Arnel Pineda

NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 19:  (L-R) Producer John Paterson, Arnel Pineda of the band Journey, producer David Paterson and Yu Session attend the after party for the premiere of 'Don't Stop Believin': Every-man's Journey' during the 2012 Tribeca Film Festival at Gansevoort Hotel on April 19, 2012 in New York City.  (Photo by Michael Stewart/WireImage)

Who Is Arnel Pineda?

After a series of unfortunate events in his childhood, Arnel Pineda found success in Asia as the front man for the group The Zoo. In 2007, he was discovered by Journey guitarist Neal Schon, after a series of YouTube videos were posted of him covering American songs, including the famous hit, "Dont Stop Believin'." In December 2007, Pineda became the new lead singer of Journey. His is noted for having a strikingly similar sound to former Journey front man Steve Perry.

Troubled Childhood

Arnel Pineda was born on September 5, 1967, in Sampaloc, Manila, in the Philippines. Throughout his childhood, Pineda endured grave misfortune. When he was just 13 years old, his mother, who was 35 at the time, passed away after a long battle with heart disease. Her medical costs left the family in serious debt, and Pineda's father could no longer provide for Pineda and his three younger brothers, Russmon, Roderick and Joselito.

While relatives were able to take in his brothers, Pineda was left on his own. He spent the next few years homeless, often sleeping outside in public parks and scraping for any food or water that he could afford. When possible, he would stay at a friend's house, who offered him a cot outside. Eventually, Pineda was forced to quit school and take up odd jobs collecting scrap metal and bottles at the pier and selling newspapers to support his family.

Early Career

Pineda's love of music started at a young age. He began singing at just five years old, and had entered many singing contests as a child. In 1982, when he was 15, Pineda was introduced to a local band called Ijos, and was encouraged by his friends to try out as their new lead singer. He sang the Beatles' "Help" and Air Supply's "Making Love Out Of Nothing At All." Although they were concerned with his lack of training, Ijos members were wowed by Pineda's powerful voice, and took him on as the new front man of the band. One of the band member's friends even offered to pay Pineda's salary, 35 pesos a night, out of his own pocket, and Pineda was offered a tiny room to sleep under the guitarist's front stairs.

In 1986, some members of Ijos joined together to form the new pop-rock band Amo. The group found success covering songs by hit groups Heart, Queen and Journey. In 1988, they turned heads when they won the Philippines' leg of the Yamaha World Band Explosion Contest. Although they were disqualified in the finals due to a technicality, the event was broadcast on TV in Asia, widening their fanbase. The band continued performing at popular clubs and arenas around the Philippines.

In 1990, the members re-grouped yet again, under the new name Intensity Five, and re-entered the contest. The band came in as runner up and Pineda won the Best Vocalist Award. After a series of unfortunate health problems in the early '90s, including the brief loss of his voice, Pineda re-emerged in 1999 with a new solo album with Warner Brothers. The self-titled album had several hits in Asia.

After brief stints with a few different bands, Pineda found success again in 2006 with The Zoo, a band that he formed with Monet Cajipe, a guitarist/songwriter who had been in all his bands during over the previous 20 years. The Zoo performed at several popular clubs in the area and, in 2007, released an album by MCA Universal titled Zoology . Soon the band began covering songs by groups such as Journey, Survivor, Aerosmith, Led Zeppelin, The Eagles and more, with more than 200 performances uploaded to YouTube.

On June 28, 2007, Neal Schon, guitarist and member of the band Journey, saw a video of Pineda on YouTube and immediately contacted him. The band had been looking for a new lead singer, and Pineda's voice sounded strikingly similar to Steve Perry, Journey's legendary former front man. After speaking with Schon on the phone, Pineda made arrangements to fly to the United States and audition with the band in San Francisco. On December 5, 2007, Pineda was welcomed as the band's new lead singer.

Right away, Pineda went on tour with the band, performing two shows in Chile and two in Las Vegas. Both were a huge success. After a series of guest show appearances and magazine features, Pineda gained popularity within the American public. On June 3, 2008, the newly organized Journey released their first album, Revelation , which came in at No. 5 on the U.S. charts. The album was their highest charting album since Trial by Fire (with Steve Perry), and reached platinum status by October 2008.

Soon after the album's release, the band continued touring around the world with Pineda. The documentary, Don't Stop Believin': Everyman's Journey , slated to be released in 2012, will chronicle the band's "Revelation Tour," and Pineda's first years with the band.

Personal Life

When he is not on tour, Pineda resides in the Philippines with his wife, Cherry, their children, Cherub and Thea. He has two other sons—Matthew, 19, and Angelo, 13—from past relationships.

QUICK FACTS

  • Name: Arnel Pineda
  • Birth Year: 1967
  • Birth date: September 5, 1967
  • Birth City: Sampaloc, Manila
  • Birth Country: Philippines
  • Gender: Male
  • Best Known For: Arnel Pineda is best known as the new lead singer for the rock group Journey.
  • Astrological Sign: Virgo
  • Nacionalities

CITATION INFORMATION

  • Article Title: Arnel Pineda Biography
  • Author: Biography.com Editors
  • Website Name: The Biography.com website
  • Url: https://www.biography.com/musicians/arnel-pineda
  • Access Date:
  • Publisher: A&E; Television Networks
  • Last Updated: July 20, 2020
  • Original Published Date: April 2, 2014

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

Arnel Pineda on JOURNEY’s Potential Reunion with Steve Perry and Career Impact | Society Of Rock Videos

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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The Truth About How Arnel Pineda Joined Journey

Arnel Pineda Journey Band Singer

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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Neal Schon on Journey’s ‘New Strut,’ Possible Arnel Pineda Biopic, and His New Solo LP

  • By Andy Greene

Andy Greene

Three years ago, Journey guitarist Neal Schon finished a solo album of instrumental tracks that mixed classic-rock covers like “Hey Jude” and “Voodoo Child” with originals he created with producer-drummer Narada Michael Walden. Since that time, Journey fired drummer Steve Smith and bassist Ross Valory after a bitter business dispute, brought in Walden and Raised on Radio –era bassist Randy Jackson to take their places, and canceled a 2020 summer tour with the Pretenders due to the pandemic.

During his forced downtime, Schon decided it was finally time to share his instrumental album, The Universe , with the world. “This has been a hellacious year,” he says. “There’s some healing music on here. I feel like it’s going to ease a lot of people’s pain and give them something new to listen to and some hope.”

Schon called up Rolling Stone to talk about The Universe (which is streaming right now), the legal battle that split Journey apart, parting ways with manager Irving Azoff, repairing his relationship with keyboardist Jonathan Cain, cutting Journey’s new album while on lockdown, his continued hopes of making peace with Steve Perry, the possibility of an Arnel Pineda biopic, and why he thinks this new lineup of Journey will lead to a whole new era for the band.

Tell me the backstory of The Universe. About three years ago, I ran into Narada Michael Walden. I said, “Narada, why don’t you write me a record?” We’d known each other forever and had jammed and played live together, but we’d never really worked together with him as a producer and me as a guitar player.

I said, “I really want to veer away from anything that sounds like Jeff Beck.” That’s because there’s only one Jeff Beck and only one Jimi [Hendrix]. But I said, “You’ve known me for a long time and you know what I like to play. What I’m hearing is a very majestic, symphonic-type blues-R&B-fusion rock album.”

He goes, “That’s the whole spectrum.” I go, “Let’s just diversify it.” And so he said, “Let me have a few days and I’ll call you when I have some tracks.” Three days later, he calls me and says, “Why don’t you come by the studio? I have some stuff to play for you.”

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Where did it go from there? I went by the studio and he had like six tracks that he had written with drums on them, keyboard bass, and voice singing the main melody of a guitar. He said, “Take this home and get comfortable with it and let me know when you’ve got it down.”

This was something new for me because I usually write my own material. I took it home, listened to it, and worked my way around it. I felt like I was going to improv my way through the melodies and add my own shtick to it.

I went into the first session with him and I started playing something from the heart where I veered away from the melody. He said, “What are you doing?” I said, “I’m just playing what it is.” He said, “No, you have to play that melody exactly like I’m singing it.” I went, “Oh. OK.” He goes, “I’m treating you like you’re a vocalist and your guitar is the vocal.”

