Journey Hires "Filipino Steve Perry" As Lead Singer
Journey, which had been without a lead singer for awhile until, like, right now, went on YouTube and tapped a young man known as "the Filipino Steve Perry" for the gig (vacated by Steve Augeri). That's right, Arnel Pineda (pictured above, center), formerly of a cover band called The Zoo, now gets his chance to play the Mark Wahlberg character in Rock Star. Pineda's rendition of "Don't Stop Believin'" is actually pretty, uh, believable. We're not sure if the same can be said for how Pineda's dream came to pass, but we're willing to suspend our disbelief -- just like Pineda did, evidently.
"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 imposter."
Arnel Pineda picks up the story: "My friend Noel picked up the message on YouTube and told me it was from Neal. I thought it was a hoax so I ignored it. Noel said, 'what if it really was Neal and he wanted to offer you the chance of a lifetime?' So I e-mailed Neal back and the rest is history."
7 comment(s)
Jeb says:
The Philippines has always had an endless well of talent musical talent. First with the introduction of Country music, then Rock and Roll, no country has mastered replicating American popular music like they have. Others may have adapted their own unique sound and style from the American influence but as far as a straight tribute is concerned, they don
Posted On: Wednesday, Dec. 5 2007 @ 4:27PM
NightOwl says:
Yep, If anyone does the rounds of Manila\'s bars chances are, they\'ll find a phletora of bands belting out American rock, pop etc. as one of their repertoire songs. But Filipinos are also as influenced by British 60\'s music i.e. Beatles, Stones etc. and New Wave. Whether Asia/Middle East bar/hotel lounge acts or Carribean Cruiseliners more often than not it\'s a Filipino band that\'s playing. It\'s actually been one of their country\'s major exports since the mid-50\'s. The environment does breed exceptional talent from among the crop especially coz they\'re well grounded with such a variety of musical influences that they\'ve been doing routinely. It becomes second nature for them to adapt/improvise and even creat e their own original songs along the same genre.
Posted On: Tuesday, Jan. 1 2008 @ 1:20AM
My Opinion says:
Arnel is an okay singer, but I don\'t look for him to last. Journey has a legend and that legend is Steve Perry and he can never be replaced. Journey also has a bad reputation of not treating their singers right. I wish Arnel lots of luck because he is going to need it.
Posted On: Wednesday, Jan. 2 2008 @ 11:14AM
wang says:
Who cares if he wont last or Journey band has a bad reputation on not treating their singers right. The point is Arnel finds himself & made it to the top, and that just opens to tons of opportunity. Arnel have the talent, and he doesnt need luck.
Posted On: Tuesday, Jan. 15 2008 @ 10:01AM
Fred Funkstone says:
Just another case of US jobs being outsourced overseas.
Posted On: Monday, Feb. 11 2008 @ 3:46PM
deedee says:
No one will ever replace the real singer of Journey, Steve Perry. And, Neal is really kidding himself if he thinks it'll happen. Steve Perry brought them their true fame and if they want it to go on, they should wake up to him and lighten up. Get over the arguing and forgive and forget. He made the Journey boys who they are.
Posted On: Tuesday, Jul. 21 2009 @ 7:51PM
deedee says:
Don't forget who brought in the big bucks for Journey, Steve Perry. He was their rise to fame. No one can deny that.
Posted On: Tuesday, Jul. 21 2009 @ 7:52PM