Journey Keeps Charlotte Believin’ at Spectrum Center

The Freedom Tour Brings Radio Rock Superstars Journey and Special Guest Toto to the Queen City

If there is one single band that is synonymous with classic rock radio hits, it has to be Journey. Since the mid-70s, Journey has been packing a punch with roof-raising anthems, rock-pop classics, and breathtaking ballads. The band hit superstar status with its iconic 1981 album Escape which gave us classic hits “Don’t Stop Believin’” and “Open Arms.” At some point in our lives, we were all city boys or small-town girls. The band is back out on the road with The Freedom Tour 2022 and recently made a stop in Charlotte at the Spectrum Center along with special guest Toto.

Our rock and roll journey began with a DJ spinning the hits as the audience continued to filter in, some singing and dancing as they got ready for an incredible evening of music. The stage backdrop was lit with the Toto logo and as the lights dimmed, the band made their way onto the stage kicking things off with “Orphan” before gelling right into “Hold The Line” from their eponymous self-titled debut album.

Although the lineup of the band has changed over the years, at the heart of it all remains lead guitarist Steve Lukather. He is one of the most highly regarded guitarists of all time and has been a sought-after session player his whole career. Lukather’s performance was seamless and flawless as vocalist Joseph Williams let his voice soar across the arena, shaking a tambourine and hamming it up with Lukather at times. Their set included an outstanding cover of “With a Little Help From My Friends” by The Beatles before concluding with a double-dose of their two most well-known singles off their fourth studio album Toto IV. We were soon swaying and singing to “Rosanna” before being transported to a different land as we all blessed the rains down in “Africa.” It was quite the performance by Toto and a perfect way to start things off.

“Another night in any town…”

The lights dimmed, the crowd roared and rose to their feet, and Journey hit it at full speed with “Only the Young,” or in the case of most of us in attendance, the young at heart. Instantly, I was transported back to the carefree days of my youth when the most important things in life were hanging out with my friends and enjoying music. The band sounded fantastic, full of energy and life, with all the vim and vigor of their younger years. Of course, the band lineup is not the original but as with most bands that last as long as Journey, there are bound to be a few changes. Leading the pack is guitarist Neal Schon and keyboardist and vocalist Jonathan Cain who are some of the most incredible musicians, not to mention songwriters on the planet. The powerful vocals of Arnel Pineda pack a serious punch as he gets the crowd pumped up, encouraging everyone to sing along to which we gladly obliged.

“Workin’ hard to get my fill

Everybody wants a thrill

Payin’ anything to roll the dice

Just one more time…”

In an unexpected move, Journey played what is undoubtedly their biggest and most iconic hit ever for their third song. As soon as the first few notes of the piano were heard, the audience was on fire as we all took that midnight train going anywhere. Yes, that’s right, it was “Don’t Stop Believin’” this early in the set. That’s certainly a way to get everyone’s attention as we rocked out, shouting at the top of our lungs.

It would seem at that point, that the excitement would wane. We just heard their biggest song, so what could top that. Well, the simple answer to that is everything. Journey gave us the performance of a lifetime in Charlotte and the packed crowd at the Spectrum Center soaked it all up like a giant sponge. Drummer Deen Castronovo took over on lead vocals for “Mother Father” before breaking out into the bluesy grooves of “Lovin’ Touchin’ Squeezin’.”

We were then treated to an exquisite piano solo from Jonathan Cain before he introduce two of their biggest ballads back to back with “Open Arms” and Journey’s hit single about life on the road, “Faithfully.” Keyboardist Jason Derlatka showed us he also has a set of pipes singing lead on “Suzanne” before the spotlight shone on Neal Schon, another of the industry’s best and most talented guitarists, for an incredible, sizzling solo.

“Wheel in the sky keeps on turnin’…”

From that point on, it was a full-blown rock and roll show as Journey kept right on rolling, much like the wheel in the sky. The screens at the rear of the stage continued changing all night long and the light show was beyond compare. But, for Journey fans, it’s all about the songs and the band gave us their very best on this night. Closing out a magnificent musical ride, complete with confetti cannons coating the audience, Journey gave it to us every way we wanted it with “Any Way You Want It.”

“We’re all raised on

(Radio, radio)

I want my radio

(Radio, radio)…”

The Freedom Tour came, saw, and conquered as both Journey and Toto took us back in time from our youth to the present day, proving that quality, classic music will always remain relevant, especially to those of us who were “Raised on Radio.”

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