Journey had an immeasurable impact on me and my life. I've spent close to 45 years learning from this band. Their music is timeless. And, Steve Perry is, absolutely, without question, without any doubt, the most influential vocalist of my life.
I graduated from high school in 1982 & Don't Stop Believing was our class song. I have always been a fan of Journey and it always blows my mind when I hear the younger generations singing this song
I was a sophomore or junior in high school when this album came out. I think we wore out the cassette in my car in a matter of weeks:) A couple years back I was photographing a senior prom and was absolutely awestruck to see these kids, 40 years later dancing and singing with the song at the top of their lungs. Not to mention it brought all the teachers that were there on to the dance floor(singing as well) for a monumental ending to the special night. #unforgettable
More than that is that the ORIGINAL is the one that even the kids prefer over the versions from their own generation. The probably 1st heard and liked the newer takes on the song, but they choose the Journey version as the best after hearing it. That doesn't happen with most somgs that have been covered.
I listened to it over and over when I was going through treatment for stage 4 cancer. I was not supposed to survive, and I would play this song to pump myself up. I didn't stop believing, and in 3 months I will be 5 years cancer free.
Seeing Journey back in the day was one of the best gifts my dad gave me. He checked me out of school with two of my friends and didn't say anything. He had our bags and we hit the road. We drove a few hours to Charlotte, NC and we checked in to a hotel and got some food stayed up super late. The next day he said dress however you want because we're going somewhere fun. I had my crazy 80's clothes and and we pulled up to the arena and I saw Journey on outside and I started crying and freaking out. My friends were crying and we couldn't believe we were going to get to see Journey. It was my 14th birthday and one I'll never ever forget.
I didn't want to admit to myself that I've been a little depressed for awhile, this video essay really brought me to tears but cheered me up at the same time. I went to see Journey on this tour back in the day, what a great memory. Thanks Adam, this was what I needed today.
I remember a childhood friend bringing the album Infinity to my house when it was first released and said “You’ve got to hear this band Journey.” I was blown away and immediately liked them. I bought my own copy and practically wore the grooves off playing it. The following album introduced the hit “Lovin’, Touching, Squeezing” which all the girls really loved causing us teenage boys to lose interest in the band. They lost that cool factor for a period of time. But when Escape was released my love of the band was renewed. Journey is an incredible band. I love their music.
Neal Schon and Steve Perry on Mother Father is also magic. I saw them in concert and Journey are just so good. As a guitar player, Neal doesn’t get enough credit. I’m glad I got to see them in person
Neal creates a melodic hook with his solos, and then puts tasteful licks within it. No one in rock is better at that then Neal. I also like Vito Bratta from White Lion for doing that as well.
I will always be grateful that I was a college student in the 80’s and got to see Journey live many times. Every time I hear my high school students singing Don’t Stop Believin’, I tell them it was mine first!!!
I used to have a few Journey albums on cassette tape. I love Steve Perry's voice. This is a great tribute to one of the greatest rock bands ever. Great interviews. Thank you.
I grew up with this band and so did my kids. This song in particular has remained with us through the years, and now my grandkids are singing along with it. Journey's music is second to none and I "Believe" it will always bring joy to millions! Thanks Adam!
Poll: What is your pick for the greatest Rock Anthem in history? Also please ignore the scammer saying you've won a prize. I've reported them to RU-vid at least 50 times.
"Won’t Get Fooled Again"- The Who; "I Love Rock 'n' Roll"- Joan Jett/Blackhearts; “Born To Run”- Springsteen; "We're An American Band"- Grand Funk RR; "Rock and Roll All Nite"- Kiss; "Born to Be Wild"- Steppenwolf "Free Bird"- Lynyrd Skynyrd; "We're Not Gonna Take It"- Twisted Sister.
"Don't Stop Believin'", "Hotel California", "Freebird", and "Bohemian Rhapsody" are the four that instantly come to mind. My son and I annoyed the hell out of my wife one time when we were at Costco. I don't remember why we did it but we both just started singing "Bohemian Rhapsody", as we walked through the store.
