Arnel Pineda, the Filipino lead singer of the iconic rock band ‘Journey,’ finds himself in a controversy following their performance at Rock in Rio on Sept. 15.
Following the performance, videos emerged online of Pineda straining to hit specific notes during the set, which rapidly went viral. Fans and detractors began reviewing his performance, forcing Pineda to share a personal and emotional response on social media.
Pineda expressed his dismay at the criticism in a Facebook post, admitting that no one is more upset with his performance than he is. “No one more than me in this world feels so devastated about this,” Pineda said in the statement.
He also lamented the realization that this one mistake was causing a great deal of blowback despite his years of service and numerous successful shows with ‘’Journey.’
“It’s amazing how a thousand of the right things you have done will be forgotten just because of THIS… and of all the places, like Rock in Rio,” he added.
Pineda, who was deeply hurt by the criticism, gave fans a special request: if enough people wanted him to quit the band, he would.
In the same post, he asked fans to vote with “GO” or “STAY” comments, vowing to leave the band permanently if the “GO” votes surpassed one million.
Neal Schon, the guitarist for Journey, quickly jumped to defense, saying in a comment that he should pay attention to the critical commentators, which he felt were biased and “bought.”
He also praised recent performances and his contributions to the band.
Pineda’s technical issues were revealed throughout the Rock in Rio performance, including problems with his in-ear monitors. It is possible that these difficulties exacerbated his vocal issues throughout the performance.
Deen Castronovo, the drummer for ‘Journey’, also stood up for Pineda, revealing in 2022 that Pineda had been working tirelessly to overcome his vocal issues, seeking help from a vocal coach and adjusting the live sound settings.
This united front from the band members is a testament to the strong bond within the band. Pineda’s unwavering tenacity and commitment to the band, despite the vocal breakdowns, is truly inspiring.
In 2007, Schon reached out to Noel Gomez, a longtime friend and admirer of Pineda, urging him to try out for the band, which launched his career as the new lead singer.
Since then, he has had challenges in his professional life and has often been likened to the renowned former lead singer, Steve Perry, which made Pineda express interest in quitting the band.
He extended a similar approach in 2014, saying he would be happy to stand down if Perry ever desired to return, but he would only stay as long as ”needed him.
As the story continues to unfold, it’s evident that many fans stand by the singer and his journey with ‘Journey’. Whether he decides to stay or leave, Pineda’s influence on the band is undeniably significant, and his contribution is deeply appreciated by the fans.
Pineda’s remarks emphasize the vulnerability of artists, demonstrating that even those in the spotlight experience self-doubt.
However, the vast reaction from fans and his bandmate Neal Schon demonstrates the importance of not allowing negativity to define one’s value.
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