Journey’s Induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame: 5 Fast Facts you Need to Know

Journey live, Journey rock and roll hall of fame, Journey songs, Journey records, Journey Steve Perry, Journey Neil Schon, Journey don't stop believin', Journey Randy Jackson

Journey (Getty)


Journey is the ultimate 80s arena rock band. They had seven consecutive multi-platinum records along with the rock staples, and sing-along classics, “Don’t Stop Believin'”, “Separate Ways”, and “Open Arms.”

We are anxiously awaiting to see if the classic 80s lineup of the band, with Steve Perry, reunites as the band is being inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with the Class of 2017.

We want to celebrate the band’s induction with 5 fast facts you need to know about Journey.


1. Journey’s Commercial Peak was From 1978-1987

Journey formed in 1973 with former members of Santana and Frumious Bandersnatch. The band released some albums with a more prog bend, and it wasn’t until Steve Perry came aboard in 1978 that the band changed course and acquired world domination.

From 1978 through 1987 the band had a string of hits including “Don’t Stop Believin'” which, in 2009, became the top-selling track in iTunes history. The band’s eighth record Escape reached number one on the Billboard charts.

That string of success resulted in two gold albums, eight multi-platinum albums, and one diamond allbum. This includes seven consecutive multi-platinum albums with 18 Top 40 singles in the US and six which have reached the Top 10. Journey has sold a total of 48 million albums in the US, with 90 million albums worldwide.


2. The Band was Originally Called the Golden Gate Rhythm Section

Journey live, Journey rock and roll hall of fame, Journey songs, Journey records, Journey Steve Perry, Journey Neil Schon, Journey don't stop believin', Journey Randy Jackson

Neil Schon of Journey (Getty)

Journey formed in San Francisco and worked with former Santana manager Herbie Herbert. The band was originally intended as a backup band for more established Bay Area artists.

The band included former Santana guitarist Neil Schon, keyboardist Gregg Rolie, bassist Ross Valory, and rhythm guitarist George Tickner. The group’s original name was the Golden Gate Rhythm Section.


3. The Band had not one, but two Video Games Made With Their Name on it

Journey was so popular during their heyday that the band were offered multiple endorsement deals to use the band name. They recorded radio commercials for Budweiser and sold their music for use in two video games including the Journey arcade game by Bally/Midway and Journey Escape by Data Age for the Atari 2600.


4. They Returned From Hiatus in 1995 With Trial By Fire

The band released Raised By Radio in 1986 and went their separate ways. Many members of the band went on to release their own solo records.

However, the classic 80s lineup that appeared on 1983’s Frontiers, came back together in 1996 to record Trial By Fire. The record included the hit “When You Love a Woman” which reached number 12 on the charts. The record also produced the singles “Message of Love,” “Can’t Tame the Lion,” and “If He Should Break Your Heart.”

Trial By Fire was also nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal in 1997.


5. Arnel Pineda Took Over Lead Singer Duties in 2007

Journey live, Journey rock and roll hall of fame, Journey songs, Journey records, Journey Steve Perry, Journey Neil Schon, Journey don't stop believin', Journey Randy Jackson

Neil Schon, Jonathan Cain, and Arnel Pineda of Journey (Getty)

In the late 90’s Steve Perry left the group after hip surgery, and his replacement Steve Augeri left with vocal issues.

In 2007 the band found Arnel Pineda from the cover band The Zoo. Their first album as a new band was called Revelation and it debuted at number 5 on the Billboard charts. The subsequent tour grossed $35M+. The second album with Pineda entitled Eclipse, released in 2011 debuted at number 13 on the charts.