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Journey


After much anticipation, I ventured to Cardiff Arena on Friday 9th March to see the ever-fabulous Jeff Scott Soto perform with Journey as their new singer. As M wasn't with me, I spent an enjoyable few hours with some other concert-goers beforehand in nearby Wellington's pub.

I'll get my 1 gripe about the show over and done with. What b*tard chose an all seating layout? The atmosphere was good, but standing would have been much better. My seat was in the side tiers, and I had to leave it & stand at the back as the rest of my block were SITTING DOWN! At a ROCK CONCERT! Terrible behaviour.

Ok. Better things. Support from Danny Vaughn (picture above) and a member of his band for an acoustic set. Danny is probably best known for his work with Tyketto, of whose songs he played Wings, Burning Down Inside and Forever Young, plus new songs from current album Traveller. For any classic rock fans, Tyketto's first album Don't Come Easy is a must.



Only a short gap until Journey entered with an extended solo by Neal Schon (at which point I left my seat). Fair to say Jeff was on top form, especially for the encore when he wore a Wales rugby shirt! Music first, though. A good set, as far as I can recall no songs from their latest album Generations, but made up of hits & old favourites. In no particular order: guitar intro, Stone In Love, Wheel In The Sky, Ask The Lonely, Only The Young, Lights, Open Arms, I'll Be Alright Without You, Chain Reaction, ending with Don't Stop Believing and Any Way You Want. Drummer Deen sang lead vocals on Open Arms and Faithfully, and as well as a mini blues jam and piano solos (kudos for the red grand piano), the crowd were treated to an early track, Mystery Mountain. For the encore (as well as Jeff in a Wales shirt), Separate Ways. An excellent atmosphere once the crowd got going and I couldn't see anyone left sitting by the end! Just wish I had better pictures, unfurtunately I was a bit far away to get any really good ones.

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