JOURNEY’s first ever tour of Australia, with Deep Purple

[collingwood]

I was a bit disappointed with the crowd size to be honest. I think normally Rod Laver Arena holds around 12,000 for a pretty full concert. They closed off the top section and there were a few empty seats during Journey's gig it did seem to fill more when Deep Purple came on. At a rough guess I would say the crowd was somewhere around 8,000-10,000.

I think a fair chunk of the crowd didn't know most of the Journey songs, but I felt there was some appreciation there. The best reactions to songs were for Ask The Lonely, Faithfully, Escape, Wheel In The Sky, Open Arms and Don't Stop Believing.

I heard one lady say behind me, she never knew Journey but knew a few of their songs. She was impressed. Also on the way out a couple mentioned they thought Journey were better on the night.

Were the ticket prices inexpensive enough where people could actually blow off seeing the first act? The way things have gone the first three shows, I really can't see how Journey could justify going back unless they play just one show where they are the headliner. Probably why they were trying to get Barnes in as an opening act initially.

The tickets were $100. I don't think Journey will be back. I think the reason for coming out is for fans to see them, but also to try and build their pensions by getting a few more to buy their music as they set off in to the sunset.

[Don]

Melbourne, the second most populous city in Australia and not one single concert review? Yeah, I don't see Journey going back there again.

[collingwood]

Melbourne, the second most populous city in Australia and not one single concert review? Yeah, I don't see Journey going back there again.

I haven't seen the papers yet, but there could be something in either today's or tomorrows papers. There seem to be plenty of people taking photo's so I would of thought some media were there.

[steveo777]

Melbourne, the second most populous city in Australia and not one single concert review? Yeah, I don't see Journey going back there again.

They fucked themselves by not playing there much earlier in their career.

[collingwood]

Melbourne, the second most populous city in Australia and not one single concert review? Yeah, I don't see Journey going back there again.

They fucked themselves by not playing there much earlier in their career.

That's probably Steve Perry's lack of desire to travel the world, but for what ever reason, they never got their foot in the market in Australia. I know they were big in the 80's in the USA, I used to listen to American Top 40 and that's where I found them. I had no trouble buying their records, tapes and CD's here... but they never had anything that did anything on our charts. It's fair enough to travel to a country that is playing your music and seen in the charts, but no point touring if people don't know you, when at home you can play sell out gigs all over the place.

[Don]

Melbourne, the second most populous city in Australia and not one single concert review? Yeah, I don't see Journey going back there again.

They fucked themselves by not playing there much earlier in their career.

That's probably Steve Perry's lack of desire to travel the world, but for what ever reason, they never got their foot in the market in Australia. I know they were big in the 80's in the USA, I used to listen to American Top 40 and that's where I found them. I had no trouble buying their records, tapes and CD's here... but they never had anything that did anything on our charts. It's fair enough to travel to a country that is playing your music and seen in the charts, but no point touring if people don't know you, when at home you can play sell out gigs all over the place.

According to a few members of the band, they all wanted to come during the Frontiers tour, it was just a hop skip and throw from Japan. Their manager though wanted them to keep playing the U.S. dates because of the money they were making from their stadium shows and multiple stops in the big cities. Even Tokyo gave them two sold out nights at the Budokan. They weren't going to get those big gigs in Australia, they were going to have to play the same places they are playing now and that was just too much money off the table for their manager. The band was playing 110 shows or more a year at that point. It wasn't because they didn't want to tour, it was more about which venues would pay them the most.

[jrny84]

Melbourne, the second most populous city in Australia and not one single concert review? Yeah, I don't see Journey going back there again.

They fucked themselves by not playing there much earlier in their career.

That's probably Steve Perry's lack of desire to travel the world, but for what ever reason, they never got their foot in the market in Australia. I know they were big in the 80's in the USA, I used to listen to American Top 40 and that's where I found them. I had no trouble buying their records, tapes and CD's here... but they never had anything that did anything on our charts. It's fair enough to travel to a country that is playing your music and seen in the charts, but no point touring if people don't know you, when at home you can play sell out gigs all over the place.