After conforming to that, I managed to get things down very quickly on the record. We worked on it in different time periods. We got as much done as I could when I was home and then I’d go tour and come back and work with him when he was available. We finished it over the duration of about a year with three, four weeks in the studio altogether.

Let’s talk about some of the specific songs. Tell me about your version of Prince’s “Purple Rain.” There’s a clip of me on the internet playing it in the Twin Cities right after he passed [in 2016]. I get a few sections in the [Journey] set to do my own thing. And I’ve been looping for years. And so a lot of times I’ll loop some chord changes to a song and improv my way through it.

That night, I didn’t really know what I was going to do. But I felt his presence and I played the chord changes. I overdubbed one of the melodies he did on the end. I put that in there and just blew through it and the audience really came unglued. It was his hometown, but he just passed and I captured the moment.

That stuck with me and I said to my friend Gary Cirimelli, who I did the [2001]  Voice record with, “Please do me an orchestration of ‘Purple Rain.'” He did an amazing job and I actually recorded that before I started the record with Narada.

You also tackle “Voodoo Child.” Clearly you weren’t shy about taking on some of the greatest guitarists of all time. You know what? They are in my blood. I grew up with these people and I’ve been playing a long time. I’d actually been jamming with Narada before at Golden Gate Park in front of about 100,000 people. He said, “We’re going to play ‘Voodoo Child.'” I said, “Great, I know it.” I jumped onstage and we jammed for a while and the audience loved it. It actually goes back in time where I played the Crossroads Festival for Eric Clapton. It was Narada, myself, Randy Jackson, and Jonathan Cain. It’s ironic that’s what Journey has become with Arnel.

We did play “Voodoo Child” that day, too. It was a no-brainer for me. I was like, “Why don’t we jam it out and have a live jam in the studio?” That is what we did. We played live, one take. You can tell that it falls apart a little when it goes into “Third Stone From the Sun” at the end. I was lost and playing and I had to find a place to put my arm up and then everyone jumps in a few seconds later. You can tell it was a little loose and we were just finding our way through it. I felt there was some magic there and being real since it wasn’t overdubbed to death. It was just what it was.

Why did you decide to revisit the Journey song “Lights?” That was Narada’s idea. I was not sure about it. I had done, with Gary Cirimelli the year before, a little EP [ Ave Maria ] around Christmas where I had done an instrumental version of “Faithfully,” “Open Arms,” and “Can’t Help Falling in Love” by Elvis Presley. I had done it before with guitar instead of voice, but “Lights” I had never considered doing as a lead vocal on guitar. He talked me into it. I didn’t know what to think of it, but it sounded good for a guitar version. I tried to capture as many Steve Perry melodies as I could and implement them into the guitar in a soulful way. I think it came out well and people are loving it.

I like hearing vocal melodies on the guitar. Jeff Beck does it a lot, but it’s hard to pull off exactly right. Yeah. There’s something very difficult about it. I see a lot of young guitar players today that have dexterity beyond. I can comprehend what they’re doing technically, but I’m not that interested in trying to do it myself because I’ve never been a scale guy. I was listening more to horn players and vocalists.

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To convey a melody and play it very simply is not an easy task, especially when it’s a slow melody. There’s plenty of room for mistakes and loss of feel. You can lose the feel of it in two seconds flat because there’s no lyrics you’re playing along with. That actually helps you dictate the melody when you hear a singer sing. It’s all about placement, phrasing, and how the vibrato goes, where you put it. It’s complicated and it comes much easier to me as a musician than it does to other guys because I’ve always been a melody guy.

Tell me about your version of “Hey Jude” that ends the record. I had played “Hey Jude” back east in New Jersey, I believe, in some theater we were playing. I looped that one night. I played the chords first, just the ending, and then I looped the melody and had the whole audience singing the song. I went, “Wow, this could be a possible way just to end the record.” As a Beatles fan, I loved it.

What’s the status of the new Journey record? We’re deep in it. It’s coming along, man. It’s really shaping up. Narada and I have been working nonstop. Jonathan [Cain] is also working from his houses in Florida and Nashville. Arnel is working from Manila. Randy Jackson is working mostly from L.A. And it’s one of those Zoom sessions and it sounds phenomenal. It sounds like we’re all playing in the room at the same time. I actually can’t wait until we do get together and start putting the show together. The new single should be coming out mid-February.

Working remotely must have been a big adjustment at first. Yeah. It was at first. What I was really grateful for is that I’m willing to get together with Narada and work with just drums and guitar, which is something I’ve always done with drummers working on records. We’re able to map out and get things feeling right. Narada is very accomplished. He can play keyboards and bass keyboards, and we kind of fill out the tracks. And then everyone does their parts. The end result is sounding amazing.

How is Arnel doing? Arnel sounds very, very strong. I think this break has been good for him. He’s back in there, I feel, like when we first got him. His vocals sound very, very good. We’re planning on a full album release in 2021 before we get back to touring. We did book our first show of 2021. We’re going to be headlining Lollapalooza in Chicago on July 31st unless they move it. My fingers are crossed that everyone is going to get the vaccine and feel good and get back to it. I’m just so looking forward to playing with the new band. Post Malone is headlining at the same time as us about a mile away on another stage. It’ll be interesting.

How have the new members changed the band’s sound? Do you have a different groove now? You have to hear it for yourself. It still sounds very much like Journey thanks to the songwriting, my guitar playing, and the vocals. But the rhythm section is definitely a powerhouse. Narada has been known for years, and Randy Jackson is a completely monstrous bass player. Some people may not be aware of his work, but they have credentials that go way, way back. Randy and I have always been pretty in tune, and Narada and I are in tune. And now it’s coming together. It’s got a new strut to it.

There’s nothing we really can’t play. I’ve got a track I laid down with Narada the other day. I sent it to Arnel and he was freaking out. He said, “This sounds like brand-new Hendrix or Prince. Please write more of that.” And I was just messing around. It was just a jam we did and it turned out to be monstrous. We’re creating. We aren’t afraid to go to new places. It’s easy to stay safe and write where we have always been. We have a bit of that so we don’t lose everyone, but at the same token, this is a new chapter of Journey. I want to go where we have not gone before.

Why did you leave Azoff management and sign with Q Prime? It was a long time coming from myself. I had a falling out with old management and just didn’t agree with a lot of things the way they were coming down or the way that things were being treated that I was bringing up. I felt like they made it seem like I was an outcast even though this was a band that I started. Azoff actually said to me, “Why don’t you quit?” at one point. I said, “I’m not quitting. I’ve been here all my life. Why don’t you quit?”

We kind of went at it. Finally, I made the move. I said, “I don’t know what’s going to happen from here, but I feel like it’s time.” I remember that I talked to Peter Mensch over at Q Prime about a year before that, telling him that I really wanted to make a change. He said that contractually we had to get to this point before we could do anything. When we finally got to that point, I called Peter back up. He said, “This is a no-brainer. We’d love to manage you.”

I’m really happy. They understand the guitar. Cliff [Burnstein] is awesome. I’ve only talked to him a few times, but I can tell we’re on the same wavelength. I send him stuff, unfinished and finished, and I’ll crank up the guitar and he goes, “Oh, yeah. That’s it.” Then we’ll get on the phone with Jonathan [Cain], myself and him, and Jonathan will go, “Do you want the softer version?” They’ll go, “No, we don’t want the softer version. We want the heavier version.” I love the guys.

You and Jonathan Cain are clearly in a much better place than you were a few years ago. How did you patch things up? We found out that there was a lot of miscommunication that I felt was coming from management. The divide-and-conquer situation was going on. They were saying I said things that I didn’t say. I heard it had happened with other bands from guitar techs that I had been with. It was happening in the Van Halen camp between Eddie and Sammy. I was just like, “I’m seeing the same scenario.”

Once we got past all the crap and we talked everything out, we found out that a lot of it was just b.s. and we were actually good. Him and I are still very tight as songwriters. There’s still magic there. He’s still creating amazing music, even without me, but us together, we create something that really sounds like Journey.

Some fans were surprised to see him play in the house band at the White House during the RNC a few months ago. What did you think about that? You know what? I learned to just stay in my music lane through that whole fiasco. I think everyone knows my feelings about politics and religion in music. I just decided that I was going to keep my friendship with him and the music with him. We’re still creating great stuff. I got to a place where I said, “It’s a free world. Everyone has the right to do whatever they want to do.”

