journey escape cover band

E5C4P3 was formed in June of 1993. From that year through 1999 E5C4P3 traveled nationwide and paid tribute to one of rock history's most beloved bands performing for tens of thousands of fans. E5C4P3 is still known today as the original and best Journey tribute band to ever exist. In 1999 E5C4P3 went on hiatus and the world was suddenly filled with multiple Journey tributes trying to fill the void that E5C4P3 left behind. In 2008, E5C4P3 was reformed to recreate the magic of a Journey concert like no one else can. The band covers the music with a note-for-note accuracy that is second to none and performs each show with the high-energy excitement of a real Journey concert as well as visually recreating the essence of early 80's Journey! Focusing on the 'Steve Perry era', E5C4P3 covers all the hits from 'Lights' and 'Wheel In The Sky' to 'Separate Ways' and 'Be Good To Yourself' including occasional surprises for all the die-hard Journey fans.

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Top 10 Best Journey Tribute Bands

• February 14, 2022

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For many people, Journey is more than just a rock band.

In fact, Journey might be considered the ultimate rock band of its time with classic, unforgettable hit songs like Lovin’, Touchin’, Squeezin’, Open Arms, Wheel in the Sky, and the universally acclaimed and staggeringly popular power ballad Don’t Stop Believin’.

What started out as a group for backing other artists in the early 1970s became a rock n’ roll sensation that, to this day, still gets their audience’s pulses racing with every high-power performance. The band continues to be be popular and tour to this day, and now features a revamped lineup, with Arnel Pineda responsible for the epic lead vocals of original vocalist, Steve Perry.

Suffice it to say, after millions of records sold, thousands of concerts held, and more than a dozen singles in the Top 40 Billboard Charts in the United States, Journey remains strong in every rock enthusiast’s heart. Of course, that means Journey is ripe for a tribute!

There are lots of Journey tribute bands across the United States, and the rest of the world. These are the Top 10 best, in our editorial opinion, of course, based on the information we could find on the band, their videos online and their current activity level.

A quick note about our list: we’ve made every effort to be accurate about names, dates and performance spots of these great bands. Unfortunately, old web data, the occasional spotty band website as well as lineup changes during the COVID-19 pandemic may have thrown our research for a bit of a loop (feel free to write and update us if you spot an error!)

If you’re looking for the best Journey tribute band for your event that sounds nearly as spectacular as the original, take a look at our list of the best Journey tribute bands of all time! You can’t go wrong with any of them!

Top 10 List of the Ultimate Journey Tribute Bands

# 1 – e5c4p3.

Our choice for the absolute BEST Journey tribute band of all time was close, but this incredible “Steve Perry” clone cements the deal: E5C4P3 (pronounced, “Escape”!) is among the first Journey tribute bands ever to exist.

Formed in 1993 , the band went on a whirlwind tour that’s never truly stopped, traveling the world to revive the same energy and spirit that Journey has brought to its fans.

Band founder Jason Kelty , a Steve Perry impersonator who formed E5C4P3 before “tribute bands” were a thing, provides the spot-on, letter-perfect lead vocals. His amazing singing voice contributes to a nostalgic concert experience for Journey fans from start to finish.

Bassist and vocalist Paul Soos provides the counterpoint lead vocals of Journey songs originally voiced by Gregg Rolie. Paul too learned music early on, fronted bands of his own and joined forces with the incredible Jason Kelty to form the very difficult-to-type E5C4P3. The combination of Paul’s and Jason’s voices gives this Journey tribute a real one-two vocal punch.

George McGrew , the band’s guitarist and vocalist, is an experienced and talented musician, having learned to play musical instruments from a very young age, and keyboardist Erney Chaney has been playing the piano since he was a child. In the 80s, he co-founded a popular Christian rock band called “Twenty Twenty”. In 2009 he performed keyboards for Strat5, who was awarded at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in Ohio as Fortune Magazine’s “Best Band in Corporate America”.

Drummer Billy Jones has over three decades of drums experience and has performed across the country, Canada, and overseas.

Together, the band continues to define the meaning of the perfect tribute in every packed venue, thanks to their renditions of fan favorites like Open Arms, Separate Ways, and Faithfully . Some of their recent shows include Cleveland and Pittsburgh, and they regularly perform around Illinois, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey.

If you want a band that upholds Journey’s musical legacy and can take your rock experience to a whole new level, don’t sleep on E5C4P3.

Want to Book the #1 Journey Tribute Band?

# 2 – Voyage

VOYAGE is a respected Journey tribute band filled with veteran musicians and brings the most unified, complete Journey experience

The lead vocalist, Hugo Valenti , is best known for his uncanny resemblance to Steve Perry, both in visuals and in sound. It’s the next best thing to the signature sound of renowned vocalist Steve Perry. Seeing him onstage feels like being transported back to the 80s and watching the original lineup perform – a true concert experience for anyone who loves Journey.

