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Open Arms of Thousands Cheer on Journey! - Interview with Deen Castronovo

First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre – Tinley Park, IL, USA – July 30, 2011
by Anita Lande Brodersen

Way back in 1973 the legendary rock band Journey took form. When their mega-hits and monumental rock ballads started rolling out during the late '70s and into the 80's, their popularity soared. Today's stats show that their worldwide sales have reached nearly 80 million albums sold. That being said, their songs are still played widely on radio each day. Journey is currently touring with bands Foreigner and Night Ranger and they are promoting their latest album Eclipse. While the band's line-up has changed over the years, the current line-up is as strong as ever with newest member lead vocalist Arnel Pineda, lead guitarist Neal Schon, bassist Ross Valory, keyboards/guitarist Jonathan Cain, and drummer Deen Castronovo.

As the band took stage on this hot July night, Jonathan Cain's intro on keyboards had the crowd up on their feet immediately as they launched into their ever popular staple Separate Ways. With the band since 2007, lead singer Arnel took control of Journey's earlier hit songs that were performed by former lead vocalist Steve Perry and molded them into his style of singing and delivered them more than adequately! Monster songs like Faithfully, Open Arms, Stone in Love, Wheel in the Sky, and Send Her My Love had the crowd singing and dancing to each beat. Journey performed two songs off their latest album called City of Hope and Edge of the Moment. At the conclusion of their ever popular Don't Stop Believing, confetti bombs launched into the crowd making for a spectacular ending. After a brief stage exit, the band returned and performed their encore song Anyway You Want It. Journey has secured their standing as one of the few remaining arena rock bands from three decades ago that can still fill and rock major venues as they had in their heyday. First Midwest Bank Amphitheater was filled to capacity for a night with the headlining band Journey!

Anyway you want it; Journey is one the best rock bands touring this year delivering solid new songs while performing their colossal classic hits.


Read the full interview with Journey's drummer Deen Castronovo

1 comment

Silentwhisper1 said...

I agree.But where's Steve Perry?
The tid-bit is I could have sworn I seen him at the Tualip Casino in July, in the night club. Course, the sweet, polite Canadian I that am didn't interfere with his privacy (not) I had a few drinks called (big daddy) and...ahem...I JUST HAD TOO- ASK!
Where in his reply, unfriendly like, was a curt "no!"
"Humph." Someone didn't teach that man any manners.Everyone at our table said he was indeed Steve Perry.
I love the band and has always liked Journey, however? not-so-much-Steve.