Don’t Stop Believing is/was my special ringtone when my grandpa would call me on the phone these past few years. He’s passed now, but when I hear it on the radio, it brings a tearful smile to my face. My daughters are convinced that it’s my favorite song. It’s definitely in the running.
I am a guitar guy. People think of Journey as a vocals group, understandable as Perry was amazing. But I had Journey on repeat in the 80s and beyond because they are really a great guitar band thanks to Neal Schon. My favorite song from that album was stone in love. It is almost always on my mix play lists.
Don't Stop Believing came out when I was in junior high. I conned my folks into buying the cassette for my birthday and spent my time dancing and singing along with it from the start. I played it so often the tape squeaked as much as it played (its still in my collection in spite of its condition). Dont Stop has been my theme song since, and every time I hear the intro, my heart is happy. Journey is, by far, my ultimate band. Thank you for sharing this story!
I’ve always loved Journey..Arnel is a sweetheart but Steve Perry is my heart!!! I would never go see them in concert unless the KING Steve was there singing. I don’t believe that will ever…ever happen now. 😢
Yes, this is such an inspirational rock song. Many of my pals had only heard of it thanks to Glee covering it, so I was proud to be one of the few who'd known about it beforehand, thanks to my folks!
@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 although I agree with you on that, we have to be thankful for Glee, Stranger Things, tic TOC, etc for keeping these amazing songs alive and getting the younger generations listening to good music.
My all time favorite band, ever. Saw them at least a half dozen times as they toured around and came to SoFL. Nothing critical you could ever say about their music, their performances or even their ticket prices back in the day. You knew what you were going to get was music perfection..at times even better than the studio versions.
When I was 13-14 years old, I was a massive Journey fan. They sounded just as good live as they did on the "album". Such accomplished musicians...such an accomplished vocalist that might be one of the greatest power male vocalists...and such great storytelling lyrics. That's a powerful combination.
The first time I heard Don’t Stop Believin’ I was an instant fan. It was one of those song that you immediately realize is great and you just want to listen to it over and over again. “The movie never ends, it goes on and on and and on…..”
I was a fan of Journey before the Escape album. It is probably their most famous, if not best, album. Neil Schon's intro on Don't Stop Believing was a master stroke, it sets the whole song up along with Cain's piano work. You don't see this type creativity or musicmanship any more these days. That is why this song, and Journey are legendary. It has stood the test of time.
"You don't see this type creativity or musicmanship any more these days." Well, you do, if you look for it, but there is a lot of noise out there. Check our Porcupine Tree / Steven Wilson
See what we had in the 80s??? What a time it was.....take me back Professor!! As for Don't Stop not being as big as Open Arms and Who's Crying Now......the ballad reigned supreme back then, like it or not. Ballads brought the girls....and the boys duly followed.....
My wife and I took my daughters to the County Fair in Saturday evening, mainly to go to the carnival. There was a band playing some Journey music, in the pavilion and we casually strolled by, not being able to see the band. We grabbed some snacks, popcorn and finally made it to the carnival rides. With 2 little girls, the tickets went by within about 30 minutes. We then made our way back and they were playing, Don’t Stop Believing- and my wife and I locked eyes and both said. I think that’s Really Journey singing. It Was!!! We walked into the pavilion and Arnel Pineda jumped of the stage, walked in our direction and high fived all the kids towards the back where we were, including my daughters, and went back to the stage. Then they announced they would be back the next year too. Talk about awesomeness.
Now you've done it you made bawl like child. The vet, the mom in a coma. Saved by one of the greatest songs ever. Damn you I love you. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
I think Steve's solo work is fairly good, but definitely not at the level of Journey. Truth is, some absolutely incredible musicians have made this band what it is (and Steve's is definitely part of that!). You have to give props to Dunbar, Smith, Valory, Rollie and most certainly Schon and Caine. Caine was brilliant in the The Babys and is just a great songwriter. In reality, Journey's secret weapon has ALWAYS been Neal Schon - the guy's sense of melody and overall chops are just off the chart along with his great songwriting ability. Steve gave Journey it's "sweetness", but Neal provided the real balls to this great rock band...
