arnel pineda removed from journey

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Neal Schon Finally Speaks Up About Replacing Arnel Pineda

via Music Mad / Youtube

The future of Journey has been clouded by uncertainty ever since Arnel Pineda, the band’s Filipino vocalist, spoke out against racist remarks and pledged to keep singing, even if it meant parting ways with the iconic group.

Now, guitarist and founding member Neal Schon has stepped into the spotlight, aiming to silence the deafening rumor mill surrounding Pineda’s potential exit. 

Schon’s intervention comes at a crucial juncture, following Pineda’s heartfelt address that resonated deeply with fans and ignited discussions about inclusivity and respect within the music industry.

With tensions simmering and fans eagerly awaiting answers, Schon’s voice holds the potential to either soothe anxieties or exacerbate the drama. 

Arnel Pineda (left) and Neal Schon of Journey – the Classic West concert; Dodger Stadium; Los Angeles, CA (7-16-17). @NealSchonMusic @arnelpineda @JourneyOfficial Photo: Jeff Bliss https://t.co/XkblC3Lvm9 pic.twitter.com/yQrL7uYGQt — JCBliss (@JCBliss) July 31, 2020

“We are better than ever!”

Journey’s guitarist and founding member, Neal Schon, has shut down rumors circulating online about Arnel Pineda’s potential departure from the band. In a fiery Facebook post, he denounced “idiotic, relentless rag mag bulls**t articles” and emphasized that the band “are better than ever!”

Schon’s message serves as a much-needed dose of clarity for fans concerned about the band’s future. He reaffirmed their commitment to each other and expressed excitement for their upcoming tour, starting February 9th. This news comes after Pineda’s recent statement about facing racism and his dedication to continuing his music journey, regardless of the band.

Journey’s 2024 promises to be packed with action. Not only will they embark on their own tour, but they’ll also reunite with rock legends Def Leppard for a summer stadium tour, building on their successful collaborations from the past.

With Schon’s statement and the upcoming shows, it’s clear that Journey is ready to rock on, silencing doubts and fueling anticipation for their next chapter.

Neal Schon on Journey’s ‘New Strut,’ Possible Arnel Pineda Biopic, and His New Solo LP https://t.co/Lt39dAPgTe #Music #MusicFeatures pic.twitter.com/HNbgbJal27 — Siglov Freudivan (@DerangedRadio) January 7, 2021

“I won’t stop singing with or without Journey”

Pineda has faced a barrage of negativity since joining the band in 2007. His Asian heritage, coupled with the iconic band’s predominantly white lineup, sparked a wave of racism and doubt from some fans. However, Pineda refuses to be silenced.

In a recent Instagram post, Pineda addressed his critics head-on, calling out “bashers, foes, racists, bigots, haters,” and declaring: “No matter what or how you will name me, I won’t stop singing with or without Journey… It’s in my blood…”

His message resonated with many, highlighting his unwavering passion for music and his determination to overcome prejudice. He acknowledges his desire for a better life and recognition but emphasizes that being part of Journey was never a calculated move, but rather a dream come true.

Pineda’s defiant stance speaks volumes about his character and talent. Whether it’s “fate, destiny, divine intervention, or pure luck,” his journey with Journey is an inspiration to anyone facing discrimination or doubt. 

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by arnel c. pineda (@arnelpineda2007)

The Filipino vocalist remained humble and forgiving

Against the backdrop of John Lennon’s “Love”, Pineda continued addressing his detractors, offering an apology for any perceived pain while emphasizing his unwavering belief in unity and forgiveness. His poignant message, echoing Lennon’s call for peace and love, highlighted his resilience in the face of prejudice.

This spirit of acceptance wasn’t confined to Pineda’s own words. The band members themselves, along with their legendary former vocalist, Steve Perry, had extended a warm welcome to the Filipino singer.

Perry’s public acknowledgment of Pineda during the 2017 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony symbolized the band’s embrace of their new frontman. Even Pineda’s predecessor, describing their first encounter, spoke of it as a “glorious moment”.

This chorus of acceptance stands in stark contrast to the negativity Pineda faced. It serves as a powerful reminder that even in the face of adversity, true talent and genuine connection can find a welcoming haven.

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Journey frontman Arnel Pineda breaks silence over band feud

Lead singer of American rock band Journey , Arnel Piñeda , can no longer hold back from talking about the feud between two of his bandmates that broke out earlier this year and became public.

Tension continues to brew within the band up to now amidst Journey's ongoing 50th anniversary Freedom tour , fueled further by misleading reports spreading like wildfire across social media.

Arnel, who is not involved in the legal financial dispute between guitarist Neal Schön and keyboardist Jonathan Cain , found himself caught up in another issue after the Facebook post of Neal's wife Michaele Sch ön made the rounds online.

She shared (published as is), "TWO BAND MEMBERS of the Journey current LINE UP ARE 'adamant NO' against Gregg Rolie to return.

"Neal Schön and Gregg ROLIE will be somewhere Together at least one time this Year in Honor of what they began in 1972 .

"Faith, let’s ask God to find a way for them. let’s pray for forgiveness for those who hurt Gregg ROLIE and hope they learn what spirituality is someday .We all love you !!"

After the post went viral, fans were prompted to theorize that the two band members opposing Gregg Rolie's return are Arnel and Jonathan.

Read also: Arnel Pineda reacts to those tagging him as "new voice" of Journey; earns praise from the band's fans

Airing his side for the first time, Arnel took to Twitter on January 13, 2023: "you people are unbelievable…

"whoever’s spreading rumor about me regarding the #GregRollie issue?are maliciously ignorant..im not gonna stoop down to your level.."

