The New Voice of Journey
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The New Kid on the Journey
When I heard this guy singing Journey songs on "Sunday Morning," I knew I had to do a hub about him. I planned to give you a lot of facts and background, all the info you could possibly want. Plenty of research. I was looking forward to it. Then I realized something; once you hear the voice, you're not going to care about any of that.
You won't!
So, I'm gonna let the videos, and the singer, be the main part of this hub, and I'll sneak in as much info as I can.
While desperately searching for a singer to fill super-tenor Steve Perry's shoes (because the previous two replacements had failed to wow the crowds), guitarist Neal Schon turned to YouTube. There he found a band in Manila, Philippines covering a Journey song, and a singer named Arnel Pineda who sounded amazingly like Perry!
"Faithfully" - on Ellen DeGeneris
When Schon emailed Pineda, the singer didn't believe it was really the legendary guitarist. Once convinced it was real, Pineda would not only have to audition for the guys in Journey, but for customs, as well.
When asked what his business was in America, Arnel answered he was going to audition for Journey. "THE Journey?" asked an official, who then asked Pineda to sing for him, which he did, belting out a few bars of "Wheel in the Sky." They let him through.
Arnel Pineda was born September 5, 1967, in Sampaloc, Manila. He joined Journey in December of 2007.
Among Pineda's influences are, "Journey" "Queen" "Little River Band" "Heart" "Warrant" "Deep Purple." All bands with strong vocalists.
While his mother was still alive, Pineda used to call and sing with her over the phone.
Pineda is also a songwriter and he helped write some of the songs on Journey's new album.
"Don't Stop Believing - Live in Chili
From 1978 to 1997, Steve Perry's distinctive voice melted hearts and powered Journey into the stratosphere, belting out hit after power-ballad hit and selling millions of albums worldwide. Hits include:
- Lovin' Touchin' Squeezin'
- Lights
- Only the Young
- Wheel in the Sky
- Don't Stop Believing
- Any Way You Want It
- Open Arms
- Who's Crying Now
- Faithfully
- Separate Ways
- Stone in Love
- Feeling That Way
Randy Jackson (of American Idol fame) played bass for Journey from 1983 to 1986.
Some of the original members (pre Steve Perry) formed Journey after leaving Santana.
Journey formed and was recording albums three years before Steve Perry joined the line-up.
"Wheel In The Sky" - Live in Chili
CBS Sunday Morning interview
This "Sunday Morning" report (right) includes a touching moment when Pineda recalls singing with his late mother over the phone, and how she encouraged him to sing.
(Also in this interview; you'll hear Neal Schon explain the circumstances around the split from Steve Perry.)
New Journey Music!
Journey's new release, "Revelation," is a 3-disc package. Disc one: 11 new songs written by Pineda and Schon. Disc two: 11 re-recorded classic Journey hits. Disc three: A live DVD from the March 6, 2008 concert in Las Vegas, the current line-up's first U.S. appearance.
This 3-disc package is available at Wal-Mart for $11.88. Don't you love that place?!
What happened to Steve Perry?
Of course there was the rumor which circulated that Steve Perry had throat cancer. Not true. Never was. In an interview which aired June 1, 2008 (see video below), guitarist Neal Schon said Perry took a hiatus from the band to get a hip replacement but when, after a year, he still hadn't gotten it done, they replaced him.
On Steve Perry's fan club website, there are quotes from both Schon and Perry saying they were all stressed and sick of the road, sick of each other and needed a break.
Wikipedia's bio on Perry confirms Schon's version. Stating Perry had suffered a hip injury while hiking in Hawaii, an injury which left him with a degenerative bone condition, unable to perform and requiring surgery. Perry, reluctant to go into surgery, put it off for two years. The rest of the band grew tired of waiting and finally replaced him, with Steve Augeri.
Story and layout by: LemonadeMultimedia
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Journey DON'T STOP BELIEVIN Best Of 34 Song New Sealed 2 CD
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Hercules Legendary Journeys - Season Four 4 NEW DVD Set
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 | Amazon Price: $7.17 List Price: $11.98 |
Do you believe Arnel Pineda can replace Steve Perry?
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Hi Sweetie, thanks for reading. He's certainly the closest they've come to the "Steve Perry Sound."
I thought I recognized the name. I've heard a lot of him and other Filipino talents being talked about in the Filipino connections I check every now and then, but for some reason listening to music esp. from youtube and videos are relegated to my next-time list.
Maybe one day I'll come back and check out his musical talent, but I just came by for a quick stop. I'm glad though that many appreciates his talent...and somehow puts Manila in a better light.
"Faithfully " was my fave (two million years ago it seems). I hope the world is really ready for a Journey revival. Thanks for sharing.
great hub regards Zsuzsy
Don't Stop Believin' had me jumpin' early in the mornng too My cat said I was insane....now where have i heard that before....
This guy is unstoppable. Go Journey!@!@!@!