Prior to his position as lead vocalist for VOYAGE, singer Hugo was initially the frontman for the band Valentine, which debuted in 1990 on Warner Brothers records.

Other members of the band include Robby Hoffman, Lance Millard, Greg Smith, and Dana Spellman – some of the biggest names in their respective fields. Renowned drummer Charlie Zeleny and keyboardist Al Spinelli also had a brief stint with VOYAGE.

Hoffman previously played lead guitar for In The Pink, a hard rock band based in Boston. Millard leads SIR ELTON, an Elton John tribute band, and he also toured with Fiona and Angel, two 80s rock bands.

Meanwhile, Smith currently provides vocals and plays bass for Ted Nugent . He also has experience doing backup vocals for award-winning artists like Billy Joel and Alice Cooper. Lastly, although Spellman didn’t have any prior rock experience to this, he did teach at Berklee College of Music and has greatly helped VOYAGE perform hundreds of shows across the US.

Together, these world-class New York musicians can sell thousands of tickets and jampack arenas, fairs, and public venues.

Some of their most recent shows include Montclair and Huntington in New Jersey, as well as Bethlehem in Pennsylvania. They’re already scheduled to perform at Atlantic City, Reading, and New York City later this year, so be sure to check those out if you’re interested.

# 3 – Absolute Journey Tribute

Absolute Journey Tribute, also known as AJT, is a Journey tribute band from San Francisco that does its best to stay faithful to the original band.

Each show is an energy-filled, unforgettable performance. AJT makes sure to interact with its audience as possible, even taking the time to do costume changes in between sets to maintain the fun and excitement.

Riccardo Curzi , the lead vocalist, can bring the spirit of Journey alive as he is an absolute dead ringer for the band’s most iconic lead singer, Steve Perry. His incredible high-energy performance will certainly leave a mark on the audience,  being one of the few who can pull off Steve Perry’s vocal range and stage movements during concerts – the same energy that brought the band critical acclaim.

The other band members, Marko Stojanovic, Dan Benezra, Andrew Scola, and Jaden Spanier are just as remarkable, matching up to the original band with fantastic accuracy.

One of the coolest things these guys did is to close for a STYX concert in Quebec back in 2017.

Aside from the usual theaters, festivals, casinos, and corporate events, AJT is one of the few Journey tribute bands that perform internationally, having had shows in Hong Kong, Singapore, Canada, Mexico, Vietnam, and the Caribbean, in addition to the US.

The band is also notable for performing on cruise ships, such as Royal Caribbean International, Disney Cruise Line, and Celebrity Cruises.

If you want to know the date and location of their next shows, be sure to check out their website.

# 4 – DSB

Compared to other tributes on this list, DSB, short for “Don’t Stop Believin” is a relatively recent tribute band, only playing for the first time in 2009. Since then, it has garnered a lot of popularity. Prior to the COVID pandemic, DSB boasted an astonishing tour schedule with approximately 120 shows all over America per year.

With the band’s high-energy performances and accurate renditions of the best Journey songs, it certainly lives up to its self-given title of “World’s Greatest Tribute to Journey.”

Lead vocalist Juan del Castillo has been a professional musician since seemingly since birth. His parents discovered his talent early on and started his voice training at three years old. Juan began his formal career performing in theaters at the tender age of nine.

Roger Cain , (brother of Jonathan Cain of JOURNEY) the lead guitarist, also started music at a young age, learning to strum the guitar as soon as he could reach the cords.

Other band members have included the talented Scotty Kormos on drums, Tony Love on bass, and Henry O’Neill on keyboards.

DSB attributes their success to their faithful renditions of Journey’s performances. They spend hours perfecting their personal take of the sound of Journey and strive to give the fans an accurate mirror of every rhythm and note of the band that they love.

Currently, the band tours the country for every in-demand musical performance. They’ve also partnered with a cruise line to perform on cruise ships bound to Europe and the Caribbean. Some of the places where they’ve already performed include Atlanta and Los Angeles.

# 5 – LIGHTS

Lights may well be the 2nd longest-running tribute band to Journey. Named after Journey’s song about their hometown, this 5-person band has been performing since 2006 for audiences of all ages. They’ve also toured the United States and even overseas, performing in in Asia and the UK.

Although this band is committed to staying true to the sounds that made Journey, they also endeavor to add their unique spirit to the mix and break free from the traditional way of giving tribute. Vocalist Rudy Cardenas , an American Idol vocal finalist, brings a fresh yet timeless take on the iconic stylings of Journey’s Steve Perry.

The band’s other members are equally astounding, with professional musicians Micheal Thompson on drums, Casey McNerney on bass, Jeff Vincent on keyboards, and blazing yet tasteful guitarist Al Estrada, who toured with David Lee Roth in 2018.

