Arnel enjoys life on the road

[tater1977]

Arnel enjoys life on the road

By Jerry Donato (The Philippine Star)
October 12, 2015

- read full article at -
http://www.philstar.com/entertainment/2 ... -life-road

MANILA, Philippines - It has been quite a journey for Arnel Pineda being the lead vocalist of the American iconic band Journey. For the past eight years, he has never faltered hitting high notes and never stopped hitting the road. Journey and Arnel show no signs of slowing down, performing before huge crowds in packed arenas.

“My international gigs are doing just fine,” says Arnel. “We just finished around 55 gigs this year. We toured around the US and Canada. We’re on a break now. Next year, we’ll be back on tour doing shows. I’m committed to them for 120 shows in two years. This is (our) journey. It’s a life on the road. We’re talking about state after state. It’s like touring from one country after another. Every night, we are on a private plane. The next day, we’re off for a show.”

When off the road, Arnel is spending quality time with his family in Manila and touching base with Filipino fans. He would appear on ABS-CBN shows like ASAP 20 and It’s Showtime and continue recording songs for an upcoming album, which will be released soon.

“I’ve been doing it for one and a half years,” Arnel gives fans an update on the album. “I couldn’t find time for it. (The only time I have is) in between family and my job with Journey. I have a Christmas song and a slow song. They are all my compositions. (As for a solo career?) Our guitarist and keyboard player have their solo careers, as well our bass and drum players. But each of us is not allowed to perform a Journey song. Our agreement is a gentleman’s agreement. I’ve been with the band for eight years and we’re going strong. There are plans to do an album.”

Asked about his rituals in taking care of his voice, Arnel replies, “I rest and no talking is allowed. When I’m there, I don’t talk. It requires me 100-percent vocal rest. I’m 95 percent tahimik. The five percent is devoted to my performance.”

Behind Arnel’s performer image with strong vocals is the story of an asthmatic. This makes him the perfect advocate to fight asthma and overcome it.

“It was induced through allergies,” he recalls. “I’m allergic to molds, cigarette smoke, smog and dust and animals’ hair. Like in the last three shows of our five shows, I had asthma attack because the arenas were moldy and dusty.” ...

... As for Arnel, he will remain performing with Journey, and the next two years will see him working abroad and back on tour.

[tater1977]

Arnel Pineda and Alexey Poblete- Tom Sawyer by Rush

https://youtu.be/IYwplnQZPjY

[YoungJRNYfan]

Still, 'til this day, I love the Arnel story and he took on the gig flawlessly IMO. He needed to win people over more-so than prior singers and for that, I respect him all the more. He's been in the band 7 years now and he struggled on the road for some time. It's great to see him come full circle and see the perks of the road and where he at with his life, both personal, and with the band. I will continue to root for men and women like Arnel all over the world. They are deserving and I'm glad Arnel took the ball and ran with it. Plus, he's damn good!