MR

A FB page called "Behind The Songs" criticized Arnel's recent vocal performance in Rio.

As a result, Arnel is now asking fans (and haters) to determine his fate with the band. His post is below.

Honestly, after all these years (no pun intended), he should have a thicker skin.

There will always be haters and critics. Augeri had to deal with threats.


once again,thank u so much everyone who came to @journeyofficial show since #february this year ..i appreciate uou all do kuch..anf not only that,everytime that im on stage w/ the band, i feel this immense gratitude,humility and honor..
i am very aware of this-
no one more than me in this world feels so devastated about this…
its really amazing how 1 thousand right things you have done will be forgotten just cause of THIS..and of all the place , its in Rock In Rio…
mentally and emotionally, ive suffered already,and im still sufferring..but i’ll be ok..
so here’s the deal here now..i am offering you a chance now ( especially those who’s hated me and never liked me from the very beginning) to simply text GO or STAY right here..
and if GO reaches 1million…
im stepping out for good..are you game folks?
let’s start…
God bless all of you and thank you once again to all of the fans and friends who believed in me dince Day1

I thought he sounded good in Rochester NY earlier this year. Even the best singers have bad nights so he needs to stop wallowing in self-pity and ignore the haters who hide behind a computer keyboard.

ebake02 wrote:I thought he sounded good in Rochester NY earlier this year. Even the best singers have bad nights so he needs to stop wallowing in self-pity and ignore the haters who hide behind a computer keyboard.

What I heard of Rio was pretty good too.

1 million?

I’d think the responses wouldn’t pass 10k

Arnel is a good guy

Full link to the Rio show below. AP is hoarse and raspy at the start. He still goes for big notes tho. By the time of Faithfully, his voice sound warmed up. This performance is fine. What a bunch of nothing.

https://youtu.be/7qwm7WWxplQ?si=oV-lzl_m9z8Aoh8R

I watched it.

He sounds shrill. Unlistenable at the beginning. It got "better" later, but not much. For me it went from a horrific train wreck to "What's wrong tonight?"

My question is, instead of destroying his voice further, why not let Deen do vocals that one show. Give Arnel a break. Maybe pass over a couple of songs to Deen at the very least

It's like they hung Arnel out to dry like they did Augeri. Not the way to treat a loyal soldier the last 18 years

AR wrote:I watched it.

He sounds shrill. Unlistenable at the beginning. It got "better" later, but not much. For me it went from a horrific train wreck to "What's wrong tonight?"

My question is, instead of destroying his voice further, why not let Deen do vocals that one show. Give Arnel a break. Maybe pass over a couple of songs to Deen at the very least

It's like they hung Arnel out to dry like they did Augeri. Not the way to treat a loyal soldier the last 18 years

I've been wondering for years why Deen hasn't taken a bigger role as lead singer in light of the issues Arnel has had. The dude can handle probably half the set with Arnel singing the rest just so the crowd knows Arnel is still the main singer. I know Deen said long ago he wasn't looking to be ever be the frontman, but go ahead and just knock it out of the park from behind your kit man, Arnel will thank you for it!

AR wrote:I watched it.

He sounds shrill. Unlistenable at the beginning. It got "better" later, but not much. For me it went from a horrific train wreck to "What's wrong tonight?"

Honestly, I remain impressed that Arnel is even singing at a tenor range at this point (or maybe I just have lower standards from listening to so many shitty bootlegs over the years).

For me, this Rio show is Arnel performing basically at the same level I am used to hearing from him over the past few years. Really no better or worse.

Even at this stage of the game, he's going for notes Augeri didn't try to.

AR wrote:My question is, instead of destroying his voice further, why not let Deen do vocals that one show. Give Arnel a break. Maybe pass over a couple of songs to Deen at the very least

In addition to Deen they have Jason. Jason wasn't used at all on the recent Leppard tour. It's strange.

The_Noble_Cause wrote:Full link to the Rio show below. AP is hoarse and raspy at the start. He still goes for big notes tho. By the time of Faithfully, his voice sound warmed up. This performance is fine. What a bunch of nothing.

https://youtu.be/7qwm7WWxplQ?si=oV-lzl_m9z8Aoh8R

Nah, its pretty bad. Feel sorry for the guy.