Oh I'm jazzed this AM. =)
and wasn't that Simon Cowel in the audience of Don't Stop? I bet he was thinking...why didn't I discover this guy -- I shudda watched YOU Tube. LOL
Zylla, One of the best guitarists I ever worked with -and became fast friends with, many eons ago, was born and raised in Manila. I miss him very much.
ZsuZsy, I think the fans were waiting for someone who could pull it off. The test will be, will fans embrace any new material?
Marisue, really, or are you just yankin' me? Which video, I'll go back and check.
Oh... der! The "Don't Stop" video. Hey! There's nothing wrong with being retarded...
I saw the same show yesterday morning! My husband and I were in awe!! Great Hub and we can't wait to hear more from this guy. I guess he can cover Sting and others too!
Yep. Wasn't that great? I was actually worried, since I work Sundays, that someone else would do a hub about him before I got the chance to. Luckily, no one did!
Scratch that. Dmartelonline did a hub a couple months ago about Journey. She mentions Arnel Pineda, but didn't include any photos of him or videos.
Sorry, Dmartel, if you happen to see this, wasn't trying to step on any toes.
Oops, again! Mine is the third Journey hub. Another hub about Pineda was put up about 7 hours prior to this one, but after reading it, I think the hubber has got some of the facts around the split with Steve Perry wrong.
No i simply said Steve Perry was injured. i didn't go into all the details, since my perspective is the 'rags to riches" of the Kalparusha yoga in Arnels' chart.
Also the information you provided on your hub is readily available on youtube or wikipedia.
Yes, it is. My info is from Wikipedia, CBS Sunday Morning, Journey's website and my own knowledge, as a professional musician, of Journey's past.
That guy does sound like SP. My older brother was the big Journey fan around our house. I was not into them the way I was Rush, Triumph, or Dire Straits. Great hub CW.
Thanks Rob. I forgot about Triumph. "Lay It On The Line." Awesome song! That guy had a really high voice, too.
The Philippines has many very talented singers, it is a wonder that more of these people have not been discovered. I saw them in the original line up and it was awesome, and later with Steve Augeri, who was a great singer as well. Journey on the road again in 2008. Thanks for a great HUB
Thanks for reading, Jamster. I agree. I've heard several Asian (are the Phillipines Asia?) bands - speed metal, progressive, etc - who were just phenominal, but they never seem to become very popular here in the states. It's a shame, really.
Yes, Philippines is in Asia. Thanks for the great hub on Arnel Pineda.
You're welcome, Maria. Thanks for reading.
OH WOW what a voice!!!! That's awesome! Thanks, CW, for posting this one.
You're very welcome. I know, sometimes I come back to this hub just to play the "Faithful" video. It's sacrilege, but I might like his voice better than Steve Perry's.
I'm ducking at this very moment...
I must admit, I've bookmarked it. Won't admit why.
Cheryl, I just added some new info about the new release, "Revelation," next to the "Sunday Morning" news clip.
Hi,
My husband told me about the new lead singer for Journey and I can' believe when I saw Arnel Pineda, he is so good and have that kind of voice you will never forget. I am so glad that Journey gave him an opportunity for giving him a chance to be their lead singer. thank you to U tube, without it Arnel will never get a chance of a lifetime singing with one of the Best Band in the world. We cannot wait for the upcoming concert in syrasue. OWR
Hi Angel. I agree. YouTube, and the internet, are wonderful things. Thanks for the feedback.
You tube is just a wonderful website....you can see and read things all over the world. Witout You Tube Arenel will never be discovered by Journey. Thanks again You Tube. Angel. Hopefully lots of talented filipino will get a chance luke Arnel
Definitely!
Yes, I saw him on "Sunday Morning" also. Actually, I saw him the week before on another show and new then, I'd be getting the new CDs, but 11.88 at Walmart - that's just crazy. I'm heading for Wallyworld.
Karen, thanks for the feedback. Yep, I'm getting, too. And what a good price!
Hi CW,
I'm happy for ur good hub for AP with journey... yea his phenomenal!
He can sing anything too... u can check arnel with zoo in youtube
I've seen those videos, and was debating adding that info and video in this hub, but decided to keep the focus on Journey.
Great site. thanks for featuring Journey. I have seen AP in youtube, and man! he is perfect for Journey. I cant believe my ears when he covers the other bands. he is something.I ran out to buy Revelation , and enjoying it everyday. JOurney is alive again. Waiting for their concert here in Phoenix. thanks walker.
Thanks Jade. Don't have the disc yet, but plan an getting it.
I hope you got it via that Amazon link ($8.30!), or at least at Wal-Mart for $11.99.
journey was so desperate to replace their lead and miraculously found the right one and the best. do they threat arnel fairly and financially stable? arnel deserves to be elevated from the poorest to the millionaire ways of living. and i pray to God he doesn't change or gets everything into his head. thank you journey - faithfully your fan.
