Rock band Journey is planning a significant return to live performances in 2026, with over 120 shows already scheduled. Guitarist Neal Schon confirmed that the upcoming tour will feature a different show structure and longer setlists, diving deeper into the band's catalog beyond their most well-known hits. Fans can expect a comprehensive musical experience spanning albums from 1978 onward.
Key Takeaways
- Journey has booked approximately 120 shows for 2026 and 2027.
- The upcoming tour will feature longer setlists and a deeper exploration of the band's album catalog.
- Shows will focus on material from 1978 onwards, including fan favorites.
- Neal Schon mentioned potential future collaborations with artists like Bryan Adams.
- The band will perform at the Stagecoach Music Festival on April 25, 2026.
Journey's Ambitious Touring Schedule Revealed
Neal Schon, co-founder and guitarist of Journey, recently provided details about the band's extensive touring plans for 2026 and 2027. During an interview with Eddie Trunk, Schon stated that approximately 120 shows are currently booked. These concerts will be divided, with roughly half taking place in 2026 and the remaining half scheduled for 2027. This marks a substantial return to the road for the iconic rock group.
Schon emphasized that the upcoming performances will offer a fresh experience for long-time fans. The band aims to present a "very different show" that goes beyond just playing their biggest hits. This approach will allow for a more in-depth exploration of their musical history.
Tour Statistics
- Total Shows Booked: Approximately 120
- Shows in 2026: Around 60
- Shows in 2027: Around 60
- Catalog Focus: Albums from 1978 onwards
Diving Deep into the Catalog
While specific setlist details are under wraps until an official announcement, Schon confirmed that the shows will feature longer sets. This expanded format will allow Journey to perform a wider selection of songs from their albums. Fans can anticipate hearing material that has not been played live as frequently in recent years.
The focus will be on their extensive discography starting from 1978. This period includes many of Journey's most successful albums, offering a rich pool of songs to draw from. The band intends to "dig deep" into this era, providing a comprehensive journey through their musical evolution.
"[There's] tons of stuff coming. We have about 120 shows [booked] and we'll probably add to them," Schon shared. "Half of [them will be] in '26 and the other half [of the concerts will follow] in '27."
— Neal Schon, Journey Guitarist
Potential Collaborations and Future Plans
In 2024, Journey toured extensively, including dates with Toto and a stadium co-headlining tour with Def Leppard. However, 2025 has seen fewer performances, with a March show in Houston being cut short due to an electrical fire after only four songs. Schon suggested that the 2026 shows might primarily feature Journey as the sole headliner, without additional tour partners.
Despite this, Schon expressed interest in future collaborations. He specifically mentioned Bryan Adams as a potential tour partner, noting their long history together. The two artists toured in the 1980s when Adams released his first album. Schon believes a stadium tour with Bryan Adams, possibly with one additional act, would be a "tremendous" experience for fans.
Band Dynamics
Journey has experienced internal challenges, particularly between Schon and keyboardist Jonathan Cain. However, Schon indicated that these issues have been resolved. He stated that the band decided to take a year off, which provided time for reflection and positive communication. Recent meetings and conversations with Cain have shown them to be "on the same page," suggesting a more cohesive touring environment.
Confirmed Festival Appearance
While the full tour schedule is pending, Journey has confirmed one significant appearance for 2026. The band will headline the annual Stagecoach Music Festival. This festival, traditionally known for its country music focus, has recently diversified its lineup to include other genres, such as classic rock.
Journey is scheduled to perform on April 25, 2026, at the California gathering. They will anchor a bill that also features Lainey Wilson, Riley Green, Bush, and Little Big Town. Other artists in the festival lineup include The Wallflowers, Counting Crows, Hootie and the Blowfish, and Third Eye Blind. This performance offers an early opportunity for fans to experience Journey's new show format.
Journey's Live Legacy: A Look Back
Journey's history of live performances is extensive, though not all shows have been officially documented. The band has released several live albums throughout its career, showcasing different eras and lineups. These recordings offer glimpses into their evolving sound and stage presence.
Notable Live Releases
- Captured (1981): This double-disc album was Journey's first official live release. It captured the band at a commercial peak, featuring performances from Detroit, Montreal, and Tokyo in 1980. It became a multi-platinum success and marked the end of co-founder Gregg Rolie's tenure.
- Live in Houston 1981: The Escape Tour (2005): Recorded for MTV on November 6, 1981, this concert showcased Journey during their highly successful "Escape" tour. It was broadcast globally and featured eight of the ten songs from the Escape album, including "Don't Stop Believin'."
- Journey Through Time (2023): This album features a splinter group led by Neal Schon and Gregg Rolie, performing a deep dive into Journey's early catalog. The 2018 San Francisco show included tracks like "Kohoutek" from their 1975 debut and "Daydream" from 1979's Evolution.
- Greatest Hits Live (1998): This platinum-selling compilation combined recordings from Houston in 1981 and Tokyo in 1983. It included four officially released songs from the 1983 performance: "Separate Ways," "After the Fall," "Lovin' Touchin' Squeezin'," and "Faithfully."
- Journey 2001 (2001): This was the band's first concert DVD, recorded in December 2000 in Las Vegas. It featured frontman Steve Augeri and included hits, deep cuts like "Ask the Lonely," and two new songs: "Higher Place" and "All the Way."
Other significant live recordings include Live in Manila (2009), documenting Arnel Pineda's emotional homecoming concert, and Escape & Frontiers Live in Japan (2019), which revisited two of their highest-selling albums at the Nippon Budokan.
These releases highlight the band's enduring appeal and their commitment to live performance across different generations of fans and band members. The upcoming 2026-2027 tour aims to build on this legacy, offering a fresh yet deeply rooted experience for audiences worldwide.