1975 to 1976

Undoubtedly one of the very biggest names in American Rock history, JOURNEY hit their peak in the late 70's and early 80's thanks to the quality of supremly crafted albums such as 'Departure', 'Escape' and 'Frontiers'. A career spanning three decades would generate a quite staggering tally of over 50 million album sales.

Born in 1954 on Tinker Air Force Base in Oklahoma, NEAL SCHON - whose father's military career took the family on a multitude of postings - joined his first band , OLD DAVIS, at 15 and was tapped to join SANTANA when keyboardist GREGG ROLIE and drummer Michael Shrieve spotted him playing in a club in Palo Alto, although he'd been playing guitar much earlier, having played in high school jazz bands after his parents finally settled in the Bay Area. Post SANTANA, Schon briefly with a band entitled BIRTHDAY.

The band was essentially moulded together by manager Herbie Herbert and there are two contradicting stories as to the origins of the name JOURNEY, with equal creedance being given to the possibilities of it arising from a 'name the band' competition or an eleventh hour management decision.

Bassist Ross Valory was languishing in the hippy colony of Haight-Ashbury where he had been a member of the ludicrously titled FRUMIOUS BANDERSNATCH, keyboard player Gregg Rolie was paying his dues with WILLIAM PENN & THE PALS. Rolie was to unite with Schon as the duo teamed up with then unknown guitarist Carlos Santana. Schon's prowess on the guitar, even at the tender age of 15, was such than no less than ERIC CLAPTON tried in vain to entice him away from the fledgling SANTANA. Meantime Valory had progressed through the ranks and was at this juncture a member of THE STEVE MILLER BAND.

SANTANA enjoyed enormous global exposure through some finely crafted albums but the excessive lifestyles of its individual members soon began to tell and the band fragmented. Schon immediately picked up the gauntlet ingratiating himself into GRAND CENTRAL STATION. It was whilst a member of this band that Herbert pulled him away to forge a new alliance with Rolie and Valory.

The band, originally to be titled THE GOLDEN GATE RHYTHM SECTION, which was completed by guitarist George Tickner and THE TUBES drummer Prairie Prince went straight into the studio to lay down an album. To this day those recordings remain unreleased. As this act evolved into JOURNEY Prince broke away, finding fame with THE TUBES, and in came Aynsley Dunbar, noted for his work with MOTHERS OF INVENTION and his own acts AYNSLEY DUNBAR'S RETALIATION and BLUE WHALE.

JOURNEY's sound that was initially aired to the public came in the form of an eponymous debut in 1975. Showcasing an almost folky northern California the mainly instrumental album with vocals from Gregg Rolie broke into the Billboard top 200. Heavy touring proved to be the norm promoting this album and 1976's 'Look Into The Future'.

1977 to 1980

Tickner was to be shown the door after 1977's 'Next' effort as JOURNEY's sound relied heavier on vocals with each successive release. For live work the band drafted vocalist Robert Fleischman, putting in a rash of February 1977 US dates with BLACK SABBATH and TARGET, but his contract was not renewed once the dates were over. In came vocalist STEVE PERRY. The amalgam of talent triumphed at their first try with 'Infinity' shifting over one million units as JOURNEY now flung themselves head on into mainstream AOR radio rock territory.

Perry, an 18 year old Californian of Portuguese descent, had been plucked away from ALIEN PROJECT, an act signed to CBS Records but in a state of flux following a fatal car accident took one of their members. Perry, originally a drummer, had travelled through such acts as THE NOCTURNS, DOLLAR BILLS, SULLIES, PIECES in 1976 and then ALIEN PROJECT. With the death of ALIEN PROJECT's bassist Perry had seriously considered quitting the business until the call came from JOURNEY.

Perry's inauguration came with an acclimatising trip with the band as they toured with EMERSON, LAKE & PALMER after which he was officially asked to join. The band partnered up with JOURNEY and VAN HALEN for US nationwide dates throughout March and April of 1978. Despite JOURNEY's rapid rise to fame Dunbar felt uncomfortable with the band's new found musical direction and defected to JEFFERSON STARSHIP. His substitute was found in 25 year old Steve Smith, the drummer being persuaded away from MONTROSE.

1979's 'Evolution' and 1980's 'Departure' continued the upward trend. However, Rolie decided to opt out but would suggest his successor, JONATHON CAIN of THE BABYS.

1981 to 1983

1981 saw the release of the monumental top ten double live album 'Captured'. The only studio track on the record, 'The Party's Over' was issued as a single as JOURNEY entered the studio for writing sessions for what would turn out to be their biggest record ever 'Escape'. In the meantime the band had their soundtrack album 'Dream After Dream' issued in Japan. Noticeably, material included on this record would find STEVE PERRY singing in a different tone to his prior work, a shift to a lower register made all the more evident on subsequent releases.