Then again on February 5, 2023, he dropped two posts addressing the negative press he continues to get to this day.

He wrote (published as is), "m with the band to sing the legacy..if some of them are tired of me being with them,with all means,they can fire me anytime..

"and don't lecture me about spiritual BS..#walkthetalk"

His follow-up tweet read: "all i know? is #ivepaidmydues so stop reminding me where i came from..coz it's in my heart everyday..

"you just don't pay attention..im not a slave..im a human being like anybody else..

"#wrongiswrong #rightisright that simple.."

In an attempt to quash the worsening band conflict, Arnel once again tweeted three days later on February 8, 2023: "so much hatred people..we're on the brink of WWIII..

"lets just spread LOVE...

"don't you think its better to die being loved that being hated? [heart emojis]"

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Arnel Pineda Leaving Journey? Frontman Says Group Can ‘Fire’ Him Anytime Amid Bandmates’ Feud

Journey is currently touring from to city to city to celebrate their 50th anniversary and even though they look civil while performing on stage, there are many issues that fans aren't aware of that are happening behind closed doors. More recently, Arnel Pineda seemingly expressed his true feelings amid the feud of his bandmates.

The current frontman's name wasn't involved in the issue until Neal Schon opened up about Gregg Rolie  joining them on tour last month.

The original plan didn't push through and the musician's wife, Michaele Schon, claimed that the reason behind it was because there were two band members in the current lineup that are "adamant no" with the idea.

m with the band to sing the legacy..if some of them are tired of me being with them,with all means,they can fire me anytime.. and don’t lecture me about spiritual BS.. #walkthetalk — Arnel Pineda (@arnelpineda) February 4, 2023

At the time, Pineda took to his official Twitter account  after receiving negative comments on social media as many fans believe that it was him and Jonathan Cain who were against with the idea of Rolie coming back to Journey.

"You people are unbelievable... whoever's spreading rumor about me regarding the #GregRollie  issue are maliciously ignorant..im not gonna stoop down to your level.." he wrote.

More recently, the frontman spoke out again, seemingly airing out his frustration about the issue of his bandmates without naming anyone, saying he's part of Journey to "sing the legacy."

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"If some of them are tired of me being with them,with all means,they can fire me anytime.. and don't lecture me about spiritual BS," he wrote .

Pineda later added another tweet, telling haters to stop reminding him where he came from because it's in his heart every day.

Following this, former frontman Jeff Scott Soto shared a positive message  for the vocalist, saying he doesn't owe anyone any explanation because he's a kind person and he should "stay the course" regardless of how many people wanted to break him down.

The recent tweet comes after Neal Schon sued  Jonathan Cain after claiming that he had been denied access to the band's financial records.

The musician alleged that his bandmate set up a credit card using Journey's name without asking for consent and millions of dollars "flowed through it."

Cain explained that the main reason behind his feud with Schon was because of his "reckless spending" and his allegations regarding the access to records were false.

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Journey Vocalist Shares Frustration Over Band Drama – ‘They Can Fire Me Anytime’

While Journey are currently on the road as part of their 50th anniversary celebration, things have not exactly been calm behind the scenes for a few months now. While the legal dispute between guitarist Neal Schon and keyboardist Jonathan Cain has made headlines, it now appears as though vocalist Arnel Pineda has grown frustrated with his treatment within the group as well.

Pineda's name has not really surfaced much during the financial dispute between Schon and Cain, but last month when Schon's push to bring original keyboardist Gregg Rolie back into the band was halted, a post from Schon's wife Michaele on their joint Facebook page revealed the inner workings of the band's discussion on the matter. "TWO BAND MEMBERS of the Journey current LINE UP ARE 'adamant NO' against  Gregg Rolie to return," stated the post at one point, later adding, "Neal Schön and Gregg ROLIE will be somewhere Together at least one time this Year in Honor of what they began in 1972 . Faith, let’s ask God to find a way for them. let’s pray for forgiveness for those who hurt Gregg ROLIE and hope they learn what spirituality is someday .We all love you !!"

That post appeared on Jan. 12, right after the death of Jeff Beck and posed with the commentary about how precious life is while pushing the idea of Rolie's return. Given that Cain and Pineda are the other two members of Journey, Pineda took to social media a day later after receiving comments inspired by the Schon posting. "You people are unbelievable…whoever’s spreading rumor about me regarding the #GregRollie issue are maliciously ignorant..im not gonna stoop down to your level," said the vocalist at the time.

Then, this past Saturday (Feb. 4), Pineda dropped a pair of tweets seemingly showing his frustration with the continued drama and his treatment within the group. "I'm with the band to sing the legacy," stated the vocalist. "If some of them are tired of me being with them, with all means, they can fire me anytime..and don’t lecture me about spiritual BS," stated the singer with the hashtag #walkthetalk.

After about 10 minutes, a second tweet followed, with Pineda venting, "All i know is #ivepaidmydues. So stop reminding me where i came from..coz it’s in my heart everyday..you just don’t pay attention..im not a slave..im a human being like anybody else..#wrongiswrong #rightisright that simple."

Among those commenting on Pineda's second tweet was Jeff Scott Soto , one of Journey's former frontmen, who offered some words of encouragement to the singer. "You have NOTHING or NO ONE to answer to brother, you're a kind, gentle and huge heart with a huge talent to match, it's the age old crap when you achieve success and happiness, there are many who want to break you down! Stay the course, YOUR course, I'm proud to be your friend," said the vocalist.

