REVIEWS

During the ascent of Journey in the late 70s and into the 80s, my wife and I were in a period of jobs, kids, houses and all the stuff making up our life at the time. Journey was background noise on the radio and we could not have told you we knew one song they recorded. Last night 2-20 at the Griffin Opera House you made Journey come alive with a fabulous performance. The fans who know you and the words which they all know lit the venue up in a high energy fashion that was great to be a part of. The best compliment I can give you is the, for those of us in our late 70s, you are more than a tribute band, you’re a time machine to our youth. Thanks and the best to you all. ps it goes without saying you are all fabulous musicians.

Departure puts heart and honor in their performance. I could close my eyes and ( no, not go to sleep) experience the music just like I did when I first heard it years ago. You leave their concert with your soul touched, feeling the good vibes from the past and wanting more. Truly a tribute.

My wife and I were expecting mediocrity, boy were we wrong! It felt like we were back in the 80’s with the original journey.

Great entertainers, great musicians, and Brian‘s voice is Steve Perry!

We saw them in Bay st louis miss last weekend. They were amazing. Enjoyed every minute of the show.

My wife and I have seen Departure several times. They’ve always been great!

Very talented band members, great sound, great show! An exceptional representation of Journey’s music!

Top notch tribute! Great sound, great vocals, band was really tight and very engaged with the crowd. Lots of fun! Guitarist was perfect! Bass player handled an equipment failure with lots of poise.

For the 3rd year we came out to see the show at Smoky Mountain and this was the best year yet! Even with your keyboard player in recovery (he was missed and prayers for his healing) your show was amazing. Audience participation was half the fun! You are such talented musicians playing a great part of the soundtrack to my life. The fact you have done it for so much longer than Journey was actually able to do so is a tribute to your dedication professionalism and talent. Brian, the first time I saw you sing I was in absolute awe and last night you blew that away. Such a gift, such a powerful voice, such a presence on stage. We enjoyed meeting you all after. My sister, my friend and I are all loyal fans. Please come again. Did you notice the audience is getting younger? I’m not but it was fun to see. Congratulations on 18 years.

Graduated high school in 1973. Weekends were all about music and dancing and partying! Now that I’ve retired and raised my daughter I’m living those 70’s days again and love it! Departure is the good music and entertainment of my teen and early 20’s days! Awesome band! I’ve seen them twice and will definitely go see them again! Come back to Hartwell soon!!

I can say without hesitation that Departure is hands-down my favorite tribute band. I’ve followed them to many years, many shows, and each time I leave on such a high that I can’t stop talking about how incredible they are.

Every single member of the band is extremely talented — their passion, energy, and musicianship shine through in every song. From the soaring vocals to the spot-on instrumentals, they capture the magic of Journey in a way that makes you feel like you’re experiencing the real thing.

The atmosphere they create is electric. The audience sings along, the energy is contagious, and you leave the show feeling uplifted, inspired, and grateful for the experience.

If you’ve never seen Departure live, do yourself a favor and go. You won’t just be hearing music — you’ll be part of an unforgettable night. Truly one of the best live tribute experiences out there!

P.S. Joel we are praying for you. You’ve got this!

Had so much fun! They play Journey every bit as good as Journey! A do not miss show 😊❤️

Have seen the boyz at Daryl’s House on multiple occasions and they never disappoint. They crushed it this last time as well. They ARE the total Journey experience. Table 17 will be ready to buy you a drink again on your next visit. Cheers!!

we saw them in wilmington,nc they were awsome!

This band was at Oak Island last night & boy did they have us rocking!!! The best I have ever heard. The crowd was loving it. The band engaged with the audience and just pulled everyone in. Every member of the band was awesome!! I saw them at the House of Blues in Myrtle Beach, SC several years ago & they were great. I will definitely go see them again!!

Really good cover band. Lead singer has a great voice and the rest of the band is great also. Not sure I could tell the difference between Journey and Departure.

Amazing Journey tribute band! The band members are high energy and very engaging with the crowd. Their talent is amazing both vocal and instrumental. I enjoyed their concert so much that I went back the next evening to see them again! Great Band! Can’t wait to see them again!

One of the best cover bands I’ve ever attended! Great show in Carrollton Ga tonight !

This is by far the best Journey Cover I have every heard. I waited 4 years for them to come back. They did not disappoint. It was a Free concert but would have paid for that show.

Enjoy them as often as you can. Great musicians and entertainers.

Come back to Wilmington, NC!!!

I’ve been a Journey fan for as long as I can remember and I just saw Departure for the second time this past week in Gainesville, Georgia!!! After the show, the entire band signed a set list that was given to me by Doug and they all talked and shared stories. I cannot wait to see them again, I am certainly a lifelong fan from here on out!!!!!

Every year look forward to your concert here in Wilmington on the water. Best Journey cover band bar none!!!!

Please come back for 2025!!!!!

I saw Departure when they came to Moultrie, GA in April! They were amazing! The lead singer sounds just like Steve Perry! Great show, I hope they come back south of Macon sometime!!

I was working, not near the stage but I heard most of their sets on Saturday, it was uncanny. The vocals, guitar, drums, it was like I was at a Journey concert at a small venue in north Georgia — this crew could play Vegas. They’re amazing musicians. Some attendees were more familiar with the music than others but people of all ages were watching the show, enjoying it.

Saw them in Greensboro, Ga. At the Festival Hall. Excellent performance! Vocals/guitars/ drums were superb!

