So I'm walking out of the Apple Store in SF this afternoon..

[Lerxst101]

And who do I see standing outside the store with his wife, child, and mother (or mother-in-law)? Arnel. Talked to him for about five minutes about the CD (he loves Tantra), upcoming shows in FL (meeting the guys at SFO tomorrow to fly to Orlando), and the tour. Incredibly personable, even asking what I was doing in SF (at an international trademark conference). He introduced me to his family and would have kept talking, but I didn't want to bother him longer. Walked away very impressed and glad I ran into him.

[G.I.Jim]

That's a very cool story! Thanks for sharing, and he's not the only one excited about "Tantra"...

[Majestic]

And who do I see standing outside the store with his wife, child, and mother (or mother-in-law)? Arnel. Talked to him for about five minutes about the CD (he loves Tantra), upcoming shows in FL (meeting the guys at SFO tomorrow to fly to Orlando), and the tour. Incredibly personable, even asking what I was doing in SF (at an international trademark conference). He introduced me to his family and would have kept talking, but I didn't want to bother him longer. Walked away very impressed and glad I ran into him.

That's cool! You must have been very excited. He sounds like very nice, regularly guy. After speaking to Arnel in person, you might like to dispel some of the rumors about his English, assuming that's what you spoke with him. Did he seem fluent? Were there any issues with pronunciation making it difficult to communicate with him? I'm guessing no.

[Lerxst101]

And who do I see standing outside the store with his wife, child, and mother (or mother-in-law)? Arnel. Talked to him for about five minutes about the CD (he loves Tantra), upcoming shows in FL (meeting the guys at SFO tomorrow to fly to Orlando), and the tour. Incredibly personable, even asking what I was doing in SF (at an international trademark conference). He introduced me to his family and would have kept talking, but I didn't want to bother him longer. Walked away very impressed and glad I ran into him.

That's cool! You must have been very excited. He sounds like very nice, regularly guy. After speaking to Arnel in person, you might like to dispel some of the rumors about his English, assuming that's what you spoke with him. Did he seem fluent? Were there any issues with pronunciation making it difficult to communicate with him? I'm guessing no.

It's funny you should ask -- I actually thought to myself at the time, "His English is quite good. Much better than I thought it would be."

I am surprised by how lucky I was. The Apple Store is better than a candy store to me, and I would normally stay in there 15 minutes or more. But today, within two minutes, I decided I better leave before I bought something. So had I stayed in there longer, I likely would have missed him. When I first saw him, I thought he looked familiar and then realized who it might be. I therefore asked, "Arnel?" He looked up, said, "Yes, have we met before?" I introduced myself, and we continued to talk for about five minutes. When I mentioned I was from Jersey, he told me that they were going to be there in August. He laughed when I told him my wife and I already have tickets.

[Don]

And who do I see standing outside the store with his wife, child, and mother (or mother-in-law)? Arnel. Talked to him for about five minutes about the CD (he loves Tantra), upcoming shows in FL (meeting the guys at SFO tomorrow to fly to Orlando), and the tour. Incredibly personable, even asking what I was doing in SF (at an international trademark conference). He introduced me to his family and would have kept talking, but I didn't want to bother him longer. Walked away very impressed and glad I ran into him.

That's cool! You must have been very excited. He sounds like very nice, regularly guy. After speaking to Arnel in person, you might like to dispel some of the rumors about his English, assuming that's what you spoke with him. Did he seem fluent? Were there any issues with pronunciation making it difficult to communicate with him? I'm guessing no.

It's funny you should ask -- I actually thought to myself at the time, "His English is quite good. Much better than I thought it would be."

I am surprised by how lucky I was. The Apple Store is better than a candy store to me, and I would normally stay in there 15 minutes or more. But today, within two minutes I decided I better leave before I buy something. So had I stayed in there longer, I likely would have missed him. When I first saw him, I thought he looked familiar and then realized who it might be. I therefore asked, "Arnel?" He looked up, said, "Yes, have we met before?" I introduced myself, and we continued to talk for about five minutes. When I mentioned I was from Jersey, he told me that they were going to be there in August. He laughed when I told him my wife and I already have tickets.

No throng of middle aged, Asian women swarming him, asking for him to autograph their prayer books?

Wow, you really did luck out!

