Arnel talks about his past drug problems...

[Jana]

This thread should be deleted.

Anyone that knows anything about this forum would know that THIS forum would know THAT. Or at least those of us that eat, breathe and sleep Journey.

Bullshit, Rick. Why delete the thread? Because Arnel's halo doesn't glow irridescent purple (unlike Neal's famous shirt) in this light? It's just a topic for discussion. I didn't know that Arnel had a history of drug use. Now knowing it, I have no more or no less respect for him because of it. Lots of people (especially in the music biz) have battled that demon and come out on the other side, and likewise he's no messiah simply for having experienced it.

There's a whole lot about other members of Journey, past & present, that I've learned by reading threads just like this. Shit, if not for MR, I would have never learned of SA's vocal problem and discovered JSS, which is what led me to meet lots of great folks here!

If Arnel is comfortable enough talking about it publicly, why can't we?

Good post, Donna. I agree. I just didn't agree with the title. But Arnel has talked about his issues in the past with drugs and alcohol since day one of being hired in interviews. And, you're right, safe to say probably the majority of musicians had a substance abuse problem at one time in their lives and maybe some never kick it.

[Rip Rokken]

Hey, any idea who is playing the halftime show Sunday?

Springsteen.

BINGO!!!! Thought Deano would know that...

[Don]

nothing to say

[StoneCold]

This thread still here?

He was also livin' on the streets. Then years singing in bars, big surprise that he'd get involved in drugs.

I second Rick's motion for deletion.

[SherriBerry]

I will take Pineda over that scumbag Schon any day of the week.

"Take him" for what?

Anything. Friend, co worker, band mate. I wouldn't do any fucking thing with Neal Schon. Beside Jonathan Friga Cain, he is the worst person in the world. Oh and Rush Limbaugh too.

Are you able to elaborate here on why you think so, beyond Tapegate and JSS? Because as much as I've heard, I have the misfortune of knowing people who have done a lot worse.

[StoneCold]

I have the misfortune of knowing people who have done a lot worse.

Detalis on that line would make for good reading.

[SherriBerry]

I have the misfortune of knowing people who have done a lot worse.

Detalis on that line would make for good reading.

Unfortunately, I could probably write a novel.

[StoneCold]

I have the misfortune of knowing people who have done a lot worse.

Detalis on that line would make for good reading.

Unfortunately, I could probably write a novel.

Start a thread then.

We need interesting ones.

The names will be changed to protect the guilty.

[SherriBerry]

I have the misfortune of knowing people who have done a lot worse.

Detalis on that line would make for good reading.

Unfortunately, I could probably write a novel.

Start a thread then.

We need interesting ones.

The names will be changed to protect the guilty.

Perhaps after I move far away from here!

[Melissa]

Rick wasn't wrong here in any way, the "bullshit" was in the title, and since I notice it's been changed, gee obviously enough felt the same.

And it has nothing to do with it making Arnel look bad, and it's ridiculous how every time someone remotely defends Arnel people jump in and act like those doing so are swinging from his you-know-what. What do you care, really? No kidding many in the music biz have used drugs and been alcoholics, but the point is he BEAT it which is VERY HARD and yes that does deserve commending.

[scarygirl]

I will take Pineda over that scumbag Schon any day of the week.

"Take him" for what?

[donnaplease]

Rick wasn't wrong here in any way, the "bullshit" was in the title, and since I notice it's been changed, gee obviously enough felt the same.

And it has nothing to do with it making Arnel look bad, and it's ridiculous how every time someone remotely defends Arnel people jump in and act like those doing so are swinging from his you-know-what. What do you care, really? No kidding many in the music biz have used drugs and been alcoholics, but the point is he BEAT it which is VERY HARD and yes that does deserve commending.

Then commend him for it, don't delete the thread. Recommending to do so is what's ridiculous.

