Bad English in Concert Proves Worth the Waite

Just when the rock world seemed safe from the cloying pretensions of such former mainstream heroes as Journey, the new Bad English band--boasting ex-Journeymen Neal Schon and Jonathan Cain--shows up.

In some ways, this group, which performed Friday at the Hollywood Palladium, is Journey reincarnated with its slick, safe, romantic pop-rock.

Based on the album “Bad English,” which has only a few quality songs and not much energy, you’d expect a snoozer of a concert. But surprise: Bad English wasn’t bad live, infusing much of the material--including “When I See You Smile” and other songs that seem lame on record--with a metal-like energy.

This robust, pounding edge helped offset some of the group’s tiresome solos and general aloofness.

Lead singer John Waite, from the Babys, deserves much of the credit. Normally a wimpy vocalist, he sang with unexpected power and convincing emotion.