[WykkedSensation]

Very cool and as Don said 'you really did luck out'. Possibly a once in a lifetime chance of this.

[brywool]

Someday I'll meet this guy. He seems extremely cool.

[JRNYMAN]

Someday I'll meet this guy. He seems extremely cool.

He really is. The first thing that consumes you about him is just how small and humble he is. When you've seen him bouncing around on-stage and you've heard his powerful pipes, you get a sense that he's actually a bigger presence than he actually is. It's sorta an optical illusion type thing. That said, his humility and sincerity more than make up for anything he may lack in stature. He truly is a helluva nice, cool, sweet guy.

[Don]

Being hired as the fifth (or sixth) singer for Journey, Pineda isn't actually on my bucket list of people that I need to meet. But for those who feel the need, I wish you the best of luck in your endeavor.

[JRNYMAN]

Being hired as the fifth (or sixth) singer for Journey, Pineda isn't actually on my bucket list of people that I need to meet. But for those who feel the need, I wish you the best of luck in your endeavor.

And what makes him even cooler is that he's the most approachable and makes himself available to his fans more than the rest of the band and is certainly not the norm for the lead singer of a band.

[Don]

Being hired as the fifth (or sixth) singer for Journey, Pineda isn't actually on my bucket list of people that I need to meet. But for those who feel the need, I wish you the best of luck in your endeavor.

And what makes him even cooler is that he's the most approachable and makes himself available to his fans more than the rest of the band and is certainly not the norm for the lead singer of a band.

Honestly, most singers don't just drop into a band where everything has already been laid out. 19 Top 40 hits, 50 million albums sold. Hard to get lead singer disease before you actively have something to crow about as your own contribution. Factor in where and what he was transitioning from on a social and professional level and you would have to ask, how could this person be anything BUT humble, considered the opportunity that was just handed to him? Steve Augeri found himself in the same situation ten years prior, from all accounts was just as humble and nice as Arnel. His reward for ten years of service? Being written out of the Journey time line with a revisionist history of the band jumping from Perry's departure directly to the hiring of Arnel.
Nice.

[JRNYMAN]

Being hired as the fifth (or sixth) singer for Journey, Pineda isn't actually on my bucket list of people that I need to meet. But for those who feel the need, I wish you the best of luck in your endeavor.

And what makes him even cooler is that he's the most approachable and makes himself available to his fans more than the rest of the band and is certainly not the norm for the lead singer of a band.

Honestly, most singers don't just drop into a band where everything has already been laid out. 19 Top 40 hits, 50 million albums sold. Hard to get lead singer disease before you actively have something to crow about as your own contribution. Factor in where and what he was transitioning from on a social and professional level and you would have to ask, how could this person be anything BUT humble, considered the opportunity that was just handed to him?

Oh I definitely agree with you about that. What I meant was how humble his disposition is. He's a genuine humanitarian and cares deeply for his fellow man as evidenced by his charities.

[Don]

Being hired as the fifth (or sixth) singer for Journey, Pineda isn't actually on my bucket list of people that I need to meet. But for those who feel the need, I wish you the best of luck in your endeavor.

And what makes him even cooler is that he's the most approachable and makes himself available to his fans more than the rest of the band and is certainly not the norm for the lead singer of a band.

Honestly, most singers don't just drop into a band where everything has already been laid out. 19 Top 40 hits, 50 million albums sold. Hard to get lead singer disease before you actively have something to crow about as your own contribution. Factor in where and what he was transitioning from on a social and professional level and you would have to ask, how could this person be anything BUT humble, considered the opportunity that was just handed to him?

Oh I definitely agree with you about that. What I meant was how humble his disposition is. He's a genuine humanitarian and cares deeply for his fellow man as evidenced by his charities.

I'm definitely not slighting Arnel. It's just the way that factors outside the music can sometimes take on a life of their own. From following the band all these years, I can feel cinfident saying that members of the band, past and present have donated money in the six figure range to charities but the difference is, it was all done under the radar, and not part of the marketing package that it has now become. Not Arnel's fault at all but I just don't feel the need to give him an extra star for doing publicly what the other guys have done discretely over the years.

[Saint John]

Steve Augeri found himself in the same situation ten years prior, from all accounts was just as humble and nice as Arnel. His reward for ten years of service?

