Don't Stop Believing



I first heard of the rumor that he will be Journey’s new lead singer several months ago. I was skeptical at first not because of his talent but because I never thought not even in my wildest dream that one of my favorite rock bands, Journey will pick somebody outside of the Continental United States much less a Filipino as their new lead singer.

It was the stuff of urban legends but it turned out to be true, in fact too good to be true--that it was guitarist Neal Schon who found him through YouTube and contacted him and invited him to audition for the band.

Here’s Neal Schon in his own words,

“I was frustrated about not having a singer,” explains guitarist Neal Schon, “so I went on YouTube for a couple of days and just sat on it for hours. I was starting to think I was never going to find anybody. But then I found The Zoo and I watched a bunch of different video clips that they had posted. After watching the videos over and over again, I had to walk away from the computer and let what I heard sink in because it sounded too good to be true. I thought, ‘he can’t be that good.’ But he is that good, he’s the real deal and so tremendously talented. Arnel doesn’t sound synthetic and he’s not emulating anyone. I tried to get a hold of him through YouTube and I finally heard from him that night, but it took some convincing to get him to believe that it really was me and not an impostor.”





And so Arnel Pineda, the lead singer of the Philippines' band The Zoo was named by Journey as their new lead singer on their website dated December 5, 2007.

He replaces Jeff Scott Sotto who parted ways with the band this year. Actually, from what I read in various online forums, Journey fans never really embraced him with Open Arms.

Although the band’s original lead singer, Steve Perry will never be equaled both in voice and in talent, let’s hope that Arnel can be at least up to par if not close enough to the standards that Mr. Perry had set for all the singers that will follow in his big, big footsteps.

The dawn of Arnel Pineda's journey to rock stardom begins…


Let's Hear Steve Perry's Faithfully one more time-




Hear Arnel Pineda's faithful cover of the same song with his band The ZOO



Take the journey to Unchanged Melodies for more.

Visit the Official Journey Website

Comments

Anonymous said…
OMG, they did not hire this guy!!! He's horrible.

Steve Perry to this froggy croaker?

Sad, really AWFUL!!!

This is a joke, right? RIGHT?
Analyse said…
you're incredible! how could you follow these rising pinoy talents? i learn something each time i drop here.
Gina said…
Wow, this Arnel Pineda is goooooooooooood!!!

Another pinoy doing us proud...May he go places!
Unknown said…
Galeeeng! This is one those stuffs that dreams are made of. I bet that not even in his wildest dreams did he ever imagine he's one day be Journey's lead singer. You Tube ought to get a commission from this guy, hehe. :-D
Anonymous said…
anonymous,

neal schon, guitarist & one of the founders of journey chose him to replace steve perry who's not even around for ages now.

i trust his judgment though more than anyone else's. peace! :)

analyze,

i guess you could tell by now that i got too much time on my hands. hehe

gina,

yes, and if plans don't miscarry they will on tour in 2008. you can watch them in toronto and i'll watch them in detroit. :)

rudy,

that's music for you in the age of the internet. he-he.

sabi nga ng iba baka daw di na nakakatulog itosa excitement. ha-ha.

neal schon & jonathan cain are revered by journey fanatics and he will be fronting them, beat that ha?:)
Arashi-KIshu said…
I played the two videos side by side...ang galing ni Arnel! Mas type ko yung boses niya, may character. I first heard about in in Carlos Celdran's blog.
vernaloo said…
wow!!!!! I'm so proud..I'm like a proud Mama hehehe

seriously! I'm so happy for him =)
Gypsy said…
This is so cool!! Kudos to Arnel and I know there'll be more Filipino talents who will shine internationally. Thanks for posting this!

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