'In chaotic world, Journey is certain music for uncertain times'

American rock band Journey. / Courtesy of Live Nation Korea

‘Open Arms’ band sings hope and love

By Park Jin-hai

American rock band Journey, best known for its classic hits “Don’t Stop Believin’” and “Open Arms,” will hold its first live Seoul concert, Wednesday.

Coming to Korea as part of their 2017 world tour, Jonathan Cain, the band’s keyboard player, said, “In the eighties we played Japan. But we didn’t have a promoter contact us who would book Journey in Korea. Since we have had Arnel, we have had many more opportunities in Asia since he is from Manila,” during the e-mail interview with The Korea Times.

The five-member band, initially formed in San Francisco in 1973 with former Santana and Frumious Bandersnatch members, is regarded as one of the best-selling acts in rock and roll history. The 1988 greatest hits album, which remains the band’s best-selling record, spent 411 weeks on the Billboard 200 album chart.

Their songs have been frequently covered by artists worldwide, including K-pop singer Younha and boy band Exo. Boyz II Men and Mariah Carey’s covers of “Open Arms” also gained great success.

Cain says they have been blessed with loyal and supportive fans and a catalogue of songs that have kept them relevant for over three decades. “We are honored and excited that you would invite us to Korea to share our music and we hope to make many new friends,” he added.

The band has sold nearly 90 million records worldwide, making them one of the world’s best-selling bands of all time.

Over the years, the band has undergone many lineup changes and as one of the most exciting changes, the band tapped in Filipino singer Arnel Pineda of the cover band The Zoo as its lead vocalist in 2007.

“Besides having a soaring and powerful voice, we loved his spirit and his heart. He loves his family and he loves our music. His presence makes us a better band,” said Cain.

Drummer Steve Smith says Arnel is great at getting the audience to sing along with the songs. “At most concerts, fans sing all night long!”

They will take the stage at the Blue Square Samsung Card Hall in Itaewon, Seoul, Wednesday.

Below is an excerpt from an interview with band members Cain and Smith.

Q: Journey debuted in the 1970s and has been performing under the name ‘Journey’ for more than 40 years. When you guys first came together with this band, did you assume this band would last this long? Why do you think a lot of people are still listening to Journey‘s music?

A: We made music effortlessly as a band and showed up in great recordings and concerts for almost 40 years. We stayed with our sound and were consistent with lyrics which speak of hope and love, universal themes that everyone reaches for, regardless of what era they come from. In the chaotic world we live, Journey is certain music for uncertain times. (Cain)

I first joined Journey in 1978 and did not expect the band to still be together after all of these years. I had not toured with Journey since 1984 and last year, 2016, was the first time I toured with Journey in over 30 years, It’s been interesting and exciting to be performing with the band once again. (Smith)

Q: Journey has gone through several phases. There were several changes with members; there was a hiatus, and reunion. Nonetheless, what would be the driving force to maintain this band?

A: The driving force behind this band has always been the music and the special exchange we have with our fans. (Cain)

The driving force is the fact that our fans who want to hear the Journey music performed live. This inspires us to tour and bring the music to the people. (Smith)

Q: ‘Open Arms’ is always on the list of Korean’s most favorite pop songs. How much this song means to you guys? Why do you think that everyone loves this song? How do you feel when other artists like Mariah Carey and Boyz II Men covered this song?

A: We are proud of the way that song has inspired lovers and couples in love over the years. It is an honor to have our song covered by great singers, like these artists. (Cain)

Open Arms is a pleasure for me to play every night. The emotion of the song is dramatic and personal. Most people relate to the romance of the words and music. (Smith)

Q: Journey has been finally nominated to be inducted to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Congratulations! How do you feel?

A: It was worth the wait! We thank our fans for voting us number one in the popular vote and we are honored to represent an elite group of artists who have made an impact on popular music. (Cain)

This is an exciting experience for me and I'm very happy that our long-time fans will finally get to see the band inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. (Smith)

Q: You have released a total of 14 albums. Which is your favorite or special to you?

A: Escape is still my favorite. (Cain)

The album Departure is one of the most musically adventurous albums that we’ve made. Escape and Frontiers are, to me, the classic Journey sound with a lot of great songs and the entire albums are well programmed to give the listeners a good musical experience. (Smith)

Q: Send a loving message to your fans waiting for Journey’s first time show in Korea.

A: We are honored and excited that you would invite us to Korea to share our music with you and we hope to make many new friends. (Cain)

We hope that the music fans of Korea come out to see Journey perform when we are in your country. We will be playing in top form and pushing ourselves to our limits to give you a fantastic performance! (Smith)