In a way, it’s like Mick and Keith. They are two very different people, but they come together in a band and it works. Exactly. That tension leads to great music and not agreeing … Jon and I always have been like that. We’re like bookends with all the music in between. Where we start from is two completely different places. He usually starts from music, melody, and piano. I start from a rocking track. There’s a lot of melody on the new songs we’ve been laying down. We’ve gotten very comfortable with singing on it right afterwards with Narada helping me, giving me the confidence, and so I have a lot of the melodies. I recall even in the old Journey with Steve Perry when I’d hum a few things and he’d go, “Oh, I like that.” Then he’d do his own thing to it. There’s a road map there if you aren’t afraid to put it down.

How about tour-wise? The Pretenders 2020 tour was called off. Might you go out with them in the future? I don’t know what management has planned. We love playing with the Pretenders, but I don’t know if that’s where they are going or even if they are available. I definitely enjoy playing with them. They have so many great songs. Chrissie [Hynde] was very nice. The whole band was. I felt that it was complementary to our show, even with Def Leppard. I don’t know what Peter and Cliff are thinking over at Q Prime, but I’m definitely open to that. And I love the Def Leppard guys. I’m open to that, too. But this time we have to bring our PA. [ Laughs ]

I’ve heard rumblings about a biopic about Arnel. Do you think that’s going to happen? I think it’s something that will come down. The story of me finding him on YouTube is sort of unbelievable. I remember when I first told people I had found him. They were like, “Come on, man. Did you just make this up?” It was like a Cinderella story that was too good to believe. We made the documentary [ Don’t Stop Believin’: Everyman’s Journey ] off the fact we found him in Manila, not New York or L.A., and I heard his voice and went, “This is the guy. I know it’s the guy.” Apparently Warner Bros. thinks is a great story too. I think they are going to make it. I don’t know when. I don’t believe they’ve even started. I think they are still writing the script.

Who would play you? Uh … the only meeting we had took place when we last played in Vegas. They were they talking about Joaquin [Phoenix]. That’s what this director said. [ Laughs ] I was like, “OK!” [ Laughs ]

You could play yourself, I suppose. Have you thought about that? I have not thought about that, but it’s not ruled out. I’d probably prefer not to. It’s gotta be so time consuming. At one point, I was going to try and get into some movie stuff and I was taking some acting classes. Everyone was like, “You look like a young James Caan.” This was way back in the Eighties. There were a couple of producers that were approaching me. But I went on a set and thought about it and auditioned and I was like, “Wow. This is so time-consuming. I can do four albums in the time it takes to do one movie.” I’m too impatient. I like to move quickly, so I doubt I’d be the right choice for it.

Is your Journey spinoff band Journey Through Time something that can get back on the road in the future? Fans loved seeing you back with Gregg Rolie and playing the really old songs. I was met with a lot of resistance from some of the former band members and the trademark guy that was sort of working for Journey, I’m finding out. There were many trademark issues I’ve gotten to the bottom of. I’ve cleaned everything up 1,000 percent. There were too many handshake deals and money deals and no real contracts. I was like, “OK, it’s time for all this to stop and for everyone to get treated fairly and equally.”

They were having a real problem with me using Neal Schon’s Journey Through Time, the name of the band. I don’t see why. It has been my journey from my life and the fans loved it. But to tell you the truth, I foresee us being able to do that with the new band; I foresee us being able to play in two different places. I feel like we can play these outdoor festivals with bands like Phish or for that audience and dive into the older material and play that stuff very well and take it to a new place.

Also, we can play in the 20,000-seaters or the coliseums we were doing with Pretenders and Def Leppard. I feel like it’s two different audience we can play to. The main thing is just playing longer where you can dive deeper into the older stuff and making it all work together.

Do you think you could bring Gregg Rolie into the fold at some point, at least for the jam-focused shows? We might talk about that. I’d have to see what Jonathan thought about that. But it’s not really on my plate right now. It’s something I definitely enjoyed. We were picking up speed very quickly before it was taken down. We had a whole tour that was ready to go. And then Gregg unavailable and then [drummer-vocalist] Deen [Castronovo] wasn’t available. There was a lot of politics involved.

Are you close to resolving the legal dispute with Steve Smith and Ross Valory? Unfortunately, no. [ Laughs ] We will, eventually. I have confidence that we will. It is going to be what it is. We’ve already made that choice and we’re moving on. But we’re not about to get held up, either. We’re going to start playing and ultimately we can settle this and come to a mutual agreement.

Do you ever see a day in the future where you’d play with them again? Who knows? I’ve known these guys for a long time. I didn’t agree with the way they went about business. I had been in a situation in the band with management and some of them for a long time where I felt like they were trying to make me leave. I was catching on to a lot of things that I’m getting to the bottom of now, business-wise.

I spoke with Steve Perry a few weeks ago. He says he misses playing live. As just a fan of his, are you hoping he’ll tour? I am. I was hoping he would tour when he released his record a couple of years ago. After going through the pandemic, I imagine that most everyone that has ever toured is dying to tour. I miss it so much, that energy you get from the audience that you throw back. I’m totally missing that. I’m sure everyone that has ever been onstage is missing that. I’m hoping that he would really do it. He should. He sounds in good voice and he could do it. I hope he’ll actually do it because he talked about it last time.

Are you still hoping that at some point in the future, the two of you will be able to sit down and be friends again? I’m still trying to talk to him directly on the telephone. For some reason, I don’t know if it’s him or his attorney, they do not want us to talk, or he feels uncomfortable. I’m sitting in the same place where I’m waiting to get on the phone or get together and have some coffee, but it just isn’t happening and it’s not because of myself.

It’s crazy that one rock band can get so complicated with all these feuding factions. It’s just people playing music together that a lot of people love. You know what? There’s a lot of things that get in the way, the conquer-and-divide thing. I believe that that’s been happening with him, too. When we got inducted into the Hall of Fame, I felt really connected to him again where it was emotional to see him after not seeing him for a long time. He was moved too. I felt, “Why is all this other crap happening for so long? Why did I feel like we couldn’t get together and talk?”

But at the end, it went right back to that. I watched him do the first interviews that he did. He talked very highly about myself like I’ve always talked about him and how happy he was to see me and the rest of the guys, but he said it was mainly me he was happy to see. And then all of a sudden, in all the interviews after that, after the first two where I felt like he was speaking from the heart, it took a left-hand turn and I was never mentioned again. It’s very weird, man. I felt like politics, once again, were in the way.

I guess the one constant in the whole Journey saga is you marching forward and keeping it alive. It is the ship I’ve been in from the very get-go. I’m the only guy that’s been there for every show, every record, every date. I’m the only guy. And my heart is still in it. We’re definitely moving forward and I’m happy with what I’m hearing. I’m moving. I’m going forward. I’m not going to sit in neutral and wait for things to settle out.

We’ll soon be approaching our 50th anniversary. It’s kind of mind-boggling to me, even sitting here telling you it’s been 50 years for me. It should be a great one. What I do know is that we’ve hardly spent any time abroad, but we are going to be taking this around the world and playing in countries and cities we’ve never been to before. Anytime we’ve done this before — like our first first show with Arnel [in Chile] when the audience went wild — we’d never been there before, but they went crazy. His audition was in front of 30 million people. He was scared to death. I had to push him out onstage.

I really feel like late 2021 and certainly 2022 will be a celebration of live music. I’ve got butterflies about the vibe I’m getting or what it’s going to be like when we put our show together. We’re not just going to play the same old show. We’re going to be adding a lot of new stuff. I know Randy and Narada, because I’ve jammed with them before.

It’s going to conform into a whole new thing. They aren’t afraid to try anything right on the spur of the moment onstage, which is where I’ve always been. I play by ear. If you go there, I’m going there, man. I learned to do that playing with Carlos Santana and Rolie and all the original Santana guys. I’m from that school and I love it.

I think we’ll construct a set in a way where we’ll have time for all of it and it won’t have to stay the same every night. We don’t have to conform to that. Everyone will be able to carry it and feel strongly about improvising on the spot and going with it.

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Entertainment | after nearly 50 years, journey celebrates new era of ‘freedom’.

