Arnel Pineda to stay with Journey ‘as long as they want me’

[tater1977]

Arnel Pineda to stay with Journey ‘as long as they want me’

Elton Lugay, The FilAm April 19, 2012 8:20am
http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/25 ... ey-want-me

“It’s such a raw film. They were able to show my emotions.”



Arnel Pineda was talking to The FilAm about his biopic, “Don’t Stop Believin’: Everyman’s Journey,” directed by Ramona Diaz. The movie, which screens April 19 at the Tribeca Film Festival, chronicles his rise from a hard-luck pizza joint singer to front man for one of America’s legendary rock bands.


The film opened with his first concert with Journey in Chile.


“I still get goose bumps thinking about that very first show. Nakakatakot. I wanted to just get to the first flight out but when I saw the people, I was overwhelmed. I will never forget that day.”


Ramona took an interest in Arnel’s rags-to-riches story and attempted to capture how it all began. Arnel said he hoped the movie would inspire others.


Arnel joined Journey in 2007 when he became the replacement for erstwhile lead singer Steve Perry. His first concert with the band was in 2008 in Vina del Mar, Chile.


“This movie took four years to make,” he said. “They really followed the tour and took time to know the people behind the scenes. “Journey gave me the go signal. They said it would be good for people to know my story.”


Arnel said watching the film gave him a “great” feeling. “Those four years changed my life. It’s sort of like an album.”


He said his story — from the time he was discovered by Journey guitarist Neal Schon via YouTube — will give hope to a lot of people. Arnel hopped from one Philippine band to another and would post his concerts on YouTube. Schon was impressed on seeing them, contacted Arnel through a friend, and flew him to California for a two-day audition. The rest is platinum-album history.


“A lot of people got curious about the process. It somehow gives people hope, inspiration and a chance for a better future. I know that there are a lot of people like me out there waiting to be given a break. I never knew this can happen to me. I am very grateful. I believe in second chances,” said Arnel.


He said he will stay with the band “for as long as they want me.”


“They are amazing people to work with. I learn so much from them, each one of them.”


He takes pride in knowing the torch has passed from the iconic Steve Perry to him. Perry stayed with Journey for more than two decades.


“I think that Steve Perry will always be known as the singer of Journey. I have so much respect for him. He is known as ‘the voice,’” he said.


He is aware he is being watched by hardcore Journey fans and will always be compared to him. But there is only one Steve Perry, he stressed.


“There is only one Steve Perry, and I am a fan.”


A family man, Arnel has three kids and another one on the way. He said the “timing is right,” a film about his life had to be made.


Arnel is slated to headline a concert with young singer Kirby Asunto on April 20 at the Cabrini Gym in Manhattan.


“I am so proud of Kirby giving so much recognition to the Philippines,” he said. “At a young age she is given a unique chance to sing our National Anthem for Pacquiao’s upcoming fight in Las Vegas. She is on to a great start. The journey to stardom will not always be easy. Just keep doing something that makes your heart beat faster and everything will fall into its perfect place.” - The FilAm

[Arianddu]

“Journey gave me the go signal. They said it would be good for people to know my story.”

Not to mention all the publicity about the band they'd kick off again.

[KenTheDude]

And once again no mention of Steve Augeri is sad.

[ebake02]

And once again no mention of Steve Augeri is sad.

It bugs me too, it's like he was whitewashed from existence. People seem to forget that Steve Augeri's voice is what rebuilt Journey into the touring monster that it is now.

[Eric]

And once again no mention of Steve Augeri is sad.

It bugs me too, it's like he was whitewashed from existence. People seem to forget that Steve Augeri's voice is what rebuilt Journey into the touring monster that it is now.

From the perspective of this movie its not the point, though. Its more of Arnel's story with the big picture of Journey's story. Arnel didn't replace Augeri...and Augeri's music isn't being sung.

I agree that Augeri gets unfairly erased in a lot of the pub for Journey - just not in this case.

[KenTheDude]

And once again no mention of Steve Augeri is sad.

It bugs me too, it's like he was whitewashed from existence. People seem to forget that Steve Augeri's voice is what rebuilt Journey into the touring monster that it is now.

