Journey Frontman Almost Bailed on Farewell Tour

Arnel Pineda had reservations about the band's Final Frontier tour due to personal issues and health concerns.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 4:00am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Journey's current farewell tour, titled 'Final Frontier,' almost didn't happen as lead singer Arnel Pineda initially didn't want to participate due to personal problems, including a contentious divorce, and concerns about the strain touring would have on his voice and body in cold weather. However, the band had already booked the tour, and Pineda ultimately agreed to join despite his reservations.

Why it matters

Journey is one of the most iconic rock bands of all time, and this farewell tour represents the end of an era. Pineda's reluctance to join the tour highlights the personal challenges and sacrifices musicians sometimes have to make, even at the height of their success.

The details

According to a new Rolling Stone article, Pineda told the band in 2024 that if they were planning a farewell tour, he wasn't sure he wanted to be a part of it due to his personal issues and health concerns. However, the band booked the tour anyway, and when Pineda emailed them about his reservations, he didn't receive a response. Pineda was so upset that he told the band he wanted to retire, but they still didn't respond. Guitarist Neal Schon acknowledged Pineda's messages about not knowing if he could do the tour, but said 'we all signed contracts' and that he hopes Pineda 'feels better about things.' At the first full-band rehearsal, the writer noted that Pineda sounded 'stellar the entire time,' though Pineda said he was only '60 percent' happy to be there, with the other '40 percent' still in the Philippines.

  • In 2024, Pineda told the band he might not want to do a farewell tour due to personal issues.
  • The band booked the 'Final Frontier' farewell tour anyway, despite Pineda's reservations.
  • Pineda emailed the band about his reluctance to tour, but did not receive a response.
  • Pineda was so upset he told the band he wanted to retire, but they still did not respond.
  • The first full-band rehearsal for the tour took place, with Pineda sounding 'stellar' but still only '60 percent' happy to be there.

The players

Arnel Pineda

The lead singer of the rock band Journey, who initially did not want to participate in the band's 'Final Frontier' farewell tour due to personal issues and health concerns.

Neal Schon

The guitarist for Journey, who acknowledged Pineda's reservations about the tour but said 'we all signed contracts' and that he hopes Pineda 'feels better about things.'

Jonathan Cain

A member of Journey, whose contentious relationship with Schon is also discussed in the Rolling Stone article.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“'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.'”

— Arnel Pineda, Journey Frontman

“'it's been very confusing' and acknowledged Pineda sent messages about not knowing if he could do it. 'But we all signed contracts, OK? So, honestly, I'm signed up for the next two years. I'm ready for it.' He added, 'I hope that he feels better about things.'”

— Neal Schon, Journey Guitarist

“'60 percent,' adding, 'The other 40 percent of me is still there in the Philippines.'”

— Arnel Pineda, Journey Frontman

What’s next

Journey's 'Final Frontier' farewell tour is scheduled to hit Austin, Texas, on Tuesday.

The takeaway

This story highlights the personal sacrifices and challenges musicians can face, even at the height of their success. Despite Arnel Pineda's reservations about Journey's farewell tour, he ultimately agreed to participate, demonstrating the dedication and commitment required to be a successful performer in the music industry.