E5C4P3, dubbed as one of the premier Journey tribute bands in the country, delivered an electrifying performance at The King of Clubs in Columbus, Ohio, the band’s first of four December shows, leaving the packed venue buzzing with 80’s nostalgia. From the first note of “Only The Young” to the final chords of “Wheel In The Sky” the band captured the spirit and sound of Journey with remarkable precision.

As I stated in an article from last year, Tribute bands are musical acts that perform songs of a particular artist or band, often imitating their style, appearance, and sound. These differ from cover bands, who perform songs of various artists, mostly in their own style.

E5C4P3, (pronounced, Escape, after Journey’s iconic 1981 album of the same name), proved their prowess in this genre with note for note renditions of the hits you’d expect to hear from a Journey tribute.

Founded in 1993, E5C4P3 has cycled through numerous band members landing on the current lineup of Jason Kelty whose uncanny ability to channel Steve Perry’s soaring tenor was surely a highlight of the evening. Kelty’s vocal range and delivery had the audience singing along and swaying to every Journey power ballad and rock anthem from start to finish. Guitarist George McGrew, provided air guitar-worthy solos that echoed Neal Schon’s iconic style, while Erney Chaney, Keys; Paul Soos, Bass; and Billy Jones, Drums anchored the solid rhythm section.

Throughout the evening, fans sang along to well known Journey hits like “Lights,” “Lovin’, Touchin’, Squeezin’,” “Feeling That Way,” and of course “Don’t Stop Believin’.” Die hard Journey-heads were treated as well to Steve Perry solo smash, “Oh Sherrie.”

I spoke with a few fans about what drew them to experience E5C4P3 and as a fan of Journey, what makes E5C4P3 unique compared to other tribute bands they have seen? One fan told me “these guys are every bit as good as Journey, and if you think about, Journey’s pretty much a tribute band itself these days.” Another claimed to have seen E5C4P3 4 times and thinks they’re the best there is in this genre. Collectively, they shared that they just love 80’s music and what better way to get your fill of that than a Journey band!!

The King of Clubs, known for its intimate yet vibrant atmosphere, proved to be the perfect venue for the band. The great sound system and dynamic lighting enhanced the band’s performance, creating a sensory experience that drew the audience even deeper into the music. Columbus radio’s QFM96 Battle of the Bands runner up, 50 Steps Up, opened the show with an hour’s worth of driving 70’s, 80’s and 90’s covers that primed the crowd for E5C4P3’s two-hour set.

E5C4P3’s attention to detail and passion for Journey’s music make them a must-see act for any classic rock fan. Their Columbus show was more than a tribute—it was a celebration of a band that defined a generation. The band maintains a rigorous tour schedule playing 50 or more shows a year in venues small and large. Many of the tour stops find the band in Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, New York, and Pennsylvania. If you missed this opportunity, the band will visit Cincinnati and Canton, as well as Titusville, PA before year-end. You can get details for these shows and their upcoming January dates on their tour page.