Journey's new singer has fans 'Believin'

WEST VALLEY CITY — Journey's new lead singer, Arnel Pineda, is as close as one can get to being former frontman Steve Perry.

Not only did he have the long, flowing black mane and the sideburns, but Pineda's movements, facial expressions and vocal delivery was so close it was scary.

Now, it's clear Pineda isn't Steve Perry, but he got the job done and the thousands of fans who flocked to the USANA Amphitheatre Friday night, weren't disappointed.

Pineda hit every high note, unlike another former Journey singer — Steve Augeri. And Pineda sang to the audience, instead of over it. He made eye contact, and he hit those soaring notes.

The set opened with an extended version of the guitar instrumental, "Departure," that segued into "Majestic." Pineda emerged as a bundle of energy with the new song with the old-Journey style, "Never Walk Away."

Classic Journey tunes such as "Lights," "Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)," "Send Her My Love" and "Ask the Lonely" were highlighted by a backdrop LED screen that not only gave the back row a good look at the band, but also flashed geometric graphics throughout the night.

The vocal gymnastics of "Open Arms," "Edge of the Blade," "Don't Stop Believin"' and another new song, "After All These Years," were on the mark as Pineda leaped, ran and serenaded.

Guitarist Neal Schon's solos, added to Jonathan Cain's keyboard, Ross Valory's bass and Deen Castronovo's drums completed the sound.

The mix, however, was a little bottom heavy, and it was hard to hear the lyrics, although not hard to hear the notes.

It was clear the band has been reinvigorated by its new lead singer.

While Journey was the headliner, the night was also good for Heart. Fronted by sisters — guitarist/vocalist Nancy Wilson and lead singer Ann Wilson — the band tore through a load of hits that included "Straight On," "Magic Man" and the acoustic-laden, "Dog and Butterfly."

Older-sis Ann's voice was still as powerful as it was 30 years ago when the band cranked out the trademark rant of "Barracuda."

Little sister Nancy was able to step into the spotlight with her lead vocals and mandolin on "These Dreams," which opened the way for a piano/guitar quiet version of Ann singing "Alone."