The entire band brings energetic performances, amazing note-for-note accuracy, and electrifying sounds that we know and love from Journey. With their lively performances and fresh spirit, they revive Journey’s epic concert atmosphere on every stage.

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# 6 – Resurrection

Next on our list of the best Journey tribute bands is Resurrection. Nicknamed The Golden Standard, after which all journey tribute bands are measured, Resurrection is one of the most popular tribute bands working today.

Formed relatively recently in 2014 when the band’s keyboardist and founding members Vic White and Ryan Christopher first played tribute songs to a live audience, the band has grown in popularity and now tours all across the United States.

Lead singer Ryan Christopher nails Journey’s revered lead vocalist Steve Perry to a “T”, from his magnetic stage presence to impressive vocal abilities. Band keyboardist Vic White is a professional musician with decades of experience. You must get those keyboards right in a Journey cover band!

The band members have performed with some of the biggest music names in Nashville and have even worked with Journey and Steve Perry himself.

Resurrection’s primary appeal is its faithful recreation of the whole Journey experience. From their powerful tribute songs to the roaring energy of their concerts, fans are sure to love the authentic 1980 Journey concert experience that they’re in for when they listen to Resurrection.

As a result, Resurrection has gained the attention of the “big box tribute brands”, such as Royal Caribbean International cruises, Fraze Pavilion, and more.

# 7 – Escape

Escape is a star-studded Journey tribute band that features five California-based rockstars who have performed in every part of the United States. These five names include big players in the rock and roll world, all of them their own biggest critics when it comes to music.

Stu Simone is the band’s keyboardist and music director. Stu is a veteran musician who toured with the multi-platinum band Poison . He also has plenty of other working experience with famous musicians and brands, such as current singers of bands Foreigner, Sweet, Toto, and more.

Master percussionist Gary Ponder is one of the busiest drummers in LA, and is endorsed by top drum equipment maker, Drum Workshop.

Other band members including Chad Smith, Jeff Ellis, and JP Michaels are equally impressive musicians, and together these five bring back the glory of Journey with their stage performances and impressive rendition of Journey’s classic hits.

Escape has performed in high-profile events and places, including the July 4th celebration Liberty by the Lake festival in Texas and on Good Morning Texas in 2007.

Escape is a complete concert experience, throwing you back to the era of rock n’ roll that you know and love. From their stage presence, authentic 80’s-era Journey vibe and set, you can be sure that this band will bring you Journey music at its best.

# 8 – Journey Revisited

Journey Revisited is a costumed and bewigged Journey tribute band that seeks to bring you organically produced, masterful songs exactly like how we all remember the Journey hits to be.

The band is composed of talented singers and musicians dedicated to bringing Journey back to life with a high-quality stage show.

Lead vocalist Frank House and keyboardist Kevin Jachetta are the band’s frontmen, copying the trademarks of Steve Perry and Gregg Rolie’s powerhouse combo to a “T” with their amazing vocals and harmony. Other members of the band include Val Popovic and Eric Barnett on guitar, Dave Sousa on bass, and David Hawkes on the drums.

If you want to see them live, get your tickets now, as their summer shows are always fast to sell out.

# 9 – Departure

Hailing from Buford, Georgia, Departure is one of the hardest-working Journey tribute bands there is, performing concerts all across the United States, with an emphasis on shows in on the southeastern U.S.

Another non-costumed tribute that dedicates itself to the music, the band features Doug Ballard on bass and vocals, Brian Williams on lead vocals, Jason Wilson on guitar, Joel Hayes on keyboards, and Chris Stone on drums.

Departure performs at larger venues, including performing arts centers and large theaters. The band is dedicated to bringing the Journey experience to the modern-day when Journey’s music ruled the radio and concert stadiums. Together, these five friends and bandmates take their passion for rock and Journey to the stage, bringing fans a concert experience that they will not soon forget.

Together, the five band members faithfully recreate the best of Journey’s music, giving their fans the ultimate concert experience just as it would have been back during the band’s highest points.

# 10 – Infinite Journey

A non-costumed tribute, Infinite Journey is a five piece band that delivers a musically immersive Journey experience, focusing on the legendary band’s sound, guitar solos, and naturally the soaring vocals that make Journey so iconic. These are experienced musicians determined to bring the voice of Journey back to the present day.

Donovan Duke has years of experience in stage performances from theater to rock bands, and brings to life Steve Perry’s memorable performances for the band. Mike Cooper , the band’s bass player and vocalist, has been passionate about music and rock n’ roll since he was a kid, honing his skills in an electric guitar since the age of 12. 

Other band members, such as Paul Bullock on lead guitar, John Arnett on the drums, and Steve Trevino on the keyboards, are equally experienced and talented. The band is so inherently talented, it uses no backing tracks or other live concert “helpers”.

Infinite Journey was even chosen out of thousands of Journey tribute acts across the country to perform on Season 7 of AXS TV’s “The World’s Greatest Tribute Bands”.