Retirement ... and a life of luxury that wouldn't have otherwise been afforded to him. You think a guy that had zero hits, zero commercial success with Journey and zero following, cares about being written off of the band's website?

[steveo777]

This place can come up with more twists on things that are posted than faux news.

[portland]

Being hired as the fifth (or sixth) singer for Journey, Pineda isn't actually on my bucket list of people that I need to meet. But for those who feel the need, I wish you the best of luck in your endeavor.

And what makes him even cooler is that he's the most approachable and makes himself available to his fans more than the rest of the band and is certainly not the norm for the lead singer of a band.

Honestly, most singers don't just drop into a band where everything has already been laid out. 19 Top 40 hits, 50 million albums sold. Hard to get lead singer disease before you actively have something to crow about as your own contribution. Factor in where and what he was transitioning from on a social and professional level and you would have to ask, how could this person be anything BUT humble, considered the opportunity that was just handed to him? Steve Augeri found himself in the same situation ten years prior, from all accounts was just as humble and nice as Arnel. His reward for ten years of service? Being written out of the Journey time line with a revisionist history of the band jumping from Perry's departure directly to the hiring of Arnel.
Nice.

No just a blown voice, that's all.

[Don]

Steve Augeri found himself in the same situation ten years prior, from all accounts was just as humble and nice as Arnel. His reward for ten years of service?

Retirement ... and a life of luxury that wouldn't have otherwise been afforded to him. You think a guy that had zero hits, zero commercial success with Journey and zero following, cares about being written off of the band's website?

I think he does a little but the was a small detour from the crutch of the conversation concerning what a great human being the current singer is. Augeri was described the same way but you don't get extra points for being a nice guy. You get rewarded for creating and putting out product. That's how we measure artists and Arnel deserves accolades for what Journey accomplishes with him at the point but as far as the nice guy, gives to charity, so sweet he wears a halo, etc. no, the guy deserves no more than what millions of other people in more adverse situations have already earned for sacrificing when they have nothing to still try and better their fellow man's condition.

[JRNYMAN]

This place can come up with more twists on things that are posted than faux news.

True dat!

[Don]

We have to make our own news these days. When Revelation neared release this place was nonstop, 24/7. Now a week before Eclipse and I have to resort to unveiling Arnel as the true angel of death to get some board traffic going around here.
What a difference three years makes in a message board's life.

[JRNYMAN]

Steve Augeri found himself in the same situation ten years prior, from all accounts was just as humble and nice as Arnel. His reward for ten years of service?

Retirement ... and a life of luxury that wouldn't have otherwise been afforded to him. You think a guy that had zero hits, zero commercial success with Journey and zero following, cares about being written off of the band's website?

I think he does a little but the was a small detour from the crutch of the conversation concerning what a great human being the current singer is. Augeri was described the same way but you don't get extra points for being a nice guy. You get rewarded for creating and putting out product. That's how we measure artists and Arnel deserves accolades for what Journey accomplishes with him at the point but as far as the nice guy, gives to charity, so sweet he wears a halo, etc. no, the guy deserves no more than what millions of other people in more adverse situations have already earned for sacrificing when they have nothing to still try and better their fellow man's condition.

Okay, point taken. I guess the point I was making was the difference between him being humble due to the break he got when he got the gig with Journey and the genuine inner humility he exudes as a human being, irregardless of where he's at financially. All the points you brought up were valid and good points though, and I agree with all of them. Perhaps what makes Arnel's sincerity and appreciation seem larger than life is the contrast between it and the lack of it from the band as a whole when it comes to just about anyone who has worked for them and no longer does. We're not used to having a member of this band who is approachable, takes time out to interact with the fans, lends himself to as much face-time as the fans want, etc. Hell, if you want that from the rest of the band, you've got to drop $375.00 for a 5-star VIP ticket!

[Saint John]

I think he does a little

Without question he does a bit. It's gotta hurt to pour 10 years into something and disappear without a trace. But he was voluntarily a part of something that transpired that makes me feel little sympathy towards him. He's well off, has a wonderful family, health and you just can't ask for too much more. Journey gave him the ability to retire early because they held on to him way, way too long. But just like with Perry, they were loyal to a fault.

