If you love Journey, then you were probably at the Honda Center on Monday night for their epic show with Toto. It was one of the venue’s most highly anticipated concerts in recent memory, and I’m here to tell you that it didn’t disappoint. They had the entire arena rocking from start to finish. If you missed out, don’t worry—I’ve got all the details for you below.
I don’t know about you, but I love ’80s arena rock. There is something about it that, if done right, takes the live music experience to a whole new level. Maybe it’s the killer stage shows, the capacity crowds, or perhaps one’s overall familiarity with the music. Regardless of reason, Monday’s twin bill with Journey and Toto was just what the Doctor ordered and crushed on all levels. It’s as if someone lured fans into a massive time-machine and dropped them collectively into the Fabulous Forum in Los Angeles circa 1986.
Opening Monday’s show was the legendary Toto. Most know the band for their massive hits such as “Africa” and “Rosanna.” However, dig a little deeper into their catalog and most rock fans would surely be familiar with other classics such as “I Won’t Hold You Back,” “Georgy Porgy,” and my favorite “Hold the Line.” Steve Lukather, Joseph Williams, and company crushed a 10-song set that sonically was incredible from start to finish. I’d really like to see Toto headlining their own tour in the not-so-distant future as their music is timeless and their catalog one of a kind.
After a brief stage change, it was now time for the night’s main attraction, Journey. With Neal Schon the only true original member (with Jonathan Cain not far behind), one might wonder if the magic of the mid-eighties could ever be recreated with the newer ensemble in 2022. Well, I’m here to tell you with 100% certainty that they did. Not only did they recreate the arena rock magic from the ’80s, but they also expanded on it throughout an incredible 17-song set in Anaheim. For many, the songs chosen for this tour were pure magic—and I for one agree.
From the opening salvo of “Only the Young” to the final encore of “Any Way You Want It,” Frontman Arnel Pineda’s stage presence was simply off the chart—his voice was dialed in and so, so smooth. And let’s not forget Neal Schon’s guitar mastery. It was on full display all night long and had the capacity crowd rocking out to classics such as “Stone in Love,” “Who’s Crying Now,” and “Separate Ways (World’s Apart).” Good lord this guy can still play guitar and to the very highest of levels. In my opinion, he is still one of the best guitarists on the planet today. I’d give Journey’s overall performance on Monday a 10-of-10—and it was probably much better than the limits of that rating.
Bottom line, if you want to see some real live rock and roll legends, Journey and Toto are most certainly the real deal. Both bands have withstood the test of time and put on an amazing show that had fans head nodding and toe tapping the whole night long. It was by far the best complete rock and roll show I have seen in recent memory and one you won’t want to miss. Be sure to follow TVD for all the latest concert news so you don’t miss the incredible tours like this one down the road.
TOTO
