Journey Drummer Deen Castronovo Stands Up for Arnel Pineda Against Critics
ARNEL PINEDA – Journey drummer Deen Castronovo defended Filipino singer Arnel Pineda against his bashers.
Journey’s drummer, Deen Castronovo, came to the defense of Filipino singer Arnel Pineda after Pineda faced criticism for his performance at the Rock in Rio Festival in Brazil.
In a rare social media post on his official Facebook page, Deen, who typically avoids online engagement, felt compelled to stand up for Arnel.
“Arnel has RISEN to the challenge of Journey’s catalog, NIGHT after NIGHT, YEAR after tiring YEAR! He gives to YOU ALL and Journey, the best that he can give you. Out of maybe a handful of shows in 17 years, Arnel has faced the facts. The voice is a BIOLOGICAL INSTRUMENT, subject to weather, fatigue, virus, bacteria, jet lag etc. Sometimes it DOES NOT, CANNOT or WILL NOT cooperate when needed. So, what’s the point of hammering a human being over something they have no control over??” Deen wrote.
He continued, “To the trolls, you are the blessed many. The ones who can armchair sing and trash the few that do what he does every night. They DO NOT have that luxury; they must BRING IT EACH and EVERY NIGHT or FACE YOU and your OVERINFLATED OPINIONS! If YOU can DO BETTER – then, DO IT!!”
Deen emphasized his personal connection to Arnel, saying, “I know very few who can pull off what Arnel does without ego and with passion and grace. BACK OFF TROLLS! You are MESSING with MY FAMILY NOW and I am A RABID PROTECTOR OF MY OWN!!!”
He concluded with a thought on free speech, “This is America, where everyone and anyone can voice their opinion. Consider this though when you do. Is it KIND? Is it TRUTH? Is it NECESSARY? We’ve all seen that meme, and it rings true here as it does anywhere it’s posted.
“To the people who GET IT, THANK YOU, we appreciate you! To the INEPT… PROVE IT and WALK IT or SHUT IT!”
Arnel had previously addressed the criticism himself, apologizing for his performance and even offering to step down from the iconic band.