Journey members are coming in to defend vocalist Arnel Pineda following his viral performance at the Rock in Rio Music Festival in Brazil.
In an Instagram post, drummer Deen Castronovo said “Arnel has RISEN to the challenge of Journey’s catalog, NIGHT after NIGHT, YEAR after tiring YEAR!”
“He gives to YOU ALL and Journey, the best that he can give you,” he added.
Deen emphasized how the human voice, because it is “a biological instrument” is affected by several factors. “Sometimes it DOES NOT, CANNOT or WILL NOT cooperate when needed. So, what’s the point of hammering a human being over something they have no control over?” Deen argued.
“I know very few who can pull off what Arnel does without ego and with passion and grace,” he continued.
Meanwhile, Journey keyboardist Jonathan Cain voiced his support for the Filipino vocalist.
Addressing Arnel on social, he began with “16 years and strong!”
“Love you and grateful for you,” Jonathan added as he said “you are not going anywhere.”
The two are coming at the heels of Arnel’s social media post, where he asked fans to decide whether he should stay or leave the band for good.
Sharing a video link to his performance of “Don’t Stop Believin’,” Arnel addressed his Brazil performance and apologized to fans.
“It’s really amazing how one thousand right things you have done will be forgotten just cause of this and of all the places, it’s in Rock In Rio,” he wrote.
Arnel shared that he had “suffered emotionally and mentally.”
Arnel debuted as the lead singer of Journey in 2007 after its lead vocalist Jeff Soto left the band. More of Journey’s hit songs include “Any Way You Want It,” “Faithfully,” and “Open Arms.”
