First Take on Pineda in Chile

[journeyinto2001]

First of all, absolutely NO problems with his voice being overshadowed by the music, serious power which is a nice change at least from Augeri. Other than that, noticed what seemed to be a lot of nerves (at least I'm hoping they are nerves). Definitely needs to smooth out. Didn't like his "ohs and ahhs" in between verses- strange IMO. Strange stage presence from what I've heard thus far. Man if you put Pinedas vocal strength into Augeri's stage presence and delivery (minus the weakness in his voice).....that would be a WOW for me.

Also noticed some straining to hit notes, probably farther into the show. Makes me wonder what a year of touring with Journey will do to his voice and thus his future with THIS band.

I don't know. I was more excited about Arnel before I heard this, but still keeping an open mind that he will only improve in time and with less nerves and the right vocal coaching.

My only other comment is my main beef with this band for a long time- too many of the dirty dozen and not enough branching out into lesser played but still many amazing songs. This band, as much as I love them, always stands on the dirty dozen, which is sadly the reason they will never pull off a Van Hagar.

Honestly I am really excited to hear what the new album sounds like and happy to be hearing new Journey music. I wish Arnel the best.

[RPC13]

I think this quick trip to Chile is going to be mostly the dirty dozen. They've never been to Chile, so they'll play as many of their hits as possible for the fans to see and hear live for the first time. They're also playing a shorter setlist down there due to the festival setup, so they probably won't waste set time with songs like 'Walks Like a Lady'. But once they start their summer tour (after the album release), I think we'll get a few deeper album tracks.

[4everkop]

I thought, he did a pretty decent job, he was flat here and there, But I'm not gonna judge, It could've been a lot of excitement and nerves. The sound had to be enormous so hence the shouting Im assuming. I am pretty sure that he will improve 100% in due time

[Liquid_Drummer]

We ALL have seen Arnel pull off many different songs with stunning power, perfect pitch and emotion. If you have not seen his performance of Alone by Heart then go find it NOW. Amazing vocals ! Just off the fucking hook on power and range on that song. I will tell you with 100% certainty that his nerves got the best of him. Remember the 1st Augeri gig ? Good morning America or something ? He was shaky, flat and stiff. This guy is singing for fucking Journey for crying out loud and I bet he was scared shitless. Fuck man I play in front of an average of 1200 to 2000 people a show with my Pink Floyd tribute and I will tell you that those 1st shows can me a real motherfucker on the the nerves. Give him time. When it becomes second nature to him he is going to knock us all dead.

I would hate to see this not work out but there is always Jason Kelty. He is way better than Arnel. Trust me on this as I have seen them live MANY times. I always wished he would have gotten a chance to sing for Journey. He was very passionate about Journey's music as a result sang the songs with more genuine emotion than anyone other than the man himself.

The only critique I ever had with Kelty was.... Believe me when I say that it is hard to even admit this is even possible however... Sometimes he sang the songs with too much power. I really believe that Kelty had at least as much power as the man himself. He learned to lay off a bit in later shows. When I saw him in earlier shows around 93-94 he would improvise stuff that was so damn high and powerful that it was fucking mind blowing. I picked my jaw up off of the floor many times. It was like seeing a Buddy Rich drum solo or something because you are saying to your self "How the fuck is that even possible ?" The tracks that I posted recently of Jason were of their final 2 shows in 1997 and by then he was not doing near as much improvising and being more true to the original.

[The_Noble_Cause]

Upon further review, I think Arnel is great.
Slow start, but went on to deliver viscera-stirring cd-quality renditions of "Open Arms" and "Faithfully" the likes of which haven't been heard since Vegas 2001...and that was a pro-tooled jacklegged piece of shit.

[treetopovskaya]

i wasn't too impressed watching the internet feed... but it kept cutting in & out... the sound was just crappy. since then been watching youtube clips... i'm getting more and more impressed. it can only go up from here. arnel is going to shine. his energy is infectious... he looks so happy... over the moon... he looked great & sounded pretty damn good. cute as a bug in jammies. }:C) i love this little dude! }=C))

[Maui Tom]

first gig...dream job..15,000 strong....all the hub bub leading up to it...I thought he was GREAT....he poured it all out there...what you see is what you get....never been happier for someone.

