Journey Lead Singer Left “Devastated” After Struggling Through Performance, Leaves Fate in Fans’ Hands

Arnel Pineda, who has been the lead vocalist for Journey since 2007, recently shared his disappointment after a clip of a recent bad performance made the rounds on social media. He posted on Facebook that he was “so devastated” after he seemingly struggled with the high notes in the song “Don’t Stop Believin’” during the band’s Rock in Rio performance.

“No one more than me in this world feels so devastated about this…its really amazing how 1 thousand right things you have done will be forgotten just cause of THIS…and of all the place[s], its in Rock In Rio…” Pineda wrote on social media on September 22. “Mentally and emotionally, ive suffered already,and im still sufferring..but i’ll be ok…”

In an interesting move, he then gave fans an ultimate choice. “I am offering you a chance now … to simply text GO or STAY right here…and if GO reaches 1million…im stepping out for good..are you game folks?” he wrote.

The post brought in over 4,000 comments from fans, the majority of them sharing positive words and love for Pineda. Many fans understood that Journey’s songs were written “for a certain kind of vocal range, and you have it!” as one fan wrote, adding, “Everyone has bad days, don’t beat yourself up over it.”

[RELATED: The Story and Meaning Behind “Lovin’, Touchin’, Squeezin’,” the Journey Hit that Cemented Steve Perry’s Place in the Band]

Journey Lead Vocalist Finds Support from Fans After Sharing “Devastating” Performance

Journey fans have taken to Arnel Pineda since he joined the band in 2007, and the outpouring of love for him after this performance makes it clear they want him to stay. “Stay, stay, stay… a million times stay,” one fan commented. “But only if it is physically, mentally, and emotionally the right thing to do for you. Much love and support to you.”

Another commented, “You’re a fantastic vocalist and just ignore the haters. You’ve got Steve Perry’s blessing so that’s what actually matters I’d say.” More fans commented with support, sharing that they know Pineda can sing. “Stay. I have watched you slay [“Don’t Stop Believin’”] many times,” one fan noted.

“Everyone who sings has off nights, you’ve done this long enough to know that,” wrote another fan. They added, “You’re in One of the biggest bands in history, you have access to the best vocal coaches on the planet. In my opinion, you have good technique. You’re probably just worn out… Giving up is never an option. Regroup, relax, retrain, get back to work.”

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