I absolutely love this band. My birthday is next week and I was hoping for them to be back at the furniture factory in Huntsville, AL but until then I’ll be watching the tour dates to see when they’re coming back. I’m turning 30 so I didn’t get to see Journey in concert but Departures performance makes you feel that!

As ALWAYS…the 5/2 show at Boatyard was awesome!! You guys KILL it EVERYTIME!! I fly up from Ft Lauderdale whenever y’all play there!!! Please bring that talent down here!!

Saw you in Moultrie GA. Tonite. Can’t tell you how much I enjoyed you all. You guys were spot on. Felt like I was attending a Journey concert in the 70’s. I really enjoyed it. Keep up the good music . I will be watching to see when your in our area again. Really appreciated the lead singer letting me take 2 pictures with him. Sorry i interrupted your break, but you were so nice and let us get it. Be safe on your travels. Excellent Band, took me back to my teens in the 70’s.

Just watched them play at the Downtown Dublin Theatre, and they blew it away. They played all the Journey hits just perfect and the energy the play is all in.

Best Journey tribute band and it’s not even close! All the guys are a pleasure to be around and are very gracious with their time! We’ve seen over 10 shows, and will see many more!

I been a Journey fan since 78. These guys are the closest I have seen. All great players. Really into the music and the fun. Brian easily has better pipes that Arnel. Really not trying to knock Arnel. But…. But credit where credit is due thanks

Wow! My third time seeing this incredible band. Their performance is amazing! Incredible musical talent, entertaining and just draws the crowd in! I always want to be upfront! My husband and I took my son and stepson to the windjammer for the outdoor concert. Everyone in the audience was smiling joyful and united loving the sounds. My son is 14 and a young musician. He was amazed with these guys. Afterward a few of them took time to talk to him. Really inspirational! We just got home and he’s looking for songs to play on the keyboard! Thanks so much! My stepson was smiling ear to ear also. We may have to follow these guys around!

Saw them last night at wedowee marine south. They were awesome! Great show

One of the BEST tribute bands I have ever seen. Just excellent!

I’ve been a huge Journey fan as long as I can remember, and Departure is the best!!! I’ve never heard such an authentic tribute band…. I’ve seen them twice and can’t wait to see them again. Saw them tonight at Daryl’s House, sooo incredible! I wish they came to NY more often!!

My wife and I truly enjoyed last night’s Departure performance of Journey hits. Departure is the best tribute band that we have ever seen. Each band member truly gave 100% from beginning through the encore. Steve Perry and his co- band members could not have sounded any better. Thank you for such a great performance, for you truly seem to be enjoying yourselves on stage exhibiting your terrific talents. Come back to Sarasota (Riverview HS) next year, and we will be there. Tom M

Departure Tribute band for Journey was spectacular last night in Sarasota. Their sound is spot on and their showmanship is very entertaining. They are all so talented and brought us a great night of good music and fun. Brought back some great memories of our “younger” days.

Amazing from start to finish. Never seen so many people on their feet & rocking out here in Sarasota!! Bravo!

I was really awestruck by Brian Williams voice! He was just incredible. The whole band was incredible.

My wife and I have seen Departure 4 times. The entire band does a phenomenal job at bringing back the memories of Journey and their amazing music. We always love how they take a moment during each performance to honor our U.S. Military and First Responders. Keep Rocking Guys!

Coming from a musician, Departure brings the music every time! I have heard MANY tribute bands and trying to duplicate a voice (properly) like Perry is near impossible. If you close your eyes during the performance, you will be amazed. Words can’t properly do this review justice. This is a MUST see if you are a Journey fan. Quite frankly, I am surprised that the Lead vocalist wasnt tapped on the shoulder to replace Perry. Don’t miss this one.

Great fun and awesome musician’s! These guys rock and their sound is authentic with a vocalist that matches the band in power and authenticity.

Have seen Departure 3 times and they always ROCK!

Thanks for the great concert in Chattanooga 1/4/25.

Did not disappoint again! True performers with real talent and each one is easy on the eyes too. 17 yrs together and it shows with ability to read each other. Brian has that high range like Perry did back in the day-great vocals, Joel strong on keys 🎹, Jason is phenomenal on guitar, Chris tearing it up on drums, and Doug on bass with his yoga moves. 😊 Such a fun and entertaining night to share with friends.

Just had the opportunity to witness departure live . Outstanding vocals, guitar and drum. The very Best Journey cover ever. Phenomenal onstage performance that Rocked! Thank you Departure.

Departure was fantastic!! Thank you for sharing your God-given talents with us in this small city! I highly recommend you see them if you can!!

The best band hands down!!! I go see them every time they play at Southern Roots.

Your epic performance #1300 in Franklin NC Smokey Mtn. Theater was absolutely amazing. In my opinion equal to, maybe better, than original Journey. Already looking forward to your return next year. Keep up the great shows.

There are times when you close your eyes and smell something that takes you back to your youth. I am 63 years old, and I grew up with Journey. I even help set up for Journey in the 1983. I have been to 4 of Departure’s concerts and I have not been disappointed at any of them. I talked to Brian, and this is what I told him: I sit in the audience and at any moment I can close my eyes; it isn’t Departure I am hearing on stage; It’s Journey! Gentlemen, congratulations on 17 wonderful years, and wish you all the best. I am looking forward to next year.

This was our 4th time seeing you and all times have been phenomenal. I am in awe at what an excellent show you put on. Best sound, great energy, and just so entertaining. Can’t wait to see you again. Thank you for putting on such an excellent show.

Man I have seen Steve Perry 3 times with Journey back in the day you guy’s Rock took me way back listening to you yall for a great 70 birthday gift from my wife Rock On please come back 👍