Journey at Grand Casino Arena, St. Paul MN (2026-10-04 Photos)

The Final Frontier stretches on–

Legendary Bay Area band Journey continues its long farewell on their Final Frontier Tour, and played a recent date in downtown St. Paul, at the Grand Casino Arena.

We covered the show more in-depth when they made a Kansas City, MO stop back in March, but wanted to check in just over six months later, to see how things were keeping together, and our resident Fan-in-the-Stands was just the person to attend and get a handful of photos (albeit via cell phone), seeing how it’s his favorite band (the Steve Perry version).

The good news is vocalist Arnel Pineda is still sounding as revitalized as he has in years (not having to sing the entire show, is an obvious help to his voice) and the band is musically clicking in harmony, even more so than on the Kansas City stop.

Ageless guitarist Neal Schon remains musically solid (sometimes to a fault) and flashes that million-dollar smile playing his several solos, and keyboardist Jonathan Cain has seemed to melt some of the ice surrounding him- not only by sporting a Minnesota Wild hockey jersey for the encore, but in actually interacting with Schon and band, even playing guitar back-to-back like the old days, something we didn’t see on the KC date.

So, the band is giving the fans what they want as well as is changing things up with a few lesser-known tracks- Lead song from their 1975 debut album, “Of a Lifetime” found new life with keyboardist Jason Derlatka singing the Gregg Rollie lead and a deep cut from 1980’s Departure record, “Precious Time” found its way into the setlist, as sung by drummer Deen Castronovo.

“Precious Time” would prove somewhat prophetic, as Castronovo had a medical emergency after just two songs in, at their show in Tulsa two nights following, forcing a stoppage, and the drummer being rushed to the hospital. While the details weren’t revealed, Castronovo was able to retake the drum stool in San Antonio two nights after the Tulsa show and has seemed ok since.

In addition to his drumming, he was able to deliver lead vocals on “Lights,” “Precious Time” and “Keep on Runnin,’” shared vocals with Cain on “Just the Same Way” and ”Anytime,” and his drum solo, at around the halfway point of the set, went on as usual in San Antonio.

Other additions in St. Paul, versus KC in March, were 2008’s “Never Walk Away” (one of the newest songs played on the tour) and a Raised on Radio favorite, “Suzanne” with Derlatka on lead vocals.

So, the band is mixing it up and keeping things somewhat fresh; while of course, playing all of the big hits, mostly in the second half as they make their way to their supposed final show, on November 28 in the band’s hometown of San Francisco.

Catch them while you can, as Journey is going out on their own terms- formed back in 1973 but still able to fill arenas, and is an act we’ll all surely miss, if this truly is the end run towards their Final Frontier.

National / International act coming through the Midwest / Kansas City area? Please email details to johnc@weheartmusic.com with a good lead time to be considered for Show Preview and Show Coverage consideration.