That's worse than I've heard him in a long time. And I mean going to last year's and this year's tours and watching YouTube videos of shows. This is an aberration, but at the same time he's not been at a high level since I think 2017, if you watch the Japan videos from that year he was great. He knows he shouldn't be singing this night in Rio, but he has no say. It's sad. I do think he should retire from the band to get away from the drama. He doesn't have anything more to prove.

Well, a few things:
Arnel seems like he doesn't have the passion as much as he did in the beginning. Otherwise, he would just ignore this stuff and do his thing. I'm wondering if he wants to quit but doesn't know how to quit gracefully.

Does the band back him up consistently nowadays? Back in the "Gregg Rolie reunion" thing, he was getting insults from Neal/M. When was the last time Neal or Jonathan commented on these critiques?

As Andrew pointed out "1 million?" He knows he's not going to get that to happen...even if you combine the stay and go, it is not going to come close. I'm wondering if he is expecting a bunch of fans to defend him and argue for him...getting his fans riled up and vocal It's just a weird thing to do.

Finally, I'm going to compare this to Caitlin Clark. Caitlin Clark has been all over sports news this year, and even last year. But, she has been dealing with "fame" and critique all her life. I've been hearing her name for what seems like 10yrs. There is a video on YouTube of a high school game where a student section is chanting "over rated" repeatedly to mock her. Her response? A game of over 40pts. All the critique she has received in the WNBA, all the expressed jealousy of her getting attention, all the flagrant fouls and hate from other players - past and present? Her response was rookie of the year, first team all WNBA, leading her 2023 losing team to the 2024 playoffs, embarrassing the Olympic team for not choosing her, and a list of WNBA records too long to list....and not a single critique of; the WNBA, the players (past or present), coaches, or anybody who has critiqued her. All the while giving credit to her team members and not pining for the spotlight to stay on her.

Arnel should quit whining and maybe stay off of social media if his feelings get hurt so easily or quit the band if that will make him happy. Neal should shut the fuck up about his bandmates, unless it is to praise them or give them credit. Journey, as a band, should leave it on the stage and let their performance do the talking. I don't think they know how to do that and never will.

Monker wrote:Does the band back him up consistently nowadays? Back in the "Gregg Rolie reunion" thing, he was getting insults from Neal/M. When was the last time Neal or Jonathan commented on these critiques?

Neal is defending him in typical fashion, calling it "fabricated bullshit" and blaming sound issues on the band Avenged Sevenfold.
But really Arnel brought this on himself.....
Just because some no-name blog ("Behind The Songs") takes a shot / criticizes his performance, it doesn't mean he has to dignify it.
If he didn't respond, who would care?

And again, I've heard far worse performances from this band - even from SA early on.

Seems Arnel is being a bit overly sensitive here. I get the emotional aspect to seeing that level of criticism. But it's not the first time and it won't be the last. Putting it up for a fan vote or whatever he's doing seems a bit silly.

Can this band just go one month without any drama? Good grief.

BTW, at 10:50 in this video, Arnel sings the last "Stone In Love" and you can clearly tell his mic is shut off because he is continuing the note and it is NOT being played through speakers. Completely fake....very, very obvious. Those extended "stone in love" chorus lines where he does that "impressive" vocal extension is not really him singing.

https://youtu.be/7qwm7WWxplQ?t=643

WOW, I cant believe being a performer whose been doing this for years he gives a rats ass. If he still likes the job of performing with Journey, he gives his all every night and he believes he's performing up to his own standards he needs to grow a pair and ignore what he's reading. If he's no longer having fun, he's mentally packed it in, and he knows his voice is fried most nights then grow a pair and quit.

He knows what's up with himself both mentally & physically. Don't put it on the "fans", grow a pair!

The_Noble_Cause wrote:

Monker wrote:Does the band back him up consistently nowadays? Back in the "Gregg Rolie reunion" thing, he was getting insults from Neal/M. When was the last time Neal or Jonathan commented on these critiques?

Neal is defending him in typical fashion, calling it "fabricated bullshit" and blaming sound issues on the band Avenged Sevenfold.
But really Arnel brought this on himself.....
Just because some no-name blog ("Behind The Songs") takes a shot / criticizes his performance, it doesn't mean he has to dignify it.
If he didn't respond, who would care?

And again, I've heard far worse performances from this band - even from SA early on.