Journey's 50th anniversary tour has continued on with the band most recently performing Sunday night (Feb. 5) in Charlottesville, Virginia. Their next show takes place tonight (Feb. 8) in Savannah, Georgia.

Meanwhile, Schon's Facebook page has been teasing "a special surprise" for the band's Feb. 22 date at Moody Center in Austin, Texas. Get your tickets to see Journey here .

25 Nastiest Rock Feuds

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Journey singer Arnel Pineda on fronting his favorite band

The 54-year-old Pineda, who has taken over for Steve Perry with the Rock & Roll Hall of Famers, is tearing up Las Vegas as Journey wraps up an eight-show residency.

S imilar to that famous song, Arnel Pineda’s fairy tale goes on, and on, and on, and on …

The Journey singer, who has taken over Steve Perry’s former domain, is tearing up Las Vegas. The band is entering its second and final weekend of an eight-show residency at the Theater at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas. Journey performs at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Next up is a Dec. 18 date at the Colosseum at Caesars Palace.

As rock fans are readily aware, Pineda grew up impoverished in Manila. As he says, “I sang my way out of poverty,” first from the streets and then landing a spot in local rock cover bands in his early teens.

Pineda was able to eat, but he never imagined rock stardom.

But in 2007, guitar great Neal Schon caught a YouTube video of Pineda and his band, The Zoo. The singer’s life changed immediately. Within months, he was singing for 20,000 fans at the Viña del Mar International Song Festival in Chile.

The 54-year-old Pineda took time from his vocal warmup (keeping the humidifier humming throughout) at the Theater to talk of his rise to fame:

Johnny Kats : Do you look around you and wonder “How did I get here?”

Arnel Pineda: (Laughs.) Yeah, no kidding. I’ve been with them for 14 years now, and I still do. But I’m still remembering the day Neal called me in and said that I am in the band. It was Dec. 5, 2007, at the Hilton hotel in Healdsburg, California. That was when I became a member of Journey.

What was that first show in Chile like for you?

I was nervous, scared. They were nervous. We were all nervous. There were thousands of people, and it was broadcast all over Latin America. But I was just telling myself, psyching myself up, “I can do this. I need to do this right.” But I also thought, “What’s the worst that could happen?”

You had one show with Journey, guaranteed, right?

Yes, I mean, you’ve only been dreaming to be with this band, even for one song. And now you’re doing the whole thing, the whole set. So, even if you fail, you have four, five good songs you’ve performed with them out there onstage. I’m already happy, like, fulfilled if that happens.

You have cover band cred then, right?

True! And then I can go back to the Philippines, and I can brag about it forever and ever. You know what I mean? Like a kid, you know, it was like that. It was not about fame and fortune. It’s about me being a big fan and being grateful to have this magical moment.

You have talked about being homeless in the Philippines as a kid. You still often think about that period of your life?

Of course. I am a parent now. I am a father now to my kids. I don’t want them to go through what I went through, because it was bad. I mean, no kids in the world should deserve a life like that.

What was life like in those days?

Oh, my God. Imagine you’re living in a space about 20 square feet, and you have six kids, and you’re squatting on a riverside, which is so dirty and so polluted you can’t drink. There is a hole where you open up a piece of wood and go to the bathroom, and that’s it. When you all need to sleep, you just get out a very thin, like, mattress to sleep on, all six of you.

It happens everywhere, doesn’t it?

It’s not only happening in the Philippines, certainly. It’s happening all over the world. This is why I have my foundation (Arnel Pineda Foundation Inc.) to help these little angels. It is one thing for adults to suffer, but don’t bring these little angels into it.

How did you become a singer?

When I was 5 years old I was hearing (sings) “Great balls of fire!” and “Go, Johnny, go!” Then it was the mighty Beatles. Then there was a transition when I heard the Jackson 5 and Michael Jackson, his voice. “Ben” and “I’ll Be There,” those songs, I loved singing. I just kept listening to rock songs, rock bands. Journey, of course, always. Also Judas Priest. Iron Maiden. I love Rush. I met Geddy Lee at the Rock &Roll Hall of Fame. I grabbed his hand and said, “I just want to say, I am a big fan!” He was so surprised, he was actually speechless.

You met Steve Perry there, too, yes?

Yes, yes I did.

How did that go?

He was super-nice, very friendly. I didn’t know what to expect, because I had never met him, and I had been waiting for 35 years to meet him. But he was so gracious, and super-helpful to me.

Did he have any advice for you?

He whispered something to me, through my assistant, Yul (Sessions), which I learned after the meeting. He said, “Tell him to take care of his voice.” He wants me to sing for a long time.

John Katsilometes’ column runs daily in the A section. His “PodKats!” podcast can be found at reviewjournal.com/podcasts . Contact him at [email protected]. Follow @johnnykats on Twitter, @JohnnyKats1 on Instagram.

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Singer Arnel Pineda Is Frustrated With Ongoing Battle Between JOURNEY Members, Says: “They Can Fire Me Anytime”

Owais 'vitek' nabi.

• February 9, 2023
• 2 minute read

Journey  frontman  Arnel Pineda recently made it clear on Twitter that he would get fired anytime from the band due to Neal Schon.

This happened after Neal and his wife posted, saying:

“We love Gregg! Cain and the other guy in the band forgot where they came from. Neal hired both Cain and the other guy. Sad. Let’s pray they learn spirituality someday.”

