Steve Perry: Hit Parader October 1982

    When Journey formed in the early '70s, they were an adventurous San Francisco Santana-type offshoot who loved to kick out the jams. In recent years, they've added a featured vocalist, refined their sound, and have sold platinum-plus. They're now one of the biggest success stories in rock and roll.
    Much of Journey's success can be attributed to polished live shows like the 100-minute, 16 song excursion at Brendan Byrne Arena. Though the first half of the set seemed repetitious, the quintet is generally becoming more attuned to a heavy metal sound with singer Steve Perry sounding like Robert Plant on occasion, Inviting many Journey/Led Zeppelin comparisons. The band leaves sufficient space for Neal Schon's sterling guitar solos. Meanwhile, Steve Smith's only drum solo was loud but not as LOUD as the audience's teenage girls - who seemed to outnumber their male counterparts two to one.
    Journey performed all their hits starting with Escape and concluding with Wheel In The Sky, before their encore of the R&B infused Lovin', Touchin', Squeezin' and the rousing pop finale Any Way You Want It. Like Styx, Journey presented a short movie, which offered credits like those at the end of a feature film. After the Escape logo zoomed on the screen and the house lights were turned on, it was surprising that the audience didn't clamor for more.