Then in a surprising turn of events, American rock band Journey, best known for the soaring rock ballads “Don’t Stop Believin’” and “Open Arms”, announced that Arnel was their new lead singer. This was after guitarist Neal Schon had seen videos of The Zoo’s performances of classic rock covers and was particular impressed by Arnel’s take on Journey’s well-loved hits.

Fast forward to 2016. Now a household name with a global following of his own, Arnel is ready to share his talent in a concert that will be streamed live all over the world.

Yes, fans of the 48-year old singer-songwriter don’t have to be physically present at the Newport Performing Arts Theater at Resorts World Manila on Tuesday, April 5, when Arnel headlines “Voyage to Rockville,” a concert also featuring heavy metal drummer Morgan Rose of the band Sevendust and the pop-rock group Namesake.

The concert’s title is a reference to Rockville, the now defunct music bar along Timog Avenue in Quezon City that Arnel owned and operated several years ago. Even back then, the Tondo-born rocker harbored a dream where he and the other unheralded performers at his bar could stage a show that would be broadcast live globally.

For Arnel, the very thought of performing in a show that would be accessible to just about everyone in whatever part of the globe they may be is a dream come true.

“That is the magic of streaming technology. It allows us to be together at the same time, everyone gets a front row seat to this show wherever they are. What an awesome time to live in!,” Arnel exclaimed during the recent press conference to promote the show.

Rene Walter of Arnel’s management team, Sanre Entertainment, revealed that the singer brought up the concept of Rockville to him as early as the first time they met.

“Rockville is a special place where everyone can take a voyage with Arnel and other performers and just listen and enjoy their live performances from their own location,” Walter added.

For the project’s purpose, Sanre Entertainment Worldwide, in association with Imagen Records, launched a new division, Sanre Streaming. The division plans to stream about 30 concerts per year held in exotic locations around the world.

Given the opportunity to showcase his talent to a global audience, Arnel revealed that his repertoire will not just be limited to the songs of Journey and the classic rock tunes he is known to cover.

“About 50 percent of the songs will be my own originals. To be honest, I’m not quite sure how to audience will respond but there is no better time or venue to take this opportunity,” he pointed out.

“Voyage to Rockville” starts at around 8PM. According to Walter, the live telecast can be purchased at www.sanrestreaming.com. A delayed telecast is also available which is valid for any seven-day period from the time of purchase.

There is also an option for VIP access which includes an autographed CD as well as eight weeks access to delayed telecasts. The broadcast period will begin on April 9 and will run until June 11.