Imagine the shock of a rock icon declaring a seismic shift in one of music's most enduring bands – that's the drama unfolding with Journey right now! Neal Schon, the band's sole surviving founding member, has revealed that longtime collaborator Jonathan Cain has stepped away after years of intense disagreements. But here's where it gets controversial: could this split actually breathe new life into the group, or is it the beginning of the end for a legendary lineup? Let's dive into the details and explore what this means for fans and the future of rock history.
It all started with a social media announcement from Schon, who posted on X (formerly Twitter) that Cain had bid farewell to Journey. Despite this upheaval, Schon remains optimistic, stating he's far from finished and hinting at exciting plans ahead. Cain, who joined the band in 1981, played a pivotal role in their massive success, including the diamond-certified album Escape, which soared to the top of the U.S. charts and sold millions. For beginners in rock lore, 'diamond-certified' means an album has been certified for sales of 10 million units or more in the U.S., a rare feat that underscores Journey's massive popularity.
Journey isn't stopping, according to Schon. The group took a well-deserved break from touring in the past year, but Schon has already teased a return to the road in 2026. Their latest release, the 2022 album Freedom, showcased their ongoing creativity, and Cain contributed significantly to earlier hits like the six-times platinum Frontiers from 1983, the double-platinum Raised on Radio in 1986, and the platinum comeback Trial by Fire in 1996. If you're new to this, platinum certifications indicate sales of 1 million units, so these albums represent not just commercial triumphs but cultural milestones that defined the '80s rock scene.
READ MORE: Ranking All 52 Journey Songs From the '80s
Cain's songwriting genius is undeniable – he penned or co-penned many of Journey's most beloved tracks, including the chart-topping 'Open Arms' (which reached No. 2) and their anthem 'Don't Stop Believin',' which has become a karaoke staple and a symbol of hope for millions. Yet, his partnership with Schon grew strained over time, leading to heated arguments that even spilled into legal battles. And this is the part most people miss: these disputes weren't just personal; they highlighted deeper creative clashes that could make you wonder if such friction is inevitable in long-running bands. For instance, think of other iconic groups like The Beatles, where internal tensions fueled innovation but also led to breakups – is that what's happening here?
As for who might fill Cain's shoes on tour, Schon hasn't specified, but he's enthusiastic about Journey's future, promising a fantastic tour and more new music. Cain himself hasn't officially confirmed the departure, instead sharing a promotional video for a new tribute single called 'No One Else,' honoring the late activist Charlie Kirk. This suggests he's pivoting to his solo career, which has increasingly focused on faith-inspired music since his 2016 album What God Wants to Hear. Schon commented that Cain wants to pursue his ministry, adding another layer to this story – is Cain's shift to spiritual themes a genuine calling, or a strategic move away from the band's drama? It's a point that could spark debate among fans.
To understand Cain's impact, let's rewind to when he joined Journey. Before his arrival in 1980, the band was already a hit-maker, but with Cain on board, they exploded, releasing their first, second, and third gold-certified Top 10 singles in quick succession during the early '80s. Gold certification, for those unfamiliar, means 500,000 units sold – a big deal back then. Cain blended ideas from vocalist Steve Perry and guitarist Schon, creating hits like 'Who's Crying Now,' 'Faithfully,' 'Separate Ways (Worlds Apart),' 'Only the Young,' and 'Be Good to Yourself.' He also co-wrote 'When You Love a Woman' from 1996, their last Top 20 hit.
Cain reflected on his songwriting legacy, saying he never imagined crafting such timeless pieces. He's especially proud of collaborating with Perry and Schon to create songs that resonate deeply with people worldwide. As an example, 'Faithfully' isn't just a love song; it's about the struggles of touring life, making it relatable for anyone who's juggled relationships and dreams.
READ MORE: Top 35 Journey Videos – Together and Apart
Before Journey, Cain's path was anything but straightforward. He survived a tragic 1958 fire at Our Lady of the Angels School in Chicago, which claimed the lives of three nuns and 92 classmates – a harrowing event that shaped his resilience. He studied at the Chicago Conservatory of Music and moved west, chasing the Hollywood dream. Early on, he scored a record deal, landing a minor hit with 'Til It's Time to Say Goodbye' and appearing on Dick Clark's American Bandstand in 1976. Initially recording as Johnny Lee, he adopted the stage name Jonathan Cain after spotting a sign for Michael Bain – a quirky story that shows the unpredictable side of the music industry.
Despite interest from DJ Wolfman Jack, his debut album Windy City Breakdown didn't take off. Disillusioned, Cain stepped away from music, working jobs like selling stereos and operating forklifts. But songwriting drew him back, leading to stints with bands like The Babys and Bad English. A former bandmate, Ricky Phillips, praised Cain's ideas as solid and ahead of their time, crediting him for elevating Journey's output.
Watch Journey Perform 'Don't Stop Believin'
Cain's evolution within Journey marked a turning point. After joining, he infused their music with narratives drawn from real-life experiences – people's hopes, fears, and aspirations. His melodic talent shone, inspired partly by his father's encouragement during tough times: 'Don't stop believin'.' Later, during a Journey hiatus, Cain reunited with ex-members in Bad English, but his clashes with Schon became notorious, involving both personal feuds and courtroom drama. Despite this, Cain toughed it out, continuing to tour with Journey amid the backstage turmoil.
Reflecting on his life, Cain noted that overcoming tragedy builds strength, often leading to unexpected blessings. It's a profound insight that ties into his faith-driven solo work – but does this mean his Journey days were just a chapter, or could he return? This is where opinions diverge: some fans might argue Cain's departure liberates the band for fresh creativity, while others fear losing the magic that made hits like 'Don't Stop Believin'' possible.
Nick DeRiso is the author of the Amazon best-selling rock band biography 'Journey: Worlds Apart,' available now at all major bookseller websites.
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You Think You Know Journey?
What do you think – is Jonathan Cain's exit a blessing in disguise for Journey, or a devastating loss? Do you believe the band can recapture their glory without him, or should they consider a reunion? Share your thoughts in the comments; I'd love to hear differing views on this rock drama!