Jonathan Cain, co-founder Neal Schon and vocalist Arnel Pineda (since 2007) are on the road again with a new lineup and new album, due out in early summer. (Composite photo courtesy of Journey)

Jonathan Cain is on an airfield in Florida, Zooming from near the Cirrus SR22 plane he’s learning to fly.

That’s appropriate since Cain and his band, Journey — which put South Detroit on the map with its 1981 hit “Don’t Stop Believin'” — are certainly flying high these days.

Having scrabbled through some turbulent times — including dueling lawsuits with former members Ross Valory and Steve Smith and a subsequent change in management — the long-lived band is back in gear. Last year saw a high-profile appearance at the Lollapalooza festival in Chicago and a successful residence in Las Vegas. This year Cain, co-founder Neal Schon and vocalist Arnel Pineda (since 2007) are on the road again with a new lineup, and with “Freedom,” its first new album in 11 years, due out during early summer.

All concerned, according to Cain and Schon, have reason to be, well, believin’ in Journey once again.

“It’s a new era, and we’re excited about having control of our destiny, finally, and doing what we want to do at this time,” says Cain, 71, who joined Journey in 1980 after playing in The Babys. “I think we’ve earned it.”

Guitarist Schon, 67 — who co-founded Journey during 1973 in San Francisco — acknowledges “there was a period there where some things weren’t really right, and it took time to figure out what was going on and what to do about it.” Now, he adds, “I’m just all about moving forward right now. I’m making so much music, and there are so many positive things happening. It’s just full speed ahead.”

pineda of journey

The biggest plus, of course, is new music for the band. During its 49 years Journey has amassed a 15-album catalog that includes multi-platinum efforts such as “Escape,” “Frontiers,” “Infinity,” “Evolution,” “Departure” and “Raised on Radio,” while 1988’s “Greatest Hits” album is the sixth best-selling compilation of all time. It’s notched 18 Top 40 singles, and Journey was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2017.

“The bar’s kind of high whenever we want to do something new,” Cain notes. But he and Schon did just that, working with Narada Michael Walden and recording “Freedom’s” 15 tracks remotely between San Francisco and Nashville.

“It sounds like a Journey record,” reports Cain, who also released a new faith-based solo EP, “Oh Lord Lead Us,” with a full album also due later this year. He worked on some of the new Journey songs while fighting off a COVID infection as well. “Once again the songs come from all kinds of places, creatively. I think some of it’s really raw and really rock ‘n’ roll, and we have the classic ballads. We really tried to stay true to what we do best, and that’s just write good songs.

“And yet, there are some surprises. We step out a little bit, which is cool.”

Journey previewed the album last year with a single, “The Way We Used to Be,” and while a “Freedom” song or two might be slip into set lists of the current tour, Cain says they’ll mostly be held for more touring after the album’s release. “You kinda want to let the album simmer a little bit and get into the ears and the minds of people — and they want the hits, anyway,” Cain explains. “It’s a good idea to let it breathe in the marketplace and see what they want.”

The only harsh on Journey’s current buzz came on New Year’s Eve, when the group played as part of ABC’s “New Year’s Rockin’ Eve…” program. Following the performance, an admittedly inebriated Andy Cohen declared on CNN that “It’s not Journey without Steve Perry!,” referencing the iconic frontman from 1977-98. It’s not the first time Cain and his current bandmates have heard that, and after nearly 25 years without Perry and 15 with Pineda — the Filipino singer Schon discovered via YouTube — they’ve learned to take it in stride.

“Y’know, Steve Perry certainly was a huge part of the architecture and the sound and all that,” Cain says, “but Neal and I believed in 1998 it wasn’t bout one guy, it was about the music and the fans. We bet on that, and we’ve been proven right. It was a triumphant night for Journey, no matter what anyone says. We know it works, and we know it’s good, so we’re just going to keep going, strong.”

Journey and Toto perform at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 3, at Little Caesars Arena, Detroit. $49.50 and up. 313-471-7000 or 313Presents.com.

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pineda of journey

Journey frontman Arnel Pineda breaks silence over band feud

pineda of journey

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.

Journey members (L-R) Marco Mendoza, Jason Derlatka, Arnel Pineda, Neal Schon, Jonathan Cain, Deen Castronovo

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.."

Arnel Pineda tweet

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"

Arnel Pineda tweet

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.."

Arnel Pineda tweet

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]"

Arnel Pineda tweet

  • Arnel Pineda on being inducted to Rock and Roll Hall of Fame: "I don't think I deserve that."
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Arnel Pineda, the talented vocalist known for his remarkable journey from homelessness to international stardom with Journey,

Arnel Pineda is a singer who had a tough start but found success with the band Journey.

Born in the Philippines in 1967, he faced challenges after his mother’s death when he was just 13.

Pineda ended up homeless, sleeping in parks and working odd jobs to support his family.

His love for music began early, and he joined bands, eventually forming his own called The Zoo.

In 2007, Journey discovered him through YouTube videos and made him their lead singer.

Also See: Where Is David Yeomans Going After Leaving KXAN? New Job And Salary

Is Arnel Pineda Leaving Journey?

Rumors have been coming up recently about whether Arnel Pineda, the beloved lead singer of the iconic rock band Journey, is leaving the group.

The rumors about Arnel leaving Journey circulated because of the rumors about tensions within the band involving some of the original members, including Neal Schon, Jonathan Cain, and Gregg Rolie.

While these rumors may have fans worried, there has been no official confirmation from Arnel or Journey about his departure.

In fact, Arnel himself recently took to social media to express his excitement about an upcoming tour with the band, thanking fans for their support over the past 16 years.

Despite the hardships during his teenage years, Arnel’s passion for music never ceased.

Is Arnel Pineda Leaving Journey

He joined various bands and gained recognition for his incredible voice before catching the attention of Journey’s guitarist, Neal Schon, through YouTube videos in 2007.

Arnel’s life changed forever when he was discovered by Journey’s guitarist Neal Schon through YouTube videos.

Journey was looking for a new lead singer, and Arnel’s powerful voice caught their attention.

Since then, Arnel has been fronting the band, wowing audiences with his vocal talents and energy.

Arnel is still committed to Journey and passionate about making music with the band.

His dedication to the group and his fans shines through in everything he does.

Arnel Pineda Career Details Explored

Arnel Pineda’s journey to stardom is nothing short of remarkable. Born on September 5, 1967, in Sampaloc, Manila, Philippines, Arnel faced hardships from a young age.

At just 13 years old, he tragically lost his mother to heart disease, leaving him and his three younger brothers without parental support.

Despite these challenges, Arnel’s love for music remained unchanged.

Arnel’s musical talent began to shine at a young age. He started singing at the tender age of five and participated in numerous singing contests throughout his childhood.

In 1982, at the age of 15, Arnel was introduced to a local band called Ijos, where his powerful voice caught the attention of his bandmates.

Despite his lack of formal training, Arnel’s raw talent earned him the role of the band’s lead singer.

As part of Ijos, and later as a member of the pop-rock band Amo and Intensity Five, Arnel honed his skills as a vocalist, performing covers of songs by renowned artists such as Heart, Queen, and Journey.

Is Arnel Pineda Leaving Journey

Despite facing health challenges, including a temporary loss of his voice, Arnel persevered and continued to pursue his passion for music.

In 1999, Arnel embarked on a solo career, releasing a self-titled album with Warner Brothers that garnered success in Asia.

However, it was his collaboration with guitarist and songwriter Monet Cajipe in the band The Zoo that truly propelled his career to new heights.

Impressed by Arnel’s vocal range and uncanny resemblance to former Journey frontman Steve Perry, Schon invited Arnel to audition for the band.

On December 5, 2007, Arnel was officially welcomed as Journey’s new lead singer, marking the beginning of a new chapter in his career.

Since joining Journey, Arnel has toured the world, captivating audiences with his electrifying performances and paying homage to the band’s classic hits.

His term with Journey has been met with critical praise, with the band’s album “Revelation” reaching platinum status in 2008.

Also Read: Where Is Brian Kilmeade Going After Leaving Fox And Friends? Why He Is Not In The Show?

  • Arnel Pineda

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The story of Journey’s new frontman

The band Journey performing in the Philippines, the homeland of the band’s new frontman Arnel Pineda (center). “Don’t Stop Believin’: Everyman’s Journey” is director Ramona S. Diaz’s documentary about the singer’s personal journey. The film opens at the Coolidge Corner Theatre this week.

