Originally published by The Birmingham Mail. June 2008.

Despite so much band history and fan expectation to live up to, Journey’s new vocalist Arnel Pineda blew away the cobwebs of 70’s and 80’s rock with a performance that belied his youth and lack of serious stage time.

After opening the set with Never Walk Away, from the new album, Revelation and old favourite Separate Ways, the band seemed to grow in confidence as each song was played to a packed audience.

With a big set list to cram into so short a time, it was inevitable that some fan faves would be omitted but with a stunning version of After All These Years and Wheel In The Sky that was soon forgiven.

Ian D. Hall