Words by Len Armea | Photos by Jun Sato
Legendary American rock band Journey recently wrapped up a four-day concert series in Japan, thrilling fans with their timeless classics. Led by Filipino frontman Arnel Pineda, the band launched the Japanese leg of their “Freedom Tour 2024” on Oct. 19 at Osaka Arena. The tour continued with performances at Pacifico Yokohama on Oct. 21 and culminated with two shows at the iconic Nippon Budokan on Oct. 23 and 24.
Journey’s tour has been a highly anticipated celebration of their 50th anniversary, marking five decades since the band’s formation in 1973. The current lineup, featuring founding members Neal Schon (guitar) and Jonathan Cain (keyboards), alongside Arnel Pineda (vocals), Todd Jensen (bass), Deen Castronovo (drums), and Jason Derlatka (keyboards), delivered an electrifying live performance during the four-day concert series.
Pineda, who has been Journey’s frontman since 2007, commanded the stage with confidence, effortlessly hitting the high notes and singing each song with deep emotion, leaving the crowd in awe. The night became even more special when he and the band performed some of their most iconic hits, including “Open Arms,” “Faithfully,” “When You Love a Woman,” “Send Her My Love,” and “Separate Ways.”
The two-hour concert concluded with Pineda’s heartfelt rendition of “Don’t Stop Believin’,” which brought the crowd to their feet, singing together in unison.
Journey has been on tour since February, performing to packed venues and entertaining their legion of fans around the world.
In September, the band encountered a challenging moment when Pineda faced criticism. During their performance at Rock in Rio in Brazil, he experienced issues with his in-ear monitors, which affected his ability to hit certain notes while performing Journey’s classic hit, “Don’t Stop Believin’.” A video of the performance went viral, prompting mixed reactions, with some fans expressing disappointment in his vocal delivery.
The 57-year-old Pineda took to social media to express his frustration over the criticism he received, explaining that the tour had taken a toll on his physical and mental health.
“No one more than me in this world feels so devastated about this… 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… mentally and emotionally, I’ve suffered already, and I’m still suffering, but I’ll be ok,” he said.
At one point, he even asked fans to decide whether he should remain with the band. In response, he received an outpouring of love and support, including from Schon and Cain, who expressed their gratitude for their frontman.
“You’re not going anywhere! Love you and grateful for you,” Cain commented on Pineda’s post.
Pineda’s rise to fame as Journey’s frontman is a story of destiny. His journey began when Schon discovered his cover of “Faithfully” on YouTube. However, stepping into the role of lead vocalist wasn’t easy for Pineda, as he faced skepticism from those who doubted he could ever fill Steve Perry’s shoes.
He persevered to prove he could carry the band’s legacy, armed with vocal prowess and the talent to rock the stage and command the crowd.
From enduring harsh criticism at Rock in Rio in Brazil to receiving thunderous applause in Japan, Pineda has come full circle. Seventeen years later, he remains at the forefront of Journey, leading a music career filled with colorful moments and achievements, ups and downs, critics and loyal fans, as well as growth and redemption.
