"Their Goal In Life Is...

[G.I.Jim]

#1 - I didn't sign shit. This was the job offer that was made to me. (RE the NDA)

#2 - Journey has made me look like a liar and a fool for denying they ever made me a job offer

#3 - Sometimes the only way to try to prove things is to be as specific as possible. What difference does it make what they offered me? Really? Lora? GI Jim? Anyone? Did I say that's what they offered Pineda? I have no clue....That's just what they offered me.

#4 - At this point, I don't care who believes me or not. Big deal. FWIW I didn't know that the financial side of the conversation was "on the record."

You forgot point #5 wich was the only point I even mentioned in this thread (with the exception asking "Why" did you have to post the financial info).... Wig.

Jim, if you are ever interviewed, what you may find is that you can talk for 5 minutes about something and then the writer will pare that down into a sentence or two. That excerpt was from a conversation we were having about bands that put on costumes etc being more about theatre and playing a role than I'm comfortable. I did not say I'd never done that. I believe my quote in context was an off the cuff remark about rather focusing on the music than playing a role or a character.

Okay, I guess I can accept that. it just read like you were dissing people who wear wigs, when you used to yourself. And you're right, I didn't think about it but you could have been taken out of context. Please accept my apologies, and thanks for clearing that up.

[Ehwmatt]

I've been interviewed a bunch of times by journalists as a high school/college athlete and they don't get shit straight most of the time. And the funny thing is, the bigger the paper, the better the chance they have of fuckin something(s) up. Unless there is video footage of said interview as well, NEVER take what's written as quote to be verbatim or even on the money factually. I would think in this day and age of amateur hour journalism we'd all be aware of this.

[stevew2]

Steveo77 said: Sometimes he parrots, but that's not all he does and he does have a more masculin voice with ability to sing soaring tenor.

Steveo, you're losing it with the more masculine voice bit. Perry may have had a higher voice the first couple of years definitely, but all of his songs from then on - Faithfully - Still They Ride - Don't Stop Believing - Only the Young - After the Fall - Edge of the Blade - Ask the Lonely - Send Her My Love - on and on and on is a beautiful masculine tenor voice, and I loved Arnel b/c he can put his voice in that tenor range and sound like the songs, though for the most part not quite as good but still fantastic live, and if I had my druthers that's how he would sing it now, not tuned down, and all new songs in that same range also. It's not that big of a deal b/c I enjoy him with the band and the songs still sound great, not much difference and his voice is still great. But come on, maybe he can do more with his voice rougher, but my favorite vocal sound is in the classic song range like Only the Young. But if he could consistently and not hurt his voice Neal and company, believe me, would rather it be not tuned down on new or old songs and I would rather his voice soar higher like the songs originally and even on new songs. And how are you to know Jeremy is just a parrot? He like Arnel would sound as close to possible on the old songs. He wouldn't parrot on new music. It's his voice, which happens to sound more like Perry, but he would put his spin on new music, same as Arnel.

Steveo likes the feminine {gay } Peri " sound

[Deb]

Jim, if you are ever interviewed, what you may find is that you can talk for 5 minutes about something and then the writer will pare that down into a sentence or two. That excerpt was from a conversation we were having about bands that put on costumes etc being more about theatre and playing a role than I'm comfortable. I did not say I'd never done that. I believe my quote in context was an off the cuff remark about rather focusing on the music than playing a role or a character.

I can believe that, same thing happened to Steve-neverfeltllikepartoftheband-Perry.

[steveo777]

Jim, if you are ever interviewed, what you may find is that you can talk for 5 minutes about something and then the writer will pare that down into a sentence or two. That excerpt was from a conversation we were having about bands that put on costumes etc being more about theatre and playing a role than I'm comfortable. I did not say I'd never done that. I believe my quote in context was an off the cuff remark about rather focusing on the music than playing a role or a character.

I can believe that, same thing happened to Steve-Neverfeltllikepartoftheband-Perry.

He lipped that, it was never really said. That was a dub over.

