Journey is an iconic rock band that has been entertaining audiences for over 45 years. Though they have gone through some lineup changes over the decades, founding members Neal Schon on guitar and Ross Valory on bass continue to anchor the group. Journey is known for mega-hits like “Don’t Stop Believin’,” “Faithfully,” and “Any Way You Want It.” Their distinctive sound and impressive catalog of songs have earned them induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Journey is currently embarking on a tour celebrating their 50th anniversary as a band. One of the stops on the tour is in Toronto, Canada. Fans are eagerly anticipating who the opening act will be for the Toronto show. The opening act sets the tone for the headliner and gets the crowd warmed up. Journey is sure to bring in a talented musical act that embodies the spirit of their trademark arena rock sound.
What is Journey’s 50th Anniversary Tour?
The 50th Anniversary Freedom Tour is a special celebration of Journey’s five decades of making music together. It kicked off in February of 2022 and will run through 2023, making stops at major venues across North America. This monumental tour is a chance for longtime fans to reminisce and hear classic hits live. It’s also an opportunity for younger generations to experience the iconic songs and legendary performances that Journey is known for.
When did Journey form?
Journey was formed in San Francisco in 1973, bringing together former members of Santana and Frumious Bandersnatch. Guitarist Neal Schon and keyboardist Gregg Rolie were the founding members, later joined by Ross Valory on bass and Aynsley Dunbar on drums. Journey’s trademark sound blended progressive rock with pop hooks and melted-butter smooth vocals.
Why is 2022/2023 their 50th anniversary?
Though Journey was founded in 1973, their first album didn’t drop until 1975. They use the release of their self-titled debut album in 1975 to mark the beginning of Journey as a recording and touring band. So that puts their 50th anniversary year at 2022/2023, half a century after embarking on their musical journey.
Who is opening for the Toronto show?
The opening act for Journey’s Toronto show at Scotiabank Arena is Toto! Toto are 4x Grammy award winning rock legends in their own right who rose to fame in the late 1970s and early 80s. Their hits include “Africa,” “Rosanna,” and “Hold the Line.”
Why is Toto a good choice?
Toto emerged from the same 1970s California music scene as Journey did. The two bands share stylistic similarities in their soaring vocals and blend of pop, rock, and prog influences. Toto also has their own devoted multi-generational fanbase. The members of Toto are incredible musicians who will warm up the Toronto audience well for Journey’s headlining set.
Having two icons of 70s and 80s rock share a stage makes this a stacked classic rock lineup. Fans are getting a double dose of nostalgia and musical excellence.
Setlist Expectations
Since this is Toto’s supporting gig, they will likely play a shorter setlist than a regular headlining show. Their set will probably include crowd-pleasing radio staples like:
- “Africa”
- “Rosanna”
- “Hold the Line”
They may mix in some deeper cuts for diehard fans. Overall it will be a tight set packing in the hits and getting everyone excited for Journey.
Journey’s Toronto Setlist
Over a career spanning 50 years, Journey has released 15 studio albums and has an incredibly extensive catalog to pull from. For the Toronto show, fans can expect a career-spanning setlist packed with favorites like:
Song | Album | Release Year |
---|---|---|
“Don’t Stop Believin'” | Escape | 1981 |
“Faithfully” | Frontiers | 1983 |
“Any Way You Want It” | Departure | 1980 |
“Wheel in the Sky” | Infinity | 1978 |
“Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)” | Frontiers | 1983 |
They will likely play a couple of hours and close out with crowd pleasers like “Don’t Stop Believin'” and “Anyway You Want It.” It’s sure to be an incredible night of rock classics!
Journey Band Members
While Journey’s lineup has changed over the decades, the current members are:
- Neal Schon – Lead Guitar, Backing Vocals
- Arnel Pineda – Lead Vocals
- Jonathan Cain – Keyboards, Backing Vocals
- Randy Jackson – Bass
- Narada Michael Walden – Drums
Schon and Cain are long-running members anchoring the group. Pineda has been Journey’s charismatic frontman since 2007. Walden joined in 2022 and Jackson returned to the band in 2022 after previous tenures. This powerful lineup will bring the iconic Journey catalog to life in Toronto.
Notable Past Members
Some of the influential past members of Journey include:
- Gregg Rolie – Original keyboardist and lead vocalist
- Ross Valory – Original bassist
- Steve Perry – Lead vocalist from 1977-1998
- Steve Smith – Drummer from 1977-1985 and 1995-1998
Journey’s Continuing Legacy
Fifty years in, Journey continues to ride a wave of popularity and prove their status as one of the most legendary rock bands in history. Their songs remain in constant rotation on classic rock radio. “Don’t Stop Believin'” in particular has become a timeless anthem across generations. Journey was rightfully inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2017, solidifying their continuing legacy.
Journey’s Toronto show with Toto opening promises to be a memorable night celebrating their incredible catalog of music. For long-time fans or newcomers just discovering their sound, it will be a rocking trip down memory lane.