Chicago, Illinois
Arie Crown Theatre
October 17th, 1998

MC

I saw Journey in Chicago on Saturday, October 17th at the Arie Crown Theater.

I last saw them during the Raised on Radio tour at the Rosemont Horizon in Chicago. I didn't know what to expect with a new lead singer and I must admit that I was pleasantly surprised. The new lead singer was probably 85% of Steve Perry. The rest of the boys were awesome. I was not disappointed! It's nice to see a band put everything into it! They played every song that was a hit that I could remember. They played for 2:05 with one encore set. The crowd really wanted a second encore, but they turned the house lights up. Great job boys! Keep on rockin!!! If you have a chance to see them, don't miss it!!!

Mike

I was just at the show in Chicago last week (Oct. 17). As mostly everyone else is saying, I could barely tell the difference between the new Steve and Steve Perry. He sang all the old songs really well. Once you heard a couple of songs, you could start to tell that he wasn't Steve Perry, but he still did a great job.

I can't remember the exact order, but it was pretty close to what the other shows were. There was no second encore in Chicago. One major complaint: I wish they wouldn't play "Castles Burning"!! Almost everyone I talk to does not like that song.

Neal and Jonathan rocked. Neal had the spotlight on him in every song.

Everything he played sounded incredible. It was cool to see Jonathan play guitar, too. I really liked when they played "Just The Same Way". Jonathan was singing the main parts to the song.

Overall, a great concert. We already ordered tickets to the show in Merrillville on Nov. 15. Can't wait to see it again!!

KZFF48A@prodigy.com

The show was outstanding. New lead singer was terrific with a wide vocal range and deapth. (Moves weren't bad either). Drummer is excellent and the light show was not distracting but a wonderful addition to the show. Planning to go to Indiana to see them next month. Worth the time, drive and money. There was no opening act just two and a half hours of Journey that flew by.

Dottie Behrens

Just wanted to give you an update on last nights show in Chicago. I am a BIG Perry fan so at first I wasn't sure if I wanted to go to the show or not. I finally decided I would, and I went with an open mind. I was not disappointed! The show was absolutely wonderful! The set list was exactly the same as the one that that you posted from their show in Michigan - except that they only did one encore. They did not play Ask the Lonely at all. They all sounded great, even Steve A. He was able to justice to the old material--(that's something I never thought anyone else could do.) The only problem I had with Steve A. was some of his actions/moves. Perry had his little moves on stage that you could be guaranteed to see at every show...the little shuffle of his feet or his dancing around in a circle....well, Steve A. was doing these moves, more than once last night. His voice sounds good, I'll give him that-put he needs to find more of his own style on stage.

All in all, the show was great to me, but at times I didn't feel like the crowd was really in to it. For example, when they did older stuff the crowd was ok, but when the did stuff off of Trial by Fire alot of the people just sat down. Castles Burning was not one of my favorite songs off of TBF but it's not one that makes you want to sit down either. Also, when Neal and Jonathan were about to do their instrumental, Neal told the crowd what they were going to do and said "If any of you don't like instrumental music you can go buy a t-shirt or something" and several people actually went out while they played.

They had signs up by the merchandise that told fans that Steve Perry was no longer with the band because of health problems and who the new singer was. And that Steve Smith was also gone, choosing to stay with "Vital Information" and who the new drummer was. It also wished Perry and Smith the best with their endevors.

DaQman2@aol.com

I just wanted to add my comments to the October 17 review. Yes, I will admit he was acting like Steve Perry. A LITTLE too much. I think he would have done much better, if he would have been his own person instead of trying to fill the shoes that NO ONE can come close to filling.

Cain and Schon were OUTSTANDING as usual!