[Jana]

Jim, if you are ever interviewed, what you may find is that you can talk for 5 minutes about something and then the writer will pare that down into a sentence or two. That excerpt was from a conversation we were having about bands that put on costumes etc being more about theatre and playing a role than I'm comfortable. I did not say I'd never done that. I believe my quote in context was an off the cuff remark about rather focusing on the music than playing a role or a character.

I can believe that, same thing happened to Steve-neverfeltllikepartoftheband-Perry.

Yeah, when Perry said something straightforward like that and tries to spin it a different way it's taken out of context b/f, but when Neal says fuck him, which I'm sure was taken out of context and I'm sure he was egged on by the reporter , his statements are all in context. J/K

[Deb]

Jim, if you are ever interviewed, what you may find is that you can talk for 5 minutes about something and then the writer will pare that down into a sentence or two. That excerpt was from a conversation we were having about bands that put on costumes etc being more about theatre and playing a role than I'm comfortable. I did not say I'd never done that. I believe my quote in context was an off the cuff remark about rather focusing on the music than playing a role or a character.

I can believe that, same thing happened to Steve-neverfeltllikepartoftheband-Perry.

Yeah, when Perry said something straightforward like that and tries to spin it a different way it's taken out of context b/f, but when Neal says fuck him, which I'm sure was taken out of context and I'm sure he was egged on by the reporter , his statements are all in context. J/K

Actually, I'm going on what Lora said (considering she was there) regarding it being only part of what he said. And Steve himself has said that came from where he was talking about when he first joined Journey, how hard it was to break into that tight brotherhood at the beginning. Sorry darlin, regardless, there isn't too many words you can wrap around "fuck him" that can soften that meaning.

[strangegrey]

Jim, if you are ever interviewed, what you may find is that you can talk for 5 minutes about something and then the writer will pare that down into a sentence or two. That excerpt was from a conversation we were having about bands that put on costumes etc being more about theatre and playing a role than I'm comfortable. I did not say I'd never done that. I believe my quote in context was an off the cuff remark about rather focusing on the music than playing a role or a character.

I can believe that, same thing happened to Steve-neverfeltllikepartoftheband-Perry.

One of the first things a good agent will tell an artist/sports star.....is to LIMIT responses to interview questions.

If you're given 5 minutes to talk, give him 2 sentences. It's alot harder to be taken out of context when you're answering the questions in a very concise and succinct manner.

As soon as you take 5 minutes to respond to a question, you've given up your ability to control your response. all of a sudden, you're misquoted, mishandled....

...and you're spending the rest of your time on msg boards defending your statements and suing those who didn't believe you in the first place....

[Jana]

Jim, if you are ever interviewed, what you may find is that you can talk for 5 minutes about something and then the writer will pare that down into a sentence or two. That excerpt was from a conversation we were having about bands that put on costumes etc being more about theatre and playing a role than I'm comfortable. I did not say I'd never done that. I believe my quote in context was an off the cuff remark about rather focusing on the music than playing a role or a character.

I can believe that, same thing happened to Steve-neverfeltllikepartoftheband-Perry.

Yeah, when Perry said something straightforward like that and tries to spin it a different way it's taken out of context b/f, but when Neal says fuck him, which I'm sure was taken out of context and I'm sure he was egged on by the reporter , his statements are all in context. J/K

Actually, I'm going on what Lora said (considering she was there) regarding it being only part of what he said. And Steve himself has said that came from where he was talking about when he first joined Journey, how hard it was to break into that tight brotherhood at the beginning. Sorry darlin, regardless, there isn't too many words you can wrap around "fuck him" that can soften that meaning.

A smile and a wink maybe? I'm reaching.

[fredinator]

This is an article in the Washington Post and it is online. There were no financials given by the other musicians interviewed. Jeremey posted a blog and put the link here on MR--several pages of a blog mind you. To me the blog sounded a little self-serving. The reporter had no axe to grind with JH. This article gives a flip side to whatever was on Jeremey's mind. This also demonstrates that Journey has been good to JH.

