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Arnel Pineda: Journey's New Vocalist?

By Jim Ayson
Tuesday, 04 September 2007






If you've survived the 80's, you probably remember that power-ballad driven band Journey. With musicians like vocalist Steve Perry (of "Foolish Heart" fame), guitarist Neal Schon, keyboardist Jonathan Cain, bassist Ross Valory and drummer Steve Smith(who went to become a famed jazz drummer in his own right), the band unleashed one power ballad and anthem after another and drummed these into our consciousness.

Songs like "Don't Stop Believing", "Any Way You Want It", "Faithfully", "Open Arms", "Separate Ways" - pepper many a golden oldies mix CD, or a beer garden's jukebox repertoire.

The band recently re-entered pop-culture onsciousness when its old hit "Don't Stop Believing" was selected to end the Sopranos' final episode.

The band never fully recovered from the resignation of popular vocalist Steve Perry (who quit twice, in 1987 and after a brief reunion, in 1996) and the band has gone through a number of vocalists since then, ending with Jeff Scott Soto, who left the band in June 2007.

And now word has come our way that a Filipino cover band singer by the name of Arnel Pineda of the Zoo Band, was personally invited by Neal Schon to audition for the band in San Francisco. And here's the rub. Pineda got the attention of the band because of his numerous video performances on the popular video-sharing site YouTube, where he was seen performing Journey covers, and nailing the notes that made Steve Perry famous.

Is it an example of life imitating art imitating life? Undoubtedly so, if you remember the B-movie Rockstar (starring Mark Wahlberg and Jennifer Anniston) which in turn was based on the story of Judas Priest vocalist Ripper Owens. In the film, the fictional hair metal band Steel Dragon plucks a cover band singer out of obscurity and asks him to front their band. And so it goes for our boy Arnel.

Reports have it that Arnel is already in the US auditioning for the band, and is supposed to be a front runner for the slot.

But the fly in the ointment is that hardcore Journey fans are not all happy campers when it comes to that decision. Message threads on Arnel on the MelodicRock.com and Journeyforums.com have the guy being flogged with racist taunts and putdowns of the Filipino accent he allegedly uses while performing Journey covers.

"Journey is supposed to be an all-American band," writes one fan. Others liken the band's move to outsourcing the job to cheaper Asian labor.

Geez, can't a guy just sing "Open Arms" in peace anymore?

Will Arnel get the gig, or will the racist Journey fans have their say? We're staying tuned for more developments in this story.


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Video: Arnel Pineda performing the Journey golden oldie "Open Arms" in Olongapo with the Zoo Band. One of many videos of Pineda posted on YouTube that got Journey's attention.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EkVIK4mctxs

OH, JUST FABULOUS PUBLICITY FOR THIS BOARD, THANKS EVERYONE...

Andrew wrote:OH, JUST FABULOUS PUBLICITY FOR THIS BOARD, THANKS EVERYONE...

Unfortunately... That was my first thought after I've read that.People keep forgetting this board is viewed by many eyes all over the world.

I have posted my thoughts on what I HEAR in this particular person and it IS an accent, therefore I believe that there are better choices for new lead singer of Journey it has nothing to do with race.

There's absolutely nothing wrong with not wanting the guy in Journey because of his accent or wanting it to remain an all-American band. However, there were definitely some comments that were over the line.

Andrew wrote:OH, JUST FABULOUS PUBLICITY FOR THIS BOARD, THANKS EVERYONE...

Hey, it was only a handful of people, not everyone.

conversationpc wrote:There's absolutely nothing wrong with not wanting the guy in Journey because of his accent or wanting it to remain an all-American band. However, there were definitely some comments that were over the line.

Agreed...
I feel bad for the guy.. he's just doing what he enjoys doing.
I personally think he is a great singer and should get a chance just as much as the next guy.
The majority of the comments here were out of line!

Too many jabs at the guy's heritage, looks and accent all lead to this. Anyone who DOESN"T think that making comments about the guys race, heritage or accent should really go to their jobs and read the Harrassment policy. What they deem to be "OK", can easily be misconstrued as racism or harrassment by others.

