The Journey vocalist further addresses the issue in an Instagram video, thanking fans for their support and apologizing for the ‘inconvenience’ he has caused
MANILA, Philippines – Filipino singer Arnel Pineda, the frontman of the legendary American rock band Journey, spoke out on Saturday, September 21 in response to recent criticism of his performance at the Rock in Rio Music Festival in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on September 15.
Pineda drew flak after a Facebook page shared a clip on Facebook of Pineda struggling to reach the high notes of the band’s hit song “Don’t Stop Believin’” and grappling with technical issues like ear monitor problems.
The 57-year-old musician expressed his disappointment in the negative feedback he had gotten, along with the emotional toll it has taken on him.
“I appreciate you all so much, and not only that, [every time] that I’m on stage with the band, I feel this immense gratitude, humility and honor. I am very aware of this,” Pineda wrote in a candid Facebook post.
“No one more than me in this world feels so devastated about this […] It’s really amazing how a thousand right things you’ve done can be forgotten just because of this.”
In his post, Pineda also shared the emotional impact the experience had on him, admitting that he has suffered and continues to suffer mentally and emotionally. However, he reassured fans that he would be fine in time.
He then invited fans to partake in an online poll to decide whether he should stay or leave the band, with the outcome depending on how many votes he received.
“So here’s the deal. I am offering you a chance now, especially those who have hated me and never liked me from the very beginning, to simply text ‘GO’ or ‘STAY’ right here. If ‘GO’ reaches 1 million, I’m stepping out for good. Are you game, folks?” Pineda wrote.
Journey’s guitarist Neal Schon quickly came to Pineda’s defense.
“Arnel don’t listen to these blogs,” he commented on the Facebook post. “They are all bought. You’ve kicked ass!”
Adding to the support, Journey’s keyboardist Jonathan Cain also shared a heartfelt message for Pineda on Instagram.
“Arnel, 16 years and strong! You’re not going anywhere! Love you and grateful for you.”
Pineda addresses the issue anew
In an Instagram video posted on Tuesday, September 24, Pineda spoke up further on the issue.
“Firstly, I want to apologize for the inconvenience I have caused to all of Journey’s faithful fans out there. I know the band’s not perfect right now, and we’re in turmoil. But who’s not going through some bad stuff these days anyway?”
He also acknowledged the support he has received from fans, saying that he has read most of the comments they made under his initial post.
“Thank you so much. It’s overwhelmingly humbling. I didn’t do it for some selfish reason, not to feed me with such a gratifying feeling, but more of a spiritual journey for me and my profound curiosity,” he said, referring to the poll he had asked fans to participate in to decide on his departure from the band.
The 57-year old singer touched on the negativity often found online, reflecting on how some individuals “cowardly hide behind their cellphones” to express “hatred, cruelty, bigotry, or discriminatory and racist remarks.” He remarked that this has been a part of his experience since joining the band in 2007.
“As soon as they saw my post, quickly and bravely, they did not hesitate to send their kindness, sincerity, top-notch generosity of their precious time just to express how genuinely caring and willing they are to fight for me,” Pineda said.
He further addressed those who criticized him.
“I’d also like to thank the ones who relentlessly exploited my imperfections for your own selfish intentions. Remember, our universe is so alive, guys, and it knows how to give back all the time — good and bad — depending on what we all did from the past,” he said.
He also thanked those who extended support to him and defended him amid all the criticism.
Pineda’s career with Journey started when Schon saw his performances on YouTube. Pineda was flown to the United States from Manila in 2007 to become the next lead vocalist of the band.
Steve Perry, the band’s original lead vocalist, departed the group in the late 1990s. Perry gained notoriety as The Voice throughout Journey’s ascent to fame with classics like “Wheel in the Sky,” “Open Arms,” and “Faithfully.”
Following Perry’s departure, the band briefly replaced him with Steve Augeri, but when Augeri faced vocal issues in 2006, Pineda stepped in to fill the role and has since become an integral part of the band’s continued success. – with reports from Zulaikha Palma/Rappler.com
Zulaikha Palma is a Rappler intern studying AB Journalism at the University of Santo Tomas.