The Best Journey Tribute Bands

Journey has undoubtedly left its mark on the rock n’ roll scene, especially at its prime. To this day, there’s no doubt it will continue to do so in the future.

If you want to get a taste of what it was like during their heydays, getting the best Journey tribute band is what you need. Their acts are specifically designed to recreate the band back in the days, making rock history come to life before our very eyes.

With this wealth of information on the best tribute bands to Journey, you shouldn’t have a hard time picking the best one to get for your next event.

Are you interested in other tribute bands, maybe the best BOSTON tribute bands or Queen tribute bands ? Be sure to check out our other articles for more information!

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The Great Escape

Journey tribute band.

Welcome to The  Great Escape Website. 

Upcoming  SHOWS!

- saturday, may 4 @9:00   the vault   791 purchase st, new bedford, ma   tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-great-escape-a-tribute-to-journey-tickets-858274972547aff=ebdsoporgprofile - saturday, may 11   **all ages**   hudson elks pavillion   99 park st, hudson, ma  for tickets, vendor booths, or information contact wendy at 978 424-3724 - thursday, may 16   hard rock live   hard rock casino   biloxi, ms   tickets: https://www.ticketmaster.com/event/1b006076a16b47c0_gl=1*1dxeonq*_ga*nzc0mjq2nzq5lje2mta4ody3odu.*_ga_1snh8cqs71*mtcxmjmzndgzny4ymtaumc4xnzeymzm0odm3ljywljauma.. - saturday, may 18   rascals   70 james st, worcester, ma   tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-great-escape-a-tribute-to-journey-tickets-871819655057aff=efbevent&fbclid=iwar1qbehsueppup78lq3nq92pea7c1jmgs-6jduewxm5fra7tpr_jnq37lhs - friday, june 7   twin river casino / lighthouse bar stage   100 twin river rd, lincoln, ri - friday, june 21   springfield elks   440 tiffany st, springfield, ma  tickets are available at the elk's rathskeller and by calling matt keating at 413-333-1488 - friday, june 28   *all ages**   hudson portuguese club   13 port st, hudson, ma  .

If you would like to book The Great Escape or have any questions about us, please contact us.

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Escape - The Dallas Journey Tribute   Journey Tribute Band from Dallas, TX

Will travel up to 500 miles

Avg 5.0  |  1 Review

• 1 Verified Booking
• Member Since 2011
• Accepts Online Payment
• Starting at $ 1,500 per event

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Review by Kyle C .

Birthday Party (Adult) • Reviewed on February 10, 2013 • From Ardmore , OK

Song List  

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• After All These Years | Journey
• After The Fall | Journey
• Anytime | Journey
• Anyway You Want It | Journey
• Ask The Lonely | Journey
• Be Good To Yourself | Journey
• Chain Reaction | Journey
• Dixie Highway | Journey
• Do You Recall | Journey
• Don't Stop Believing | Journey
• Escape | Journey
• Faithfully | Journey
• Feeling That Way | Journey
• Foolish Heart | Steve Perry
• Girl Can't Help It | Journey
• I'll Be Alright Without You | Journey
• Just The Same Way | Journey
• Keep On Runnin' | Journey
• Lights | Journey
• Line Of Fire | Journey
• Lovin' Touchin' Squeezin' | Journey
• Loving You Is Easy | Journey
• Mother-Father | Journey
• Never Walk Away | Journey
• Oh Sherry | Steve Perry
• Only The Young | Journey
• Open Arms | Journey
• The Party's Over | Journey
• Patiently | Journey
• Send Her My Love | Journey
• Separate Ways | Journey
• Stay Awhile | Journey
• Still They Ride | Journey
• Stone In Love | Journey
• Too Late | Journey
• Wheel In The Sky | Journey
• When You Love A Woman | Journey
• Where Were You | Journey
• Who's Cryin Now | Journey
• Why Can't This Night Go On Forever | Journey

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Donate to Main Street Crossing

Journey Tribute/Escape Houston

January 27, 2024, doors 6:00  show 8:00.

We are so excited to welcome Escape: A Tribute to Journey to Tomball, Texas to perform on the Main Street Crossing stage. What an honor it is to host you for a live concert with an artist up-close. Buy your tickets and read a little more about Escape: A Tribute to Journey below.

Infinity, Evolution, Departure, Captured, Escape, Frontiers, Raised On Radio and more!! The Escape boys from right here in Houston and one of the longest running and touring Journey Tribute Bamds (24 years) in the nation will blow you away as the cover the iconic era of Journey! Get ready to sing along with your favorite Journey songs!!

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Overthinking It

Album Covers That Blow My Mind: Journey’s Escape

A deconstruction of the cover art for the journey album escape ..

[This is the first in what will hopefully be a series of deconstructions of album covers that blow our minds .]

