Journey is an American rock band that formed in San Francisco in 1973. The band is composed of founding members Neal Schon (lead guitar) and Ross Valory (bass guitar), along with longtime members Jonathan Cain (keyboards, guitar, vocals) and Arnel Pineda (lead vocals). Journey is one of the most successful bands of all time, having sold over 75 million records worldwide. They are known for hits like “Don’t Stop Believin’,” “Any Way You Want It,” “Faithfully,” “Separate Ways (Worlds Apart),” and “Open Arms.”
Journey is currently on a massive tour across North America with fellow classic rock band Toto. This has left many fans wondering – who is the lead singer for Journey on this current tour? Let’s take a closer look at the history of Journey’s lead singers over the years and find out who is fronting the band on their 2022 tour.
Journey’s Lead Singers Through the Years
Journey has had three main lead singers over the course of the band’s nearly 50 year career. Here’s an overview:
Steve Perry (1977–1998)
Steve Perry was Journey’s most famous and commercially successful lead singer. He fronted the band from 1977 to 1998 and sang lead vocals on iconic Journey songs like “Don’t Stop Believin’,” “Separate Ways (Worlds Apart),” “Faithfully,” “Who’s Crying Now,” “Open Arms,” and “Lights.”
With his soaring tenor vocals and signature style, Steve Perry fueled Journey’s rise to arena rock superstardom in the late 1970s and 1980s. Albums like Infinity (1978), Evolution (1979), Departure (1980), Escape (1981), and Frontiers (1983) were multi-platinum successes with Perry on vocals.
However, by the late 1980s, Perry was experiencing health issues with his hip that hindered his ability to tour. He left Journey in 1987, rejoined briefly from 1995-1998, but was unable to fully participate in live performances. Perry officially left Journey for good in 1998.
Steve Augeri (1998–2006)
After Steve Perry’s departure, Journey brought on vocalist Steve Augeri in 1998. Augeri had previously sung for bands like Tyketto and Tall Stories.
As Journey’s new frontman, Augeri sang on the albums Arrival (2001) and Generations (2005). Hits like “Higher Place,” “All the Way,” and “Open Your Eyes” showed that Journey could still churn out radio-friendly rock tunes with Augeri at the helm.
He handled Perry-era classics well on tour and replicated his predecessor’s vocal style to keep the Journey catalogue alive. However, problems began to emerge in 2006 as Augeri developed issues with his vocal cords and was forced to leave Journey mid-tour.
Arnel Pineda (2007–Present)
After struggling to find a new lead singer, Journey serendipitously discovered Arnel Pineda on YouTube in 2007. Pineda, a seasoned singer in the Philippines, could nail Perry’s vocal range and inflections perfectly.
Journey hired Pineda and he made his debut on the band’s Revelation album in 2008. Pineda has been Journey’s lead vocalist for the past 15 years, touring the world and breathing new life into their classic catalog.
Albums like Eclipse (2011) and Traces (2018) show Pineda capably leading Journey into the future. His perseverance from humble beginnings in the Philippines to arenas around the world has also inspired fans globally.
Who is Singing for Journey on Their 2022 Tour?
That brings us to Journey’s massive 2022 tour with Toto. After reviewing the band’s history of lead singers, it should come as no surprise that Arnel Pineda is the lead vocalist on Journey’s current tour.
Pineda has been Journey’s undisputed lead singer since 2007 and fans have embraced his vocal abilities and energetic stage presence. Even at 55 years old, Pineda still has the soaring range to hit Perry-era high notes that are essential to Journey’s live shows.
Some key facts about Arnel Pineda on Journey’s 2022 Tour:
- This is Pineda’s 7th tour as Journey’s frontman
- He continues to excel at Perry-era classics like “Don’t Stop Believin’” and “Open Arms”
- Pineda’s story of being discovered on YouTube is now well-known amongst fans
- His vocal talent and humble personality have earned him the love of Journey aficionados
- Pineda has terrific on-stage chemistry with Journey guitarist Neal Schon
Here is a table summarizing Journey’s lead singers over time:
Years Active | Lead Singer |
---|---|
1977-1987, 1995-1998 | Steve Perry |
1998-2006 | Steve Augeri |
2007-Present | Arnel Pineda |
What Songs is Arnel Pineda Singing on the 2022 Tour?
Journey’s 2022 tour with Toto is delighting audiences with a hit-filled setlist of the band’s most beloved songs. Arnel Pineda is getting to showcase his vocal talents on many Journey classics.
Some standout tracks Pineda is singing on this tour:
“Don’t Stop Believin'”
Journey’s signature song and most streamed track. Pineda nails the iconic opening lines and challenging high notes.
“Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)”
This Journey classic showcases Pineda’s vocal range and his ability to inflect emotion into his singing.
“Open Arms”
One of Journey’s most moving ballads. Pineda’s tender vocals do it justice.
“Faithfully”
A sweeping arena rock power ballad that Pineda was born to sing.
“Wheel in the Sky”
The nostalgic opening track from Journey’s Infinity album allows Pineda to shine.
Other beloved Journey hits Pineda sings on the 2022 tour include “Any Way You Want It,” “Who’s Crying Now,” “Lights,” “Lovin’ Touchin’ Squeezin’,” and more.
After over 15 years in the band, Pineda has mastered Journey’s catalogue and remains a captivating frontman.
Fan Reactions to Arnel Pineda on the 2022 Tour
Based on fan comments and reviews, audiences are loving Arnel Pineda as Journey’s current lead singer. Here are some of the common reactions from fans:
- “Arnel nails those Steve Perry songs like he’s been singing them his whole life. Amazing talent.”
- “His stage presence is so fun. You can tell he loves the songs and loves the fans.”
- “I got chills when Arnel hit those notes in ‘Faithfully.’ He’s the perfect replacement for Steve Perry.”
- “Hearing Pineda sing the classics transports you right back to Journey’s glory days.”
- “His humble personality and obvious joy at living his dream endears him to the crowd.”
Many fans comment that Pineda’s youthful energy and vocal mastery breathe new life into Journey’s hits. They appreciate how he engages the crowd and seamlessly handles Perry’s challenging vocals.
Overall, Arnel Pineda remains a fan favorite as Journey’s current frontman.
Conclusion
Arnel Pineda has been Journey’s lead singer since 2007 after becoming an unlikely rock star thanks to YouTube. His incredible vocal range allows him to excel at the band’s classic hits originally sung by Steve Perry. Pineda continues to showcase his talents as the frontman for Journey’s 2022 tour with Toto.
Fans are responding enthusiastically to Pineda’s performances as he nails Journey favorites like “Don’t Stop Believin’,” “Open Arms,” and “Separate Ways.” Over 15 years into his Journey tenure, Arnel Pineda remains the definitive lead vocalist keeping the band’s music alive for new generations of fans. Journey clearly found the perfect replacement when they discovered Pineda back in 2007.