No, people who do not understand music say that. Thus band was a very good musical band. They would have made it big anyway, they were a Progressive Band who were changing to get air play, as seen with their new singer, finding a singer is not that hard if you have to correct songs and lyrics.
Perry gets a lot of well deserved credit for Journey's success, but it's easy to forget that the band's musicianship was phenomenal! Nobody, not even their hashest critics, can downplay the genius of every member. Rollie, Schone, Smith, Dunbar, Valory were and are musician's musicians.
Journey is simply the best band ever, in my opinion. Their radio songs are massive, even today, but their deeper cuts show a huge variety of sounds and styles. They could play anything. As often as I've heard DSB since it was released, I've never once grown tired of it. It's a song like no other - vocals, bass, guitar, piano/keyboard, drums - and a hopeful, positive message.
Saw Journey in concert at college 1983. Perry with the yellow shirt. All of those timeless songs played on the original tour. You got the feeling sitting there and watching that it was history you were witnessing because of the epic power of it all. When you left if felt like you accomplished something. I guess that's what happens when talent like that comes together.
Being an 80’s baby, graduating in ‘83, Journey has always been MY band! The best concert I’ve ever seen is Journey in San Diego in 1984! “Don’t Stop Believing” has always been one of my all time favorite songs. Every time I hear it, I sing it, out of tune, at the top of my lungs! My wife of 33 years always shakes her head but sings along with me! Fast forward to 2023, my wife, son and I were on a transportation bus at DisneyWorld taking a bus load of tired folks back to our resort. Some guy pulls out his phone, turns his volume all the way up and that keyboard starts playing!! Then the guitar… Suddenly, everyone in the bus is smiling, swinging back and forth. Then Steve starts…The WHOLE BUS, old folks like us, my kid (who’s 28 and an ‘80’s music junkie), kids in their early teens, we ALL start singing! Everyone knew all the words to this song. When the chorus would start, the whole bus is screamed “Don’t Stop…Belivin’…hold on to that feel in’!” It was one of the coolest memories I think I’ll ever have and I’m 58 years old. Don’t Stop Believing… TBE!! ❤ Thanks Professor for a great video and wonderful memories!!
I've tried to stop believing but Journey won't let me. 😁 It does seem criminal that it didn't hit #1 but it shows you don't need the top spot to have great, longer lasting success. How many #1 songs have long been forgotten? Not sure when I first heard it, I think it was one of those songs that seeped in over time, then you have that 'oh yeah' moment later on. Definitely one of the most instantly recognisable songs ever.
It’s nice to hear that Journey still resonates with so many people 40+ years after this song came out. It is a much better song than Physical, although I do not slander Olivia Newton-John for that. May she still rest in heavenly peace.
These songs are such a big part of my childhood, every time I hear them they take me back. Now so many years later they are a part of my children’s childhoods too. They are timeless classics that hopefully will play on and on and on and on. 😊
Love this song! No matter how many times I hear it. The BEST music is NOT always played in the Top 40 of the times a song is released. But time itself will dictates which music endures. The most epic songs will surely out last the crap.
Escape album was released in 1981, I was a kid working at Camelot Music at the mall. I had the private of making a 10 ' x 7' sign for the front window. It was the album cover times a hundred of them! They sold like hot cakes!
I'll be turning 76 in a few weeks, and so I have seen rock music's projection from the very first, with Little Richard, through the R&B and Beatles eras, the great season with bands like Lead Zeppelin, and right up to and through the time of Journey and Boston. "Don't Stop Believing" is one of those tunes that as soon as I hear it I stop and do nothing, close my eyes and soak it in, waiting for that driving guitar to start, and as was said; "under the vocal the band is kicking ass". I've been known to play electric broom my self and even some out right air guitar. Don't Stop Believing" is one of rock music's greatest tunes ever. It will live on when all of us here today are long gone. I was actually choking up a bit watching this, great job Adam, ;-)
Absolutely one of the greatest albums of all time, Escape. I can't think of a single song on that album that was under cut or weak. It's just a powerhouse from start to finish.
