New Cryptic Comment From Arnel

[The_Noble_Cause]

Adam Holland, longtime guitarist for Hugo (and Augeri), posted a photo on his Instagram of his boss on stage with Neal and Jon in Japan.

Arnel left the following remark:

"that’s the band right there..now i can step back..congratulations @journeyofficial"

Arnel is no stranger to snarky internet comments.
When Neal and the rhythm section performed at San Francisco 49ers game, Arnel posted the comment "have fun on your 2026 farewell tour" or something like that.

Then, as with now, fans are left wondering what to make of it all.

https://www.instagram.com/adamhollandof ... lDH/?hl=en

UPDATE: When asked if Hugo has the gig, Adam responded with "At this point...we do not know. Arnel is still there."

[jestor92]

Arnel acts like such a little baby. If he wants out leave at this point. He didn’t seem like he wanted to be there when the Rolling Stone article dropped.

[The_Noble_Cause]

Arnel acts like such a little baby. If he wants out leave at this point. He didn’t seem like he wanted to be there when the Rolling Stone article dropped.

100%

[Monker]

Arnel acts like such a little baby. If he wants out leave at this point. He didn’t seem like he wanted to be there when the Rolling Stone article dropped.

100%

I doubt that he can just quit...he's under contract. They will all need to agree legally on how he leaves. Also, "Journey" probably has contracts for a specific lineup for the tour. So, it's not so simple.

This really doesn't change anything...I think Arnel will finish the tour and then leave, which is what everybody expected anyway.

I doubt Neal/Journey wanted this out there so early.

[The_Noble_Cause]

I doubt Neal/Journey wanted this out there so early.

I don't think the band knows what exactly they are doing down the road. I think Arnel is just stirring the pot. Also, pretty rude to hijack Adam's instagram post like that.

[jestor92]

Arnel acts like such a little baby. If he wants out leave at this point. He didn’t seem like he wanted to be there when the Rolling Stone article dropped.

100%

I doubt that he can just quit...he's under contract. They will all need to agree legally on how he leaves. Also, "Journey" probably has contracts for a specific lineup for the tour. So, it's not so simple.

This really doesn't change anything...I think Arnel will finish the tour and then leave, which is what everybody expected anyway.

I doubt Neal/Journey wanted this out there so early.

Arnel could also just come out and completely “bomb” a few performances to get fired. There’s ways to get removed from a contract.

[jestor92]

I doubt Neal/Journey wanted this out there so early.

I don't think the band knows what exactly they are doing down the road. I think Arnel is just stirring the pot. Also, pretty rude to hijack Adam's instagram post like that.

Do they have management now or just letting schon/cain lead the way?

I can picture the band carrying on with a new vocalist and keyboard player after this tour and a failed Schon side project. Wouldn’t be surprised to see Neal try to buy Cain out because the Journey name will sell tickets. Neal Schon’s Journey Through Time will be doing theatres

[The_Noble_Cause]

Do they have management now or just letting schon/cain lead the way?

Not that I am aware of. AEG, their promoter, apparently gives some minor input on things like show setlists - which struck me as bizarre. But otherwise, nobody is calling the shots.

[Monker]

I doubt Neal/Journey wanted this out there so early.

I don't think the band knows what exactly they are doing down the road. I think Arnel is just stirring the pot. Also, pretty rude to hijack Adam's instagram post like that.

Do they have management now or just letting schon/cain lead the way?

I can picture the band carrying on with a new vocalist and keyboard player after this tour and a failed Schon side project. Wouldn’t be surprised to see Neal try to buy Cain out because the Journey name will sell tickets. Neal Schon’s Journey Through Time will be doing theatres

He can't use "Journey Through Time" like that. Neal already tried that with that Europe show and Gregg went off on him and the venue.

I assume there is already some agreement between himself and Jonathan on how Neal can continue. Did Neal not already trademark "Journey Beyond" a while back?

[Monker]

Arnel could also just come out and completely “bomb” a few performances to get fired. There’s ways to get removed from a contract.

Or, he could just put up with the shit for a couple months and get paid for his time. At this point it seems like a wasted effort to fight it.

[Monker]

I doubt Neal/Journey wanted this out there so early.

I don't think the band knows what exactly they are doing down the road. I think Arnel is just stirring the pot. Also, pretty rude to hijack Adam's instagram post like that.

By "band" you mean Neal, right? After Jonathan leaves, his opinion is the only one that will matter...unless you are saying Jonathan may not quit.

