FILE PHOTO (Photo by Robb D. Cohen/Invision/AP)
Journey frontman Arnel Pineda has confirmed that he tried twice to quit the band due to personal problems and the strain of their touring schedule.
Speaking through his US-based manager Yul Session, Pineda said the Rolling Stone story accurately reflects his account of what happened two years ago.
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“He says it’s correct and he has nothing more to add, because from the beginning there were compromises involving him that should have taken his position into account,” Session told USNewsRank.
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FILE PHOTO (Photo by Michael Mariant/Invision/AP)
Arnel Pineda tried to quit twice
In the Rolling Stone article published March 31, Pineda said he told Journey co-founder and lead guitarist Neal Schon and keyboardist Jonathan Cain on two occasions that he wanted to retire from the band due to personal struggles and touring demands but did not receive a response.
He also said he was not consulted before Journey locked in dozens of dates for its “Final Frontier” tour, which began in February and is billed as a farewell trek for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame band.
The article also noted that, according to both Pineda and Schon, Journey’s contract with concert promoter AEG requires that the tour proceed with Pineda as lead singer, limiting his ability to step away during the tour.
Pineda and his manager were in transit to Salt Lake City, Utah, where the band is scheduled to perform at the Delta Center this Sunday, April 12, as part of their “Final Frontier” tour.
Session said Pineda has been “on voice rest” as he prepares for the show.
Neal Schon responds
Meanwhile, Schon posted a statement on Facebook that seemed to be in response to what Pineda told the Rolling Stone.
“There’s been some recent press and speculation that doesn’t reflect the full picture,” Schon wrote.
He said no one was forced to tour, stressing the group’s contractual obligations to honor the schedule.
“Touring at this level involves many moving parts, and decisions are made collectively with our team, including management, agents, and promoters,” Schon wrote. “Like any long-running band, there are moments where people feel the pressure differently. I respect that, and I have nothing but appreciation for what everyone brings to the stage.”
“For clarity, no one was ever prevented by me from making their own personal decisions,” he continued. “At the same time, we were all advised by our representatives that there are contractual obligations tied to touring that need to be honored.”
Pineda, who joined Journey in 2007 after Schon discovered his performances on YouTube, has said he is dealing with vocal fatigue and personal turmoil but remains committed to the band and their fans.
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