Journey’s seventh studio album, “Escape,” was released in 1981 and spawned no less than four hit singles: “Who’s Cryin’ Now,” “Still They Ride,” “Open Arms,” and everyone’s favorite karaoke/wedding/cryptic Soprano ‘s soundtrack choice, “ Don’t Stop Believin’ .” As if that somehow weren’t enough, these songs all come wrapped in fantastically mind-blowing cover art:

What’s so mind blowing about this?

The Birth of “Leet Speak”?

Did you notice the strange spelling of “Escape” (or rather, “E5SC4P3”) on the cover of this album? Looks pretty “1337,” doesn’t it?

Im in ur st3r30 rockin ur d00dz

Overthinking It readers are probably familiar with (and at least partially annoyed by) the prevalence of “1337” or “leet” speak across the internet. For the uninitiated, leet speak is the substitution of letters with numbers or other symbols to create a symbolic language decipherable only be a select–or shall I say elite–or shall I say “leet”–few.

Though leet speak became widespread with the proliferation of online gaming, in particular, Doom, the practice originated back the early 1980’s, when its use was limited to an actually somewhat “elite” corps of hackers and other sophisticated computer users to mask illicit activity (software piracy and porn distribution) from BBS administrators.

Hmm. Early 1980’s. You mean, like 1981 early?

Obviously, it’s a stretch to think that either the band Journey or the artist responsible for this album cover invented leet speak, or was even aware of its existence at the time. Yet, despite my best attempts at googling, I couldn’t find a more specific date for the birth of leet speak other than “the early 80’s,” which leaves open the oh-so-slight possibility that Steve Perry was teh 0r1g1n4l h4x0rs.

d0nt st0p bl3v1ng w00t!

Even if the leet phenomenon and the Journey album art are causally unrelated, the two combined do result in some pretty rich irony. Leet speak was originally used by an elite few to mask the true nature of contraband material from both the unknowing masses and from the authorities. Journey, on the other hand, was the polar opposite from “contra”-bands (pun intended) like AC/DC or Judas Priest and strove to maximize its appeal among the unknowing masses.

So why use the cryptic spelling of E5C4P3 on its album cover? Perhaps to convey a sense of mystical other-worldliness to go along with…

The Star Ship Scarab Beetle

Power ballads. The final frontier.

By now, you’re probably used to seeing the scarab beetle in association with Journey–it’s featured prominently on their mega-selling Greatest Hits compilation, of which I am a proud owner–but at the time of Escape , it was only the second instance out of their seven studio albums to use the scarab beetle on its cover. The previous album to do so, Departure , was released a year prior to Escape, and also featured other-worldly imagery, but Escape kicks things up several notches with its depiction of a warp-speed beetle busting out of some sort of spherical object.

Dude, it’s a dung beetle.

(Updated April 23, 2017: Twitter user @raycoopteacher pointed out that Journey released a live album  Captured that featured the dung beetle prior to  Escape. )

Google mysteriously comes up short in providing an explanation as to why the band chose to incorporate the scarab beetle on its album covers. Fortunately for us, that allows us to create our own interpretation.

First, a quick primer on Egyptian mythology: the scarab beetle was notable for a couple of things: first, it’s a dung beetle. Yup, the band Journey chose the same beetle that begins its life eating from the ball of shit that it was born into, then later rolls its own ball of shit into which it will plant its own eggs. Nothing says “80’s power pop/rock” like shit-eating beetles, right?

So that makes Steve Perry the shitty Paul McCartney?

Instead, let’s examine the other thing that the dung, er, scarab beetle is notable for. It’s a symbol of the Egyptian god, Khepri, who in turn is a symbol of rebirth, the sun, and creation. The solar association helps make some sense of the Departure album art–the beetle in that image is one of several heavenly bodies depicted–but that still leaves a lot to be explained for the star ship beetle on the cover of Escape.

The best explanation I can provide centers around the rebirth and escape elements. Rebirth, in the case of Journey, refers to the band itself: they started out as a jazz fusion/progressive rock group, but with the addition of singer Steve Perry in 1977, were reborn as a straight pop group. As for escaping, well, that one’s easy: “They took  the midnight train, goin’ anywhere…” Granted, a dung beetle traveling at light speed is several steps removed from the midnight trains referred to in “Don’t Stop Believing,” but you get the idea.

Bonus Video Game Postscript:

Or maybe I’ve got it wrong. Perhaps the scarab beetle is meant to be a vehicle for the band to escape from groupies and unscrupulous promoters:

Yup, that’s the Journey video game based on the album Escape. Hmm, it looks rather difficult. Perhaps only the most “elite”—or dare I say, “1337”—players could truly master this one.

And now it all comes together.

23 Comments on “Album Covers That Blow My Mind: Journey’s Escape”

Nothing about the countdown progression of “5-4-3” in the l33t speak letters?

No one has noticed the word “HOLY” in the breaking glass at the top?