You get rewarded for creating and putting out product. That's how we measure artists and Arnel deserves accolades for what Journey accomplishes with him at the point but as far as the nice guy, gives to charity, so sweet he wears a halo, etc. no, the guy deserves no more than what millions of other people in more adverse situations have already earned for sacrificing when they have nothing to still try and better their fellow man's condition.

I think it gets blown out of proportion because of the industry he comes from. The industry seems to have a predominance of cocky, self-centered, egotistical, selfish jerks ... and then you have Arnel. But I agree with your merit for musical contributions only sentiment, when it comes to writing his legacy.

[Don]

Man, the things I do to stimulate conversation around here. What are the odds I will be burned in effigy at some pre-Eclipse launch party this weekend? Where is Deano when we need him?

[JRNYMAN]

What a difference three years makes in a message board's life.

... or death. (Ref. Journey forum's demise and complete site replacement.)
Although I wasn't active on this board back then, I was a well-known, very active contributor at the Journey Forum as well as its predecessor, BackTalk. I always read the posts here and even registered eventually but never posted as it seemed that noobs weren't welcome and those who attempted to participate were quickly shown the door. It's strange in a way, I feel like I know many of the veteran posters here via the posts of theirs I've read over the years yet since I didn't post, they don't know me from Adam. There are a few who spent time at both forums who I actually got to know a bit but those who don't know me or of me see my posting history and figure I'm just another noob.
Back to your original statement though, you're absolutely right about the decreased traffic here. It's definitely much more subdued.

[Don]

What a difference three years makes in a message board's life.

... or death. (Ref. Journey forum's demise and complete site replacement.)
Although I wasn't active on this board back then, I was a well-known, very active contributor at the Journey Forum as well as its predecessor, BackTalk. I always read the posts here and even registered eventually but never posted as it seemed that noobs weren't welcome and those who attempted to participate were quickly shown the door. It's strange in a way, I feel like I know many of the veteran posters here via the posts of theirs I've read over the years yet since I didn't post, they don't know me from Adam. There are a few who spent time at both forums who I actually got to know a bit but those who don't know me or of me see my posting history and figure I'm just another noob.
Back to your original statement though, you're absolutely right about the decreased traffic here. It's definitely much more subdued.

The shout box has now been removed from the official site since this latest makeover. Strange because I never saw it getting trolled to the extent it had happened at the previous site.

[brywool]

Jesus, same sh*t, different day.

For God's sake, it's a nice story about meeting a guy (a rockstar no less) outside of a store.
Nice story. Why does ANY positive thing about the guy have to veer off into something else?

[Rip Rokken]

:roll:

Jesus, same sh*t, different day.

For God's sake, it's a nice story about meeting a guy (a rockstar no less) outside of a store.
Nice story. Why does ANY positive thing about the guy have to veer off into something else?

Of course (wink wink, nudge nudge) we really know that barring shyness or inconvenience, nobody here would pass up the opportunity to say hi to AP (or any member of the band for that matter) if they ran right into him like that. I definitely know no one would walk away disappointed if they did. Yeah, I love stories like that.

[Lerxst101]

:roll:

Jesus, same sh*t, different day.

For God's sake, it's a nice story about meeting a guy (a rockstar no less) outside of a store.
Nice story. Why does ANY positive thing about the guy have to veer off into something else?

Of course (wink wink, nudge nudge) we really know that barring shyness or inconvenience, nobody here would pass up the opportunity to say hi to AP (or any member of the band for that matter) if they ran right into him like that. I definitely know no one would walk away disappointed if they did. Yeah, I love stories like that.

Had I known what it would turn into....

I'm just glad that during a break from meetings, I got a chance to visit my favorite store, in my favorite city (lived there 22 years ago, albeit for only 1.5 years), while also running into the singer of one of my favorite bands. And as Rip said, to walk away feeling good like that was great. My wife and kids cracked up when I sent a text and the photo his wife took of us. Heck, I can pretend I'm in high school again -- just for a few minutes.

[Don]

:roll:

Jesus, same sh*t, different day.

For God's sake, it's a nice story about meeting a guy (a rockstar no less) outside of a store.
Nice story. Why does ANY positive thing about the guy have to veer off into something else?

