Journey singer Arnel Pineda has issued a statement regarding new rumors that he is planning to leave the band next year.
“I am as happy to be in Journey today as I was when I first joined the group,” said Pineda. “Next to my family in Manila, Journey is my family. When I’m not working, I spend time at home with my wife and kids, and my Foundation. Now, I am busy preparing for our tour with Steve Miller Band and Tower of Power. I wish whoever is making up these lies would put their time to good use and stop spreading these false stories.”
Pineda’s response followed a report by Melodicrock – which has since been removed from the site – that quoted an unnamed source as saying “The Journey tours are being scattered and are fewer due to a request from Arnel. He told the group it has gotten to be too much pressure leaving family at home and singing almost every night. He’s asked to leave in 2015.”
“They got him a bus for him and his family, but his wife says it’s too hard to travel with two babies, and their boy has school,” quoted the site. “Arnel stated that he does not want to record a new album with Journey because that would just mean more work. He is very stressed right now and angry with Neal [Schon].”
The latest report comes on the heels of recent comments by former Journey singer Steve Perry, who was asked about a possible reunion with Schon during a rare public appearance at the Guitar Center Drum-Off Finals in Los Angeles last month.
“I haven’t worked with Neal, no,” said Perry. “We’re trying…it’s tough. I’m doing my best in that area and I can only do so much.”
Journey’s management were quick to shoot down possible reunion rumors with Perry, saying, "No reunion plans...all is well in the Journey camp.”
Perry left Journey in 1998 after being pressured by the group to tour following an injury that required hip replacement surgery when the singer was diagnosed with a degenerative bone condition.
See also:
Journey shoot down Steve Perry reunion rumors
Steve Perry talks about possible Journey reunion
VIDEO: Steve Perry performs at Guitar Center Drum-Off Finals
Journey’s Don’t Stop Believin’ named best driving song
Search Journey at hennemusic
