Journey's Musical Evolution: Shaking Up Setlists and Surprising Fans on Their Upcoming Tour
Journey faces the challenge of fitting their numerous hit songs into their concert setlists. Guitarist Neal Schon expresses a desire to shake things up by incorporating more surprises for the audience. He admires Led Zeppelin's approach of playing songs differently live and wants to infuse more unreleased riffs into their performances.
Schon and bandmate Jonathan Cain are exploring ways to introduce new elements into their upcoming tour. They plan to delve into their extensive catalog beyond the hits, focusing on powerful riffs that may not be well-known but are perfect for live shows. This shift in approach aims to create a fresh and dynamic concert experience for fans.
The band is gearing up for an extensive tour in 2026 and 2027, with around 120 shows scheduled. They intend to delve deep into their albums, offering longer sets that span their career from 1978 onwards. Additionally, they will bid farewell to Cain, who will embark on his final tours with Journey before pursuing his solo career.
Despite Cain's departure plans, Schon reassures fans that he is far from retiring and will continue to play music. The band's upcoming concerts promise to be memorable, with new elements and surprises in store for the audience. Journey's first concert of 2026 is set for April 25 at the Stagecoach Music Festival, marking the beginning of an exciting chapter for the band.
In conclusion, Journey is preparing for an innovative and diverse tour that will showcase their musical evolution and offer fans a unique concert experience. With a mix of classic hits and lesser-known gems, the band aims to captivate audiences with their dynamic performances and fresh approach to live music.