenetic crowd over the edge and leave them wanting more. Heart is ranked No. 57 on VH1's 100 Greatest Artists of Hard Rock. Journey...not so much.

In case you haven't heard, things are not well in the Journey camp. After losing vocalist Steve Perry to a hip injury and drummer Steve Smith was subsequently canned, the remaining members of Journey have blindly forged ahead, refusing to call it quits. This determination has brought them to replace former lead singer Perry with a much younger Filipino man named Arnel Pineda.

The crazy thing is, Pineda sounds exactly like Perry. If you close your eyes, you wouldn't even notice the difference. Eyes open, however, and you get a 25-year-old, excuse me, 40-year-old man in a black tuxedo vest and neon yellow skinny pants, hopping around the stage while the other members of Journey try to ignore him.

It was a little sad.

It seemed like a very talented and lucky superfan (Pineda was in a Journey cover band before his big break) was trying on the oversized shoes of his rock heroes in hopes that no one would notice the difference in stature.

Disappointingly, Journey blew all its steam before the show was over, playing all their hits save for the ballad "Faithfully" before the encore. Fans were actually sitting during the encore, leaving this writer to think that Journey had broken several of those rock band rules: They ended with a ballad, they didn't save their hits for the end and they apparently don't know when to call it quits.

-For more information on upcoming concerts go to: www.livenation.com. For premium seating at Cricket Wireless Ampitheatre call (619) 671-3512 or e-mail VIP.SanDiego@livenation.com.

3 WORDS to describe this review....... HERESY, BLASPHEMY and BALDERDASH !!!

[Since 78]

It is about time a review sums it up for me. This is not Yo mama's Journey!

Yeah, It only took a couple of months and an Idiot reviewer. I think you found your match

[journeypower]

This review was written before he/she even saw Journey. It happens all the time with critics. They hate Journey....

Then how'd they know they closed with "Faithfully"?

ehem, YOUTUBE !!!

*probably scouring the net for some Journey info. it's a common practice for school Journalism students. some just even make up stories just to have something to write about. there is no legal repercussions since it's only a school paper which are only good for making airplanes.

[Tomulator]

The crazy thing is, Pineda sounds exactly like Perry. If you close your eyes, you wouldn't even notice the difference. Eyes open, however, and you get a 25-year-old, excuse me, 40-year-old man in a black tuxedo vest and neon yellow skinny pants, hopping around the stage while the other members of Journey try to ignore him.

It was a little sad.

That review was a bit beyond "not so great" Barb.

But "dead nuts" accurate in spots.

Truth hurts.