Too many people are concentrating on the "American Band" thing and it's pretty stupid. You can't see past your OWN wants for the band to even see the bigger picture. Constant whining and bitching about it isn't going to change a fucking thing. The BAND will choose whoever the hell they want, and NOT based on what some messageboard says, so why continue the fight, negative posts and arguments? I can only imagine the influx of bullshit that Andrew will have to deal with because of this, not to mention the amount of "Newbies" that will have to come here to see what all the hoohaa is about. And of course, we'll have the usual people "defending their territory" and throwing shit at them right away....

Andrew wrote:OH, JUST FABULOUS PUBLICITY FOR THIS BOARD, THANKS EVERYONE...

And to think...not ONE racist remark from me. But like Nikki Sixx says, any publicity is good publicity. This dude is not getting the job. Though he and Schon do see eye to eye (literally), they'll go with someone else.

T-Bone wrote:Too many jabs at the guy's heritage, looks and accent all lead to this. Anyone who DOESN"T think that making comments about the guys race, heritage or accent should really go to their jobs and read the Harrassment policy. What they deem to be "OK", can easily be misconstrued as racism or harrassment by others.

Too many people are concentrating on the "American Band" thing and it's pretty stupid. You can't see past your OWN wants for the band to even see the bigger picture. Constant whining and bitching about it isn't going to change a fucking thing. The BAND will choose whoever the hell they want, and NOT based on what some messageboard says, so why continue the fight, negative posts and arguments? I can only imagine the influx of bullshit that Andrew will have to deal with because of this, not to mention the amount of "Newbies" that will have to come here to see what all the hoohaa is about. And of course, we'll have the usual people "defending their territory" and throwing shit at them right away....

Sorry, nothing wrong with fans wanting it to remain an American band or not liking the guy's accent. Even Andrew commented about not liking the guy's accent. Hell, I love the Scorpions, but Meine's accent can be a bit annoying at times, though the dude is a great singer.

Andrew wrote:OH, JUST FABULOUS PUBLICITY FOR THIS BOARD, THANKS EVERYONE...

I think it reflects poorly on us and not you. Hopefully it will just mean clicks for you.....

T-Bone wrote:Too many jabs at the guy's heritage, looks and accent all lead to this. Anyone who DOESN"T think that making comments about the guys race, heritage or accent should really go to their jobs and read the Harrassment policy. What they deem to be "OK", can easily be misconstrued as racism or harrassment by others.

Too many people are concentrating on the "American Band" thing and it's pretty stupid. You can't see past your OWN wants for the band to even see the bigger picture. Constant whining and bitching about it isn't going to change a fucking thing. The BAND will choose whoever the hell they want, and NOT based on what some messageboard says, so why continue the fight, negative posts and arguments? I can only imagine the influx of bullshit that Andrew will have to deal with because of this, not to mention the amount of "Newbies" that will have to come here to see what all the hoohaa is about. And of course, we'll have the usual people "defending their territory" and throwing shit at them right away....

I agree with heritage and looks, but not accent. The dude is auditioning for an audible position so his accent IS fair game...if criticized constructively. I think his accent takes away from the original sound and his job will MOSTLY be to replicate that original sound. If his accent interferes with his job it most certainly IS an issue.

PS Tell me you're not annoyed when you call customer service and the rep. can barely speak English. Same premise.

Saint John wrote:I agree with heritage and looks, but not accent. The dude is auditioning for an audible position so his accent IS fair game...if criticized constructively.

I agree with that! That was my biggest problem was the accent, and I don't believe that to be a racist remark. I have a country accent. If I auditioned for the band, I'd probably be criticized for sounding too much like a country singer.

Greg wrote:

Saint John wrote:I agree with heritage and looks, but not accent. The dude is auditioning for an audible position so his accent IS fair game...if criticized constructively.

I agree with that! That was my biggest problem was the accent, and I don't believe that to be a racist remark. I have a country accent. If I auditioned for the band, I'd probably be criticized for sounding too much like a country singer.

Good point. You who criticize others for not liking the accent would probably have just about as much of a problem with someone that has a southern accent.

Lumping everyone together and calling everyone's opinion stupid?

Yes, some of the comments were over the top not the majority of them... I am gone for now, you are right this IS stupid.

Indeed, Jon, Neal will pick whoever the fuck they want, it does not mean I don't have a right to express an opinion as well as everyone else this is a message board for christ sakes.


later,

T

I find it hard to take stock in an article that doesn't even have basic facts correct.