Arnel Pineda’s ‘ultimatum’ addressed to his bandmates, mainly Schon, stated:

“[I’m] with the band to sing the legacy. If some of them are tired of me being with them, with all means, they can fire me anytime. And don’t lecture me about spiritual bullsh*t.”

The singer wrote in the following tweet:

“All I know is [that] I’ve paid my dues. So stop reminding me where I came from… [because] It’s in my heart every day. You just don’t pay attention. I’m not a slave; I’m a human being like anybody else. Wrong is wrong, [and] right is right. [It’s] that simple.”

Journey  already had the first concert of 2023 which took place on January 27th in Durant, Oklahoma.

On a video below, you can watch  Neal Schon  and  Jonathan Cain  reunited for  Journey’s  2023 tour, despite the feud between them.

It looks like now  Jonathan Cain  is suing  Journey’s Neal Schon,  after the guitarist charged the band’s American Express credit card with over $1 million in personal expenses, including $400,000 in a single month.

Here’s  Cain’s  lawsuit:

“ Schon’s charges placed considerable pressure on Journey and its ability to cover normal tour expenses. Schon was spending Journey’s money, and Cain is the one who was and is ultimately liable for the AMEX Account and Schon’s charges on the AMEX Card.

”Even with the $30,000 limit on Schon’s card on the Nomota AMEX account, Schon still managed to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars in additional, excessive personal expenses through other tour personnel and travel agents.

“For example, the budget allocated a maximum of $1,500 per night for hotel rooms for Schon and Cain . However, Schon demanded to stay in hotel suites that cost in excess of $5,000 per night. After the recent tour ended in Honolulu, Hawaii, Schon stayed an extra week in a hotel suite that cost $6,000 a night and charged more than $100,000 in expenses to the AMEX Account.”

m with the band to sing the legacy..if some of them are tired of me being with them,with all means,they can fire me anytime.. and don’t lecture me about spiritual BS.. #walkthetalk — Arnel Pineda (@arnelpineda) February 4, 2023

Related Topics

• Arnel Pineda

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Arnel Pineda: The Mystery Behind His Departure from the Journey Band.

The Journey band has been delighting audiences for decades with their iconic hits and captivating performances.

In this article, we will delve into the heart of the matter and uncover the issues between Arnel Pineda and Journey.

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• Related: How Many Lead Singers Has Journey Had?

Early life and music career of Arnel Pineda

Arnel Pineda was born on September 5, 1967, in Sampaloc, Manila, Philippines. He had a challenging childhood, experiencing poverty and homelessness. 

Despite these hardships, Pineda had a natural talent for singing from a young age, and he honed his skills by performing in various local singing competitions and events.

In his teenage years, Pineda became involved in the music scene in the Philippines, performing with various bands and gaining recognition for his powerful and soulful vocals. 

He was notably a member of the Filipino rock band Amo, which achieved moderate success in the local music scene during the 1980s and 1990s.

Pineda’s life took a significant turn in 2007 when his performances with his band were discovered on YouTube by Journey’s guitarist, Neal Schon. 

Impressed by Pineda’s vocal abilities and striking resemblance to the band’s original lead singer, Steve Perry, Schon invited Pineda to audition for Journey .

After a successful audition, Pineda officially joined Journey as their new lead vocalist in December 2007. 

His addition to the band brought new life and energy to the group, and he became a key part of Journey’s continued success.

As the frontman of Journey, Arnel Pineda has toured around the world, performing the band’s classic hits and new material. 

He has received widespread acclaim for his powerful and emotive performances, earning the respect of both longtime fans and new audiences.

Pineda has also pursued solo projects and collaborations with other musicians, further solidifying his status as one of the most prominent Filipino rock vocalists in the international music scene. 

His journey from a struggling singer in the Philippines to the lead vocalist of a legendary rock band has been an inspiring story of talent, perseverance, and success.

The Success and Challenges of Arnel Pineda with Journey

Arnel Pineda’s journey with the iconic rock band Journey has been a remarkable tale of success and challenges. Since joining the band in 2007, Pineda’s powerful vocals and impressive stage presence have breathed new life into Journey’s performances. 

His ability to capture the essence of the band’s classic sound, along with his genuine passion for the music, has garnered widespread praise and won over audiences worldwide. 

Pineda’s dynamic performances have played a significant role in maintaining Journey’s status as a relevant and popular live act, as the band continues to tour extensively and engage with fans. 

However, stepping into the shoes of Journey’s original lead singer, Steve Perry, presented Pineda with the challenge of facing inevitable comparisons. 

While he has received acclaim, some fans have struggled to detach from Perry’s legacy, making it a demanding task to establish his own unique identity within the band. 

Nevertheless, Pineda’s accomplishments with Journey stand as a testament to his talent, perseverance, and the power of music to connect people across generations and cultures.

Who founded Journey?

Journey was founded in 1973 in San Francisco, California, United States. The band was originally formed by former members of two other San Francisco-based rock groups – Santana and Frumious Bandersnatch. The founding members of Journey were:

• Gregg Rolie – Keyboards, Vocals
• Neal Schon – Guitar, Vocals
• Ross Valory – Bass, Vocals
• George Tickner – Guitar
• Prairie Prince – Drums (though he left shortly after the band’s formation)

These musicians came together to create a new sound and vision for the band, and they went on to become one of the most successful and iconic rock bands in music history. 

Over the years, the lineup of Journey has evolved, with various changes in personnel, most notably the addition of Steve Perry as the lead vocalist in 1977, which marked a turning point for the band’s success and popularity.

How rich is Arnel Pineda now?

