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Journey’s 10 Best Songs

Sure, "Don't Stop Believin'" -- but there's a whole lot more.

By Gary Graff

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Though it arrives amidst lawsuits , social media sniping and infighting, Journey is turning 50 this year.

During that half century, the group has sold more than 100 million records worldwide, logging 11 platinum-or-better albums (including Diamond certifications for 1981’s Escape and 1988’s Greatest Hits) , earning eight top 10 albums on the Billboard 200 and 25 hits on the Billboard Hot 100. It’s also been a reliable ticket-selling act for most of its career, and in 2017, the band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Journey’s is the story of eras. When the group originally formed in San Francisco in 1973, original manager Herbie Herbert helped bring together guitarist Neal Schon and keyboard player/vocalist Gregg Rolie from Santana, bassist Ross Valory and rhythm guitarist George Tickner from Frumious Bandersnatch and drummer Prairie Prince from The Tubes. Prince would be replaced by David Bowie/Frank Zappa skins man Aynsley Dunbar, while Tickner would leave after Journey’s self-titled first album in 1975. The remaining quartet recorded two more albums before Steve Perry came on board for 1978’s Infinity, which began the band’s run of multi-platinum smashes — also marking the first appearance of Alton Kelley and Stanley Mouse’s iconic scarab logo for the band. Dunbar was replaced by Steve Smith for 1979’s Evolution , and Rolie would leave in 1980 with Jonathan Cain of The Babys joining to help elevate the band to even greater fortunes on Escape and Frontiers .

The palette has been diverse, but there are common elements among Journey’s best songs — sturdy melodies and sing-along choruses, usually leading into one of Schon’s majestic guitar solos. But within that mold there’s also been plenty of invention and clever arrangements that have never been as formulaic as some of the band’s detractors (particularly during their early ‘80s heyday) would have you believe.

Journey has gone through its fair share of lineups, with singer Arnel Pineda on board since 2007 — the longest continuous tenure of any Journey frontman. The group released Freedom , it’s first new studio album in 11 years, in 2022, and despite the current legal fractures (which you can read about in detail here ), still they ride, as the Escape track says — and may they keep on runnin’ for a long time.

With all that in mind, here are our picks for Journey’s 10 best songs — not all of which come from the biggest hits.

"Someday Soon" ( Departure , 1980)

This album track from Rolie’s finally studio effort with the band is a hypnotic tone poem, with a ringing, cushy ambience and a hippie kind of optimism – not to mention the best give-and-take Perry and Rolie achieved during their time together in the band. It’s of course been eclipsed by Journey’s myriad hits (“Any Way You Want It” is the enduring top 40 Hot 100 hit from Departure ), but it’s a gem worthy of discovery.  Listen here.

"Escape" ( Escape , 1981)

The title track from Journey’s Billboard 200-topping studio album straddled the hard rock/pomp attack of the group’s mid-‘70s output with the melodic sensibility of the Perry-Cain axis. Its five-minute length provides room for the arrangement to stretch out and flow from one song part to the next, with a crunch that was part of Journey’s palette at the time. Listen here.

"Of a Lifetime" ( Journey , 1975)

The Journey of 1973-77 was certainly a different creature than the hitmaking colossus so many know and love. The group’s initial lineups flexed instrumental muscles, smoothly knitting together a number of styles more interested in the journey (ba- dum ) than any commercial destination. The first track from its first album is a prototype, leaning into blues, psychedelic rock and a touch of Latin, with the first of what would become many standout Schon solos, and a tuneful sturdiness delivered by Rolie’s soulful vocal. Listen here.

"Faithfully" (Frontiers , 1983)

The melody of this top 20 Hot 100 hit came to Cain in a dream on a tour bus, and his paean to the struggle between home and the road was written in a half-hour. The result was a swoon-inducing ballad tailor-made for a sea of lighters (back then) and cellphone flashlights (now), capturing one of Perry’s best recorded performances and one of Schon’s most inspired solos. One of its great side stories is that Prince contacted Cain after he wrote “Purple Rain,” concerned that it might be too similar to “Faithfully.” Cain determined it wasn’t, but joked to Billboard that, “After seeing what it became, I should have asked for a couple of points….”

"Ask the Lonely" (single, 1983)

Recorded for Frontiers , this one wound up in the romcom Two of a Kind (starring the Grease duo of John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John) and rocked its way to No. 3 on the Mainstream Rock Airplay chart. Like “Only the Young,” which wound up in Vision Quest two years later, it showed that Journey was on roll – and well-suited for big soundtrack moments. Listen here.

"Who's Crying Now" ( Escape, 1981)

The best of Journey’s swoon songs — started by Perry while driving into Los Angeles and finished with Cain — has a subtlety and dynamic build that sets it apart from the many others of its ilk they’d create. The verse slips into the chorus with a soulful ease, and Schon’s guitar accents deftly build up to his searing solo at the end. The Escape single reached No. 4 on the Hot 100. Listen here.

"Feeling That Way" ( Infinity , 1978)

If fans at the time wondered how Steve Perry and Gregg Rolie would co-exist, this was the answer — an ebb-and-flow tradeoff that proved they could complement each other as lead singers as well as harmonize smoothly together (first evidenced by Infinity ‘s lead track “Lights”). Its medley-like pairing with the next track, “Anytime,” was gravy that would become a motif on the next few Journey albums. Listen here.

"Just the Same Way" ( Evolution , 1979)

Journey’s fifth album had a punchier sound than Infinity — though they shared producer Roy Thomas Baker — which worked to the benefit of the album’s first single. Led by Rolie’s piano and muscular lead vocal, with Perry responding on the choruses and bridge, it reached No. 58 on the Hot 100 in 1979. In a perfect world this would have been as big as anything from Escape or Frontiers, but it’s still a convincing introduction to the Rolie era of the band. Listen here.

"Don't Stop Believin'" ( Escape , 1981)

More than a billion Spotify streams, a Library of Congress National Recording Registry placement and plays at virtually every sporting event around the world don’t lie — this one is Journey’s pinnacle of success. Created during a rehearsal at the group’s warehouse HQ in Oakland, Calif., it gave us the “streetlight people” of Hollywood’s Sunset Strip and put the non-existent South Detroit on the map. And it saves the chorus for the song’s end, after the guitar solo. A cross-generational hit? Believe it, gleefully.

"Stone in Love" ( Escape , 1981)

Schon reportedly called this “Stoned in Love” when he wrote the riff, and it’s certainly an addictive track that’s the best roll-down-the-windows-and-crank-it-up Journey fix you could ask for — not to mention a frequent show opener. A No. 13 Mainstream Rock Airplay hit in 1981, the song is practically a deep cut today. But its anthemic chorus is a spirit-lifter and the dynamic breakdown that segues into the song-closing guitar solo harks back to the ambitious musicality of the first few albums. “Stone” is a gem that still shines bright. Listen here.

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Journey: Band Members and History

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For over 40 years, Journey has been one of the greatest classic rock bands of all time. The band has released 23 albums and 43 singles since 1975 and has reached worldwide album sales totaling more than 75 million. 

But how exactly did Journey come to be? The San Francisco band got its start in 1973. Santana's former road manager, Herbie Herbert, recruited two of that band's members (Gregg Rolie and Neal Schon) and former Steve Miller Band bassist Ross Valory to form the Golden Gate Rhythm Section—the band that later became Journey.

The original Journey band members included Gregg Rolie on vocals and the keyboard, Neal Schon on guitar and vocals, George Tickner on guitar, Ross Valory on bass and vocals, and Prairie Prince on drums. 

Their first album was released in 1975 and established the band's jazz-influenced progressive rock sound. After several personnel changes, Steve Perry signed on as lead vocalist, launching the band's greatest period of commercial success from the late 1970s through the mid-1980s. Many people remember Steve as the face of the band.

The Best Album

The group's seventh album, Escape,  produced three hit singles and sold over 9 million copies. In addition to its commercial success, the album also received critical acclaim that has eluded them through most of their existence. Arguably, the most popular song put out by Journey is "Don't Stop Believin'." Originally released in 1981, the song became a Top 10 hit on the Billboard Hot 100, debuting at No. 9. The song has been used in near countless films in American TV and cinema including  Monster, Glee , the season finale of  The Sopranos , and  Rock of Ages. 

Journey Band Members Over the Years

In 2005, the band (along with original members Schon and Valory) marked its 30th anniversary with the release of its 23rd album,  Generations  and an anniversary tour, at times featuring some of the many former members of the group. In December 2006, Jeff Scott Soto replaced Steve Augeri as lead vocalist. Soto had been filling in for several months after Augeri was sidelined with a chronic throat infection. Soto was replaced a few months later by Arnel Pineda , vocalist for a Filipino cover band who was hired as a result of a video he posted on YouTube.

The band has been on a journey as it has evolved from past members including Steve Perry to its current members. 

Past Journey band members include the following:

• Steve Perry (1977-1998)
• Aynsley Dunbar (1974-1978)
• Robert Fleischman (1977)
• Steve Smith (1978-1985, 1995-1998)
• Randy Jackson (1985-1987)
• Steve Augeri (1998-2006)

Current Journey band members:

• Neal Schon - guitar (1973-present)
• Jonathan Cain - keyboards (1980-present)
• Ross Valory - bass (1973-1985, 1995-present)
• Arnel Pineda - vocals (2007-present)
• Deen Castronovo - drums (1998-present)

Fun Facts About Journey

• Journey music has been part of the animated TV shows South Park and Family Guy, and movies Caddyshack and BASEketball.
• The group received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2005 and was inducted into the San Francisco Music Hall of Fame in 2003.
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Journey Through the Decades: Exploring the Legacy of the Iconic Rock Group Journey

Rock group journey: a step-by-step guide to their success.

Journey, the iconic rock group that dominated the charts in the 70s and 80s, is one of the most successful bands in music history. Known for their electrifying stage presence and memorable anthems, Journey continues to inspire new generations of fans worldwide.

In this blog post, we will take a step-by-step look at Journey’s success story and explore what made them stand out from other bands during their time.

Step 1: The Early Days Formed in San Francisco in 1973, Journey initially started as a progressive rock band with humble beginnings. The original lineup consisted of guitarist Neal Schon, keyboardist Gregg Rolie, drummer Prairie Prince, bassist Ross Valory and vocalist George Tickner. Their debut album did not achieve much commercial success, but it laid the foundation for what was to come.

Step 2: A New Sound Journey’s sound started evolving in their third album “Infinity” which marked the first time lead singer Steve Perry lent his powerhouse vocals to the mix. This partnership with Perry played a crucial role in shaping Journey’s signature sound that would cement their place in music history.

Step 3: Chart-Topping Hits With Perry onboard as their frontman, Journey’s fourth album “Escape” became an overnight success that catapulted them into superstardom. With hits like “Don’t Stop Believing,” “Open Arms,” and “Separate Ways,” Journey quickly became one of the top-selling acts of all time.

Step 4: Resilience Despite significant commercial success under their belt by the mid-80s, tensions between members led to multiple breakups and changes within the band ‘s lineup. Instead of succumbing to these challenges though—Journey persevered. They bounced back stronger than ever before each breakup preceding another chart-topping hit such as “Send Her My Love,” “Why Can’t This Night Go On Forever?” and “Be Good To Yourself.”

Step 5: Legacy Today, Journey remains one of the most heavily-lauded bands in music history. They have been honored with induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, amid countless other accolades. The band’s style and sound continue to inspire new artists that keep their music alive for future generations.

Journey is a true testament to perseverance, resilience, and dedication in pursuing one’s dreams with an unwavering spirit. Their story is proof that greatness can come through hard work, collaboration with new talent— all while staying true to oneself throughout the journey.

In conclusion, Journey remains one of the pioneering forces in rock music that has stood the test of time. Their legacy continues on through their chart-topping hits, electrifying live performances & inspiring lyrics that have inspired legions of fans worldwide. If you haven’t already, take some time today to listen to Journey’s timeless anthems and appreciate what it means to be truly great!

Your Rock Group Journey FAQs, Answered

The world of rock and roll can be both exhilarating and confusing, especially for new bands just starting out. With so many questions about the process of forming a group , touring, and finding success, it can be difficult to navigate the industry as a new band. Luckily, we’ve compiled some of the most frequently asked questions about rock group journeys and are here to provide you with some answers.

1. How do I form a successful rock band?

Forming a successful band involves several key steps. Firstly, you’ll need to gather talented musicians who share your passion for music and who work well together. Once you have your lineup sorted, it’s vital to spend time developing your sound; this means writing original material that showcases your individuality as a group .

Additionally, networking with other local bands is an excellent way to gain exposure and build connections within the music scene . Keep in mind that being professional – showing up on time for gigs, respecting venues and their staff members – can go a long way toward establishing yourselves as serious artists.

2. How do we get our music heard by more people?

Thanks to social media platforms like YouTube and Facebook, getting your music out there has never been easier! You can also gain exposure by playing live shows in different venues – put together an EPK (electronic press kit) with music recordings, photos of the band performing live etc., approach influential blogs or radio stations in order to get recognition.

Building relationships with other bands can also lead to more gig opportunities: Consider organizing joint shows or collaborating on projects together for wider audience reach.

3. What should we expect when taking our band on tour? Touring is simultaneously exciting yet grueling experience for any Rock-n-Roll outfit — from managing finances while away from home base i.e., paying gas/food bills – it’s necessary that every member pull equal weight in sharing these responsibilities if one falls ill or becomes fatigued- keeping track of equipment, navigating unfamiliar cities and venues with clear directions or GPS, promotional material distribution (to be shared among different show audiences), meeting new fans before moving on.

It can be tough to keep morale up when times are tough such as having little turnout in the audience, sleeping for days in cramped van quarters or not knowing where your next meal will come from. You might experience some transient “road life blues” but if your group manages to stay strong & motivated through rough patches – you will inevitably stick together as a tight-knit team with lasting memories that are both meaningful and epic.

4. What makes a great Rock-n-Roll group?

Great rock bands often share common traits: a powerful, entertaining live presence; a willingness to take risks with their music while staying true to their sound; and creative drive. These groups also tend to have dedicated fan bases thanks to consistent touring and promotion.. Innovation in songwriting is key as well – think about pairing lyrical relatability that resonates with listeners along with technically accomplished musicianship.

Ultimately, it takes personality and hard work too! — the perseverance required of sticking upstanding persistent dedication—all combined together make up that indefinable “X-factor” which draws fans in for an exciting journey.

These four FAQs offer just scratching the surface when it comes to the world of rock band formation, touring footwork & success factors. However, by putting these answers into practice and maintaining passion/commitment throughout the process — you’ll be well on your way towards achieving the rock star status you’ve always dreamed of!

The Top 5 Facts You Didn’t Know About Rock Group Journey

Journey is a household name for anyone who grew up in the ’80s and ’90s. Their music has stood the test of time and they continue to be one of the most beloved rock groups out there. But, did you know that there are several interesting and unknown facts about this iconic band ? Here are the top 5 surprising facts you didn’t know about Journey.

1. Steve Perry wasn’t their first lead singer When most people think of Journey, they immediately picture Steve Perry’s remarkable vocals. However, Steve Perry was not their original lead singer! In fact, Journey had three other lead singers before Perry joined the group in 1977 – Gregg Rolie (who went on to join Santana), Robert Fleischman, and George Tickner.

2. The song “Don’t Stop Believin'” almost didn’t make it onto their album “Don’t Stop Believin'” is without a doubt one of Journey’s biggest hits, but it almost didn’t make it onto their classic album Escape. The band initially left it off the album because they felt like it needed more work. It wasn’t until their producer convinced them to record it again that they finally agreed to include it on the album – and we’re so grateful they did!

3. They’ve broken up multiple times Despite being known as one of the bands that defined an era, Journey have actually broken up multiple times throughout their career. After increasing tensions within the band led to temporary break-ups in 1980 and 1983, guitarist Neal Schon was determined to keep Journey going even when others were uncertain about whether or not they should stay together as a group .

4. Their hit song “Separate Ways” has an infamous video The music video for “Separate Ways” is notorious among fans as one of the worst music videos ever made. Shot entirely in front of green screens with very basic graphics, the video features the band members awkwardly playing their instruments while poorly choreographed female models dance around them. The result is cringe-inducing, but has still managed to become a cult classic in its own right.

5. Journey was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame… without Steve Perry In 2017, Journey was finally inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame – but Steve Perry didn’t show up to perform with them. In fact, they performed with their singer at the time, Arnel Pineda, who had been discovered on YouTube by guitarist Neal Schon. While some fans were disappointed that Steve Perry didn’t make an appearance, his contributions to Journey’s legacy were not forgotten during their induction speech.