Arnel Pineda sat in the dark theater in Nashville with his hands partially covering his eyes. Occasionally, he would peek up at the screen, horror-movie style.

When the lights went up in Music City after the most important screening of “Don’t Stop Believin’: Everyman’s Journey,” Pineda could scarcely believe it was all true, his tale of being plucked from obscurity in 2008 to front the classic rock band Journey. Of how he had literally gone from rags — a homeless, high school dropout in his native Philippines — to riches — touring the globe singing huge hit songs like “Faithfully,” “Open Arms,” and, of course, “Don’t Stop Believin,’ ” to full arenas. Pineda also wasn’t crazy about the way he looked. “I was covering my eyes because I look like crap in some parts because I’d had no sleep and they were asking me questions,” says the genial, soft-spoken singer, slightly sleepy on the phone from a New Zealand tour stop.

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The story is true, however, and fortunately for director Ramona S. Diaz, Pineda got over it, or else she might not have had a movie. “Don’t Stop Believin’: Everyman’s Journey” opens at the Coolidge Corner Theatre on Friday.

“That was the hardest audience I ever had to screen it for,” says Diaz, who unspooled the documentary for Pineda and the rest of Journey — guitarist Neal Schon, keyboardist Jonathan Cain, bassist Ross Valory, and drummer Deen Castronovo — last February. “At that point, we hadn’t signed off on music rights.” In other words, if the members of Journey didn’t like the film, which was financed by Diaz on credit cards, favors, family investments, wings and prayers, they could have shut it down by blocking her from using their music.

“Every fiber of my being was saying oh my God, we really could be royally screwed. But at the end,” says Diaz, with a still audible sigh in her voice “they came through for us.”

Arnel Pineda (above) was plucked from obscurity in the Philippines to front Journey.

The film follows Pineda, who had toiled for many years in cover bands and original outfits in the Philippines and Hong Kong, from his initial audition for the band in San Francisco through the group’s first tour with the new frontman they found on YouTube.

Diaz, an Emerson grad whose previous films include “Imelda,” a 2003 documentary about former first lady Marcos of the Philippines, first caught wind of Pineda’s story by e-mail.

“I’m Filipino-American and I’m plugged into the community and whenever something big happens in the community everyone knows about it,” she says. “So there was this e-mail that was circulating that was written by the immigration officer who gave him his visa to go to the audition.”

When Pineda first told an official the reason for his visit to the United States, he saw the man chuckling in disbelief. But then he turned to another officer, and this one had actually seen Pineda’s band, Zoo, playing in local clubs and had heard him singing Journey songs. Pineda says he sang “Wheel in the Sky” on the spot and three days later he had his visa.

Disbelief was a recurring theme at the time. That Pineda had the presence of mind to film his audition with the band was a huge gift to Diaz. “He didn’t think he was going to get the gig so he wanted to record it and show people — ‘See I did audition for Journey’ — because no one believed him. And he told me that like, as a matter-of-fact, ‘Oh yeah, we filmed that.’ You filmed what? Seriously?”

From there Diaz persuaded the band to shoot a rehearsal. And then another few days. Finally she gained enough of their trust that they invited her crew on tour to document Pineda’s first year of adjusting to his new bandmates, huge venues and crowds, and dealing with the grueling tour schedule. Throughout it all, Pineda is even-keeled and philosophical. If it is possible to craft the “right” response to such an extraordinary circumstance, Pineda seems to display it: grateful, reverent, understandably overwhelmed but unfailingly fearless, even in the face of the ever unkind message board underbelly of the Internet, some of whose denizens did not take kindly to Pineda and let it be known.

Ramona Diaz director of the documentary "Don't Stop Believin': Everyman's Journey."

“So much could’ve gone wrong,” says Diaz, looking back. “He could’ve failed; he could’ve lost his voice, or his confidence. We’d still have a film but not the same film, obviously. That’s why he was golden. Not only did he not miss a beat, but he was also very articulate about what was happening to him about his inner life, which is very rare to find that.”

Pineda shrugs off the praise of his calm. “I was just being myself because I was tired all the time. Keeping up with what Ramona was doing and then keeping up with the tour, it’s just too much information and too much responsibility to have.”

Nearly five years on, it is a responsibility that he now feels more comfortable with even though he knows some fans will never accept him. Although Journey had two other singers (Steve Augeri and Jeff Scott Soto) between their most famous frontman, Steve Perry, and Pineda, in the film the band members make clear that Pineda is their man as long as he wants to be. (Perry and the group split acrimoniously in 1998 and Perry has said that he has no interest in returning.)

“No singer in this world can ever replace what Mr. Perry has accomplished with the band,” Pineda says. “But right now the main objective is to continue sharing the message they have worked so hard for over the years. It’s no competition. Right now, I can still feel the bitterness of a lot of Perry fans out there. But they don’t really understand what’s going on. They feel threatened that Mr. Perry is being dethroned of his place in the band. Nobody’s trying to change that. I completely understand where they’re coming from, but they shouldn’t feel threatened, they should feel happy that the music is still relevant. A lot of people still come to the show to witness for themselves Journey in the 21st century.”

For her part, Diaz, not a big fan previously, came away with a new respect for Journey — specifically her favorite song, “Stone in Love” — and the rock ’n’ roll touring life in general.

“You know when rock stars are being interviewed on television and they’re saying, ‘You know, it’s not all that glamorous,’ and you’re like, oh shut up ?” she says with a laugh. “I realized it isn’t all glamorous. It’s not at all. It’s only glamorous those two hours onstage and everything is about those two hours and performing in front of 20,000 people, but it was tough because [the film crew was] still working those two hours. We did this on our own dime. People will think it’s Journey, they must have helped. But we really wanted it to be independent. I didn’t want a vanity project basically. I had final cut and that was very clear, but it wouldn’t have been clear if they had funded it.”

Which is why she was so relieved when they embraced her last year and gave her the greenlight on the music, of which the film features a great deal.

“I think people really need to see the film because, looking beyond my face, there’s a story that’s so great and so inspiring,” says Pineda, who hopes to get to work on a solo album soon. “That made me realize I don’t have to be ashamed that they’re going to see my face on the big screen and see me really awkward.”

“People ask me what I want people to take away from the film,” says Diaz. “Just that good things still happen to good people.”

Sarah Rodman can be reached at [email protected] . Follow her on Twitter @GlobeRodman.

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Neal Schon Finally Speaks Up About Replacing Arnel Pineda

Neal Schon Finally Speaks Up About Replacing Arnel Pineda | I Love Classic Rock Videos

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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The incredible journey of Arnel Pineda

A documentary on the unlikely rise of a singer in philippines to frontman of the us band journey finally hits theatres..

Journey in Manila, with Arnel Pineda, centre. Courtesy Emerging Pictures

Journey in Manila, with Arnel Pineda, centre. Courtesy Emerging Pictures

In between gigs, a young prince of rock 'n' roll sinks into his cushions and sighs.

"I'm living a fairy tale right now."

Truly, Arnel Pineda's life story is the stuff of fairy tales - a poor boy with a golden voice finds his way to become the lead singer of a legendary rock band. It's a modern day, real-life Cinderella story, not to mention a version of the 2001 Mark Wahlberg film Rock Star , which in turn was based on the heavy metal group Judas Priest, who replaced their frontman with one found performing in a tribute band.

Pineda's story unfolds in the documentary Don't Stop Believin': Everyman's Journey , which was an official selection last year at the Tribeca Film Festival and the winner of the Audience Award at the 2013 Palm Springs International Film Festival. The film has just gone on wide release in cinemas in the US.

Brace yourself for a goosebumpy ride. The film goes on the road with Journey, criss-crossing hemispheres and timelines, to chronicle the intersecting destinies of Pineda and the iconic rock band in this age of the internet and social media.

The central story that started it all is itself an internet legend. Back in the summer of 2007, the members of Journey, who got together in 1973 and disbanded several times in the ensuing decades, began searching for a new lead singer. It was a tall order considering the anointed one would be stepping into the very big shoes of departed singer Steve Perry. The group, who hit the height of their popularity in the early 1980s with big, rich rock hits including Open Arms , Faithfully and Don't Stop Believin' , have sold more than 80 million albums worldwide.

