One of the most popular bands on the planet in the 1970s and early 1980s was Journey.
They had hit after hit after hit. And the songs ranged from soft ballads like “Open Arms” and “Faithfully” and to rock anthems like “Don’t Stop Believin‘” (the top-selling catalog track on iTunes…ever!) and “Separate Ways (Worlds Apart).”
Without a doubt, the most identifiable part of their sound was the one-of-a-kind voice of lead singer Steve Perry.
The band took a hiatus in 1984 and the most famous lineup didn’t get back together until 1995, releasing a well-received, but not THAT well-received album.
A hip injury derailed a tour in the mid-90s, and he split with the band for good.
Journey continued to tour and record, churning through lead singers for the next decade. Nobody filled Steve Perry’s void.
And it all changed when founding member and lead guitarist Neal Schon was surfing YouTube one day in 2007.
He saw clips of veteran Filipino rocker Arnel Pineda covering Journey songs…and hired him to be the new lead singer!
Pineda went from being a relatively well-known singer in an Asian band “The Zoo,” best known for their cover songs, to being the face of one of the biggest bands in the world…all because of YouTube.
The success was instant, as Journey’s next album was a major hit and their 2008 tour brought in over $35 million.
Journey, to borrow from their lyrics, rolled the dice just one more time on a lead singer discovered via social media, and it paid off BIG time by revitalizing their career. Arnel Pineda truly took a Social Media Journey all the way to the top.
And Pineda is GOOD. Take a listen to him performing “Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)” and “Don’t Stop Believin.’”
Just a few quick thoughts on Wednesday’s American Idol season 10 premiere!
- Nice video package at the start distinctly NOT mentioning Simon Cowell’s name. (Or should we call him “He Who Shall Not Be Named?”
- Sometimes, it’s REALLY hard to tell Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler apart when they are sitting next to each other.
- Man, I would feel bad for Randy Jackson…but he’s making some serious coin for this gig. I mean, people CRIED because they were in the presence of J-Lo!
- I do like that the focus was on GOOD Idol auditions, not bad ones. It was a funny running joke for the first several seasons, but definitely wore out it’s welcome.
- I seriously miss He Who Shall Not Be Named. His lack of presence was felt.
- If this season becomes the lovey-dovey season without a voice of tough-love reason, I may have to stop watching Idol.
- Wait – was that a Constantine Maroulis sighting at the beginning? No chyron, either? Yeesh…only one of the most popular contestants of all time and a Broadway star…
- Does anyone TRULY care about the music director? Sorry, but I just don’t.
- Here is my favorite audition/story of the episode:
His music has brought smiles and laughs, both legitimate and ironic, to people worldwide. Whether you truly appreciate his artistry or get a nostalgic chuckle when you get “Rick Rolled,” he is a major part of pop culture.
As such, I am declaring Monday, November 15, 2010 as #RickAstleyDay!
To celebrate, please use the Twitter hashtag and share your favorite Rick Astley moments! Have fun!
And to get everything started, here is my favorite song from his latest album. I present to you, “Lights Out!”
Make sure you click on the link, because it kick-started the “Awesome” phase of this blog, further developed here. And of course, we are still very much awesome these days, with the “Your Daily Awesome” series in high gear.
