Spartanburg, SC
Memorial Auditorium
November 13th, 1998
Set list sent to me by George Ellison: (not in order); Anyway you want it,Wheel in the Sky, Open Arms, Stone in Love, Escape, Separate Ways, Only the Young, I'll Be Alright w/o You,Who's Crying Now, Lights, Lovin' Touchin' Squeezin', Remember Me, Send Her My Love, Just The Same Way, Left Heel of Spartacus(instrumental), Of a Lifetime instrumental. Encore: Faithfully, Don't Stop Believin'
George Ellison:
A dream come true to finally see the band after hearing "Anyway you want it" on the radio in 1981. The place was about 85% full (seating approx. 5,000), but was LOUD. The band hit the stage about 8:20 to a standing ovation. I thought the the volume was just right- you could almost feel Neal's solos. The lighting was great as well. The crowd really got into it and we all stood for most of the set except to enjoy the two instrumentals.
I was very impressed with Steve Augeri. While he is not Perry, he did a wonderful job. Very strong voice that sounds a lot like Perry on stage. He seems to have settled into the roll very well. Neal was way cool wearing shades the entire evening. I couldn't tell what type of guitars he was playing (I don't think they were Schons), but his sound was awesome. Neal was the biggest reason that I started to play guitar myself so it was a thrill to see my "hero". Jonathan played guitar on several songs and sang lead vocals on several including Gregg Rolie's part on "Just the Same Way". He sounds great and I think that he should sing lead more often. Ross was his usual self- he talked to the crowd several times and even commented at one point the "they were here to stay" which drew a loud roar.
Deen just was awesome- his drum solo was excellent! I have always heard about the love that you feel at a Journey concert-from the band to the fans, and vise versa. You could definitely feel it. You can tell that the band has a great appreciation and respect for it's fans. At the end of the show, everyone in the band came down to the edge of the stage to shake hands with those in front. People were literally running down to aisle to get to the front! What a sight that was.
The only disappointment that I could say was that they only played for about an hour and a half and they didn't play anything from TBF. But overall, it was a fantastic experience and I hope that I can have the privilege of seeing them again. Anyone who is sitting on the fence about seeing the band with Augeri is missing out. They sound awesome; SO GO SEE THEM in a city near you!!!
UEMS@InfoAve.Net:
This show is AWESOME! It is a must see for any Journey fan. The crowd at the show was really rockin. My wife and I got to meet the band after the show on their way to the bus. The guys were really great about talking with the fans. We were able to get autographs and each one even posed for pictures with us. It was a night that we will not forget. If you get a chance to see this group perform don't pass it up. If you do, you will really be missing out on one HELLUVA show!
E-mail: Steven Lake
Journey Tribute Page