New Rolling Stone Article: Sad 'Journey' For New Singer

[AlteredDNA]

This is exactly a lot of what I had to fear...when a band member tells you that kids don't need their dad until their at least 4 or 5 years old, that's a real red flag.

Wow. I must say that I have the absolute privilage of working from home and have had the profound joy of seeing btoh my first 2 kids take their first crawl and their first steps and haven't missed one birthday, special event or part of their development. And I'm richer in spirit for that.

I can relate to Arnel and your good self Jeremey 100%. My sincere best wishes to Arnel and his family for the rest of the tour.

Agreed as well. I started my business (working from home) the same month my little girl was born, almost three years ago. As hard and stressful as "going out on my own" has been at times, it's been worth every minute to be able to be such a big part of her first years. There are so many "firsts" that occur in these first years, and I am so thankful that I've been able to experience and be a part of them.

[Esc]

fuck that article!
i feel like ive just watched a stephen king movie.
twisted, really.

[strangegrey]

Didn't the "Frontiers and Beyond" video show Steve Smith bringing his family on the Frontiers tour?
What's the big whoop if it's a singer or a drummer?

That was like 25 years ago dude. Alot of the sick rationale behind this mentality, has developed over the years with Perry....right or wrong.

I recommend you read some of Jeremey's blog regarding this...as they way Neal reacted to Jeremey's strong family values should give you some clarification.

Also, keep in mind that the relationship between Neal and Smitty is probably vastly different from the relationship between Neal and Arnel. I suspect Smitty wouldn't have half a problem telling Neal where to shove it, if provoked....where as, it appears that Arnel still calls Neal "Mr Schon"

[Onestepper]

Wasn't there something reported that Arnel had signed a 3 year contract? Doubtful given his cultural background, that he would be willing to walk away from that. As Jeremy has noted several times, this seems more and more like a company versus a band in it's truest form. Arnel is an employee that is told what to do, when to wake up, where to be at and when, with very little individualism (online chats notwithstanding). I'm sure all of that plays a part into his happiness.

I do think that after such a successful tour and album, Arnel becomes more of a valued asset that hopefully allows him more control over the things that are important to him.

[annpea]

The band need to take care of this guy.

News flash!!!! (for those of you living under a rock)

The band doesn't do that.


It's a sad fact. Neal doesn't *do* family. He doesn't want a singer on the road with a family in tow....otherwise they would have arranged for Arnel's family to come along from the onset.


It's sad, and I agree with Brywool's comments on RS's page....for the sake of the band, they need to try to get his family out on the road.



I dunno, the tone of this article sounds very, um....dark. Is that just me or do others see that too?

It's not just you, looks like arnel's maybe thinking he's in over his head.

[Babyblue]

Unfortunately, Pineda isn't finding the tour nearly as fulfilling as his bandmates are. He misses his girlfriend and son, and the grueling pace is grinding him down. "It's very, very sad," he says. "There are days I just break down and cry. This is a job I'm doing for my family. That's all the consolation I'm getting." Traveling around America isn't what he expected. "It's all buses, stage, microphone," he says. "I never really get to go around and walk. They wake me up for soundcheck, then I wait until the show at nine. It's a fantastic job, but at the same time it's a curse. . . . I told Neal that the only thing that will make me quit this is if I get sick. I guess that's the same reason Steve Perry bailed out."

Pineda is already feeling what it took Perry years to feel. Sad.

Deb i agree Its very sad for him i don't have any bad feelings for him.He seems like a really great guy.But it would be better if he was doing this for him & not his family.I wish him the best.I hope Neal dose not push him to far.

[Ehwmatt]

Ok, on one hand I really feel for Arnel - who wouldn't want to be there with your kid and wife? I understand the road can be grueling and not every one is up to the challenge. But, at the same time, let's not blow things out of proportion here - the guy is going around gigging with fuckin Journey to record crowds. There's plenty of people who work way worse jobs, far worse hours, and/or travel just as much, missing out on family time, and those jobs aren't 1/4th as fun as what Arnel's getting to do. Granted, Neal & Co shouldn't be running the thing like a company - a band is obviously far removed from a professional corporate job, but still...