[StoneCold]

This also demonstrates that Journey has been good to JH.

So you're saying "Journey is good people?

[Jeremey]

This is an article in the Washington Post and it is online. There were no financials given by the other musicians interviewed. Jeremey posted a blog and put the link here on MR--several pages of a blog mind you. To me the blog sounded a little self-serving. The reporter had no axe to grind with JH. This article gives a flip side to whatever was on Jeremey's mind. This also demonstrates that Journey has been good to JH.

So what was your point posting it here?

Anyway, of course the blog was self serving. It was meant to get my side of the story out while people were on this board posting wildly speculative things about me and my personal and professional life.

How do you know the reporter had no axe to grind with me? He talked to 5 or 6 people, but out of everything he discussed with me, he chose to publish some pretty provocative things out of context.

As for no one giving out financials - One member said they had a six figure income. I gave the reporter no information about how much money I make although I was directly asked.

Since most of my exchanges with this reporter were done through emails, it'd be easy to post those full quotes in context, but then that wouldn't be professional, and I'd probably would have made them up anyway.

[stevew2]

This also demonstrates that Journey has been good to JH.

So you're saying "Journey is good people?

Is Tito Back??

[steveo777]

This also demonstrates that Journey has been good to JH.

So you're saying "Journey is good people?

Is Tito Back??

No, you skank. Go back to sleep!

[Jana]

This also demonstrates that Journey has been good to JH.

So you're saying "Journey is good people?

Is Tito Back??

lol That car.

[Michigan Girl]

This also demonstrates that Journey has been good to JH.

So you're saying "Journey is good people?

Is Tito Back??

No, you skank. Go back to sleep!

Must you?!?!?

[Michigan Girl]

Jim, if you are ever interviewed, what you may find is that you can talk for 5 minutes about something and then the writer will pare that down into a sentence or two. That excerpt was from a conversation we were having about bands that put on costumes etc being more about theatre and playing a role than I'm comfortable. I did not say I'd never done that. I believe my quote in context was an off the cuff remark about rather focusing on the music than playing a role or a character.

I can believe that, same thing happened to Steve-neverfeltllikepartoftheband-Perry.

Yeah, when Perry said something straightforward like that and tries to spin it a different way it's taken out of context b/f, but when Neal says fuck him, which I'm sure was taken out of context and I'm sure he was egged on by the reporter , his statements are all in context. J/K

Actually, I'm going on what Lora said (considering she was there) regarding it being only part of what he said. And Steve himself has said that came from where he was talking about when he first joined Journey, how hard it was to break into that tight brotherhood at the beginning. Sorry darlin, regardless, there isn't too many words you can wrap around "fuck him" that can soften that meaning.

LMAO!!

[Onestepper]

Jim, if you are ever interviewed, what you may find is that you can talk for 5 minutes about something and then the writer will pare that down into a sentence or two. That excerpt was from a conversation we were having about bands that put on costumes etc being more about theatre and playing a role than I'm comfortable. I did not say I'd never done that. I believe my quote in context was an off the cuff remark about rather focusing on the music than playing a role or a character.

I can believe that, same thing happened to Steve-neverfeltllikepartoftheband-Perry.

Yeah, when Perry said something straightforward like that and tries to spin it a different way it's taken out of context b/f, but when Neal says fuck him, which I'm sure was taken out of context and I'm sure he was egged on by the reporter , his statements are all in context. J/K

Actually, I'm going on what Lora said (considering she was there) regarding it being only part of what he said. And Steve himself has said that came from where he was talking about when he first joined Journey, how hard it was to break into that tight brotherhood at the beginning. Sorry darlin, regardless, there isn't too many words you can wrap around "fuck him" that can soften that meaning.

