From Jam Band Roots to Arena Rock Titans: Diving into Journey’s 50-Year Odyssey with Ultimate Classic Rock Editor, Nick DeRiso

Between 1978 and 1986, Journey ruled the airwaves. Multi-platinum albums, chart-topping singles, and packed arenas were their norm. But then, silence. A decade went by with little to no band activity. In 1996, Journey roared back with “Trial By Fire,” boasting a #1 Adult Contemporary hit in “When You Love a Woman.” However, touring plans were delayed by Steve Perry’s hip injury. Undeterred, Journey replaced Perry with Steve Augeri, navigating a new era — one that, surprisingly, saw another frontman change with Arnel Pineda taking the mic after Augeri’s vocal struggles.

In this episode of Planet LP, host Ted Asregadoo welcomes author Nick DeRiso to dissect his deep dive into Journey’s history: Journey: Worlds Apart (Time Passages). DeRiso unveils the band’s origins as a Santana spin-off, where their early records leaned more towards jam band vibes than the arena rock they’d become known for. He also delves into the post-Perry period, exploring how Journey has kept the music alive for a whopping 50 years.