Former Journey singer Jeff Scott Soto recently praised current frontman Arnel Pineda after a heartwarming onstage moment during a recent Journey concert, sharing his thoughts on Instagram.
Soto, who fronted Journey between 2006 and 2007, expressed his gratitude to guitarist Neal Schon and his wife Michaele, and described how Pineda acknowledged him during the show.
“And there it is, the money shot captured by my bro Iron Mike Savoia last night at the Journey show!” Soto said. “Neal’s missus walked me to the middle of the stage floor, Arnel saw I was there singing along and extended the mic to me then gave me a shout out to the enthusiastic LA crowd…it’s wonderful to be embraced by these guys in this way.”
He also thanked the band for their hospitality and shared his thoughts on the performance, which is rumored to be part of the final tour for the current lineup.
“Thank you to Neal and Michaele for the hospitality at last night’s Journey show, 28 songs and packed with deep cuts, it was the great sendoff if indeed this is the end for this lineup,” Soto continued. “I got to say hi to all and felt very welcome by the band and staff!!”
The moment carried added significance because Soto and Pineda represent two important chapters in Journey’s post-Steve Perry history.
Soto initially joined Journey as a short-notice touring replacement after Steve Augeri developed throat problems on the road. He was officially named the band’s singer in December 2006.
Soto’s tenure was brief, however. He left Journey in 2007 after less than a year with the band, and Arnel Pineda was subsequently selected as his replacement after Neal Schon discovered the Filipino singer through videos posted on YouTube.
Pineda has remained Journey’s lead vocalist since joining the band, with Schon continuing as its central member. Their shared stage moment with Soto therefore reflected the connection between Journey’s former and current vocal eras.
The interaction also came as Journey’s current lineup continues to perform dates promoted as part of a farewell run. The tour has been described as potentially the band’s final outing together, although Soto’s wording leaves the lineup’s future open-ended.
This heartwarming interaction highlights the mutual respect between the former and current Journey vocalists.