From the perspective of this movie its not the point, though. Its more of Arnel's story with the big picture of Journey's story. Arnel didn't replace Augeri...and Augeri's music isn't being sung.

I agree that Augeri gets unfairly erased in a lot of the pub for Journey - just not in this case.

But that's just it....he DID technically replace Augeri. Just because it's a story about Arnel's rise to fame doesn't give these filmmakers or the interviewer in this case a pass. Yes, granted, Arnel is singing Steve Perry songs. But the fact that they make it sound like it went from Perry straight to Arnel is misleading and disrespectful to Augeri.

[The_Noble_Cause]

Augeri barely got any respect (or mentions) when he was in the band. They were whitewashing him in real time.

[kgdjpubs]

And once again no mention of Steve Augeri is sad.

It bugs me too, it's like he was whitewashed from existence. People seem to forget that Steve Augeri's voice is what rebuilt Journey into the touring monster that it is now.

From the perspective of this movie its not the point, though. Its more of Arnel's story with the big picture of Journey's story. Arnel didn't replace Augeri...and Augeri's music isn't being sung.

I agree that Augeri gets unfairly erased in a lot of the pub for Journey - just not in this case.

yea....I don't get it. This has nothing to do with Augeri, so why would you expect him to get mentioned here? You HAVE to cut somewhere or you'll end up with a "History of Journey" documentary, which they obviously were not going to do. You have a decent storyline here with Arnel, so you keep it there. Journey needs a singer. Here's a singer. Here's a story about a singer goes from an unknown to fronting a big stadium headlining band.

[Don]

The band didn't finance this movie. It's a Filipino Director telling a story about another Filipino. It's not really about the history of Journey or the band in general, more about Arnel's good fortune in getting the gig.
It's being screened at Tribeca, the same place Bon Jovi premiered their documentary. Now, how many people knew that outside the art-house crowd that frequent these festivals? Not A big time release and not to meant as a slight to Augeri, Perry or anybody.

Now, If it had been for band publicity, the best route would have been to air this on VH1 with a DVD release the next day like Rush did.

The problem this documentary continues to face is no one wants to invest money in it to begin with. The story has been told over and over again the past four years and no big time distributor wants to take a chance on selling something that is yesterday's news, hence the festival shows to try to drum up some kind of financial support from indie supporters and what not.

[Abitaman]

And once again no mention of Steve Augeri is sad.

so true. "the torch was passed from Steve Perry to him" total BS.

[SF-Dano]

For accuracy sake alone, Augeri should be mentioned. It would take nothing away from the basis of the story (Arnel's) that they are telling.

[slucero]

.. they aren't trying to be accurate...

[FormerJrnyFan]

And, JSS was what, never "in" the band??? Pineda is a puppet... a puppet who can sing, but a puppet non the less ... what a freakin' joke this "band" has become...

[donnaplease]

For accuracy sake alone, Augeri should be mentioned. It would take nothing away from the basis of the story (Arnel's) that they are telling.

Augeri and JSS! I seriously doubt Steve Perry would agree that he "passed the torch" to anyone, though... This thing is such a joke (and not in a haha way).

[Michigan Girl]

So how did this thing go?!? Is the documentary a hit, or what?!?

[brywool]

If you read here, it was apparently the worst thing ever...

How is Arnel a "puppet"?
He's out there doing the work, singing his ass off and now contributing to writing the songs (granted, in a small way so far) and keeping the band going. Not to mention taking a lotta sh*t from Journey's "Fans". JSS's contribution, though important at the time, was pretty short-term. Jeez, Randy Jackson was in the band longer - was he mentioned in the movie? Doubt it. Is anyone griping about that? Certainly a better player than Valory. No offense meant to JSS, but that's the truth. Jackson's on Frontiers and ROR and did the ROR tour. ALL OF IT. Is JSS on anything the band released? NO. And he did part of a tour with them. Augeri's contribution was certainly much more, but the film's not about Augeri, it's about Pineda and is NOT "Journey's story". Even Augeri went to the premiere last night. He obviously doesn't think it's a big deal or a bad deal to support Pineda so why does everybody else throw so much crap at (for once) some good Journey news? Pretty freakin classy of Augeri to show up for sure. I do think he should've been mentioned too, but to get so mad about it is pretty silly.

