Wheel in the Sky

The Zoo Crew is spinning Journey's classic track "Wheel in the Sky" from their 1978 album Infinity, a song that resonates with the free-spirited Zoo Freaks tuning in. This anthem, which became Journey's first Billboard Hot 100 hit at #57, started as a poem called "Wheels in My Mind" by Diane Valory, wife of bassist Ross Valory. According to Journey's Time3 compilation liner notes, Diane wrote about the loneliness of missing her husband while he toured. Former lead vocalist Robert Fleischman reworked the lyrics to capture the grind of life on the road, with guitarist Neal Schon crafting the melody on an acoustic guitar in the back of a station wagon during a tour stop. Steve Perry, who debuted as Journey’s frontman on this track, recalled the thrill of seeing the song on a jukebox, as he shared in a 2014 Classic Rock interview: “I put two quarters in, pushed the button, and sat down, and the song started.” Perry’s high falsetto and Neal’s “violin guitars,” layered by producer Roy Thomas Baker, gave the song its soaring, anthemic quality, making it a staple in Journey’s live sets, with over 1,000 performances logged on setlist.fm.

Another layer to "Wheel in the Sky" comes from its philosophical undertones, as noted by fans and Perry himself. The chorus—“Wheel in the sky keeps on turning / I don’t know where I’ll be tomorrow”—evokes themes of fate and the transient life of a touring musician. In a 2022 Vulture interview, Neal Schon recounted how he spontaneously composed the melody on the hood of a car during a rest stop, inspired by Diane’s napkin poem. The song’s creation was a turning point for Journey, marking their shift from progressive rock to a more accessible, radio-friendly sound. A 2019 X post by @E5C4P3JrnyTrib celebrated the song’s 41st anniversary, highlighting its status as Journey’s first Top 100 hit. Perry also noted in a 2014 Louder interview that producer Roy Thomas Baker’s work with Queen influenced the track’s stacked harmonies, a technique that became a Journey trademark.

Journey’s origins trace back to San Francisco in 1973, formed by former Santana members Neal Schon (guitar) and Gregg Rolie (keyboards, vocals), alongside Ross Valory (bass), George Tickner (rhythm guitar), and Prairie Prince (drums). Initially called the Golden Gate Rhythm Section, the band aimed to back Bay Area artists but soon carved their own path with a jazz-fusion sound. A roadie, John Villanueva, suggested the name “Journey” after a radio contest failed to produce a winner. Their debut performance at the Winterland Ballroom on New Year’s Eve 1973 drew 10,000 fans, but their first three albums—Journey (1975), Look Into the Future (1976), and Next (1977)—leaned heavily on instrumentals and sold modestly. Facing pressure from Columbia Records to adopt a more commercial sound, Journey hired Steve Perry in 1977 after a brief stint with Robert Fleischman. Perry’s soulful voice, inspired by Sam Cooke, transformed the band, leading to Infinity’s success and their rise as arena rock icons.

Today, Journey remains active, led by Neal Schon and featuring Arnel Pineda, who joined in 2007 after Schon discovered his cover videos on YouTube. You can follow the band on their official website, Facebook, Instagram, and X for updates on tours and new releases like their 2022 album Freedom. Fans, much like the Zoo Freaks, connect through communities such as the Journey Fan Club on Facebook, where they share memorabilia and concert experiences. Another fan hub, Journey Tribute, offers news and tribute band listings, keeping the spirit of Journey’s music alive. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a new listener, “Wheel in the Sky” continues to turn, carrying Journey’s legacy forward.