Arnel Pineda’s estimated net worth of $20 million is primarily derived from his successful career as the lead vocalist of Journey, as well as his solo projects and other musical endeavors. 

Being a part of Journey, one of the most iconic rock bands in history has contributed significantly to Pineda’s financial success.

As the lead vocalist of Journey, Pineda has been a key figure in the band’s continued success and popularity. 

Journey has enjoyed immense commercial success over the years, selling millions of albums and touring worldwide. 

The band’s extensive touring and live performances have been a significant source of income, with sold-out shows and lucrative concert deals adding to their financial success.

Moreover, Pineda’s contributions as a songwriter and his involvement in other musical ventures, such as solo projects and collaborations, have likely further contributed to his net worth. 

Sources of income may include royalty payments, merchandise sales, endorsements, and appearances.

What was Arnel Pineda’s first concert with Journey?

Arnel Pineda’s first concert Fronting Journey was indeed part of the Festival Vina del Mar on February 21, 2008, in Viña del Mar, Chile. 

This momentous occasion marked the realization of a dream for the Filipino singer, who had been discovered by Neal Schon approximately 10 months earlier through a YouTube video of him performing with his band The Zoo in the Philippines.

Facing a massive audience at the renowned Festival Vina del Mar, Arnel Pineda overcame nerves and delivered a powerful performance, impressing both the band members and the crowd. 

His debut as the lead vocalist of Journey received a positive reception, and it signaled the beginning of a new chapter for the band with Pineda as their frontman.

Since that significant concert, Pineda has continued to tour and record with Journey, and his incredible vocal abilities and unwavering passion for the music have earned him admiration and support from fans worldwide. 

His journey from being a struggling singer in the Philippines to becoming the lead singer of one of the world’s most iconic rock bands is an inspiring and remarkable story.

What Journey albums is Arnel Pineda on?

Here is the list of albums associated with Arnel Pineda.

Solo Albums:

• “Arnel Pineda” (Self-titled solo album) – Released in 1999 as “IISA.”
• “AP” – Released in 2016.
• “AP (Deluxe Edition)” – Also released in 2016, featuring additional tracks.

With Journey:

• “Revelation” – Released in 2008 (Arnel Pineda’s first album with Journey).
• “Eclipse” – Released in 2011.

Live Album:

• “Freedom: Live in Manila” – Released in 2009. This is a live album recorded during one of Arnel Pineda’s solo concerts in Manila, Philippines.

Arnel Pineda’s discography showcases his musical versatility and highlights his remarkable vocals both as a solo artist and as the lead singer of Journey. 

These albums have further solidified his position as a prominent and talented figure in the rock music scene.

How long did Arnel Pineda sing with Journey?

Arnel Pineda had been the lead vocalist of Journey for approximately 13 years, having officially joined the band in December 2007.

Since joining Journey, Pineda has been an integral part of the band, contributing his powerful vocals and stage presence to the group’s performances and recordings. 

His 13-year tenure with Journey represents a significant chapter in the band’s history, as he has played a key role in maintaining the band’s musical legacy and connecting with audiences worldwide.

After analyzing the intricate web of events surrounding Arnel Pineda’s departure from Journey, it becomes apparent that the decision was a culmination of various factors.

While there may have been rumors and speculation circulating, it is crucial to consider the complexity of this situation.

The clash of personal priorities, creative differences, and the desire for growth all played crucial roles in Pineda’s departure.

It is natural for individuals to evolve and seek new challenges, and Pineda’s decision to explore new ventures should be respected.

Though Journey has undoubtedly left an indelible mark on the music industry, it is imperative to give room for artists to forge their own paths and continue their artistic journeys.

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A Minute With: the director of a documentary about Journey singer

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - When veteran rock band Journey chose unknown Filipino singer Arnel Pineda to become their new frontman it inspired a filmmaker to capture his rise from obscurity in the streets of Manila to performing on arena stages.

"Don't Stop Believin': Everyman's Journey," directed by Filipino-American filmmaker Ramona Diaz, picks up Pineda's story soon after he was chosen to join Journey in 2007 after the group saw him on YouTube.

Diaz's documentary film opens in theaters on Friday. She spoke to Reuters about Pineda's story and working with the band.

Q: Were you worried about dealing with all the different personalities of a famous band?

A: My very first film was about the former first lady of the Philippines, Imelda Marcos. She was very powerful and she was difficult. I hung out with her for two months. She ended up suing me because she didn't like the film. After that experience, I thought, I can handle anything now. I can handle rock bands!

Q: What surprised you most about Journey?

A: It was a surprise to me that for such a veteran rock band, they were not used to having cameras ... backstage or in their dressing rooms. I thought rock bands were used to it because of MTV, where backstage and tour buses are open to cameras. But at the height of Journey's fame, MTV was just forming as well. They didn't understand the reality of what full access meant. But at the end of the day, we got it.

Q: Do you consider this a music documentary or more of a documentary about Filipino heritage?

A: I think it transcends all that. It really is a Cinderella story with a very modern twist because of YouTube. This story could not have happened 10 or 15 years ago, not in this way with the help of social media. But at the heart of it, it's a Cinderella story. For non-Journey fans, Arnel's personal history is very compelling.

A: He was a street kid in Manila. Success happened to him later in his life. I think he was 40 the year he joined the band. He had already lived the rock 'n' roll life, even without the money - the drugs, the women. He saw this as an opportunity for him to really get his life together.

Q: It seems like you really bonded with Pineda. Did it help that you were Filipino?

