New Rolling Stone Article: Sad 'Journey' For New Singer

[Rick]

He will not disappoint anyone of you! Journey with Arnel will continue to rock.

Now THAT'S what I'm freakin talking about!!!

[Jeremey]

MAN, great interview/article, especially from Rolling Stone, but that scares the hell out of me! I hope they'll nurture Arnel and allow him to have to time to see his people. In a way, it's not unlike Jeremey's deal, the band was forcing him to choose between them and his family. Most of us would KILL to be the singer for Journey, but if it meant giving up our families, it would never happen.

Man that's so true. I'm sure Jeremey wouldn't have been able to imagine being away from his newborn as much as that job requires. I'll bet he feels like he made the right decision in that respect for sure.

Let me tell you that there were a couple of long conversations which were rehashed on the internet a few times last year that made me realize that whomever got that job would be in for a long row to hoe. This is exactly a lot of what I had to fear...when a band member tells you that kids don't need their dad until their at least 4 or 5 years old, that's a real red flag. And the culture of that company just isn't going to put a wife or a girlfriend on the road for any length of time. Not that I asked - It was made clear to me without me having to say a word.

That being said, this tour is almost over, and Arnel will have lived an amazing dream this year and gotten wealth beyond his wildest imaginations. I am hoping that when he returns to his family he'll find his time well spent and be rejuvenated for the next go-round.

[Andrew]

This is exactly a lot of what I had to fear...when a band member tells you that kids don't need their dad until their at least 4 or 5 years old, that's a real red flag.

Wow. I must say that I have the absolute privilage of working from home and have had the profound joy of seeing btoh my first 2 kids take their first crawl and their first steps and haven't missed one birthday, special event or part of their development. And I'm richer in spirit for that.

I can relate to Arnel and your good self Jeremey 100%. My sincere best wishes to Arnel and his family for the rest of the tour.

[7 Wishes]

Well, I LOVE Arnel's heart and spirit.

Now certain people - and you know who you are - can get off Jeremey's ass once and for all. Do you believe him now? Unbelievable. This article should put ALL of that away for good.

[EightyRock]

Can't somebody walk around town with the dude during the day, so he doesn't have to just wait around for 9:00 pm to start singing?. How about his good buddy Friga? Or his new best friend, Fro? Can't they take the time to distract the guy from his homesickness for a couple hours before the gig? Geez.
Arnel has a gig that anybody else in his YouTube shoes would kill to have. He should be greatful for the opportunity to do this for his family and himself. For Gods sake, if he's this weepy already, they better start looking for their next singer ASAP.
You'd think they would have learned something when they tried to force Perry not to travel in a seperate RV with Oh Sherrie. Why don't they fly Arnel's girlfriend and kid over for a couple days? Obviously they are going to have to hold his hand till the tour ends or they will be looking for another singer for next year. I don't think Arnel is cut out for this lifestryle. I hope he has saved all the money he's made so far, so he'll have a great life when he goes back home to his family.

[The_Noble_Cause]

Considering how reluctant the band was to cut ties with Augeri, who brought the band little to no commerical success, I can't see them dropping Arnel no matter how unhappy he is.

[fightingilliniJRNY]

Considering how reluctant the band was to cut ties with Augeri, who brought the band little to no commerical success, I can't see them dropping Arnel no matter how unhappy he is.

You're right. And I guarantee he can't just walk away - at least until his three year contract is up. Maybe that's what Never Walk Away really means...

[EightyRock]

Considering how reluctant the band was to cut ties with Augeri, who brought the band little to no commerical success, I can't see them dropping Arnel no matter how unhappy he is.

Yeah, unless he ends up just not being able to get it together to perform, if he gets THAT unhappy. I hope that's not the case. They need a singer to bring home the bacon for them, and I think they'd prefer to keep Arnel. If they can't, they'll find somebody else and keep going.....cause that's what they do. They don't have that much invested in Arnel, really. He sang on the new CD that he didn't participate in writing, so there is no established writing partnership to lose. If they are going to cut him loose, the end of this tour would be the time....not later.

