Band's greatest hits revisited with Absolute Journey Tribute show at casino

Fans of the band Journey will have the opportunity to hear many of its greatest hits at the Absolute Journey Tribute show Aug. 15 at Isle Casino Cape Girardeau.

Absolute Journey will perform two shows, at 6 and 8 p.m.

The Tribute's lead singer, Riccardo Curzi, is a dead ringer for Journey's lead singer, Steve Perry, in his younger days.

"People were always telling me that I sounded like [Steve Perry]," he said.

The band was formed in February 2014, and by April, it had started performing.

Riccardo Curzi, lead singer of the Absolute Journey Tribute band, is said to have the appearance and sound of Journey's Steve Perry. (Submitted photo)

Curzi, who also acts as band manager, said business has been good.

"So far, it's been going great," Curzi said. "It's been an exciting ride."

The Italian-born singer came to the United States in 2010, and although he has a distinct accent, when he is singing, the accent disappears, and he sounds like Perry did in Journey's heyday.

The other band members -- Sean Spicer, lead guitar and background vocals; Paul Ross, bass guitar and background vocals; drummer Jeff Salem; and Kevin Wideman, keyboard, rhythm guitar and background vocals -- are Canadian.

Curzi said so far, the band has played more frequently in the U.S. than in Canada.

Riccardo Curzi, lead singer of the Absolute Journey Tribute band, is said to have the appearance and sound of Journey's Steve Perry. (Submitted photo)

Curzi, 34 -- the age of Perry at the height of his career -- said he started singing several years ago and joined a garage band at the urging of a friend.

He described himself as extremely shy, and at one time couldn't imagine singing on stage, but the same friend who urged him to join the band pushed him toward a musical career when he heard a spot as a lead singer was available in a band that performed regionally.

After he began performing Perry's music, Curzi said he reached a point where he felt he had crossed a line from simply emulating Perry's voice to becoming a true tribute singer.

"It's when you become more natural, and you don't have to pretend to be the character or his voice," Curzi said.

The self-taught singer said he constantly is evaluating himself and his limits.

This is Absolute Journey's first trip to Missouri.

"We're really excited," Curzi said of the upcoming performances. "This is the type place we've been working hard to get into."

Concertgoers can count on hearing some of their favorite Journey songs, including its biggest hit -- "Don't Stop Believing" -- as well as "Open Arms," which Curzi described as the biggest power ballad in the history of rock, as well as "When You Love a Woman," which Perry never sang during a live performance.

"We never end before we play the big hits everybody wants to hear," Curzi said.

The show includes a mix of old and new songs.

General admission tickets to the show are $15.

Tickets may be purchased at cape-girardeau.isleofcapricasinos.com and be picked up the day of the show at 3 p.m. at will call. Doors will open at 5 p.m. for the 6 p.m. show and at 7:30 p.m. for the 8 p.m. show.

Pertinent address:

777 Main St., Cape Girardeau, Mo.