Hopefully he gets over it a bit. I don't think he'll quit, whatever happens...

[Arkansas]

I think it's a carefully crafted article and appeals to the heart strings of the new and old Journey fans. It's another article which is directed at you; to those who need to feel a connection with this lonely man who is so far away from his country and family. Not only will it sell lots of magazines it will grab you; hook, line and sinker. Will Arnel give up fame and fortune to return to his band, the Zoo; will he fortake his possible million dollar bounty cause of being homesick; will Journey again be without a lead singer? These are the questions that I dare to ask as I read this article. Was it written without any concern for the other band members of Journey? What will Neal say? The story continues!!!

Possibly, but the stories of how it's been tough on Arnel have been out there a while. Weird article for RS to write though.

Yes, written for a specific audience. AND, favorably for Journey simply because it's from a pop-culture angle. But mostly favorably for RS itself. They make themselvs look good because it's a warm fuzzy, and they got to mention The Sopranos & Kanye West all in the same blurb.


later~

[brywool]

Didn't the "Frontiers and Beyond" video show Steve Smith bringing his family on the Frontiers tour?
What's the big whoop if it's a singer or a drummer?

YES. and that was why I said "Let Arnel bring his wife and son". I remember that stuff.

[4everkop]

Yeh he definately needs to see his fam, six months of not seeing them is horrible.

[Red13JoePa]

[Saint John]

Alot of the sick rationale behind this mentality, has developed over the years with Perry

I can just hear the sirens going off now. Hazmat suits are being put on and Frank is the "clean up" target.

[Jana]

Jon Cain once said in an interview a few years back that he really misses his family, but it's part of the job. But that they do come out and visit him on tour at different times. For Arnel there's so many elements: Strange country, missing family, friends, constant pressure of voice holding up for next concert date and performing as the new singer, trying to prove himself to fans at each new venue. He's not sleeping well at all with all the adjustments to traveling. He doesn't even drink anymore, so he can't even have a drink at the end of the night to unwind. With his gastric reflux, probably doesn't even take a Xanax . This guy is facing it head on and can't mask any of his anxiety and stress and loneliness. I really admire him.

[brywool]

Somebody posted a comment there, something like "Suck it up" or something. Gimme a break...

[strangegrey]

Alot of the sick rationale behind this mentality, has developed over the years with Perry

You mis-quoted me, Red. I followed that up with 'Right or Wrong'. What I said was not an indictment. Simply stating how Neal's (opEd insert: fucked up) rationale may have come to the conclusion to force a complete family/band seperation veil on the way this band operates. Jeremey confirmed as much in his comments regarding his interview.

[strangegrey]

Jon Cain once said in an interview a few years back that he really misses his family, but it's part of the job. But that they do come out and visit him on tour at different times. For Arnel there's so many elements: Strange country, missing family, friends, constant pressure of voice holding up for next concert date and performing as the new singer, trying to prove himself to fans at each new venue. He's not sleeping well at all with all the adjustments to traveling. He doesn't even drink anymore, so he can't even have a drink at the end of the night to unwind. With his gastric reflux, probably doesn't even take a Xanax . This guy is facing it head on and can't mask any of his anxiety and stress and loneliness. I really admire him.

Oh come on. Now we're taking this to the oposite extreme. While I feel bad for the guy, he should have either already had or been given a clear indication of what he was getting into when he joined.

I said this much, exactly a year ago. I questioned whether or not Arnel really had all the information he needed about the types of people he was joining....to do this the justice it deserves. While I feel bad that the guy misses his family.....really, enough people were screaming about what he was getting into...and we now know he *reads* these forums....he's gotta deal.

[brywool]

To me, it's very weird that at Journey's age that wives and family aren't allowed for on the tours. I mean, when you're young and unmarried, I can see the whole touring circus, but when you're married with a family, etc., it seems that as long as the band member's paying his family's way that they could go with them. I mean, being away for 6 months at a time from your family... um, no thanks.

