2008 Journey

While many of the rock bands from the 1970s and '80s have survived into the present, thanks to numerous personnel changes, no other such band has experienced the level of growth and diversity in its music that Journey has. Since guitarist Neal Schon got the band together in 1973, Journey has grown through a jazzy stage into powerhouse rock. Still an incredible act to view live, Journey continues to sell tons of tickets to fans of all ages.

Neal Schon was a member of Carlos Santana's band by the time he was 17, and he left a couple of years later to form a band with bass player Ross Valory (who stayed awhile), guitarist George Tickner and drummer Prairie Prince (who didn't). Schon lured a fellow Santana member, Gregg Rolie, into his new band. Rolie, who sang 'Black Magic Woman,' 'Evil Ways' and 'Oye Como Va' for Santana, played keyboards for the new band, which focused more on instrumentals than on singing.

How did they name the band Journey? A radio-station contest took care of that little problem. How did they get a bigger voice than Rolie's when they decided to go the arena-rock route? They hired Steve Perry in 1977. A trio of ever-bigger albums followed: 'Infinity,' 'Evolution' and 'Departure.' 1981 brought 'Escape,' which delivered three Top Ten ballads, including the Number Two hit 'Open Arms,' and displayed the keyboard talents of Rolie's replacement, Jonathan Cain.

After a lengthy hiatus (1986-1996), Journey regrouped for the album 'Trial by Fire.' Steve Perry left again after that album, but he was replaced very well by Steve Augeri. Journey is still making new music and growing as few other '70s bands are. You should not pass up a chance to get tickets to see this legendary band soon.