Journey singer Arnel Pineda recently dropped a major hint regarding his future with the band amid ongoing replacement rumors, sharing his thoughts in a new post on Instagram.
The singer reflected on the band’s recent show in Hawaii and addressed his status with the group following rumors of his potential departure.
“On behalf of Journey and our entire crew, a big thank you or allow me to say Mahalo Nui Loa Hawaii for such a very warm and generous hospitality,” Pineda said. “Maybe this is not the last. We are grateful forever. A hui hou Hawaii.”
These comments follow a recent performance where Journey played several songs with guest singer Hugo Valenti, a Steve Perry lookalike and soundalike vocalist. Pineda’s initial reaction to that show had sparked departure rumors when he suggested he could step back from the band, but his latest message implies he may be staying after all.
Pineda has been Journey’s lead singer since 2007. Guitarist Neal Schon discovered the Filipino vocalist through online videos before inviting him to audition for the band.
His time with the band also included two studio albums: Revelation, released in 2008, and Eclipse, released in 2011. Those releases helped define Journey’s modern era and supported the band’s continued touring career.
Valenti also has a history connected to Journey’s music. The vocalist previously fronted the Journey tribute band Voyage and later launched Hugo – The Ultimate Journey Tribute.
During Journey’s recent Japan dates, Valenti joined the band onstage at the Mizuho PayPay Dome in Fukuoka on August 29 to perform “Faithfully.” The unexpected appearance attracted attention because of Valenti’s resemblance to Perry and his ability to reproduce the former Journey singer’s vocal style.
Despite the speculation, neither Pineda nor Journey has officially announced a change to the band’s lead-vocalist position. His Hawaii message therefore appears to leave the door open for a continued partnership, although the singer’s exact plans remain unconfirmed.