I don't know, did you see the fight last week between Deano and someone else (can't recall who it was..there are so many ), it was one of the most polite 'fuck you' conversations I've ever seen. It was almost sentimental in tone:

'With all due respect, Fuck you'

'Aww, that's so sweet. May you burn in hell'

'Thank you darlin', many horrible dreams to you too, mmmbye'

[donnaplease]

I think when 'remembering' all the things that have been said about this whole situation, it's probably best to remember that folks have read into what has been said and formed their own ideas about what actually happened. For example, a lot of folks have said 'good on you' to J for "putting his family first" when it came to the Journey gig, because Neal said Sabrina's questions freaked him out, and then when Neal backed up on the deal, Jeremey told him to 'decide what you want and let me know' or something to that extent. I don't believe Jeremey really gave up on them because of his family (although I know how important they are to him) but at the same time he didn't want to be jerked around by them either. I believe J and Brina knew very well what this opportunity would've meant to his family. I'm somewhat surprised by his remark that he would still sing with them if given the chance, but then again I now see even more clearly why he would choose to do so.

As to the money disclosure, I have no real problem with that, especially given that the Journey mgmt team has denied that the offer ever happened. It really has nothing to do with Arnel and whatever his offer may have been. Let's all remember that this band has a history of throwing people under the bus if the need arises. Singers, fans, etc... it really doesn't matter. For those of you who are die-hard Arnel fans, I sincerely hope you don't feel the sting that those of us who are SP, SA or JSS fans have felt.

[Michigan Girl]

Jim, if you are ever interviewed, what you may find is that you can talk for 5 minutes about something and then the writer will pare that down into a sentence or two. That excerpt was from a conversation we were having about bands that put on costumes etc being more about theatre and playing a role than I'm comfortable. I did not say I'd never done that. I believe my quote in context was an off the cuff remark about rather focusing on the music than playing a role or a character.

I can believe that, same thing happened to Steve-neverfeltllikepartoftheband-Perry.

Yeah, when Perry said something straightforward like that and tries to spin it a different way it's taken out of context b/f, but when Neal says fuck him, which I'm sure was taken out of context and I'm sure he was egged on by the reporter , his statements are all in context. J/K

Actually, I'm going on what Lora said (considering she was there) regarding it being only part of what he said. And Steve himself has said that came from where he was talking about when he first joined Journey, how hard it was to break into that tight brotherhood at the beginning. Sorry darlin, regardless, there isn't too many words you can wrap around "fuck him" that can soften that meaning.

I don't know, did you see the fight last week between Deano and someone else (can't recall who it was..there are so many ), it was one of the most polite 'fuck you' conversations I've ever seen. It was almost sentimental in tone:

'With all due respect, Fuck you'

'Aww, that's so sweet. May you burn in hell'

'Thank you darlin', many horrible dreams to you too, mmmbye'

LMAO!!!

[portland]

Jim, if you are ever interviewed, what you may find is that you can talk for 5 minutes about something and then the writer will pare that down into a sentence or two. That excerpt was from a conversation we were having about bands that put on costumes etc being more about theatre and playing a role than I'm comfortable. I did not say I'd never done that. I believe my quote in context was an off the cuff remark about rather focusing on the music than playing a role or a character.

I can believe that, same thing happened to Steve-neverfeltllikepartoftheband-Perry.

Yeah, when Perry said something straightforward like that and tries to spin it a different way it's taken out of context b/f, but when Neal says fuck him, which I'm sure was taken out of context and I'm sure he was egged on by the reporter , his statements are all in context. J/K

Actually, I'm going on what Lora said (considering she was there) regarding it being only part of what he said. And Steve himself has said that came from where he was talking about when he first joined Journey, how hard it was to break into that tight brotherhood at the beginning. Sorry darlin, regardless, there isn't too many words you can wrap around "fuck him" that can soften that meaning.

I don't know, did you see the fight last week between Deano and someone else (can't recall who it was..there are so many ), it was one of the most polite 'fuck you' conversations I've ever seen. It was almost sentimental in tone:

'With all due respect, Fuck you'

'Aww, that's so sweet. May you burn in hell'

'Thank you darlin', many horrible dreams to you too, mmmbye'

LMAO!!!

