"Being with Members of Journey...a brotherhood"

[perryfaithful]

...says Pineda in this latest article. Hmmmm

http://www.mb.com.ph/ENTR20080117114573.html


Pinoy breakout star Arnel Pineda sets his goals



Yugel Losorata

Another Filipino is set to shine in the international scene as band vocalist Arnel Pineda was tapped to join veteran American rock band Journey.

The act behind the hits "Open Arms" and "Don’t Stop Believing" is now recording a new album with the Pinoy guy for release certainly within the year.

"I promise I’m gonna make you all proud. I’m not gonna fail you," uttered the 40 yearold belter to Filipino fans while at the hot seat in front of press and supporters gathered at Hard Rock in Makati last Friday. His "big break" of landing the precious Journey post once famously occupied by bigname Steve Perry has attracted even CNN which animatedly reported how he got into the band.

"I’d hope to be one of the biggest crusaders for the Filipino cause and tell them (foreigners) that Filipino musicians are one of the bests in the world," he shared.

As expected, he treated the presscon crowd with a stunning live performance of Journey songs that included "Faithfully." Arnel’s rendition of this song which was posted over the YouTube by one Noel Gomez is said to have attracted Journey guitarist Neal Schon who asked the Filipino to audition for his globally acclaimed group.

Arnel, with his TV director-manager Bert de Leon, went to San Francisco, USA last August to try his luck. On December 5 he was officially named as the act’s new lead singer.

The former ‘dyaryo-bote’ boy who grew up in Sampaloc, Manila started singing at 15 and joined a showband called Ijos which would transform into the AMO Band of the 80s. Later in life he found himself flying back and forth to Hong Kong and Philippines to hope for the big break.

Leading to his catch of a lifetime, Arnel was discovered by de Leon who then formed cover band Zoo with him as lead singer. Late last year, the group released an album under MCA Music called "Zoology" and came out with the carrier single "Gimik."

Out of "Zoo" and into a new journey

With Arnel leaving his post for Journey, a new singer in Reujenson Lista has replaced him. But he is still heard singing in the band’s latest single, "Pain In My Heart" which is a revival of the 90s hit song penned by Zoo guitarist Moneth Cajipe. A video of the song quite serving as a touching farewell of Arnel has premiered on MYX last Sunday.

"Being with members of Journey is more of a brotherhood just like my relationship with Zoo. They’re friendly and have no rockstar attitude," he revealed to the media.

He added, "I wasn’t very confident during the audition but I realized I should just enjoy the moment. My break is really about a Filipino who made it in Journey."

Arnel related that he was the second guy to audition for the vacated role and the very first Asian to have been given such opportunity.

Producer Kevin Shirley, currently recording with Arnel, is said to have described the recording sessions as "wonderful and successful" and noted, "I was stunned at Arnel, who is a monster vocalist. He is the real deal. I think he is ‘the business!’ — the guy can really sing! He handles the ballads with so much heart, and belts the rockers as hard, and melodically as anyone I have heard."

For the record, Journey has replaced its vocalist a number of times. Steve Augeri, who sang for around eight years with the group, experienced vocal problems because of throat infection, while the most recent one, Jeff Scott Soto, was sacked after the band decided ‘to move in a new direction.’

Arnel will tour with the rest of Journey, namely, Jonathan Cain, Deen Castronovo, Ross Valory, and Schon. They will be doing four shows in Chile from February 17 to 25. A European tour will start May 24 in Sweden and ends on June 15 while the US Tour begins on July 4 and goes till September. The last months of the year will see the veteran power ballad group going to Japan, Australia and possibly, the Philippines.

Formed in San Francisco in 1971, Journey was originally called the Golden Gate Rhythm Section and served as backup group for other artists. In 1977, the band, already called Journey, hired Perry, the voice behind the classic "Foolish Heart", as new lead singer. Perry helped the band became a pop act which resulted to their fourth album "Infinity" reaching No. 21 on the charts and gave the band their first RIAA-certified platinum.

"I’m longing to meet Steve Perry,’" admitted Pineda, not related to Black Eyed Peas’ Allan Pineda who have also given the country a major honor with his colorful stint abroad.

"I never see this coming and I’m hoping my experience would open a big door for aspiring musicians. This is my chance to be a torch bearer for Filipinos. Dala ko dito ang fire ng Filipino spirit."

At 40, Arnel has taken the internet age in giving sense to the cliché that life begins at such period in a man’s life. He also gives hope to dreamers out there that it’s never too late to achieve something this big. His mantra, "Don’t Stop Believing," (also the title of a Journey song that refreshed the band to many when it was played to end "The Sopranos") is simply in tune with the music of Journey.

[stevew2]

Brotherhood ?? I remember when they called Steve A bro, look what the fuck they did to him. Cant they come up with another slogan than "the real deal" thats what fro said about Jeff. Arnel and Neal will get along fine, they are both midgets and both say stupid shit. This Foreigner would not be seeing this exotic Journey. What a joke

[NealIsGod]

Waaaaaaaaaay too much emphasis on the Filipino stuff. If he wants people to accept him for what he is, then he needs to just sing.