After trawling YouTube for possible leads and almost ready to give up, the lead guitarist Neal Schon clicked on one last video. There popped up Pineda onstage in the Philippines, singing Journey cover songs for his band The Zoo. "This is too good to be true," said Schon.

Emails were sent, and soon an incredulous Pineda found himself in San Francisco to audition for the lead role.

Voice for a visa

The film's director Ramona S Diaz recounts how she was first inspired to make the documentary. In 2008, she received an email from a friend in Manila with the title "Best US Embassy Visa Application Story". Written by one of the immigration agents at the American Embassy in Manila, it was about Pineda, who said that the reason he was going to the US was that he was invited by Journey to audition for lead vocals.

"Journey? The rock band Journey?" the dubious agent had asked, and Pineda could only nod meekly, producing some flimsy email correspondence from the band. So Pineda was asked to sing Wheel in the Sky . He belted it out loud enough for the entire waiting room to stop and listen.

"Look sir," said the agent, "there isn't a person in this embassy who would believe that story! So I'm giving you that visa. You're going to try out. And you're going to make it."

And make it he did.

Rags to riches to racism

Pineda, who once had to sing for food, who lost his mother when he was 13 and grew up in a family so poor his father had to send siblings to live with relatives, who quit school and struck out on his own to ease the burden, spending two years on the streets before finding some domestic success as a musician, today performs in front of thousands in sold-out concerts all over the world.

His story was covered in Rolling Stone , he performed at a Super Bowl pregame show and he was a guest on The Oprah Winfrey Show . Yet many times he'd still wonder if it was all a dream. In one scene, he says: "Why me? I'm short, I'm so Asian … it was like I was just edited in with Photoshop!"

Since 2007 Pineda has recorded two albums with the rejuvenated band: Revelation in 2008 and 2011's Eclipse . But Everyman is about life on the road, and in it the frontman proves an endearing, soulful character, a nice guy who suffered at an early age and is now reaping a lifetime's worth of good karma.

Says Diaz: "As we've travelled to film festivals the world over, it's apparent that audiences young and old feel a powerful kinship with Arnel. The bursts of applause and the standing ovations have overwhelmed us.

"Audiences truly like Arnel, they root for him because his success affirms that in this crazy world we live in, good things still happen to good people."

Now what fairy tale would be complete without a villain? Or in this story, villains - the haters, critics and downright racists who hurled their insults in cyberspace. If the internet was what got Pineda discovered, it was also where wickedness thrived - where such insults as "garbage," "impersonator" and "monkey" were slung.

"Arnel was very aware of that," says Diaz. "The internet has no gatekeeper. But he chose to ignore it, he knew he couldn't please everyone. He couldn't let that seep into his consciousness. Also, he had no time to focus on that because he was on tour."

It's an issue that Pineda addresses in the film. "There are people out there who want me to fail," he says. "I'm sticking to those people who believe in me."

Those people could translate into a whole country as his backup. As one Filipino fan commented in the film, when Journey chose Pineda for the lead, "they inherited a nation".

Rock 'n' road

So what was it like going on the road with Journey for a year? "It's really not glamorous," says Diaz. "They're working 24/7 for a two-hour act, every minute getting to those two hours on stage is hard work."

She was very impressed, however, describing the group as a "well-oiled machine with many moving parts".

As for the whole "sex, drugs and rock 'n' roll" cliché? Surprise, surprise - there wasn't even alcohol in the dressing room. "As the band has reached a certain level of maturity, they've passed all that - they were all sober."

Feel-good tale

During a gruelling year on the road, Diaz, of course, had no way of knowing how her film would end. "As a documentary filmmaker, one of the most exciting things about the process is not knowing how it's going to turn out," says Diaz. "Observing life as it unfolds through the camera's lens is a privilege."

Ultimately, Everyman's Journey is a feel-good film with a great soundtrack and a positive message. It shows the soft side of rock, seen in the warmth and enduring faith of the veteran rock stars Neal Schon, Ross Valory, Jon Cain, Deen Castronovo and the band manager John Baruck, in their fellowship of strings.

"No matter how clichéd it seems, it really is a story of never giving up," says Diaz. "Or, at the very least, surrounding yourself with friends who never stop believing in you."

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Arnel Pineda Official Site

pineda of journey

His Journey in My Eyes

by Erik Pineda, Arnel Pineda’s brother

I was tempted to lay out this paper as another Wikipedia-like article or a blog on a guy currently creating ripples on rock music world by virtue of capturing the role as the latest incarnation of the Journey frontman. I decided against it as this man, my brother, deserves much better, which is exactly the same treatment and attention that he is getting now.

The Beginning We are four in a brood and Arnel heads the crew, being the eldest. As in his earlier testaments, life indeed was tough but it was bit manageable when our Ima (mama in Capampangan) was still around. Mother was headstrong, feisty, straight-forward and a strong resolve. I can say that our mother still wields a greater influence on Arnel compared to any other personality that he had encountered. He takes after her resiliency and courage; the traits that guide him to this day. Her ability to blend well with people was also instilled on him, in preparation for his future dealings with people of mixed culture and orientation. I marvel at his disarming humility, which erases any more reason not to like him. And all these good things about him were not learned easily; Arnel travelled a long way prior to his long-delayed arrival.

Arnel Pineda: My Story

by Noel Gomez, Superfan and friend

2004: Seeing Arnel sing for the first time I was not a fan of rock. But it was at Remy Field, Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority in Olongapo City where I saw the rock band 9MM for the first time. They fronted my favorite band, South Border. 9MM started singing Don’t Say Goodbye, Say Goodnight . I had heard the song before. I could overhear people around me saying 9MM must be the original artist. The band sounded just like the original, but I know for a fact Binocular recorded the song. 9MM’s entire show lasted about two hours, the band obliging with the crowd’s requests. With every song, the crowd got wilder, pushing onto the stage and knocking the railing down. By the time South Border took the stage, the crowd had mellowed out. As people filed out, the talk was about 9MM, the front act. After the concert, I decided I was going to learn more about them.

I was working at an internet café at that time. A guy walks in asking to have documents copied. On the letterhead was “9MM”. I asked who 9MM’s vocalist was. He told me, “Arnel Pineda”. It turns out, the customer managed both 9MM and South Border. He continued to further say that Arnel Pineda led a band called AMO. Having gone to high school at another province, Pangasinan, I had only heard about AMO from my father and uncles. From what I was told, AMO band was the best band in Olongapo.

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Journey is back with a new lineup and new music

  • Updated: Sep. 14, 2021, 3:11 p.m. |
  • Published: Sep. 14, 2021, 5:49 a.m.

Journey

Arnel Pineda, left, and Neal Schon of the band Journey perform on day three of the Lollapalooza music festival on Saturday, July 31, 2021, at Grant Park in Chicago. (Photo by Rob Grabowski/Invision/AP) Rob Grabowski/Invision/AP

  • Gary Graff, special to cleveland.com

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Journey’s members have a simple message for those who figured it was a band least likely to headline at Lollapalooza, a festival that’s long celebrated the current and cutting edge.

Don’t stop believin’.

The group, a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee in 2017, indeed won raves and a big Hulu TV audience for its July 31 performance in Chicago’s Grant Park, which had tens of thousands singing along to “Don’t Stop Believin’” and the group’s parade of other hits. It’s part of a series of post-pandemic shows Journey, debuting a new lineup, has been playing this summer, with a Las Vegas residency slated for December.

And all that has been accompanied by new music. A single and animated video, “The Way We Used to Be,” came out in June, and Journey has recorded a new album -- its first since “Eclipse” in 2011 -- though it hasn’t yet announced a release date.

It’s safe to say that despite some harsh critics still out there, the journey goes on and on and on and on...

“Journey has become a crossover with kids, more than people realize,” says Jonathan Cain, keyboardist and guitarist since 1980 and a chief architect behind Journey’s nine-times platinum “Escape” album, celebrating its 40th anniversary this year. “There’s a lot of factors there. ‘Don’t Stop Believin’’ was in ‘The Sopranos’ (finale), and on ‘Glee.’ It’s the most-performed karaoke song, one of the top five wedding songs, and then you have ‘Open Arms’ and ‘Faithfully’...