In conclusion, Journey may have been around for decades and produced timeless classics like “Don’t Stop Believin'”, but there are still plenty of lesser-known facts about this iconic band that will surprise even diehard fans! From lineup changes to notorious music videos and Hall of Fame inductions sans lead singers – these five facts just scratch the surface of what makes Journey such a fascinating group .

A Look At The Discography Of Rock Group Journey

Journey is a classic rock band that has been captivating audiences around the world for over four decades. With their powerful vocals, energetic guitar riffs, and memorable choruses, this group has left an indelible mark on the music industry. Their timeless songs have continued to inspire generations of fans and musicians alike, solidifying their place as one of the greatest rock bands in history.

Let’s take a closer look at the discography of Journey, starting with their first album “Journey” released in 1975. This album featured hits such as “Of A Lifetime,” “In My Lonely Feeling/Conversations,” and “To Play Some Music,” which showcased the band’s progressive rock sound . Although it did not achieve commercial success at the time of its release, it set the foundation for future albums to come.

Their second album, “Look Into The Future” was released in 1976 and helped to further establish Journey’s unique sound . The album featured songs such as “I’m Gonna Leave You,” “People,” “Nickel And Dime,” and more that were notable because they incorporated elements of progressive rock mixed with traditional blues-rock elements.

Their third album, titled “Next” was released just one year later in 1977. This time around Journey opted for a mainstream rock sound with songs like “Spaceman” and “Kahoutek”. Things really picked up steam for the band after lead vocalist Steve Perry joined forces with them in 1978.

With Perry onboard, Journey’s fourth studio album titled “Infinity” was released which proved to be a game changer for them on the charts. Released in 1980 it contained hits like “Feeling That Way”, “Anytime” & “Wheel In The Sky”, amongst many others – helping the album go platinum three times.

The next year brought forth another significant milestone for Journey as they released Escape (1981), an album that defined their sound in the mainstream, highlighted by tracks such as “Don’t Stop Believin’,” “Open Arms,” “Who’s Crying Now”, and “Stone In Love”. All of which helped this blockbuster album achieve the sales accolade of a diamond certification.

Their seventh studio album, Frontiers (1983), continued in the vein of Escape with anthems like “Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)” and power ballads such as “Faithfully.” They also mixed things up with a bit more synthesizer use than their previous albums, depicting a new era for Journey’s musical style.

Journey’s eighth album Raised on Radio (1986) marked another creative shift. With Perry at the helm once again on lead vocals, they moved away from their signature rock guitar sound to include funk R&B beats on songs like “Girl Can’t Help It” and “Be Good To Yourself.”

Subsequent journeys into reunited line-ups have seen continual sonic changes over time, however many fans will always identify Steve Perry as providing the trademark trademark awareness throughout much of Journey music history.

In conclusion, Journey has left a lasting impression in rock history with an impressive discography that spans several decades. From their early days as a progressive rock band to their rise to chart-topping success with hits including “Don’t Stop Believin’,” and incorporating sounds ranging through blues-rock into pop-rock throughout its careers; it’s clear that each album spotlights something unique about them. Whatever your favorite era or lineup may be — one thing is certain: Journey’s music will continue to inspire and captivate fans around the world.

Inside Story Of The Rise And Fall Of Rock Group Journey

As one of the most beloved American rock bands of all time, Journey captured the hearts and minds of fans across the globe with their soaring ballads and electrifying performances. From their humble beginnings in San Francisco to their meteoric rise to fame in the 1980s, the story of Journey is a tale of triumph and tragedy that will forever be etched into the annals of music history.

The genesis of Journey dates back to 1973 when former members of Santana, Neal Schon and Gregg Rolie, joined forces with drummer Prairie Prince, bassist Ross Valory, and guitarist George Tickner to form a new group. The band’s early sound was heavily influenced by jazz fusion and progressive rock, but as they began recording and touring extensively throughout the mid-70s, they gradually evolved into a more mainstream rock outfit.

In 1977, Journey released their fourth album “Infinity,” which marked a turning point in their career. The record was a commercial success thanks to hits like “Lights” and “Wheel In The Sky,” launching them onto arena stages across America. By 1981’s chart-topping “Escape,” which gave us epic power ballads like “Open Arms” and “Don’t Stop Believin’,” Journey had cemented themselves as one of the biggest acts on the planet.

However, behind closed doors things were far from rosy for the band . Struggling with addiction issues and personal conflicts between members led to lineup changes over the years including Steve Perry replacing Rolie on lead vocals in 1977 before himself being replaced by Arnel Pineda in 2007 amid Perry’s struggles with vocal damage.

In addition to those internal problems member infighting also led to break ups following differences over style-disconnect after Shearhart stopped writing songs when they hired Jonathan Cain causing some frictions between member.

Despite these challenges though, Journey remained an incredibly popular live act, drawing huge crowds to their shows with their catchy hooks and anthemic choruses. They continued to release albums throughout the 90s and beyond, but the magic of the peak years was never quite recaptured.

Today, many fans fondly remember Journey for their iconic hits, from “Open Arms” to “Don’t Stop Believin’,” as a testimony that despite hardships and failure one can rise back stronger than ever. Their story reminds us that success in music requires not only talent but also perseverance, grit, and resilience; journey showed strength even in moments when they had all odds against them. And though their era might have passed into history books but always an adventure continues for rock lovers as they follow other great bands hoping tales-such journeys repeat through innovation or interchanging achievements even today to lead future generations towards endless possibilities rather than repetition of same glory-days narratives.

Experience the Evolution of Music with Rock Group Journey

Journey is one of the iconic rock bands that took the world by storm in the late 70s and early 80s. The band’s distinctive blend of rock, classical, and progressive music marked them out as visionary musicians whose sound would continue to influence audiences for decades to come.

The history of Journey dates back to their founding in San Francisco in 1973. The group originally started out with the name Golden Gate Rhythm Section but quickly changed it after they recruited Neal Schon, a guitar prodigy who had played with Carlos Santana on his first three albums. Alongside keyboardist Gregg Rolie and drummer Aynsley Dunbar, Schon helped create a unique style that blended traditional rock with more experimental sounds .

Journey’s early years were characterized by a constantly changing line-up, but in 1977 things came together when Steve Perry joined as lead vocalist. With Perry’s soaring voice fronting the group, they began recording hit songs like “Wheel In The Sky,” “Lights,” and “Any Way You Want It.” These tracks helped propel Journey onto the national stage making them one of America’s most popular rock groups .

One notable example of their talent is their iconic song “Don’t Stop Believing” which has stood the test of time becoming an anthem for generations. Its catchy melody combined with meaningful lyrics made it an instant classic among fans and critics alike. In fact, this song is so widely appreciated that it even appeared in many films including “Rock of Ages”, “Family Guy: Partial Terms of Endearment” among others.

Journey continued to evolve throughout their career, experimenting with different musical styles while staying true to their core values as musicians. There is no doubt that without Journey’s contribution to rock music there wouldn’t be modern-day classics like ‘Arnel Pineda’s Faithfully’ which was released about Thirty-seven years after Arnel joined the band in 2007. Although the members have changed over time, their music remains timeless; proving that they were not just a fleeting trend, but rather one of rock music ‘s greats.

So there you have it, Journey’s musical evolution from a group of talented musicians seeking to create something original and memorable to becoming one of rock’s most influential bands. With their legacy firmly cemented in the annals of music history, Journey will continue to inspire and captivate audiences for generations to come!

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Journey Quick Facts Up Front

Gregg rolie, steve perry, jonathan cain, steve smith, ross valory, journey (1975); look into the future(1976); next (1977), infinity (1970), evolution (1979); departure (1980), dream, after dream (1980), escape (1981), raised in radio (1986), trail by fire (1996), arrivals (2000), revelation (2008), freedom (2022).

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The Journey Lawsuit & Replacements

Did journey sell out.

The glorious days of arena rock would not be as memorable without Journey. There could not be a better name for a band that went through many changes, successes, and failures and almost single-handedly rose the power ballad to the charts.

Journey’s band history is the epitome of 80s rock and the clashes between some of the most extraordinary rock musicians of the time.

Like all Journey fans, the first songs I heard were Steve Perry’s lead emotional ballads. He was the perfect singer for the ideal backing band. Yet, listening years later as a musician, I understood that it was not Steve Perry’s or Neal Schon’s Journey; the group’s creative chemistry made it all happen. Apart from the most commercially relevant period, Journey was and still stands strong. This bio might introduce you to some aspects and periods of the band that are now almost forgotten.

Journey Members You Should Know

The lineup changes are crucial to Journey’s band history. Nowadays, with only Neil Schon left as a founding member, we need to go back to the early days to understand who wrote and played the songs that made them famous.

All lineups were made up of the top rock musicians of each era. Not all, though, contribute as much as others. 

Neil George Joseph Schon (born February 27, 1954, in Oklahoma) is the band’s guitar player, founding member, and occasional songwriter.

Born in a musical family, Schon soon became a child prodigy after starting playing guitar at ten and being recruited by Santana at age 17. By the time he started Journey, he had experience playing in one of the best bands in the world and was fluent in jazz, rock, and Latin music.  

Neal Schon is one of the most melodic guitar players of all time. He essentially shifted my perspective of a rock solo to a musical piece that tells a story rather than a power shred, which he occasionally tastefully adds. 

Schon was always the leader behind the scenes, taking a significant say in all the band’s important decisions and even personally firing and replacing members. As a solo artist, he released nine albums and founded the bands “Hardline” and “Bad English.”

Gregg Alan Rolie (born June 17, !947, in Washington) is a founding member and journey original keyboard player and vocalist. As a Santana band member, Rolie was already a senior musician by the time Schon joined. He arguably shared with Santana the same success as with Journey, singing and playing in some of their biggest hits.

He formed Journey in 1973 and co-wrote the band’s first six albums before being replaced by the pressure of Steve Perry’s musical choices.

Rolie was as essential as Schon in creating the “Journey Sound” with signature Hammond, piano sound, and a bed of synths that backed the band’s rock groove. 

Rolie is one of the most prolific musicians ever, with a successful solo career after his time with the band. He founded with Journey’s ex-member “The Storm.” He was part of Ringo Star’s “All Starr Band.”

Steve Ray Perry (born January 22, 1949, in Hanford, California) was Journey’s lead singer, frontman, and main songwriter in their most successful years.

Perry’s exceptional vocal range and affinity for writing ballads and pop songs gave Journey what they needed to become the biggest arena rock band in the world. His musical beginning, though, was unsuccessful, with many failed attempts, sometimes even from misfortunes.

Manager Herbert picked up one of Perry’s demos while he had returned to working on his family’s farm and called him to perform with the band while Rober Fleischman was already hired as a singer. One song performed during soundcheck with the band sealed his place as frontman.

Perry undoubtedly came at the right time in the right band to change it all for Journey. The mental cost of fame and several misfortunes, the last a degenerative bone disease, forced him out of the band. 

Jonathan Leonard Friga (born February 2, 1950, in Chicago, Illinois) was Journey’s most prolific keyboard player, coming in to replace Rolie and helping write the band’s most successful material.

Cain is a multi-instrumentalist who made a name for himself with the band “The Babys.” which opened for Journey. His ability to write with Perry was what convinced the singer to replace the already prolific Rolie.

Cain turned the already well-tuned Journey rhythm section into a hit-power ballad maker. Unlike Rolie, Cain’s signature is more straightforward melodic piano intros that laid the bed for tunes such as “In My Arms” or “Don’t Stop Believing.”

He was part of “Bad English” and recently started publishing Christian Rock records while serving as a Worship leader with his wife. 

Steve Bruce Smith (born August 21, 1954, in Whitman, Massachusetts) was Journey’s drummer through their most prolific years and is widely considered one of the best musicians to ever sit behind a kit.

Smith is one of the most recorded drummers in history, having played sessions for virtually every top charting artist. He was voted five times in a row No.1 All-around Drummer from Modern Drummer magazine and inducted into the Modern Drummer Hall of Fame.

The session legend was part of three different Journey Lineups, part of Journey member’s spin-off group “The Storm,” and led his jazz-fusion groups.

Ross Lamont Valory (born February 2, 1949, in San Francisco) is a founding member of Journey and the bass player in two different lineups.

Like the other founding members, Valory played with a legendary group before forming Journey. He was part of Frumious Bandersnatch and later Steve Miller Band. He holds a special place in Journey’s history, playing in all but one studio record. Even when he was not part of the band, he was hired to write and record bass tracks.

Valory is a master bass player who uses his variation of a “Nashville Tuning,” Where the 4-string bass is tuned to B-E-A-D. He continued his career in the 90s with “The Storm,” like most original Journey members.

Journey started as the most accidental Supergroup ever in a time when the notion was still new. Ex-member of Santana and Steve Miller members got together to form their prog rock, jazz fusion band called “The Golden Gate Rhythm Section.”

The mastermind behind much of Journey’s career was their manager Herbier Herbert who previously managed Santana. 

The band would perform as a backing band for Bay Area artists, with Schon and George Tickner on guitar, Rolie on Keyboards and vocals, Valory on bass, and Prairie Prince on drums. The latter would be replaced by Aynsley Dunbar around the same time Tickner quit.

The early “Journey” never achieved commercial success, mostly due to their previous musically complex influences and the lack of a strong frontman. Roli was an excellent keyboard player and vocalist, but his old-style appeal was not what the band needed to relate to young audiences.

As a band, Journey has evolved and changed more than most. It sounds like a different band from the 1st to their 14th studio album. I’ll detail most of their stunning discography according to their impact on the band and rock music.

The first 3 Journey albums are a musical treat for every sophisticated rock lover. The complex compositions, delicate songwriting, and individual chops of members are three key elements that made them. There are no weak songs in any of them, yet there are not many memorable ones.

The Debut album is the ex-Santana and Steve Miller Band members having fun. The prog style might be their favorite thing to do, but as prog rock was slowly going off the charts, rock audiences needed something else.

From the first to the third album, the experimentation leaves off more place for catchy tracks. With Roli at the creative front and Herbert at the back, the band seemed to tone down their fusion influences to achieve success finally.

Commercially none of the albums did exceptionally well, and most of the band’s time was spent touring and trying to promote them.

As a guitar player and prog rock freak, I love early Journey sometimes more than the Steve Perry one. I find Neal Schon’s best guitar performances when some glimpses of jazz fusion are put in the mix.

Not to say that his later solos were less iconic, but later I found he would mainly “serve the songs” while the guitars made the song on the early Records. The same can be said about every lead instrument.

Depending on your background and taste, you could either love this version of Journey or, like many new fans, skip the three albums entirely. If you belong to the second group, I will encourage you to listen to the first song from the Debut Album, “Of a lifetime, “and you might change your mind.

The Much Needed Lead Singer 

The musical chemistry, management, and inspiration were there for Journey, but their image and performances lacked the strong crowd-pleasing frontman. Behind the Keyboards, singing lead vocals, Roli did his part musically, but not stylistically.

The band’s first singer, hired with Herber’s suggestion, was glam rocker Robert Fleischman. With a high register and great stage presence, Fleischman toured successfully with Journey in 1977 until Steve Perry replaced him after he sang one in soundcheck with the band on the same tour.

Perry not only performed flawlessly exciting songs but managed to bond immediately with Neil Schon in writing their first songs together. The band changed direction and with that also their drummer. Session ace Smith replaced Dunbar, who was unhappy with the new pop direction of the band.

The first album with Perry as lead vocalist launched the band to commercial success reaching No. 21 on Billboard. “Infinity” marks the band’s change in musical direction, with Queen’s producer Roy Thomas Baker directing the shift.

The album is strong in every aspect. The songwriting, production, intent, and musicianship are top-notch. It combines the band’s collected materials and Perry’s melancholic songwriting over the years. His voice added character to the virtuoso band that needed it. My favorite song from the album is “Wheel in the Sky,” written by Fleischman and the band before Perry joined in. Perry’s voice, though, I think, does it more justice.

It starts with Neil Schon’s classically influenced guitar part and develops to a hard rock tone with a country riff. The mixture of different genres is, I think, what makes all individuals of the band shine.

The two songs that better defined the band’s musical direction were the power ballads “Lights” and “Patiently.” Slow-tempo emotional tracks with a solid vocal melody that builds up to guitar solos and live encores. Both tracks are now legendary and staples of the band’s live shows.

The following two Journey studio albums saw the band’s rise to fame, each doing better than the previous. They were headlining tours and festivals and having crowds resonate massively with their songs for the first time.

Both albums continued where “Infinity” left off, merging Perry’s now-proven hit songwriting skills with the band’s musicianship. The new frontman was now contributing to all the songs and indirectly dictating the band’s sound. Not all songs are great, though; most lack memorable hooks and fade compared to the hits.

My favorite of the two albums is “Departure.” There’s a spice more of prog rock in that album which I think brings out the best of the band. After all, the band was not originally an Arena rock act. 

