I hated it that he was not there, too, but we did go see Foreigner a few years ago, and we really enjoyed it. High School memories... I figure if I can listen to my albums with none of them there, I can enjoy a concert with one or two missing... Journey is the same way, but we still enjoyed the concert. Boston? Fantastic concert. Queen would be a little different, I think. I saw Freddy twice in the late 70’s and early 80’s, and both times, it was fantastic. I don’t know if I would go again...
We’ve seen a lot of geezers in the last few years, and have never been disappointed. (But some of the really high notes are gone!)
You’re right, nothing will replace the greatness of those albums and the artists that made them. Watching them live (same roster or not) is still a good experience).
I saw a lot of great bands live during some of their peak and up and coming years, especially during the 80’s and 90’s. I’m probably subconsciously wanting them to go back in time with me to re-live it.