Journey, renowned for iconic hits like ‘Don’t Stop Believin’,’ has navigated a tumultuous journey marked by internal discord, notably involving former frontman Steve Perry. Perry’s departure from the band triggered a complex relationship with other members, especially co-founder and lead guitarist Neal Schon, eventually leading to Schon questioning Perry’s entitlement to earnings from the band.
In a revealing 2008 Q&A with GQ Magazine, Perry shared reflections on his time with the band, conveying a persistent feeling of being the ‘new kid on the block’ and grappling to prove himself despite the band’s success. A particular source of challenge was Neal Schon, given Perry’s comparatively limited experience compared to other members who had previously played with notable artists.
Schon, responding to Perry’s comments, clarified in frustration that no legal constraints prevented him from discussing Perry. He expressed discontent with Perry’s perception that the band speaks negatively about him, stating:
“No. I mean, I didn’t say anything inflammatory to him. I didn’t talk about how he still gets paid like a m*therf*cker even though he shouldn’t be. It’s stuff like that I’m not allowed to talk about. But the facts are the facts, y’know? He sorta just bitches and moans and whines about everything. And he just assumes that every time we bring up his name, we’re sayin’ bad things. Or he thinks we’re hangin’ on to his coattails.”
Schon continued, articulating the importance of sharing the band’s history and his perspective:
“And it’s just not like that. It’s never been like that. He barely ever talks to the public, and he doesn’t want us talking about him, and he doesn’t want to talk about us, but when people ask me for stories about the band’s history and things that went down, I’m gonna talk about it. I mean—we’re completely done. I told you about the VH1 thing, which is true, about crackin’ the stone—I’ve been wanting to set that straight for a while. It’s the truth. So f*ck him.”
The conflict reached a peak in 2022 when Perry took legal action against Schon over trademarks of 20 Journey songs. Schon, in response, detailed the trademark history, emphasizing his efforts to protect the band’s work. Allegations of a takeover attempt and lamentations about corruption in the music industry fueled the dispute. Perry later withdrew the lawsuit, prompting Schon to address accusations from Jonathan Cain about unfair profit, dismissing them as unfounded. The dispute underscores fundamental disagreements about respect, contributions, and rights within the band.
7 comments
If it wasn’t for Steve having any part of journey,journey wouldn’t be where they are today!!! Ask anybody. Steve made journey what it was and what it is!!!
If it wasn’t for Steve Perry, Journey would not be famous. Schon needs to acknowledge that it’s Perry’s vocals that put them in the Hall of Fame. Schon ikes to gripe like a little old man and throw his tantrums. Whatever. Write new songs for Arnel and let him out of Steve’s shadow. Arnold is talented and deserves better from these whiners.
Perry is a premadona prick.
Why would you say something so bad?
Well the truth is that the other members had more hands in experience & Herbie Herbert put together the band & they were just a jam band & were touring until their record label threatened to drop them. Herbie was being pestered by Steve Perry while he was going from band to band, job to job & when he was out in Journey, the band members weren’t sure about Steve Perry & pretty much saw right through him! A family friend told me while I was in college told me he was Journeys roadie for Greg Rolie and Neal Schon. He quit when Steve Perry stepped in! He told me Steve Perry isn’t what you think he is & wants to be in control of everything which Karma later played it’s role when he was let go! I see Neal Schon is trying to keep Journey going & doing all he can to keep Journeys memories alive & what the late Herbie Herbert created.
It’s been said over and over that without Steve Perry Journey would have been done years ago.. Neal, when you all go on tour again, leave out the songs that Steve had anything to do with. See where that gets you. I’m sick of your whining like a baby every chance you get. Get over it. Grow up for goodness sake. Let it go. It’s over.Steve made a very savvy business decision when he left the group. Let it go already. Fans are sick of you constantly complaining. And your vulgar comments are so low class and immature.
its the music biz and steve did write alot of the songs when he was with the band so needs to get paid for his part in the band..