Perry did not leave in 1996, Schon and Cain moved on without him. This has been stated by both Perry and Schon.

Soto did not leave Journey. He was fired/let go.

The band did not go through a 'number of vocalists'. They had two. 'Number' implies many. In fact, Journey's longest tenure with one vocalist was with Steve Augeri, NOT Steve Perry.


Everyone has the right to their opinion, no matter how racist or stupid it may be. At least MR lets people voice it.

As someone else pointed out, this reflects on the fans who post on the message boards, not on melodicrock.com, so I wouldn't worry too much about it, Andrew.

I was one of the nay sayers regarding Arnel fronting Journey, but it had nothing to do with looks, race or even accent (although I agree accent should be fair game without labeling it racist). My gripe has to do with his vocal ability. There are better singers out there. I don't think he should get the gig because he's not good enough vocally.

Dean's the best choice and he's already in the band. Hire another drummer and put Dean out front. I'm sure you won't find anyone complaining about that move (well, except maybe Dean himself... lol... )

Saint John wrote: This dude is not getting the job. Though he and Schon do see eye to eye (literally),

Also, I stand my cringing at the accent, however faint, in Journey.

Ratgirl wrote:
I feel bad for the guy.. he's just doing what he enjoys doing.
I personally think he is a great singer and should get a chance just as much as the next guy.
The majority of the comments here were out of line!

Agreed.


It's ok to comment on the band's decisions or Arnel's accent 'cause that's what free-speech message boards like this one are for,however the relentless racial "jokes" did nothing but cast an ugly shadow on the entire fanbase and MR too.
It really is sad to bump on an article and read an expression like "racist Journey fans".

That's not what the fanbase needed.The collection of epithets was pretty rich anyway.

Eric wrote:

Andrew wrote:OH, JUST FABULOUS PUBLICITY FOR THIS BOARD, THANKS EVERYONE...

I think it reflects poorly on us and not you. Hopefully it will just mean clicks for you.....

Agreed. It makes Journey fans sound like a bunch of rednecks.

Love how the article only focused on the negative comments... typical journalists

You can register there and post comments. I would, but I really don't care.

amaron wrote:I find it hard to take stock in an article that doesn't even have basic facts correct.

Perry did not leave in 1996, Schon and Cain moved on without him. This has been stated by both Perry and Schon.

Soto did not leave Journey. He was fired/let go.

The band did not go through a 'number of vocalists'. They had two. 'Number' implies many. In fact, Journey's longest tenure with one vocalist was with Steve Augeri, NOT Steve Perry.


Everyone has the right to their opinion, no matter how racist or stupid it may be. At least MR lets people voice it.

I agree with you.I dont know why people got to take things so seriously. People need to lighten up.

People have a right to *not* agree with the idea of picking up Arnel....for whatever reason....and someone had better have a damn good reason and proof before calling the disagreement/opinion 'racist'....

The fact of the matter is that I am firmly seated in the group that feels it's an 'outsourcing' measure....and one designed to allow Neal and Jon to shit all over their singer....something they tried to do with every singer they've had. Finally, they've found a guy that can sing like Perry....but will also be a respectful, good, docile employee....

just like when a misogynist goes out and finds a Japanese wife....knowing full well he can walk all over and she'll respect him for it!

No difference here.

That's NOT racist. In fact, my objections are more out of concern for Arnel's dignity than not.


Journey continues to make idiotically stupid decision after stupid decision.....hiring Arnel would be yet another huge nail in a coffin that's already 6 feet under and rotting....

Well, here's some positive things. I don't care what kind of accent he's got or how anyone else feels about Journey. It's their decision and if you don't want to listen, don't listen and stop bitching.

I think everyone should shut up, give him a chance and see how he does, then make a decision.

He's got an awesome voice, he can sing just about anything and he should at least be given a chance.

Again, if you're through with Journey, then move on and let the rest of us decide on our own.

And the racist bullshit, that's really sad.

strangegrey wrote: In fact, my objections are more out of concern for Arnel's dignity than not.

Oh for sure.....

The guy's gotta great voice. However, it DOES need to be the entire package for it to succeed. I don't know if that's all there yet until I see him WITH Journey... and I don't see myself buying a ticket to another Journey show ever again just because of all the BS the band has pulled. As far as albums? This version of Journey will probably not focus on albums. I may be wrong, but I just don't see it. PLUS they won't sell any albums anyway. If they couldn't sell "Arrival" and "Generations" which granted, was not as strong as "Arrival" I don't see how they could hope to sell a lot of albums now UNLESS they went into a completely different direction. BUT they fired the completely different direction, didn't they?

