Journey frontman Arnel Pineda. Image courtesy of Paras Griffin
It’s truly disheartening to witness the challenges Journey’s lead vocalist, Arnel Pineda, faces during his performance in Brazil for the yearly Brazil Music Festival in Rock in Rio. I watched the entire show, and it was evident that apart from vocal strains, the humidity and heat took a toll on him and the rest of the band. This seems to be a common issue for bands performing in Brazil, particularly at events like Rock In Rio, where the weather conditions can be quite challenging for singers. Let us be real here, besides that possible factor, everyone can have a bad night. We are only human, after all.
It is a well-known fact that as a lead vocalist, singer, or artist, once you reach your 40s, your vocal cords can start to experience strain due to years, if not decades, of performing. This seems to be the case for Arnel Pineda recently. It is not due to any lack of effort on his part; rather, it could be that his vocal cords are already damaged from what I observed, analyzed, and watched in his most recent live performances. Inevitably, that could happen for any singer or artist in a band. Many popular artists have undergone minor throat procedures to repair damaged vocal cords, so they can go back to singing the way they used to or prolong their singing careers when they are past their prime. As for Arnel Pineda’s future as the frontman for Journey, the decision ultimately rests with him and the band.
It is common to criticize singers or vocalists as they age and their performance may not be as strong as it once was. There is no shame in acknowledging that one’s abilities have changed with time. Aging is a natural process, and everyone reaches it at some point. Being honest about this can earn more support and respect from loyal fans. I respect Arnel Pineda for his beginnings from obscurity despite being a great singer with a range to becoming the frontman of one of the greatest rock bands in history. His “rags-to-riches” story is inspiring and showcases his determination and talent to succeed no matter the cost.
Arnel Pineda‘s journey to global stardom is remarkable, offering inspiration and hope to countless aspiring singers and artists navigating the competitive and often exclusive entertainment industry. His success serves as a beacon of possibility for those facing challenges in a field that can be unforgiving in its talent selection and opportunities. By defying the odds, Arnel Pineda has not only triumphed over the system but has done so on his terms, demonstrating the power of self-belief and perseverance. His story is a testament to the enduring truth that one should never cease to believe in oneself. Does it not remind you of a Journey song? This will not mark the literal journey of his professional life for Arnel Pineda, as his passion for singing made him reach this far, and it is a safe bet this is not the end for him.
Looking back, I used to frequent record stores such as Tower Records and Odyssey in the 2000s, and it was around this decade that the name of Arnel Pineda became more prominent and heard around different music communities. I distinctly recall coming across the CD of the local band Zoo, which featured Arnel Pineda. At the time, Arnel Pineda had tasted fleeting moments of fame, but nothing compared to the incredible journey he had embarked on with the legendary band Journey. His current success far surpasses anything he had previously encountered.
I wrote an entertainment article about Arnel Pineda in Journey, the title is: “A ‘Journey’ Taken” which came out here on INQUIRER.net (The Number 1 news and entertainment-based website in the Philippines) on March 5, 2013. Yes, I have been writing for a long time. I have seen many people make it and not make it internationally. Arnel Pineda stands above everyone else in recent memory.
Shifting focus slightly to discuss music events in iconic locations, Rock in Rio stands out as one of the most prestigious annual events for top-tier bands. I have a favorite memory of Rock in Rio many decades ago, during the grand return of Guns N’ Roses in 2001. Despite only Axl Rose and Dizzy Reed being part of the original/famous lineup, they were joined on stage by a group of exceptionally talented freelance musicians who flawlessly delivered the classic Guns N’ Roses songs. This once-in-a-lifetime event marked a significant turning point in music history, showcasing established and up-and-coming talents in a breathtaking setting. It added an element of unpredictability to Rock in Rio, as you never know which artist might perform next or who might make a comeback that year.
As I conclude this newest entertainment article, let’s reflect on the remarkable music career of artist Arnel Pineda, who brought immense pride and honor to our country. When the music world learned that he was selected as the new frontman of Journey, after the original frontman, Steve Perry, it was a momentous occasion. Suddenly, where have all those positive feelings gone? Let’s give the man all due credit because stepping into the enormous shoes of Steve Perry was no small feat, yet Arnel Pineda rose to the challenge with gusto, giving Journey a new lease on life as an active, recording, and touring band. Let us at least acknowledge and commend Arnel Pineda for his outstanding tenure and incredible contribution to Journey’s legacy.