WHEEL IN THE SKY: Journey's Concert Ticket Evolution Through Time part 7, Vacations Over

1996 brought a reunion of Journey. A new album called "Trial By Fire" was released and the band was set for a new concert tour. Everybody except Steve Perry that is. Because Steve refused to tour, the band was left to find a new singer. Neal's wife at the time found a guy named Steve Augeri online that could fit the band and somewhat sound like Steve Perry. It seems Neal owes a lot of his band to his many wives.

"Remember Me" was the first single with the new singer from a movie soundtrack called "Armageddon." That was in 1998 and then came the "Vacation's Over Tour" which was basically a greatest hits show. In 2001 came the first album with Steve Augeri called "Arrival" and the "Arrival Tour of 2001. In 2002 Journey released an EP called "Red 13" which also had a tour following the release. Again, the shows were greatest hits shows form the Steve Perry days. Jonathan also tried his hand at taking Gregg Rolie's vocals on some of the bands older hits.

Journey was in no way bringing in the crowds like they did in their before. It was great to have Journey back and at first everyone was excited but it wasn't the same. Steve Perry was very much a showman that engaged the audience. Steve Augeri stood there on stage, barely moved and sang wonderfully, but the excitement was missing.

Ticket Prices had jumped dramatically in 10-15 years. The lowest ticket price shown here is $21.50 , and most between $40.00 and $60.00 for a band without their real singer! Add the scalping charge and the prices were outrageous. My tickets were $55.00 each face value, so I must have paid at least $80.00 each to see them at the Greek Theatre on August 14, 2001.