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Tuesday, August 19, 2008

Magical journey

Arnel Pineda winning global fans

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.