Agreed. One of my teachers last year always played Escape in class while we were working on assignments. Now that album will forever connect me to her and her love of Journey.
I started listening to rnr stations bc flipping thru my new home radio stations I suddenly heard this song!! I was 13. Now, I'm 53 & I will not stop believin'. Thank you ALL🎼🎶🎸🥰😘
This song still WOWS me today as it did when it first came out! Every aspect of it is amazing! Neal Schon is totally underated, along with Steve Smith! DON'T STOP BELIEVING! ABSO... ROCKIN'... LUTELY!!!
I am now in my 70’s and retired but, in 2002, I was issued a company pickup that had a CD player. I had a small assortment of CD’s that were mostly 60’s classic rock. But there were a few ‘newer’ CD’s including the Cars, Cream, and Journey. One day, one of the young guys was discussing my music choices but then commented that he kind of liked those “older” groups like Journey. I had to chuckle because I didn’t view Journey as an “old” group since they came 20 years after my favorite era.
I still remember first hearing this song. I wanted the album so badly but I wasn't employed at the time. The Christmas of 1981 I asked for 3 vinyls and they were Olivia Newton-John - Physical, Pat Benatar - Precious Time and ..... Journey - Escape. I played the heck out of those albums that day and for the next few days Escape was constantly played. It's always been a favorite song of mine. Professor, I don't need to remember all the b-sides of the 45's I bought as I still have them. Great Video.
I was a fan of the "old" Journey and initially didn't care for the change that Steve Perry brought to the band. Then I saw them in '79 (ELO, Foreigner, Journey, and Trickster) and became a fan. Man could he belt it out!
Journey has truly been the soundtrack of love. Heartbreak 💔. Dreams. Ambitions. Unconditional love. Sadness & joy; Journey has a song for every single human emotion. Memory and legacy that we all leave behind. Praying I see them one more time before I leave this planet! It’s been three times so far!
Neal Schon is the king of tasteful, melodic guitar leads. That guy can shred like the best of 'em, but at the same time, he is so good at crafting melodies that are just so memorable. Neal can play a face melting solo, and you'll still want to sing along with every note as you air guitar along. And then you add that guitar tone to the mix, which is so thick and sweet sounding, and.... like I said, hail to the king.
My baby brother (yes I know... I'm old) introduced me to Journey songs in the 1980s and I fell in love with the amazing music. So many fantastic songs. 💙
My 17 year old daughter loves Don’t stop believing, I’m 60 I grew up on Journey so when she played and said you need to hear this song it’s cool, when I heard the intro I said that’s Journey I grew up on them and she said no way lol. Still rocking after all these years.
I have been in many bands and when the crowd hears the piano intro, the place goes beyond anything the venue had ever seen….. before or since. I feel blessed to be in a band that can pull this iconic song off so others can feel the positive emotion generated by Don’t Stop Believing.
Wish the entire band for this AWESOME tune could have been interviewed together. Definitely grateful to have been a teenager when these guys were on the rise. SAMMY!!!... you said it man, Neal doesn't get the accolades he should for his talent!!! Neal SWEET touch on the guitar. Those that don't know "Beyond the Thunder!!" A much listen / buy album to experience Neal Schon to the fullest... IMO.