[conversationpc]

Not allowing the family to come along on tour just makes it seem like someone is trying to hide something, almost like the fewer witnesses, the better.

[Just_Plain_Eric]

They don't bring wives along so that they can avoid the "My husband needs a brighter spotlight on him at all times...and a longer solo spot" discussions

E

[Saint John]

Not allowing the family to come along on tour just makes it seem like someone is trying to hide something, almost like the fewer witnesses, the better.

Do you bring your wife to work?

[Jana]

Strangrey, "The types of people he was joining." Wow. He said in his posts the "Big Boys" are always wonderful to him. He seems to have great affection for them. His friend said they seemed genuinely concerned over him. (Fine, beat me up over that comment. I don't think they're bad guys). But Arnel is adjusting. He will be fine. I do ADMIRE HIM. Peace.

[Onestepper]

Not allowing the family to come along on tour just makes it seem like someone is trying to hide something, almost like the fewer witnesses, the better.

Bingo. You don't have to be a 20 year old rocker to still want to live that lifestyle. NS has made it very clear that he loves touring and could not just sit at home and be a family man. I think they just keep both separate and what happens on the road, stays on the road. Doesn't make it right. But anyone that doesn't see that is walking around with their eyes closed.

[Ehwmatt]

They don't bring wives along so that they can avoid the "My husband needs a brighter spotlight on him at all times...and a longer solo spot" discussions

E

Just look at what it did to Spinal Tap

[strangegrey]

Strangrey, "The types of people he was joining." Wow. He said in his posts the "Big Boys" are always wonderful to him. He seems to have great affection for them. His friend said they seemed genuinely concerned over him. (Fine, beat me up over that comment. I don't think they're bad guys). But Arnel is adjusting. He will be fine. I do ADMIRE HIM. Peace.

well, then, how do you explain his clear and apparent unhappiness with his current situation?! If they were so wonderful to him, why don't they make it possible for his family to join him on tour. Sorry. Doesn't compute to me.

Regardless, Go ahead and admire Arnel. But to do so because he's 'coping', despite all of this 'adversity' he seems to be experiencing, doesn't logically fit with your comment that the big boys are 'so' wonderful...eh?

You're from Florida, eh? Miami area?

Bingo. You don't have to be a 20 year old rocker to still want to live that lifestyle. NS has made it very clear that he loves touring and could not just sit at home and be a family man. I think they just keep both separate and what happens on the road, stays on the road. Doesn't make it right. But anyone that doesn't see that is walking around with their eyes closed.

I think the argument is that it seems that Schon feels it necessary to force that application of the lifestyle on others. He doesn't want his family around....but he doesn't want other's to have their family around either. Whatever the reason, it seems a tad unfair to force those ideals on others, just to make music. I guess some people never grow up...

[RocknRoll]

Not allowing the family to come along on tour just makes it seem like someone is trying to hide something, almost like the fewer witnesses, the better.

Personally, I don't believe it is the band that is stopping AP from having his family on this tour. The rest of the band have all had wives, girlfriends, kids etc. join them on parts of this tour. I'm sure if they believe it would take some of the stress off AP, they would be trying to get his family here.

Here's an interesting quote from a Jon Cain interview with Itunes magazine.

"So you think this is the guy?

It's up to him, you know? I think it's up to him. This culture is wicked, but he's from a wicked culture. If he can take this for what it is, at face value, and go home and sleep at night, you know, he's gonna be okay. I tease him, I tell him you know, you're like a tropical angel fish right now, and we're some carp that have been swimming in these rivers for years. And I said if you don't die of frickin' pollution poisoning, you'll be fine.
People love him. "

[Saint John]

This job is like any other...you don't bring your wife and kids to work. Journey does arrange for the family to be on the road and I believe they rotate turns. That said, these guys have a job to do and wives and kids would only complicate that. Journey is very structured about having allocated times for each member's family and I think they're doing this right. What we forget is while the job does create long time periods away from your family, it also allows for you to spend long times with them as well when you're not touring. Take Augeri for instance...the 8 years he spent with the band have given him the financial freedom to never have to work again. That's a helluva prize. It's a give and take...simple as that. I think they're doing this the proper way...all things considered.

