Journey’s Deen Castronovo Comes to Arnel Pineda’s Defense
Deen Castronovo, the drummer for rock band Journey, has spoken out in support of his bandmate Arnel Pineda, who recently faced backlash on social media after struggling with his voice during a recent performance. In a rare social media appearance, Castronovo defended Pineda, calling out trolls and encouraging them to do better if they can.
The Backlash Against Pineda
Pineda faced online criticism after struggling with his voice during Journey’s recent performance at Rock in Rio. He even offered to quit the band if a million fans told him to. In response, guitarist Neal Schon defended Pineda and instead shifted his wrath towards Avenged Sevenfold, accusing them of sabotaging Journey’s sound.
Deen Castronovo’s Emotional Post
Castronovo took to social media to defend Pineda, writing a heartfelt post that highlighted the singer’s dedication and talent. In the post, he shared his own observations about the challenges of singing and offered words of encouragement to fans who may have been harsh in their criticism.
"Castronovo began his post by highlighting Pineda’s work ethic, stating that he "ris[es] to the challenge of Journey’s catalog, night after night, year after tiring year." He continued, saying that Pineda is a "blessed few" who can truly deliver the level of talent and passion that the audience expects.
"Castronovo also spoke about the physical demands of singing, saying that "the voice is a biological instrument, subject to weather, fatigue, virus, bacteria, jet lag etc." He emphasized that it’s not fair to hammer Pineda for having a bad night, and that we should instead acknowledge the tremendous effort he puts in each and every night.
"In his post, Castronovo called out those who are critical of Pineda, saying they are "armchair" critics who cannot truly relate to the struggles of singing. He concluded by inviting those who feel they could do better to prove themselves, 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!"
Free Speech and Kindness
In a follow-up post, Castronovo brought up the issue of free speech, stating that we all have the right to express our opinions. He then posed three questions for those who may be quick to criticize Pineda: "Is it kind? Is it true? Is it necessary?" Castronovo’s comment is a gentle reminder of the importance of being considerate and compassionate in our online interactions.
The Response from Schon and Fans
After Castronovo’s post went live, Neal Schon shared it on his own social media channel, agreeing with his fellow band member’s sentiments. Many fans also responded, offering their support for Pineda and expressing appreciation for Castronovo’s strong defense.
Conclusion
Deen Castronovo’s impassioned post has sparked an important conversation about kindness and respect online. As musicians, band members, and fans, we should all strive to be more empathetic and understanding, acknowledging the efforts and challenges of those in the spotlight.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why is Arnel Pineda facing criticism online?
After struggling with his voice during a recent performance, Pineda faced backlash from some fans who felt he did not meet their expectations.
- What is the origin of the dispute between Pineda and Avenged Sevenfold?
Pineda had criticized the sound quality at a show where Avenged Sevenfold was playing, prompting the band’s guitarist, Synyster Gates, to respond with criticism of their own.
- Can fans still be critical of Pineda’s performances?
Yes, of course. Fans are entitled to their opinions and can voice their concerns respectfully. However, it is essential to remember that music is a subjective experience and that others may have differing opinions.