The scarab beetle looks like a computer mouse to me. A rocking computer mouse.

I thought the same, I think the artist of the cover is a prophet , it took a message of God and put it on a draw, in 1981 mouses were not that broadly used , and if you google it, they were kind of square , this ship looks like a 2000’s mouse. and another coincidence is that the artist last name is Mouse. could you decipher the message

Mlawski amazing you mention the beetle looks like a computer mouse, as the artist who came up with the cover is named Stanley Mouse…. no kidding. Hmm..

@Sharper: good catch. I wonder where the 2 and 1 are.

Something else that I didn’t get around to overthinking: the way “Journey” is tilted 90 degrees on its side. I desperately want there to be some sort of hidden message. The N and E become a Z and W sideways. Could that be a clue?

In terms of the name Journey on its side, perhaps the artist wants us to view the cover at the angle so the word journey is standing upright and legible. I’m still looking… help me out here

@mlawski: ME FRIGGIN’ TOO!! So could that be intentional, as well? It would fit with the leetspeak, wouldn’t it? Did computer mice look like that yet?

Um, how could you forget the glaringly obvious Freudian subtext- here not a phallus, but the oddity of sperm actually escaping from the egg? Although to be fair (and the space theme helps this) it could equally be a fully formed fetus and the womb.

Ouch, that childbirth looks quite painful. Look at all the rips, and the deep red… Poor space woman metaphor.

Maybe it’s because my time zones are all messed up, and maybe I’m severely jet lagged, and maybe, just maybe it’s the result of a deranged thought process, or just too simple a mind, but am I the only one seeing the phallic representation here?

Journey’s live album “Captured” thus the next being Esc4p3(between Departure and Esc4p3) also featured the Beetle on the cover as well as the infinity symbol, which started with the album “Infinity”. Esc4p3 was the first album with Jonathan Cain, who replaced original keyboardist Gregg Rolie, so it kind of was an escape from their past sound. The original covers also had raised letters and art.

Recently I saw videos from the flat earth society (not that I believe it is) and it looks like the beatle is breaking free of the alleged dome that keeps humanity trapped inside. It could symbolize ascension and our souls being able to join with cosmic consciousness, freed from the confines of what some feel is a prison planet.

Mark Lee, I guess you are over thinking it. The band has always been fixated on the future and celestial travel, which they featured on the album covers. The members are seen floating like zero gravity, being transported on Look into the Future, Evolution, Departure, Captured, Escape and Frontiers. All had space travel as a theme one way or another…it’s the band’s JOURNEY together. I remember the tilted letters when the album Escape was released and it made you thing it was some alien writing. The Scarab was also a symbol of transformation which the band adopted in late 70’s. You have to realize we landed on the moon in 69 and the band was formed a couple of years later.

Journeys Music (with Steve Perry,of course,)transports the fans minds,hearts,and souls, to a whole other dimension. Journey has always poured its heart and soul in to it’s music. That is why Journey and it’s music has always resonated with me, and all it’s other devoted fans. I do not care if the music of Journey is esoteric in any way,shape,or fashion, they will always be The best to me,and all there worldly fans. Steve Perry is and always, shall be known, as the heart and soul of Journey. #1 fan, and admirer, for life.

I’ve taken the beetle to be a Jungian reference.

Diving in to The Red Book, it seems to be about synchronicity, awakening, and awareness of the human journey.

Like many bands of the mid 70’s- early 80’s, Journey presented their message/beliefs in their album covers. The limited access to see these bands in media platforms (tv award shows, later MTV), other than in concert, made album covers a big part of a fan’s ‘experience’. Journey was a leader in giving fans some amazing album covers.

Nobody has yet mentioned that their covers represented their belief in Astral Projection, an out of body experience, and reincarnation. Thus the connection with the Egyptian Scarab (Beetle), space travel, pyramids. This belief was shared with other bands in that era – Earth, Wind, and Fire is a good example.

As far as the Leet message, computer coding was in its infancy back in 81. If you were in a high school math class you may have been introduced to something called FORTRAN. This is what you’re seeing on E5C4P3.

https://www.deviantart.com/leathurkatt-tftiggy/art/Journey-Album-Covers-404525347

Departure Captured Escape

I think it’s as simple as that. The sphere the beetle is escaping from is the same one it’s captured in on the cover of the previous album.

You can almost make out Holy Horus in the cracking orb.