In June new keyboard player JONATHON CAIN made his debut live appearance with JOURNEY at the Mountain Aire festival. JOURNEY were back in the charts with their contribution 'Open Arms' to the 'Heavy Metal' soundtrack album peaking at number 12 but all eyes were fixed on the release of 'Escape'. The precursor single 'Who's Crying Now' crashed into the Billboard charts hitting number 4. In August 'Escape' was issued and after a timid start soon climbed to the coveted number one spot. 'Don't Stop Believin' maintained the momentum giving the album it's second top ten single. By the end of the year both 'Captured' and 'Escape' passed the million sales mark.

1981 caught the individual JOURNEY men pursuing outside interests. Schon laid down an album with keyboard wizard Jan Hammer. Smith reunited with his ex SANTANA colleague Tom Costa as well as contributing to the SCHON/HAMMER outfit.

Valory meanwhile, with Schon's assistance, was nurturing a group titled THOUSAND LIGHTS comprising of ex JOURNEY personnel.

1982 started well with 'Escape's third single 'Open Arms' reaching number 2. 'Still They Ride' followed it into the charts as JOURNEY went on the road as special guests to THE ROLLING STONES. For headline shows JOURNEY employed two giant 60 foot video screens flanking the stage, the first time a band had used this visual aid.

Outside of JOURNEY Cain and Schon assisted the former's then wife TANE CAIN on her debut album. The resulting single 'Holdin' On' charted. Meantime Perry united with KENNY LOGGINS for the hit single 'Don't Fight It'. Schon also cut his second SCHON/HAMMER album 'Here To Stay'.

Even the Disney organization wanted a slice of JOURNEY's magic as the band contributed two tracks and incidental music to their high tech animated movie 'Tron'. Ever the pioneers JOURNEY could also lay claim to releasing the first ever band video game 'Journey Escape' to round off the year.

1983 had JOURNEY capitalizing on the success of 'Escape' with the more guitar orientated 'Frontiers'. The inaugural single 'Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)' provided a useful launch platform breaking into the top ten. 'Frontiers' itself remained steadfast in the Billboard album charts at number 2 for no less than 9 weeks, denied the top spot by MICHAEL JACKSON's 'Thriller'. A second single 'Faithfully' provided another useful hit and follow ups 'After The Fall' and 'Send Her My Love' followed suit.

Later in the year JOURNEY commit the song 'Ask The Lonely' to the movie soundtrack 'Two Of A Kind'. The album would give JOURNEY a further platinum award.

 

Away from JOURNEY operations Schon reunited with his former SANTANA colleague drummer Michael Shrieve to forge H.S.A.S. along with vocalist / guitarist SAMMY HAGAR and ex DUST bassist Kenny Aaronson. The resulting live album 'Through The Fire' scored well with the critics and fans alike.

1984 to 1994

In 1984 New York's SCANDAL recorded their version of 'Only The Young' on their hit album 'The Warrior'. Although a JOURNEY track SCANDAL had beaten the band to the line by releasing their version first JOURNEY having removed the song from 'Frontier's running order at the last minute.

STEVE PERRY issued his highly anticipated solo album 'Street Talk' in April of 1984. The record sold over a million copies and provided a batch of hit singles including the number 3 'Oh Sherrie'.

Schon committed a track 'Can't Stop The Fire' to the 'Teachers' movie soundtrack sung by ERIC MARTIN. During 1983 ex vocalist Robert Fleischman made a return to the scene with his new act CHANNEL. 1985 found Cain and Jackson contributing to Australian AOR artist JIMMY BARNES self titled album. That year JOURNEY fans were finally rewarded with the inclusion of 'Only The Young' on the film soundtrack for 'Vision Quest'. Paired off with a SAMMY HAGAR track from the same movie 'Only The Young' broke the US top ten.

JOURNEY finally returned with the slick, yet much mellower, 'Raised On Radio', launched by the radio hit 'Be Good To Yourself'. By this stage the band had trimmed down to a trio minus Valory and Smith although the latter did add drums to the album along with Larry Londin. Studio bass was supplied by Randy Jackson and Bob Glaub. For touring the trio of Perry, Schon and Cain pulled in session drummer Mike Baird, a veteran of numerous acts including IRONHORSE, AIRBORNE, AIRPLAY and ANIMOTION. Bass was in the hands of Randy Jackson once more.

