Journey is one of the most successful and best-loved bands in history. Their success throughout the years landed them multiple Top 40 singles, gold and platinum albums, and a Rock-n-Roll Hall of Fame nomination. Journey’s success has also been impacted by its share of ups and downs; most notably its change in lead singer. Steve Perry lead the powerhouse group from 1977 through 1998. Changes in circumstance on Perry’s end coupled with the band’s desire to continue its existence lead to Perry being replaced. Initially, Steve Augeri took on the role, however, it was Arnel Pineda who finally fit the best and has remained a steady member for almost ten years. Pineda’s own journey to be the singer of one of the biggest rock bands in the world was not only one of gratitude and perseverance, but was also chronicled in an independent documentary.
In 2008, filmmaker and director Ramona Diaz received an email from a friend in Manila showcasing the best visa application story ever told. Since Ramona Diaz was a Filipino living in America, she had heard many stories about visa applications. The email included a story written by an immigration agent about Arnel Pineda’s visa application and also included a video of him singing “Faithfully” (everymansjourney.com). Diaz researched Pineda further and discovered that he got the gig with Journey. His story was no longer a funny narrative told by immigration agents, it was a story about taking a leap of faith. Diaz, herself, needed to take a leap of faith.
After passing along the information she found to her manager in Los Angeles, and then being told she should do it, Diaz began tossing the idea around more and more. All of her hesitation went away after she met Arnel Pineda and was allowed to film for a day. She says, “I found him to be profoundly articulate about his inner life, and a genuinely nice person with an extraordinary personal history. Documentary gold. (everymansjourney.com).” Eventually, Diaz and her crew followed the band around for a summer documenting everything. Unlike the NFL Films documentary recorded some 29 years earlier, which focused on the band in its entirety, Diaz’s film focused on the story of Arnel Pineda: a modern-day rags-to-riches story that impressed everyone who watched it. Titled Don’t Stop Believin’: Everyman’s Journey, Arnel’s story is one of perseverance and gratitude.
As one of the most successful bands in the world, Journey had its share of struggles while remaining at the top. Of those struggles, replacing a lead singer was the hardest to do. However, Arnel Pineda fit the role beautifully and has remained the lead singer for over ten years. Chronicled in the documentary Don’t Stop Believin’: Everyman’s Journey, Arnel’s story unfolds on the big screen for all to absorb, relate to, and appreciate.
(The documentary can be viewed at various venues across the country, on selective television channels, and is also available for purchase.)
-Jenna Jakes, WOGB
Related Links:
Journey Conquers The Video Game World
Journey Teams Up With NFL Films
From The Golden Gate Rhythm Section To Super Stardom, Journey Proves Successful, Part 2
AOTM: From Golden Gate Rhythm Section to Super Stardom, Journey Proves Successful, Part 1
