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By Jun Medina, Special Correspondent
WASHINGTON: Arnel Pineda—new Filipino vocalist of the legendary
rock band Journey—is enjoying a magical run with San
Francisco-based Journey, capturing the hearts of fans and earning
rave reviews for his rock band since joining the group in December.
In concert after sold-out concert in its current
summer US tour that started July 9, the 40-something Arnel continues
to captivate audiences and win over new fans, including
Filipino-Americans who take pride in their new pop hero.
Ross Valory, Journey bass guitarist, attributes
the fan enthusiasm to the excitement generated by their newest
member as well as the band’s impressive repertoire of old hits and
new songs.
“Arnel does bring magic and charisma to it,”
enthused Valory. “Some fans come with a bit of curiosity and
skepticism, but he’s won their hearts over. And everywhere we
played in the world, there were always Filipinos in the audience.
Would you believe even in Chile there was a Philippine contingent
who cheered our every song?”
Arnel says he is humbled by his instant success
and the attention being lavished him by American television, radio,
magazines and newspapers, which he considers “a blessing.”
His humility and honesty endear him all the more
to his fans. He had not qualms telling prime time US television
audiences about his being a former homeless who slept in concrete
benches at the Luneta, a popular park in Manila, and subsisting on
biscuits after his mother died and he was left to fend for himself
as a 10-year-old.
Pineda admits being nervous at the start,
worried how he would fit in the shoes left by popular Journey
crooner and star Steve Perry. But he was quick to point out how his
colleagues had encouraged him and welcomed him with open arms from
the start. Apart from Pineda, the rock group’s members are founder
Neal Schon, guitars; Jonathan Cain, keyboards; Ross Valory, bass;
and Deen Castronovo, drums.
Fans and critics started to take notice of Arnel
following the successful launch of Journey’s new album Revelation
sold more than 104,000 copies on its debut week and the band’s
smash European tour. Not only did Arnel prove his singing talents
with the new compositions but also won approval for his powerful
rendition of rock anthems such as “Don’t Stop Believin’,”
“Open Arms,” “Wheel in the Sky,” “Anyway You Want It,”
“Separate Ways,” “Send Her My Love,” and “Be Good to
Yourself.”
Music critic Jason Blevins of the Denver Post
wrote recently:
“With perfect pitch, power and amazing
resonance, Pineda floored a crowd that probably arrived ready to
pine for Perry. A few months ago Pineda was a somewhat popular
performer in Manila, singing an occasional Journey cover in a local
band. By Wednesday night, he was an American rock star with a
swooning crowd hanging on his perfectly tenored voice.”
The Journey summer tour of major US cities
started on July 9 in Denver, Colorado and will last four months
until Oct. 5 in Laughlin, Nevada.
The group is scheduled to have its Asian tour,
including the Philippines in November.
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