Photos by Andy Argyrakis

The reaction to classic rockers Journey finally releasing “Freedom,” its first long player in a little over a decade, prompted such a steady string of sold out shows, another round of dates was promptly added to the books.

But more than the prospect of hearing a few newer tunes next to many of the humongous hits, the latest run that filled the entire State Farm Center in Champaign gave the guys and those who’ve “Faithfully” stood by their side throughout many line-up changes and lawsuits a nearly two-hour chance to celebrate their 50th anniversary.

It’s a miracle the Rock and Roll Hall of Famers, pictured at the Allstate Arena in 2022, not only made it this far, but regained their widespread popularity, but that just proves what can happen to those who “Don’t Stop Believin’.”

Surprisingly, that track was placed super early in the running order, but it allowed for everyone to remember the sheer quantity of smashes Journey accumulated throughout the 1970s and ‘80s, while being reborn through the likes of the aforementioned being included in “The Sopranos” or the rebirth “Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)” in “Stranger Things.”

Along the way, original guitarist Neal Schon, longtime keyboard player Jonathan Cain, Steve Perry-approved singer Arnel Pineda, returning drummer/sometimes singer Deen Castronovo, supporting keyboardist/vocalist Jason Derlatka and newer bassist Todd Jensen also cranked up the volume with “Only The Young” and “Stone In Love,” brought out the ballads “Lights” and “Patiently,” plus debuted the psychedelically-charged “Let It Rain.”

Former Santana member Schon flashed his jazz fusion origins throughout some soloing, Cain did the same in the gentler piano sense prior to “Open Arms,” while the entire band locked into the jams “Lovin’, Touchin’, Squeezin’” and “Wheel In The Sky,” which really does keep on turning in the right direction, despite everything that would appear to the contrary, now a half-century into the unprecedented Journey.

Similarly tenacious support act Toto, also shown in 2022, is well into its fourth decade, surviving several deaths, retirements and changing tastes to emerge as a cross generational classic carried by co-founding guitarist Steve Lukather and veteran singer Joseph Williams, who continue thriving, as the title of their latest live recording says, “With A Little Help From My Friends.”

It sure didn’t hurt that Weezer somewhat recently put “Africa” back on the map, though it was impossible to beat the actual band’s edition, along with “Hold The Line,” “I’ll Be Over You,” “Georgy Porgy,” “I’ll Supply The Love,” “Rosanna” and others from an hour of punch and precision.

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

Upcoming concert highlights at the State Farm Center include Cody Johnson (Mar. 25); Our Planet Live In Concert (Mar. 27); Casting Crowns (Apr. 21); “Fiddler On The Roof” (May 1); The Kid Laroi (May 3) and Alice Cooper (May 9). For additional details, visit StateFarmCenter.com.

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