Good points. The Australian market seems to be a harder place than most to penetrate. Thankfully they got a really positive experience from the UK. If I were Journey I would probably put my focus elsewhere. Not enough interest in Australia.

On a side note, it will be interesting tc see how many people show up to the 20,000 seat budokan show.

[collingwood]

Here is one video from the show, I had to make it smaller as the original one is over 640mb

http://youtu.be/aKkgrltV_jU

[Don]

Here is one video from the show, I had to make it smaller as the original one is over 640mb

http://youtu.be/aKkgrltV_jU

Thanks for the video. I just watched another video from the same show where they did Open Arms.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=pl ... PShD3DCoc#!

OA and ATL were the two classics that AP really did a great job on when he first joined the band.
A bit different now.

[collingwood]

I'm doing another one now. I also have the complete audio of the concert too. Maybe I should should make a torrent with videos, audio and photos for anyone that wants them.

I also try not to spoil the videos with my singing

[steveo777]

Here is one video from the show, I had to make it smaller as the original one is over 640mb

http://youtu.be/aKkgrltV_jU

Thanks for the video. I just watched another video from the same show where they did Open Arms.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=pl ... PShD3DCoc#!

OA and ATL were the two classics that AP really did a great job on when he first joined the band.
A bit different now.

Not a good example. I heard another voice, probably someone next to the guy with the camera.

[collingwood]

Here is Don't Stop Believin from the Melbourne Concert, you can set it as 720p if you want.

http://youtu.be/a7umW0OckI8

[slucero]

Here is one video from the show, I had to make it smaller as the original one is over 640mb

http://youtu.be/aKkgrltV_jU

Thanks for the video. I just watched another video from the same show where they did Open Arms.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=pl ... PShD3DCoc#!

OA and ATL were the two classics that AP really did a great job on when he first joined the band.
A bit different now.

I thought OA was fine until that altered ending shred bit... that just destroyed the song.

[Don]

A tweet from tonight's show.

"Steve perry has had some work done. He looks 22 and Filipino!"

[SYNCH]

Melbourne DSB - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5tdR2LKlwho

Brisbane SW - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iDggHr4_1aU

[collingwood]

Here is Open Arms & Escape, I run out of space during Escape
http://youtu.be/CAKiMkysaQY

Faithfully
http://youtu.be/8xdskZXLMh0

[Gaz]

Well, after nearly 30 years of waiting I finally saw Journey last night and they did NOT disappoint! I can't remember having that much fun at a concert before. The band was on great form, Arnel was a terrific frontman, the setlist was brilliant ... Just awesome.

I was hugely surprised at the amount of support they had too. Plenty of Journey shirts around and so much more crowd noise than I expected. I'm still getting goose-bumps sitting here thinking about it.

The sound was okay, although I agree with person who pointed out the difference in Schon's and Morse's sound - Morse was so much clearer. Still, for straight out pants-wetting excitement, that's going to be hard to beat. Whew!
As much as I love DP, they were a letdown. The set list didn't help. Highlights were Knockin, Space Truckin and Noone Came. And although Journey blew them awa, Morse and Paice are two of the very best musos on the planet.

Now I'm on my way to the airport to see them tomorrow night in Adelaide. JOURNEY ROCKS!!!!!!!

[Gaz]

Well, after nearly 30 years of waiting I finally saw Journey last night and they did NOT disappoint! I can't remember having that much fun at a concert before. The band was on great form, Arnel was a terrific frontman, the setlist was brilliant ... Just awesome.

I was hugely surprised at the amount of support they had too. Plenty of Journey shirts around and so much more crowd noise than I expected. I'm still getting goose-bumps sitting here thinking about it.

The sound was okay, although I agree with person who pointed out the difference in Schon's and Morse's sound - Morse was so much clearer. Still, for straight out pants-wetting excitement, that's going to be hard to beat. Whew!
As much as I love DP, they were a letdown. The set list didn't help. Highlights were Knockin, Space Truckin and Noone Came. And although Journey blew them awa, Morse and Paice are two of the very best musos on the planet.

