It pains me to have to agree regarding the current Journey live.

Never got to see them with SP, but flew to the US twice to see them with SA and have subsequently seen them at about a dozen UK and Europe shows. SA gave them a classy edge and really connected with the audience. These were some of the best shows I've ever been to and hold many fond memories.

Saw them again with Jeff and have to say that I was quite surprised to find the shows so good. Jeff gave them a slightly menacing edge - much more of a 'rock' band. I though they showed fantastic potential for the future together...but we all know where that went.

With Arnel, close your eyes and they sound fantastic, but it just goes to show that having the vocal chops is not the be all and end all to being a great front man. I really like the guy but something doesn't quite gel and I think some of the above post hit the nail on the head.

I've seen then about a half dozen times with Arnel and am not that inclined to see them again unless they did a completely different approach, say 'an evening with' where more obscure cuts would be played. Even the stage set/lighting looked tired and predictable on the last UK tour. Foreigners simpler lighting was far more effective.

Cheers

Mark H