[The_Noble_Cause]

They don't have that much invested in Arnel, really. He sang on the new CD that he didn't participate in writing, so there is no established writing partnership to lose. If they are going to cut him loose, the end of this tour would be the time....not later.

Whether you agree with it or not (i don't), the conventional media spin is that Arnel has breathed new life into their sails.
Arnel has become the accepted new face of Journey (with mass appeal) in a way Augeri never did.
I don't think the band will give up on him so easily.

[strangegrey]

The band need to take care of this guy.

News flash!!!! (for those of you living under a rock)

The band doesn't do that.


It's a sad fact. Neal doesn't *do* family. He doesn't want a singer on the road with a family in tow....otherwise they would have arranged for Arnel's family to come along from the onset.


It's sad, and I agree with Brywool's comments on RS's page....for the sake of the band, they need to try to get his family out on the road.



I dunno, the tone of this article sounds very, um....dark. Is that just me or do others see that too?

[Maui Tom]

rock the house knellsky...we all love you.

[strangegrey]

This is exactly a lot of what I had to fear...when a band member tells you that kids don't need their dad until their at least 4 or 5 years old, that's a real red flag.

Wow. I must say that I have the absolute privilage of working from home and have had the profound joy of seeing btoh my first 2 kids take their first crawl and their first steps and haven't missed one birthday, special event or part of their development. And I'm richer in spirit for that.

I can relate to Arnel and your good self Jeremey 100%. My sincere best wishes to Arnel and his family for the rest of the tour.

Andrew, like you...I've had the same good fortune to watch my kids grow up. Quiting the web business in 04, returning to school, and pursuing a new career over the past 4 years has given me alot more time at home...and that has allowed me to watch my son grow up to almost 6 and my daughter to grow to almost 3. I wouldn't have missed this for a lead guitarist spot in Journey, Van Halen, Whitesnake, etc....

[Andrew]

This is exactly a lot of what I had to fear...when a band member tells you that kids don't need their dad until their at least 4 or 5 years old, that's a real red flag.

Wow. I must say that I have the absolute privilage of working from home and have had the profound joy of seeing btoh my first 2 kids take their first crawl and their first steps and haven't missed one birthday, special event or part of their development. And I'm richer in spirit for that.

I can relate to Arnel and your good self Jeremey 100%. My sincere best wishes to Arnel and his family for the rest of the tour.

Andrew, like you...I've had the same good fortune to watch my kids grow up. Quiting the web business in 04, returning to school, and pursuing a new career over the past 4 years has given me alot more time at home...and that has allowed me to watch my son grow up to almost 6 and my daughter to grow to almost 3. I wouldn't have missed this for a lead guitarist spot in Journey, Van Halen, Whitesnake, etc....

Yeah...me either Frank. So much bloody work, but endless joy too (except at 4am this morning when my 8 week old decided it was time to kick about and have a laugh...)

Love the new sig!

[strangegrey]

Love the new sig!

LOL! Thanks! I was hoping you wouldn't take it personally. I'm using it on all of the boards, not just here!

[DrFU]

rock the house knellsky...we all love you.

Indeed we do, and I hope that helps ...

Trying to balance great professional success and a substantive personal life is a special kind of hell.

[Blueskies]

Well, I LOVE Arnel's heart and spirit.

Now certain people - and you know who you are - can get off Jeremey's ass once and for all. Do you believe him now? Unbelievable. This article should put ALL of that away for good.

Exactly!! When I had meant them in '06 I had spent the whole evening talking to his wife, about love, family, beliefs... so I could see what type of people they are and got a good sense of their values..and I have known how much having a child meant to them ..they wanted that more then anything in the world. A temptation was put before him..and he was tested by it,...he may have struggled over it but his reluctance was no surprise to me...I knew that he would put his family and to be able to spend more time with them first. No amount of money or fame can mean more than the love he has for his wife and child and their love for him in return...something that money can never buy.....in my opinion Jeremey is already wealthy beyond measure.

[7 Wishes]

He is, and he is a great man through and through.