In 1987 Cain, Jackson and Schon lent their talents to JIMMY BARNES once again, this time on the 'Freight Train Heart' album.

With JOURNEY on hold Cain reunited with some his former colleagues in THE BABYS, pulling Schon along with him, to create BAD ENGLISH. This JOHN WAITE fronted act scored a huge hit with their 1989 debut album, including a number 1 single with 'When I See You Smile'. Unfortunately the band's second effort 'Backlash' proved a drab affair and the band folded in 1991.

Rolie, Smith and Valory meanwhile forged another welcome diversion for JOURNEY fans with their new band THE STORM fronted by ex-707 vocalist Kevin Chalfont for an eponymous record. NEAL SCHON created HARDLINE with former BRUNETTE members, BAD ENGLISH drummer Deen Castronovo and DAVID LEE ROTH bassist Todd Jenson. The ensuing album 'Double Eclipse' rapidly became a much sought after classic.

1995 to 2007

JOURNEY finally regrouped with their classic 80's line-up in 1995 for a projected mammoth tour. After a few dates JOURNEY was unable to tour further due to Perry suffering from bronchitis. Both NEAL SCHON and JONATHON CAIN remained industrious releasing 'Beyond The Thunder' and 'Piano With A View' respectively. Later in the year R&B diva MARIAH CAREY scored a huge hit single with her version of 'Open Arms'.

Notably, the high profile Progressive Rockers DREAM THEATER cut a version of 'Lovin', Touchin', Squeezin' on their 'Change Of Seasons' album.

1996 found the welcome return of Rolie and Valory with their act THE STORM second outing 'Eye Of The Storm'. Smith, no longer part of THE STORM, released his seventh VITAL INFORMATION album 'Ray Of Hope'. Another more surprizing addition to the JOURNEY family tree came with Valory's FRUMIOUS BANDERSNATCH finally getting around to releasing an album after three decades.

In August Perry's health problems were exacerbated when he badly damaged his hip while hiking in Hawaii. The release of the reunion album finally came in October as Columbia re-released all of JOURNEY's back catalogue to celebrate. 'Trial By Fire' peaked at number 3 in the Billboad charts soon gaining platinum status and the accompanying single 'When You Love A Woman' went top twenty selling over half a million copies. Much to the band's annoyance MTV steadfastly refused to air the promotional video for the track.

After months of rumours Steve Perry was officially announced to have left the band due to his reported reluctance to perform live as a direct result of his hip and back problems (due to arthritis). Although ex-THE STORM vocalist Kevin Chalfant was hotly tipped to succeed him, in the event former TALL STORIES and TYKETTO front man Steve Augeri was signed up. At the same time Neal Schon's erstwhile BAD ENGLISH and HARDLINE buddy Deen Castronovo replaced Steve Smith on drums. As JOURNEY regrouped 'Frontiers' quietly slipped past the 6 million sales mark.

In 1997 Schon took time out to create ABRAXAS POOL, essentially a reformation with his erstwhile SANTANA colleagues that included Gregg Rolie and Michael Shrieve. Smith too was far from idle though having just released his eighth album with Jazz side project VITAL INFORMATION titled 'Where We Come From', the album including an ambitious cover of LED ZEPPELIN's 'Moby Dick'. As well as keeping active on the live front with VITAL INFORMATION Smith was also to be found in the studio guesting for HENDERSON/WOOTON on their 'Vital Tech Tones' album, on STUART HAMM's 'Show Me What You Can Do' and LARRY CORYELL's 'Cause And Effect'. As if this was not enough Smith turned up alongside Schon and MR. BIG guitarist PAUL GILBERT on Jazz pioneer JEFF BERLIN's 'Crossroads' set.

The much heralded 'Arrival' album finally emerged in late 2000 albeit only as a Japanese release. Both imports and internet downloads flooded the U.S. market. It would soon be realised that the version of 'Arrival' issued in Japan would not only see different cover artwork employed but a whole different set of songs, the American version which surfaced in April of 2001 being distinctly less ballad heavy. With fans already had four months in which to download tracks album sales suffered greatly and 'Arrival' had a less than significant on the charts.

GREGG ROLIE released his third solo album 'Rough Tracks' and in keeping up with their work ethic NEAL SCHON issued 'Electric World' and JONATHON CAIN put out his 'Body Language' album. Country singer COLLIN RAYE also tipped his hat to the band covering 'Open Arms' for his 'Greatest Hits' collection.

