Iconic rock band Journey was forced to cut short a sold-out performance at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo after an unexpected electrical fire under the stage caused their sound system to fail in the middle of their set, bringing their show to an abrupt halt. The incident occurred during what should have been one of the most electrifying moments of the night, the opening lines of the band’s signature song “Don’t Stop Believin’.”
On March 14, 2025, Journey took the stage at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas, as part of their ongoing tour. As they reached the first chorus of “Don’t Stop Believin’,” fans were singing along loudly when the band’s sound suddenly cut out and the massive screens went dark. Videos captured by attendees and shared on social media showed lead vocalist Arnel Pineda still singing into his microphone, unaware at first that the audio had disappeared.
Shortly afterward, an announcer informed the crowd that an electrical fire under the stage had caused the malfunction and that the show could not continue. With no power or audio, the band had no choice but to leave the stage and cancel the remainder of the concert. Fans, undeterred, continued the song a cappella, belting out “It goes on and on and on and on,” fittingly echoing the lyrics of the band’s enduring anthem.
Journey’s founding guitarist Neal Schon later took to social media to thank the audience for their enthusiasm and to express his regret over the cancellation. In an Instagram post, he wrote that the Houston crowd numbered around 79,000 to 80,000 people, and that despite the powerful start to the show, the electrical failure and fire forced officials to rush the band off the stage for safety reasons. He also noted that while he offered to return the following night to make up for the disruption, it wasn’t feasible for the rodeo’s schedule.
The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo organization also released a statement on social media confirming the cancellation due to the “unforeseen electrical incident under the stage area” and apologizing to fans for the disappointment. They said they were working to assess the situation and would provide updates on rescheduling options or refunds for ticket holders.
Local news outlets at the venue reported that stagehands were seen inspecting the area with fire extinguishers near the drum kit after the performance ended. While no injuries have been reported, the unexpected turn of events left many in the crowd stunned. Some spectators expressed frustration online, while others were thankful that the situation was handled safely and that no one appeared to be hurt.
For many fans, the abrupt ending of the Houston concert, stopped mid-anthem, was a surreal twist on what had been a highly anticipated live rock experience. “Don’t Stop Believin’,” a song originally released in 1981 and widely recognized as Journey’s biggest hit, has become a cultural touchstone remembered for its enduring optimism and sing-along energy.
As the rodeo resumed other scheduled events following the incident and organizers prepared refunds or donation options for ticket holders, Journey and their supporters will undoubtedly look back on the night as a dramatic reminder of the unpredictable nature of live performances — and the way music can bring thousands together, even when the amps go silent.