“We have permeated the young culture, and we still have the fans who were with us back when everything happened. We’re very blessed in that way.”

This Journey resurgence, in fact, comes after one of the darker chapters in the band’s 48-year history.

It was only a few years ago, back in 2017 that guitarist and co-founder Neal Schon was sniping at his bandmates, primarily Cain, via social media, even as the group was touring together. The issues, other than a band visit to the White House (Cain’s wife, televangelist Paula White, was one of Donald Trump’s advisers) were unclear and seemed to have little effect on the band’s performances.

Now Schon -- who formed the band in 1973 after a tenure with Santana -- acknowledges that “there was a period there where some things weren’t really right, and it took time to figure out what was going on and what to do about it.” And those things became clear on March 3, 2020, when Schon and Cain announced they’d fired co-founder and bassist Ross Valory and longtime drummer Steve Smith for an alleged “attempted corporate coup d’état” to take over the Journey and all of its trademarks.

Valory and Smith were supported in a countersuit by former frontman Steve Perry and former manager Herbie Herbert, but Schon and Cain moved forward while the matter was being litigated.

“Everybody wanted to own the brand, and I felt there was a takeover going on,” says Schon, who had started another band, Journey Through Time, that included Santana bandmate Greg Rolie, another Journey co-founder. One of the group’s old managers, in fact, even suggested Schon should quit the band he started, which only strengthened his resolve to establish new order to the group, which has sold more than 80 million albums worldwide.

“The ship is not going down. No one’s stealing the brand,” declares Schon, 67, who’s limited by the legalities from talking about too many specifics. “Things took a turn, businesswise, that I didn’t like, and that Jonathan didn’t like and we decided not to go along with it. There were a lot of unrealistic statements that were being made by different people and us not really talking and just believing what others were saying.

“Once I actually sat and talked to Jonathan, we cleared everything up and got rid of the divide-and-conquer scenario and realized we had a lot more to say musically together, as brothers.”

Journey also changed management and did some other housecleaning and legal reshuffling, as well as working on settling trademark issues that hadn’t been firmly established in the past.

“It was sort of a shocking thing, that brothers had come to that,” Cain says. “We had to sort it out. You get lemons, you make lemonade -- what else are you gonna do? It’s probably not that out of the ordinary for bands to do this kind of stuff, and it’s usually based on greed or whatever. I really am glad it’s behind us, that’s all -- and I wish everybody well, really. I have no ill will towards anyone.”

Journey now comprises Schon and Cain, as well as Arnel Pineda, the Filipino singer who joined in 2007 after Schon saw his performances of Journey songs on YouTube. Randy Jackson of “American Idol” fame returns in the bass slot, which he filled from 1985-87 -- though Marco Mendoza is filling in while Jackson recovers from back surgery. New to the lineup is Narada Michael Walden on drums, while Jason Derlatka, who’s been a hidden adjunct member for live performances, is now a full-time member on keyboard.

And, in a surprise move last month, Deen Castronovo, drummer from 1998-2015, is also back in the fold.

“We’re moving forward -- that’s all I can tell you, man,” says Schon, who put out an instrumental solo album, “Universe,” last fall and last month auctioned 112 of his guitars for more than $4.2 million. “It still sounds like Journey, but there is definitely a different strut in the rhythm section with Randy and Narada. It’s bombastic. It’s rocking. It’s majestic, and it’s soulful.

“I believe we got in a bit of a rut, for me, in the latter years of just playing exactly the same thing every night. It doesn’t have to be like that. We have so much material, and I think it’s great music and can all be brought to life in a new way and an updated way. That’s what we’re pursuing now.”

Journey has more than 20 songs it’s been working on for the new album, much of it being worked on remotely between Schon and Walden on the West Coast and Cain in Nashville and Florida. “The Way We Used to Be” is a case in point, growing from a piece of music Schon and Walden constructed and then sent to Cain for lyrics and additional melody.

Jonathan Cain

Jonathan Cain of the band Journey performs on day three of the Lollapalooza music festival on Saturday, July 31, 2021, at Grant Park in Chicago. (Photo by Rob Grabowski/Invision/AP) Rob Grabowski/Invision/AP

“The lyric has a sort of angst to it, and the question was ‘can we ever get back?’” explains Cain, 71, who also released a new Christian rock single, “Oh Lord Lead Us,” last month. “There’s that frustration of being separated, by the pandemic, and a little fear in it. It just had enough for me to go, ‘OK, then we’ll just put a little R&B thing on it and story tell it and get to that chorus, which fit right into what (Schon) had.”

Both Schon and Cain say the new album is in its finishing stages. It has a tentative title that they’re not revealing yet, but the package is being designed by Jim Welch, who worked with the band on several albums, including “Infinity,” “Departure” and “Escape.” “It’s typical Journey, I think,” Cain says. “We’re back to our old sound, but it’s got a little bit more on the bottom end. It’s got fire. It’s just a little bit more edge to it. Neal’s playing his butt off, and it’s very driven, very cool. The songs came very interestingly. I like it a lot.”

For Schon, meanwhile, “I’m just all about moving forward right now. I’m making so much music and there are so many positive things happening. I’ve bought a lot of new guitars and I’m having a blast playing. We’ll get all this other (stuff) taken care of and behind us, and then it’s just full speed ahead. I can’t wait.”

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News Kuramerukagari Anime Film Gets Manga

The April issue of Mag Garden 's Monthly Comic Garden magazine revealed on Tuesday that Shigeyoshi Tsukahara and Twiflo 's new spinoff full-length anime film Kuramerukagari is inspiring a manga adaptation (lower left in image below) that will launch in the magazine's next issue on April 5. Sanatsu is drawing the manga.

maggarden

Kurayukaba won the Best Animated Feature in the Audience Awards category of the 27th annual Fantasia International Film Festival in August. The film is screening in competition at this year's Niigata International Animation Film Festival on March 15-20.

The staff describes Kuramerukagari :

This is a story that weaves together people and a town. A coal mining town crowded with small-scale excavators, commonly known as the "Hakoniwa." In this town that changes daily like a labyrinth, there's a girl named Kagari who runs a mapmaking business and a boy named Yuya who dreams of breaking free from the "Hakoniwa." Eventually, the two, along with the unique residents of the town, find themselves confronting a conspiracy that shakes the entire town. The fate of the” Hakoniwa" depends on Kagari's drawings on the map.

Tsukahara is credited for the original work, screenplay, and director of the film. Ryohgo Narita ( Baccano! , Durarara!! ) is credited with the original concept. Team OneOne is producing the animation. The film stars Ayane Sakura as Kagari. Kuramerukagari is the opening film for this year's Niigata International Animation Film Festival on March 15. Masayoshi Ōishi performs the film's theme song "Bokura no Hakoniwa."

The Kurayukaba project's first crowdfunding campaign ran from December 2018 to February 2019 to fund the pilot film. The campaign raised 6,901,864 yen (about US$63,000) from 397 backers: 276% of its 2,500,000 yen (about US$22,100) goal. The campaign reached its 4,000,000 yen (about US$35,300) stretch goal to create a one-minute video (the original goal was for a 30-second video).

Kuramerukagari adapts Ryohgo Narita 's novella that was made available for those who backed the project at the "Rental Shop" tier (12,000 yen, or about US$110).

Twin Engine 's official Motion Gallery crowdfunding campaign for the film launched in April 2020, and it aimed to raise 20 million yen (about US$188,000) to fund a film at least 40 minutes long. The campaign ended in August 2020 with 8,798,500 yen (about US$79,513).