“Any way you want” and “Loving’, Touchin’, Squeezin;” are widely known tracks. My favorites are the less popular “Do You Recall” and “I’m Cryin,” which Perry and Rolie co-wrote.

The next record was a musical spin-off as a soundtrack album. Beyond all expectations, the band produced the most musically intricate prog rock album of their career. 

It’s arguably the most polarising album of Journey’s catalog, yet one the band truly enjoyed making. The all-star band of virtuoso musicians couldn’t wait to stretch the musical muscles once again as in the old days. The result is fantastic prog rock, yet not one you would most likely hear on the radio.

I adore the compositions and musicianship on all the songs, especially the 8-minute opening track “Destiny.” In true prog fashion, extended instrumentation and solos weren’t missing.

It’s not an album for everyone, but those who like it, love it.

Rolie leaving the band in favor of Jonathan Cain might have consisted of one of the best musicians on earth, but it gave them the best-selling album of their career . The album almost single-handedly created the 80s sound. 

The album starts with the band’s epic rock anthem, “Don’t Stop Believin’.” The song was started by Perry and Schon and later finished by Cain, who added the piano hook and hook. As Cain relieves in an interview, those were the three words his dad told him when he wanted to quit music.

The song is today the best-selling catalog track of the digital era. It’s now beyond a rock anthem to a pop culture hit. Journey’s “Free Bird” in a sense.

Cain brought in the catchy hooks and memorable piano parts and perfectly completed Perry’s ideas. The ballad “Open Arms” they wrote together differed from previous ones. It was more delicate, straightforward, catchy, and singable. After some struggles in getting it through Schoun skeptical reception of the song, it became a fan favorite.

Journey – Open Arms (Official Video – 1982)  

The song that moves me the most is “Mother, Father.” Perry recorded the vocals in one mesmerizing take. What’s more impressive is that it is probably the hardest Journey song to sing. 

“Espace” paved the way for the next charting album in 1983, “Frontiers.” It produced hit songs and anthems and delivered on the success of the previous albums.

Success and Downfall

Journey waited three years to release an album for the first time in their career. The continuous touring and fame were starting to kick back. Schon and Perry had also released their solo records capitalizing on Journey’s Success.

Perry, at this time, dominated the band’s musical direction completely. According to him, only Schon and Cain were suited for the band as he fired Roos Valory and, slightly later, Steve Smith. As he declared in an interview, he thought it was the best decision at the time, but he regrets doing it.

His mental health was also deteriorating as the rise to fame alienated him from the rest of the world. 

Replacing both members with session musicians gave the trio more control over the songs. Perry himself took up the role of producer for the album. “Raised In Radio” is a successful attempt to top the charts through their hit song formula, but the lack of team effort is felt. 

I think the album is too poppy and sacrifices the musical input of Valory and Smith for attempted hooks. There are undoubtedly hit songs such as “Girl, I Can’t Help It” and “Be Good To Yourself,” yet it’s not an album I can enjoy listening to back to back like the rest. 

Commercially it did well, as expected. The band knew how to write hit songs and what the audience wanted by this time. Listening to it now, It feels like Perry’s rushed attempt to stay on top of the game and even outdo himself. 

Disbandment and Attempted Comeback

The problems with Perry’s control over the band and continuous isolated life lead to him wanting to stop everything. After his last show with the band in February 1987, he left the band and stopped Journey for almost ten years.

Perry never released an official statement, and some still wonder if the animosity between members was the main cause of his leaving. The fact that he released music after leaving the band makes me think he still wanted to make music on his own, in less frantic terms.

One thing is for sure; Journey couldn’t keep up their successful streak without Perry, so each went separate ways. 

In 1995 the band reunited again at Perry’s request to fire current manager Herbert for the well-known Irving Azoff, which staged the Eagles’ comeback some years prior. 

Journey was back, and a long-awaited successful album came shortly after. All members had amassed material during the years, so a musically rich album was bound to come.

“Trial by Fire” is my favorite Journey album after “Escape,” as it delivers the quality you’d expect from a great comeback. The hit song “When You Love a Woman” was surely meant to be a hit, but it’s not formulaic in any way.  

Valory and Smith back on the band brought back the original backbone of the group. Putting this album back to back with its predecessor, you will notice the difference the rhythm section had in Journey after a few tracks. It gives character to songs having individual doing their thing and not hired guns.

I wish it had some more elements of hard rock, but that might be just the nostalgia from the days of “Don’t Stop Believin’.”

This album is the last Perry contribution as he was diagnosed unexpectedly with a bone condition and was unwilling to undergo surgery to continue touring.

Modern Journey

Journey is still touring and releasing albums today, with only Schon remaining an original band member. He calls the shots about the music direction and often replaces members.

After Perry distanced himself from music, the band moved on and recruited Steve Augeri as frontman, with drummer Deen Castronovo as occasional lead vocalist. Augeri was the perfect vocalist for Journey, who needed the same high-pitched power Steve Perry had.

Of the two albums Journey released with Perry, the first one is the only one that somehow matched the previous albums’ quality. It’s not the band’s most creative work, yet it’s an album with the pure Journey sound almost intact.

The album is instrumentally great but lacks strong songwriting. Augeri contributed to some  songs, yet his role as the newcomer was to sing, according to Schon and Cain’s writing.

The song “World Gone Wild” is my favorite of the whole album, showing off Augeri skills at best and some great guitar work by Schon.

Commercially it did well, considering that arena rock was not the most popular genre of the early 2000s. I think that part of the merit goes to the fans’ curiosity and joy of having another Journey album.

The next album with Augeri, “Generations,” was the band’s least successful record after having him fired.

Ariel Pineda replaced Augeri in a dream story of Schon recruiting him after watching his Journey Covers on YouTube. The album was the band’s last big commercial success, even though the era of rock bands topping the charts was gone.

In true Journey style, Cain delivers a hit power ballad. “After All These Years” is just as good as any of the band’s legendary ballads and is only penalized by the rise of pop and dance music. I love how the band switched to a hard rock style for this record, flexing some fast-paced tempo grooves after a while.

Pineda seemed to be a bigger creative force than Augeri and an equally experienced live frontman. The live shows with the classic hits were and still are the band’s main focus, accumulating ridiculous amounts from the tour.

Having survived a pandemic, lawsuit, and personnel changes, Journey released their new record in more than a decade. Years of accumulated creativity resulted in an arena rock juggernaut. 

Cain and Schon were in charge of the production, while drummer Narada, a prolific songwriter and singer, helped write and co-produce much of the material. It starts with the power ballad “Together We Run” and the expected melodic Cain piano intro.

Listening to album after ten other Journey pop-rock records can be too much if you’re not a die-hard fan. I would have preferred a more Prog rock Journey record as that always brings new sounds.  

Notable Performances

Early days journey in their fusion days:   journey – full concert – 03/30/74 – winterland (official)  .

Arguably the Best Group Lineup Performing During the Escape Tour: Journey – Don’t Stop Believin’ (from Live in Houston 1981: The Escape Tour)  

A Recent Performance with Schon at the Helm. Pineda’s Vocal Performance is Stunning: Journey Live @ Lollapalooza Chicago 2021  

Changes in band members always come with legal issues when rights to songs are on the table. In the 80s, they maintained a good balance between members. Primarily due to solid management from Herbert, things were kept quiet.

Valory and Smith were fired from the band in 2019 after attempting to own one of the band’s corporate entities. According to the two, Perry gave them the right to hold that part of the business. Schon and Cain considered this an attempt to squeeze more money even when they were not playing. 

Journey did write beautiful songs, yet the term’ corporate rock’ started to haunt them as each charting album chased the next big thing. The bad reputation arena rock gets from rock fans sometimes comes from the many attempts to write hits and please the crowd.

My stand as a rock fan with a taste from Beatles to modern metal is that Journey didn’t sell out in the sense of chasing money. Their style evolved, sometimes in search of a bigger fanbase, but still, they delivered nongeneric hits.

They developed a successful style that pushed them to recreate the success repeatedly. The members’ egos, management pressures, and fans’ high expectations had their parts.

Answer : One roadie, John Villanueva, suggested the name after failed attempts, including a radio contest involving the fans to find a proper name. 

Answer : Journey had six lead singers in the band from the 70s to today. 

Answer : Arena rock is considered any rock genre that can fill a stadium on a one-night event. In the mid-70s and 80s, it took a slightly different meaning, becoming a synonym for successful commercial rock bands who were best known for Power Ballads. Arena rock bands deliver great spectacles with massive crowds and often have predictable, straightforward music to resonate with as many people as possible.

• Journey (band) – Wikipedia
• Journey Documentary (Behind The Music)
• Don’t Stop Believin’: Everyman’s Journey HD
• Journey – Raised On Radio (1986 Tour Documentary)
• Journey Music
• Journey (band)  
• Journey’s Neal Schon says he and Steve Perry are ‘in a good place’ before band’s 50th anniversary
• Journey Biography, Songs, & Albums | AllMusic
• Journey – The Brilliant Band Members, Stories & Struggles | Eagle 106.5
• Journey: Band Members and History      

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During their initial 14 years of existence (1973-1987), Journey altered their musical approach and their personnel extensively while becoming a top touring and recording band. The only constant factor was guitarist Neal Schon, a music prodigy who had been a member of Santana in 1971-1972. The original unit, which was named in a contest on KSAN-FM in San Francisco, featured Schon, bassist Ross Valory, drummer Prairie Prince (replaced by Aynsley Dunbar), and guitarist George Tickner (who left after the first album). Another former Santana member, keyboard player and singer Gregg Rolie, joined shortly afterward. This lineup recorded Journey (1975), the first of three moderate-selling jazz-rock albums given over largely to instrumentals.

By 1977, however, the group decided it needed a strong vocalist/frontman and hired Steve Perry. The results were immediately felt on the fourth album, Infinity (1978), which sold a million copies within a year. (By this time, Dunbar had been replaced by Steve Smith.) Evolution (1979) was similarly successful, as was Departure (after which Rolie was replaced by Jonathan Cain). 

Following a live album, Captured (1981), Journey released Escape, which broke them through to the top ranks of pop groups by scoring three Top Ten hit singles, all ballads highlighting Perry's smooth tenor: "Who's Crying Now," "Don't Stop Believin'," and "Open Arms." The album topped the charts and sold millions. Frontiers (1983), featuring the hit "Separate Ways," was another big success, after which Perry released a double-platinum solo album, Street Talk (1984). When the group got back together to make a new album, Valory and Smith were no longer in the lineup and Raised on Radio (1986) was made by Schon, Perry, and Cain, who added other musicians for a tour. 

Following the tour, Journey disbanded. Perry went into a prolonged period of seclusion as Schon and Cain formed Bad English with vocalist John Waite. Bad English had several hit singles, including the chart-topper "When I See You Smile," before breaking up. Perry returned to recording in 1994, releasing For the Love of Strange Medicine. Although the album went gold, it was a commercial disappointment by previous standards. In 1996, Perry, Schon, Cain, Valory, and Smith staged a Journey reunion, releasing the million-selling Trial by Fire, which featured the gold-selling Top 20 single "When You Love a Woman," and going on tour. Perry and Smith opted out of the reunion after the tour, but Journey continued, hiring a new lead singer, Steve Augeri (formerly of Tall Stories), and a new drummer, Bad English's Deen Castronovo, who made their debuts on "Remember Me," a track on the 1998 Armageddon soundtrack. The band next reconvened in 2001. Arrival, Journey's 11th new studio album, was released in April, followed by a national tour. 

The band received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on January 21, 2005. That same year they released a new album, Generations, and embarked on their 30th anniversary tour. Shows on the tour stretched over three hours long and were divided into two sets -- one focusing on pre-Escape material, the other on post-Escape material. The archival release Live in Houston 1981: The Escape Tour appeared on both DVD and CD in 2006, the same year that the group brought Jeff Scott Soto aboard as a replacement for Augeri, who developed a throat infection that prevented him from singing. 

However, Soto's time with the band was limited; in 2007, Journey announced that they had parted ways with the singer and were once again seeking a frontman. They found him in Arnel Pineda, a Filipino vocalist that they discovered after seeing him perform on YouTube. Pineda made his debut with the band in 2008, the same year that Journey released Revelation. Fueled by the adult contemporary hit "After All These Years," Revelation was a surprise hit that wound up going platinum. Journey returned in the summer of 2011 with Eclipse, a concept album that saw the band tie together its progressive rock beginnings with its '80s arena rock peak.

Band Members [ ]

• Neal Schon – lead guitar, vocals (1973–present)
• Ross Valory – bass, vocals (1973–1985, 1995–present)
• Jonathan Cain – keyboards, rhythm guitar, vocals (1980–present)
• Deen Castronovo – drums, percussion, vocals (1998–present)
• Arnel Pineda – lead vocals (2007–present)
• Gregg Rolie – keyboards, harmonica, vocals (1973–1980, 1993–1994)
• George Tickner – rhythm guitar (1973–1975)
• Aynsley Dunbar – drums, percussion (1974–1978)
• Robert Fleischman – lead vocals (1977)
• Steve Perry – lead vocals (1977–1987, 1995–1998)
• Steve Smith – drums, percussion (1978–1985, 1995–1998)
• Randy Jackson – bass, vocals (1985–1987)
• Steve Augeri – lead vocals, guitar (1998–2006)

Touring musicians

• Prairie Prince – drums, percussion (1973–1974)
• Mike Baird – drums, percussion (1986–1987)
• Jeff Scott Soto – lead vocals (2006–2007)
• Stevie "Keys" Roseman – keyboards (1980/ Captured studio track)
• Larrie Londin – drums, percussion (1985–1986/ Raised on Radio )
• Bob Glaub – bass (1986/ Raised on Radio )
• Herbie Herbert (1973–1993)
• Irving Azoff (1993–present)
• Journey (1975)
• Look into the Future (1976)
• Next (1977)
• Infinity (1978)
• Evolution (1979)
• In The Beginning (1979)
• Departure (1980)
• Dream, After Dream (1980)
• Captured (1981)
• Escape (1981)
• Frontiers (1983)
• Raised on Radio (1986)
• Trial by Fire (1996)
• Arrival (2001)
• Generations (2005)
• Revelation (2008)
• Eclipse (2011)

Awards and Honors [ ]

Sales have resulted in two gold albums, eight multi-platinum albums, and one diamond album (including seven consecutive multi-platinum albums between 1978 and 1987).

• 2 Electric Light Orchestra

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Journey – The Brilliant Band Members, Stories & Struggles

The best part was watching Journey grow into this monster. The band was huge, playing these enormous gigs – Neal Schon

Key Takeaways From the History of Journey Band

Table of Contents

• Journey’s success and fame can be attributed to their journey of growth, evolving from a jazz-heavy progressive rock fusion band to a mainstream rock sensation.
• Guitarist Neal Schon, a founding member, played a crucial role in the band’s inception and continued to be a driving force throughout their career.
• The addition of Steve Perry as lead vocalist brought commercial success to Journey, with albums like “Infinity” and “Escape” achieving significant chart positions and producing hit singles like “Wheel in the Sky” and “Don’t Stop Believin’.”
• The band faced challenges and conflicts, resulting in significant lineup changes, a temporary hiatus and legal disputes. But, they managed to reconcile and continue their musical journey with new releases and a dedicated fan base.
• The band’s legacy is a reminder that success in the music industry often comes with personal and financial sacrifices, but their passion for music has kept them going, even in the face of challenges.

In The Road Not Taken , Robert Frost popularised the idea that the choices that an individual makes and the path that they choose to follow determines who they will eventually become and whether they’ll fall by the wayside of fate, or end up changing the world.

Neal Schon, guitarist extraordinaire and sole remaining original member of Journey, was according to Bobby Whitlock who first met him in 1970, and played with him briefly when he jammed with Derek And The Dominoes, always going to succeed thanks to his incredible talent and drive. 

Even though Schon didn’t end up joining Eric Clapton and Whitlock in their short-lived supergroup,  he did impress another guitar legend enough for him to take the teenage virtuoso under his wing and give him his first high-profile, paying job as a guitarist. 

That musician was Carlos Satana who believed in the then seventeen-year-old Schon enough to ask him to become a full-time member of his band. 

What does Santana have to do with Journey, one of the world’s biggest-selling and most famous hard rock bands?

Well, without the former the latter wouldn’t exist, and if Carlos hadn’t brought Schon into the fold, the band that would go on to sell eighty million records over the course of their, so far forty-eight-year career might not have followed the path that they found themselves on.

From Caravanserai To Journey

Schon stayed with Santana for two years and was part of the line-up that recorded Santana III and Caravanserai and after leaving the band at just 19 years old, found himself teaming up with a fellow Santana veteran, Greg Rolle under the guidance of Herbie Herbert.