After all this is a kinder gentler place.....we have all seen the light

[Jeremey]

On further thought, I think it is important to post my entire response to Mario's questions just so people can see how things may be picked and chosen to put together out of context and mean things they weren't intended to. There are some fairly significant differences between here and what was published as "quotes."
Here were the questions:

"Do you have any hard feelings toward Journey? Would you join the band now if asked?

How would you categorize how Journey treated you?

Where you ever compensated for having spent the money to fly out there even though you were expecting a baby?

How do you think Journey could have handled this ordeal a little better?

Would you also mind telling me how you are doing for yourself these days? However you would like to categorize it... six figure annual salary? Etc."


And here was my response:


"Hey Mario,

Here are some answers for your follow up questions:


I do not have any hard feelings toward Journey, and I would definitely join the band if asked. The financial gain for my family would be too great a prospect to pass on, and I have also crossed a few milestones in my personal and family life at this point that would make that prospect a little easier than 2 years ago.

Journey treated me fairly, until the offer was put on hold by Neal Schon. At that point, I felt the band was in disarray, and I believed Schon to be acting on his own behalf. Conversations with other members of the band supported that assumption. I was never officially called and told that Pineda would be getting the job, which I felt was not very diplomatic especially considering the way I was vetted for the job and the offer that was made. However, Journey is a rock and roll band in the music industry, and others have had far worse experiences and been far worse for the wear than I. I have publishing on the Wal Mart CD and have a full time career doing what I love thanks to Journey.

I never paid any money to fly out to CA. Journey bought my plane ticket and my wife's and paid for all of my lodging during our stay. We toured San Francisco with a chauffeured limo, toured Pixar studios and sat in John Lasseter's office - had many dinners with band members that were paid for by Journey, and I was also reimbursed other travel expenses. It was a fantastic week long vacation, and there was no indication that there was any other intention than hiring me as the new Journey singer. In fact, this was how I was introduced throughout the week.

With regard to my current financial state and success or failure in the music business, I'll say this - Frontiers is a business, solely owned by myself, that generates hundreds of thousands of dollars in gross revenues per year. I have a platinum record on my mantle with my name on it. I have a publishing company that generates income from those royalties, as well as a full time career doing what I was truly put on this earth to do - Entertain people....I have yet in all my travels to meet a contemporary as blessed and rewarded as myself, and I'm absolutely grateful for the opportunities I've been given.

I hope that clears up a few things for you. Let me know if you have any further questions or need any photos for the story."

[stevew2]

This also demonstrates that Journey has been good to JH.

So you're saying "Journey is good people?

Is Tito Back??

No, you skank. Go back to sleep!

you aint gettin off that easy you peter puffer

[Don]

On further thought, I think it is important to post my entire response to Mario's questions just so people can see how things may be picked and chosen to put together out of context and mean things they weren't intended to. There are some fairly significant differences between here and what was published as "quotes."
Here were the questions:

"Do you have any hard feelings toward Journey? Would you join the band now if asked?

How would you categorize how Journey treated you?

Where you ever compensated for having spent the money to fly out there even though you were expecting a baby?

How do you think Journey could have handled this ordeal a little better?

Would you also mind telling me how you are doing for yourself these days? However you would like to categorize it... six figure annual salary? Etc."


And here was my response:


"Hey Mario,

Here are some answers for your follow up questions:


I do not have any hard feelings toward Journey, and I would definitely join the band if asked. The financial gain for my family would be too great a prospect to pass on, and I have also crossed a few milestones in my personal and family life at this point that would make that prospect a little easier than 2 years ago.

Journey treated me fairly, until the offer was put on hold by Neal Schon. At that point, I felt the band was in disarray, and I believed Schon to be acting on his own behalf. Conversations with other members of the band supported that assumption. I was never officially called and told that Pineda would be getting the job, which I felt was not very diplomatic especially considering the way I was vetted for the job and the offer that was made. However, Journey is a rock and roll band in the music industry, and others have had far worse experiences and been far worse for the wear than I. I have publishing on the Wal Mart CD and have a full time career doing what I love thanks to Journey.

