I think this is Arnel's roughest start for any of the tours so far.
2008, he just powered through everything. The success of Revelation probably helped fuel him along too. Promotion abounds, the world is Journey's oyster at this point.
2009, despite being stepped down, Arnel seemed to find his spots better and a lot of pub about DSB helps keep the band high on everyone's radar. The tour ends with The Manila DVD scorching Billboard and everything is cruising along wonderfully in Journey Land.
2010, DSB is on top of the world but the band itself disappears from the scene. Perry takes the opportunity to re-establish his identity with Journey and their iconic anthem. Anticipation starts to build on how Journey will top itself with Arnel's sophomore effort. Neal promises an album with a theme so unique, he's worried others will steal the idea if he divulges it too early.
2011, with DSB fever slowing down, Journey comes out the gate with a wimper as they hit the scene after two years with barely any publicity, no promo for a new album and record sales suffer dramatically. An anticipated Wal-Mart promotional Blitz turns out to be pipe dream. With no single on the radio, Sound issues, a Billboard flop combined with a formidable touring partner in Foreigner, there seems to be an unspoken need for Pineda to step up his game every night.
And thus, you get the stumbles, the step downed shows and a tired looking lead singer who still has 50 shows ahead of him.
If there was ever a need for a second wind, The band and Arnel could really use one before the U.S. tour starts.