Journey Singer Invites Fans To Vote Him Out Of Band Via Facebook

Journey vocalist Arnel Pineda is offering fans the chance to have their say as to whether the singer and the band should go their separate ways following a controversial live performance.

Pineda took to social media over the weekend after criticism of his performance at Journey’s recent appearance at Rock In Rio went viral online. In footage of the September 15th show, Pineda is seen singing the band’s 1981 single Don't Stop Believin' from the crowd, with his voice appearing to falter as he aims for the high notes.

In his Facebook post, Pineda expressed his gratitude to his supporters since the start of their current tour, before turning his attention to the video of his performance.

“No one more than me in this world feels so devastated about this,” he began. “Its really amazing how 1 thousand right things you have done will be forgotten just cause of THIS. And of all the place [sic], its in Rock In Rio…

“Mentally and emotionally, I’ve suffered already, and I’m still sufferring… but I’ll be ok.”

Turning his attention to the negativity that his performance inspired, Pineda gave readers the rare chance to have their own say about his future within the band.

“So here’s the deal here now. I am offering you a chance now (especially those who’s [sic] 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?”

Currently, Pineda’s post has more than 6,000 reactions, with just as many comments. The vast majority of the comments left on the post have thus far been in support of the musician, meaning his future within the band seems safe currently.

Arnel Pineda joined Journey back in 2007 as their permanent vocalist following the departure of temporary Jeff Scott Soto, who had in turn replaced Steve Augeri after longtime singer Steve Perry quit in 1998 following the band’s 1995 reunion.

To date, Pineda has performed on three of Journey’s studio albums, including Revelation, Eclipse, and their most recent album, 2022’s Freedom. Pineda also served as the vocalist for the band during their sole visit to Australia, in early 2013.