Almost zero people knew about 1337 at this point. However, it’s likely that the among the few people who did know, there were Sound Engineers if they were making/experimenting with computer sound creation/manipulation, which at that point was extremely low level programming. They’d certainly be what we’d consider 1337. Also, amongst the 1337 community there has always been a very close affinity and connection with such low level sound and music programming. Also, this is the type of music that alot of the 1337 computer creators and manipulators listened to. Also the fact that the cover points to Egyptian Gods and far-reaching ideas WAY outside the mainstream makes it far more likely to have had more meaning to the 1337folk. It’s entirely possible that this album cover created the movement, and 1337 users adopted it in tribute, at least for much of it. There would be a single handful of people who would have used it at that time, and in 81 you could pretty much say whatever you wanted in IRC, the entire internet was Dark web at that point. The fact that Journey is flipped 90 with a font design purposefully intended to be confusing for the layman and appear foreign is the very essence of 1337, and points to the E5C4P3 being their own original concept as well. Very likely they started the movement, not the band directly, but Sound Engineers and Designers of the day on the project.

Also, the Breaking out theme probably really resonated with the smarter, more technically elite people of the day, as it represents really the movement of the entire internet at that point, and the liberating ideas of the global perspective seeking to break limits and barriers and dogmatic views and beliefs oppressing and limiting the masses of the day. In truth, the cover represents currently much of what many people on the internet still feel today. It seems just as relevant to all of the people who are currently breaking free of the mainstream ideologies, looking beyond common beliefs and mass media consumption, breaking through the barriers that have been put in place to keep us confined, to an interspatial, limitless journey far beyond what “they’d” like us to believe. It really represents much of the Dark Web today.

It’s Osiris,or Baal or (INSERT OTHER CULTURES SUN GOD HERE), aka SATAN. They are obviously Satan worshipers.

The spaceship beetle bursting from the sphere, to me, is an obvious follow up to the album art for Captured. The cover art is spherical and the band members are shown looking trapped in a sphere on the back. Clearly they “escaped” from being “captured” on their next album by bursting through in a space beetle. I was a little surprised this wasn’t in the blog post, or am I the only one with this opinion?

All this talk about beetles and Egyptian mythology and no mention whatsoever about crediting the artist(s) who created it. One should think think that would be – oh I don’t know – maybe the very first thing that you would bring up.

does the word between journey and escape spell or mean anything? it almost looks like a word upside down and backward .

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Fri, Sep 10

Bel Vino Winery

ESCAPE - Journey Tribute

ESCAPE is the Ultimate Journey Tribute band that faithfully re-captures the thrill generations of JOURNEY fans remember. Playing all the classics such as: Don't Stop Believin', Anyway You Want It, Open Arms and more!!!

Time & Location

Sep 10, 2021, 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM

Bel Vino Winery, 33515 Rancho California Rd, Temecula, CA 92591, USA

About the event

DOORS open at 6:00pm • Opening artist at 7:00pm • Headliner starts at 8:00pm

PARKING is limited, if possible, please carpool, Uber, etc. 

Seating is limited. We recommend that you bring chairs (or dance all night!) as the ones we have are first come, first served and run out very fast. 

Food and drink (wine and beer) available at the venue. 

If you have any additional questions, please email heyday@heyday.com or phone/text: 760.716.6295

THANK YOU!!!

VIP Table for 8 ESCAPE

RESERVED TABLE FOR EIGHT 400.00 (plus $4 PP service fee). Table is located closer to stage and reserved for you.

Day of Show (1)- Escape

$40 GA Day Of Show. THANK YOU! Please read this important information: Tickets are NOT mailed. All you need to do is check in at the gate and you're all set.

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Undeniably the most exciting Journey Tribute act in Southern California ( yes, we know, you've heard that before ) , CLASSIC JOURNEY reenacts memories from the most influential era of our times. Featuring Chad Smith on lead vocals, and backed up by musicians that pay unique attention to every detail, CLASSIC JOURNEY guarantees a unique concert and party experience with the iconic anthems and ballads that marked our youth.

JOURNEY is still the #1 most requested Tribute band experience and a sure shot for your private event or outdoor concert!

CLASSIC JOURNEY delivers it like no other band, all live, with no backing tracks.

'I just wanted to reach out to express my sincere gratitude for the incredible performance Classic Journey delivered at the City of Palm Desert’s opening night of our Fall Concerts in the Park series.  Not only were your musical abilities impressive, but your stage presence and interaction with the audience were also commendable. Your friendly and approachable nature made the concert even more enjoyable.  Please convey my gratitude to the entire band for their exceptional performance.  I wish you continued success in all your future endeavors and hope to have the opportunity to work together again sometimes'

AND BEYOND...

'The 80's Journey' was an era. As part of our show, we love to perform a couple of extra songs from bands that have contributed to such memorable times such as TOTO, Foreigner and more.  

Photo By: Yiftach Belsky

MEET THE BAND

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SEE US LIVE

Photo By: Sigal Mizrahi

BOOKING INQUIRIES

[email protected], 770-313-7025, join our followers list.

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On Tap: Foreigner, Journey tribute band to play Antioch’s El Campanil

El Campanil Theatre will present Forejour, a tribute to the music of Foreigner and Journey, at 7 p.m. May 25 in the Antioch theater at 602 W. Second St. Forejour pays tribute to the music of 1980s mega bands, recreating the soundtrack of a generation with stunning accuracy. Their multimedia show transports audiences back to the heyday of MTV as the band performs the live soundtrack to cherished videos on-screen. The group’s setlist includes the 20th century’s most downloaded song, “Don’t Stop Believin,’ ” as well as power ballads such...