I don't know about Journey, but when Metallica hired their new bassist, they gave him one million dollars. This makes sense. The better equipment he can afford, the better they sound. It's better for all if he isn't limited by money issues.
hello constant walker. great hub. i'm proud to be filipino (grin). true there are many talents in our country and all we need is a break. miracles do happen and i'm happy for arnel.
Thanks Dayzee. Hopefully we'll see more talent from the Phillipines. Arnel might open that door.
Well I was wondering all along what had happened to Steve Perry. I have been a fan since the 80's and have always enjoyed the music.
I missed the Sunday morning interview but I am glad to hear that you did not so that you coudl enlighten the rest of us. I do hope that the band does well with the replacement but can he ever really be replaced?
Thanks for listening, Sandilyn. I'd always wondered, too. Wouldn't believe the rumors I'd been hearing.
As for can Steve Perry be replaced? Did you listen to at least the first video? I believe he HAS been.
I went to see Def Leppard and Journey in concert in Olahoma city in 2006. That is when Steve Augeri was the lead vocalist. I decided to take two of my children to their first concert my daughter was 16 at the time and my sone was 13. I had went to see Def Leppard because I'm a pretty big fan of theirs but was blown away by Journey, they put on a great concert. My son is now a huge journey fan, and I have become an even bigger fan of them than I was before. I was disappointed that they did not perform one of my favorite songs though (stone in love). I think this new guys sounds great and I hope to see them in concert again. Great Hub! Thanks for your research and putting them in the spotlight.
You're very welcome, Gwendy (cool name!). I think this new singer is amazing, and the new songs are good, too. I've never seen Journey, but saw Def Lep at Anaheim Stadium - after the drummer lost the arm. It was an excellent show.
Thanks for the cool name comment. I do like this new singer and listened to all the songs you featured on here. I would really like to see them in concert again, It was truly one of the best I had been to and I have been to a few. I have not heard any of their new songs I guess I will have to buy their CD.
I downloaded "Revelation" at TorrentFinder and burned a disc for my mother. I haven't listened to the new stuff yet, but she likes it.
Want a link?
I became speechless when i heard the voice of Arnel Pineda. I can only say HE'S ALL THAT!!!!!!
Thanks, Maru. Me too. Before hearing him sing, I agreed that Steve Perry could never be replaced.
Never say "never."
Hey..
Thanks for advertising filipino artist..
Am so proud being a filipino... Arnel is really very good.. and there are lot's of filipino artist here but don't have a chance but hopefully soon we will rise.. The secret of being a good artist for us filipino's is that we perform with so much love.
Big thank you for this page.
Thanks for reading, Crystal. You're very welcome! One of the best guitarists I ever worked with was from the Philippines.
Can you post any of the Journey's concerts in asia especially their concert in the philippines on youtube? Thanks in advance and thanks for you nice comments about Arnel Pineda and the Filipino artists. Hope they will all be recognize and acknowledge around the world!
-You're welcome. And I'll look to see what's on YouTube. No promises.
I wasn't able to find any concerts in the Phillipines on YouTube.
Have you seen any?
I do not think Arnel Pineda can never replace Steve Perry.Steve was the best lead singer Journey has ever had.I prefer the Journey back in the old days.Steve Perry has a better voice than Arnel by far.
Thanks for your input, Cranky. Good name!
Does Journey usually check out this website? Does Jonathan Cain check it out?
I wouldn't know. Why do you ask?
I was just wondering.Have you met any of the members before?
No Cranky, I haven't, and I get it; you don't approve of the new singer. Now, for god's sake, move on!
What do ya think of Pineda? I don't really like him very much. But all of us have different opinions.
Wacky - Well, since I featured him in this piece, obviously I think he's very good. He's talented and has great stage-presence.
amazing = journey
Glad you liked it, Carlos.
Nice article. I like the way you put your words about Arnel and Journey. I have been looking and reading in google and yahoo about Journey band. It's a great success story. I will always will be a fan of the present day Journey. I have heard that Arnel has returned back to the States this April 15, 2010 to do another album with Journey. I hope there will be more publicity for Journey.
That's good news. I hadn't heard. I'm very happy for them.
just picked up the new cd and live in manilla dvd - Im a huge steve perry fan and feel a great amount of guilt as I am in awe of Arnels amazing vocal range and vocal strength. Oh well... cest la vie Steve and WELCOME ABOARD ARNEL !!!! Keep it up Arnel your awsome!!!
Well spoken. I've got the new CD, too. It's great!
He isn't Perry and NEVER will be. He'll always be a "cheap knock off".
Wolf King (?) Thank you for your positive and reflective opinion.
Steve Perry will always be "The Voice" of Journey. Right now they are just a tribute band.
Thank you, Tami, for your opinion.
I liked Steve Augari better then this guy Arnel. :-(
Julie2, I've never heard Steve Augari, but I think Arnel sounds a lot like Steve Perry and does a very good job with Journey's material--both old and new.
SweetiePie Level 6 Commenter 3 years ago
I used to love Journey, so thanks for updating me on the band. Pineda sounds like a promising musician.