Following Arnel Pineda’s recent statement addressing racism and vitriol aimed at him, which emphasized his resolve to continue singing with or without Journey, bandmate Neal Schon has gone forward to put a stop to rumors regarding Pineda’s impending resignation. He took to Facebook and wrote:
“Dear friends, the purpose of this message is to refute any ridiculous, unrelenting rag mag bulls**t articles written by ex-managers regarding me replacing Arnel or Arnel leaving the band. We’re better than ever!”
The guitarist added:
“We look forward to meeting you this year! The tour starts in a few days. Much love and gratitude to everyone.”
Journey’s 2024 tour will begin on February 9 at the Mississippi Coast Coliseum in Biloxi. The band will reunite with Def Leppard for a North American tour from July to September, following previous collaborations in 2006 and 2018.
The Racism That Followed Pineda
The journey made headlines in 2007 when they hired Filipino singer Arnel Pineda as frontman after Neal Schon spotted his rock versions on YouTube. The choice to have an Asian performer at the front of an all-American band sparked a wave of bigotry and skepticism among some fans.
Pineda responded to his detractors on Instagram, lately sharing:
“Dear detractors, opponents, racists, bigots, haters, warmongers, etc., etc. Regardless of my name, I shall continue to sing, with or without Journey. It’s in my blood. Yes, I want to live a better life. Yes, I want to be recognized for what I do best, but I’ve never fantasized or wished so much to be a part of the band you love and respect so deeply… Call it fate? Call it destiny? Or, Call it divine intervention? Or call it pure luck?”
The message continued against the backdrop of John Lennon’s ‘Love,’
“I apologize for causing you unforgivable anguish. And I am willing to accept responsibility for the situation. I continue to believe in love, peace, unity, and harmony, and I hope that one day you will forgive me as I have forgiven you all 16 years ago. Love is everything. Love always wins. I’m proud of my wounds, as well as how they’ve healed into flawed but beautiful scars. Peace to everyone. “Love to you all.”
Unlike some ardent fans, Journey members, including ex-vocalist Steve Perry, welcomed the artist into the band. Perry paid tribute to Pineda in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame 2017, while his successor described meeting with him as a ‘glorious moment.’
