Journey singer Arnel Pineda recently opened up about his role in the band’s farewell tour. He revealed he actually wanted to be replaced by another singer for the tour in a candid interview with Rolling Stone.
The singer discussed his personal struggles and how they affected his desire to continue with the band’s touring schedule.
“Back in 2024, I said to [the band], ‘If you’re planning to do a farewell tour, you better tell me, because my issues and my personal problems are getting more intense, and I don’t know if I want to go with you,'” Pineda said. “I said, ‘I want you to discuss the schedule with me.’ It is what it is now…. But then, I was really not happy with how they scheduled this tour. My body has changed. I can’t take the cold weather anymore.”
Pineda expressed frustration with the band’s response to his concerns about stepping back from touring.
“As they say, silence can be louder than explaining. I said to them I wanted to retire because of my personal problems. No answer. Obviously, they don’t want to find another singer,” he continued.
The vocalist drew parallels between his situation and that of former Journey singer Steve Perry. He explained how personal issues have impacted his ability to perform.
“My personal problem really took a toll on me. That’s why I wanted to prioritize my family. It’s not that I hate touring with [Journey]. It’s like the same thing that happened with Steve Perry. He has a hip problem. Me, I have a personal problem that’s taking a toll on me. It’s getting in my head, emotionally,” Pineda said. “I told them that I was a wreck and needed a little more time so that I could fix my family. But I still have to do this.”
Journey’s farewell tour began earlier this year. Pineda continues as the band’s lead vocalist despite his expressed concerns.
Pineda ultimately committed to the extensive touring schedule that lies ahead for the band despite his initial reluctance to participate.
KOMO News reported that the Final Frontier Tour spans 60 cities across North America and Canada. The tour runs from February 28 in Hershey, Pennsylvania through at least 2027. The massive farewell tour represents one of the most ambitious touring schedules in the band’s history. The group has not announced an exact end date.
97.7 The River noted that during the band’s first full-band rehearsal, Pineda performed “stellar the entire time.” He expressed only 60 percent enthusiasm about participating in the tour. His professional performance during rehearsals demonstrated his commitment to the band despite his personal reservations.
Founding member Neal Schon acknowledged the tension surrounding Pineda’s participation in the farewell tour. 97.7 The River reported that Schon stated “we all signed contracts.” He expressed hope that Pineda would feel better about the tour as it progressed.
The situation highlights the complex dynamics within one of rock’s most enduring bands as they prepare to conclude their touring career. Ultimate Classic Rock revealed that Pineda’s attempt to pull out of the farewell tour in March 2026 underscores the personal challenges he faces while fulfilling his professional obligations to the band and their fans.