In July of 1981, when the Escape album came out, I was 10 years old and just discovering music for myself. We would listen to the weekly countdown on America’s Top 40 and get our cassette recorders ready! From Toto, to Journey, to Asia, (not to mention REO Speedwagon, Def Leppard and countless others) there was so much incredible music in the short period between 1980 and 1983 that I think it has to be my personal favorite slice of time for pop music. This song and this entire album was just about the epitome of what rock music could do for you and how many emotions it can stir within you. From the raw depths of Mother Father to soaring heights of Don’t Stop Believing, this band has always been able to take you on an incredible ride, and for that, we are and will always be eternally grateful! Thank you, Professor, for this deep dive on an incredible song from an incredible band!
I’ve listened to dozens of your broadcasts and this is the best one ever. I take a lunch break at work and look for you and when I find one of your interviews it makes my day. Thanks! I have NO idea why you don’t have a million views
I saw Journey during the "Escape" tour in 1981, at the Hampton Coliseum in Hampton, Virginia. It was my Senior year in High School. Loverboy opened for them at that show. They were also fantastic. Journey and this album were a HUGE part of the playlist of my formative young adult years. It was the first concert that I bought my own ticket, went to the show without parental supervision... In many ways, it was the beginning of my fledgling adulthood. That night was one of the most amazing nights of my young life. To this day, when "Don't Stop Believin'" (or any other song from the "Escape" album) comes on, I enjoy telling friends that I saw Journey live during that tour. So much joy in that memory.
Oh man... great memories of this song and Escape. My older sister had a beautiful '81 Honda Prelude... deep blue metallic, cream interior, moonroof, Alpine stereo, sheepskin seat covers, 5 speed, alloys... it was absolutely fantastic. She had Escape in there... so I hear Who's Crying Now, Don't Stop Believin', Stone In Love... and I'm that pre-teen geek in the passenger seat being taken for a ride. Awesome
Professor, once again you've hit it out of the park! I really enjoyed the video that just happened to pop up on RU-vid. Journey has meant the world to me throughout my life. I first heard 'Mystery Mountain' on the radio, and flipped. Then went to Winterland, and saw the original Journey. Just blew me away. Ross and Aynsley were so powerful, they reminded me of Cream. With Neal blazing away on top; I was right on the floor against the stage. Then later I went to the Old Waldorf, and Journey played a set, and then announced a new member. Steve Perry came out, and they played 'La Do Da' (!) Unbelievable. So powerful. I became friends with Pat Morrow, the road manager, and I was back stage the next night. I passed Steve Perry at the pool table, and he smiled at me and said, "I knew you would be here!" What a surprise, and a great memory. Escape came out years later, and I was spell bound, like everyone else. What a brilliant, classic album.Timeless. Like you said, the Beatles, and then, Journey in the 80's. Their music, as your video says, is spiritually uplifting, makes people happy. Isn't that what music is all about? So outstanding and beautiful. I am truly blessed for Journey, and so many groups being in my life. Through tough times, and the best of times; music sees us through. The great sarod player,, Ali Akbar Khan, said at his school in San Rafael, "Music to us here, is like food, we need it every day". Thank you Professor of Rock, you Rock, for us music junkies and nerds! Don't Stop Believin' !
Not underrated by those who really count! Journey got me through difficult times. Journey got millions of people through difficult times. I believe Journey is still getting millions of people through difficult times. There are no words to describe Cain's piano, Scion's guitar and Perry's voice. They draw you in from the first note to the last and leave you with an indescribable feeling! Every time. After many decades. Never fails. They're magical! You know I'm going to watch this thing uninterrupted now.
Steve Perry had some of the best "Pipes" in rock. Been a fan since the beginning and have nothing but respect for how well they stood toe-to-toe with the many rock legends of all time. From Steve's voice to Neil's Santana roots,...EPIC BAND!!
💥💥 Adam, what an eye-opening, delightful piece. This track wasn't so popular off Escape, but in those deliciously exhilarating days of the 1980s, with so much to take in, 'Don't Stop Believing' didn't get the credit it deserved. This episode pulled it apart and showed how brilliant it is! I appreciate it (and Journey) that much more. Thanks so much for your insight and the quality with which you create your programme.