JOURNEY shows for Europe, in a proposed alliance with STYX and what would have been their first gigs on the continent for nearly two decades, were heralded but then shelved. JOURNEY would though put in obligatory American shows with NIGHT RANGER acting as special guests. The tour would reach Allegan County Fair in Michigan on September 11th, the day of the world trade centre disaster in New York. Opting not to re-schedule JOURNEY put in a two hour set dedicating 'Don't Stop Believin' to the victims and Schon giving an impassioned 'Amazing Grace' guitar solo.

In the wake of the September 11th tragedies the band forged an alliance with other AOR heavyweights such as REO SPEEDWAGON, STYX, BAD COMPANY, JOHN WAITE, MARK FARNER, SURVIVOR, KANSAS, EDDIE MONEY, PETER FRAMPTON and EDGAR WINTER for a brace of fund raising events. The two shows, hosted by comedian Drew Carey, occurred on October 20th and 21st at the Smirnoff Music Center in Dallas, Texas and Hi Fi Buys Amphitheatre in Atlanta, Georgia raising a quite staggering $1 million dollars for victims of the disasters.

In light of JOURNEY's 'Greatest Hits' collection having to date clocked up a quite staggering 30 million sales Sony issued a more comprehensive collection 'The Essential Journey' in October. Although numbering more than thirty songs it pointedly ignored the Augeri era.

Industry speculation would be rife in January of 2002 that the JOURNEY pairing of guitarist NEAL SCHON and drummer Deen Castronovo were all set to create a 'supergroup' in league with SAMMY HAGAR. Rumours that even ex GUNS N' ROSES guitarist Slash and Hagar's erstwhile VAN HALEN compatriot bassist Michael Anthony might be involved. Indeed, within days of the leak this superstar collective, PLANET US, would be confirmed officially with surprising rapidity. Two songs, 'Vertigo' and 'Peeping Through A Hole', would be recorded for a projected inclusion on the 'Spiderman' movie soundtrack but these songs were apparently deemed too heavy!

NEAL SCHON's impact would also be felt on the 2002 BAD COMPANY live album 'Merchants Of Cool', the guitarist co-writing one of two new studio tracks by the classic British band in 'Saving Grace'.

JOURNEY would, for the first time, take command of their musical output with the release of the 'Red 13' EP. A four track release, 'Red 13' would be made available only at gigs and through the band's web site. The band, who had throughout their entire career only ever performed in large venues, would undertake their first ever club gig to debut 'Red 13' material on Wednesday, July 17th at Minneapolis' club Quest.

JOURNEY projected dates into the summer of 2003 as the 'Classic Rock Main Event' tour packaged with STYX and REO SPEEDWAGON. Although it had appeared that the PLANET U.S. project had been placed on hold during March Schon and Hagar revealed that the band was very much alive and had introduced none other than JOE SATRIANI on guitar. As 2004 drew in it would be revealed that Schon and Castronovo had nullified the PLANET U.S. venture and instead embarked upon a whole new side band project. January would be spent in Jonathon Cain's studios laying down tracks with former TALISMAN and AXEL RUDI PELL singer JEFF SCOTT SOTO and the THIN LIZZY, TED NUGENT and WHITESNAKE credited bassist Marco Mendoza. In May this union took on the band title of SOUL SIRKUS.

JOURNEY undertook a first for the band in November when, allied with AOR compatriots REO SPEEDWAGON and STYX they set out on a unique seven day Caribbean tour aboard Carnival's Triumph cruise ship. Setting sail from Miami, ports of call included Cozumel, Mexico; Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands and Ocho Rios, Jamaica. JOURNEY put in a rash of West Coast US dates in January 2005. Notable would be the band's Hollywood House of Blues concert when erstwhile drummers Steve Smith and Aynsley Dunbar joined the band onstage.

JOURNEY revealed they had signed to the Italian label Frontiers Records for August release of the Kevin Elson produced 'Generations' album. In an ambitious move the band shared lead vocal duties throughout, with Deen Castronovo featuring on 'Never Too Late' and 'Better Life', Jonathon Cain on 'Every Generation' with Neal Schon handling 'Self Defense'. European versions added the bonus track 'It's Never Too Late'.

As an added attraction at JOURNEY's Summer 2005 tour dates the band set up 'Journeyville', an interactive festival area covering all aspects of the band's history displayed by continuous video playback on large outdoor screens. The centrepiece would be a 30th Anniversary Journey Motorcycle created by Arlen Ness Motorcycles, adorned with artwork from all of JOURNEY's albums. Fans would have a chance of winning the bike by donating to the band's chosen children's charities at the exhibit.

