Comments on: Don't Stop Believin'

Don't Stop Believin'

flatluigi — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 20:33:04 -0800

Who knew when Arnel Pineda, lead singer of a Journey cover band called "The Zoo," posted videos of his band on YouTube that he'd grab the attention of Journey itself and be invited to be its new lead singer? (via)

"I was frustrated about not having a singer," explains guitarist Neal Schon, "so I went on YouTube for a couple of days and just sat on it for hours. I was starting to think I was never going to find anybody. But then I found THE ZOO and I watched a bunch of different video clips that they had posted. After watching the videos over and over again, I had to walk away from the computer and let what I heard sink in because it sounded too good to be true. I thought, 'he can't be that good.' But he is that good, he's the real deal and so tremendously talented. Arnel doesn't sound synthetic and he's not emulating anyone. I tried to get a hold of him through YouTube and I finally heard from him that night, but it took some convincing to get him to believe that it really was me and not an imposter."

By: stbalbach

stbalbach — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 20:41:24 -0800

Recruit the entire band, much more interesting.

By: mrzarquon

mrzarquon — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 20:42:31 -0800

Here's him performing Don't Stop Believing

By: Roman Graves

Roman Graves — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 20:42:38 -0800

Arnel doesn't sound synthetic and he's not emulating anyone Except, ya know, Steve Perry.

By: smackfu

smackfu — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 20:47:44 -0800

Does the keyboard guy miss a note on the intro to "Don't Stop Believing"?

By: onalark

onalark — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 20:49:16 -0800

smackfu, I think so. The Youtube audio links for the Zoo are really washed out, I feel like I'm listening to a pair of worn-out car speakers.

By: onalark

onalark — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 20:50:44 -0800

But this is an awesome story, it's inspiring on a few different levels, but just imagine how amazing it would be to get recruited to sing for the band that you, you know, cover, for a living...

By: doctor_negative

doctor_negative — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 20:54:18 -0800

He's got an awesome voice. Too bad the music business isn't actually looking for talent these days.

By: krinklyfig

krinklyfig — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 20:56:44 -0800

onalark writes "But this is an awesome story, it's inspiring on a few different levels, but just imagine how amazing it would be to get recruited to sing for the band that you, you know, cover, for a living..." That's what happened to Judas Priest, at least for a while ... until Rob Halford came back and he got the boot. I used to love Judas Priest when I was about 12.

By: flatluigi

flatluigi — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 20:59:26 -0800

Here's him singing Faithfully to what looks like an empty restaurant.

By: jefftrexler

jefftrexler — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 21:03:31 -0800

That's a much more efficient search technique for replacing a singer than a reality show.

By: stbalbach

stbalbach — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 21:04:25 -0800

Arnel Pineda (WP)

By: jtron

jtron — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 21:10:00 -0800

Nicko McBrain, drummer for Iron Maiden, also plays in an Iron Maiden cover band, which is nine kinds of awesome. I still love Judas Priest

By: gen

gen — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 21:17:12 -0800

Journey, with Arnel on vocals, just played Viña del Mar, Chile: part 1, part 2, part 3 (poor video, poor audio but it gives you a feel of how he's doing.) Also Neal Schon's WSJ quote on how the Internet is changing music A&R is obvious but important:

"I think the days are over of major record companies flying around A&R guys to major cities to listen and find new talent," he says. "Wouldn't you think it's a plus to find what you want for your band, as opposed to 'someone else's opinion' of who would sound and be right for you?"

By: mrbill

mrbill — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 21:17:43 -0800

Maybe I'm expecting too much, but the "Zoo" band seems to be "bunch of 17 year olds in a garage" quality-wise, while their now-ex-vocalist is all kinds of awesome.

By: Bookhouse

Bookhouse — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 21:18:12 -0800

Does the keyboard guy miss a note on the intro to "Don't Stop Believing"? He sounds pretty shaky throughout. But that lead singer is very good at what he's doing. What a strange thing it must be, to both love Steve Perry and sing just like him. It's sort of the opposite of that line that Chuck Klosterman had about the guy playing Slash in a Guns & Roses cover band: "Unfortunately, Young can't learn how to look like a mulatto former heroin addict, and he holds the only position in America for which that is a job requirement. "

By: dobbs

dobbs — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 21:21:27 -0800

Wow. He sounds just like him. Jesus that's creepy.