By the way, out of all of em, you could say Neal's a puppet . He HATES the commercial direction Journey went into, but he goes out there every night and plays "Lovin Touchin Squeezin" and "The Marry Poppins song". If that's not a puppet, I don't know what is. It's just music.

[Jana]

If you read here, it was apparently the worst thing ever...

How is Arnel a "puppet"?
He's out there doing the work, singing his ass off and now contributing to writing the songs (granted, in a small way so far) and keeping the band going. Not to mention taking a lotta sh*t from Journey's "Fans". JSS's contribution, though important at the time, was pretty short-term. Jeez, Randy Jackson was in the band longer - was he mentioned in the movie? Doubt it. Is anyone griping about that? Certainly a better player than Valory. No offense meant to JSS, but that's the truth. Jackson's on Frontiers and ROR and did the ROR tour. ALL OF IT. Is JSS on anything the band released? NO. And he did part of a tour with them. Augeri's contribution was certainly much more, but the film's not about Augeri, it's about Pineda and is NOT "Journey's story". Even Augeri went to the premiere last night. He obviously doesn't think it's a big deal or a bad deal to support Pineda so why does everybody else throw so much crap at (for once) some good Journey news? Pretty freakin classy of Augeri to show up for sure. I do think he should've been mentioned too, but to get so mad about it is pretty silly.

By the way, out of all of em, you could say Neal's a puppet . He HATES the commercial direction Journey went into, but he goes out there every night and plays "Lovin Touchin Squeezin" and "The Marry Poppins song". If that's not a puppet, I don't know what is. It's just music.

Great post.

Steve Augeri went to the premiere? I love him even more.

[brywool]

If you read here, it was apparently the worst thing ever...

How is Arnel a "puppet"?
He's out there doing the work, singing his ass off and now contributing to writing the songs (granted, in a small way so far) and keeping the band going. Not to mention taking a lotta sh*t from Journey's "Fans". JSS's contribution, though important at the time, was pretty short-term. Jeez, Randy Jackson was in the band longer - was he mentioned in the movie? Doubt it. Is anyone griping about that? Certainly a better player than Valory. No offense meant to JSS, but that's the truth. Jackson's on Frontiers and ROR and did the ROR tour. ALL OF IT. Is JSS on anything the band released? NO. And he did part of a tour with them. Augeri's contribution was certainly much more, but the film's not about Augeri, it's about Pineda and is NOT "Journey's story". Even Augeri went to the premiere last night. He obviously doesn't think it's a big deal or a bad deal to support Pineda so why does everybody else throw so much crap at (for once) some good Journey news? Pretty freakin classy of Augeri to show up for sure. I do think he should've been mentioned too, but to get so mad about it is pretty silly.

By the way, out of all of em, you could say Neal's a puppet . He HATES the commercial direction Journey went into, but he goes out there every night and plays "Lovin Touchin Squeezin" and "The Marry Poppins song". If that's not a puppet, I don't know what is. It's just music.

Great post.

Steve Augeri went to the premiere? I love him even more.

Yup! I think he and Rip were also hanging out.

Not sure this'll work here. And hi Jana, longtime no talk.

[brywool]

This is the photo where Steve beat up Arnel cuz he didn't get mentioned in his movie.
Posted these without Rip's permission...

[Jana]

This is the photo where Steve beat up Arnel cuz he didn't get mentioned in his movie.
Posted these without Rip's permission...

LOL He does look furious. Hi back, Brian. Wow, Arnel's hair is awful. He needs to grow it back out when touring. Steve seems to be in a really good place in his life as far as the band and friendly and also with what he's doing now solo.

[Rip Rokken]

For accuracy sake alone, Augeri should be mentioned. It would take nothing away from the basis of the story (Arnel's) that they are telling.

Of course Augeri's mentioned, lol! Very nice, positive segment. Steve received a lot of applause last night.

"EVERYMAN's JOURNEY" is OVER-THE-TOP GOOD!

[YoungJRNY]

And, JSS was what, never "in" the band??? Pineda is a puppet... a puppet who can sing, but a puppet non the less ... what a freakin' joke this "band" has become...

