Photos by Andy Argyrakis

Coming off a singular club show in Chicago, followed by headlining Lollapalooza last summer found Journey spreading its wings all the more when the full-fledged “Freedom” Tour officially landed at a sold out Allstate Arena in Rosemont.

The group currently comprised of founding guitarist Neal Schon, longtime keyboardist Jonathan Cain, singer Arnel Pineda, returning drummer Deen Castronovo, newcomer Jason Derlatka on keys, plus bassist Todd Jensen (from Schon’s side band Hardline), not only brought every major league anthem and ballad to the neighborhood where Cain had a childhood paper route, but also its grandest lights and screens spectacle of late.

It all led to a fresh and frequently surprising 105-minute night, from the high-octane “Only The Young,” to the smoky “Stone In Love” and the inconceivably early placement of Journey’s undisputed calling card, “Don’t Stop Believin’.”

However, that merely demonstrated just how many more classic sing-a-longs were to come, including “Lights,” “Open Arms,” “Faithfully,” “Wheel In The Sky,” “Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)” and “Any Way You Want It.”

In between, Journey boldly debuted “You’ve Got The Best Of Me” from the upcoming “Freedom” album, had Castronovo sing the rarity “Mother, Father” and introduced Derlatka on vocals for “Girl Can’t Help It,” which returned to the road for the first time this century!

Every aspect would’ve made Steve Perry proud, and what’s perhaps most remarkable is how much both the band’s songbook and general popularity have endured, in spite of the frequently rotating membership, who thankfully all came across exactly like the post-fusion era/stadium-filling Journey should sound.

In addition to the headliners, ace session men turned jazz-influenced rock band Toto was a well-paired support act that could’ve easily performed as long, but managed to pack a substantial overview into a mere hour.

The group is currently led by co-founding guitarist Steve Lukather and lifelong friend/front man Joseph Williams, also known as “The Dogz Of Oz,” who along with several supporting players, have the full blessing of fellow co-founder/musical director David Paich. 

Whether it was the charging “Hold The Line,” the introspective “I’ll Be Over You,” the easygoing “Georgy Porgy,” a take on The Beatles’ “With A Little Help From My Friends” in the style of Joe Cocker or the original excellence of the Weezer-revived “Africa,” the fellas were much like Journey when it came to flawlessly upholding a legacy.

For additional information on Journey and Toto, visit JourneyMusic.com and TotoOfficial.com.

Upcoming concert highlights at the Allstate Arena include Marco Antonio Solís (May 7); Ricardo Arjona (May 26); Juan Luis Guerra (Jun 2); New Kids On The Block (Jun 17-18); Shawn Mendes (Jul. 15); Daddy Yankee (Sept. 4); Gloria Trevi (Sept. 10); Anuel AA (Sept. 24); Pepe Aguilar (Sept. 30); Pancho Barraza (Oct. 16); Wisin & Yandel (Oct. 23); Camilo (Oct. 28) and Daddy Yankee (Dec. 12-13). For additional details, visit Rosemont.com/Allstate/.

Related Articles

A Yes “Union,” Steve Perry speaks, Pearl Jam rocks with members of Journey, Rush at HOF Induction Jon Anderson (Yes): “1000 Hands” Tour at Genesee Theatre Original Yes singer Jon Anderson keeps Genesee high on optimism Burton Cummings (The Guess Who): “Up Close” Tour at Genesee Theatre Daryl Hall and John Oates with Tears For Fears: “Duos” Tour at Allstate Arena Journey makes more believers in Moline on the ride to the Rock Hall The Doobie Brothers: “50th Anniversary” Tour at Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre Super duos Daryl Hall and John Oates, Tears For Fears share a hit-stacked Allstate Arena bill