LI tribute band singer performs with Journey in Japan
Hugo Valenti, seen performing with Journey tribute band Voyager in an undated photo. Credit: Voyage/Voyage
Journey tribute singer Hugo Valenti, of Islip, took the stage with the real Journey twice in Japan during two of the band's recent shows. Valenti, who headlines the Patchogue Theatre for the Performing Arts on Saturday at 8 p.m. with his band HUGO — The Ultimate Journey Tribute, sang the rockers' 1983 hit ballad, "Faithfully," in Fukuoka on Aug. 29. He returned to the stage in Tokyo on Sept. 1 to croon "Faithfully" again as well as "Keep on Runnin’," a fan favorite from Journey’s 1981’s album, "Escape."
Upon returning home, Valenti posted a video message to his fans on Facebook.
"Hey everyone, Hugo here. A big thank you to everyone out there who was checking in. We just landed from Japan. So happy to hop onstage with my friends in Journey," Valenti said in the video clip. "We had a great, great time. They are just the absolute best. Hopping up there to sing a few songs was so cool. We had a rough first night without a soundcheck but it was OK the second night in Tokyo, just knocked it out of the park. I’m glad we did it and we’ll see you guys soon. Thanks for everything."
Valenti started in the Journey tribute band Voyage in 2005 then branched out with his own. When Journey was looking to replace former lead singer Steve Perry in the late ’90s, Valenti was a serious candidate. However, he lost the job to singer Steve Augeri (Tall Stories), with Journey guitarist Neal Schon claiming Valenti looked too much like Perry. "I thought that was a little too weird!" Schon told melodicrock.com in 2003.
Journey is bringing its "Final Frontier Tour" to Nassau Coliseum on Nov. 7. Will Valenti get behind the mic on his home turf? Don’t stop believin’.
David J. Criblez is a reporter for Newsday's exploreLI, covering entertainment-related events from local music to stand-up comedy to festivals.
