Catching up with Arnel Pineda
http://entertainment.inquirer.net/58740/catching-up-with-arnel-pineda#.UFiiZvfMFVM.twitter
Arnel Pineda quietly flew back home recently, celebrating his 45th
birthday on Sept. 5—the same day his second child, Thea, was baptized.
The Filipino frontman of American classic rock band Journey took
the opportunity to bond with family and friends while on a short break
after completing 25 shows of the group’s current North American tour.
The tour, which includes a few dates in Canada and Hawaii, resumed last Saturday in Michigan.
Pineda chatted with the Inquirer via e-mail before he boarded the plane back to the United States.
How long will the tour last and how’s your health?
I feel great, considering the long flight, just to be with family
and friends again. My health is okay. I’ve been taking care of myself
to keep up with the demands of the tour this year. It will last until
Dec. 15.
Touring may not allow you to explore much of the places you visit. Which cities have impressed you so far?
That’s true, because all we do is go to the next destination as
soon as we are done with the scheduled show. It’s all travel via bus and
private planes. New York is very impressive, and this place called “The
Gorge,” was breathtaking.
How do you fight boredom?
I’ve been watching this American TV (drama) series called
“Breaking Bad.” It has a wonderful, unique story and lots of lessons to
learn. I’ve seen four episodes. Now I’m watching “Damages.”
How hard is it to please a foreign audience?
This is my fourth year with Journey. I think more and more
people, young and old, have come to love the things that I do with the
band … Each show gets more crazy, in a positive way.
What new bands or artists have caught your attention lately?
Dead Sara (a band from Los Angeles), also Grace Potter and the
Nocturnals (from Vermont, New England). They’re very good artists … with
different styles but both musically captivating.
How’s your family?
I missed my family so much it felt like I was gone forever. Yes,
my second child Thea was baptized last Sept. 5. It was also my birthday,
so it was a double celebration.
What do you miss most about the Philippines when abroad?
Family, friends, the food, and my own music, which I’ve been
working on. I’ve been recording my own stuff since last year and will
continue to do so until it’s done. I will release it as soon as
everything is finalized.
Do you still wear Doc Martens when performing with Journey?
Yes I do, they’re among my favorite things. They just never go out of style.