Journey
Biography
Journey is an American rock band formed in San Francisco in 1973, composed of former members of Santana and Frumious Bandersnatch. Initially, the band was a progressive rock and jazz fusion group. The original lineup included Neal Schon on lead guitar, Gregg Rolie on keyboards and lead vocals, Ross Valory on bass, and George Tickner on rhythm guitar. Prairie Prince was the original drummer but was soon replaced by Aynsley Dunbar.
Early Career and Musical Shift
The band's first three albums, Journey (1975), Look into the Future (1976), and Next (1977), had a largely instrumental and progressive rock sound. These albums achieved moderate success, but Columbia Records requested a change in musical style and the addition of a frontman. In 1977, Steve Perry joined the band as the lead vocalist, bringing a cleaner, more pop-oriented sound. This change in direction proved to be a turning point for the band. Drummer Aynsley Dunbar was replaced by Steve Smith in 1978.
The Steve Perry Era and Mainstream Success
With Steve Perry, Journey released a series of highly successful albums and singles that defined the arena rock sound of the late 1970s and 1980s. Their 1978 album, Infinity, was their first platinum record and included the hits "Wheel in the Sky" and "Lights." The albums Evolution (1979) and Departure (1980) continued their commercial success with hits like "Lovin', Touchin', Squeezin'" and "Any Way You Want It." In 1980, keyboardist Gregg Rolie left and was replaced by Jonathan Cain, who contributed significantly to the band's songwriting.
The band's seventh studio album, Escape, released in 1981, became their most successful album, reaching number one on the Billboard 200. It featured some of their most iconic songs, including "Don't Stop Believin'," "Open Arms," and "Who's Crying Now." "Don't Stop Believin'" has since become one of the most popular rock anthems of all time. Their next album, Frontiers (1983), was also a massive success, spawning hits like "Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)" and "Faithfully." After the Raised on Radio album in 1986 and its subsequent tour, Steve Perry left Journey in 1987, leading to the band's hiatus.
Reunions and New Lead Singers
Journey reunited in the mid-1990s with Steve Perry for the 1996 album Trial by Fire, which included the Grammy-nominated hit "When You Love a Woman." However, Perry suffered a hip injury before the tour, and disagreements over his surgery led to his second and final departure from the band. In 1998, the band hired Steve Augeri as their new lead singer and Deen Castronovo as the new drummer. With Augeri, Journey released the albums Arrival (2001) and Generations (2005).
In 2007, Journey found their current lead singer, Arnel Pineda, after Neal Schon discovered videos of him singing Journey covers on YouTube. Pineda's powerful vocals and energetic stage presence have been widely praised for revitalizing the band. With Pineda, Journey has released the albums Revelation (2008), Eclipse (2011), and Freedom (2022). The band continues to tour extensively worldwide, performing their classic hits to sold-out arenas.
Legacy
Journey has sold over 100 million records worldwide, making them one of the best-selling bands of all time. They have earned 25 gold and platinum albums and 19 top-40 singles in the U.S. In 2017, the classic lineup of Journey, including Steve Perry, Neal Schon, Gregg Rolie, Jonathan Cain, Ross Valory, Aynsley Dunbar, and Steve Smith, was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Their music remains a staple on rock radio and has been featured in numerous films, television shows, and commercials, solidifying their status as rock legends.