Journey fans keep on believing

They may have been fronted by their third singer in three years but American supergroup Journey dispelled any fears that they had turned into just a karaoke band with a stunning concert at the Civic, writes Debbie Bennett.

Arnel Pineda of Journey Journey

Wolverhampton Civic Hall

They may have been fronted by their third singer in three years but American supergroup Journey dispelled any fears that they had turned into just a karaoke band with a stunning concert at the Civic.

When guitarist Neal Schon discovered Arnel Pineda singing Journey cover songs with his band in the Phillipines on YouTube, many fans feared the worst.

Check out our Journey photo gallery below

But Journey's signature tune is not called Don't Stop Believin' for nothing, and last night Pineda in particular triumphed with a voice that matched the band's legendary singer Steve Perry note for note and a stage presence that just couldn't be resisted.

Bounding around the stage like a puppy, his enthusiasm was catching and within seconds of the opening number Never Walk Away he had the packed out Civic in the palm of his hands.

This was a man who has just landed the best job in the world - and boy did it show!

Many may think of Journey as just a ballads band, but they rock hard too, with Schon taking no prisoners on songs like Separate Ways, Ask The Lonely and Anyway You Want It.

For the hardcore fans there were Rubicon and Edge of the Blade, with keyboard player Jonathan Cain strapping on a guitar more often than usual to add extra edge.

But there were the big ballads too, with Faithfully, Open Arms and the stunning new song After All These Years leading to a mass singalong from the crowd with their arms aloft.

Drummer Deen Castronovo also shone with his two vocal contributions, matching Pineda's efforts with note perfect renditions of Keep on Running and the sublime Mother, Father.

If last year's Journey concert at Birmingham NIA was somewhat lacking in atmosphere, the Civic proved a much friendlier home to Journey, producing a complete triumph and a gig which will live in the memory for years.

Support was from 80s rocker John Parr, who might have benefitted from being introduced to the crowd.

For many, as he ran through songs including Naughty Naughty and Under A Raging Moon, he was just another support act and it wasn't until he sang his massive hit St Elmo's Fire (Man in Motion) that many cottoned on.

By Debbie Bennett

Arnel Pineda of Journey at Wolverhampton Civic Hall last night.