NOTHING in the world could tempt me to give back the wonderful memories I have with my son. Nothing.

[RedWingFan]

It's a sad fact. Neal doesn't *do* family. He doesn't want a singer on the road with a family in tow....otherwise they would have arranged for Arnel's family to come along from the onset.

Didn't the "Frontiers and Beyond" video show Steve Smith bringing his family on the Frontiers tour?
What's the big whoop if it's a singer or a drummer?

[Jana]

Arnel has really been in good spirits these last few weeks, joking and teasing with his fans, but tired. Several weeks ago he was very sick and very stressed out worrying about his voice. Once his September 5 concert was cancelled and his voice was better and he was visited by his friend from the Philippines, his spirits have been really good. I think he sees a light at the end of the tunnel, October 5. My opinion, Rolling Stone could have been an interview, but I don't think so. I think it was a cut-and-paste job to have a negative slant.

[Since 78]

Arnel has really been in good spirits these last few weeks, joking and teasing with his fans, but tired. Several weeks ago he was very sick and very stressed out worrying about his voice. Once his September 5 concert was cancelled and his voice was better and he was visited by his friend from the Philippines, his spirits have been really good. I think he sees a light at the end of the tunnel, October 5. My opinion, Rolling Stone could have been an interview, but I don't think so. I think it was a cut-and-paste job to have a negative slant.

Thanks! And Welcome!!

[etcetera]

Arnel has really been in good spirits these last few weeks, joking and teasing with his fans, but tired. Several weeks ago he was very sick and very stressed out worrying about his voice. Once his September 5 concert was cancelled and his voice was better and he was visited by his friend from the Philippines, his spirits have been really good. I think he sees a light at the end of the tunnel, October 5. My opinion, Rolling Stone could have been an interview, but I don't think so. I think it was a cut-and-paste job to have a negative slant.

Thanks! And Welcome!!

Yup, a warm welcome, Jana! Have fun!

[Jana]

Thank you. I'm a short-time lurker. Rip Rokken will vouch for me -- I think.

[Blueskies]

He is, and he is a great man through and through.

NOTHING in the world could tempt me to give back the wonderful memories I have with my son. Nothing.

With children or without....within all human relationships...the true measure of a man or a woman is their capacity to give and receive love.

[stevew2]

Although I would love to see Journey do there "evening with journey' after the big tour,as they have done the last 6 years plus. Take a break, let Arnel go home be with his family,give his voice a rest. Come back next year with a new Cd. One that he co wrote.If they book casinos in October thru Dec,and burn out his voice like the did with Augeri, I will piss on them again, Friga do the right thing,dont pimp out a great singer,and good guy. You are supposed to be a christian, act like it. Treat others as you want to be treated.

[wildcat75]

Arnel has really been in good spirits these last few weeks, joking and teasing with his fans, but tired. Several weeks ago he was very sick and very stressed out worrying about his voice. Once his September 5 concert was cancelled and his voice was better and he was visited by his friend from the Philippines, his spirits have been really good. I think he sees a light at the end of the tunnel, October 5. My opinion, Rolling Stone could have been an interview, but I don't think so. I think it was a cut-and-paste job to have a negative slan


THAT'S WHAT I THOUGHT TOO WHEN I READ THAT ARTICLES, I DON'T REMEMBER WHEN THE BAND AND ARNEL WAS BEING INTERVIEWED BY ROLLING STONE SO IT'S KIND OF JUST ASSUMPTION, JUST TO SELL THEIR ARTICLES. ARNEL IS A TOUGH GUY AND A SURVIVOR ONE, I THINK WHAT HE NEEDED IS JUST SOMEONE LIKE HIM WHO CAN TALK TO HIM IN THE SAME LANGUAGE, SOMEONE WHO IS CLOSED TO HIM AS A FRIEND WHO CAN RELATE W/ HIM W/O MISINTERPRETED HIM.. bRINGING HIS FAMILY HERE IS NOT AS EASY AS WE THINK IT IS COZ OF IMMIGRATION LAWS, IT'S TAKES WEEKS OR EVEN MONTHS TO PROCESS THEIR PAPERS DUE TO TECHNICALITIES AND SOME LEGAL ISSUES.

