Journey's Comeback: The 80's Rock Band Returns
A New Lead Singer Leads the Band Journey Back into the Music Scene
Oct 6, 2009
Journey, the rock band known for such classics as "Open Arms", "Faithfully" and "Don’t Stop Believin", is back. They welcome a new lead singer, 42- year-old Filipino singer-songwriter, Arnel Pineda.
History of Rock Band, Journey
Journey came together in San Francisco in 1973 when Santana’s former road manager, Herbie Herbert, recruited two Santana band members, Greg Rollie and Neal Schon. They were joined by former Steve Miller Band bassist, Ross Valory. Originally called, "The Golden Gate Rhythm Section", the group soon came to be known as Journey. Steve Perry joined in 1978 as the lead singer and their fourth album, Infinity, quickly went platinum and propelled Journey into a touring and recording phenomenon.
Individual musicians came and went over the years. Schon and Valory are the only original members still in the group today. In 1987, Steve Perry struck out on a solo career. After that, the group disbanded and went their separate ways.
Journey came back together in 1995 to record a reunion album, Trial By Fire. Soon after the recording, Steve Perry suffered a hip injury and was diagnosed with a degenerative bone condition. Because of Perry's condition, the band was unable to go on tour to promote the album. In 2000, Steve Augeri, replaced Perry as lead singer. In 2005, Journey released its 30th anniversary album, Generations.
Augeri's battle with throat infections left the group searching yet again for a new lead singer. The answer came from a YouTube video.
The Re-Birth of Journey With New Lead Singer, Arnel Pineda
Arnel Pineda grew up in poverty in the Phillipines. He and his mother would turn up the radio and sing along with Barbra Streisand and Karen Carpenter. The family recognized the boy's musical talent early on and entered him in various singing contests. He credits his mother with instilling his love of music. His mother died when he was 13. The family soon slipped into debt and lost their home. Pineda struck out on his own and was homeless for two years.
To make money, Pineda sang with a variety of bands. His voice began to catch the attention of record labels and he had the opportunity to sing in other countries, including Hong Kong. Several of his band's songs became Asian radio and karaoke favorites.
In February 2007, videos of Pineda singing classic favorites from bands like Journey, Aerosmith and The Eagles, hit YouTube.
Journey’s guitarist Neal Schon reports feeling frustrated that the band didn’t have a lead singer and says he would watch YouTube in hopes of finding a a singer with the right voice for the band. He saw a video of Pineda singing Journey’s "Faithfully" with his current band, Zoo. Schon contacted the other Journey members and they asked Pineda to come to San Francisco for an audition. In January 2008, Arnel Pineda was announced as Journey's new lead singer. Journey's first album with Pineda is Revelation.
Pineda’s rag to riches story will be made into a film titled "Don't Stop Believing: Every Man's Journey." When not on tour, Pineda lives with his wife and three-year-old son in the Phillipines. Pineda has two older sons, ages 12 and 20.
Interesting Journey Facts:
- Journey has never won a Grammy.
- According to the Recording Industry Association of America, Journey has sold 47 million albums in the United States, making them the 28th best selling band in the US. They have sold over 75 million albums worldwide.
- Journey's "Don't Stop Believin'" is the most-downloaded song in history.
- Journey has not been inducted in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, although they have been eligible since the year 2000.
Visit Journey's website for information tour dates, albums, reviews and current news. Keep up with favorite Journey musicians through the links for the band members' blogs and personal websites. With a blend of original and new musicians, Journey is aiming to keep their old fans happy while bringing in a new generation of followers. After more than 30 years, the Journey continues.
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