Sacramento Review from the Sacramento Bee

[Ballzee]

http://www.sacbee.com/entertainment/story/1270681.html

Journey rocks on with new lead singer
By Rachel Leibrock - rleibrock@sacbee.com
Who needs Steve Perry?

The members of Journey - including the band's new lead singer Arnel Pineda - answered that question with confidence Friday night in front of an enthusiastic Sleep Train Amphitheatre audience.

Clearly Journey, which has gone through five lead singers during its 25-year-career, doesn't need the guy who made them most famous, thank you very much.

Despite reports that Pineda was having a hard go of it during this tour with Heart and Cheap Trick, the 41-year-old Philippines native showed that not only is his voice a carbon copy of Perry's signature rock wail but he's got his predecessor's energy and charisma as well.

Pineda is the band's third singer since Perry left Journey for good in the late '90s. As modern legend has it, guitarist Neal Schon discovered Pineda during a 2007 YouTube search. And although critics and fans alike have expressed some skepticism about replacing an iconic band member with a sound-alike, Pineda ably proved himself.

Indeed, he was the best, most joyful part of the band's performance.

Certainly, the other members of Journey sounded fine - spot on, actually - during renditions of "Open Arms," "Faithfully" and "Separate Ways." Still, there were times when it felt as if the band - Schon, bassist Ross Valory, drummer Deen Castronovo and keyboardist Jonathan Cain - was trying to recapture a particular moment in time.

Even new songs such as "Change for the Better" indicate this is a band that, long ago, hit upon a particular formula for success and now refuses to stray from the sound (or cheesy rock posturing) that put them on the cultural map. The hiring of Pineda only underscores that point.

But the audience was fine with that, gamely rocking through the new songs and going crazy for the hits. (Journey's latest, the two-disc "Revelation," which includes 11 Journey hits rerecorded with Pineda, peaked at No. 5 on the Billboard Album Chart so, clearly, fans are more than fine with this sonic double solution.)

A rousing take on "Don't Stop Believin'" - complete with a big screen display of the Journey logo with a gun replacing the "R" in honor of the song's connection to "The Sopranos" - brought down the house.

Cheap Trick opened the show with a brisk set that included vintage power pop hits such as "Dream Police" while Heart sisters Ann and Nancy Wilson proved they still have plenty of rock chops with a set that mined the band's hits including "Crazy On You," a fiery version of "Barracuda" and a cover of The Who's "Love, Reign O'er Me."

The Wilsons' enthusiasm for being onstage was palpable and emphasized the evening's overarching vibe.

Certainly, this hit machine tour is really nothing more than a bona fide nostalgia trip and most of the songs played Friday night were squarely, firmly and unapologetically rooted in a certain place, time and sound. Translation: Yes, some of them sounded dated - very very dated.

But all of the participants, including the audience members seemed fine with that. And while it seems strange that a relative unknown is the missing piece to the headlining act's profitable time warp puzzle, Pineda's fresh presence helps to override deeper questions about art, ownership and intention.

Pineda truly seems to enjoy getting on stage to sing the hell out of songs made famous by someone else. That he manages to elevate his performance beyond mere karaoke is impressive and, for now at least, the philosophy behind Journey's manner of reliving the past seems to be a debate for a different time or perhaps, even, a different band.

[annpea]

http://www.sacbee.com/entertainment/story/1270681.html

Journey rocks on with new lead singer
By Rachel Leibrock - rleibrock@sacbee.com

Who needs Steve Perry?

Apparently, all the people who can't let the comparison train rumble by without trying to hitch a ride on it.

The members of Journey - including the band's new lead singer Arnel Pineda - answered that question with confidence Friday night in front of an enthusiastic Sleep Train Amphitheatre audience.

Clearly Journey, which has gone through five lead singers during its 25-year-career, doesn't need the guy who made them most famous, thank you very much.

this would only be true if the band had gone for a totally different sound.

Despite reports that Pineda was having a hard go of it during this tour with Heart and Cheap Trick, the 41-year-old Philippines native showed that not only is his voice a carbon copy of Perry's signature rock wail but he's got his predecessor's energy and charisma as well.

This statement, makes about as much sense as asking a bear to not shit in the woods. How can one not need a person when it's as plain as the nose on ones face that there is an out and out attempt to clone Steve Perry's voice as well as his stage antics.

Pineda is the band's third singer since Perry left Journey for good in the late '90s. As modern legend has it, guitarist Neal Schon discovered Pineda during a 2007 YouTube search. And although critics and fans alike have expressed some skepticism about replacing an iconic band member with a sound-alike, Pineda ably proved himself.

What has he proved? that he can copycat Steve Perry's sound.

Indeed, he was the best, most joyful part of the band's performance.

What were the other band members chopped liver?

la for success and now refuses to stray from the sound (or cheesy rock posturing) that put them on the cultural map. The hiring of Pineda only underscores that point.

