Journey fans who have been waiting for a chance to hear lead singer Arnel Pineda step out on his own will soon get their wish.

The Associated Press reports that Pineda broke the news during an interview timed to promote his version of 'Charity,' a song recorded to benefit Typhoon Haiyan victims in the Philippines. Although there's no word on whether this track will end up on his solo debut, he made it clear that finishing the album is a priority.

"Even though I am still with (Journey) and we are touring, I am also working on my original materials and I am also recording them," the article quotes Pineda as saying, and adds that current plans call for the LP to see release this year.

Naturally, talk eventually turned to those ever-persistent rumors that Steve Perry will reunite with Journey, and although if such a thing came to pass it would leave Pineda out of a job, he responded to the interviewer's question with patience and grace. Saying he hasn't heard anything about Perry coming back, he made it clear that "I'd be more than happy to give way" if it happened -- but quickly added, "As long as they need me, I will be there. I'm never gonna quit on them."

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