[Saint John]

I don't think the thread should be deleted, but the way it was originally worded sure seemed to try and take the focus off of where Arnel is now and digress to where he was then. It seemed like neither a celebration of his years-long triumph over past vices nor something that was being posted as stumbled upon news. To me, it had the tone of "Ha ha, Arnel used to be a fuckin' druggie." And that's what I think has people a little unnerved. But having met Michael this seems very out of character. Perhaps I'm simply misinterpreting his intentions.

[Rip Rokken]

No reason to delete the thread. It's a great topic. I started a similar thread on AP's site after seeing this one.

[donnaplease]

I don't think the thread should be deleted, but the way it was originally worded sure seemed to try and take the focus off of where Arnel is now and digress to where he was then. It seemed like neither a celebration of his years-long triumph over past vices nor something that was being posted as stumbled upon news. To me, it had the tone of "Ha ha, Arnel used to be a fuckin' druggie." And that's what I think has people a little unnerved. But having met Michael this seems very out of character. Perhaps I'm simply misinterpreting his intentions.

Michael is a SUPER nice guy and doesn't go out of his way to hurt anyone. We've had threads discussing SP's past issues, Neal's wives, etc. Arnel is part of Journey now, and as such, his past is a topic of discussion. The fact that he has overcome sooo much to get where he is is a testament to his resolve, and as such should be commended. But it also shows he's not the innocent golden boy that the Jrny media machine has tried to make him seem. Those of you that are his fans feel protective of him, just as us loons cringe every time someone (read: YOU, SJ! ) trashes him. There's nothing wrong with that. But deleting the thread wasn't the answer. JMHO.

[Melissa]

Rick wasn't wrong here in any way, the "bullshit" was in the title, and since I notice it's been changed, gee obviously enough felt the same.

And it has nothing to do with it making Arnel look bad, and it's ridiculous how every time someone remotely defends Arnel people jump in and act like those doing so are swinging from his you-know-what. What do you care, really? No kidding many in the music biz have used drugs and been alcoholics, but the point is he BEAT it which is VERY HARD and yes that does deserve commending.

Then commend him for it, don't delete the thread. Recommending to do so is what's ridiculous.

I do commend him for it, and anyone else who has beat an addiction like that.

It doesn't need to be deleted, fine , but the title the way it was before it was changed to what it is now seemed to me like poking fun, like "OOOOOHHHHH look, Arnel was a druggie!", and it was crappy in my opinion.

[Behshad]

Arnel is a damn good singer, fact.
Arnel did a great job for Journey, fact.
Arnel is only human and NOT God's gift to the world, also fucking fact!


At the same time as I admire Arnel for his battle against addiction and also for the energy he brought to Journey, I think it's time for MR-APD (Arnel Police Department) to cool of and back down.
What surprises me is that nowdays it is so wrong to discuss anything negative about Arnel here . what surprises me more is that even if the story is meant to be a positive one but just included a tiny little portion of negativity, its still get slammed by MR-APD.

Sure, some stories start as a bait and to cause shit, but I dont think the starter of this topic was trying to be a trouble maker. I honestly think he was trying to tell us one of the many AFTS (Arnel FairyTaleStories), but it was misunderstood by Arnel-Lovers-Inc®.

Arnel , as good as he is, will not get more fans this way. If people want to discuss Arnel, let them. Specially if its something that BUILDS UP his character in a positive way like this story.

As Andrew has said few times just the past 24 hrs, please let him moderate this forum. He knows what threads need to be deleted or locked, we all know that by now

[donnaplease]

Arnel is a damn good singer, fact.
Arnel did a great job for Journey, fact.
Arnel is only human and NOT God's gift to the world, also fucking fact!


At the same time as I admire Arnel for his battle against addiction and also for the energy he brought to Journey, I think it's time for MR-APD (Arnel Police Department) to cool of and back down.
What surprises me is that nowdays it is so wrong to discuss anything negative about Arnel here . what surprises me more is that even if the story is meant to be a positive one but just included a tiny little portion of negativity, its still get slammed by MR-APD.