When I skipped through this and listened to bits of most of the songs, it reminded me of Perry during ROR, where I really did not like his voice. It is rough and ragged, singing in a lower pitch....He did not speed up the songs like Perry did, but he mumbles through some lyrics, sometimes incoherently...not quite as bad as Vince Neal, but it getting there. Just me, but I would not pay to see this....that's how I have felt for a number of years now. Somebody else can have my ticket...I'm fine with that, and a lot of people obviously want the ticket so it's not missed.

It's one thing to be able to fast forward, rewind and analyze particular parts of videos and figure out when it gets better. It's another thing to be paying outrageous money to see them live and to hear a show start like that and hope that it gets better throughout the night. This band is toast.

Wow, now this is on YT:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eHS8FFiBoKY

Art Vandelay wrote:This band is toast.

Nothing will change. In fact they've endured far worse.

Monker wrote:Wow, now this is on YT:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eHS8FFiBoKY

I mean, I don't know if you've noticed, but there is now a whole little industry of YouTube commentators that report and opinionate on the band's drama. It seemed to start with Real Music Observer.

I’ll be honest I’m not a fan of his (always felt like he over sang the songs and his dictation bothers me), but I can’t deny he’s got a great voice and who knows where the band would be without him.

He’s been a great soldier for the band, seems like a good guy, but if they were to split I’d prefer it be mutual and not because he just can’t do it anymore. I’d prefer to see them take a year off to see if that helps him and also let Castronovo sing more and use the other guy some. It’s like they won the lottery with Perry spent their earnings and won another lottery with Pineda. You’d think they’d take better care of their fortune the second time around.

The_Noble_Cause wrote:

Monker wrote:Wow, now this is on YT:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eHS8FFiBoKY

I mean, I don't know if you've noticed, but there is now a whole little industry of YouTube commentators that report and opinionate on the band's drama. It seemed to start with Real Music Observer.

No, I don't know about that. I blocked RMO years ago so I don't see any of his posts, unless they are posted here or I seek them out, both are very rare. I think this just popped up on my list because I skipped through the Rio show so the algorithm recommended it.

jestor92 wrote:It’s like they won the lottery with Perry spent their earnings and won another lottery with Pineda. You’d think they’d take better care of their fortune the second time around.

You'd think.

Deen has come to Arnel’s defense too:

I don’t do social media much, if at all anymore. My Social Media Manager, Karen, runs my sites and posts for me. So, I miss a lot, unless it’s brought to my attention.

Arnel has RISEN to the challenge of Journey’s catalog, NIGHT after NIGHT, YEAR after tiring YEAR! He gives to YOU ALL and Journey, the best that he can give you. Out of maybe a handful of shows in 17 years, Arnel has faced the facts. The voice is a BIOLOGICAL INSTRUMENT, subject to weather, fatigue, virus, bacteria, jet lag etc. Sometimes it DOES NOT, CANNOT or WILL NOT cooperate when needed. So, what’s the point of hammering a human being over something they have no control over??

To the trolls, you are the blessed many. The ones who can armchair sing and trash the few that do what he does every night. They DO NOT have that luxury; they must BRING IT EACH and EVERY NIGHT or FACE YOU and your OVERINFLATED OPINIONS! If YOU can DO BETTER – then, DO IT!!

I know very few who can pull off what Arnel does without ego and with passion and grace. BACK OFF TROLLS! You are MESSING with MY FAMILY NOW and I am A RABID PROTECTOR OF MY OWN!!!

This is America, where everyone and anyone can voice their opinion. Consider this though when you do. Is it KIND? Is it TRUTH? Is it NECESSARY? We’ve all seen that meme, and it rings true here as it does anywhere it’s posted.

To the people who GET IT, THANK YOU, we appreciate you!

To the ENEPT… PROOVE IT and WALK IT or SHUT IT!

ebake02 wrote:Deen has come to Arnel’s defense too:

I don’t do social media much, if at all anymore. My Social Media Manager, Karen, runs my sites and posts for me. So, I miss a lot, unless it’s brought to my attention.

Arnel has RISEN to the challenge of Journey’s catalog, NIGHT after NIGHT, YEAR after tiring YEAR! He gives to YOU ALL and Journey, the best that he can give you. Out of maybe a handful of shows in 17 years, Arnel has faced the facts. The voice is a BIOLOGICAL INSTRUMENT, subject to weather, fatigue, virus, bacteria, jet lag etc. Sometimes it DOES NOT, CANNOT or WILL NOT cooperate when needed. So, what’s the point of hammering a human being over something they have no control over??

