Journey guitarist Neal Schon has commented on the latest series of rumors regarding a possible shake-up in the band’s lineup, including speculation that singer Arnel Pineda will leave the group to see former frontman Steve Perry return.
“Rumours couldn't be further from the truth. Arnel and I are solid… VERY SOLID,” Schon tells Melodicrock. “We are very much looking forward to getting out there this year and kicking some ass. We will be in rehearsal for three weeks prior to the tour and we will be revamping things to keep it fresh. I'm also heading to rehearsal with the original Santana band for a record to be recorded later this year titled Santana 4. Journey is solid as we are and planning on touring all through 2015 as well as 2014.”
Schon’s comments follow similar ones from Pineda, who issued a statement last week saying, “I am as happy to be in Journey today as I was when I first joined the group. Next to my family in Manila, Journey is my family. When I’m not working, I spend time at home with my wife and kids, and my Foundation. Now, I am busy preparing for our tour with Steve Miller Band and Tower of Power. I wish whoever is making up these lies would put their time to good use and stop spreading these false stories.”
The rumors comes on the heels of recent comments by former Journey singer Steve Perry, who was asked about a possible reunion with Schon during a rare public appearance at the Guitar Center Drum-Off Finals in Los Angeles last month.
“I haven’t worked with Neal, no,” said Perry. “We’re trying…it’s tough. I’m doing my best in that area and I can only do so much.”
Journey’s management were quick to shoot down possible reunion rumors with Perry, saying, "No reunion plans...all is well in the Journey camp.”
Perry left Journey in 1998 after being pressured by the group to tour following an injury that required hip replacement surgery when the singer was diagnosed with a degenerative bone condition.
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