In June the Recording Industry Association of America revealed JOURNEY had sold over 41 million albums in the USA. As the US 'Generations' tour opened in Irvine, Southern California the band ambitiously included no less than eight songs from the new album in their live set on the opening night. However, by the following night this tally of fresh material had been whittled down to just three. Rumours circulating previous to the tour suggested that STEVE PERRY was to make guest live appearances with JOURNEY, although the singer himself quashed these suggestions by issuing a statement to the fact "As of May 8, 1998, I'm no longer legally a member of Journey".

The band trailed across North America, drawing in the expected large audiences, but came to an unexpected halt in late August when, following a show at Jones Beach, Jonathon Cain was rushed to hospital suffering stomach cramps. Subsequently the keyboard player underwent an operation to remove his appendix.

The 'Generations' album saw a general retail US release through Sanctuary Records on 4th October, this version adding the two bonus Japanese tracks, the Deen Castronovo sung 'It's Never Too Late' and the additional Jonathan Cain vocalised 'Pride Of The Family'.

JOURNEY put in a notable and rare UK appearance at the DEEP PURPLE headlined 'Monsters Of Rock' festival and partnered with DEF LEPPARD for summer US dates. However, rocked by allegations that Augeri was failing on stage and being masked by tapes, JEFF SCOTT SOTO assumed lead singer duties on July 7th in Bristow, Virginia. An official explanation for the switch blamed a "Chronic throat infection". Augeri subsequently re-activated TALL STORIES.

JOURNEY's new singer had previously worked closely with NEAL SCHON in his SOUL SIRKUS project and had a tradition fronting EYES, TALISMAN, TAKARA, the YNGWIE MALMSTEEN band and AXEL RUDI PELL. The band's co-headline tour with DEF LEPPARD pulled in healthy audiences and a further run of dates was extended into late October to cope with demand.

JEFF SCOTT SOTO also fronted up a metalized version of THE BEATLES 'Magical Mystery Tour' for the Restless Records tribute album 'Butchering The Beatles' released in October, this track also involving YNGWIE MALMSTEEN, guitarist Bob Kulick from BALANCE and the MEAT LOAF band, DOKKEN, DIO and FOREIGNER bassist Jeff Pilson plus W.A.S.P. and QUIET RIOT drummer Frankie Banali.

In December 2006 JOURNEY officially welcomed Jeff Scott Soto into the band with an announcement stating "Over the past few months, we've come to realize that Jeff has proven himself above and beyond that he can sing the hell out of our songs and we're happy to officially welcome him as part of the family.'

Former SOUL SIRKUS band mates Jeff Scott Soto, Neal Schon and bassist Marco Mendoza reunited on January 5th 2007 for a jam at the annual Animal Rescue Foundation benefit concert in Walnut Creek, California. The band was rounded off by Jonathan Cain of JOURNEY on keyboards and David Dzialak, of the JEFF SCOTT SOTO band, on drums.

JOURNEY announced a run of eleven UK shows in March 2007. Support came from ex-TYKETTO and WAYSTED singer DANNY VAUGHN. Despite Soto's JOURNEY schedule, he also fronted TALISMAN for summer 2007 shows, including a spot on the 'Sweden Rock' festival.

In December JOURNEY revealed their new frontman to be Arnel Pineda, from Quezon City in the Philippines. The group had located the singer on a Youtube video of Pineda's JOURNEY covers band THE ZOO performing 'Faithfully'. Neal Schon emailed Pineda through Youtube and requested an audition. JOURNEY performed their first show with Arnel Pineda on February 21st 2008 at the Viña del Mar International Song Festival in Viña del Mar, Chile.

The band's resulting three-disc CD/DVD package 'Revelation' was produced by Kevin Shirley. A second disc hosted a set of completely re-recorded JOURNEY classics. A live DVD was filmed on March 8th 2008 in Las Vegas and featured three new songs, 'Wildest Dreams', 'Never Walk Away' and 'After All These Years'.

'Revelation' hit home in June 3rd 2008 and sold more than 107,000 copies in its debut week, marking the band's biggest first week's sales since 1996's 'Trial By Fire'. 'Revelation' was sold exclusively at Wal-Mart and Sam's Club in North America, plus online at Walmart.com and Samsclub.com, and Journey's official website, Journeymusic.com. These figures gave 'Revelation' an impressive top 5 debut on the national Billboard charts. Elsewhere in the world 'Revelation' also fared well, scoring chart positions 28 in Sweden, 35 in Germany, 72 in Netherlands, 89 in Switzerland and 97 in Norway.

JOURNEY embarked on North American dates with special guests HEART and CHEAP TRICK on July 9th in Denver, Colorado. Passing the 500,000 sales figure, 'Revelation' secured gold sales status in the USA in October.

Garry Sharpe-Young