By: sourwookie

sourwookie — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 21:23:37 -0800

Why are they called "The Zoo?" Is that a Journey reference I don't get? Why not "Streetlight people" or "We're Crying Now" or something?

By: mrbill

mrbill — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 21:27:40 -0800

Here's a better clip of yesterday's concert.

By: Quonab

Quonab — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 21:41:12 -0800

Does this mean there will be a new video game?

By: BitterOldPunk

BitterOldPunk — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 22:03:10 -0800

Nicko McBrain, drummer for Iron Maiden, also plays in an Iron Maiden cover band, which is nine kinds of awesome Or nine kinds of sad, depending on how you look at it.

By: eurasian

eurasian — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 22:05:35 -0800

God. Damn. He's got pipes.

By: oneirodynia

oneirodynia — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 22:16:15 -0800

Why are they called "The Zoo?" Is that a Journey reference I don't get? Yeah, it seems like they should be a Scorpions cover band.

By: jtron

jtron — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 22:21:57 -0800

> Nicko McBrain, drummer for Iron Maiden, also plays in an Iron Maiden cover band, which is nine kinds of awesome Or nine kinds of sad, depending on how you look at it. posted by BitterOldPunk at 12:03 AM on February 23 [+] [!] Dare I say it... ;)

By: Admiral Haddock

Admiral Haddock — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 22:32:50 -0800

How many more times do we have to hear the same old tired story of a unknown Phillippino cover artist being plucked from obscurity to front the band whose songs he's been all these years? I can count seven just off the top of my head, not even including that guy who's replacing Liam in Oasis who just speaks Tagalog. Yawn.

By: gen

gen — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 22:39:31 -0800

fernalcaraz seems to have the Chile concert on YouTube (in parts, some audio decent, some poor)

By: folgers crystals

folgers crystals — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 22:50:32 -0800

This is a great story. Arnel can really sing.

By: survivorman

survivorman — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 22:52:37 -0800

After watching the videos over and over again, I had to walk away from the computer and let what I heard sink in because it sounded too good to be true. I love that line. It's great when something awesome like that happens in life.

By: bwg

bwg — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 23:06:40 -0800

How many more times do we have to hear the same old tired story of a unknown Phillippino cover artist being plucked from obscurity to front the band whose songs he's been all these years? Jealous? And it's spelled Filipino. Personally I'm waiting for the awesome Pinoy who can channel David Lee Roth.

By: davejay

davejay — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 23:12:34 -0800

Steve who? seriously, in that clip from the first concert, he sounds so good and looks so natural it's hard to believe he's not the first guy to sing the songs. American Idol can go to hell.

By: davejay

davejay — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 23:13:24 -0800

Jealous? Dear Sir or Madam: we regret to inform you that the sarcasm filter you ordered from us is defective, and should be returned immediately for a refund.

By: Crotalus

Crotalus — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 23:16:51 -0800

Life imitates art.

By: p3t3

p3t3 — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 23:17:34 -0800

Nice story. According to Wikipedia, he lost his mother at age 12, and was homeless for some time as well, but has been dedicated and focused on his music career ever since - nice to see it payed off. Although the news stories made it sound like the Journey guitarists picked him up out of nowhere or that he was relatively unknown. But in the Phillipines, he had already released on BMG, Warner, and MCA- so he had already received some success in Asia; I'm sure this new gig must still be a dream come true for him though.

By: Blazecock Pileon

Blazecock Pileon — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 23:30:08 -0800

It's such a fine line between clever and stupid.

By: mumkin

mumkin — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 23:31:30 -0800

Wow, that's an excellent article about a GNR cover band you linked to. Thanks, Bookhouse.

By: LarryC

LarryC — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 23:33:04 -0800

This is such a cool story. Except for the Journey part.

