Despite ongoing legal disputes and tensions, Journey has kicked off its farewell world tour. Neal Schon and Jonathan Cain are at odds, mainly due to Cain’s backing of President Trump, his religious beliefs, and their differing views on band management.
In a recent interview with Rolling Stone, Sean expressed a commitment to the band’s original vision, emphasizing that politics and religion should not intertwine with their music. “We never intended to tie politics to our music,” he remarked, adding, “Why are we so attached to one part of something? Why red? Why blue?” His concern is clear: such affiliations could alienate fans.
The article noted that Cain’s decision to perform “Don’t Stop Believin'” at Mar-a-Lago in 2022, alongside controversial figures, did not sit well with Sean. The two co-owners of the Journey trademark have been hashing out issues related to the band’s corporate credit card and its purported misuse. Cain’s suggestion to bring in a neutral third director to resolve disputes has also highlighted their fractures.
Despite these challenges, the farewell tour, which began in February, features lead singer Arnel Pineda, drummer Dean Castronovo, keyboardist Jason Derlatka, and bassist Todd Jensen. Sean emphasized the importance of celebrating their music with fans, stating, “The music we made together is amazing.”
However, while on stage, he tries to push these issues aside. Off stage, it’s a different scene. “I feel like I got one lawsuit served every week,” Sean said of the legal battles, expressing frustration. “I’ve been completely sober for 18 years, so my memory is very clear. I know everything about every contract.” This clarity gives him confidence as he navigates the turmoil.
Even amid their difficulties, Sean wished Cain a happy birthday, reflecting on the chaos surrounding them. “There’s so much noise going on, and I really want some peace,” he added, noting, “I turn 72 years old today. I’m not a young man.” Despite still feeling passionate and energetic, he longs for a sense of comfort. “John issued a statement that this is a breakup, and I’m treating it as such,” he concluded.