A: I think so, mostly because of the language. I can speak Tagalog. That first summer when he toured with Journey, he had no entourage. It was just him in his dressing room. We (a crew of five) became his sounding board because no one else was traveling with him. The second year he had a roadie, his wife was traveling with him, and it would have been a completely different dynamic.

Q: In the film Pineda switches between speaking English and Tagalog. Sometimes the same sentence is a mixture of both.

A: We call that 'Taglish.' Taglish is very common in the Philippines. I actually encouraged him to speak Filipino in the documentary. There were certain things I don't think I would have gotten from him emotionally or with such strength and passion if he had to stick to English.

Q: The budget for this documentary was under $2 million. Was it easy to raise the money because of the band's name?

A: I've done three other features and I thought it would be very easy to fundraise for this because (the subject matter) is very accessible, but no. No one believed in us. We were never able to raise the money. So it was on our dime, on our credit cards, small investments from family. The title song, "Don't Stop Believin'" that's us - the crew, me and my producer.

Q: Didn't the band want to kick in some funds?

A: There are certain boundaries you don't cross. This is an independently produced film. If Journey had funded it, there would have been strings attached to it. Money isn't free. The final cut wouldn't have been ours. It would have been deemed a vanity project, which it isn't.

Q: The rock 'n' roll lifestyle is very male-centric. Did being a woman help or hinder you on this film?

A: I think sometimes it was to my advantage. I'm small - 5'1" - so I'm less threatening to people. They allow me more things.(Laughs) So I was allowed in dressing rooms and tour buses. They just say yes!"

(Editing by Piya Sinha-Roy and Patricia Reaney)

(This story was corrected to give full name of filmmaker in the second paragraph and gender in the third paragraph)

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Arnel Pineda on JOURNEY’s Potential Reunion with Steve Perry and Career Impact

via GIGS / YouTube

In a chat with Rolling Stone, Arnel Pineda, the frontman of the iconic band Journey, shared his thoughts on the possibility of reuniting with the former lead singer, Steve Perry. Pineda, known for his upbeat personality and powerful vocals, revealed his openness to the idea, sparking excitement among fans.

Dreamy Encounter with an Icon: Arnel Meets Steve Perry

Expressing his amazement at the unexpected encounter with Perry, Pineda shared,

“I posted on Instagram that I had waited 35 years for that. It was dreamy. I couldn’t believe I met him since he’s very reclusive and he avoids people.”

Pineda reflected on the profound influence Perry had on him, stating,

“He’s one of my heroes when it comes to singing. I remember back in the ’80s, I would sleep on the bus with my Walkman on in my ears as his voice sang all these favorite songs from Journey.”

  View this post on Instagram Modafinil 5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;”>   A post shared by Journey (@journeyofficial)

A Career Sacrifice for the Love of Perry and Journey

When asked about the possibility of Perry’s return and the impact on his role in the band, Pineda responded,

“I miss them so much together. Every now and then, I watch their videos together. It’s always them with Steve Perry that I watch.”

Acknowledging the sentiment of fans who proclaim, “No Perry, No Journey,” Pineda sympathized,

“I understand it. Where I come from, we’re so influenced by Western music. We loved the originals, if you know what I mean.”

Addressing the potential impact on his career, Pineda shared a surprising perspective,

“That would be OK to me! I’m telling you. That’s how much I adore him and I adore Journey and how much I adore Steve Perry.”

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Retro and Nostalgia Creator (@70sandbeyond)

Anticipation for the Future: Pineda’s Genuine Enthusiasm

Recounting a personal anecdote, Pineda revealed,

“Back in 2005, I resigned from my job in Hong Kong because I lost my voice due to acid reflux. I was telling my friends back then that my only regret was I lost my voice before I had the chance to sing side-by-side with Steve Perry.”

He continued,

“I just wish that one show with him… it would change my life forever. It’s been 30 years now, and the band keeps changing my life in ways nobody would ever guess would happen.”

Arnel Pineda’s genuine admiration for Steve Perry and his eagerness for a potential reunion add a layer of anticipation to Journey’s future. As fans speculate on what could be, Pineda’s words reflect the profound impact that music and collaboration can have on an artist’s journey, transcending the boundaries of time.

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Q&A: Journey’s Arnel Pineda

By Andy Greene

Andy Greene

• Sad ‘Journey’ for New Singer

In Issue 1062 Rolling Stone spoke to Arnel Pineda about what seems like the dream gig of a lifetime: going on tour with Journey after being plucked from obscurity when the band caught him singing “Faithfully” on YouTube. Here’s more of our conversation with the 41-year-old Filipino vocalist, as he opens up about the hardships of the road and how he learned about landing the job.

How’s the tour going? It’s gotta be a blast playing to such gigantic crowds. Yeah, it is, it is. For an Asian guy like me, to be in a band, you know it’s so surreal. It’s some sort of a miracle it happened to me. It changed my life, overnight. Everything hasn’t sunk in yet.

Do you remember the first time you heard Journey’s music? Oh, I think I was 10 or 11 years old. I think the first song I learned about then was “Open Arms.” Then when I got tired of listening to “Open Arms” I borrowed my friend’s Journey album, Escape , and tried to listen to every song. Basically I learned “Stone in Love,” “Don’t Stop Believin’,” “Who’s Crying Now” — that album. Journey are very big in the Philippines.

Your old band the Zoo used to cover Journey, right? Just once every six months. When me and my guitar player went back to the Philippines from Hong Kong to form the Zoo there was this guy who remembered me singing Journey songs in the Eighties. So he yelled out the song “Faithfully,” so we [played it], and then they recorded it, and those were one of the videos that were uploaded on YouTube.