Source: Monthly Comic Garden April issue and website

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81. Laura Caputo, Executive Director of the Romance Writers of America (RWA) on DEI Controversies and Rebuilding Trust Associations Thrive

How do you rebuild trust in an organization? How do you bring back the members who previously felt excluded? How do you help your members navigate the AI landscape? In this episode of Associations Thrive, host Joanna Pineda interviews Laura Caputo, Executive Director of the Romance Writers of America (RWA). Laura discusses: How romance is the largest fiction genre.How RWA defines romance as a work of fiction with a happily ever after ending, or happy for now.How RWA supports all writers of romance, including those who are working on their first book, the newly-published, even the best-selling authors.Her journey from being a bankruptcy attorney to Chief of Staff of an association, to Executive Director of RWA.How RWA imploded in 2019 amidst allegations of systemic bias against members of color, LGBTQ members, and poly members. The controversy led to the resignation of the President, Executive Director, and, eventually, the entire board.How the membership dropped from 10,000 members to 2,500 members, which led to RWA moving from being self-managed to being managed by an association management company.How Laura, her staff, and her new Board have worked really hard to rebuild trust with the members and instill inclusiveness across the entire association and their chapters.How RWA has been doubling down on member services, including services that help authors get published, the RWA communities, and the RWA conferences.How AI affects the profession in so many ways. For example, some writers are using AI to write their books and for some, this isn’t okay. But AI is also training on authors’ work, allowing random people to “write in the style of Nora Roberts”; should this be allowed and how does this affect an author’s work and reputation? References: Romance Writers of American websiteVox article: Bad Romance

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  1. Journey's Arnel Pineda Will Be the Subject of an Upcoming Biopic

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  2. The Truth About How Arnel Pineda Joined Journey

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

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  5. Arnel Pineda of Journey. March 2015.

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  6. Arnel Pineda

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VIDEO

  1. Arnel Pineda

  2. ARNEL PINEDA JOURNEY *FAITHFULLY* HOUSTON 7/26 concert

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  4. ARNEL PINEDA JOURNEY *SEPERATE WAYS* HOUSTON 7/26 concert

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COMMENTS

  1. Arnel Pineda

    Arnel Campaner Pineda (born September 5, 1967) [1] is a Filipino singer and songwriter. He came to prominence in the Philippines during the 1980s and internationally in 2007 as the lead singer of the American rock band Journey. [2]

  2. Arnel Pineda

    Arnel Pineda was born on September 5, 1967, in Sampaloc, Manila, in the Philippines. Throughout his childhood, Pineda endured grave misfortune. When he was just 13 years old, his mother, who was ...

  3. Pineda of Journey Crossword Clue

    The Crossword Solver found 30 answers to "Pineda of Journey", 5 letters crossword clue. The Crossword Solver finds answers to classic crosswords and cryptic crossword puzzles. Enter the length or pattern for better results. Click the answer to find similar crossword clues . Enter a Crossword Clue.

  4. Meet Journey's New Singer

    The Journey rockers share how they discover their new lead singer, Arnel Pineda of the Philippines, through a Youtube video.Subscribe to http://bit.ly/Sub...

  5. Arnel Pineda on JOURNEY's Potential Reunion with Steve Perry and Career

    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 […]

  6. Journey's Arnel Pineda on New Album, Dreams of a Steve Perry Reunion

    Journey Frontman Arnel Pineda on the Band's New Record, Dreams of a Steve Perry Reunion. "I'm delivering on the legacy that the Voice [Steve Perry] has left behind," says Arnel Pineda. "Meeting ...

  7. Journey's Arnel Pineda breaks silence over band drama

    Indonesian police official sentenced to death for bodyguard's murder. Arnel Pineda, front man of American rock band Journey, broke his silence on the feud between his bandmates, who are on the road for their "Freedom" tour to mark the band's 50th anniversary. The turmoil made headlines after a legal dispute between guitarist Neal Schon and ...

  8. Journey Lead Singer Arnel Pineda

    March 8, 2008. Planet Hollywood, Las Vegas | Journey played to a house packed with faithful fans. Most of these fans probably know the lyrics to more than the fifty songs Arnel was encouraged to master. Let that sink in for a moment. Plus, this show was being recorded for the new album/DVD set, "Revelation".

  9. Arnel Pineda makes sure Journey's sound is still iconic

    Two things have helped Journey reach the 50-year mark: "Glee's" heavy use of the band's music and Arnel Pineda's soaring lead vocals. Able to hit all those Steve Perry notes (and give ...

  10. 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 ...

  11. Watch Arnel Pineda Sing "Don't Stop Believin'" With Journey

    Journey's first gig with Pineda took place February 21st, 2008 at the Viña del Mar Festival in Chile. It was a bold move to debut a new singer in front of such a large audience, but Pineda was ...

  12. Neal Schon on New Journey Lineup, Arnel Pineda Biopic, 'Universe' LP

    Neal Schon on Journey's 'New Strut,' Possible Arnel Pineda Biopic, and His New Solo LP. The guitarist also gives a progress report on the band's upcoming album, and discusses the state of ...

  13. After nearly 50 years, Journey celebrates new era of 'Freedom'

    L-R) Neal Schon and Arnel Pineda of Journey perform onstage during the 2021 iHeartRadio Music Festival on September 18, 2021 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. ... Journey and Toto perform at ...

  14. Journey frontman Arnel Pineda breaks silence over band feud

    Journey frontman Arnel Pineda speaks up on allegations hurled against him amid ongoing 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 ...

  15. Arnel Pineda with Journey • Live in Chile 2008

    Sharing with you guys my first ever live performance with my band JOURNEY, this was in Chile back in 2008. This takes me back to the time when every nerve i...

  16. Is Arnel Pineda Leaving Journey? Career Details Explored

    Arnel Pineda's journey to stardom is nothing short of remarkable. Born on September 5, 1967, in Sampaloc, Manila, Philippines, Arnel faced hardships from a young age. At just 13 years old, he tragically lost his mother to heart disease, leaving him and his three younger brothers without parental support.

  17. Journey • Faithfully • Arnel Pineda • LIVE

    Journey featuring new leadman (lead singer) Arnel Pineda singing their classic rock ballad "Faithfully".

  18. The story of Journey's new frontman

    By Sarah Rodman Globe Staff,March 2, 2013, 6:00 p.m. The band Journey performing in the Philippines, the homeland of the band's new frontman Arnel Pineda (center). "Don't Stop Believin ...

  19. Neal Schon Finally Speaks Up About Replacing Arnel Pineda

    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 ...

  20. The incredible journey of Arnel Pineda

    Pineda's story unfolds in the documentary Don't Stop Believin': Everyman's Journey, which was an official selection last year at the Tribeca Film Festival and the winner of the Audience Award at the 2013 Palm Springs International Film Festival. The film has just gone on wide release in cinemas in the US.

  21. List of Journey band members

    Journey is an American rock band from San Francisco, California.Formed in February 1973 as the Golden Gate Rhythm Section, the group was renamed Journey in the summer and originally included keyboardist and vocalist Gregg Rolie, lead guitarist Neal Schon, rhythm guitarist George Tickner, bassist Ross Valory and drummer Prairie Prince.The band's lineup as of 2021 features Schon, alongside ...

  22. Arnel Pineda Biography

    His Journey in My Eyes. by Erik Pineda, Arnel Pineda's brother. I was tempted to lay out this paper as another Wikipedia-like article or a blog on a guy currently creating ripples on rock music world by virtue of capturing the role as the latest incarnation of the Journey frontman. I decided against it as this man, my brother, deserves much ...

  23. Journey (band)

    Journey in 2008: Valory, Cain, Pineda, Schon, and Castronovo. Following Soto's departure, the band was again without a lead vocalist. Neal Schon began searching YouTube for a new lead vocalist, with Jeremey Hunsicker of the Journey tribute band Frontiers auditioning and spending a week with the band writing material.

  24. Journey is back with a new lineup and new music

    Arnel Pineda, left, and Neal Schon of the band Journey perform on day three of the Lollapalooza music festival on Saturday, July 31, 2021, at Grant Park in Chicago.

  25. Kuramerukagari Anime Film Gets Manga

    The Weakest Tamer Began a Journey to Pick Up Trash; The Witch and the Beast; ... posted on 2024-03-06 15:00 EST by Rafael Antonio Pineda Sanatsu draws manga launching on April 5.

  26. Jewel Pineda on Instagram: "Seize the emerging opportunity and be part

    0 likes, 0 comments - jewelpineda.megaworld on February 21, 2024: "Seize the emerging opportunity and be part of a thriving industry when you start your hotel inves..."

  27. ‎Associations Thrive: 81. Laura Caputo, Executive Director of the

    In this episode of Associations Thrive, host Joanna Pineda interviews Laura Caputo, Executive Director of the Romance Writers of America (RWA). ... even the best-selling authors.Her journey from being a bankruptcy attorney to Chief of Staff of an association, to Executive Director of RWA.How RWA imploded in 2019 amidst allegations of systemic ...