Sure, some stories start as a bait and to cause shit, but I dont think the starter of this topic was trying to be a trouble maker. I honestly think he was trying to tell us one of the many AFTS (Arnel FairyTaleStories), but it was misunderstood by Arnel-Lovers-Inc®.

Arnel , as good as he is, will not get more fans this way. If people want to discuss Arnel, let them. Specially if its something that BUILDS UP his character in a positive way like this story.

As Andrew has said few times just the past 24 hrs, please let him moderate this forum. He knows what threads need to be deleted or locked, we all know that by now

[Jana]

I don't think the thread should be deleted, but the way it was originally worded sure seemed to try and take the focus off of where Arnel is now and digress to where he was then. It seemed like neither a celebration of his years-long triumph over past vices nor something that was being posted as stumbled upon news. To me, it had the tone of "Ha ha, Arnel used to be a fuckin' druggie." And that's what I think has people a little unnerved. But having met Michael this seems very out of character. Perhaps I'm simply misinterpreting his intentions.

Michael is a SUPER nice guy and doesn't go out of his way to hurt anyone. We've had threads discussing SP's past issues, Neal's wives, etc. Arnel is part of Journey now, and as such, his past is a topic of discussion. The fact that he has overcome sooo much to get where he is is a testament to his resolve, and as such should be commended. But it also shows he's not the innocent golden boy that the Jrny media machine has tried to make him seem. Those of you that are his fans feel protective of him, just as us loons cringe every time someone (read: YOU, SJ! ) trashes him. There's nothing wrong with that. But deleting the thread wasn't the answer. JMHO.

Great posts by both of you, Donna and SJ.

Donna, don't forget Neal. I cringe everytime I read Neal being trashed. It's lonely out here in the wilderness.

[Melissa]

I don't think the thread should be deleted, but the way it was originally worded sure seemed to try and take the focus off of where Arnel is now and digress to where he was then. It seemed like neither a celebration of his years-long triumph over past vices nor something that was being posted as stumbled upon news. To me, it had the tone of "Ha ha, Arnel used to be a fuckin' druggie." And that's what I think has people a little unnerved. But having met Michael this seems very out of character. Perhaps I'm simply misinterpreting his intentions.

Well that was my point too, but coming from you, you get the instead of the I got, and that's fine .

[Jana]

I don't think the thread should be deleted, but the way it was originally worded sure seemed to try and take the focus off of where Arnel is now and digress to where he was then. It seemed like neither a celebration of his years-long triumph over past vices nor something that was being posted as stumbled upon news. To me, it had the tone of "Ha ha, Arnel used to be a fuckin' druggie." And that's what I think has people a little unnerved. But having met Michael this seems very out of character. Perhaps I'm simply misinterpreting his intentions.

Well that was my point too, but coming from you, you get the instead of the I got, and that's fine .

Melissa, no from me. I agreed with you. I didn't like the title either, but love his story and message.

[finalfight]

I don't think the thread should be deleted, but the way it was originally worded sure seemed to try and take the focus off of where Arnel is now and digress to where he was then. It seemed like neither a celebration of his years-long triumph over past vices nor something that was being posted as stumbled upon news. To me, it had the tone of "Ha ha, Arnel used to be a fuckin' druggie." And that's what I think has people a little unnerved. But having met Michael this seems very out of character. Perhaps I'm simply misinterpreting his intentions.

Well that was my point too, but coming from you, you get the instead of the I got, and that's fine .

Melissa, no from me. I agreed with you. I didn't like the title either, but love his story and message.

Well the title from the original article at Blabbermouth.net was 'JOURNEY Singer Says He Lost Nearly Everything To Drugs', I honestly thought the story would be about Perry for some reason. My first thoughts when actually reading the article pretty much echoed the original thread title before the OP got pressured into changing it, 'Arnel was a drug addict'? Indeed he was. Why change it? This isn't Arnel's heavy handed ping pong love-fest chat box.

Seems to me everyone wants to treat him with kid gloves since the homesickness caused the tour to finish earlier than planned. Don't rock the boat, his bronze statue isn't up yet!

