The Drummer Who Played Three Shows With Journey As A Last-Minute Stand-In

April 1, 2025

It was a crisp autumn evening when a phone call changed everything for me. I was sitting in my small apartment, my drumsticks resting on the coffee table, when my phone rang. The voice on the other end was frantic, almost desperate. “We need a drummer for Journey—like, right now! Our guy is out with an emergency. Can you do it?” My heart raced as I processed the words. Journey. The iconic band that had shaped my childhood and inspired countless musicians. I took a deep breath, the weight of the moment sinking in. It was a chance most could only dream about, and I knew I couldn’t let this opportunity slip away.

After a whirlwind of panic and excitement, I found myself backstage at the first concert, adrenaline pulsing through my veins. I had only a few hours to learn the setlist, which included classics like “Don’t Stop Believin’” and “Any Way You Want It.” The band members were welcoming and supportive, but the pressure weighed heavily on my shoulders. I could hear the crowd buzzing, their enthusiasm echoing through the venue’s walls, and I felt a mix of exhilaration and dread. What if I forgot a beat? What if I let them down? But then I remembered why I had pursued music in the first place—the joy it brought me and the incredible connection it forged with others. I took a deep breath and stepped onto the stage, ready to give it my all.

As the lights dimmed and the music began, my world transformed. The sound of the drums was intoxicating, and I lost myself in the rhythm. The crowd erupted with cheers, their energy fueling my every strike. I watched as the band moved in perfect harmony, each note resonating with the audience. In that moment, with the thrumming of the drums reverberating through my body, I felt like I belonged. Each show was exhilarating, and I could feel connections forming between me and the fans, as if we were all part of something greater than ourselves. I played three shows with Journey in total, each one more powerful than the last, and when the final note rang out, I couldn’t believe what I had accomplished.

But the experience was much more than just adrenaline and applause. It taught me resilience, reminding me that sometimes life throws unexpected challenges our way. I had always dreamed of being part of something huge, and now I had stepped into a whirlwind I had never anticipated. After the last performance, as the audience cheered my name alongside the band’s, I felt a sense of fulfillment wash over me. I realized that seizing opportunities meant pushing through fear and self-doubt. In those moments, I discovered something about myself: I was not just a drummer but a storyteller, someone who could evoke emotions through music.

The impact of those three shows stretched far beyond the stage. After my time with Journey, my career took off in directions I had never imagined. New opportunities flooded my way, and I suddenly found myself working with other talented artists who had similar dreams. I carried that experience like a badge of honor, reminding myself that I could rise to the occasion no matter the circumstances. Music became my lifeline, allowing me to share my passion and story with others.

Reflecting back, I understood that the drummer who played those shows wasn’t just a last-minute stand-in. I was a testament to the power of resilience and an unwavering love for music. Every time I pick up my drumsticks, I remember that fateful call, the lights of the stage, and the electric atmosphere of being part of something legendary. And that lesson drives me forward in my career: to always be ready, to embrace the unexpected, and to keep playing, no matter the challenges that lie ahead.