So how were you first contacted by Journey? When Neal Schon discovered the videos on YouTube, he tried to find my friend’s e-mail address, so he found it and he sent him an e-mail claiming that he’s Mr. Neal Schon and he’s from Journey and he’s serious about getting me to San Francisco to try out as their frontman. When my friend forwarded the e-mail to me, I was just laughing. I just told him that this is one of the biggest jokes I have ever received from someone. “It’s a hoax,” I tell him. “You shouldn’t believe it.”

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But my friend insisted that, “Why don’t you just try replying? Maybe he’s really Neal Schon.” But I told him that Neal Schon is one of the biggest guitar players in the world. I don’t think he will ever waste his time for me. But my friend is a very persistent guy. So I e-mailed Neal Schon back and after 10 minutes he called me. But then he had to convince me that he was really Neal Schon, because I was asking him about his identity.

What kind of questions? Like, “Are you really Neal Schon?” I was trying to challenge him to go Webcam to Webcam conversation through Yahoo! Messenger, because I told him, “I know very well the face of Neal Schon. You have to show your face so I can believe you.” And then he was laughing hard and he was telling me, “Believe me, my friend. This is Neal Schon and I’m serious about me offering you to audition for my band.”

After a while I felt his sincerity, so I gave in and then we exchanged numbers and I told him that we just released an album in the Philippines and we have a manager so it may be a bit of a problem. So [he spoke to my manager] and then we had an agreement that they’re gonna help me find a way to process my application for a visa to get to San Francisco, and the rest was history.

Tell me about first meeting the band and your first audition. Well I was in awe. I was star-struck, because, you know, my God, in the flesh. Real life, real time, I get to see them, I get to shake their hands … And I was very nervous. It was nerve-wracking because, for the first time, I’m gonna sing with one of the most popular, the best bands in the world. It was lots of tremendous mixed emotion.

How did they tell you that you had the job? Mr. Neal Schon broke it to me, the good news. I was in a hotel, he picked me up, and then he told me. I was on my way downstairs and he told me, “You got the job, boy.”

Can you explain to me the sensation of walking onstage in front of all those people for the first time? It’s very scary. I was so terrified. I was just very, very afraid. Two minutes before we hit the stage, I told them that I just want to back out. But Neal Schon told me, “No. It’s too late now. You can’t back out anymore.” So there I go. He pushed me a little, like, kiddingly, “Go. Go. Sing for us.”

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And how’s the tour been so far? Are you more comfortable onstage now? I am quite comfortable with the stage now, but, for me, it’s still a very grueling tour. I haven’t done this before. I may have done an every-night gig in Hong Kong because I was there for almost 16 years, and in Manila, Philippines, I did gigs there. After the gig, you get to go home to the same place and same house, but here, it’s like … you know? You get to experience disrupted sleep … You get to sleep a couple of hours in the bus and then they wake you up and then you need to try to sleep back in the hotel, and then they wake you up … two o’clock in the afternoon to do sound check, and then you have to wait there until nine o’clock.

So it’s very hectic. It’s very stressful. It’s a very, very challenging job. It’s a fantastic job, but at the same time it’s a curse. Trying to fill up very, very big shoes.

It has got to be fun, on tour, to be seeing the whole country, right? Oh, I never get to enjoy them because, it’s all buses, stage, microphone, hotel rooms. I never really get to go around and walk out and just see the place. I have off days, but I would prefer resting.

It has got to be lonely at times without your family. It is. It is very, very sad. There are days I would break down and cry. But, you know. I just have to be man enough to face that this is a job I’m doing for my family. That’s all the consolation that I’m getting. That’s the only thought.

It’s got to be fun to be onstage, though, and see all these huge crowds. Yeah, it is. Of course. Until now … I still feel I’m wondering, “Why am I here with these very famous guys onstage every night?” I’m still like, “Wow, this is not really happening.” But it is, you know. It’s a wonderful feeling, but at the same time, it’s scary. I’m just trying to enjoy it while it lasts.

Do you think it’s going to be done some day? Do you think maybe you’ll quit if it’s too much touring? Well, I personally told Mr. Neal Schon that the only thing that will make me quit is if I get sick. If I can’t do it anymore, then I just need to go. I guess that’s the same reason Steve Perry bailed out.

The guys are good to me, so with that part I have no problem. But it’s just with the tour. The schedule is so grueling for me. It’s so new to me. Until now, my body hasn’t really adjusted to all of these amazing things that have been happening.

But the tour is done in a few weeks, right? It will be over around October 5th.

Then you go home, right? Yeah, but only for a short time and then I think they’re planning to go out again second week of November for another three-week tour and then, yeah, Christmas-time.

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So is this not all the fun that you thought it would be? When Neal Schon told me I had the gig I already thought how hard it was gonna be, the touring and everything. I knew then. That’s why I told my manager back then, “I think I can’t do this.”

Right, but you’re doing it. Yeah. One day at a time.

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The Truth About How Arnel Pineda Joined Journey

Arnel Pineda's path to Journey is something out of a Hollywood movie, complete with tragedy and triumph.

Pineda, who became the lead singer of the band in 2007, was discovered by lead guitarist Neal Schon on Youtube and the rest was history. According to Pineda's official website biography, Schon saw Pineda singing with his then band The Zoo on Youtube and was impressed by how much he sounded like former Journey lead singer Steve Perry. But his path to stardom was very different.