Now I'm on my way to the airport to see them tomorrow night in Adelaide. JOURNEY ROCKS!!!!!!!

[Don]

Tough Time in Perth last night. I reckon they're glad to move on to Japan.

"no it's def off in places! Did they even sound check lead singer?!"

"i dont think so! Can hardly hear his voice "

"Can now tick #Journey off my concert wish list... Unfortunately I have also now Stopped Believin'..."

"I'm at a #Journey concert right now... If you ever get the chance to see them live... Don't."

"Musically pretty good, but sound of vocals was so hit and miss it was distracting."

[Rick]

Well, after nearly 30 years of waiting I finally saw Journey last night and they did NOT disappoint! I can't remember having that much fun at a concert before. The band was on great form, Arnel was a terrific frontman, the setlist was brilliant ... Just awesome.

I was hugely surprised at the amount of support they had too. Plenty of Journey shirts around and so much more crowd noise than I expected. I'm still getting goose-bumps sitting here thinking about it.

The sound was okay, although I agree with person who pointed out the difference in Schon's and Morse's sound - Morse was so much clearer. Still, for straight out pants-wetting excitement, that's going to be hard to beat. Whew!
As much as I love DP, they were a letdown. The set list didn't help. Highlights were Knockin, Space Truckin and Noone Came. And although Journey blew them awa, Morse and Paice are two of the very best musos on the planet.

Now I'm on my way to the airport to see them tomorrow night in Adelaide. JOURNEY ROCKS!!!!!!!

That's great to read. They have been getting some bad reviews down there.

[Gaz]

Well it wouldn't be the first time Journey got a bad review!!

Adelaide was great as well. They had plenty of support there as well.

If I was there to critically appraise everything everyone did and sang, then there were no doubt plenty of holes to pick. But as I was there to have a great night out seeing a band I have loved for years, then I had an absolute blast.

[Gaz]

... and not all the reviews were bad - this from the Adelaide daily:


Deep Purple loses colour to Journey at Adelaide Entertainment Centre
Sam Kelton

March 05, 20134:46PM

JOURNEY fans stopped believing we'd see the legendary US rock act on our shores many years ago - but thanks to a recent resurgence they finally made it. Supporting staple rock act Deep Purple, who made what it seems to be their annual pilgrimage down here to Australia - it was Journey who wowed the large audience at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre.

Performing the band's larger than life hits, including Separate Ways (Worlds Apart) Anyway You Want It and of course Don't Stop Believin' it was an opening slot worth getting in early for. Fronted by Filipino singer Arnel Pineda, you'd be forgiven if you closed your eyes and imagined it was Steve Perry singing these iconic songs - he was that good. The pint sized hero did his best to razz up the older audience who remained seated throughout much of the set - but to no avail.

Guitarist Neal Schon's fiery stage presence and brilliant guitar work was the centrepiece of the band with his blistering solos but the sound the band produced on stage was far more polished than that of the headline act.

Its trademark harmonies gelled, the drums were explosive and the synth lines shone - Journey were worth the asking price by themselves.

Then rock juggernauts Deep Purple arrived.

A falling white curtain and the crash of Ian Paice's drums signalled the legendary rock acts intentions - it was to be a loud and powerful night. Soon people began getting out of their seats. One man in particular down the front head-banged and mimed the whole of Knocking at your Back Door much to the younger fans enjoyment while the venue erupted when Strange Kind of Woman rang out.

Roger Glover's pounding bass and Paice's drums held the rockers together as Morse and Don Airey experimented wildly over the top. Ian Gillan's screams wailed but Steve Morse dominated the evening as one of the world's greatest guitarists made his instrument sing to the the thousands of screaming fans.

Space Truckin' and Black Night were among the highlights of yet another solid performance by the legendary rock act. Having seen Deep Purple several times now Down Under - last night more than met my fill and was probably my last.

But let's hope Journey don't make this visit the band's first and only Australian tour.

[majik]

Journey Perth Arena online review.

http://www.theage.com.au/entertainment/ ... 2fq42.html