Filipino Journey band lead singer Arnel Pineda offers netizens and listeners his exit from the band. This happened after fans shared their disappointment with the singer’s performance at their Brazil concert. 

Numerous fans expressed their disappointment in the singer after a social media page posted a photo of him struggling to reach high notes. The Journey Band and Arnel Pineda performed their hit song, “Don’t Stop Believin’.” 

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The post was shared on September 21. While many expressed disdain, many online users quickly defended Arnel Pineda. Regarding the viral video posted by “Behind the Songs,” one user commented, “First of all, shame on “Behind the Songs” for this negative post. As a professional singer for over four decades, I can attest that every singer who performs regularly or tours has bad nights.”

He continued, “I don’t see the point of this post other than to incite negativity toward Arnel. The guy has done a great job. I’d like to challenge anyone out there to have a perfect night every night doing Steve Perry songs. Let the guy do his thing!”

Another fan defended Arnel, saying, “Everyone criticizes Arnel Pineda, here are some facts:

• Arnel Pineda not Ariel
• He’s 57 years old, has been 16 years (since his 2008 debut) as the lead vocalist of Journey
• In fact, he has been the lead voice for more years than Steve Perry, who was from 1978-1987 and 199-1998.
• I also think Perry’s voice was unique to Journey’s sound, but Arnel hasn’y done it wrong. Perry retired from Journey at 49, Arnel is still touring at 57. 

More respect to the Filipino.”

The commenter pointed out Arnel Pineda’s age and commended him for his work at his age.

The lead vocalist offered to quit the band in response to the backlash. He addressed the situation in a Facebook post, saying, “No one more than me in this world feels so devastated about this. It’s really amazing how 1 thousand right things you have done will be forgotten just cause of this. And of all the place, its in Rock in Rio.”

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He ended his post with, “So here’s the deal now, I am offering you a chance now (especially those who hated me and never liked me from the very beginning) to simply text GO or stay right here. And if GO reaches 1 million, I’m stepping out for good. Are you game folks?”

Arnel joined the Journey Band in 2008 after being invited by guitarist Neal Schön. When he officially joined them, the band’s guitarist Jonathan Cain said, “He is the future for our franchise.”

So, if you’re asking, “Is Arnel Pineda still with Journey?” the answer depends on the comments on his Facebook post. However, a lot of fans are commenting, “Stay.”

See Arnel Pineda’s statement about the Brazil incident here:

Source: (1)

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