A self-proclaimed flower child and Grateful Dead fanatic, Herbert was also Santana’s manager, and by default became Rolle and Schon’s manager when they left the band and the foundation on which he was planning to build his next project, a group of talented musicians who could serve as the backing band for any established artist in San Francisco who needed or required their services. 

The Golden State Rhythm Section, which also included former Frumious Bandersnatch members Ross Valory and George Tickner and Tubes drummer Charles “Prairie” Prince was, on paper at least, a great idea.

The musicians all had a flawless pedigree, and when they played together they gelled instantly, the problem with the band was the concept. After they played their first two shows, The Golden State Rhythm Section realized that the idea of being a backing band just didn’t work for them and that they wanted to stretch their creative wings and fly. 

And the name? That wasn’t working for them either but by the end of their first show in Hawaii, and after an abortive radio show contest to find them a new name was swiftly brushed under the carpet and forgotten, the solution to their moniker problem appeared out of the ether when one of their roadies suggested that they call themselves Journey . 

Journeying To Next 

Someone up there must have liked what they heard, as the newly named Journey’s debut mainland show was at a sold-out Winterland Ballroom in San Francisco in front of ten thousand people on New Year’s Eve, 1973.

From there, they jumped straight on a plane and flew back to Hawaii to play another gig, but before they returned to the Bay Area to play a showcase gig for Columbia Records, Prairie Prince left and returned to the Tubes and was replaced by Aynsley Dunbar.

That’s right, THE Aynsley Dunbar from The Mothers Of Invention and David Bowie’s band. As we’ve already said, somebody up there must have really, really liked what Journey was doing. 

Whoever it was up there that had taken a shine to the embryonic Journey wasn’t their only fan, Columbia Records liked what they heard too, and in November 1974, the American rock band formed together in the studio to record their debut album (also called Journey ) which was released in June 1975.

It entered the Billboard Chart at one hundred and thirty-eight, which was more than a little impressive, and while the direction of the debut bore little resemblance to the band that they would eventually become less than half a decade later, it did ensure that Journey became a fixture on the map that the rock hungry audiences of America regularly looked to for direction. 

The band then took their jazz-heavy progressive rock fusion out on the road to play to anyone and everyone they could to promote their debut to, and after the tour, George Tickner left as the touring schedule that the band had undertaken was just a little too much for him. 

Their hard work began to pay off though, as Journey’s sophomore album, Look Into The Future which was released in January 1976, entered the Billboard Top One Hundred shortly after it hit the record shop racks. Granted, it entered the chart at Number One Hundred, but it did make the cut. 

While the band was happy with their sure but steady progress, their label wasn’t quite as thrilled. 

When Journey recorded their third album, Next in 1977 they tempered their sound and made it a little more commercial in order to try and appeal to a broader audience, but even with a slightly more melodic approach, when it was released, Next entered the chart at Number Eighty-Five, and like it’s predecessors, sales began to fall after the initial week of release.

It seemed as though Journey had reached the height of their fame , and despite the band being “happy” with where they were, Columbia Records were seriously beginning to reconsider their investment. Something had to change, and it had to change fast if Journey wanted to stay with their, still relatively new, label. 

The Evolution Of Journey

Even Schon, who wrote most of the band’s early material, later admitted that he thought that their first three records were self-indulgent and should have been more focused than they were.

In an effort to appease their label and increase their record sales, Journey asked singer Robert Fleischman to join the band, reigned in some of their wilder musical impulses, and softened their sound even further.  Adopting a similar approach to bands like the, at the time, wildly popular Boston they hit the road with Judas Priest, Black Sabbath, and ELP. 

But everyone in the Journey camp wasn’t enamoured with Fleischman, and following a series of disagreements with Herbie Herbert, the singer was replaced by Steve Perry who Journey’s manager had met after hearing a demo by Alien Project, Perry’s old band. 

Perry joined the band just in time to record their fourth album, Infinity with them, which was produced by Roy Thomas Baker, who had flown in after working with Queen .

It was a vastly different album for the band, but the addition of Perry coupled with their new direction and having Baker at the helm paid dividends, and Infinity entered the Billboard Chart at Number Twenty-One in January 1978 and gave the band their first hit single, Wheel In The Sky, which entered the Billboard Hot One Hundred and eventually climbed to Number Fifty-Six.

It was enough to convince the band that their new musical direction was the right one to pursue and more than enough to persuade Columbia Records to keep them around. 

Change isn’t always easy, and Aynsley Dunbar wasn’t as keen on Journey’s new direction as the rest of his bandmates were, and following an awkward and difficult tour to promote Infinity , he was sacked by Herbert and replaced by former Montrose drummer Stevie Smith.

With Dunbar firmly in their rearview mirror, Journey with Smith in tow recorded their fifth album, Evolution in 1978 and released it in March 1979. It did slightly better than Infinity reaching Number Twenty in the Billboard Chart, but it did something that its forerunner didn’t. It gave Journey their first Top Twenty hit. 

Lovin’, Touchin’, Squeezin’ climbed to Number Sixteen and made sure that every rock fan with a radio in America knew who Journey was. They weren’t just a name on the map anymore, they were a rock and roll destination that an entirely new generation of fans decided to pack their bags and head directly toward for an extended vacation. 

Parting Is Such Sweet Sorrow 

The Evolution tour was a revelation for the band and was so successful that it saw them having to increase the size of the stage show and the venues that they were used to playing. It also added roughly five million dollars to the band’s bank balance, which just confirmed their status, both to the band and their label, as bonafide rock stars. 

By the time they recorded their sixth album, Departure, Journey was firing on all cylinders, and armed with 19 songs they embarked on a mission to solidify and magnify their success.

They succeeded and the resultant twelve-song record (the seven “weakest” numbers were dropped during the final mix) gave the band their first top ten album and their first top ten hit, as the lead single Anyway You Want It reached number eight in the Billboard Hot One Hundred. 

It was also the last Journey record that founding member Greg Rolle would play on, as he left the band shortly after the end of the Departure tour, to spend more time with his family and work on his own solo career.

But Rolle didn’t leave Journey high and dry, as he pointed them in the direction of the man he thought should replace him, and the individual who would help to shape the future sound of the band, Jonathan Cain. 

Escaping To The Frontier 

With Cain onboard, Journey’s meteoric rise to the upper echelons of rock and roll superstardom continued unabated, and their next record Escape was their most successful to date and remains a firm fan favorite.

Critically acclaimed and voted the best AOR (Album Oriented Rock) album of all time by the readers of British Heavy Metal Bible Kerrang! In 1988, Escape was Journey’s first album to soar straight to the top of the album charts when it was released in July 1981. 

It also gave Journey four top ten singles, Still They Ride On, Open Arms, Who’s Crying Now, and arguably the song that the band will be remembered for long after they and every single one of their first, second and third generation of fans are long gone, Don’t Stop Believin’.

Described as being the perfect rock anthem by music critic Mike DeGagne, Don’t Stop, despite what the bands fans and critics alike think, wasn’t Journey’s biggest hit. 

It wasn’t even the biggest hit on Escape, but thanks to the power of rock radio, and then-newcomer on the block, MTV it’s still the song that everyone remembers.

If you ask anyone to sing a Journey song , they’ll start smiling and either humming or singing Don’t Stop, as the tune has become a cultural phenomenon that has ensured that the band will never be forgotten. 

Escape led to Journey having to found their own fan club, it enabled them to support the Rolling Stones and pushed them to record a song for the soundtrack to Disney’s 1982 Science Fiction spectacular, Tron.

Journey had managed to do what few hard rock bands before them had done. They’d successfully crossed over into the mainstream and had become one of the most famous bands in the world. 

And the Journey ride didn’t stop there. It didn’t even pause for breath, and in the middle of their 1982 tour to support Escape , they returned to the studio to record their eighth album Frontiers, which like Escape before it, went straight to the top of the Billboard album chart when it was released in February 1983, spawned another four ( Separate Ways, Faithfully, Send Her My Love and After The Fall ) top thirty singles and went on to sell six million copies.

And the tour that the band undertook to support it saw them playing the sort of venues that only the NFL could fill and included a sold-out show in Philadelphia that saw eighty thousand rabid Journey fans singing along with the band. 

Raised On Radio 

Fearing that if they continued at the same sort of pace they’d burn out, Perry, Schon, and the other members of the band decided to take some time off in 1984.

During the lull in Journey activities, both Steve Perry and Neal Schon recorded and released solo albums, with Schon deciding to frame his as a band effort rather than using his own name to release the resultant record. 

The release of the solo, and sideband in Schon’s case, records did lead to some speculation in the music press that Journey might be over, to which Schon responded by telling the interviewer that the band was too important to all of the members to let go and the reason that they’d taken time out was ton esquire that it could, and would continue. 

When the band confirmed, following a conversation between Schon, Perry, and Cain, that they’d be returning to the studio to record a new album in 1986, their fans and the press heaved a collective sigh of relief.

Raised On Radio proved to be a difficult album to make, as singer Perry assumed production duties and a few months into making the record, with the assistance of Herbie Herbert he fired long time bass player Ross Valory and drummer Steve Smith, citing the age-old musical differences as the reason for their termination.

With a record to complete, Perry and Herbert drafted Randy Jackson and Larrie Londin to help Journey finish their ninth album. 

When the record was finally released in April 1986, despite yielding five singles and the top ten hit Be Good To Yourself and climbing to Number Four on the Billboard Chart, Raised On Radio was seen as a reluctant, rather than a triumphant success it failed to attain the same commercial high as Journey’s previous release. 

So Long Steve Perry

Undaunted by the commercial performance of Raised On Radio (which still sold millions of copies, but didn’t sell the additional millions that Columbia hoped a Journey record would), Journey hit the road for a sold-out stadium tour in 1986 that finally culminated in Alaska at the beginning of 1987. 

Things weren’t all great in the Journey camp though as Herbie Herbert and Steve Perry had continually clashed throughout the tour and by the time it was over, neither man wanted to spend any time in the other company.  A line needed to be drawn in the sand, and Perry was the one who picked up a stick and drew it. 

Perry decided that enough was enough, and told Schon and Cain that he wanted out, but the keyboard player being the most pragmatic member of the band told that rather than quitting, he should just take some time out. The singer agreed, and Journey decided that it was time that the band and its members needed to go on a break. 

Eight Years And A Few Bands Later

What was initially supposed to be a short time out, eventually turned into an extended eight-year hiatus, during which Schon, Cain, and Perry only played together once in 1991 at a Bill Graham memorial show.

As 1995 crawled into view, Steve Perry called Schon and Cain and told them that he’d be willing to return to Journey as long as Herbie Herbert wasn’t involved with the band anymore. Cain and Schon promptly fired their friend and manager and hired Eagles manager Irving Azoff to replace him. 

With a new manager in place, Journey, including the previously fired Stevie Smith and Ross Valory reunited and began to write and record their tenth album, Trial By Fire.

Even though the record delivered the top twenty hit single When You Love A Woman , when it was released in October 1996, it woefully underperformed and is still one of Journey’s worst-selling albums.

The band, especially Schon, rightly blamed the record’s lack of success on the fact that it was heavy on ballads and didn’t include the sort of uptempo, high-energy, hard rock anthems that the band’s fans expected them to write, record release, and play. 

And playing had also become a contentious issue for the band. Perry, following a hiking accident in Hawaii, had discovered that he needed a hip replacement and had kept putting the surgery off.

The singer, as it would later be discovered was also plagued by a number of other physical ailments, and rather than giving the band’s fans anything less than one hundred percent, he kept delaying the band’s muted tour plans.

Journey couldn’t tour to promote their record, which meant that the record, as far as the band being able to get out and play the songs from it for their fans was concerned, was dead in the water. 

Back On The Road

It had been more than twelve months since the band had released Trial By Fire, and as Perry was still reluctant to commit to any firm touring schedule, following a difficult conversation with Cain, Steve Perry stepped away from Journey for good and went into semi-retirement. 

Worried that the band wouldn’t be the same without Perry, Smith also announced that he was leaving Journey. In the aftermath of two of its longest-serving members leaving the band, Journey, or rather the other members of the band, set about finding replacements for their departed comrades. Deen Castronovo, a musical acquaintance of Schon and Cain became Journey’s new drummer while former Tyketto and Tall Stories singer Steve Augeri were brought in to replace Perry. 

The band finally started touring again in 1998 after contributing a new track to the soundtrack for the film Armageddon and as the millennium dawned they once again entered the studio to record their eleventh album, Arrival which was finally released in April 2001.

Whether it was due to the climatic shift in the musical landscape, or the fact that the band’s fans were just older and had moved on from their wild teenage rock and roll years, their latest opus failed to make the mark that the band hoped it would. It entered the Billboard Chart at Number 56, and its lead single fared even worse.

The future wasn’t as bright as it had once seemed and Journey, following a brief tour in 2001, decided to take 2002 off to rethink their future. 

From Then Until Now

Aguri’s tenure in the band was brief due to his deteriorating health, and he was eventually replaced by Jeff Soto from Talisman while the band was on tour with Def Leppard in 2006. Soto spent less than a year in Journey before he in turn was replaced by Arnel Pineda in 2007, who is still a member of Journey and is their second longest-serving vocalist. 

In recognition of their incredible contributions to the music industry, Journey was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2017.

Just when it looked like things were finally getting back on track with the band, it was following an ongoing dispute Journey fractured into camps with the official band being led by Schon and Cain and an unofficial version being led by Valory and Smith.

That’s when things started to get ugly with both parties threatening to sue each other and hurling lawsuits around like they were going out of fashion. It was an incredibly dark period in the band’s history that was finally resolved in April 2021, and both parties when the legalities were concluded were able to walk away feeling as though they had won a partial victory.

Success, as far as Journey is concerned, is an incredibly costly experience, both personally and financially.

Following the conclusion of their ongoing legal battle, Journey released a single The Way We Used To Be in June 2021 and Neal Schon has promised that the release will shortly be followed by a new album.  And when it does appear, we’ll be the first in line to buy it, as just like their millions of other fans, we’ll never stop believin’ in Journey. 

Journey Band Members Timeline

As you now know, Journey has had several notable members throughout its long and successful musical journey. From the early days to the present, the band has seen talented musicians come and go. Let’s take a look at the timeline of the prominent members, categorized by their respective roles in the band.

Founding Members of Journey:

1. neal schon (guitarist).

• Joined Journey in 1973 as one of the founding members.
• Continues to be an integral part of the band’s lineup till today.
• Known for his exceptional guitar skills and iconic solos.

2. Gregg Rolie (Keyboardist, Vocalist, and Drummer)

• Also a founding member of the band in 1973.
• Contributed as the main vocalist, drummer, and keyboard player.
• Played a significant role in shaping the band’s early sound.

3. Ross Valory (Bassist)

• Joined the band in 1973 as a founding member.
• Known for his melodic bass lines and occasional backing vocals.
• Has had intermittent periods with the band, but remains an important member.

4. George Tickner (Guitarist)

• One of the founding members who played guitar.
• Actively contributed to the band’s early years until his departure in 1975.

Drummers from Journey:

1. prairie prince (1974-1978).

• Joined the band, replacing Prairie Prince.
• A renowned drummer from The Mothers Of Invention and David Bowie’s band.
• Contributed to Journey’s early success and played on their debut album.

2. Aynsley Dunbar (1973-1974)

• Joined Journey in 1974 after the departure of their original drummer.
• Was an established musician and brought his solid drumming skills to the band.
• Left the band in 1978, but played an essential role during their formative years.

3. Steve Smith (1978-1985, 1995-1998)

• Known for exceptional drumming skills during Journey’s most successful era.
• Featured on albums like “Escape” and “Frontiers” among others.

4. Larrie Londin (1985-1986)

• Temporarily replaced Steve Smith during his departure from the band.
• A short but notable tenure in Journey.

5. Mike Baird (1986-1987)

• Filled in for Londin during Journey’s “Raised on Radio” Tour.

6. Deen Castronovo (1998-present)

• Officially joined the band in 1998, known for versatile drumming and vocals.
• Served as the band’s drummer until 2020 when he was briefly replaced by Narada Walden.
• Rejoined Journey in 2021, becoming the current member.

7. Narada Walden (2020–2022)

• Temporarily filled in for Deen Castronovo as the band’s drummer.
• Made notable contributions during his tenure with Journey.

Lead Singers of Journey:

1. steve perry (1977-1998).

• Joined Journey in 1977 and became the band’s lead vocalist.
• Known for his powerful and distinctive voice, he played a pivotal role in the band’s success.
• Perry’s tenure with the band lasted until 1998 and included hit albums like “Escape” and “Frontiers.”

2. Steve Augeri (1998-2006)

• Joined Journey as the successor to Steve Perry.
• Fronted the band for nearly a decade, releasing albums like “Arrival” and “Revelation.”
• Departed from Journey in 2006 due to health issues.

