Where Were You

The song Where Were You by Journey from their 1980 album Departure carries a raw energy that reflects the band’s evolving sound. Guitarist Neal Schon revealed that the track was heavily influenced by Journey’s time touring with AC/DC, noting, “You can’t help being influenced by a band like that.” The song’s driving rhythm and punchy guitar riffs echo AC/DC’s hard-hitting style, a departure from Journey’s earlier jazz-fusion roots. It emerged from a jam session at their Oakland rehearsal hall, built around a drum figure by Steve Smith, showcasing the band’s collaborative spirit. Often used to open concerts during the Departure tour, Where Were You became a crowd-energizing staple, its lyrics calling out a wayward lover with a playful yet pointed tone. The song’s live performance vibe was captured on Journey’s 1981 live album Captured, recorded during shows in Montreal, Tokyo, and Detroit, cementing its place as a fan favorite among Zoo Freaks spinning it at THE ZOO.

Another tidbit about Where Were You ties to its cultural footprint. While not a chart-topping single like Any Way You Want It from the same album, its gritty edge and relatable lyrics resonated with fans, making it a go-to track for radio stations like THE ZOO. The song’s inclusion on Captured alongside a dedication to AC/DC’s late singer Bon Scott—who died in 1980 and was called “a friend from the highway” in the album’s liner notes—adds a layer of rock camaraderie. A recent post on X by a user named SeahawksForever called it “one of the great, unsung gems” in Journey’s catalog, highlighting its enduring appeal among dedicated listeners. For Zoo Freaks, the song’s raw, live-in-studio feel, as described by producer Kevin Elson, makes it a perfect fit for the station’s free-spirited vibe.

Journey began in 1973 in San Francisco, born from the ashes of Santana and Frumious Bandersnatch. Neal Schon, a teenage guitar prodigy who played with Santana at 15, teamed up with keyboardist Gregg Rolie, also a Santana alum, to form a progressive rock outfit with jazz and Latin influences. Early members included drummer Aynsley Dunbar, bassist Ross Valory, and guitarist George Tickner. Managed by Herbie Herbert, the band initially leaned into instrumental, experimental sounds, releasing their self-titled debut in 1975. However, their label, Columbia Records, pushed for a more commercial direction, leading to the hiring of vocalist Robert Fleischman in 1977. Fleischman’s brief stint gave way to Steve Perry, whose soaring vocals on 1978’s Infinity transformed Journey into a melodic rock powerhouse. This shift marked the start of their rise, with hits like Wheel in the Sky paving the way for the Departure era.

The band’s evolution continued through lineup changes, with Jonathan Cain replacing Rolie in 1980, bringing a synth-driven sound that defined 1981’s Escape. Despite challenges, including Perry’s departure in 1998, Journey found new life with Filipino singer Arnel Pineda, discovered by Schon on YouTube in 2007. Pineda’s journey from covering Journey songs with his band The Zoo in the Philippines to becoming their lead vocalist is a testament to the band’s resilience. Today, Journey remains a global force, with over 100 million records sold and a 2017 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction. Their current lineup, anchored by Schon, Cain, and Pineda, continues to tour, delivering classics like Where Were You to fans worldwide.

Zoo Freaks can connect with Journey through their official website, where they can shop for merch and check tour dates. The band is active on social media, sharing updates on Facebook, Instagram, and X. Fans can also join communities like the Journey Fan Group on Facebook, a hub for sharing memories and concert experiences. For tribute band vibes, check out DEPARTURE, a respected Journey tribute act celebrating 15 years of recreating the band’s magic, perfect for Zoo Freaks craving that live Where Were You energy.