
Journey are currently in the studio with producer Kevin Shirley (Aerosmith/Led Zeppelin/Iron Maiden) in the early stages of creating a follow-up to Revelation, the bands 2008 album which introduced their latest lead singer, Arnel Pineda.
Words: Dave Ling
The group face this task with the wind in their metaphorical sails after two rival versions of their power ballad Dont Stop Believin the original from 1981s album Escape and a re-make that featured in the childrens TV show Glee battled it out in the UKs Top 10 singles chart earlier this year.
[The songs success is] brilliant for us and bands like us, maintains Schon.
If people think Dont Stop Believin is a Glee song and not one of ours, I dont mind. Those are brand new fans Im happy they like the song, period.
We did really well the last time we toured in the UK [in June 2008], also playing at [last years] Download, so weve taken the rest of the year off to prepare this new CD. Things are on the up-and-up for us over there. Its great to know that doors are finally opening.
Were going to be here [in the studio] for a little bit over a month, he continues. Overdubs and vocals are going really well. Kevin has to run off to another project, so we will come back and sing some more in November. The material is extremely strong.
Expect the as-yet untitled record to be released next spring.
Given that Dont Stop Believin has been officially recognised as the most downloaded song of all time (Bigger than [anything by] Led Zeppelin or The Beatles, thats mind-boggling, marvels Schon), Journey are already planning to play in the UK in 2011.
The promoters are keen to have us back as [bona fide] headliners, and were excited to be coming as part of our next world tour, sums up Neal.