I never paid any money to fly out to CA. Journey bought my plane ticket and my wife's and paid for all of my lodging during our stay. We toured San Francisco with a chauffeured limo, toured Pixar studios and sat in John Lasseter's office - had many dinners with band members that were paid for by Journey, and I was also reimbursed other travel expenses. It was a fantastic week long vacation, and there was no indication that there was any other intention than hiring me as the new Journey singer. In fact, this was how I was introduced throughout the week.

With regard to my current financial state and success or failure in the music business, I'll say this - Frontiers is a business, solely owned by myself, that generates hundreds of thousands of dollars in gross revenues per year. I have a platinum record on my mantle with my name on it. I have a publishing company that generates income from those royalties, as well as a full time career doing what I was truly put on this earth to do - Entertain people....I have yet in all my travels to meet a contemporary as blessed and rewarded as myself, and I'm absolutely grateful for the opportunities I've been given.

I hope that clears up a few things for you. Let me know if you have any further questions or need any photos for the story."

You didnt have to explain yourself Jeremey, but seeing how the article was seemingly posted here to paint Journey's employment practices in a positive light, it's only fair that you be allowed to present your experience with the band's hiring process.
Thank you.

[Deb]

You didnt have to explain yourself Jeremey, but seeing how the article was seemingly posted here to paint Journey's employment practices in a positive light, it's only fair that you be allowed to present your experience with the band's hiring process.
Thank you.

Kind of an oxymoron, isn't it. Part of your quote, not you Gbot.

[fredinator]

I remember your blog very well and being a Journey/Neal fan, it was difficult reading the negative things you said about them over several days' time. They never tried to defend themselves here or on their website; and that in spite of all of your feelings you continue to make a very good living singing their music. I don't have a vendetta--I saw the article and posted it. As a matter of fact, Mario put up another article regarding tribute bands, said nothing disparaging about you or any of the tribute bands, and actually advertised where you would be playing locally.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/07/16/AR2009071601302.html

So maybe in an odd way I have helped your career.

[Jeremey]

I remember your blog very well and being a Journey/Neal fan, it was difficult reading the negative things you said about them over several days' time. They never tried to defend themselves here or on their website; and that in spite of all of your feelings you continue to make a very good living singing their music. I don't have a vendetta--I saw the article and posted it. As a matter of fact, Mario put up another article regarding tribute bands, said nothing disparaging about you or any of the tribute bands, and actually advertised where you would be playing locally.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/07/16/AR2009071601302.html

So maybe in an odd way I have helped your career.

Well, Journey didn't come on here and try to defend me to people that were saying horrible things about me or my wife, or posting pictures of me in my Elton John outfit saying I went to "clown college" or calling me a fat liar who needed plastic surgery, and all those things were kind of difficult for me and my family to read at the time as well. Being a Neal fan myself it was hard to sit next to him at dinner and listen to him make fun of my wife's accent. Being a Journey fan, it was tough to be told "Welcome to the music business" by their manager minutes after the non existent job offer was finalized then put on hold. So all things being equal, I don't think Journey was hurt by my little effort to give my side of the story.

Mario's article did help promote our show in Falls Church; I thanked him personally in an email for it. As for your post, however, I wouldn't give yourself that much credit.

[fredinator]

Well, you've got me on the Elton John outfit--I don't remember that at all. Maybe that was on another forum... I certainly hope you are mistaken about Neal making fun of your wife's accent--I have an accent also so I too have been ribbed in the past about it. I just never took it as an insult--maybe I should have, shrugs.

[Tracie555]

Very cool article Thanks for sharing.

[Don]

So, going by what I just read, Neal and Company should have no problem with us discussing Arnel's accent as we're not even making fun of him, just critiquing the way it changes the tonality of the songs.
Cool.