Of course (wink wink, nudge nudge) we really know that barring shyness or inconvenience, nobody here would pass up the opportunity to say hi to AP (or any member of the band for that matter) if they ran right into him like that. I definitely know no one would walk away disappointed if they did. Yeah, I love stories like that.

Had I known what it would turn into....

I'm just glad that during a break from meetings, I got a chance to visit my favorite store, in my favorite city (lived there 22 years ago, albeit for only 1.5 years), while also running into the singer of one of my favorite bands. And as Rip said, to walk away feeling good like that was great. My wife and kids cracked up when I sent a text and the photo his wife took of us. Heck, I can pretend I'm in high school again -- just for a few minutes.

I don't think anyone here felt anything but good for you. As far as the rest, that's how we always go about things. And it's always the same people calling us a bunch of meanies even though they keep coming back and reading here regardless. You've been a member here forever, you know how we roll.
It's your memory and you (along with your family) get to cherish it so that's all that matters anyway.

Back in the early 90s, I got a humanitarian medal for relief work from the then President of the Philippines, Corazon Aquino. Quite a cool thing for me, so that makes us alike in one aspect, we've both met influential Filipinos in our lifetime (I guess I can throw Tony winner Lea Salonga in there too, she was pretty famous in her Miss Saigon heyday).

[VirgilTheart]

And who do I see standing outside the store with his wife, child, and mother (or mother-in-law)? Arnel. Talked to him for about five minutes about the CD (he loves Tantra), upcoming shows in FL (meeting the guys at SFO tomorrow to fly to Orlando), and the tour. Incredibly personable, even asking what I was doing in SF (at an international trademark conference). He introduced me to his family and would have kept talking, but I didn't want to bother him longer. Walked away very impressed and glad I ran into him.

Dude that's great to hear! I'm admittedly a bit jealous myself. Hope I get the chance to meet Arnel at some point in the future as well.

[Lerxst101]

:roll:

Jesus, same sh*t, different day.

For God's sake, it's a nice story about meeting a guy (a rockstar no less) outside of a store.
Nice story. Why does ANY positive thing about the guy have to veer off into something else?

Of course (wink wink, nudge nudge) we really know that barring shyness or inconvenience, nobody here would pass up the opportunity to say hi to AP (or any member of the band for that matter) if they ran right into him like that. I definitely know no one would walk away disappointed if they did. Yeah, I love stories like that.

Had I known what it would turn into....

I'm just glad that during a break from meetings, I got a chance to visit my favorite store, in my favorite city (lived there 22 years ago, albeit for only 1.5 years), while also running into the singer of one of my favorite bands. And as Rip said, to walk away feeling good like that was great. My wife and kids cracked up when I sent a text and the photo his wife took of us. Heck, I can pretend I'm in high school again -- just for a few minutes.

I don't think anyone here felt anything but good for you. As far as the rest, that's how we always go about things. And it's always the same people calling us a bunch of meanies even though they keep coming back and reading here regardless. You've been a member here forever, you know how we roll.
It's your memory and you (along with your family) get to cherish it so that's all that matters anyway.

Back in the early 90s, I got a humanitarian medal for relief work from the then President of the Philippines, Corazon Aquino. Quite a cool thing for me, so that makes us alike in one aspect, we've both met influential Filipinos in our lifetime (I guess I can throw Tony winner Lea Salonga in there too, she was pretty famous in her Miss Saigon heyday).

Don, that's quite commendable! I had an opportunity to work at the Rice Research Institute after college (1987), but my parents killed that idea mighty quick. Friend ended up going there as part of Peace Corp to help design/build water delivery systems. He said it was a bit scary, with the unrest going on at the time.

But back to the topic at hand, I do appreciate everyone's comments. Arnel certainly doesn't have the fame, nor is part of the legacy, that could cause a guy to have a "big head," but it was just that he was so willing to take a few minutes to just talk about music, the band, and ask me a few questions. I've met a few musicians like that over the years (Geddy and Alex from Rush, Glenn Burtnik, JSS, Marco, Virgil at Soul Sirkkus show, and even Neal and Dean). Springsteen was so nice at local school event both our kids were in.) I'm not into the Hollywood types, but I'm a hug music fan. So to meet some members of my favorite bands and to see them either in the "real world" or being real people is a hugh Rush for me -- even at 46....