Contrary to what his growing multitude of euphoric fans would want to believe and proudly proclaim, there is nothing Filipino in former Olongapo-based band Zoo vocalist Arnel Pineda’s successful personal journey to, well, Journey. And if there ever is, it is only but the individual desire to make it big (the kind associated in capitalist entrepreneurship , that is, success equals money) common to most if not every Filipino.
Hiring a talented copycat to recreate an 80’s rock nostalgia does not promote Filipino music or cultural integrity, it only promotes commercial success – for there is nothing Filipino in Journey or any of its songs no matter how blindly we identify with them.
By stepping into the shoes of Steve Perry – faithfully sounding like him every note, every melody – Pineda’s singing evokes only feelings and memories of songs popularized by a missed idol, not the painful laments, heroic struggles or rich stories of his own people.
It is ridiculous how he could be called the fututre of Journey, as if Journey has not made its name or smelled success. Such extreme hype and premature credit by his fans only further enlarges the shoes he needs to fill and even more constricts the Perry straitjacket he is in. Why prefer the imitation salt when you can get the real thing?
Ahh, but he is rich and popular now, so the fans declare, wowing stunned crowds from Chile to Chicago. Perhaps. Or let us just assume — the stunning feat being arguable. But do his defensive fans eventually get to share his financial rewards or small fame, or whatever trickles down from it, if there is any?
Sad to say, whatever Filipino there is in Pineda’s journey (pun intended) and whatever talent Pineda has – and i am sure he does – they are overwhelmingly buried in the sights and sound of the overpowering rock and roll stage he chose to inhabit and his fans love with open arms.
Posted by diego rojo banaag 