[YoungJRNY]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Llp5qe0e ... re=related

This is the clip they put on youtube of the band doing Chain Reaction. This song was not one of my favorites, by any means. All I have to say to this is wow. Watching this is a breath of fresh air. The way Arnel is playing to the crowd, and the specific part at around 2:30 where it seems Arnel and Neal are rocking out together.

I thought he would be intimidated with the guys for the first show. If he was, he sure didn't show it. By the looks of it, the chemistry is there, and it seems as if they have been playing for years together. But the number one thing that gets me..is just the way he is enjoying the moment, and it was all his, and he took it and ran with it. This is what it's about, the fun. Good performance, and good atmosphere. The confidence level should be rising as we speak.

[ProgRocker53]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Llp5qe0elYI&feature=related

This is the clip they put on youtube of the band doing Chain Reaction. This song was not one of my favorites, by any means. All I have to say to this is wow. Watching this is a breath of fresh air. The way Arnel is playing to the crowd, and the specific part at around 2:30 where it seems Arnel and Neal are rocking out together.

I thought he would be intimidated with the guys for the first show. If he was, he sure didn't show it. By the looks of it, the chemistry is there, and it seems as if they have been playing for years together. But the number one thing that gets me..is just the way he is enjoying the moment, and it was all his, and he took it and ran with it. This is what it's about, the fun. Good performance, and good atmosphere. The confidence level should be rising as we speak.

For sure! Arnel didn't drop the ball at all. You can tell he wants to be there and he will be giving it his all.

[tanga]

LMFAO when (Arnel) he said Neal Schon on Piano. Just like everyone else opinion, his performance is a D+. I will give him a chance. I will still reserve my judgement. He needs to stop saying C'mon, a very bad habit. Jon is not too happy at all. He's probably thinking, What the hell did we just do??

[ProgRocker53]

LMFAO when (Arnel) he said Neal Schon on Piano. Just like everyone else opinion, his performance is a D+. I will give him a chance. I will still reserve my judgement. He needs to stop saying C'mon, a very bad habit. Jon is not too happy at all. He's probably thinking, What the hell did we just do??

Sometimes I wish Friga would just tie up his cape and stride off the stage for good. Bring back Gregg. Look up and "discover" Jim Rykbost on YouTube. Something. I'm tired of the Frig. Talent aside.

[Aaron]

Ah man. Get Rolie back, throw Chalfant, Jeremey or Hugo up to sing, get Herbie to run the show and maybe these guys could do something great again for once in a row ...

LMFAO when (Arnel) he said Neal Schon on Piano. Just like everyone else opinion, his performance is a D+. I will give him a chance. I will still reserve my judgement. He needs to stop saying C'mon, a very bad habit. Jon is not too happy at all. He's probably thinking, What the hell did we just do??

Sometimes I wish Friga would just tie up his cape and stride off the stage for good. Bring back Gregg. Look up and "discover" Jim Rykbost on YouTube. Something. I'm tired of the Frig. Talent aside.

[Rick]

LMFAO when (Arnel) he said Neal Schon on Piano. Just like everyone else opinion, his performance is a D+. I will give him a chance. I will still reserve my judgement. He needs to stop saying C'mon, a very bad habit. Jon is not too happy at all. He's probably thinking, What the hell did we just do??

I thought I heard that.

[StoneCold]

LMFAO when (Arnel) he said Neal Schon on Piano. Just like everyone else opinion, his performance is a D+. I will give him a chance. I will still reserve my judgement. He needs to stop saying C'mon, a very bad habit. Jon is not too happy at all. He's probably thinking, What the hell did we just do??

I thought I heard that.

Me three. That's where the nervousness was showing. That'll smooth out and it won't take long. 1st show with a major band, I'd be nervous as hell too.

As for Cain, when AP was singing, he looked like a proud poppa watchin his kid.