[Arkansas]

" ... that Filipino musicians are one of the bests in the world," he shared. ..."


I sure hope that's a typo.


later~

[journeyrock]

Waaaaaaaaaay too much emphasis on the Filipino stuff. If he wants people to accept him for what he is, then he needs to just sing.

Absofreakinlutely NIG! I don't want to hear any of the Arnelians crying racist. He's the one emphasizing that one here. I don't think this article is going to do him a lot of good with fans in the U.S. And what the hell was the comment, "they don't have a rockstar attitude" stuff. What a crock THAT is.

[stevew2]

Singers and actors {like that fuck job Tom Crusie} should shut up and do there jobs

[jrnychick]

"Being with members of Journey is more of a brotherhood just like my relationship with Zoo. They’re friendly and have no rockstar attitude," he revealed to the media.

That paragraph has me laughing out loud! No rockstar attitude... brotherhood... RIGHT.

[Deb]

For the record, Journey has replaced its vocalist a number of times. Steve Augeri, who sang for around eight years with the group, experienced vocal problems because of throat infection, while the most recent one, Jeff Scott Soto, was sacked after the band decided ‘to move in a new direction.’

Gawd help me, but everytime I see that, I mentally read "old direction" instead.

[MCC620]

For the record, Journey has replaced its vocalist a number of times. Steve Augeri, who sang for around eight years with the group, experienced vocal problems because of throat infection, while the most recent one, Jeff Scott Soto, was sacked after the band decided ‘to move in a new direction.’

Gawd help me, but everytime I see that, I mentally read "old direction" instead.

to be fair, backwards is a direction.

[Rockindeano]

Singers and actors {like that fuck job Tom Crusie} should shut up and do there jobs

Um, dude, Tom Cruise does do his job. He makes more money than God. Their job is to act, and like him or not, he is very good at it.

You are a venomous motherfucker lately. Why? You really hate Arnel that bad?

[Deb]

For the record, Journey has replaced its vocalist a number of times. Steve Augeri, who sang for around eight years with the group, experienced vocal problems because of throat infection, while the most recent one, Jeff Scott Soto, was sacked after the band decided ‘to move in a new direction.’

Gawd help me, but everytime I see that, I mentally read "old direction" instead.

to be fair, backwards is a direction.

True.

[MrsPerry]

I would love to hear just a SNIIIIP of audio from the Shows that are comming up in Feb, just to see how badly they are gonna reek

[bluejeangirl76]

"Being with members of Journey is more of a brotherhood just like my relationship with Zoo. They’re friendly and have no rockstar attitude," he revealed to the media.

*dies fucking laughing*

[caboshooter]

" ... that Filipino musicians are one of the bests in the world," he shared. ..."


I sure hope that's a typo.


later~

I thought the same thing of that and this.......

"I never see this coming and I’m hoping my experience would open a big door for aspiring musicians.

[Red13JoePa]

I'm jealous of all the posters here who know Journey.

[stevew2]

Singers and actors {like that fuck job Tom Crusie} should shut up and do there jobs

Um, dude, Tom Cruise does do his job. He makes more money than God. Their job is to act, and like him or not, he is very good at it.

You are a venomous motherfucker lately. Why? You really hate Arnel that bad?

I dont hate him,I hate to see my favorite{used to be} band go down the tubes, I dont like dumbass comments like"im going to prove to them{foreigners} ect ect..... What is the Filipino cause? He should shut up and sing, and Tom , should shut up and act, thats what people pay for, not to here there stupid views on shit

[mistiejourney]

Waaaaaaaaaay too much emphasis on the Filipino stuff. If he wants people to accept him for what he is, then he needs to just sing.

Yeah, I thought the racial angle was verboten, but it's all through the article.

Interesting.

Good luck to Arnel.

Brotherhood, my ass. Journey has more in common with the Sopranos than just a song.

I think I'm going to go throw up now......

[finalfight]

Arnel seems proud of his heritage and achievements. Nothing wrong with that at all.

By the reckoning of the more negative responses in this thread some of the most popular TV in US must also have racial overtones or conotations simply because the country is mentioned - American Idol, American Gladiators, American Hot Rod etc. Next someone will pipe up that the each countries armed forces should simply called the Army, Airforce or Navy as God forbid anyone be proud enough to mention that they serve their own country in case someone plays the race card. And yes I know Arnel is just a singer and not putting his life on the line but still let him be proud of his culture and by doing so possibly give hope to other talented people in less fortunate positions or countries than many of our own.

Enough with the race thing. Arnel is not insulting anyone.

And to answer the following post -

I would love to hear just a SNIIIIP of audio from the Shows that are comming up in Feb, just to see how badly they are gonna reek

You are likely to be very disapointed.