[wildcat75]

Arnel has really been in good spirits these last few weeks, joking and teasing with his fans, but tired. Several weeks ago he was very sick and very stressed out worrying about his voice. Once his September 5 concert was cancelled and his voice was better and he was visited by his friend from the Philippines, his spirits have been really good. I think he sees a light at the end of the tunnel, October 5. My opinion, Rolling Stone could have been an interview, but I don't think so. I think it was a cut-and-paste job to have a negative slant.

WELL SAID JANA!!!! AND WELCOME TO MR, I'M GLAD YOU'RE HERE!!!OH! BY THE WAY, I HAVEN'T HAVE TIME TO GOOGLES THE CLINTON FACTOR AND PALIN EFFECT MAYBE LATER THIS EVENING!! THANK'S FOR HELPING ME THOUGH!! (HEHEHE!! I'M SURE YOU KNOW WHO I AM NOW!!!

[Since 78]

Arnel has really been in good spirits these last few weeks, joking and teasing with his fans, but tired. Several weeks ago he was very sick and very stressed out worrying about his voice. Once his September 5 concert was cancelled and his voice was better and he was visited by his friend from the Philippines, his spirits have been really good. I think he sees a light at the end of the tunnel, October 5. My opinion, Rolling Stone could have been an interview, but I don't think so. I think it was a cut-and-paste job to have a negative slan


THAT'S WHAT I THOUGHT TOO WHEN I READ THAT ARTICLES, I DON'T REMEMBER WHEN THE BAND AND ARNEL WAS BEING INTERVIEWED BY ROLLING STONE SO IT'S KIND OF JUST ASSUMPTION, JUST TO SELL THEIR ARTICLES. ARNEL IS A TOUGH GUY AND A SURVIVOR ONE, I THINK WHAT HE NEEDED IS JUST SOMEONE LIKE HIM WHO CAN TALK TO HIM IN THE SAME LANGUAGE, SOMEONE WHO IS CLOSED TO HIM AS A FRIEND WHO CAN RELATE W/ HIM W/O MISINTERPRETED HIM.. bRINGING HIS FAMILY HERE IS NOT AS EASY AS WE THINK IT IS COZ OF IMMIGRATION LAWS, IT'S TAKES WEEKS OR EVEN MONTHS TO PROCESS THEIR PAPERS DUE TO TECHNICALITIES AND SOME LEGAL ISSUES.

True! My best friend spends a lot of time in the Philippines and bringing someone here takes about six months through normal channels I think. If everyone remembers, it was a little bit of a problem for Arnel. Its much easier to travel from here to there than the opposite.

[Jana]

In an interview recently, he was asked if his family was moving here, and he said no. But he did say they were planning something. Hopefully, planning on some visits during touring next year. Also, his girlfriend has two daughters, plus his little boy. So it's not so easy for her to visit with all the responsibility. But I think as time goes by and he gets more settled within the band and touring, they will work all of that out. The best-case scenario really is for them to move to San Francisco, but I don't see that happening for years, if at all.

[mikemarrs]

wonder if neal and jon are trying to connect with arnel on a personal level when they have down time when they are not doing press,interviews,meet and greets,etc.. i know its a business but i'm just wondering if there is any attempts behind the scenes to get to know each other as friends besides just being bandmates.

[Ratgirl]

In an interview recently, he was asked if his family was moving here, and he said no. But he did say they were planning something. Hopefully, planning on some visits during touring next year. Also, his girlfriend has two daughters, plus his little boy. So it's not so easy for her to visit with all the responsibility. But I think as time goes by and he gets more settled within the band and touring, they will work all of that out. The best-case scenario really is for them to move to San Francisco, but I don't see that happening for years, if at all.

Welcome to MR and thanks for the update.
I hope Arnel gets the much needed rest and relaxation he needs to come back even stronger.
Hopefully next tour, the band and mgmt will be able to accommodate for his needs better.