Pineda grew up in the Philippines, where he began his career from the very bottom. He said in a 2010 interview that he left school early after his mother died and his family had to leave their old apartment. He lived in the streets of Manila for two years, working odd jobs, bathing out of gas station water barrels, and surviving off sardines and rationed biscuits. By the time he was 15, he had joined a band and began making a name for himself.

Over the next decade, he would continue performing to larger audiences, which eventually led to gigs in Hong Kong. A friend of Pineda's uploaded one of these performances to Youtube and a star was born.

The journey to Journey

Pineda told Rolling Stone  that Schon found his friend's email and asked how he could contact the singer. When news reached Pineda that Journey's guitarist was looking for him, he thought it was a joke.

"When my friend forwarded the email to me, I was just laughing," Pineda told Rolling Stone in 2017. "I just told him that this is one of the biggest jokes I have ever received from someone. 'It's a hoax,' I tell him. 'You shouldn't believe it.'"

But Pineda did email Schon back and flew to California to meet with him for a week of intense, nerve-wracking auditions. Finally, in December 2007, Journey announced Pineda as its new lead singer.

Now, Pineda's story may soon be turned into Hollywood film, directed by Crazy Rich Asians director Jon Chu. According to the Philippine news website ABS-CBN , Pineda met with the director and other producers to get the ball rolling, stating in Filipino that he's excited for the movie to happen so that other dreamers like him can find much-needed inspiration, and that it might open more doors for other Filipino and Asian artists.

If it pans out, this won't be the first time Pineda's story was told on film. The 2012 documentary Don't Stop Believin': Everyman's Journey followed the band on one of its tours, including Pineda's homecoming concert in Manila.

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How Journey’s Arnel Pineda Came to Love ‘Don’t Stop Believin’’

Arnel Pineda said he wasn't a fan of Journey ’s signature song “Don’t Stop Believin’” until he joined the band and realized it had been “waiting” for him throughout his career.

The singer endured what he called a “tough and cruel path” to success before Journey signed him up in 2007. In a new interview with Loudwire , he said he had preferred other songs from the band’s catalog until that point. “Honestly, I was not a big fan of the song at first,” he admitted.

“‘Open Arms’ … was the very first song I heard from them. … When I became a professional singer, a cover singer at the age of 16 years old, ‘Open Arms’ was the first song that I sang. ... I think my three most favorite songs are ‘Faithfully,’ ‘Winds of March’ and ‘Why Can’t This Night Go on Forever.’ Mr. Steve Perry ’s voice there is absolutely perfect. It just gets me going. When I’m sad or I’m happy, they just make me think about the good things in life.”

Pineda reflected on his more negative moments, saying he was the victim of bullying as a boy and that he had struggled with the death of his mother just before his singing career began. In 2005, he remembered, “I had to resign from my band because I lost my voice. ... It was a tough and cruel path until I met Journey.”

Watch Journey With Arnel Pineda Perform ‘Don’t Stop Believin’’

Things began turning around for him in 2007, when guitarist  Neal Schon made contact. “We had a good talk first, and he invited me over to San Francisco and I met [Journey],” he said. That 's when he changed his mind about “Don’t Stop Believin’." “I finally realized, this song has been waiting for me to realize that it was the soundtrack of my life. It really means so much to me now, and now every time that I go for something, it suddenly rings in my head. It’s those three words: Don’t stop believin’.”

Pineda added: “To be in this band – because some people still consider me a karaoke singer, blah, blah, blah, whatever – I’m just proud and so grateful. I feel so blessed because I was given a chance to be part of such an iconic American band known around the world. What more could you ask for?”

Journey Lineup Changes: A Complete Guide

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ARNEL PINEDA Says Working With New JOURNEY Members Has Been 'Amazing'

JOURNEY frontman Arnel Pineda has told Rolling Stone in a new interview that the band has completed six tracks for its upcoming album, with "maybe seven songs to go." Asked if these cuts are ballads or rockers, he said: "For now, we're doing the rocker songs first, not the ballads. I think the seven songs they're working on, they're working on something huge, like how you've known JOURNEY doing ballads. It's between [1981's] 'Mother, Father' and [1978's] 'Winds Of March' . We're working on that song. We'll see what happens. I'm waiting for them to send me the demos so that we can record it next week."

Speaking about how things sound different now that bassist Randy Jackson and drummer/producer Narada Michael Walden are in JOURNEY , Arnel said: "It's somewhat like the sound back in the eighties when Randy Jackson joined the band for the 'Raised On Radio' album. It's kind of like that, but it's also more updated. Narada is producing my vocals and mentoring me on how to do it. He's telling me to sing it this way and that way. It's amazing. I'm learning a lot from Narada . It's truly an honor and I appreciate him for doing so. It's amazing."

As previously reported, JOURNEY is scheduled to headline the 2021 edition of Lollapalooza 's flagship event in Chicago on July 31.

Last March, JOURNEY parted ways with bassist Ross Valory and drummer Steve Smith after the two allegedly attempted a "coup" in order to gain control of the JOURNEY trademark.

The new JOURNEY lineup performed a socially distanced version of "Don't Stop Believin'" for UNICEF USA 's virtual event "UNICEF We Won't Stop" , which aired in May 2020 on MSNBC . That same month, JOURNEY was supposed to launch a North American tour with THE PRETENDERS , but canceled the trek amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

JOURNEY 's most recent LP, "Eclipse" , was released in May 2011. The Walmart exclusive debuted on the Billboard 200 album chart at No. 13 — eight spots lower than the band's previous album, 2008's "Revelation" — which also went on to hit No. 1 on Billboard 's Top Independent Albums chart.

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