ICYMI: Arnel Pineda faced criticism, asked fans to decide his fate with Journey

Journey's lead singer, Arnel Pineda, has faced criticism following his performance at Rock in Rio, and he responded by inviting fans to decide his future with the band. Pineda, who became Journey's frontman in 2007, addressed the feedback through a Facebook post after fans shared a video showing him struggling with vocals during the group's September 15 performance of their iconic hit, "Don’t Stop Believin’," from 1981. The singer, 57, acknowledged the difficulties he encountered and expressed his emotions about the show’s outcome.

Despite the harsh criticism, Pineda conveyed deep gratitude for being part of Journey. He wrote that professionally performing with the band fills him with "immense gratitude, humility and honor" every time he takes the stage. However, he also admitted feeling "devastated" by his performance at Rock in Rio, lamenting that despite countless successful shows, this one misstep has overshadowed his previous accomplishments.

"No one more than me in this world feels so devastated about this," Pineda wrote. "It's really amazing how 1000 right things you have done will be forgotten just cause of this and [of all places, it had to happen] at Rock in Rio." He shared that he has been mentally and emotionally struggling since the event, but assured fans that he would recover.

He is, of course, not the only famous singer who has spoken about mental struggles, and that's become more common in recent years, perhaps because stigma against mental illness has declined over the years (at least slightly). Then, of course, there are tours halted due to physical health problems.

Journey singer offers an unusual vote

In an unusual move, Pineda invited fans to vote on whether he should stay or leave the band. He addressed his long-time detractors, offering them a direct choice. "So here’s the deal here now. I am offering you a chance now ( especially those who’s 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?" he posted.

Journey’s guitarist, Neal Schon, quickly came to Pineda’s defense, dismissing the negative feedback as irrelevant. Schon commented on Facebook, urging Pineda to ignore the criticisms, urging Arnel not to listen to these blogs and that he's been been amazing. Many fans also expressed their support for Pineda, with some stating that anyone can have an "off night."

Pineda's special place in Journey

This was not the first time Pineda offered to leave the band. In 2014, he mentioned that if former Journey frontman Steve Perry ever wanted to reclaim his position, he would step aside willingly. Despite this, Pineda has shown his dedication to Journey over the years, saying he would remain with the band as long as they needed him. "I’m never going to quit on them," he stated, according to People.

Arnel Pineda’s journey with the band has been significant. Discovered on YouTube by Neal Schon, he was brought in to replace Steve Augeri, who had vocal issues, and became the band’s third lead singer following Perry and Augeri.

Since joining, Pineda has led Journey through extensive tours and contributed to albums like Revelation (2008) and Eclipse (2011). His vocal style, while different from Perry’s, has garnered admiration for capturing the band’s classic sound while adding his own flair. "Don’t Stop Believin’," the song at the center of the Rock in Rio performance controversy, is one of the most recognized anthems in rock history.

Released as part of their 1981 album Escape, it became a defining moment for the band and achieved a resurgence of popularity in the 2000s, particularly after its use in the final episode of The Sopranos. It’s also one of the best-selling digital tracks of the 20th century (though it might not overpower "White Christmas" by Bing Crosby).

Although the criticism surrounding Pineda’s Rock in Rio performance has cast a temporary shadow over his recent appearances, his role in Journey remains vital. Fans and fellow band members alike have continued to show their support, recognizing that even seasoned performers can face difficult moments on stage.

Here is Arnel undeniably doing the song justice:

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