Certainly, the other members of Journey sounded fine - spot on, actually - during renditions of "Open Arms," "Faithfully" and "Separate Ways." Still, there were times when it felt as if the band - Schon, bassist Ross Valory, drummer Deen Castronovo and keyboardist Jonathan Cain - was trying to recapture a particular moment in time. Even new songs such as "Change for the Better" indicate this is a band that, long ago, hit upon a particular formula.

Was this a surprise?

But the audience was fine with that, gamely rocking through the new songs and going crazy for the hits. (Journey's latest, the two-disc "Revelation," which includes 11 Journey hits rerecorded with Pineda, peaked at No. 5 on the Billboard Album Chart so, clearly, fans are more than fine with this sonic double solution.)

A rousing take on "Don't Stop Believin'" - complete with a big screen display of the Journey logo with a gun replacing the "R" in honor of the song's connection to "The Sopranos" - brought down the house.

Cheap Trick opened the show with a brisk set that included vintage power pop hits such as "Dream Police" while Heart sisters Ann and Nancy Wilson proved they still have plenty of rock chops with a set that mined the band's hits including "Crazy On You," a fiery version of "Barracuda" and a cover of The Who's "Love, Reign O'er Me."

The Wilsons' enthusiasm for being onstage was palpable and emphasized the evening's overarching vibe.

Certainly, this hit machine tour is really nothing more than a bona fide nostalgia trip and most of the songs played Friday night were squarely, firmly and unapologetically rooted in a certain place, time and sound. Translation: Yes, some of them sounded dated - very very dated.

But all of the participants, including the audience members seemed fine with that. And while it seems strange that a relative unknown is the missing piece to the headlining act's profitable time warp puzzle, Pineda's fresh presence helps to override deeper questions about art, ownership and intention.

Pineda truly seems to enjoy getting on stage to sing the hell out of songs made famous by someone else. That he manages to elevate his performance beyond mere karaoke is impressive and, for now at least, the philosophy behind Journey's manner of reliving the past seems to be a debate for a different time or perhaps, even, a different band.

[Rick]

35 year career.

[Michigan Girl]

Another brainless, idiotic attempt at a review...............

[Barb]

I posted this about the Shoreline show in another thread that went nowhere, but I'll repost it here. Anyone who can't enjoy Arnel's enthusiasm and tremendous talent is just bitter or has something else influencing their opinion. Get over it.

This show was amazing!!! Sold out and the entire crowd was on its feet pretty much throughout the entire set. Arnel is the best thing to happen to this band since Steve Perry and that is not an exaggeration or a biased opinion in any way. I'm coming from a place in my life where Journey really doesn't interest me anymore. I'm actually quite bored to death of them... until lastnight. They sucked me right back in with fresh energy and frenetic, fierce performances. Arnel is so much fun to watch and he pours his heart and soul into every song. God bless him!

I went with my best friend who has been my best friend since the 6th grade. She has been going to Journey shows with me for more than 25 years. Our first when we were 16 years old. It's almost surreal to stand there with her and watch Neal & Jon and realize that we have been watching these guys perform for nearly 3 decades together.

I have seen Journey more than a dozen times with Augeri, once with JSS, once with Arnel and 5 times with Steve Perry. The closest to 80's era Journey crowd and performance I've seen was lastnight. At one point, I texted my husband and told him to call 911 because Neal Schon was on FIRE!

Just when I thought I didn't care about this band anymore, they go and blow me away. Whatever business/personnel decisions they have made, on stage they are some of the world's finest musicians and I feel lucky to still be able to watch them play.

[Michigan Girl]

I posted this about the Shoreline show in another thread that went nowhere, but I'll repost it here. Anyone who can't enjoy Arnel's enthusiasm and tremendous talent is just bitter or has something else influencing their opinion. Get over it.

This show was amazing!!! Sold out and the entire crowd was on its feet pretty much throughout the entire set. Arnel is the best thing to happen to this band since Steve Perry and that is not an exaggeration or a biased opinion in any way. I'm coming from a place in my life where Journey really doesn't interest me anymore. I'm actually quite bored to death of them... until lastnight. They sucked me right back in with fresh energy and frenetic, fierce performances. Arnel is so much fun to watch and he pours his heart and soul into every song. God bless him!

I went with my best friend who has been my best friend since the 6th grade. She has been going to Journey shows with me for more than 25 years. Our first when we were 16 years old. It's almost surreal to stand there with her and watch Neal & Jon and realize that we have been watching these guys perform for nearly 3 decades together.

I have seen Journey more than a dozen times with Augeri, once with JSS, once with Arnel and 5 times with Steve Perry. The closest to 80's era Journey crowd and performance I've seen was lastnight. At one point, I texted my husband and told him to call 911 because Neal Schon was on FIRE!

Just when I thought I didn't care about this band anymore, they go and blow me away. Whatever business/personnel decisions they have made, on stage they are some of the world's finest musicians and I feel lucky to still be able to watch them play.