I was more of a metalhead back then, but EVERYONE liked JOURNEY. Especially the girlfriends. So, we went to alot of Journey shows, and yes, they were all badass. Their music definitely brings back alot of great memories.
Always loved journey growing up, and Neil was one of my biggest influences as a guitar player. Then I got to enjoy them all over again when they got Arnel from my adopted country. the songs just never get old because they’re brilliant whether you’re listening to them as something to make you smile or something to admire musically. My son just turned one and and when I arrived at the airport we we’re driving back to the house and I decided to play a little music for him and don’t stop believing came on he not only was fascinated, he began dancing in his seat and even put his arm up and moved it like a rocker at a concert. So to this day journey is his favorite band to listen to around the house.
Great episode Professor. Neal Schon is a superb guitarist. I'm an Australian, and his playing on Jimmy Barnes Freight Train Heart album from 1987 is brilliant. He just kicks arse. Jonathan Cain wrote Barnesy's anthem 'Working class man' , so the members of Journey have played a huge part in the career of one of Australia's greatest rock singers and I thank them for that.
I was a fan of Journey way before this album...when I first heard this song I kept playing the first minute over and over. Always loved this song and it's a song I just never get tired of. Oh, don't forget, this song was used on the SIMPSONSf!!! But totally agree this is the best rock song of all-time.
each member was such an important part of the band. so blessed to get to grow up with them and watch generation after generation enjoy their music. great video! thank you!!!
Yeah I’m shocked it didn’t go number 1 in 1982! It definitely should’ve ! Journey songs were staples of radio music for my dad in the early 80s (January 1980 to May 1983 specifically)
It easily sounds like a hit. It has all the components of one, yet for some reason couldn’t stop the juggernaut of Waiting for a Girl Like You and Physical.
I would come home from school, lay on the floor with the speakers at each ear and listen to captured over and over, and being a drummer I would soak in in Steven machine gun smith's incredible ability on drums. What an awesome band. You are it Journey. Thanks professor of rock!
I was 16 in 1982 . Cruising in a 1971 Cutlass supreme blasting my Journey cassette in my Graco speakers. Windows down loving life.The music always takes me back to that 16 year old Wild and free.
Loved Journey From The First Time I Heard Them On The Radio. I Got The Album As Soom As I Could, It Was The Best Investment I Ever Made & If I Remember I Was I My Late Teens. I Got Married In July At 19 & Seen Journey In Concert In August At The California State Fair For The First Time & Was In Love With The Band From Then On. It Broke My Heart To See Steve Leave The Band But I Know It Was For The Best, But He Is Back Now & Doing Great. I Will Love & Remember All The Great Times I Listened To Their Music In Great Or Bad Times Because Their Songs Gave Me Hope All Through My Life So Thank You Journey For All The Music That Has Meant So Much To Me!!!
Great feature. I had met Neal back in 1970 when he was a playing with bands in the San Francisco Bay Area and I swear I never heard him play a bad note whether just sitting in a room hanging out or onstage. A masterful musician with the musician dna from his dad whom he would jam with on weekly jazz jam sessions.
My daughter had just started learning to play the drums about ten years ago when she heard Don't Stop Believing playing from my speakers. She asked me if she could learn it, and so, for the next few months, she did. The hook held for someone not even born until about twenty years after the song was released.
I bought this album from Musicland when it was released. I was 14 years old at the time. It is still in my collection. It is still one of my favorites of all time.
Thanks for pointing out that the chorus winds up in the last 30 seconds of the song. I've listened to DSB hundreds of times without realizing that! The only other song from that era that I can think of that did that was "Something Happened on the Way to Heaven" by Phil Collins.
This song-and in fact this entire album-inspired me to turn against mainstream rock radio and everything about it for the last 40 years. I still get a little dizzy and feel some acid reflux coming up whenever I hear it.
i got a boom box for christmas, and received three cassettes along with it. chicago 17, van halen 1984, and journey escape. i wore those tapes out over the next few years. thanks for the gift, uncle greg. youre missed buddy
