Journey Tour 2026: 120 Shows & Deep Cuts Ahead

What’s Journey planning for their 2026 tour? If you’ve been asking yourself that question, you’re about to get some seriously exciting answers. Legendary guitarist Neal Schon just dropped some bombshell news that’s got classic rock fans buzzing harder than a Marshall stack cranked to eleven.

The Journey tour 2026 is shaping up to be something truly special, and I’m not just throwing that word around lightly. We’re talking about a massive undertaking that’ll span two years, featuring deeper cuts than we’ve heard in decades, and potentially the longest sets the band has ever performed. Let me break down everything we know so far.

How Many Shows Will Journey Play in 2026?

During a recent conversation with radio legend Eddie Trunk, Schon revealed that Journey has approximately 120 shows booked, with roughly half scheduled for 2026 and the rest spilling into 2027. That’s an absolutely staggering commitment from a band that’s been rocking stages for over five decades.

“[There’s] tons of stuff coming. We have about 120 shows [booked] and we’ll probably add to them,” Schon explained with the kind of enthusiasm that reminds you why these guys are still at the top of their game. “Half of [them will be] in ’26 and the other half [of the concerts will follow] in ’27.”

What Makes This Journey Tour Different?

Here’s where things get really interesting for longtime fans. Schon promised that the Journey tour 2026 will be “a very different show” that will dig deep into the band’s extensive catalog. We’re not just talking about the usual suspects like “Don’t Stop Believin'” and “Open Arms.”

“It’s going to entail many of our albums,” Schon revealed. “[We] won’t go all of the way back to the very, very beginning. But I’d say from ’78 on, we’re going to dig deep and the sets are going to be much longer.”

For those keeping score at home, that means we could hear tracks from classic albums like “Infinity,” “Evolution,” “Departure,” “Escape,” and “Frontiers” that haven’t been played live in years. The band’s 1978 breakthrough with Steve Perry marked a pivotal moment, and starting from that era gives them an incredible treasure trove of material to pull from.

When Will Journey Tour in 2026?

While the complete schedule hasn’t been officially announced, we do know that Journey will perform at the Stagecoach Music Festival on April 25, 2026, at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, California. This marks one of their first confirmed dates.

Interestingly, Stagecoach has traditionally been a country music festival, but they’ve been expanding their horizons lately. Sammy Hagar and the Black Crowes have appeared in recent years, so Journey fits right into this trend of bringing legendary classic rock artists to diverse audiences.

The 2026 festival lineup also features headliners Lainey Wilson and Riley Green, plus Bush, Little Big Town, The Wallflowers, Counting Crows, Hootie and the Blowfish, and Third Eye Blind. It’s quite the eclectic mix, and Journey’s performance is bound to be a highlight.

What Can Fans Expect From the Setlist?

Based on Journey’s recent performances, fans can anticipate a powerhouse setlist that spans their greatest hits. Looking at their 2024 shows, here’s what a typical Journey concert has included:

• “Only the Young” – High-energy opener that gets crowds pumped
• “Be Good to Yourself” – A fan favorite from the “Raised on Radio” era
• “Stone in Love” – Deep cut that showcases the band’s range
• “Faithfully” – One of rock’s greatest power ballads
• “Escape” – Title track from one of their biggest albums
• “Who’s Crying Now” – Classic heartbreak anthem
• “Lovin’, Touchin’, Squeezin'” – Early hit with extended jams
• “Open Arms” – Usually following Jonathan Cain’s piano solo
• “Wheel in the Sky” – Pre-Perry era classic
• “Lights” – San Francisco love song (often with Deen Castronovo on vocals)
• “Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)” – Arena rock perfection
• “Any Way You Want It” – High-octane rocker
• “Don’t Stop Believin'” – The ultimate closer

But here’s the kicker for the Journey tour 2026: Schon says the sets will be “much longer,” which means we could see rarities like “Ask the Lonely,” “Chain Reaction,” “Line of Fire,” “Let It Rain,” and even deeper cuts from albums like “Departure” and “Evolution.” For fans who’ve been following the band since the seventies, this is like striking gold.

Is Journey Getting Along These Days?

Anyone who’s followed classic rock news knows there’s been some well-documented tension within Journey’s ranks, particularly between Neal Schon and keyboardist Jonathan Cain. Legal battles, public disputes, and social media spats have made headlines over the past few years.

But according to Schon, things have cooled off considerably. “Everything is cool,” he explained. “You know, we decided to take a year off of which we did, [and that] gives everybody some time to think about everything that’s going on.”

That year off was 2025, during which Journey played only a handful of isolated gigs. One unfortunate show in Houston in March was cut short after just four songs due to an electrical fire beneath the stage. No one was hurt, thankfully, but it was a disappointing evening for fans who’d been waiting to see the band.

Who Might Join Journey on Tour?

Schon revealed that the 2026 shows might feature Journey performing solo, without additional tour partners. This would be a departure from their recent touring strategy, which saw them sharing bills with Toto and co-headlining massive stadium tours with Def Leppard.

However, the guitarist did mention one artist he’d love to collaborate with: Bryan Adams. “Bryan Adams is someone I’ve been talking to for quite some time,” Schon shared. “We go way back into the ’80s, when his first album came out and we toured with him. I think he’d be tremendous for us to do a stadium [tour] with. Whether or not we get there in ’27 it’ll happen eventually.”

