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Journey Brings Tribute Singer Hugo Valenti Onstage in Japan

Reviving a decades-old near-hiring, the guest spots show Journey's reliance on rotating vocalists during its farewell tour.

Overview

  • Hugo Valenti joined Journey onstage in Fukuoka to sing "Faithfully" and returned in Tokyo to sing "Faithfully" and the deep cut "Keep on Runnin'" during the band's brief Japan run.
  • Valenti's Fukuoka appearance took place on Saturday, Aug. 29, and the Tokyo set with the additional song followed two days later, creating fan-shot videos that circulated online.
  • Valenti has spent more than two decades fronting Journey tribute acts and was briefly considered by the band as a possible replacement for Steve Perry in the late 1990s.
  • Arnel Pineda remains Journey's primary frontman but the band routinely shares lead vocals with members including Jonathan Cain, Jason Derlatka and Deen Castronovo to manage the long farewell shows.
  • Neither Journey nor Valenti have announced any ongoing collaboration and Valenti's own booked dates, including a Sept. 11 Hoboken show, make his participation in the upcoming North American leg uncertain while fueling hometown finale speculation.