Journey

Blog Entry For maharlika

Sacramento On My Mind

Monday, May 25, 2009 - 11:17 pm - maharlika

I seriously needed a Journey fix after the Manila gig last March. So a few months back I decided to embark on a quest to see them again. What has blossomed since then is turning out to be a very special friendship, a relationship that transcends time and distance.

I cannot imagine toiling countless of hours nurturing this bond. I bought the band’s old albums and I have listened to their old songs and have rediscovered them. Somehow by cultivating this thing I have noticed a rekindling of the old fire in me, something that has been missing for quite a long time.

As the captain landed the plane at Sacramento airport, he called for clear skies and a balmy 75 degrees. What a perfect condition to see Journey. By the time we got to Raley field though the weather conditions have changed as the temperature dipped down to the low 60s and the wind was howling.

The fans could not be deterred though as we slowly but surely filled up the baseball field in time for the supposedly eight o’clock start. I was able to touch bases with people who are only known to me thru their internet pen names and it was surely a treat to have finally met them in person. The enjoyment of seeing the boys sing live is magnified by sharing it with Journey nuts who share the same passion as you.

A rather young band named Lost Boys took the stage close to the eight o’clock start time. They were able to get the rock and roll mojo going and the juices flowing with their brand of play. It was rather evident that the boys will have to take the stage a little later than planned but for me it doesn’t matter as the front act was up to the challenge.

At around half past eight the host for the night went on stage and announced that Journey is coming out soon. One by one the boys took center stage and after which Neal played the guitar intro to Majestic. The buildup was electrifying as the boys segued into the intro to NWA and like most of their prior gigs, the boys followed up Neal’s guitar intro with the first song from Revelation.

It was obvious that AP was feeling the cold weather as he wore a scarf around his neck, a piece of clothing very similar to what some fans were wearing. He nailed the first song and after easily belting out OTY, it was very apparent that AP, despite of the harsh conditions, is in his element tonight. He no longer has to prove himself to me or to any one because he is the man.

A short Neal guitar solo followed and then the heavy guitar intro to SIL blared out from the speakers. “Those crazy nights I do remember in my youth,” as soon as AP sang those words I felt a rather longing for old times when there was nary a care at all. This budding relationship that I find myself in is just about to go to the next level and somehow I find it hard to stop. But then why stop a good thing?

The boys followed it up with ATL, a haunting song about being in despair and how love’s unfair. Up to this point the band’s showing how tight they really are with all cylinders working in high precision. They did an extended version of SW next and the crowd just totally lost it. AP showed his vocal prowess with this one as he hit that last note with ease.

I thought that Ross sported a new moustache but without one or not he remains the quintessential rocker with his facial expressions and cool bass playing. The third song from Revelation, CFTB, followed next. It is one of my new fave rockers, a song about how one can be in the dumps yet bounce back and fall in love again. A lot can definitely relate and that’s why Journey can never really fade away.

The band then played WCN, their number one hit from the album Escape. Another rocker from Revelation, WDILYL, followed and in this one, Deen showed his tenacity and talent as a drummer. Here I salute the man whom I consider the silent one as he usually stays behind the scenes and is seldom heard of in sound bytes and interviews. For some reason he did not sing lead that night and I know his diehard fans are disappointed.

For the next song, AP asked the crowd to pull out their cell phones as he belted out Lights. The entire field was glowing with LCD displays, a far cry from the old times wherein people used lighters. Like the band we have come a long way. Jonathan spoke afterwards and dedicated AATY to the fans who have stuck with the band throughout the decades really.

Jon did his customary piano solo before OA. While AP was hitting the high notes, a lot of couples find themselves in warm embraces with each other. It was a rather touching moment but having no one to share the song with I was kind of feeling envious and hoping that someone was there with me.

After the ballad another fast one followed, BGTY. This song has a feel good entity attached to it as I consider coming to this gig as a way of being good to myself after working so hard and toiling on a daily basis. “Running out of self control, getting close to an overload,” and so the song goes.

The boys then played WD, another rocker from Revelation, their fourth tonight. Then like their MOA gig, both Jon and Neal did the harmonica and mandolin jam respectively as Jon egged on the crowd. The boys then performed WITS, a song about not knowing what tomorrow brings.