3. Jeff Scott Soto (2006-2007)

• Joined Journey as the lead vocalist following Augeri’s departure.
• Performed with the band for a short period covering various international shows.

4. Arnel Pineda (2007-Present)

• Became Journey’s lead vocalist after being discovered through YouTube.
• With his remarkable vocal range, he helped the band regain popularity with new audiences.
• Continues to captivate audiences worldwide as Journey’s current frontman.

Keyboardists of Journey:

1. stevie “keys” roseman (1980-1983).

• Filled in for Rolie during Journey’s Departure Tour.
• Assumed keyboard duties temporarily.

2. Jonathan Cain (1980-present)

• Joined Journey in 1980 and became an essential member.
• Took over keyboard duties and co-wrote many hit songs.

Bassists and Guitarists from Journey:

1. steve perry (1978 – 1987, 1995 – 1998).

• Many fans might not know that Perry also played guitar on some of the band’s tracks
• His contributions as a guitarist added depth and creativity to Journey’s music

2. Steve Smith (1978 – 1985, 1995 – 1998)

• Steve Smith also proved his proficiency as a guitarist during his time with the band
• His ability to switch between drums and guitar added a dynamic element to their performance

3. Randy Jackson (1986 – 1987)

• Randy Jackson’s diverse musical background brought a fresh perspective to Journey’s sound
• Jackson later became a well-known TV personality and one of the judges on American Idol.

4. Todd Jensen (2021-Present)

• Joined Journey as a bassist for their Las Vegas residency, starting on December 2021.
• A seasoned musician with an impressive resume, having played with artists like SEQUEL, HARDLINE, and HARLOW.
• Filled in on bass for Journey during the six shows of their residency

Throughout the band’s history, Journey has seen multiple personnel changes, but their music and legacy have continued to resonate with fans across generations. These talented individuals have each made significant contributions, leaving an indelible mark on the band’s evolution and success.

Frequently Asked Questions about Journey

Q1: what is journey’s net worth.

As of July 2023, Journey Band’s net worth is $8.87B.

Q2: Is Arnel Pineda still with Journey?

Yes, Arnel Pineda is currently the lead singer of Journey.

Q3: Are any of the current Journey members originals?

No, none of the current members of Journey are original members. The original members of Journey include Gregg Rolie, Neal Schon, Ross Valory, and George Tickner.

Q4: When was the last time Steve Perry sang with Journey?

The last time Steve Perry sang with Journey was in 1991. After leaving the band in 1998, he rejoined briefly for a reunion album and tour in 1996-1997, but they parted ways again after that.

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Revisiting 10 Journey Songs From The ’70s

via journey/YouTube

Best Moments

Although some of their most enduring tracks were released in the early ’80s, Journey also had several classic hits from the ’70s. They formed in 1973 but it wasn’t until they got singer Steve Perry onboard when they finally achieved massive commercial success. He made his debut with them in 1977 and it was clear from the get-go that they were a match made in music heaven.

Let’s take a look at their unforgettable hits in the 1970s.

10. Do You Recall (1979)

Talk about pure power! Steve Perry’s vocals is fire.

9. Too Late (1979)

Perry wrote it about a friend who has become a drug addict. He said, “The drugs were setting up housekeeping.”

8. Daydream (1979)

It has that dreamy feel and while the musicianship is stellar, it’s Perry’s voice that steals the spotlight.

7. When You’re Alone (It Ain’t Easy)

Neal Schon lets loose with his brilliant guitarwork.

6. Lovin,’ Touchin,’ Squeezin’ (1979)

It’s the band’s first top 40 hit in the US. Written by Perry, it was inspired by an actual event – when he saw his girlfriend get out of a car and kiss the driver.

5. Just The Same Way (1979)

The layered harmony vocals is simply exquisite. It added more depth to the song.

4. Lights (1978)

The song is about San Francisco and it’s one of the first songs Perry sang for Journey. Perry explained, “I had the song written in Los Angeles almost completely except for the bridge and it was written about Los Angeles. It was ‘when the lights go down in the city and the sun shines on LA.’ I didn’t like the way it sounded at the time. And so I just had it sitting back in the corner. Then life changed my plans once again, and I was now facing joining Journey. I love San Francisco, the bay, and the whole thing. ‘The bay’ fit so nice, ‘When the lights go down in the city and the sun shines on the bay.’ It was one of those early-morning-going-across-the-bridge things, when the sun was coming up and the lights were going down. It was perfect.”

3. Anytime (1978)

Written before Perry joined Journey, Schon recalled: “Gregg Rolie was doing Bing Crosby – you know, ‘ooh, ooh.’ And I’d listened to lots of Beatles records when I was a kid, so I just went ‘Anytime that you want me.’ It came out real easy in rehearsal.”

2. Feeling That Way (1978)

This was initially an instrumental titled “Velvet Curtain” which they later abandoned. Eventually, Rolie got back to it and added words then renamed it to “Please Let Me Stay.” It was shelved at the last minute. After Perry joined, Rolie rewrote it again and shared the lead vocal duties with Perry.

1. Wheel in the Sky (1978)

One of their finest moments, it began as a poem titled “Wheels In My Mind”. It was their first single with Perry that eventually became a staple in their live repertoire.

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The definitive Journey playlist

Though the lineup has changed, Journey is still going strong. Since the mid-1970s, the band has been a staple on the arena and mainstream rock scene. Journey's songs have aged exceptionally well. Here is our ranking of their 20 best songs.

20. "Send Her My Love"

A top-25 hit on Billboard 's Hot 100, " Send Her My Love " was part of 1983's Frontiers  album, which further earned the band success in rock, pop, and adult contemporary communities. At that moment, and perhaps more so in the future, ballads like this became some of Journey's most popular tracks. The band continued to make money, but classic rock fans were often turned off.

19. "To Play Some Music"

We're going back to the band's self-titled 1975 debut album for this track. "To Play Some Music" was the only single released from the album, and it's a song even some of Journey's biggest fans can't recall or have never heard. While it doesn't pack the same kind of arena-rock punch as some of Journey's better-known works from the 1970s, it's an example of the band's early progressive rock tendencies .

18. "For You"

Classic rock fans are well aware of Steve Perry's legendary vocal and songwriting contributions to Journey. Before that, Gregg Rolie serviceably performed vocal duties. Then, there was Robert Fleischman (Vinnie Vincent Invasion), who served as frontman for roughly six months in 1977. Though he co-wrote a couple of Journey's most popular tunes (more on that in a bit), he was never officially part of a studio album. "For You," the only released Journey track with Fleischman on vocals, did not come out until 1992's Time 3  box set.

17. "Patiently"

Over the years, Journey has been known for its penchant for writing and performing ballads. The truly popular ones feature Steve Perry on vocals. " Patiently " goes back to 1978's Infinity , the band's first album with Perry, who co-wrote this track with Neal Schon. "Patiently" has often been lost in the shadows of other more recognizable tracks on the album, but it's a worthwhile listen.

16. "Too Late"

" Too Late " was released as a single off 1979's Evolution  album, but it's probably regarded as a deep cut for the casual Journey fan. It's one of Journey's more soulful tunes but still has that signature mass melodic sound we've come to appreciate from the group. This tune also laid the foundation for the radio/MTV-friendly sound during the 1980s.

15. "Be Good to Yourself"

By the time Raised  on  Radio  was released in 1986, Journey was essentially a three-piece made up of Steve Perry, Neal Schon, and Jonathan Cain. The group also took on more of a pop sheen with its music now regularly heard in dentist offices throughout America. "Be Good To Yourself" is a pure radio-friendly,  pop bombast. It was also a top-10 hit on Billboard 's Hot 100 and the highlight of the album.

14. "Who's Crying Now"

Speaking of Jonathan Cain. When the former Babys member joined this band before the release of Escape  (1981), he helped Journey go from a respectable rock outfit to a mainstream giant. Cain's songwriting and Perry's workmanship and unique voice allowed Journey to crossover into the pop world of FM radio and Top 40. "Who's Crying Now" was the first single off Escape  (which topped Billboard 's 200 chart). The somewhat bluesy, smoky number showcased the chemistry Perry and Cain were building as songwriters. It peaked at No. 4 on the Hot 100.

13. "Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)"

Sure, "Separate Ways" gets mocked for the band playing their air instruments in the famed music video that seemed to encapsulate 1980s mainstream rock. Still, the first single off Frontiers  is one of the group's most popular tunes and reached No. 8 on the Hot 100 — the highest-charting track from the album. The '80s were about overindulgence, and Journey did its part with this corporate-rock performance.

12. "Only the Young"

The history of "Only the Young" is interesting. Steve Perry, Jonathan Cain, and Neal Schon wrote the song, but Patty Smyth's band Scandal first recorded it in 1984. The next year, Journey made its version , the most recognizable of the two, which earned popularity on the Vision  Quest soundtrack and a No. 9 spot in the Hot 100. Who can forget the motivational tune blaring underneath the image of Louden Swain (Matthew Modine) running through the streets of Spokane in a silver plastic workout suit?

11. "Open Arms"

When Jonathan Cain and Steve Perry brought "Open Arms "  to the table, guitarist Neal Schon wondered what his role in the song would be. The quintessential power ballad of the 1980s, the song was a slow-dance must at junior high and high school dances. The  Escape  closer reached No. 2 on the Hot 100 and was another example of Cain's excellence on the piano and Journey's presence as a mainstream rock force.

10. "Faithfully"

The Escape  album had "Open Arms." Frontiers ' popular power ballad was " Faithfully ." A token song about a musician's life on the road and the strain it can put on a relationship, the track reached No. 12 on the Billboard  Hot 100 chart. Over the years, "Faithfully" has enjoyed significant success, receiving consistent airplay and spanning mediums, such as television. Most notably on the NBC hit Glee .

9. "Mother, Father"

As far as Journey deep cuts go, this might be the best of the bunch. From Escape , the song was never released as a single, and at 5 minutes, 29 seconds, it is the longest song on the album. It's an emotional piece with a family dynamic theme that highlights the overall musicianship of the group. "Mother, Father" is an underrated gem amid a record full of classics that have regularly overshadowed this track through the years. 

8. "Just the Same Way"

The vocal sharing ability of Gregg Rolie and Steve Perry helped draw more attention to Journey in the late '70s. One of the better examples of that came on " Just the Same Way " from  Evolution . Now, the modest resentment Rolie held when Perry joined the group was no secret, but together, the pair delivered stellar harmonic work. This track also showcases some of Steve Smith's better drumming with the band.

7. "Lovin', Touchin', Squeezin'

This was Journey's first Top 40 hit on the United States Billboard  Hot 100 (peaking at No. 16). A stellar moment from Evolution , the track is another classic/arena-rock staple produced by a band whose best music came during the 1970s but wasn't really celebrated until the 1980s. Steve Perry was solely responsible for a song that solidified him as the driving force behind the group's success in the '70s.

6. "Wheel in the Sky"

Written by Neal Schon, Robert Fleischman, and former bassist Ross Valory's wife, Diane. However, Fleischman was out of the band before the popular track was recorded for the Infinity  album. With Steve Perry aboard and lending his vocal chops to the song, "Wheel in the Sky" blossomed into a classic rock  staple that cracked the top 60 on Billboard 's Hot 100. No offense to Fleischman, but can we hear anyone else singing the initial version than Perry?

5. "Feeling That Way"/"Anytime"

Though "Anytime" was released as a single off Infinity in 1978, these two songs truly sound well when paired together , which has long been the preference of FM and classic-rock radio over the years. Gregg Rolie's piano and vocals kick off "Feeling That Way" before Steve Perry's voice takes over and the track picks up its tempo. It eventually leads into "Anytime," one of Rolie's most memorable vocal moments with a little support from Perry.

4. "Stone in Love"

Though " Stone in Love " was never officially released as a U.S. single off Escape , it remains a classic rock favorite. That's thanks, in large part, to the after-the-fact, consistent play on radio over the years — back when rock fans regularly listened to music on traditional radio formats. It's one of the heavier tunes on Escape and harkens back to the late '70s arena rock sound that helped Journey's rise to fame.

3. "Any Way You Want It"

This Departure  hit  (No. 23 on the Hot 100) is a rollicking good time and an example of the band at its arena-rock best. Yes, Journey would soon become more commercial and accessible to the masses, but this track shows just how strong of a rock group the band was during the 1970s. "Any Way You Want It" should also be familiar to fans of the classic comedy Caddyshack .

2. "Lights"

At the time of its release on Infinity , " Lights " didn't even crack the top 50 on  Billboard 's Hot 100. Over the years since, however, the song has become a longtime favorite on classic-rock radio and remains one of the most popular tracks within Journey's catalog. According to an interview Steve Perry gave to Joe Benson in December 2000, he started writing what would be "Lights" while living in Los Angeles. That city is the subject of the song. He then turned it into a more San Francisco-related tune once joining Journey, which hailed from the Bay Area.

1. "Don't Stop Believin'"

Perhaps the best way to describe "Don't Stop Believin'" is "iconic." At the time of its release, the Escape  opener , complete with Jonathan Cain's memorable piano intro , was an undisputed hit , reaching No. 9 on the Hot 100. But, in the decades following its release, the tune has become a massive pop-culture phenomenon. From its inclusion on the hit show  Glee  to the Chicago White Sox run to a World Series title in 2005 to that  memorable karaoke Family  Guy  moment ,  the song continues to live on for generations to enjoy.

A Chicago native, Jeff Mezydlo has professionally written about sports, entertainment and pop culture for parts of four decades. He was an integral member of award-winning sports sections at The Times of Northwest Indiana (Munster, Ind.) and Champaign (Ill.) News-Gazette, where he covered the NFL, PGA, LPGA, NCAA basketball, football and golf, Olympics and high school athletics. Jeff most recently spent 12 years in the editorial department at STATSPerform, where he also oversaw coverage of the English Premier League. A graduate of Northern Illinois University, Jeff's work has also appeared on such sites at Yahoo!, ESPN, Fox Sports, Sports Illustrated and NBA.com. However, if Jeff could do it again, he'd attend Degrassi Junior High, Ampipe High School and Grand Lakes University

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What’s Really Considered Classic Rock?

What is classic rock? Now that albums that came out in 2003 are 20 years old, the line between what's considered "classic" and contemporary seem to become blurred more and more. But is classic rock defined by a timeframe, or is it a particular sound?

Classic rock is often associated with popular '60s and '70s bands such as Led Zeppelin , The Rolling Stones , Aerosmith , AC/DC , Van Halen , Queen , Heart and some others. A lot of '80s bands are lumped into the classic rock sphere as well, including Guns N' Roses , Motley Crue and Bon Jovi . Some classic rock radio stations also play '90s rock and alternative bands on their stations, such as  Nirvana , Red Hot Chili Peppers and Smashing Pumpkins  — and even newer acts such as Greta Van Fleet , Dorothy and Mammoth WVH have been put into the rotation.

There were also a lot of other subgenres that developed throughout the decades, so what makes one artist a classic rock artist instead of one with a different label? Or can they fall under both? First, we'll define what classic rock is, explain what it sounds like and then take it from there.

Where Did Classic Rock Come From?

Live About  notes that classic rock is a radio format that started in the 1980s and was derived from a previous format known as album-oriented rock (AOR). At the time, it primarily played '70s hard rock, but over time it expanded to include rock from other decades, too.

What Is the Definition of 'Classic Rock'?

According to Master Class , classic rock "encompasses rock music made over three decades, from '60s psychedelia and ’70s album-oriented rock (AOR) to 1980s college rock, heavy metal and 1990s grunge." It also adds that many of the songs are guitar-driven, and the bands are known for having iconic vocalists, such as Led Zeppelin's Robert Plant , The Rolling Stones' Mick Jagger and Guns N' Roses' Axl Rose .

What Does Classic Rock Sound Like?

As previously mentioned, Master Class states that classic rock is guitar-driven, but there's also vocals, a bass guitar and drums. To break down the guitar sound even more, many classic rock guitarists created overdrive, distortion or fuzz with their instruments, adding a bit of extra personality to their riffs and solos.

There was definitely a focus on the lyrics, whether they were inspired by personal situations, pop culture or world events, but they tended to be more lighthearted than the songs written by the later grunge bands, for example, who mostly wrote about their societal observations.

And finally, a lot of the bands had a rebellious nature that went against the norms — trashing hotel rooms, starting riots, going on rants onstage — you get the idea.

Is Classic Rock an Era or a Genre?

If you take the rather vague definitions that exist of classic rock and its sound, then there can be an argument made for a lot of bands to fall under its umbrella. Generally speaking, "classic rock" describes many of the bands that rose to prominence during the '60s, '70s and '80s, but as we mentioned earlier, some newer groups are even praised for having a "classic rock sound."