By: damn dirty ape

damn dirty ape — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 23:40:33 -0800

That's what happened to Judas Priest, Yep, and another band but I cant recall who. The guy was from the Chicagoland area.

By: kxr

kxr — Sat, 23 Feb 2008 00:26:27 -0800

Bah... If you ask me they shouldda gone with these guys. (YouTubery. Starts about thirty seconds in, coz I couldn't find a version edited down so that it actually starts with Don't Stop Believin'...)

By: artdrectr

artdrectr — Sat, 23 Feb 2008 00:27:42 -0800

Is there a pill that will get that fucking Journey song outta my head?

By: George_Spiggott

George_Spiggott — Sat, 23 Feb 2008 01:07:13 -0800

I can't help but think that once a band has changed enough members and transitioned to a stage where nobody goes to hear them play anything but their old hits that they are in effect a cover band that just happens to have the rights to the name.

By: panamax

panamax — Sat, 23 Feb 2008 01:48:46 -0800

heh, before listening to their cover I hadn't noticed that Dennis DeYoung had the correct (mis)pronounciation of "Mistah Roboto". But can Steve Perry do Jim Morrison . . . or John Bon Jovi . . . Kurt Cobain . . . Deep Purple . . . Geddy Lee :)

By: panamax

panamax — Sat, 23 Feb 2008 02:07:33 -0800

^ never mind about the roboto thing ? (. .

By: mistersquid

mistersquid — Sat, 23 Feb 2008 03:49:55 -0800

Arnel Pineda has a fantastic voice and it's a crying shame such talent finds its apotheosis in an undead version of a world-renowned 80s rock band. Journey was amazing and Pineda does a reasonable interpretation, but Steve Perry he ain't. It would have been much better for everyone if Pineda could make it on his own in a new band talented enough for his voice.

By: Stewriffic

Stewriffic — Sat, 23 Feb 2008 04:15:45 -0800

My reaction to this is just visceral, insane joy.

By: mediareport

mediareport — Sat, 23 Feb 2008 05:15:15 -0800

Be sure to follow the link at the bottom of the WSJ article gen linked to a great story about Jeremey Hunsicker, a different Journey tribute-band singer from Roanoke, VA with a wife and new baby on the way, who was offered the slot before Pineda, only to have it yanked away a few hours later and dangled over the course of last summer: On the West Coast for a week, Hunsicker rehearsed with the band. He had dinner with band members and manager Irving Azoff. He recorded with Cain, the keyboardist, working on song ideas. By Monday, he was back at work, at Saia Motor Freight in Roanoke. The next day, Cain called him. Hunsicker was to fly back west in a couple of weeks to begin rehearsing and recording new songs. At Hunsicker's request, he would have between September and the end of the year to get his family in order. He would get a retainer from the band, which did not plan on touring until spring. He received a voice mail from management, saying, "Welcome to Journey." Three hours later, Journey's management called, telling him that Schon had decided things were moving too fast. Everyone needed to take a breather. Hunsicker didn't want to be put on ice. He had a family to support. He called Cain and Schon, telling them that he felt "jerked around," and they continued talking throughout the summer. Meanwhile, Schon was doing a little YouTube exploration of his own. He found another singer, Arnel Pineda, from the Philippines. "Arnel was flown in in August," Hunsicker said. "And I never heard from Journey again."

By: mediareport

mediareport — Sat, 23 Feb 2008 05:15:39 -0800

Here's the link.

By: 2or3whiskeysodas

2or3whiskeysodas — Sat, 23 Feb 2008 05:46:36 -0800

Except, ya know, Steve Perry. Listening to the cover version of "Don't Stop Believing" now--not really hearing it. They've got a similar range, sure, of course. But he sounds like he's got as much of his own thing going on as possible, being the lead singer of a cover band. Regardless, I think they should have hired Petra Haden and her six friends! Just imagine... note to self: create petra haden fpp asap.

