Journey’s Farewell Concert Sparks Rock and Roll Memories

Journey’s Final Tour Is Coming to Evansville — and It’s Got Me Feeling Nostalgic

So, we now know that Journey has announced their “final” tour, and you know that they are coming to Evansville. If you’ve gotten to know me at all, you already know I’m a classic rock girlie through and through. As Joan Jett says, I love rock and roll.
One of my favorite things in life is chasing down my favorite bands and going to concerts. When Journey announced their tour and that they’d be making a stop here in Evansville — it got me thinking. Journey is one band I haven’t seen live yet, but as an only child raised on hair bands, live rock shows are basically part of my DNA. So today, I’m sharing my Top 3 favorite concert experiences (so far!).

3. The Rolling Stones

After COVID, when drummer Charlie Watts passed away, I honestly didn’t expect The Rolling Stones to tour again. But they did and it was a short one, just 12 shows across North America. St. Louis happened to be their first stop, and I got to go! Seeing Mick Jagger, at 76 years old, still bouncing across the stage singing “Tumbling Dice” was unreal. And yes — the man even took his shirt off. Absolute legend.

2. Metallica

This one was crazy — a two-day event in St. Louis! I could only afford tickets for one night, but honestly, I’ll take what I can get. I grabbed a pair of cheap nosebleeds and planned to go with my boyfriend at the time… until he backed out.
Luckily, my friend from the radio station where I used to work texted me and said, “Hey, ditch those nosebleed seats — I’ll upgrade us to section 102.” Um, HECK YEAH!
Watching Metallica perform “One” live literally gave me chills — and, not gonna lie, a few tears too.

1. Dead & Company (The Best for Last)

This one is special. My parents officially win Best Parents of the Year for this one.
They were out west traveling, and when I couldn’t go (thanks, adult life), my mom called from the road. They were headed to Vegas, and I told her she had to check out The Sphere — it’s that stunning new venue that’s been the talk of the music world.
Now, here’s the thing: I’m a Dead Head through and through. My parents? Not so much — they’re more into the hair band scene. Back when I worked in radio in St. Louis, Dead & Company came to town in 2023, but the show sold out before I could snag tickets. I had to work another event that night… and yes, I cried.

Fast forward to this year. My mom looks up who’s playing The Sphere and wouldn’t you know it? Dead & Company. My parents, being the absolute coolest humans ever, bought me one ticket and flew me out to Vegas for the weekend to see them.
I don’t have kids, I’m not married, but I can say without hesitation... that was the best day of my life so far, all thanks to Mom and Dad.

Honorable Mentions

There are so many other amazing shows I’ve been lucky to experience — The Eagles, The Who, AC/DC, and more. Each one brings back that feeling that only live rock and roll can give you.

So, your turn! What’s the best band you’ve ever seen live?

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