I really like Arnel as a singer/frontman but c'mon...I am sure he can take it.

[donnaplease]

I don't think the thread should be deleted, but the way it was originally worded sure seemed to try and take the focus off of where Arnel is now and digress to where he was then. It seemed like neither a celebration of his years-long triumph over past vices nor something that was being posted as stumbled upon news. To me, it had the tone of "Ha ha, Arnel used to be a fuckin' druggie." And that's what I think has people a little unnerved. But having met Michael this seems very out of character. Perhaps I'm simply misinterpreting his intentions.

Well that was my point too, but coming from you, you get the instead of the I got, and that's fine .

Melissa, you got the because of the sarcasm you injected in your response to me. Dan got a because he's now a loon-hater, but he responded in a much less sarcastic way.

To be honest, I don't even remember what the title of the thread said, it was so unimportant to me. The idea that this topic was off-limits was what intrigued me and made me respond.

So, please replace my with this...



Hope you have a great weekend, Mel.

[Jana]

I don't think the thread should be deleted, but the way it was originally worded sure seemed to try and take the focus off of where Arnel is now and digress to where he was then. It seemed like neither a celebration of his years-long triumph over past vices nor something that was being posted as stumbled upon news. To me, it had the tone of "Ha ha, Arnel used to be a fuckin' druggie." And that's what I think has people a little unnerved. But having met Michael this seems very out of character. Perhaps I'm simply misinterpreting his intentions.

Well that was my point too, but coming from you, you get the instead of the I got, and that's fine .

Melissa, no from me. I agreed with you. I didn't like the title either, but love his story and message.

Well the title from the original article at Blabbermouth.net was 'JOURNEY Singer Says He Lost Nearly Everything To Drugs', I honestly thought the story would be about Perry for some reason. My first thoughts when actually reading the article pretty much echoed the original thread title before the OP got pressured into changing it, 'Arnel was a drug addict'? Indeed he was. Why change it? This isn't Arnel's heavy handed ping pong love-fest chat box.Seems to me everyone wants to treat him with kid gloves since the homesickness caused the tour to finish earlier than planned. Don't rock the boat, his bronze statue isn't up yet!

I really like Arnel as a singer/frontman but c'mon...I am sure he can take it.

I just didn't like the title. But I never said delete the story. I like that he shares his story. I'm sure Arnel could care less about the title.

Re the second sentence in bold above, Good point. I'm a huge Arnel fan and supporter and will continue to be, but I have been criticial of certain things. I'm nobody's complete loon.

[Melissa]

I don't think the thread should be deleted, but the way it was originally worded sure seemed to try and take the focus off of where Arnel is now and digress to where he was then. It seemed like neither a celebration of his years-long triumph over past vices nor something that was being posted as stumbled upon news. To me, it had the tone of "Ha ha, Arnel used to be a fuckin' druggie." And that's what I think has people a little unnerved. But having met Michael this seems very out of character. Perhaps I'm simply misinterpreting his intentions.

Well that was my point too, but coming from you, you get the instead of the I got, and that's fine .

Melissa, you got the because of the sarcasm you injected in your response to me. Dan got a because he's now a loon-hater, but he responded in a much less sarcastic way.

To be honest, I don't even remember what the title of the thread said, it was so unimportant to me. The idea that this topic was off-limits was what intrigued me and made me respond.

So, please replace my with this...



Hope you have a great weekend, Mel.

Real mature, thanks Have a great weekend yourself.

[Behshad]

I don't think the thread should be deleted, but the way it was originally worded sure seemed to try and take the focus off of where Arnel is now and digress to where he was then. It seemed like neither a celebration of his years-long triumph over past vices nor something that was being posted as stumbled upon news. To me, it had the tone of "Ha ha, Arnel used to be a fuckin' druggie." And that's what I think has people a little unnerved. But having met Michael this seems very out of character. Perhaps I'm simply misinterpreting his intentions.

Well that was my point too, but coming from you, you get the instead of the I got, and that's fine .