[Ehwmatt]

This job is like any other...you don't bring your wife and kids to work. Journey does arrange for the family to be on the road and I believe they rotate turns. That said, these guys have a job to do and wives and kids would only complicate that. Journey is very structured about having allocated times for each member's family and I think they're doing this right. What we forget is while the job does create long time periods away from your family, it also allows for you to spend long times with them as well when you're not touring. Take Augeri for instance...the 8 years he spent with the band have given him the financial freedom to never have to work again. That's a helluva prize. It's a give and take...simple as that. I think they're doing this the proper way...all things considered.

Well said, on all points.

[strangegrey]

This job is like any other...you don't bring your wife and kids to work. Journey does arrange for the family to be on the road and I believe they rotate turns. That said, these guys have a job to do and wives and kids would only complicate that. Journey is very structured about having allocated times for each member's family and I think they're doing this right. What we forget is while the job does create long time periods away from your family, it also allows for you to spend long times with them as well when you're not touring. Take Augeri for instance...the 8 years he spent with the band have given him the financial freedom to never have to work again. That's a helluva prize. It's a give and take...simple as that. I think they're doing this the proper way...all things considered.

Bullshit Dan. It's not a Job....if these guys, Schon especially, actually had to work a job for his money....he'd be the guy I step over (or kick) after I get off the train at Penn Station on my way to work. While there's no need to bring the wife and kids *involved* with the business of the band.....keeping the wife and kids on tour is not and SHOULD not be a problem.

Using your analogy more properly, you don't bring your wife and kids out on stage (during soundcheck or performance)...or into band meetings....but bringing them on tour is not and should not be considered bringing them to work. That's fucking laughable.

These wankers work 2-3 hours a night....not 8 hours a day.

Personally, I don't think they're doing this properly. They never have. One of the many reasons this band can't keep certain positions filled for more than a few years. Sure, there's a bit of sucking it up and dealing....the fact remains that Arnel's voiced some valid concerns that the band should consider dealing with, if they want this lineup to last beyond the year. I personally think, if Arnel was disgruntled enough to voice his opinions to a reporter from RS...things are worse than we all can imainge. I have to wonder if Arnel's going to last in this band long enough for this rockumentary to actually get to Post....

[Don]

If the guy is on a work visa, it's probably difficult to get the paperwork done to bring his family here, and remember, she is a girlfriend, not a spouse.
I think dealing with the immigration paperwork would stress him out even more.

[Jana]

[quote="strangegrey"][quote="Jana"]Strangrey, "The types of people he was joining." Wow. He said in his posts the "Big Boys" are always wonderful to him. He seems to have great affection for them. His friend said they seemed genuinely concerned over him. (Fine, beat me up over that comment. I don't think they're bad guys). But Arnel is adjusting. He will be fine. I do ADMIRE HIM. Peace. [/quote]
Strangegrey wrote: well, then, how do you explain his clear and apparent unhappiness with his current situation?! If they were so wonderful to him, why don't they make it possible for his family to join him on tour. Sorry. Doesn't compute to me.

Regardless, Go ahead and admire Arnel. But to do so because he's 'coping', despite all of this 'adversity' he seems to be experiencing, doesn't logically fit with your comment that the big boys are 'so' wonderful...eh?

You're from Florida, eh? Miami area?

No, I'm from Orlando. His unhappiness is he's homesick. He's been on the road for four months and it's a grueling tour. But even when he says that, he also always says what a great opportunity this is. When fans ask what gift he wants for his birthday, he has stated many times he has the greatest gift already, to sing with Journey. He has said that several times in the last few weeks when chatting with his friends on his site. But like I said in a previous post, it was weeks ago when Arnel was sick that he seemed so down. In the last several weeks in his posts with his fans he has been in a great mood, teasing and joking. You can be having a hard time being homesick and the stress of performing and still be treated wonderfully by fellow band members. P.S. I agree with everything Saint John said.