Pulling the plug… literally.
The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo did not have an ideal start to the weekend this past Friday night after technical difficulties.
However, as difficulties arose, mid-performance attendees were saddened as their performance was cut short. During their “Don’t Stop Believing” performance, frontman Arnel Pineda’s microphone cut out, leaving fans confused about why the song cut out mid-chorus. The frontman’s lack of leadership did not keep the fans from continuing with the song. However, at that moment, it turned from a full rock band performance to a cappella performance.
@jennamcat Don’t stop believing 🎶 in electricity!!!!! #journey #rodeohouston ♬ original sound – Jennamcat
After a few minutes of trying to identify what caused the power outage, it was determined that it was caused by an electrical fire under the stage. The officials canceled the remainder of the show to keep Journey and the attendees safe.
“Due to an unforeseen electrical incident under the stage area, we regretfully announce the cancelation of tonight’s Journey concert.
We sincerely apologize to all fans for this disappointment. Our team is working diligently to assess the situation, and we will provide updates regarding rescheduling options and refunds as soon as possible.”
RodeoHouston posted on their Twitter (X) account.
— RODEOHOUSTON (@RODEOHOUSTON) March 15, 2025
Of course, with this announcement, many fans were upset that their concert experience was cut short—especially those who traveled from out of town to the famed rodeo and concert series. Given that fans still were able to see the rodeo experience and a few of the band’s songs were performed, RodeoHouston has yet to comment on whether fans will get a refund.
Southwest airlines, now Houston Rodeo.
— Bobby (@TheBobbbyBriggs) March 15, 2025
Six of us traveled from Oregon and purchased tickets from a third party. Airfare, airbnb and rodeo tickets. Lots of money spent to see Journey.
— Julie Marr (@juliemarr) March 15, 2025
No way I’ll get refunded completely for my tickets if at all, but more than that, took away an experience I’ve been waiting for.
— Sarah (@Tiogar) March 15, 2025
Band member Neal Schon posted on Instagram that he felt bad they had to cut the performance short, but he noted the severity of the fire and said they were rushed off the stage to safety.
“Last night at Houston TX Rodeo we had an amazing overly packed house of 79-80 thousand fans that showed up to see us!! The only unfortunate thing was that after getting off to a slamming start the rodeo had an electrical failure and fire broke out under the stage.
Thank you Houston for singing ‘Don’t Stop Believin’ before we were rushed off the stage because of an electrical fire and were not able to return. I felt terrible for our fans and offered to play tonight and make it up to y’all but they were not able to make it happen so until next time”
It sounds like it could have been bad if they had tried to power through, and RodeoHouston made that call for the safety of their attendees and performers.
While some fans were upset with this performance, other fans on TikTok saw the moment the power went out in a more positive light. With fans continuing to sing with their chests, many TikTok users saw the moment as magic. Comments on a viral video all posted about how cool it was hearing the power of the 70 thousand attendees, filling the quiet stadium with the lyrics of the famed track.
Although this was not the night some fans hoped for, this group of social media users saw a positive side to this unfortunate situation.
@jennamcat Replying to @Jennamcat journey concert tonight at @RODEOHOUSTON #rodeohouston #hslr ♬ original sound – Jennamcat
Check out some of the comments while you’re here.
“Someone said, ‘Dang, they finally stopped believing.'”
“Honestly, the timing of the cutout, being in the audience with boomers and millennials who appreciate the rodeo, singing their hearts out, was awesome.”
“Journey had to be proud of the fans.”
“Maybe the fire is the journey and friends we made along the way.”
“Way to keep the song going… Great job, H-town!!”
“We were there too, and as bummed as everyone was, I think the 70+ thousand people handled it pretty well.”
“We were all singing a capella, thinking it was a part of the show.”
“I hope y’all got a free turkey leg for the inconvenience.”
“My mom was there and she showed us how smoky it got. It was crazy.”
“We were there, and it was sad, but the rodeo handled it well. So sad leaving and hearing such mad people demanding money. I mean, just imagine if it broke out in a huge fire and the amount of people!”
“It was an amazing thing to hear all those people singing. The band was actually still playing for a minute after the power went out.”