By: benzo8

benzo8 — Sat, 23 Feb 2008 05:54:41 -0800

> Nicko McBrain, drummer for Iron Maiden, also plays in an Iron Maiden cover band, which is nine kinds of awesome. Maiden are just awesome like that - I love the fact that Bruce is a credited airline pilot, and is flying the band around on their current tour. Even discounting Eddie, they've always struck me as a band never took themselves too seriously, and when you're having fun, the audience is having fun too...

By: FelliniBlank

FelliniBlank — Sat, 23 Feb 2008 07:01:48 -0800

Petra Haden and her six friends! Finally, a reason for the abomination that is Journey ever to have existed for even a nanosecond.

By: Bookhouse

Bookhouse — Sat, 23 Feb 2008 07:17:32 -0800

Petra Haden and her six friends! I had to find the Journey version to wash that out of my head, and I really never thought I'd be typing that in my life.

By: not_on_display

not_on_display — Sat, 23 Feb 2008 08:41:48 -0800

I saw this on TV a few months ago and thought to FPP it, but my next thought was, "Oh, someone else will." I should not have had to wait this long for someone else to pick up my slack. Domo Arigato, Mr. flatluigi. (sidetrack to wierdness: the above YT link to The Zoo's Mr. Roboto cover has the word "FIDEL" in all caps. I think the Cuban government is trying to communicate something.)

By: 445supermag

445supermag — Sat, 23 Feb 2008 09:05:27 -0800

Reminds me of the Simpsons gag, the billboard in Las Vegas: Knights in White Satin, with opening act: The Moody Blues

By: uncleozzy

uncleozzy — Sat, 23 Feb 2008 09:10:02 -0800

There's a Journey tribute band (Evolution) that comes around my way pretty often. Their singer (who goes only by the name Hugo) both sounds and looks just like Steve Perry. Better than this guy, as far as I can tell. Maybe he was just too close for Schon et al.

By: DecemberBoy

DecemberBoy — Sat, 23 Feb 2008 10:00:07 -0800

Yeah, you could look at it as inspiring, or as a cynic who thinks Journey sucks: they probably recruited from Journey cover bands via YouTube because that was the only option available to them. Hopefully they can avoid setting some ramshackle club and its audience of 100 on fire with their pyro. I mean, Journey petered out because they were no longer popular in like 1987. They were basically a sustained several-hit-wonder that infected the airwaves for a brief time in the early 80s and have since gone to classic schlock heaven. Fun fact: Journey used to be a progressive jazz/rock band with Prairie Prince of The Tubes as their drummer. They became the soundtrack to clumsy Boone's Farm-influenced parking lot groping when Steve Perry joined.

By: DecemberBoy

DecemberBoy — Sat, 23 Feb 2008 10:07:21 -0800

Also, Nicko McBrain playing in a Maiden cover band isn't sad. Maiden is still a huge draw and regularly sells out arenas (not so much in the US, unless they're part of a larger tour), so it's not like he's fallen on hard times. Nicko is just a weird guy who wants to constantly play the drums.

By: Relay

Relay — Sat, 23 Feb 2008 10:21:27 -0800

Who knew? I bet Tim "Ripper" Owens knew.

By: sageleaf

sageleaf — Sat, 23 Feb 2008 10:45:52 -0800

Journey used to be a progressive jazz/rock band with Prairie Prince of The Tubes as their drummer. Prairie Prince was gone by the time Journey started recording. It's Aynsley Dunbar on the first four albums, the first three of which are the Perry-free progressive stuff. I check out this video every now and then just for the sheer thrill of Schon's hair and outfit.

By: Relay

Relay — Sat, 23 Feb 2008 12:25:41 -0800

Correct me if I'm wrong, but wasn't Journey sort of a spin off from Santana? I always had that impression for some reason.

By: box

box — Sat, 23 Feb 2008 12:30:48 -0800

This is, by far, my favorite version of a Journey song: Jerry Granelli and Jamie Saft - Don't Stop

By: not_on_display

not_on_display — Sat, 23 Feb 2008 13:05:52 -0800

^Neal Schon joined Santana's band when he was 15, and is about that age in this video of Black Magic Woman.