[The_Noble_Cause]

By "band" you mean Neal, right? After Jonathan leaves, his opinion is the only one that will matter...unless you are saying Jonathan may not quit.

Cain clearly still has some degree of input, as the Hugo connection came from him. In a recent Associated Press article he said things are "up in the air." It's always possible he has had a change of heart - or, he is launching his own version of Journey w/ Hugo. The lineup would probably look something like this.

Vocals - Hugo Valenti
Keys - Cain
Guitar - Miles Schon or Kevin Elkes
Drums - Muggs Cain
Bass - Mike Huckabee

[Monker]

I suppose Jonathan could be telling Neal that he will be OK with Neal continuing with Journey, if he uses Hugo as Arnel's replacement. Otherwise, he has to use something like Journey Beyond. That would give Neal something to think about. The bad thing from Neal's perspective is he is not in control of everything. Jonathan would still have some control.

[kmjrr]

Michael Sweet chimed in, and Arnel and Trev Lukather responded.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DczIuelpBOW ... d0NWJocG9o

[The_Noble_Cause]

Michael Sweet chimed in, and Arnel and Trev Lukather responded.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DczIuelpBOW ... d0NWJocG9o

Not that it matters, but I'm pretty sure Michael made this post before Arnel's comments alluding to quitting/leaving.

The idea that Arnel is a top 10 front man is a joke. I saw a show where he started spanking his own butt during LTS and saying stuff like "let's get naughty."

I've always said that he has a huge range, but he's not really frontman material. I think he's awkward and even after all these years, there is still a distinct 'fish out of water' American idol quality.

[kmjrr]

Miles Schon posted "Happy Birthday Legend!" to Arnel.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Dc4yPEvh6Us ... Jwa2EzZw==

Anyone know how Mile's relationship is with his dad now?

[Onestepper]

This is all so darned childish. All of it. Arnel keeps putting these comments out there because he knows damn well people will fawn all over him and tell him how "amazing" he is, so he gets his on-going validation tour. The whole Hugo thing was so ill conceived though, that I can't blame him for being somewhat bent. But he needs to learn how to remain professional by using silence and his own performances to speak for him. Just a bunch of complete and unnecessary nonsense.

[The_Noble_Cause]

The whole Hugo thing was so ill conceived though,

We really don't know WHY it was conceived. It may have been necessity.

Either way, I'm fine with it. If it's the last tour, they should be having all sorts of guests popping out.

[jestor92]

Has Arnel been consistently performing Faithfully and Keep On Runnin’ on the tour? Could this have just been a let’s see how this goes if fans like it we can continue bringing friends up thing?

[The_Noble_Cause]

Has Arnel been consistently performing Faithfully and Keep On Runnin’ on the tour? Could this have just been a let’s see how this goes if fans like it we can continue bringing friends up thing?

I haven't gone this tour, but I know AP does Faithfully. KOR is probably usually Deen.

[danielb]

Seemingly a happy vibe in the band in Hawaii:

https://www.instagram.com/nealandmichae ... W3l/?hl=en

Edit: No Hugo in Hawaii and a killer setlist - 2h40. Say what you will about all the drama, but they're really delivering on this tour. Nice with so many singers as well, mixing things up. Party's Over played last night.

[Andrew]

Heard Azoff might be back in the picture as mgmt.

[The_Noble_Cause]

Heard Azoff might be back in the picture as mgmt.

Wow. I can't believe Neal would be willing to give up a slice of the pie to them again. Interesting.

Cain was mentioning the need for real management in the RS article at the start of the tour. Beween the Hugo appearance and the possibility of actual management, is JC controlling things more than we think?

Azoff was so tied in with Live Nation, I also wonder if the band would be able to stay with AEG?

[youkeepmewaiting]

Azoff back with Cain continuing ?

[Loneman1]

Heard Azoff might be back in the picture as mgmt.

Interesting turn of events if true. This is definitely beginning to feel less like Journey's swan song......a guy of his stature isn't looking to come back to manage the band only for their remaining few months.

[Journey/Survivor]

If Azoff is back long term, and Cain stays on, this reeks pf publicity stunt to drive larger ticket sales for a fake "Farewell tour."

[The_Noble_Cause]

If Azoff is back long term, and Cain stays on, this reeks pf publicity stunt to drive larger ticket sales for a fake "Farewell tour."

If Arnel (or any of the primary guys) depart, it's still sorta fair to call it a farewell tour.

Foreigner was on a farewell tour and then changed their mind and it became just a farewell to singer Kelly.