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Jon Bon Jovi Reflects on the Band's 40-Year Legacy and Roller-Coaster Journey: 'I Have Great Pride' (Exclusive)

The beloved rocker reminisces on Bon Jovi’s impact — and future — ahead of the April 26 release of the Hulu documentary, 'Thank You, Goodnight'

Jon Bon Jovi is looking back on 40 years of rock stardom, how he got here — and what’s next.

More than four decades ago, Bon Jovi worked as a go-fer at the N.Y.C. recording studio the Power Station. 

“The biggest thing I learned there was the bigger the star, the nicer the person,” he says. “It was the Rolling Stones who would hold the door open for you when you were coming in with the burgers and the coffee.”

Then an aspiring musician, Bon Jovi notes he “wasn’t rubbing elbows with the Rolling Stones, but while you were sweeping the floor or parking their car, you would observe. The bigger stars would take a moment to say, ‘How’s that demo going?’ That stayed with me.”

Jon Bon Jovi family archive

Within a few years, Bon Jovi went from running errands to releasing his eponymous band’s breakout hit “Runaway” — and soon joining the ranks of the guitar heroes he saw at the Power Station.

“I was willing to outwork everybody — I think that’s what it came down to,” says Bon Jovi, 62. “I definitely wasn’t the best at anything. I was just the hardest working, and it was nothing more than the desire to get better every day.”

Ebet Roberts/Getty

Now the Bon Jovi frontman and his bandmates are looking back at their journey from suburban New Jersey dreamers to one of the biggest, most beloved rock acts of all time in the new four-part docuseries Thank You, Goodnight: The Bon Jovi Story (streaming on Hulu April 26). The show gives a behind-the-scenes look at their meteoric rise and impressive endurance — along with no-holds-barred commentary on their tumultuous ride, including members’ substance abuse issues and Richie Sambora’s sudden departure.

Bon Jovi also details how recent vocal cord issues nearly forced him into retirement and led him to a new outlook on life.

Jake Chessum

“The thing that gave me so much pleasure had been taken away,” he says. “Joy is something you got to work at, right? Happiness is what you make it. It’s not about seizing the day anymore. I think it’s about embracing the day. I don’t have to punch it in the face anymore, now I just give it a hug, and that’s a good place to be.”

Born John Francis Bongiovi Jr. to his barber father and florist mother Carol (both former Marines), Bon Jovi began playing guitar after he caught the bug from a neighbor in Sayreville, N.J. Inspired by area artists like Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band, he started playing on the Asbury Park music scene.

After breaking out in 1984, the band Bon Jovi — rounded out by guitarist Sambora, keyboardist David Bryan, bassist Alec John Such and drummer Tico Torres — cemented their status as rock gods two years later with their album Slippery When Wet and its smash hits “You Give Love a Bad Name” and “Livin’ on a Prayer.”

Bon Jovi has sold more than 130 million albums worldwide and toured over 50 countries, picking up a Grammy and scoring a Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction along the way. Those accolades were hard earned. Despite their radio and touring success, the band constantly felt the need to prove themselves over the years because they crossed genres and weren’t critical darlings.

“The only way to really prove something like that,” he says, “is just go out there and do it, do it again and do it again.”

And so they did, becoming one of the highest-grossing touring acts of all time.

Adds keyboardist Bryan: “We were relentless young men who set out to make it — and we made it.”

But in 2022, Bon Jovi thought his performing days might be behind him. Having dealt with vocal cord issues for years, he realized he had to get medical help or retire. Nearly two years since he underwent surgery to alleviate loose vocal folds that were stealing his voice, Bon Jovi is on the mend — and hopeful. The band will drop its 16th album, Forever , in June. 

After weathering the ordeal, Bon Jovi says the new record “is really about my finding joy again. What really matters in a life? It’s love and loyalty and finding things that make you want to get up out of bed in the morning.” 

Mark Seliger

The rocker has plenty to live for. He has been married to wife Dorothea for 35 years, and they share four children, Stephanie, 30, Jesse, 29, Jake, 21, and Romeo, 20.

“I look back at the accomplishments of the band, and my family,” he says, “and I feel great pride.”

And Bon Jovi is now living by the advice he’d give his younger self working at the recording studio: “Take the time to enjoy every phase of it. Some of it was with my head down, staring at the pavement in front of my next step. I could have looked up and saw the sun shining and the clouds in the sky,” he says. “That’d be the only thing I would tell a young kid today. ‘Enjoy that walk.’”

For more from Jon Bon Jovi, pick up the latest issue of PEOPLE, on newsstands everywhere Friday.

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