Ottawa showed up in full force last night as Journey brought their Final Frontier Tour to Canadian Tire Centre, transforming the arena into a roaring, full‑throttle celebration of classic rock for the second time in as many days. From the moment the band walked onstage to The Who’s “Baba O’Riley,” the energy inside the building felt unmistakably like an Ottawa crowd — warm, loud, and ready to make the night their own.
Journey wasted no time, launching straight into “Be Good to Yourself.” Then came a moment that could only happen in Canada’s capital. Guitarist Neal Schon stepped forward and began playing “O Canada” on his guitar — a soaring, emotional lead that immediately brought the arena to its feet. Beside him, Jonathan Cain joined in on piano, giving the anthem a rich, full arrangement as a massive Canadian flag waved across the screen behind them. It wasn’t the crowd leading the band; it was the band honouring the crowd, and Ottawa answered with one of the loudest, proudest singalongs of the night.
Arnel Pineda powered through most of the vocals with his trademark energy, sprinting across the stage like he was trying to high‑five every section of the arena. But Ottawa got something special: a true ensemble performance. Jonathan Cain, Deen Castronovo, and Jason Derlatka all took turns at the mic, giving the night a rotating‑frontman feel that kept the show fresh and unpredictable.
The early run of “Stone in Love,” “Only the Young,” “Just the Same Way,” “Lights,” and “Patiently” washed over the crowd like a wave of nostalgia. Ottawa fans — never shy about singing — matched the band line for line. “Escape” hit with punch, and Cain’s piano solo set up a gorgeous “Who’s Crying Now.”
Then came the deep cuts that made longtime fans grin.
“Walks Like a Lady” and “Suzanne” were unexpected treats, followed by a Neal Schon guitar solo that reminded everyone why he’s still one of rock’s most distinctive players. “Wheel in the Sky” erupted with pyro, lighting up the CTC rafters.
One of the night’s most emotional moments came with “Separate Ways,” followed by a tribute that resonated deeply in the National Capital Region. Before launching into “Faithfully,” Jonathan Cain dedicated the song to the men and women of the Canadian Armed Forces — a gesture that drew a long, heartfelt ovation in a city home to military families, veterans, and the National Defence headquarters.
From there, the band rolled into “Feeling That Way” and “Anytime,” and by the time “Don’t Stop Believin’” hit, the entire arena was on its feet. Ottawa crowds are famously enthusiastic, and last night was no exception — the chorus practically lifted the roof.
But the moment that will have fans talking for years?
A tour debut and a true rarity: “Lovin’ You Is Easy,” performed for the first time since 1982 (based on online setlists), with Deen Castronovo on lead vocals. Ottawa got it before anyone else on the tour — a bragging‑rights moment if there ever was one.
The back half of the show kept the energy high with “Dead or Alive” and “I’ll Be Alright Without You.” Then the arena shifted into something almost cinematic for “Open Arms.” The stage glowed with deep reds and golds, framed by gothic‑style arches and flickering candelabras that made the entire scene feel like a candlelit cathedral. The massive screen behind the band projected towering candles and ornate textures, wrapping the performance in a warm, reverent atmosphere. Phones lit up across the crowd as Ottawa fans tried to capture it, but it was one of those visuals that felt even more powerful in person — a moment of stillness and beauty in the middle of a high‑octane rock show.
From there, the band tore into a fiery “La Do Da” that exploded into a 10‑minute jam featuring teases of “Whole Lotta Love,” “Break On Through,” and “Be‑Bop‑a‑Lula.” Castronovo’s drum solo shook the arena, and the finale — “Lovin’, Touchin’, Squeezin’” into “Any Way You Want It” — sent Ottawa home buzzing.
Journey didn’t just play a concert. They gave Ottawa a night that felt personal — patriotic, nostalgic, and full of heart. In a city that knows how to honour its past while celebrating the moment, Journey fit right in. And if this is truly the Final Frontier, Ottawa got a chapter worthy of the band’s legacy. I truly consider myself lucky to have had the opportunity to, not just see Journey live several times throughout their career, be able to review what could be their final show in Ottawa.
The Final Frontier Tour continues tomorrow at the new TD Coliseum before heading to Quebec for a pair of mid-week shows. The Canadian leg of the tour will end in Vancouver in April. journeymusic.com
More Photos