READ MORE:  11 Bands That Are Leading the Classic Rock Revival

When Greta Van Fleet became popular around 2018, we saw a wave of younger bands start receiving similar attention because they were bringing back a lot of the vintage elements that the giants of the '60s and '70s became famous for. Dirty Honey  became the first unsigned band in history to have a song go No. 1 on the rock charts. Crown Lands have put out some of the most critically acclaimed records over the last few years, and most of their music is about historical events that took place on the Indigenous lands in Canada.

Because a lot of the "classic rock" artists have stood the test of time, and because there are a lot of younger groups that are being described as having a classic rock sound, it's safe to say that it wasn't, in fact, an era, but is a genre of its own. Strong vocals and musicianship paired with well-crafted lyrics and distorted, overdriven guitars make up the sound, while rebellion, love and freedom make up much of its attitude.

The Best Hard Rock Album of Each Year Since 1970

More from loudwire.

Complete List Of All Journey Current And Former Band Members

Feature Photo: Bruce Alan Bennett / Shutterstock.com

I first fell in love with the band Journey when I was in high school and brought the band’s album Infinity when it was first released. Their record company Columbia Records at the time heavily promoted the album. It was Steve Perry’s first recording with the band and Columbia knew they had a hit on their hands. I was blown away by Steve Perry’s voice and completely floored by how great the songs were on the record. Journey became one of the biggest bands of the seventies. They helped define the term “Stadium Rock.” The band has gone through multiple lineup changes over the years.  This article takes a look at the revolving door of musicians who have come and gone as members of the band Journey .

The Orginal Journey Band Members

Neal Schon, born on February 27, 1954, in Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma, is an American musician best known as the lead guitarist for Journey. He was one of the founding members of the band in 1973. Over the years, Schon played a significant role in shaping the band’s sound and has appeared on every Journey album to date, from their self-titled debut album “Journey” (1975) to their most recent releases. He primarily plays the electric guitar but has been known to play acoustic guitar and perform backing vocals as well. Schon co-wrote some of the band’s most iconic songs like “Don’t Stop Believin’,” “Wheel in the Sky,” and “Any Way You Want It.” Besides his work with Journey, Neal Schon has had a rich solo career and has also been a part of other bands like Santana and Bad English .

Ross Valory

Ross Valory, born on February 2, 1949, in San Francisco, California, is an American musician renowned for being Journey’s original bass guitarist. He joined the band at its inception in 1973 and contributed to albums like “Journey” (1975), “Infinity” (1978), “Escape” (1981), and many more. Valory played both the bass guitar and occasionally provided backing vocals. He was a part of Journey until he was fired from the band in 2020. Apart from Journey, Valory was involved in the Steve Miller Band and also had a side project called “The Vu.”

Gregg Rolie

Gregg Rolie was born on June 17, 1947, in Seattle, Washington, and is an American keyboardist and singer. He was a founding member of Journey and joined the band in 1973. Rolie played keyboards and was the lead vocalist on the band’s first three albums: “Journey” (1975), “Look into the Future” (1976), and “Next” (1977). He left Journey in 1980 to pursue other musical endeavors. Notably, he was a member of Santana before joining Journey and co-wrote and sang lead vocals on classics like “Black Magic Woman” and “Evil Ways.” After leaving Journey, he went on to form The Gregg Rolie Band and also joined Ringo Starr & His All-Starr Band .

George Tickner

George Tickner, born on September 8, 1946, in Syracuse, New York, is an American musician who played rhythm guitar for Journey. He was among the original members when the band was founded in 1973 but left shortly after the release of the band’s self-titled debut album in 1975. Tickner contributed to the writing of some early songs but didn’t stay with the band long enough to participate in the more commercial phases of Journey’s career. After leaving Journey, Tickner largely retired from professional music to pursue a career in medicine.

Charles “Prairie” Prince

Charles “Prairie” Prince, born on May 7, 1950, in Charlotte, North Carolina, was the original drummer for Journey when the band was formed in 1973. However, he never officially recorded with the band and left before their debut album was made. He is best known for his work with The Tubes , a San Francisco-based rock band. Though his time with Journey was short-lived, Prince has had a significant career in music, working with artists like Todd Rundgren, and Jefferson Starship, and as a session musician for various other artists.

The Next Phase and Beyond

Aynsley dunbar.

Aynsley Dunbar, born on January 10, 1946, in Liverpool, England, is a British drummer known for his work with various rock and blues bands. He joined Journey in 1974, shortly after the band’s formation, and played on the albums “Journey” (1975), “Look into the Future” (1976), and “Next” (1977). Dunbar’s jazz-influenced drumming style added a unique element to Journey’s early sound. He left the band in 1978 before the band shifted to a more mainstream, commercial sound. Apart from Journey, Dunbar has had an extensive career, playing with artists like Frank Zappa, David Bowie, and Whitesnake.

Robert Fleischman

Robert Fleischman, born on March 11, 1953, in Los Angeles, California, is an American musician who briefly served as Journey’s lead vocalist in 1977. Though he never appeared on any studio albums with Journey, he contributed to songwriting and is credited with co-writing songs like “Wheel in the Sky.” Fleischman was replaced by Steve Perry later in the same year he joined. Outside of Journey, Fleischman had a solo career and was a member of other rock bands like Vinnie Vincent Invasion.

Steve Perry

Steve Perry , born on January 22, 1949, in Hanford, California, is an American singer known for his soaring vocals. He joined Journey in 1977 and quickly became the band’s iconic lead vocalist. Steve Perry played a significant role in Journey’s commercial success and was a key contributor to albums like “Infinity” (1978), “Evolution” (1979), “Escape” (1981), among others. He co-wrote and sang some of Journey’s most famous songs, including “Don’t Stop Believin'” and “Open Arms.” Perry left the band in 1998 due to health issues and to pursue a solo career, which itself has been highly successful, featuring hits like “Oh Sherrie.”

Steve Smith

Steve Smith, born on August 21, 1954, in Whitman, Massachusetts, is an American drummer. He joined Journey in 1978, replacing Aynsley Dunbar, and played on some of their most successful albums like “Evolution,” “Escape,” and “Frontiers.” Known for his technical skill, Smith left the band in 1985 but returned for various stints, the latest being from 2015 to 2020. Outside of Journey, Smith has had a rich career in jazz and has been part of his own jazz fusion band, Vital Information.

Randy Jackson

Randy Jackson, born on June 23, 1956, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, is an American musician, best known as a judge on the television show “American Idol.” He joined Journey as a bass player for a short stint during the mid-1980s and played on the 1986 album “Raised on Radio.” Jackson was part of the band’s transition towards a more pop-oriented sound during that period. Besides Journey, he has been an in-demand session musician and has produced and performed with a wide array of artists across genres.

Steve Augeri

Steve Augeri, born on January 30, 1959, in Brooklyn, New York, is an American rock singer best known for his work as the lead vocalist for Journey from 1998 to 2006. He was brought in as a replacement for Steve Perry and featured on albums like “Arrival” (2001) and “Generations” (2005). Augeri co-wrote songs for the band but had to leave in 2006 due to vocal issues. Outside of Journey, he has been involved in other bands like Tyketto and has also embarked on a solo career.

Jeff Scott Soto

Jeff Scott Soto, born on November 4, 1965, in Brooklyn, New York, is an American singer who served as Journey’s lead vocalist for a brief period from 2006 to 2007. He stepped in following Steve Augeri’s departure due to vocal issues but was in the band for less than a year. Though his time with Journey was short-lived, he did perform live with the band during that period. Outside of Journey, Soto has a prolific career, having been a part of bands like Yngwie Malmsteen’s Rising Force and Talisman, as well as a successful solo career.

Deen Castronovo

Deen Castronovo, born on August 17, 1964, in Westminster, California, is an American drummer and vocalist. He joined Journey in 1998, replacing Steve Smith, and contributed to albums like “Arrival” (2001), “Generations” (2005), and “Eclipse” (2011). Besides playing drums, Castronovo also performed backing and some lead vocals during his time with the band. He left Journey in 2015 amidst personal issues. Beyond Journey, he has played with bands like Bad English and Hardline and is known for his work in various other musical projects.

Narada Michael Walden

Narada Michael Walden, born on April 23, 1952, in Kalamazoo, Michigan, is an American musician, producer, and songwriter. He joined Journey as a drummer in 2020, replacing Steve Smith. Known for his diverse skill set across genres, Walden has a rich career outside of his time with Journey. He’s a multi-Grammy Award-winning producer and has worked with a myriad of artists including Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey, and Aretha Franklin.

Arnel Pineda

Arnel Pineda, born on September 5, 1967, in Sampaloc, Manila, Philippines, is a Filipino singer and songwriter. He became the lead vocalist for Journey in 2007, discovered by Neal Schon through YouTube videos of Pineda covering Journey songs. He made his studio debut with the band on the 2008 album “Revelation” and has remained with the band since. Outside of Journey, Pineda had been a part of several bands in the Philippines and has a solo career as well.

Jason Derlatka

Jason Derlatka, born on September 8, 1972, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is an American keyboardist, vocalist, and composer. He joined Journey in 2020 as a touring keyboardist and background vocalist. Though he hasn’t been featured on any studio albums with the band yet, he brings a wide range of musical experience to Journey. Derlatka has worked extensively in television, composing music for series like “House” and “Parenthood.”

Todd Jensen

Todd Jensen, born on October 19, 1965, in Portland, Oregon, is an American bassist. Though he never officially recorded with Journey, Jensen was involved as a touring member following Ross Valory’s departure in 2020. Known for his versatility, he has played with various artists and bands spanning multiple genres, including David Lee Roth, Ozzy Osbourne, and Alice Cooper.

Complete List Of All Journey Current And Former Band Members article published on Classic RockHistory.com© 2023

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About the author.

Brian Kachejian

Brian Kachejian was born in Manhattan and raised in the Bronx. He is the founder and Editor in Chief of ClassicRockHistory.com. He has spent thirty years in the music business often working with many of the people who have appeared on this site. Brian Kachejian also holds B.A. and M.A. degrees from Stony Brook University along with New York State Public School Education Certifications in Music and Social Studies. Brian Kachejian is also an active member of the New York Press.

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Hugely successful stadium rock outfit, Journey have sold millions of records, after rising to prominence in the 70s and 80s, perhaps best known for their hit single, "Don't Stop Believing."

Journey began life in San Francisco, US, having formed in 1973, spending several years developing their sound and lineup over their early albums. Their initial offerings were moderately successful jazz-rock records, that frequently broke out into instrumental experimentations. The influence of musical prodigy and former Santana guitarist, Neal Schon, was certainly on display, backed by Ross Valory (bass), Aynsley Dunbar (drums) and George Tickner (guitar), although George left after one album. Former Santana member, Gregg Rolie (keyboards, vocals) joined shortly after.

Not finding mainstream success, Journey decided they needed to find a strong vocalist, employing Steve Perry for the role. His presence immediately had an effect, with 1978's "Infinity" selling a million records in just one year. "Evolution" and "Departure" continued this success yet it was with "Escape" that they had created a real hit, featuring three Top Ten singles, "Who's Crying Now," "Don't Stop Believing" and "Open Arms." Journey sold millions of copies of "Escape," topping the charts internationally. 1983's "Frontiers" also spawned a number of hits, with Perry then embarked upon a solo venture, achieving double-platinum sales with 1984's "Street Talk."

Perry returned to Journey for 1986's "Raised on Radio," however the band disbanded shortly after. Perry continued his solo recordings whilst Schon and Cain formed Bad English and created the hit single, "When I See You Smile." In 1996, the band reunited, releasing the widely successful "Trial By Fire," bolstered by the success of the single, "When You Love a Woman." Tours followed, although minus Perry, maintaining the band's popularity.

In 2005, Journey's success was recognized, after receiving a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, which was followed by the band embarking on a celebratory 30th anniversary tour. Struggling to find a vocalist who could front Journey, they trialled Jeff Scott Soto before finding Arnel Pineda, a Filipino vocalist who they had discovered on Youtube. He made his debut with the band on 2008's "Revelation," which proved Journey still had songwriting abilities, with the album going Platinum. In 2011, they celebrated their prog-rock roots, blending their early sounds with the arena rock style they had developed into at their peak for the album, "Eclipse" in 2011.

Live reviews

I attended the Journey concert at the Minnesota State Fair on Labor Day 2014. It was supposed to rain that night, but the weather gods must also be Journey fans as it was a perfect evening for a concert. It is funny that a group with members in their 60s and the youngest member being Arnel Pineda at 46 had far more energy than the warm-up band with most members being in their 20s or 30s. I have been a Journey fan for a good 7 years now, and I discovered them by accident while browsing through records at a bookstore. As such, Journey to me means Steve Perry and the first time I saw them in concert last year was with Arnel Pineda and hearing him sing the songs that Perry largely wrote and performed was disorienting. I really enjoy the new album Eclipse, and it wasn’t hard for me to enjoy Pineda as these are his songs to sing and his voice is incredible. This year, I was more accustomed to Pineda and was determined to enjoy myself, and did I ever! The band has a great amount of energy and the crowd responded in kind, singing along to the songs and cheering like crazy. You’ll hear the classics for sure (Don’t Stop Believin’ was really special as the crowd really got loud when singing along to that) and that was really fun to hear, but there were some unexpected surprises as well. Firstly, it was nice to hear some of their new songs like "Ritual" from Eclipse and "Faith in the Heartland" from Generations, all the more so as the economy is not very good and many times the Midwest is considered flyover country by the coastal states. As good as Journey's classics are, I appreciated that they played their new songs too. Let's pray that "City of Hope" and "Tantra" will get stage time next year.

In an age where most “artists” can’t sing a lick without the aid of Autotune, every one of the band members can sing in addition to playing instruments. The drummer, Dean Castronovo (a newcomer to the band in 2001) sang the lead vocals for “Mother, Father” while playing drums at the same time. This song is very difficult as the key is very high and requires a great amount of power and range to express the powerful lyrics. He nailed it! I was not expecting the drummer to sing, but it was an unexpected surprise. Jonathan Cain is a very talented man, as he is not only a great piano player, but can play the guitar and provide vocals as well. He was very impressive singing “Anytime” and his piano portions in “Faithfully” were stunning as always. Ross Valory is the bass man, but can sing backing vocals as well.

Neil Schon is also amazing as his guitar work is legendary. From his “here comes the train” sequence in “Don’t Stop Belevin’” to his more intimate moments in “Who’s Crying Now” or “Open Arms”, he can also sing quite well and you are also treated to his rendition of the national anthem as well as a psychedelic guitar piece that has a bit of Indian sitar mixed in. It was really a trip, and shame on the people who were talking during these moments as they were great to listen to. Arnel Pineda is made for Journey. I must admit that I would love to hear Perry sing these songs, but that’s not going to happen and Pineda is the only other person I can think of that can fill Perry’s shoes. He has a tremendous amount of energy, range, and is very kind and humble and still looks amazed that he is leading a band like Journey. He was homeless for many years in his youth and spent a lifetime covering Journey songs and is now leading them. He appreciated how much the crowd got into the songs and promised to return to the Twin Cities. I’ll be there!

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The Journey show is Syracuse NY on August 28 was absolutely fantastic. I had seen them earlier this year and there was some minor sound issues. Not this time. The band hit the stage and rocked the house for about 90 minutes. Their sound was as crisp as their recordings. Neil was incredible as any fan would expect. Dean is a monster on the drums, Jonathan is just so smooth, Ross was as his usual entertaining the crowd with his facial Expressions and Arnel has certainly found a comfort zone and without question is a focal point of the band. When anyone goes to a Journey concert there are high expectations and this concert started fast paced and continued through the night. The band truly rocked the house. They went as far back playing anytime and La Do Da to current release Ritual. The stadium was close to sold out. When 'Don't Stop Believing' started you could hardly hear the back due to the crowd signing along. That's what should happen at one of their shows. The band also expressed their appreciation of the fans. They did not take the crowd for granted. All of the bands members thanked the fans for coming out and Arnel specifically thanked the fans numerous times. The band is not only rocking today like they did 35 years ago, they truly show that they still enjoy it. If you don't have tickets to an up coming show or if you have already seen one of their shows, you should get tickets NOW. This was my second show this year and I would travel again to see them. There was nothing to criticize the band for. They just Came out and nailed it. Great job. Now quit reading reviews and go find where you can enjoy the experience

Not going to lie, I went to a Journey, Steve Miller Band, Tower of Power concert somewhat dreading to see Journey. Like the rest of this world and probably a few more, I have that love hate relationship with Journey's mega hit, sing alongs, and was not too excited to be going to see them. But, a couple of my friends were going and concerts at Shoreline tend to be a good time, so I went along with it. Needless to say, how pleaseanty surprised I was to find myself up dancing and belting the lyrics to songs I had never heard before (you can be sure that when Don't Stop and Anyway You Want It came on I was the loudest one there).

