SANTA CLARA, Calif. — It was halftime at Levi’s Stadium, the score 24–7 in favor of the Detroit Lions, and the mood about as dismal as one could imagine. The stadium rocked to its foundation for the player intros and that was basically the last thing 49ers were able to cheer for the rest of the first half. To say there wasn’t much “Believin'” going on would be a more than a modest understatement.

Bay Area Rock and Roll Hall of Famers Journey were left with the unenviable task of revving up a crowd that was in disbelief about what it had witnessed on the field the prior 30 minutes.

Journey didn’t play on the field. Instead, Neal Schon, Jonathan Cain and company got set up on a concourse stage adjacent to the famed foghorn that rings in the opening kick off of the game. The band took the stage and played a trio of hits: “Separate Ways (Worlds Apart),” “Any Way You Want It” and of course, “Don’t Stop Believin’.”

Journey performs during halftime of the NFL playoff game between the San Francisco 49ers and Detroit Lions at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif., on Jan. 28, 2024.

It delivered a shot of energy and injected life into a fan base looking for some kind of positive. Vocalist Arnel Pineda was crisp and clear on his vocals.

That performance foreshadowed a historic and improbable comeback to send the 49ers to the Super Bowl. The team returned to the field and, slowly but surely. On the strength of a superhero performance by quarterback Brock Purdy, fans really did start “believin'” again.

Of course, the Journey anthem has a memorable line about South Detroit. But given the 49ers’ opponent, the lyric was temporarily changed to “San Francisco” for the day.”

Fans of Journey not attending the game likely grumbled that the performance was not aired on the FOX national broadcast. But inside the stadium, it was a singular moment for thousands of 49er Faithful to reenergize and get back into what would be an unforgettable finish. It was a musical medicine they needed at the time.

Journey performs during halftime of the NFL playoff game between the San Francisco 49ers and Detroit Lions at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif., on Jan. 28, 2024.

Journey wasn’t the only musical act performing at the game. Puerto Rican superstar Luis Fonsi tackled the national anthem as fireworks exploded and four jets flew overhead. Country artist Nate Smith also rocked the stage in the moments before the 49ers took the field. A 49ers fan himself and hailing from Paradise, Smith reveled in the moment.

“I’ve been a Niner fan my whole life and my dad, my sister and my brother are all here right now,” Smith said in the moments before his performance. “It’s a really special moment because we’ve never been all together as a family at a a game, so to be at this specific game and performing—it’s wild.”

The Lions also had a prominent musical fan at the game, rapper Eminem. Fans flooded social media of him getting into it with 49ers fans, offering up some spirited gestures during the game.

The connection between Journey and the 49ers success wasn’t lost on fans taking in the game, some jokingly suggesting the group become the team’s house band to fuel them to future victories.

Follow writer Mike DeWald at Twitter.com/mike_dewald.