If being a puppet can bring me the story and money Arnel has received in life, which where he is probably set for life compared to all of us here, then I'd be a puppet for somebody any day of the week. Arnel got the goods. He's been with the band for 5 years now (hard to believe, time fly's.) Journey got the goods. They are still making albums. They are still honoring their past. They are still in the storylines of today's music. It's all good. Journey is far from a joke. Journey is a business but yet, still one of the most popular rock bands out there that happens to remain nostalgia. They got things going for every fan to love. Past & Present.

[AR]

Which will be the second he can't deliver and Schon will toss him aside like yesterday's garbage. I really hope Arnel ditches THEM one day and makes it on his own.

GREAT pics Rip!

[Don]

Steve Augeri looks like he is enjoying life. I'm guessing that he has invested the money he made from Journey very wisely.

[MCC620]

Steve Augeri looks like he is enjoying life. I'm guessing that he has invested the money he made from Journey very wisely.

Steve enjoys his life because it is rich with family and friends that he loves and that love him.

and if there is a nice segment on him in this doc...then kudos to the film maker and Arnel for not skipping over his 8 years with the band, like his former band mates do more often than not.

[Don]

Steve Augeri looks like he is enjoying life. I'm guessing that he has invested the money he made from Journey very wisely.

Steve enjoys his life because it is rich with family and friends that he loves and that love him.

and if there is a nice segment on him in this doc...then kudos to the film maker and Arnel for not skipping over his 8 years with the band, like his former band mates do more often than not.

Of course but money helps also. I read somewhere (I thought it was Andrew's interview but couldn't find the words) where Steve had said something along the lines (and I'm paraphrasing) that his time with Journey had put him in the position where he can wake up in the morning and not worry about monetary things a like bills and stuff so much.

I think that also proves that while many think his time in Journey a bit of a failure, the band did quite well with all the touring in spite of dismal record sales. The whole European acceptance of Journey as a great touring act can be pretty much attributed to those shows back in 2006 with SA which was the beginning of the continuous success that the band still enjoys over there today.

[Rip Rokken]

GREAT pics Rip!

Why, thanks ye Here are a few more... the last one's my favorite.

[DrFU]

I want SA's jacket.

[Kor'n]

And, JSS was what, never "in" the band??? Pineda is a puppet... a puppet who can sing, but a puppet non the less ... what a freakin' joke this "band" has become...

If being a puppet can bring me the story and money Arnel has received in life, which where he is probably set for life compared to all of us here, then I'd be a puppet for somebody any day of the week. Arnel got the goods. He's been with the band for 5 years now (hard to believe, time fly's.) Journey got the goods. They are still making albums. They are still honoring their past. They are still in the storylines of today's music. It's all good. Journey is far from a joke. Journey is a business but yet, still one of the most popular rock bands out there that happens to remain nostalgia. They got things going for every fan to love. Past & Present.

Have such respect for Perry, a true artist so glad you are not speaking of him. Journey's classic music is "still in the storylines of today's music" with some popular Greatest Hits. Hopefully, Pineda is being frugal about the future. Take a look at the Eclipse's sales, think it's gone as far as the present.

[Don]

And, JSS was what, never "in" the band??? Pineda is a puppet... a puppet who can sing, but a puppet non the less ... what a freakin' joke this "band" has become...

If being a puppet can bring me the story and money Arnel has received in life, which where he is probably set for life compared to all of us here, then I'd be a puppet for somebody any day of the week. Arnel got the goods. He's been with the band for 5 years now (hard to believe, time fly's.) Journey got the goods. They are still making albums. They are still honoring their past. They are still in the storylines of today's music. It's all good. Journey is far from a joke. Journey is a business but yet, still one of the most popular rock bands out there that happens to remain nostalgia. They got things going for every fan to love. Past & Present.

Have such respect for Perry, a true artist so glad you are not speaking of him. Journey's classic music is "still in the storylines of today's music" with some popular Greatest Hits. Hopefully, Pineda is being frugal about the future. Take a look at the Eclipse's sales, think it's gone as far as the present.

Just to clarify, Pineda has said more than once that (unlike the norm) he gets paid up front for everything (tours, album releases and whatever). Whether Eclipse sells a hundred or a million copies makes no difference on that front.