All this coming from the kid who thought it was going to be a real snoozefest. I would categorize this concert as a show to see for the fun and the experience over the music itself. Unless, in some bizarre turn of events, you are in fact a Journey fan, in which case buy your tickets now and throw on that tour t-shirt from the last time they came to town. The lead singer, a short Filipino fellow who apparently they found on tour in South East Asia, will have you wondering if he has been in the band all along with his streaming energy and spot on voice. All in all, a good show to go see with friends. Make sure to get there early and get a good spot to set up shop!

I can't think of anyone who won't have heard the classic hit 'Don't Stop Believin'', and I must say, this was the only track that I was familiar with before seeing Journey live. It wasn't a gig that I had planned on going to, but the experience was just phenomenal. The energy of their performance was just out of this world, especially considering they've been performing for the last 40 years! Each member of the band took a solo which was a really cool moment to give everyone the credit that they deserved, and it was great to be able to applaud each member individually. Even if you don't know the back catalogue of their music, the great 80s vibe is perfect for dancing alone, and the catchy hooks have you singing along before too long, which is what I found myself doing! The balance of the band and vocals complimented eachother well, with neither overpowering the other, making for a great sound in the massive venue, which had great acoustics. Great vocals, band, performance, and tracks. Such a fun night, I would definitely go again, and can say from experience that it really doesn't matter whether you know the music well or not to have a blast!

Arnel Pineda is an amazing addition to Journey. His stage presence is fantastic and he really knows how to interact with the audience. During the first few songs it seemed his voice was drowned out by the music, but the remainder of the concert you could hear him better. The rest of the band is equally talented in each of their respective areas as witnessed by their solo performances. The entire show was fantastic. The only draw back was drunk people in the audience. There was a handicapped women sitting next to us who was unable to stand and the people in front of us refused to sit after multiple times of asking them. A fight started between another audience member due to their lack of consideration. The staff quickly interceded, but didn't have the couple sit down. I think the show should be enjoyed by everyone who purchases a ticket and not by the few who think they are having a private concert just for them. After all, the ticket you purchase is for the seat. You should sit in it, especially if it is interfering with other people's view. Unfortunately this experience overshadowed the otherwise fantastic concert.

I thought nothing could be more exciting than sneaking through a basement window of a university auditorium to see one of the premiere classic rock bands of all-time. It hadn't been 30 seconds after we figured out where there were two open seats when Journey opened their set with "Anyway You Want It" to the roar of the 3,000+ fans in attendance. Guitarist Neal Schon sealed the deal for me with his precise, piercing riffs as the band rocked the crowd with intense energy that the crowd responded to all night. The synchronized lighting system that rhythmically danced with the music for almost every beat contributed to those on the main floor dancing, singing and waving their arms for the entire show while even spectators like us on the risers couldn't help but be out of our seats grooving all night long. Journey is one of those bands that has such polished musically talent that they make the experience of attending a live concert unforgettable. Taking into account the hundreds of concerts I've attended - for pay - this Journey concert will go down in the books as one of the top three...even if it would not have been for free.

Wow, what a tour-de-force of Rock & Roll power...

The Journey, Doobies and Dave Mason show was better than I'd hoped or expected...

I'm a music TV producer and have friends who have played in all of these bands over the years so have seen each group a number of times. I'm loving these super-group mash-ups of recent years and this one did not disappoint me.

I do want to commend the sound crew for the "Journey" set because it was one of the most expert and satisfying live mixes and exhibited real genius in the EQ, and overall artistic treatment.

In recent years I've noticed ( to my disappointment ) more events with inept live sound due to the apparent lack of talent or concern amongst our live-sound mixing communities. Nothing can ruin a great performance easier than a slacker at the board and I'm very happy to report, Journey's sound crew are at the top of their game...

I attended my very first Journey concert last night. Journey with Steve Perry was the very first rock band I truly was enamored with. Sure, the others soon followed, like Def Leppard, Motley Crue, Whitesnake, Guns 'n Roses, Bon Jovi, just to name a few, but none really truly rivaled Journey.

I've always stayed faithful to Journey. The lyrics resonate, the music simply thrills. I'll forever equate "The Voice" with Journey, but I don't mind saying Arnel.... DAMN, you rock! (Neal, glad to see you can still hold your own ;) )

In short, if you are, or have ever been a Journey fan, they will not disappoint.

Saw them in Calgary in 2012 and Arnel had a flu and wasn't even close to top form and the rest of the band had to give him breaks because he was so sick. This time everyone was at their best and it was truly a great show. Very few vocalists sound as good live as they do in a studio, Arnel Pineda is one of them. Neal Schon's solo project wasn't a bad opener, but it didn't exactly get the audience excited either. Overall it was a spectacular show though, I'd see them again without question because of it.

This band just doesn't quit!! Have been going to see them since the70's and they are still o e of the best shows going these days. My daughter is now a big fan. The show last night in Louisville was as good as ever. These guys work hard and it shows in the quality of the show.

Now it's even more fun to watch knowing they are in the Rock And Roll Hall of Fame!!!

If they come anywhere around do not miss the show!! I came to this KY show from FL....

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Music | Review: Journey (easily) tops Def Leppard in…

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Music | Review: Journey (easily) tops Def Leppard in the battle of classic rock acts

Def leppard, journey, steve miller band hit san francisco.

And everybody in attendance knew that was going to happen, with pretty much all the buzz in the ballpark centered on the Bay Area group from start to finish in this five-hour show that also featured Def Leppard and the Steve Miller Band.

The only people who apparently didn’t see this coming were the tour organizers, who had Leppard scheduled to go on last — the de facto headlining spot — after Journey had just absolutely crushed its 90-minute set in front of some 25,000 fans.

No doubt, Def Leppard would pay a heavy cost for that decision. The English rock act delivered a fine set of music, but it definitely couldn’t match Journey’s performance on basically any level — including in terms of setlist, energy, musicianship and, most certainly, connection with the crowd.

Most of the fans, who were physically and emotionally spent from having just seen Journey, still stuck around to see Def Leppard take the stage. But then they began their exodus within just a few songs of the nightcap, almost like they were collectively saying, “OK, we were here for Journey, but we still wanted to check Def Leppard off our list.” Midway through the band’s set, and before it had gotten around to playing such big hits as “Rock of Ages” and “Photograph,” it appeared that at least a third of the crowd had made an exit.

This didn’t have to happen. The phrase that I kept hearing repeated from fans all night long was something like, “I thought Journey would headline in the Bay Area.” And, yes, organizers should have made that happen — if, indeed, this trek is a true co-headlining show as it’s being promoted.

Steve Miller Band also had homefield advantage, yet there simply weren’t enough fans in the stadium as he took the stage around 6 p.m. — while most people were still battling traffic and parking issues — for it to make a difference.

Still, the 80-year-old former Bay Area resident — who was the first of the three Rock and Roll Hall of Fame acts to perform on the night — made fine use of his hourlong set as he cruised through such all-time-fun classic rock radio staples as “Jungle Love,” “Take the Money and Run,” “Jet Airliner” and “The Joker.”

The Steve Miller Band performs at Oracle Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Wednesday, Aug. 28, 2024. (Ray Chavez/Bay Area News Group)

Members of the Steve Miller Band perform at Oracle Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Wednesday, Aug. 28, 2024. (Ray Chavez/Bay Area News Group)

Steve Miller and his band perform at Oracle Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Wednesday, Aug. 28, 2024. (Ray Chavez/Bay Area News Group)

The Steve Miller Band members perform at Oracle Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Wednesday, Aug. 28, 2024. (Ray Chavez/Bay Area News Group)

Then Journey hit the stage, opening their 90-minute set with a blazing double shot of “Only the Young” and “Be Good to Yourself,” and the hometown party went into overdrive.

The sextet — which consists of keyboardists Jonathan Cain and Jason Derlatka, guitarist Neal Schon, drummer Deen Castronovo, bassist Todd Jensen and vocalist Arnel Pineda — was in take-no-prisoners mode for the first portion of the set, continuing to roll through such rowdy rockers as “Stone in Love” and “Ask the Lonely” before wooing the crowd with the memorable power ballad “Faithfully.”

“San Francisco, on our 50th anniversary, we’d like to say that we are forever yours, faithfully,” Cain said as he stood before his eye-catching red grand piano.

Yes, more than a half century after a bunch of Bay Area rock vets formed the band in 1973, Journey still sounds as powerful as ever. It’s weathered the changes — and challenges — quite well, all the while continuing to enlist new generations of fans into the fold.

Even the current challenge — which is the ongoing feud between Schon and Cain over things both big and seemingly very small — can’t derail the group’s live show. Indeed, it might just push it to greater heights, as the two opposing band members seem determined to win the battle of Journey MVP each time they take the stage.

Of course, Schon takes that trophy — by a wide margin.

His fiery, yet carefully enunciated guitar parts were absolutely breathtaking to behold on such winners as “Be Good to Yourself,” “Lovin’, Touchin’, Squeezin’” and “Who’s Crying Now?”

How is it that Schon, a Rock and Roll Hall of Famer and the sole remaining founding member of one of the biggest rock bands of all time, remains so underrated? It’s because he’s made his fame as part of an outfit best known for grandiose pop-rock power ballads, which basically disqualifies him from nerdy conversations over best guitarists. If he’d instead made his fortune in a hard rock band, however, he’d likely be considered an all-time great — right up there with the likes of Jimmy Page and David Gilmour.

Overall, the thing that most distinguished Journey’s set from the others on the bill was the dramatic emotional investment that these fans have in the music.

“Wheel in the Sky,” “Separate Ways (Worlds Apart),” “Lights,” “Don’t Stop Believin’” and the like aren’t just mere songs for these fans — they are Bay Area points of pride. (Even though, as I always feel compelled to point out, “Lights” was originally written about rival city Los Angeles.)

Journey lead guitarist Neal Schon performs in concert at Oracle Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Wednesday, Aug. 28, 2024. (Ray Chavez/Bay Area News Group)

Journey’s Neal Schon and Arnel Pineda perform in concert at Oracle Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Wednesday, Aug. 28, 2024. (Ray Chavez/Bay Area News Group)

Journey lead singer Arnel Pineda performs in concert at Oracle Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Wednesday, Aug. 28, 2024. (Ray Chavez/Bay Area News Group)

Journey performs in concert at Oracle Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Wednesday, Aug. 28, 2024. (Ray Chavez/Bay Area News Group)

Journey lead guitarist Neal Schon walks the stage during their concert at Oracle Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Wednesday, Aug. 28, 2024. (Ray Chavez/Bay Area News Group)

In direct comparison to that, well, Def Leppard simply didn’t stand a chance in front of Journey’s people as it unveiled a setlist filled with such easily digestible and utterly sheeny ’80s numbers as “Rock! Rock! (Till You Drop),” “Foolin’” and “Armageddon It.”

The group sounded fairly good, despite lead vocalist Joe Elliott not being at the top of his vocal game, yet the whole thing just felt so lightweight after the heavy duty offering that we got from Journey.

By the time they were a half-dozen numbers into the 18-song set, and getting ready to roll into the new song “Just Like ’73,” Def Leppard had pretty much lost the majority of the crowd — some to the exits, others to indifference.

Yet, they’d redeem themselves on the last leg of the race, motivating those fans who were still in the house to get up out of their seats and enjoy a main-set-ending twofer of “Rock of Ages” and “Photograph.

Def Leppard’s Phil Collen performs in concert at Oracle Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Wednesday, Aug. 28, 2024. (Ray Chavez/Bay Area News Group)

Def Leppard’s Joe Elliott performs in concert at Oracle Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Wednesday, Aug. 28, 2024. (Ray Chavez/Bay Area News Group)

Def Leppard’s Rick Savage performs in concert at Oracle Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Wednesday, Aug. 28, 2024. (Ray Chavez/Bay Area News Group)

Def Leppard’s Rick Savage, left, and Joe Elliott perform in concert at Oracle Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Wednesday, Aug. 28, 2024. (Ray Chavez/Bay Area News Group)

Def Leppard performs in concert at Oracle Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Wednesday, Aug. 28, 2024. (Ray Chavez/Bay Area News Group)

Journey setlist: 1. “Only the Young”2. “Be Good to Yourself”3. “Stone in Love”4. “Ask the Lonely”5. “Escape”6. “Who’s Crying Now”7. “Faithfully”8. “Lovin’, Touchin’, Squeezin’”9. “Open Arms”10. “Line of Fire”11. “Dead or Alive”12. Guitar Solo/“I Left My Heart in San Francisco”13. “Wheel in the Sky”14. “Lights”15. “Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)”16. “Don’t Stop Believin’”17. “Any Way You Want It”

Def Leppard setlist: 1. “Rock! Rock! (Till You Drop)”2. “Rocket”3. “Foolin’”4. “Armageddon It”5. “Animal”6. “Love Bites”7. “Just Like ’73″8. “Comin’ Under Fire”9. “Too Late for Love”10. “Die Hard the Hunter”11. “Two Steps Behind”12. “This Guitar”13. “Bringin’ on the Heartbreak”14. “Switch 625″15. “Rock of Ages”16. “Photograph”Encore:17. “Hysteria”18. “Pour Some Sugar on Me”

Steve Miller Band setlist: 1. “Swingtown”2. “Serenade”3. “The Stake”4. “Living in the U.S.A.”5. “Fly Like an Eagle”6. “Abracadabra”7. “Rock’n Me”8. “Jungle Love”9. “Take the Money and Run”10. “The Joker”11. “Jet Airliner

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Legendary classic rock bandmates tangled in lawsuit just shared a big update

• Published: Aug. 24, 2024, 5:00 a.m.

Journey founder Neal Schon took to social media to give an update on the ongoing legal feud between himself and bandmate Jonathan Cain. (Photo by Gems/Redferns via Getty Images)

• Christopher Burch | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

Bandmates of the iconic rock band Journey , who have been at odds for months, recently shared an update to their ongoing legal dispute.

Neal Schon, co-founder and lead guitarist for the band, took to social media Thursday to address a lawsuit that Journey keyboardist Jonathan Cain filed against Schon in July.

“Anyone who follows Journey will know that Jon Cain and I don’t always see eye-to-eye on everything Or, sometimes, on pretty much anything,” Schon said. “Recently, Jon Cain made a number of claims and slanderous accusations about me and my wife – and I can’t stress enough how much it upset me and how wrong they are. I am determined to take the high road and push all this aside for the moment to focus on our fans, the tour and all who give so much to make things happen.”

Cain, 74, filed a lawsuit last month alleging Schon and his wife Michaele had been misusing the band’s funds, leading to issues paying the band’s production team and crew. The group’s tour dates in the U.K. and Ireland were then abruptly canceled later that week. Cain accused Schon of spending up to $10,000 a night on tour and paying for private jets with the company card.

Schon, 70, said in the post he would now be on board with bringing in a third party to neutrally mediate the situation, as he and Cain are the business entity’s only board members. Schon also asked the judge to restructure the company that manages Journey’s touring operations.

”I am determined to take the high road and push all this aside for the moment to focus on our fans, the tour and all who give so much to make things happen,” Schon wrote. “That’s why I’m so glad that Jon now agrees with me that the current dynamic can’t continue and it’s also why I’m pleased that we’re going to bring in someone impartial to help us resolve our disputes, bring clarity to what we’re doing and allow us, as a band, to get back to what we should all focus on – making music and performing for our fans.”

The legendary band is currently co-headlining “The Summer Stadium Tour” with Def Leppard, the Steve Miller band and Cheap Trick.

Journey was formed in San Francisco in 1973 by Schon, Ross Valory, George Tickner and Prairie Prince. Gregg Rollie joined the band shortly after its formation. Cain joined the band in 1980. Journey’s current lineup includes Schon, Cain, Deen Castronovo, Arnel Pineda, Jason Derlatka and Todd Jensen.

The classic rock band is best known for hits like “Don’t Stop Believin’,” “Any Way You Want It,” “Separate Ways” and “Faithfully.” Forbes crowned “Don’t Stop Believin’” as the biggest song of all time .

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How Journey Took the Next Step With Aptly Titled ‘Evolution’

After years of slugging it out in the trenches, Journey finally achieved a modicum of mainstream success with their fourth LP, 1978's Infinity . They were only getting warmed up.

The band's determination to break into the Top 40 came with a price, and was reflected in a series of lineup changes that included the addition of new singer Steve Perry (who made his debut with Infinity ) and continued with the departure of drummer Aynsley Dunbar, who quit before Journey entered the studio to record their fifth studio album, Evolution .

Dunbar vented his frustration with his old band's increasingly commercial direction in a February 1979 interview with BAM , conducted after he joined Jefferson Starship .

"You believe that financial success is gonna do it for you, but it never does," Dunbar argued. "All the financial success in the world can't touch your artistic feeling. Once that's destroyed you can't really enjoy yourself, you can't release anything. I've got to release what I feel. Otherwise, I start getting a temper and building up depression."