[Red13JoePa]

I thought the source of the article was actually Phillipino.

[EightyRock]

The phrases containing "brotherhood" and "new direction" are particularly laughable!! :

It is S.S.D.D. in the Journey camp. Nevermind who is doing the interview for the band, Arnel, Cain or Schon. We've heard it all and seen it all. If Arnel thinks he will be any different when HE either gets the flu, has vocal troubles from endless shows, or has any ideas of his own (ala Soto), then so long Arnel. You are an expendable commodity to Frig and the Princess.

The singers may have changed, post-Perry, but the rhetoric has not. The "brotherhood "and their "new direction" are a ship of fools sailing into oblivion. I won't be buying the Filipino inspired greatest hits re-run with a couple new songs thrown together while Schon and Cain were scouring the internet for their third replacement singer.

[Jeremey]

.
Arnel will tour with the rest of Journey, namely, Jonathan Cain, Deen Castronovo, Ross Valory, and Schon. They will be doing four shows in Chile from February 17 to 25. A European tour will start May 24 in Sweden and ends on June 15 while the US Tour begins on July 4 and goes till September. The last months of the year will see the veteran power ballad group going to Japan, Australia and possibly, the Philippines.

Sure hope those 8 day/6 hour gigs have gotten Arnel into shape.

[Lady Luck]

"I’m longing to meet Steve Perry,’"

Aren't we all.

[lparn]

Brotherhood?! what a joke! They said Steve Augeri was their brother and they treated him like crap.
So not interested in anything they do or say.
Will only go see them this year if the tour with someone decent like Heart or John Waite.
What a hunk of bs

[Lula]

"I’m longing to meet Steve Perry,’"

Aren't we all.

LOL, no kidding!

[MrsPerry]

Arnel seems proud of his heritage and achievements. Nothing wrong with that at all.

By the reckoning of the more negative responses in this thread some of the most popular TV in US must also have racial overtones or conotations simply because the country is mentioned - American Idol, American Gladiators, American Hot Rod etc. Next someone will pipe up that the each countries armed forces should simply called the Army, Airforce or Navy as God forbid anyone be proud enough to mention that they serve their own country in case someone plays the race card. And yes I know Arnel is just a singer and not putting his life on the line but still let him be proud of his culture and by doing so possibly give hope to other talented people in less fortunate positions or countries than many of our own.

Enough with the race thing. Arnel is not insulting anyone.

And to answer the following post -

I would love to hear just a SNIIIIP of audio from the Shows that are comming up in Feb, just to see how badly they are gonna reek

You are likely to be very disapointed.

I dont care if Arnel is pink with purple spots. It is not a race/nationality issue with me it is a musical one. Pardon me if i came off like it was a race thing.

[fightingilliniJRNY]

They will be doing four shows in Chile from February 17 to 25. A European tour will start May 24 in Sweden and ends on June 15 while the US Tour begins on July 4 and goes till September. The last months of the year will see the veteran power ballad group going to Japan, Australia and possibly, the Philippines.

Busy, busy...but a shorter U.S. tour than I expected.

Andrew, would you go see them in Australia?

[finalfight]

Arnel seems proud of his heritage and achievements. Nothing wrong with that at all.

By the reckoning of the more negative responses in this thread some of the most popular TV in US must also have racial overtones or conotations simply because the country is mentioned - American Idol, American Gladiators, American Hot Rod etc. Next someone will pipe up that the each countries armed forces should simply called the Army, Airforce or Navy as God forbid anyone be proud enough to mention that they serve their own country in case someone plays the race card. And yes I know Arnel is just a singer and not putting his life on the line but still let him be proud of his culture and by doing so possibly give hope to other talented people in less fortunate positions or countries than many of our own.

Enough with the race thing. Arnel is not insulting anyone.

And to answer the following post -

I would love to hear just a SNIIIIP of audio from the Shows that are comming up in Feb, just to see how badly they are gonna reek

You are likely to be very disapointed.

I dont care if Arnel is pink with purple spots. It is not a race/nationality issue with me it is a musical one. Pardon me if i came off like it was a race thing.

It didn't. I responded to your post afterward, see above.

[MrsPerry]

my apologies for the miscommunication:)

[finalfight]

my apologies for the miscommunication:)

Hey no worries. Nice avatar by the way.

[brywool]

Arnel seems proud of his heritage and achievements. Nothing wrong with that at all.

Exactly. Was this for a Filipino press piece? I thought it was. If it's for a Filipino press piece, then it makes sense that, OF COURSE he'd mention it. Just like when Hilary's running for president- "possible first WOMAN president" or Obama "Possible first BLACK president". Arnel's the first Asian to get a chance to do something like this with an American musical staple of a band- or at least one this popular. I would imagine that this is a VERY big deal to Filipinos. Makes sense to me. As far as the "Filipino cause" I have no idea what that's about, but I would THINK that it means pride in one's country and heritage.