Journey’s Jonathan Cain Denies Bandmate Neal Schon’s Claim He’s Quitting the Band

Jonathan Cain rejects rumors of leaving Journey, affirming plans to tour through 2027 despite past tensions with Neal Schon.

The Rumor Mill Spins: Is Jonathan Cain Leaving Journey?

If you're a Journey fan like me, hearing whispers about Jonathan Cain possibly quitting the band feels like a punch to the gut. Keyboardist Jonathan Cain has been the backbone behind many of their iconic songs, so when Journey’s guitarist Neal Schon suggested Cain was planning to bow out, it set off alarm bells.

On October 9, 2025, Neal Schon took to social media to announce what sounded like Cain’s farewell. He wrote, “Jonathan Cain announced his farewell to Journey tonight. I’m nowhere near done! Journey has so much more life ahead! I’m sure we will have a great tour!” Talk about stirring the pot!

“Jonathan Cain announced his farewell to Journey tonight. I’m nowhere near done ! Journey has so much more life ahead ! 🤟🏽 I’m sure we will have a great tour !”
— Neal Schon Music, October 10, 2025

Schon later softened his stance, clarifying Cain would still be touring with the band throughout 2026 and 2027, though we’re still waiting for official tour dates to be announced.

The Official Word: Jonathan Cain’s Camp Sets the Record Straight

Of course, Cain’s representatives quickly jumped in to squash the rumors. They released a statement firmly denying that Cain had confirmed any immediate departure from Journey. The message was clear: Jonathan Cain is still very much on board.

“Jonathan Cain remains an active member of Journey. And any reports suggesting otherwise are inaccurate. He is fully dedicated to touring with the band over the next couple of years and has only expressed plans to retire at a later time.”

They emphasized that the band will continue to tour together celebrating their vast musical legacy for the next few years.

“We will be touring with Jon all through 26-27 celebrating the music we’ve created.”
— Statement from Jonathan Cain’s representatives

A Bit of Ambiguity: Cain’s Own Words on the Farewell Tour

Despite the official denials, Cain himself hinted at a farewell during a recent chat on the Strang Report podcast. He described the upcoming 2026 tour as “our farewell Journey tour” and said, “So I’ll be saying goodbye to that.”

It’s a bittersweet admission, really. While no one wants to see legends step away, it’s natural for artists to think about winding down after decades of bringing us those unforgettable anthems.

The Tense Backdrop: Cain and Schon’s Rocky Relationship

If you’ve followed Journey’s recent saga, you know Cain and Schon have been embroiled in a public feud for a while. Back in 2024, Cain filed a lawsuit against Schon, citing frustrations over the band's tour expenses and alleged misuse of the band’s credit card for personal spending. Talk about drama behind the scenes!

Schon responded by saying the band would bring in an external mediator to help patch things up. He acknowledged their differences openly:

“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 poured his heart out about the personal toll these disputes have taken, including slanderous accusations involving his wife, but stressed he was focusing on the fans and the music:

“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.”

The Dynamics Behind the Scenes: Business, Band, and Balance

For those curious about the business side, Schon is the lead guitarist and the only original member of Journey left in the lineup. He owns 50% of the band through his company Freedom 2020, with Cain holding the other 50%. This deadlock means major decisions require both sides to agree, adding another layer to their complicated relationship.

Cain has been with Journey since 1980, making him the second-longest-serving member. Their longevity together is impressive, but it’s clear clashes have made working together challenging.

A Glimpse of the Journey Sound That Keeps Us Hooked

Before wrapping up, let’s take a moment to revel in the magic they’ve created together. Journey’s timeless hit Don’t Stop Believin’ remains a karaoke staple and a concert highlight worldwide.

What Lies Ahead for Journey?

So where does this leave us? Despite the rocky waters, Jonathan Cain’s denial of quitting brings relief to loyal fans like me. The band is set to keep touring and delighting audiences, at least for the next few years.

The drama between Cain and Schon is a reminder that even rock legends face internal struggles, yet their shared passion for music pulls them back to the stage — and that’s what matters most.

FAQ

• Is Jonathan Cain leaving Journey soon?
  No. Jonathan Cain’s representatives confirmed he is staying active with the band and will tour through 2027.
• What did Neal Schon say about Cain’s departure?
  Neal Schon announced Cain’s farewell but later clarified Cain will still tour for the next couple of years.
• Have Cain and Schon had conflicts before?
  Yes, they have publicly disputed, including a 2024 lawsuit related to tour expenses.
• Who owns Journey?
  Neal Schon and Jonathan Cain each own 50% of the band via their respective entities.
• What is the status of Journey’s upcoming tours?
  Specific dates haven’t been announced yet, but tours are planned for 2026 and 2027.

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