Much better review!!! Word choice makes a world of difference....

[Rhiannon]

I posted this about the Shoreline show in another thread that went nowhere, but I'll repost it here. Anyone who can't enjoy Arnel's enthusiasm and tremendous talent is just bitter or has something else influencing their opinion. Get over it.

This show was amazing!!! Sold out and the entire crowd was on its feet pretty much throughout the entire set. Arnel is the best thing to happen to this band since Steve Perry and that is not an exaggeration or a biased opinion in any way. I'm coming from a place in my life where Journey really doesn't interest me anymore. I'm actually quite bored to death of them... until lastnight. They sucked me right back in with fresh energy and frenetic, fierce performances. Arnel is so much fun to watch and he pours his heart and soul into every song. God bless him!

I went with my best friend who has been my best friend since the 6th grade. She has been going to Journey shows with me for more than 25 years. Our first when we were 16 years old. It's almost surreal to stand there with her and watch Neal & Jon and realize that we have been watching these guys perform for nearly 3 decades together.

I have seen Journey more than a dozen times with Augeri, once with JSS, once with Arnel and 5 times with Steve Perry. The closest to 80's era Journey crowd and performance I've seen was lastnight. At one point, I texted my husband and told him to call 911 because Neal Schon was on FIRE!

Just when I thought I didn't care about this band anymore, they go and blow me away. Whatever business/personnel decisions they have made, on stage they are some of the world's finest musicians and I feel lucky to still be able to watch them play.

Great review, Barb! I agree with your last sentence. I don't really care either way how they run their band... just bring me some killer shows and great music every so often and I'm happy!

[annpea]

I posted this about the Shoreline show in another thread that went nowhere, but I'll repost it here. Anyone who can't enjoy Arnel's enthusiasm and tremendous talent is just bitter or has something else influencing their opinion. Get over it.

This show was amazing!!! Sold out and the entire crowd was on its feet pretty much throughout the entire set. Arnel is the best thing to happen to this band since Steve Perry and that is not an exaggeration or a biased opinion in any way. I'm coming from a place in my life where Journey really doesn't interest me anymore. I'm actually quite bored to death of them... until lastnight. They sucked me right back in with fresh energy and frenetic, fierce performances. Arnel is so much fun to watch and he pours his heart and soul into every song. God bless him!

I went with my best friend who has been my best friend since the 6th grade. She has been going to Journey shows with me for more than 25 years. Our first when we were 16 years old. It's almost surreal to stand there with her and watch Neal & Jon and realize that we have been watching these guys perform for nearly 3 decades together.

I have seen Journey more than a dozen times with Augeri, once with JSS, once with Arnel and 5 times with Steve Perry. The closest to 80's era Journey crowd and performance I've seen was lastnight. At one point, I texted my husband and told him to call 911 because Neal Schon was on FIRE!

Just when I thought I didn't care about this band anymore, they go and blow me away. Whatever business/personnel decisions they have made, on stage they are some of the world's finest musicians and I feel lucky to still be able to watch them play.

That's, what I'm trying to say (don't compare) just enjoy the new singer without comparing him to the old singer and there would be no hard feelings. What should have been said was Journey blew the doors off and how well Arnel handled the job. It's not fair to keep tearing one down to build up the other. Next year I believe they will steer away from the past and move toward the future with Arnel moving into the lead role without having to sing in the shadow of Steve Perry.

[brywool]

... Anyone who can't enjoy Arnel's enthusiasm and tremendous talent is just bitter or has something else influencing their opinion. Get over it.

POST OF THE DAY RIGHT HERE!


Arnel has saved the band in a big way, people should be thanking him, not whizzing on him. Geez. I don't get it. It's like people think if they listen, they're cheating on Perry or something. Hardly. It's possible to like any version of the band without hating the other. Just enjoy the music and the fact that Journey is actually (FOR ONCE) getting positive press and doing big business.

I dropped my daughter off at college this weekend (whatta heart wrenching deal that was!) and they were having this huge outdoor party. "DSB" came on and it was way cool. Wow, college kids even still like it.

[Rick]

... Anyone who can't enjoy Arnel's enthusiasm and tremendous talent is just bitter or has something else influencing their opinion. Get over it.

POST OF THE DAY RIGHT HERE!


Arnel has saved the band in a big way, people should be thanking him, not whizzing on him. Geez. I don't get it. It's like people think if they listen, they're cheating on Perry or something. Hardly. It's possible to like any version of the band without hating the other. Just enjoy the music and the fact that Journey is actually (FOR ONCE) getting positive press.

I dropped my daughter off at college this weekend (whatta heart wrenching deal that was!) and they were having this huge outdoor party. "DSB" came on and it was way cool. Wow, college kids even still like it.

Couldn't agree more with these sentiments.

[slucero]

Lights at the Shoreline was friggin' MAGICAL.