The songs still have weight after decades
It’s 2022, and Arena Rock is alive and well. Two giants of the sub-genre recently kicked off the Freedom Tour, which made it’s second stop at Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia last night. Fans packed the venue to hear some of rock’s biggest anthems, proving that Journey and TOTO are two of the most enduring acts around.
TOTO kicked off the evening’s festivities with “‘Till The End” and launched right into “Hold The Line,” which still stands as one of the heaviest riffs in rock history. The band also broke out hits like “I’ll Be Over You,” “Georgy Porgy,” and “Rosanna,” among other fan favorites.
TOTO closed out the set with their seminal hit “Africa.” Fans were on their feet, singing every single word. While track has been a long-standing staple for the group, alt-rock champs Weezer breathed new life into it when they covered it back in 2018. While their catalog is filled with tremendous cuts, “Africa” always seems to be their signature.
After the rains came in Africa, Journey took the reigns on stage. The fired off the soaring “Only The Young,” and followed it up with “Stoned In Love.” Then in an interesting move, they pulled out their power ballad “Don’t Stop Believing,” which has always seemed more fit to be a show closer. Nonetheless, the fans were ecstatic, swaying back and forth while singing along.
At this point, every Journey set is a “greatest hits” set. Other noteworthy jams included “Faithfully,” Lights,” “Lovin’, Touchin’, Squeezin’,” “Wheel In The Sky,” “Open Arms,” and “Separate Ways (Worlds Apart).” About halfway through the set, the band introduced the crowd to their brand new single “The Way We Used To Be” from their upcoming album. It is the band’s first new piece of recorded material in more than a decade.
Journey brought the show to a close with their fist-pumping rocker “Any Way You Want It.”
The Freedom Tour rolls on through the spring, wrapping on on May 11 in Connecticut.
Journey: Live Photo Gallery
TOTO: Live Photo Gallery
