Arnel: It's the best job!

MANILA, Philippines - If things have changed for Arnel Pineda since he joined the American rock band Journey two years ago, the band itself has evolved because of their new lead vocalist from the Philippines.

“He brings so much energy and a new excitement on stage,” observes keyboardist Jonathan Cain. 

Pineda, adds guitarist Neal Schon, has given them a much more international dimension.

So proud are they of Pineda the band has decided to include tracks he sang on their new album, Revelation, in their first concert in Manila on Saturday, March 14, at the SM Mall of Asia concert grounds.

Arnel is just as impressed.

“I’ve been touring with the band for the past seven months and it’s the best job in the world,” he says. “Being with these guys is the best privilege I’ve had. “

Before Journey, Arnel admits he has been”trying for 26 years to be known in the Philippines.”

And now that he’s with the band, Arnel jokes that one big difference they have with other groups is that he gets to talk to them in English. In fact, the members already know what salamat (thank you) means, courtesy of Arnel.

Arnel – and the rest of the band – is expected to continue the Journey tradition of singing songs of ‘love and hope’, as guitarist Neal Schon calls them. 

There’s no room for songs about depression and violence in their repertoire.

There’s also no room for hanky panky in Arnel’s life. Today, even if adoring female fans are all over him, Arnel promises to be a good boy “and stay with my wife.”

And it’s just as well. After all, judging by the way Revelation (from MCA Music) is lording over the charts, Jourrney continues to exert a big influence among young music lovers.

“That’s why we’re on edge 24/7,” relates Schon.

And the best part is, adds Cain, “we’re proud to be representing the place where Arnel comes from.”

Journey is composed of Neal Schon, Jonathan Cain, Ross Valory (bassist), Deen Castronovo (drums) and Arnel Pineda (vocals).