Melissa, you got the because of the sarcasm you injected in your response to me. Dan got a because he's now a loon-hater, but he responded in a much less sarcastic way.

To be honest, I don't even remember what the title of the thread said, it was so unimportant to me. The idea that this topic was off-limits was what intrigued me and made me respond.

So, please replace my with this...



Hope you have a great weekend, Mel.

Real mature, thanks Have a great weekend yourself.

Dont wish eachother a great weekend already. I want a cat fight,, Ive got your fighting-clothes(bras and panties) and your weapons(fluffy pillows) all ready .

[Melissa]

I don't think the thread should be deleted, but the way it was originally worded sure seemed to try and take the focus off of where Arnel is now and digress to where he was then. It seemed like neither a celebration of his years-long triumph over past vices nor something that was being posted as stumbled upon news. To me, it had the tone of "Ha ha, Arnel used to be a fuckin' druggie." And that's what I think has people a little unnerved. But having met Michael this seems very out of character. Perhaps I'm simply misinterpreting his intentions.

Well that was my point too, but coming from you, you get the instead of the I got, and that's fine .

Melissa, you got the because of the sarcasm you injected in your response to me. Dan got a because he's now a loon-hater, but he responded in a much less sarcastic way.

To be honest, I don't even remember what the title of the thread said, it was so unimportant to me. The idea that this topic was off-limits was what intrigued me and made me respond.

So, please replace my with this...



Hope you have a great weekend, Mel.

Real mature, thanks Have a great weekend yourself.

Dont wish eachother a great weekend already. I want a cat fight,, Ive got your fighting-clothes(btas and panties) and your weapons(fluffy pillows) all ready .

Don't you have a rock to pass? Shut up. And what are "btas" anyway? Ass.

[Blueskies]

No reason to delete the thread. It's a great topic. I started a similar thread on AP's site after seeing this one.

I agree it's a good topic for discussion. He has publically spoken of it so he must think so as well. He is a celebrity now and many people look to celebrities as role models...so his speaking on the issue may help some of his fans who have been down the same path or may be there now.

[StevePerryHair]

This whole thread is so interesting. I mean MR has been essentially DEAD for months. And in one or two days, some "VETS" decide to fly in and stir up some trouble with all that was happy and calm in the MR world. Now we have people arguing again, and posters gone. Though I'm sure that was not planned. Just happened by accident I'm sure. I don't see the big deal about the thread either. I think the general opinion was that the way the title was worded was less than tactful. I wonder if it was "JSS" in a title like that if some would have reacted differently. Tactful or not though, i had no idea he had battled something so difficult, so I think the thread was good. I think the way the "vets" treat the newer posters may be why there is such a lack of trust when someone swoops in with a title like that.

[Behshad]

I don't think the thread should be deleted, but the way it was originally worded sure seemed to try and take the focus off of where Arnel is now and digress to where he was then. It seemed like neither a celebration of his years-long triumph over past vices nor something that was being posted as stumbled upon news. To me, it had the tone of "Ha ha, Arnel used to be a fuckin' druggie." And that's what I think has people a little unnerved. But having met Michael this seems very out of character. Perhaps I'm simply misinterpreting his intentions.

Well that was my point too, but coming from you, you get the instead of the I got, and that's fine .

Melissa, you got the because of the sarcasm you injected in your response to me. Dan got a because he's now a loon-hater, but he responded in a much less sarcastic way.

To be honest, I don't even remember what the title of the thread said, it was so unimportant to me. The idea that this topic was off-limits was what intrigued me and made me respond.

So, please replace my with this...



Hope you have a great weekend, Mel.

Real mature, thanks Have a great weekend yourself.

Dont wish eachother a great weekend already. I want a cat fight,, Ive got your fighting-clothes(bras and panties) and your weapons(fluffy pillows) all ready .

Ooo That sounds great, B. But can I bring my own bras and panties please? Theyre my luckyundies {if you know what I mean}

OK dear, thats fine with me if donnaplease is ok with it.