At around this time the winds continue to blow and the field was bone shattering cold as the boys belted out Escape from their 1981 hit album of the same name. Another poignant moment followed as AP sang Faithfully and once again the lovers were at it. I have heard other peeps sing that song but as one fan said previously; it is not how you start but how you end it. AP as usual nailed the ending.

Of course the night would not be complete without the boys performing DSB, which have come to be their signature song. The whole crowd went into frenzy and for a short time we did not mind the cold as most fans jumped up and down and danced. The boys then said goodbye but the crowd was adamant that we wanted more so the band came out and played AWYWI.

They ended the night though with something I have never seen before. Neal introduced his son Miles who played guitar with his dad. Jon then introduced his son Weston who took over Deen’s drumming chores. The band then performed LTS with Madison, Jon’s daughter, helping AP out with vocal chores. It was a wonderful way of ending the night and as the boys and their love ones took their last bow it was clear that they have become one big and happy family.

At this time I really have no clue how this relationship will play out but this one’s for sure, it is not the destination but rather the journey that is the joy. I have come to love this journey and this rather special relationship that I’m in and that is said not loosely but tightly.

Peng

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10 Comments

Excellent!

Wednesday, June 24, 2009 - 10:13 am - Jem1974

That is a really nice review you wrote.

It makes me wish I'd been able to travel there. It sounds like some folks from the former forum got to meet up.

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Hi Peng!!!

Saturday, May 30, 2009 - 4:17 pm - joyax

Great review. Sorry I didn't get to meet you there. Yes, it was cold but I totally forgot about it once I started dancing

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ppp - perfect post peng!!!

Tuesday, May 26, 2009 - 11:35 pm - bouffard

you never cease to amaze me peng

...sigh...you have out-done yourself this time(your manila gig review)! i am now not just a Journey fan, but have become your fan as well. thank you for the nitty-gritty details of your review...one can't help but feel we were actually there with u...see peng, the mind can do wonders.....thanks again. just love it when u write

Ann

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Thanks!

Tuesday, May 26, 2009 - 6:16 pm - amyincali

That was an amazing review...thanks for sharing. Yes, it was THAT cold...my teeth chattered from the time Lost Boys came on till the last song was over. But it was worth it, every second. I was there alone, too so I know what you mean about OA and Faithfully...no one to snuggle with...lol

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You went to Sac!?!!?!

Tuesday, May 26, 2009 - 5:51 pm - crzymd4jrny

Peng! I'm sooooo jealous! Couldnt wait till later this year to see them huh?! Thank you for your reflections and review--it helps those of us who werent lucky enough to make it feel like we were there too. Ok, now I better not hear that you've up and left your patients again for one of them European gigs! Hehehe!

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WoW Peng!!!!

Tuesday, May 26, 2009 - 8:53 am - rubicon

Thanks for this, I almost felt the wind on my face, I can't go to see Journey, so you brought them to me. Thanks again Luv ya!!!! Jan

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Wow!

Tuesday, May 26, 2009 - 4:15 am - DBusilak

Great post Peng!
I felt the cold air, and the warmth of your devotion to Journey in the review.
This is why Journey lives on... there is always a new generation enthralled by their magic.

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Smooth easy read........

Tuesday, May 26, 2009 - 3:24 am - dougshause

Once again my friend you have in your poignant and eloquent way described what was probably the perfect evening for those who were there and those who weren't! It only makes me love there talents even more. What a team they are. Perfect in every way. Writing the songs and performing them perfectly. Thanks Peng and thanks Journey.

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Nice read

Tuesday, May 26, 2009 - 12:15 am - jhayceeh

Peng, your review was enjoyable to read.

JOURNEY once again is on top of their game. JOURNEY fans who had not followed the band for many years for various reasons are really in for a great surprise once they witness the current lineup live performance. The audience can feel the tightness of this band.

For rock music fans who are new to this site - if you want high quality rock music with a wholesome atmosphere, JOURNEY is the band for you.

BTW, please also put your review in the TOUR Review section.

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great review

Monday, May 25, 2009 - 11:34 pm - jrnyfninTracy

Reflects our feelings as well. Thanks. The 'remix' of AWYWI and SW was awesome, and SIL and Faithfully, always so heartfelt performed by Arnel, were highlights.
Just gotta say, cmon', it wasnt that cold!! Heh.
We got there early, my wife was sitting outside during sound check, they rehearsed WDILYL and WITTW.

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