Don’t Stop Believin’: Everyman’s Journey

Journey

Studio: Docurama

Released: August 20, 2013

Reviewed: August 25, 2013

It’s hard to imagine that Journey has been rocking the world for forty years. FORTY YEARS!  During that time, they’ve made several personnel changes.  Original keyboardist, Gregg Rolie, was replaced by Jonathan Cain, who co-wrote some of the bands biggest hits.  Drummer, George Tickner, was replaced by AynsleyDunbar, Steve Smith and Deen Castonovo (their current drummer); and the original bassist, Ross Valory, was temporarily replaced by Randy Jackson before Ross returned.

And while the band has had a total of four vocalist (Robert Fleischman, Steve Perry, Steve Augeri and current vocalist, Arnel Pineda), none of them have generated the buzz (and even conflict among fans) as Mr. Pineda.  Many Journey fans are very vocal about the band no longer existing (in their minds) without Perry at the mic.  While Perry was at the forefront of the band during their peak of popularity, Pineda steps up to fill the bill to ultimate perfection. And though I’m a Steve Perry fan, I’m equally as strong a Pineda fan.  He’s got my full support (for what that’s worth). 

The story of his rise from fronting his band, The Zoo, in the Philippines, to being discovered on YouTube by Journey guitarist, Neal Schon, is the stuff of modern folklore.  More than that, it’s a true story exemplifying America as the land of incredible opportunity if one just works hard and smart.

This incredible story has now been documented and made available on a DVD entitled Don’t Stop Believin’: Everyman’s Journey.  You’ll hear Schon share how, just when he was about to give up on his search for a new vocalist for Journey, he came across video of Pineda singing Journey music on YouTube.  He knew he found his man.

The DVD details the sales job to Jonathan Cain to convince him that Pineda was the voice; the meetings that took place; Pineda’s history (warts and all); and the work that led to helping him be a full member of the band.  You’ll even find out who the Plokkers are (no, it’s not a Filipino swear word).

The biggest takeaways I got from this DVD is that Arnel has a deep, burning desire to put his family first and that true happiness is based on that.  His humility is evident throughout the film. He knows he’s been giving an incredible opportunity to have a major impact on the world – both musically and through his charitable endeavors. 

Journey fans – as well as rock music aficionados – will most definitely want this DVD as part of their library.  I’m sure that, like me, they’ll watch it repeatedly.

Yeah, it’s that good.