By: jscalzi

jscalzi — Sat, 23 Feb 2008 13:15:23 -0800

"I mean, Journey petered out because they were no longer popular in like 1987." Aroo? Journey's 1986 album Raised on Radio went to #4 and featured a top ten hit and other charting singles. They petered out because of the time-honored "creative differences," not lack of popularity. And when Trial By Fire came out in 1996, it debuted at #3 -- I remember because I won a bet with a friend that it would debut in the top five. He refused to believe such a thing would be possible. It was. And if Steve Perry were ever to come back to Journey for another album,I'd drop another bet that album would be a top fiver, easy (probably #1, in fact, since Journey fans are of an age that they would actually buy the CD rather than snake it from Pirate Bay). Just because you didn't like them doesn't mean everyone else didn't. The band's popular.

By: cazoo

cazoo — Sat, 23 Feb 2008 13:32:45 -0800

uncleozzy, i have to disagree with you. i found a video of evolution and its basically beatlemania. it makes perfect sense to stay away from singers trying to mimic steve perry because you'll just end up looking like a cover band of yourself.

By: Relay

Relay — Sat, 23 Feb 2008 14:06:59 -0800

^Neal Schon joined Santana's band when he was 15, and is about that age in this video of Black Magic Woman. Yes, not_on_display ... and wasn't their keyboard player also in Santana; you can see him in the Woodstock footage. I liked Santana a lot when I was in high school, our school jazz band played a lot of their stuff. I had a guitar player freind in college who was totally into Neal Schon, and I wanted to like Journey, but by this time, bands like The Clash started popping up and ...

By: miss lynnster

miss lynnster — Sat, 23 Feb 2008 14:56:57 -0800

How convenient that he already knows the songs. Talk about efficient recruiting.

By: sineater

sineater — Sat, 23 Feb 2008 16:57:25 -0800

yep Greg Rollie was also in Santana

By: dr_dank

dr_dank — Sat, 23 Feb 2008 17:45:05 -0800

I've seen that band at the Dublin Pub, uncleozzy. I was surprised that they threw in the Steve Perry solo material.

By: stbalbach

stbalbach — Sat, 23 Feb 2008 19:53:37 -0800

Their singer (who goes only by the name Hugo) both sounds and looks just like Steve Perry. Better than this guy, as far as I can tell. Maybe he was just too close for Schon et al. You know how old balding western white guys meet up with young Asian women over the net looking for marriage - the guys figure they can control them and they will he pliant and the women see as a chance to move up in the world.

By: dhartung

dhartung — Sat, 23 Feb 2008 21:52:11 -0800

Yep, and another band but I cant recall who. The guy was from the Chicagoland area. Do you mean J.D. Fortune, winner of Rock Star: INXS (who's Canadian)? The runner-up was Marty Casey of the Chicago band Lovehammers. (Rejected as a contestant was Chris Daughtry, now a Grammy also-ran ...)

By: jpdoane

jpdoane — Sat, 23 Feb 2008 22:08:10 -0800

This is awesome! Too bad the YouTube videos have such poor audio

By: davelog

davelog — Sun, 24 Feb 2008 06:04:06 -0800

Very cool fpp. Arnel's awesome and all that, but the Zoo ain't too shabby themselves. Very well-done cover of YYZ here.

By: Herodios

Herodios — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 14:17:51 -0800

yep Greg Rollie was also in Santana And was the lead singer of Santana ("Black Magic Woman") and of Journey on the pre-Perry albums. Even after Perry came on board he was co-lead singer, notably on "Feeling That Way". That was also the last Journey song I gave a rats about. Mrs. H calls BS, saying that it's just because that's when Journey stopped being a band only boys liked and started being a band girls liked. Fair comment, I guess, but I still prefer Rollie's voice. Journey had potential but were rather un-focused as a quasi-prog band -- never quite took advantage of their considerable chops. I found them far less palatable after Perry, but there's no denying that they'd lasered in on something after he joined. Grasp, meet reach.