That lack of release, Dunbar added, had begun to spill over into Journey's less-spontaneous live sets.

"I mean, if you're playing with a lot of feeling and trying to help them play well, and nobody's giving you a damn thought, they're not listening, there's no point in you being there," Dunbar added. "They wanted to play everything exactly note for note, according to the record. I never wanted to do that, but I did it for the last album.

"It bored the shit out of me," he said. "They could never understand my freedom. They don't understand my playing. They thought I was trying to prove I have technique. Getting out of it was the best thing that ever happened to me."

Plucking new drummer Steve Smith from the ranks of former Journey tourmate Ronnie Montrose 's band, the group reunited with Infinity  producer Roy Thomas Baker for Evolution . As Perry pointed out in an interview with Sounds , however they hadn't really been thrilled with his work on the previous LP.

Watch Journey's Video for 'Lovin', Touchin', Squeezin''

In fact, they only consented to work with Baker again because they were fans of his engineer. "Roy was out driving his Rolls Royce or doing shopping half the time we were recording Evolution ," Perry argued. "It's really just produced by us and Geoffrey Workman."

"Admittedly Roy had a lot to do with the sound of Infinity ," guitarist Neal Schon countered in the same Sounds interview. "But if you listen to both of them, I bet you'll prefer the new one. You know, Infinity  had layer after layer of sound, hundreds of overdubbed guitars. ... There's less of that on Evolution . and I prefer it."

As it turned out, losing a drummer and a few overdubs didn't hurt Journey's burgeoning chart presence. Released April 5, 1979, Evolution  went on to become their most successful album to that point. A No. 20 hit on the Billboard  album chart, Evolution sold more than three million copies while scoring the band a Top 20 hit with the record's second single, "Lovin', Touchin', Squeezin.'"

All of it merely set the stage for a group poised to become one of the biggest rock acts of the next decade.

"We wanted to be successful," Schon told Sounds , shortly after Evolution  was released. "We wanted to compete and we took the steps that we thought were right to do so. If they're the wrong ones, we'll find out soon enough. We're not copping out; we're just trying to make money. Otherwise, you can't live. ... I think if the people are open-minded, they're going to enjoy us – because I think we sound different to any other band that's out right now."

"It's good different," Perry agreed. "So many people sound the same right now. Sit back, listen and I think you'll realize that we are the most different-sounding band. You cannot compare us to anyone. And by staying individual-sounding, we're taking a big chance. We're trying to make our own statement. We're not walking into anybody else's shoes."

Dunbar probably would have argued that sentiment, but whether or not Journey were truly taking a risk, their sonic Evolution  made them a natural fit for radio. The relationship was only strengthened when Journey returned in March 1980 with its sixth studio LP, Departure .

Founding keyboard player (and original lead singer) Gregg Rolie ended up leaving the lineup at the end of the year, but his hand-picked replacement, former Babys member Jonathan Cain, quickly demonstrated his own knack for hitmaking: His debut release with the group, 1981's Escape , gave Journey its first No. 1 album. The rest is history.

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Journey’s Jonathan Cain Says Neal Schon Is Backtracking in Court

A new legal filing from Jonathan Cain accuses Journey bandmate Neal Schon of reneging on a mediated agreement to end their bitter public feud over band finances.

Schon made a public statement last week stating that he’d agreed to Cain’s request to appoint a tiebreaking third party to help manage Freedom 2020, the business subsidiary Cain and Schon formed to manage their touring operation. Cain’s latest petition to a Delaware judge says Schon is “now seeking to inappropriately limit the role of the custodian.”

Cain’s lawyer Kasey H. DeSantis calls this “inconsistent with respondent’s counsel’s prior communications with the court and Discovery Facilitator Joseph Slights explicitly agreeing to the appointment of a third deadlock-breaking director.”

READ MORE: Ranking All 52 Journey Songs From the ’80s

Cain filed a lawsuit in late July charging Schon with creating deep financial strains on the group’s ongoing stadium tour with Def Leppard and Steve Miller through rampant overspending. He said Schon was wasting up to $10,000 a night, while again maxing out the group’s American Express card.

Journey’s ‘Very Toxic Work Environment’

Judge J. Travis Laster fast-tracked the proceedings at a hearing held on Aug. 7 and appointed Slights, an ex-Delaware judge, to serve as a mediator in the case. Schon then accused Cain of being “slanderous” and creating a “very toxic work environment” in social media posts .

Nevertheless, they reportedly came to a tentative agreement to resolve the matter on Aug. 22. Now Cain is asking Laster to approve the earlier version of the agreement.

Journey’s fall 2024 shows in the U.K. and Ireland were abruptly canceled after Cain filed suit. It’s unclear what role, if any, was played by background financial issues or this new legal wrangling. Journey’s current dates with Def Leppard conclude in early September. They previously toured together in 2018 .

Nick DeRiso is author of the Amazon best-selling rock band bio ‘Journey: Worlds Apart,’ available now at all major bookseller websites .

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Founder of classic rock group accused of backtracking in court by band’s keyboardist

• Published: Aug. 28, 2024, 11:07 a.m.

Neal Schon, the lead guitarist of Journey, performs during a concert at the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio, on Aug. 6, 2022. AP

• Kaylyn Greene | [email protected]

Journey members Neil Schon and Jonathan Cain are still dealing with the band’s legal issues, and new details regarding the bandmates’ court case have been revealed.

In a new filing , Cain’s attorney, Kasey H. Desantis, says Schon is now backtracking on their agreement to fix the band’s financial deadlock, calling this “inconsistent with respondents prior communications with the court and Discovery Facilitator Joseph Slights explicitly agreeing to the appointment of a third, deadlock breaking director.”

“On Sunday evening, it became apparent that Mr.Schon is attempting to backtrack on his agreement for the Court to appoint a custodian to serve as a third, deadlock-breaking director of Freedom 2020, Inc., and is now seeking to inappropriately limit the role of the custodian,” the filing reads.

“This is inconsistent with Respondent’s counsel’s prior communications with the Court and Discovery Facilitator Joseph Slights explicitly agreeing to the appointment of a third, deadlock-breaking director.”

Schon made a statement on Facebook last week, explaining that he and Cain don’t always get along, but he was willing to take the “high road” and fix their issues for the fans’ sake.

“Anyone who follows Journey will know that Jon Cain and I don’t always see eye-to-eye on everything. Or, sometimes, on pretty much anything,” Schon wrote. “Recently, Jon Cain made a number of claims and slanderous accusations about me and my wife – and I can’t stress enough how much it upset me and how wrong they are.”

“I am determined to take the high road and push all this aside for the moment to focus on our fans, the tour, and all who give so much to make things happen,” Schon wrote. “That’s why I’m so glad that Jon now agrees with me that the current dynamic can’t continue. It’s also why I’m pleased that we’re going to bring in someone impartial to help us resolve our disputes, bring clarity to what we’re doing, and allow us, as a band, to get back to what we should all focus on – making music and performing for our fans.”

In early August, the two bandmates asked a Delaware judge to help resolve their financial deadlock and, more recently, agreed to bring in an impartial person to fix the ownership issue within the band’s legal entity, Freedom 2020.

According to court filings, Schon is the president of Freedom 2020, a company created to handle the band’s tour-related finances. He and Cain each have a 50% stake in the company.

Before the August filing, Cain filed claims against Schon for overspending back in July, saying that Schon misused the band’s AMEX card.

The July court filing claims that Schon “has blown past a $1,500-per-night hotel fee cap, maxed out an American Express card with a $1 million limit, unilaterally chartered private jets, hired a close friend as unnecessary extra security, and blocked efforts to pay the band’s debts,” according to reports from BloombergLaw.

The band founder was accused of spending up to $10,000 on hotels for his wife and crew members and “hundreds of thousands of dollars” on private jets, reportedly for him, his wife, and his company.

Journey had been on tour to celebrate its 50th anniversary on tour but recently announced the cancelation of United Kingdom dates due to ongoing legal issues.

The band was able to play for the Hershey audience in July alongside rock legends Deff Leppard and The Steve Miller Band.

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"Mr Cain is elated with the outcome": Jonathan Cain claims victory in ongoing legal dispute with Journey bandmate Neal Schon

To be completely frank, we're not sure what's going on with this soap opera anymore

Jonathan Cain is claiming victory in his ongoing legal battle against Journey bandmate Neal Schon. The latest development finds the Delaware Chancery Court appointing Joseph R. Slights III to act as a custodian of the pair's company, allowing him to act as a deadlock-breaking casting vote in the case of disputes. 

In a statement, Cain's legal team say, "Jonathan Cain   is pleased to announce the resolution of the recent legal dispute between him and Journey bandmate Neal Schon in connection with the deadlock in the management of their touring company, Freedom 2020, Inc. resulting from Messrs. Cain and Schon each owning 50% of the company and each serving as the company’s sole directors.  

"The lawsuit was filed in the Delaware Chancery Court on July 24, 2024, after repeated efforts over several weeks to select a third, independent director amicably failed.  The Chancery Court granted Mr. Cain’s motion to expedite the litigation and a trial date was scheduled for early September 2024.

"Mr. Schon ceded to Mr. Cain’s demand and stipulated to the Court of Chancery’s appointment of a third director of the Company. On August 28, 2024, the Delaware Chancery Court issued an order appointing former Vice Chancellor Joseph Slights as the Custodian.  

"The order aligns with Mr. Cain’s requested relief in the lawsuit.  Mr. Schon is prohibited from unilaterally acting on behalf of the Company and all future deadlock between Mr. Cain and Mr. Schon will be broken by the vote of the Custodian.

"Mr. Cain is elated with the outcome and looks forward to moving beyond this matter so that Journey   can continue the band’s 50th Anniversary Freedom Tour. "

According to court documents associated with the case , Neal Schon does not oppose the appointment. The documents also reveal that the custodian, while able to exercise the power of a company director, is not actually a director of the company.   

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Cain's lawsuit, which was originally filed early this month , detailed alleged instances of financial mismanagement by Schon, including the allegation that he'd spent up to $10,000 per night for hotel rooms for him and his wife, and accused him of "excessive expenditures relating to private jets". 

A week ago Schon took to social media to update fans, saying, "Anyone who follows Journey will know that Jon Cain and I don't always see eye-to-eye on everything or, sometimes, on pretty much anything. 

"Recently, Jon Cain made a number of claims and slanderous accusations about me and my wife – and I can't stress enough how much it upset me and how wrong they are. I am determined to take the high road and push all this aside for the moment to focus on our fans, the tour and all who give so much to make things happen. 

"That’s why I'm so glad that Jon now agrees with me that the current dynamic can't continue and it’s also why I'm pleased that we're going to bring in someone impartial to help us resolve our disputes, bring clarity to what we're doing and allow us, as a band, to get back to what we should all focus on – making music and performing for our fans." 

The next date of Journey's tour with Def Leppard comes tomorrow night (August 30) at Petco Park in San Diego, CA. The band's scheduled UK tour was cancelled earlier this month. 

Journey 2024 tour dates

Aug 30: San Diego Petco Park, CA*# Sep 04: Seattle T-Mobile Park, WA^# Sep 08: Denver Coors Field, CO^#

Oct 19: Osaka Sub Arena, Japan Oct 21: Yokohama Convention Hall, Japan Oct 23: Tokyo Budokan, Japan Oct 24: Tokyo Budokan, Japan

#with Def Leppard *with Steve Miller Band ^with Cheap Trick

Tickets are on sale now . 

Online Editor at Louder/Classic Rock magazine since 2014. 38 years in music industry, online for 25. Also bylines for: Metal Hammer, Prog Magazine, The Word Magazine, The Guardian, The New Statesman, Saga, Music365. Former Head of Music at Xfm Radio, A&R at Fiction Records, early blogger, ex-roadie, published author. Once appeared in a Cure video dressed as a cowboy, and thinks any situation can be improved by the introduction of cats. Favourite Serbian trumpeter: Dejan Petrović.  

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Rock And Roll Garage

Mark knopfler recalls his journey from being a journalist to a songwriter.

Classic Rock

The legendary Dire Straits guitarist, singer and main songwriter Mark Knopfler first worked as a journalist before becoming a musician. In an interview with Guy Pratt (Transcribed by Ultimate Guitar ), the musician recalled his journey from working for newspapers to becoming a songwriter.

Knopfler is currently promoting his new solo album “One Deep River”, which was released last April. Since Dire Straits came to an end in 1995, Mark Knopfler released 9 studio albums. He also made many soundtrack albums and collaborated with artists like Chet Atkins and Emmylou Harris.

“I didn’t see myself as a songwriter at all. I was just a strummer. I remember some of the stories that I was doing for the paper. I’d see bits of them in my notebook afterwards, and they’d start creeping into the songs. So if I were sent to interview the city varieties in Leeds, go and talk to the cast of the pantomime. I’d be talking to the ugly sisters, you know, a couple of old dudes… And that became ‘One More Matinee.’ I started taking their lines and making them into lines of a song.”

“I think that’s when I transferred. I might have had bits of songs, but I was busy copying songs. I didn’t see myself as a songwriter at all. And so, I sort of eased into it that way, and ended up being the guy who writes the songs. Now, I think I’m a songwriter [first] and a musician second. [Being a musician is] very different from being a songwriter, to me.”

He continued:

“[When] I think about a musician, I think about, say, the guy who plays bass in my band, Glenn Wolf. There’s a man with a relationship with his instrument that is enviable. And also, he can play, which got me tied up with him in the first place.”

“What I mean is that if you take someone like Ianto [Ian Thomas, drummer] or someone like Jim Cox on the piano, the relationship with the instrument is absolute. And I can’t get that going with the guitar. No, I’ll be spending time looking at the songs, the songs, the songs,” Mark Knopfler said.

I'm a Brazilian journalist who always loved Classic Rock and Heavy Metal music. That passion inspired me to create Rock and Roll Garage over 6 years ago. Music has always been a part of my life, helping me through tough times and being a support to celebrate the good ones. When I became a journalist, I knew I wanted to write about my passions. After graduating in journalism from the Pontifical Catholic University of Minas Gerais, I pursued a postgraduate degree in digital communication at the same institution. The studies and experience in the field helped me improve the website and always bring the best of classic rock to the world! MTB: 0021377/MG

Rock Archives: Watch Elvis Presley Sing the Beatles Classic “Yesterday” in 1970

Em Casalena

Updated: 

An unearthed clip recently showed the famed King of Rock and Roll, Elvis Presley, playfully covering The Beatles’ famed song “Yesterday” back in 1970. You can watch the clip below:

Videos by American Songwriter

Elvis Presley rehearsing The Beatles’ song “Yesterday” in 1970. The ultimate compliment is to have Elvis sing one of your songs, and The Beatles got it. #ElvisPresley pic.twitter.com/hAiRyq7KyE — 🎸 Rock History 🎸 (@historyrock_) August 31, 2024

It was a lovely little cover accompanied by Elvis’ backing band in a toned-down performance. Presley clearly took it seriously, which poses the question: Was Elvis Presley a Beatles fan? 

Allegedly, the Fab Four met Presley at his Bel Air home back in 1965. No recordings or quotes from either party exist, so a lot of what went on there is hearsay. According to Jerry Schilling’s book Me And A Guy Named Elvis , the superstars didn’t have a jam session that evening. Even Paul McCartney and George Harrison said that nothing of the sort happened. 

What Elvis Presley And The Beatles Thought Of Each Other

Outside of their first meeting, it seemed for a while that Presley might have resented The Beatles in a way. John Lennon said in 1964 that he wanted the band “to be bigger than Elvis.” They more or less did exactly that. According to some accounts , Presley called them “sons of b*tches” and was jealous of their sudden rise to fame.

If this is true, it’s kind of understandable. Beatlemania rivaled any pop career before the 1960s. If Presley was threatened, he had good reason to be.

[See The Beatles’ Paul McCartney Live In Concert]

However, it seems like Presley was actually a fan in reality. The rock star said that he enjoyed the Fab Four’s songs, particularly “Yesterday” (obviously, since he covered it) and “Hey Jude”. He even said live in 1968 that he liked “new groups” like The Beatles, The Beards, etc.

Unfortunately, Presley got a lot of attention over some pretty harsh words he had for the band in 1970. He told then-president Richard Nixon that he found The Beatles to be “kind of anti-American.” John Lennon was reportedly annoyed by the comment. Ringo Starr even said that Elvis had tried to get them “banned” from the United States.

It’s not clear if the band and Presley ever made up. However, McCartney has honored his memory through the years with nothing but respect.

“If I were Bill Black, then Elvis would have been right there,” he said in a PBS performance back in the early aughts. He then covered “Heartbreak Hotel” with the kind of passion you’d only expect from a fan and a contemporary.

Either way, Presley’s cover of “Yesterday” is quite beautiful.

Photo by Hulton Archive

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