Chicago, IL -- Although the 1980s rock band Journey has long been slagged by critics, they're finally journeying toward critical respectability.

That's what guitarist Neil Schon has noticed in recent years as the band has "started to play the arenas instead of the stadiums."

Now, snooty critics who once turned their nose at ballads like "Open Arms" and "Foolish Hearts" are praising the band for their classic songs.

Schon says he never understood why Journey got so much flack in the first place but says the newfound respect is "better late than never."

However, critical acclaim has its price. Schon says women used to make up 80 percent of the audience at Journey concerts but "now it's 50 percent men."

Journey is currently touring the U.S. behind their latest recording, "Red 13."

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