by OlHoag » Fri Feb 13, 2026 3:34 am
Not going to sugarcoat, this sounds awful and unfortunately makes me think I should have punted on the one last concert with the current Journey. Overreaction? Maybe. Hope so.
I've only left a Journey show less than happy twice (out of over 30). One was when Steve A couldn't sing a lick. Painful to watch and listen to. Second was a few years ago when Arnel was spatting with Neal (reportedly) and held screaming (literally) notes way too long into Neal's guitar solos. Neal shot a few looks of WTF to other bandmates, but seemed to handle it well. 2nd row, directly in front of Neal. I was very uncomfortable, to the point where thinking in real time this may be Arnel's last show with the band. Left show thinking I didn't want to experience that again.
The type of performance on this youtube would not be one I'd want to listen to for that "one last time" and would make me kick myself for the big bucks spent on 3rd row seats.
Leads back to the question...would you rather listen to that...or vocals with some assistance and not have to wince throughout the show?