By LLEWMORC Media & Production Agency
Published: Monday, Jul. 9, 2012
Read more here: http://www.sacbee.com/2012/07/09/461777 ... rylink=cpy
WASHINGTON, July 9, 2012 -- /PRNewswire/ -- On July 9, 2012, the E! Network will premier its newest music television series called Opening Act. This new series is a page ripped out of the life of Journey's iconic lead guitarist, NEAL SCHON. As reported on CNN, Oprah, Ellen and chronicled in the movie Don't Stop Believin' - Everyman's Journey about how Schon found a lead singer in a manner befitting this new age: he found the new lead singer on Youtube. As with Schon, Opening Act gives undiscovered acts a chance to open for music artists like Nicki Minaj, Rod Stewart, LMFAO, Brad Paisley, Jason Aldean, Jason Mraz, Gym Class Heroes and others! Executive producer Nigel Lythgoe and his Artist Development Team comb the Internet to find the web's most talented amateurs, then give them the chanceof a life time. But before there was an Opening Act, there was Neal Schon's inspirational story. Schon plucked Journey's new lead singer, Arnel Pineda, from obscurity and gave him the break of his life four years ago.
While the superstardom of Journey, with their multi-platinum albums and raft of top-ten hits, was filling stadiums all over the country, Schon was frustrated in his search for a lead singer since the band's most famous and distinctive singer, Steve Perry, had exited the band in the 90's. "I was pretty much aware of everybody out there. There're plenty of guys that you could use to get through a tour; I was looking for something a little more special than that." Schon decided to search Youtube for singers and there, after days of looking and almost giving up, he discovered Arnel covering Journey songs with his band in Manila. Schon sent Arnel a message via Youtube and months later, Arnel was the lead singer of Journey.
Nine months ago reality television execs approached Neal Schon & girlfriend, Real Housewives starlet, Michaele Salahi about doing a reality show about their relationship and love on the road with the continuous tour schedule. Schon decided that it was too soon for that show because he wanted to protect their relationship and pitched a music show centered around on his experience of finding new talent on the internet. Schon is currently in talks with television execs developing his own reality television music show. Between releasing his solo album, The Calling (COMING SOON – info @ www.schonmusic.com), touring with Journey, who received the Billboard's 2011 Legend of Live Award and possibly working on his own television show; this legendary rocker shows no sign of slowing down; something which, without a doubt, contributed to him inspiring an entire pop generation.
