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Journey Still in Progress: Classic Rockers Make a Huge Comeback with a Stunning Revelation in 2008
by Rich and Laura Lynch
Journey is a rock and roll band that is truly experiencing a "second life" - and we're not talking about their presence on the interactive online portal of the same name. Ten years after the final ultimate departure of their golden-throated lead singer, Steve Perry, the classic rock group from San Francisco has made an improbable return to the top with a fantastic new album Revelation and an even better new lead singer.
Introducing Journey's new singer - Arnel Pineda.
Of course, Journey carried on with new singers beginning first with the near Perry look alike and sound alike Steve Augeri - who did an admirable job leading the outfit until a throat infection side-lined him permanently in 2006. In 2007, the band hit the road with the heavy metal edged Jeff Scott Soto - who they hired and then released - in search of a truer bearer of their legacy sound.
In the decade since Perry left his bandmates to fend for their own, the world of Journey has been characterized by a vocal and fractured fandom. On the web and in chat rooms verbal wars on the merits of the Perry and post-Perry era of the band would dominate the discussion. With the game of singer musical chairs in full swing Journey was fast becoming a unit in danger of losing their identity.
Band founder and guitarist Neal Schon - in an act of admitted desperation - turned to the Internet in 2007 and made a startling discovery on YouTube - Arnel Pineda. Pineda - who learned to sing at a young age from his mother - has had his share of turbulence. After her death, Pineda as a teen was forced to fend for his own and for a time was homeless, scrounging for food and living on the streets.
A friend who knew Arnel could sing encouraged him to join a group and this journeyman singer toiled for a quarter century in cover bands in Manila and Hong Kong. Another friend recorded a performance of Pineda singing Journey songs and put it on YouTube. The clip was found by Schon and now Arnel is the lead man for the legendary Journey.
Original Journey man and bass player - Ross Valory.
Pineda's progress is an inspiring rags to riches story. He brings new energy and enthusiasm to the classic Journey catalogue. Arnel has revitalized the band. He brings a freshness to the familiar and is inspiring the veteran players of the band, which is evident when you see Journey live.
Journey headlined a triple bill with Heart and Cheap Trick at Bethel Woods on August 30, 2008. Bethel Woods Center for the Arts is a state of the art facility in the scenic setting of Sullivan County, New York.
On the big screen behind the Bethel Woods stage was a shot of Journey moments before taking the stage. The band came out strong with a brash, brisk version of "Never Walk Away". This new tune has the legacy Journey sound and structure.
Arnel worked the whole stage, smiling at people and looking very much the rocker in black leather pants. Pineda quickly connected with the crowd clapping his hands and encouraging the fans to join him for the first song. Neal Schon's leads were bold and the rest of the band was colorful and concise, setting the tone for the evening.
"Hi New York, welcome to our show," said Pineda before Journey went full throttle into "Stone In Love" featuring forceful licks from Schon. Neal is a versatile, vibrant player and his short yet succulent leads demonstrate his skills.
The man behind many of the band's biggest hits - Jonathan Cain.
"Send Her My Love", a solid staple, was brought to new life with Arnel's lively stage presence and lilting vocals. Pineda - recovering from a chest cold - for the most part was in good voice with only a few missed notes - but his energy, enthusiasm and ability to improvise vocally covered any minor flaws in his performance. The other members of Journey were smiling too, appearing happy to be playing with their talented new frontman who helped energize the classic catalogue that the veterans have played countless times before.
"Ask The Lonely" featured harmonies, potent percussion and a poignant piano part that filtered to the forefront during the song. After thanking the other bands and the fans for supporting Revelation, Journey dedicated the next song to the faithful who have been with them through the years. "After All These Years" is a slower more serious song that was executed with emotion and power. Performing another new song they went into the up-tempo "Change For The Better". This track also has a classic Journey tone enhanced by Neal's blazing leads and Pineda jumping over amps.
Fans were on their feet for "Separate Ways". The set list progressed through more crowd pleasers ("Lights", "Open Arms" and "Don't Stop Believing") that were well played with passion and precision.
The big screens on the front of and side of the stage added to the dynamic of the show especially during Jonathan Cain's piano solo in which the screens were split between head and hand shots.
A happy Neal Schon is enjoying this version of Journey more than ever.
"Open Arms" was strong and sensitive as was "Faithfully". Arnel was still working the stage for "Wheel In The Sky" with its rushing rhythms and rich guitar riffs. Still full of life, Journey executed revitalized versions of "Any Way You Want It" and "Be Good To Yourself" to much applause.
Journey is truly experiencing a "second life" - selling out venues like Bethel Woods with concerts filled with classics and contemporary songs. Arnel Pineda brings vitality to the veteran band and even the faithful Steve Perry die-hards are embracing this current line-up. In fact, this version of Journey is poised to succeed in a way Perry's never did. In 2008, they have become a truly global band and a rumored fall tour of the far east - including Pineda's home country of the Philippines - is opening up the music and power of Journey to a whole new world.
Just as the Bible is the world's best-selling book with a final chapter called Revelation - Journey fans hope that the band's best-selling CD in years with the same title will begin a whole new story for them that will continue for years to come. The addition of the heaven-sent Pineda has healed a lot of the old wounds between the divided fan base - and has opened the way to a new musical promised land for these classic rockers - and that's just the type of miracle many of their fans have been praying for for a long, long time!
Arnel Pineda - from The Zoo - to a real rock and roll circus!
Related Links:
For more information on JOURNEY and the other organizations mentioned please visit the following links --
JourneyMusic.com |
BethelWoodsCenter.org
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