Being that it was my first official break-up, I did what any heartbroken 12-year-old would do.....I shut the door to my room, turned off the lights and listened to Journey's, "Open Arms" over and over again on my cassette player. Then I cried until my body wouldn't produce any more tears because this was the worst pain I had ever felt in my whole life, and my life would be forever in shambles.
Okay, so obviously I recovered from that heartbreak, but one thing remains with me to this day: the Open Arms of Journey consoled my wounded heart. I was a faithful follower from that day on......
Cody and I traveled to Dallas this weekend with a few friends to see Cheap Trick/Heart and Journey in concert. I had no idea that the original lead singer for Journey, Steve Perry, was no longer with the band. I found this a little disappointing, but we had already paid $75 a ticket and equal that in babysitting fees, so I was riding this pony as far as it would go.
The concert was pretty amazing, and I'll tell you a little more about the lead singer in a minute....but first, let me say that the people who attended the concert made Journey look like a sideshow. Seriously. We saw numerous people who have yet to leave the 80's. Maybe it was the 50 year old man with large, long, permed hair who wore a Mavericks basketball jersey with bicycle shorts....or the 40 year old woman who came dressed to impress in her one-piece bathing suit and combat boots. And I can't forget the bleached-blonde lady with the sleeveless, velor, mock-turtleneck shirt in hot pink. I swear she dug that shirt out of her Jr. High closet. I should know, I had one.
I really, really wanted to approach several interesting attendees to ask if I could take their picture, but I just wasn't bold enough. Plus, if they asked why I wanted their picture, I would have to be honest and say that I intend to make complete and total fun of their attire on my blog. Hmmmmm.....I'm not sure how they'd take that.
Here are Cody and me at the concert.....we obviously left the 80's in the 80's. My pinch-rolled, acid washed jeans are thanking me.
Okay, so back to Journey....the lead singer most of us are familiar with is Steve Perry. He was replaced (due to a degenerative hip disease and blown vocal cords) with another singer named Steve Augeri (rhymes with Perry.) After Steve #2 blew out his vocal cords, Journey was left without a singer. The guitarist took matters into his own hands and set out on a search for a replacement and found someone on......you guessed it, youtube. This guy's name was Arnel Pineda and he was from Manila. The story is simply amazing as Arnel was at one point homeless and living on the streets of his hometown.
Hear his story here.
Now you guys know that not only do I love Journey....but I also love Asians (part of my heritage), so Arnel was like the best of both worlds for me! I mean, who doesn't want that "Pretty Woman" ending? Street prostitute turned wealthy man's wife. Of course, it helps when you look like Julia Roberts and when it's a Hollywood script. But Arnel Pineda is, like, real life. You know this guy is waking up everyday saying, "Pinch me.....I've got to be dreaming!" (As a side note, I kind of wonder what Steve Perry is thinking when he realizes that he's been replaced not just once, but twice, and that Journey continues on as successful as ever. That thought can't be good for the ol' ego......)
Only in America.......
11 comments:
I saw his story on Primetime or 20/20, inspirational doesn't begin to describe it :)
Ang, you are as beautiful as always! Brandon will be jealous when I tell him that you went to this concert. He still thinks that good music has not been produced since that decade ended!!
I love that you, Crystal and Juli blog frequently...it has been nice catching up with everyone I grew up with.
You look skinny sis...whatcha not been eatin'?
Flo
Angela, I told you once, but I'll tell you again, I am SOOO Jealous that you got to see Journey!!! But, of course, it softens the blow to know that Steve Perry is no longer the lead singer. Did they even sound the same? I can't even imagine! And, by the way, people watching is a favorite passtime of mine, as you can imagine with the various shows that I am at. It never ceases to amaze me what some people think looks cool!
That is hilarious! Glad y'all could go - sounds like you had a blast. (is than an 80s term?)
sounds like fun! y'all look great! hope you had a happy 9th anniversary :) too. Next time I'm on and it's not so late, I'll read his story!
I love Journey! I saw them open for Def Leppard a couple of years ago at Smirnoff. I wanted to go this year too, but we missed it... I'm so jealous!
How fun!!!!!!!
Hi! So how did you find Arnel as a singer/performer? Did you like him? Was he okay?
Jessie:
Arnel was amazing. I was extremely impressed....he had so much energy and his vocal range is spectacular. I don't see how he does it. He sand for two hours straight....no intermission.
You won't be disapointed.
I agree with Flo..you look so skinny and super cute with that hubby of yours!! Looks like you a fun evening. I'd of loved to have people watched with you.
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