Also Andrew- I wouldn't worry about the negative publicity for the board regarding this issue. It's not like this board is Neal and Jon's Happy Place. While they probably dig MelodicRock.com and you for helping them promote, I'm can't say I see them feeling the same way about the message board. This board is pretty much what has exposed Journey's foibles or maybe a better word is "tactics" to the world. I highly doubt that a few STUPID (and that's what they were) racial comments are going to do any harm.

jss refers to himself as being puerto rican... have yet to see him call himself american... even tho he is because he was born here. jss embraces his heritage. his parents were both born in puerto rico... if they wouldn't have come to america jeff would have been born in puerto rico... making him "non-american". if that were the case would some people be upset (like they are with the fact that arnel (a filo) could possibly get the gig with j) because journey hired a non-amercian. same could be said about steve perry... he could have easily been born in portugal... if his parents didn't come to this country. does it really matter? if the guy can sing hire him... shouldn't matter where he comes from. the accent can be worked on... with voice lessons... and you have to admit... arnel is the asian sp! }=C))

i hope he does get the gig. tho i won't be going to anymore j shows i'll be watching youtube. };C)

strangegrey wrote:People have a right to *not* agree with the idea of picking up Arnel....for whatever reason....and someone had better have a damn good reason and proof before calling the disagreement/opinion 'racist'....

The fact of the matter is that I am firmly seated in the group that feels it's an 'outsourcing' measure....and one designed to allow Neal and Jon to shit all over their singer....something they tried to do with every singer they've had. Finally, they've found a guy that can sing like Perry....but will also be a respectful, good, docile employee....

just like when a misogynist goes out and finds a Japanese wife....knowing full well he can walk all over and she'll respect him for it!

No difference here.

That's NOT racist. In fact, my objections are more out of concern for Arnel's dignity than not.


Journey continues to make idiotically stupid decision after stupid decision.....hiring Arnel would be yet another huge nail in a coffin that's already 6 feet under and rotting....

do you know arnel? how do you know that he'll let anyone walk all over him & take advantage of him? not sure if you would want to mess with arnel... he looks pretty solid... he looks like he could kick some ns booty. }:C))

jss is one big dude... that didn't stop people from shitting all over him. }:C|

treetopovskaya wrote:jss refers to himself as being puerto rican... have yet to see him call himself american... even tho he is because he was born here. jss embraces his heritage. his parents were both born in puerto rico... if they wouldn't have come to america jeff would have been born in puerto rico... making him "non-american". if that were the case would some people be upset (like they are with the fact that arnel (a filo) could possibly get the gig with j) because journey hired a non-amercian. same could be said about steve perry... he could have easily been born in portugal... if his parents didn't come to this country. does it really matter? if the guy can sing hire him... shouldn't matter where he comes from. the accent can be worked on... with voice lessons... and you have to admit... arnel is the asian sp! }=C))

i hope he does get the gig. tho i won't be going to anymore j shows i'll be watching youtube. };C)

You do realize that people born in Puerto Rico are United States citizens, right?

LAWoman wrote:

treetopovskaya wrote:jss refers to himself as being puerto rican... have yet to see him call himself american... even tho he is because he was born here. jss embraces his heritage. his parents were both born in puerto rico... if they wouldn't have come to america jeff would have been born in puerto rico... making him "non-american". if that were the case would some people be upset (like they are with the fact that arnel (a filo) could possibly get the gig with j) because journey hired a non-amercian. same could be said about steve perry... he could have easily been born in portugal... if his parents didn't come to this country. does it really matter? if the guy can sing hire him... shouldn't matter where he comes from. the accent can be worked on... with voice lessons... and you have to admit... arnel is the asian sp! }=C))

i hope he does get the gig. tho i won't be going to anymore j shows i'll be watching youtube. };C)

You do realize that people born in Puerto Rico are United States citizens, right?

Well, that didn't help JSS get signed up with a major band/label. According to him, he wasn't able to land a big gig after the Malmsteen days because he didn't look American enough. He came across the same attitudes we're seeing right now about Arnel.