A Journey and Bryan Adams double bill would be absolutely killer, combining Journey’s arena rock anthems with Adams’ catalogue of hits like “Summer of ’69” and “Heaven.” Let’s hope that materializes.

What’s the Story Behind Journey’s Recent Tours?

Journey was incredibly active in 2024, playing the Freedom Tour (named after their 2022 album) and then embarking on a massive Summer Stadium Tour with Def Leppard. That tour also featured the Steve Miller Band and, on select dates, Cheap Trick.

The Freedom Tour saw Journey hitting venues across North America and even venturing to Japan, where they played shows at PACIFICO Yokohama. These performances showcased not just the hits but also material from their newer albums, proving that Journey isn’t just resting on their laurels.

Speaking of classic rock artists who continue to evolve, Ann Wilson’s documentary offers a fascinating look at another legendary singer’s journey through rock history. Heart and Journey shared many stages throughout the eighties, and both continue to inspire new generations of fans.

Why Did Journey Ask Fans for Setlist Input?

Back in August 2024, Journey made an intriguing social media post asking fans for their input regarding setlists for the upcoming year. This was a clever way to gauge what deep cuts people wanted to hear and showed the band’s willingness to listen to their audience.

Given Schon’s recent comments about digging deep into their catalog, it seems the band took that feedback seriously. Fans have been clamoring for years to hear more material from albums like “Departure,” “Evolution,” and even the pre-Perry era. The Journey tour 2026 might finally deliver on those wishes.

How Long Will Journey Concerts Be in 2026?

Based on their recent performances, Journey typically plays for 90 minutes to two hours. However, with Schon promising “much longer” sets for 2026, we could be looking at shows pushing closer to two and a half hours or even longer.

For a band with Journey’s extensive catalog, longer shows make perfect sense. They’ve released fifteen studio albums over their career, giving them hundreds of songs to choose from. Even focusing on the post-1978 material leaves them with an embarrassment of riches.

What Makes Journey’s Live Shows So Special?

If you’ve never experienced Journey live, you’re missing one of rock’s most consistent and powerful concert experiences. Current vocalist Arnel Pineda, who joined in 2008 after being discovered on YouTube, has been a revelation. His vocal range and energy rival that of original singer Steve Perry, which is no small feat.

Neal Schon remains one of rock’s most underrated guitarists. His solos are melodic, emotional, and technically brilliant, whether he’s tearing through “Wheel in the Sky” or delivering the iconic opening notes of “Separate Ways.” Watching him work is like attending a masterclass in rock guitar.

Jonathan Cain’s keyboards provide the lush, atmospheric foundation that defines Journey’s sound, while drummer Deen Castronovo and bassist Todd Jensen form a rock-solid rhythm section. Castronovo also contributes stunning vocals on songs like “Lights,” showcasing the depth of talent within the band.

The production values at Journey concerts are top-notch, with spectacular light shows, massive video screens, and crystal-clear sound. They treat every performance like it matters, and that dedication shows in the audience’s response night after night.

Where Can You Get Journey Tour 2026 Tickets?

While the full tour schedule hasn’t been announced yet, tickets for Journey shows typically go on sale through major outlets like Ticketmaster and the band’s official website at JourneyMusic.com. Keep an eye on their social media channels for announcements about on-sale dates.

For the Stagecoach Festival appearance, passes went on sale in October 2025. Festival tickets often sell quickly, especially for lineups this strong, so if you’re planning to attend, acting fast is crucial.

Given Journey’s enduring popularity and the promise of something different with these shows, expect tickets to move quickly once the full schedule drops. These classic rock legends still pack arenas and stadiums wherever they go.

What’s Next for Classic Rock in 2026?

The Journey tour 2026 represents more than just another concert series. It’s a celebration of classic rock’s enduring appeal and a reminder that these songs still resonate across generations. From teenagers discovering “Don’t Stop Believin'” through TV shows and movies to original fans who’ve been there since the seventies, Journey’s music connects people.

Classic rock as a genre continues to thrive, with legendary acts proving they can still deliver powerful performances. Journey’s willingness to dig into their deeper catalog shows respect for their craft and their fans. These aren’t just nostalgia tours; they’re genuine celebrations of timeless music.

The fact that Neal Schon and the band are planning 120 shows over two years demonstrates their commitment to bringing their music to as many people as possible. At a time when many artists their age are scaling back, Journey is doubling down, and fans couldn’t be happier about it.

So what does Journey playing 120 shows mean for rock fans? It means opportunities to catch one of the genre’s most iconic bands at the peak of their live powers. It means hearing deep cuts you might never have thought you’d experience live. It means two-plus hours of some of the greatest arena rock anthems ever written, performed by musicians who’ve dedicated their lives to this music.

Whether you’re planning to catch them at Stagecoach or waiting for dates in your city to be announced, one thing’s certain: the Journey tour 2026 is going to be something special. Start marking your calendars, setting those ticket alerts, and getting ready for what promises to be an unforgettable ride through rock history.

The journey continues, and after fifty-plus years, these guys show no signs of stopping. Don’t stop believin’ indeed.