To the trolls, you are the blessed many. The ones who can armchair sing and trash the few that do what he does every night. They DO NOT have that luxury; they must BRING IT EACH and EVERY NIGHT or FACE YOU and your OVERINFLATED OPINIONS! If YOU can DO BETTER – then, DO IT!!

I know very few who can pull off what Arnel does without ego and with passion and grace. BACK OFF TROLLS! You are MESSING with MY FAMILY NOW and I am A RABID PROTECTOR OF MY OWN!!!

This is America, where everyone and anyone can voice their opinion. Consider this though when you do. Is it KIND? Is it TRUTH? Is it NECESSARY? We’ve all seen that meme, and it rings true here as it does anywhere it’s posted.

To the people who GET IT, THANK YOU, we appreciate you!

To the ENEPT… PROOVE IT and WALK IT or SHUT IT!

I'm sorry but this is all getting out of hand....
Arnel took the bait of one bad review (sum no-name FB page called Behind The Songs) and publicized it.
He wasn't the victim of coordinated troll attack or anything like that. I'm not sure why Deen is invoking America as neither the concert or the critical reciew was based in the US.

Deen's a better singer than writer

This is what I meant about the drama part. Now you have other band members creating issues that aren't there. And let's play this out. Let's say (and it's so stupid I feel dumb just typing it), that the "fans" all say Arnel is done. So he's just gonna hang it up because a few people, out of the hundreds of thousands, if not millions, they have played in front of over the last 17 years tell him to go away? Really?

So it's not the in fighting. It's not the public temper tantrums or picking of sides, the financial mismanagement, missing payrolls, letting a spouse run rough shot over the band that ends it for you. It's a Facebook page with some idiotic trolls that tells you you are done?

Forgive me if I don't feel sorry for him or this band any longer. They all need a big dose of grow the fuck up.

Onestepper wrote:This is what I meant about the drama part. Now you have other band members creating issues that aren't there. And let's play this out. Let's say (and it's so stupid I feel dumb just typing it), that the "fans" all say Arnel is done. So he's just gonna hang it up because a few people, out of the hundreds of thousands, if not millions, they have played in front of over the last 17 years tell him to go away? Really?

So it's not the in fighting. It's not the public temper tantrums or picking of sides, the financial mismanagement, missing payrolls, letting a spouse run rough shot over the band that ends it for you. It's a Facebook page with some idiotic trolls that tells you you are done?

Forgive me if I don't feel sorry for him or this band any longer. They all need a big dose of grow the fuck up.

This has been a screwed up mess and was mishandled from the beginning. That social media blogpost wasn’t worth a response and nobody would have known it was out there at all if Arnel hadn’t screwed up and made it very public for the whole world to see. These critics and haters have been out there since Perry left the last time in 1998 and they’re not going away as long as someone else is singing those songs so I don’t know why this band continues to entertain these people and give them a public soapbox to stand on.

Neal and Jon should have been all over this at the beginning to minimize the damage and make the story disappear but Jon stays silent and Neal goes off the conspiracy theory deep end like an unhinged lunatic (again) and it becomes a bigger controversy than it ever should have been.

ebake02 wrote:Neal and Jon should have been all over this at the beginning to minimize the damage and make the story disappear but Jon stays silent and Neal goes off the conspiracy theory deep end like an unhinged lunatic (again) and it becomes a bigger controversy than it ever should have been.

Neal, Deen, and Jon have all weighed in at this point. Jon's message was the best and took a less-is-more approach. But really Arnel brought this on himself.

Monker wrote:BTW, at 10:50 in this video, Arnel sings the last "Stone In Love" and you can clearly tell his mic is shut off because he is continuing the note and it is NOT being played through speakers. Completely fake....very, very obvious. Those extended "stone in love" chorus lines where he does that "impressive" vocal extension is not really him singing.

https://youtu.be/7qwm7WWxplQ?t=643

If you listen carefully, you can hear the music lower "OVE" of the world "Love" when we actually stops singing. So, I guess the mic was on all along, just much lower, or they turned the mic on, low, a little early to anticipate the next vocal line.

Either way, I'm gonna guess that they have a complete-vocal track running, usually silent, and when necessary...probably because of Arnel struggling...the FOH guy brings the volume up to override Arnel's voice.