JOURNEY guitarist NEAL SCHON is standing firm in defense of the band’s legacy after a fan took to social media to criticize the group’s current lineup. The fan argued that without original vocalist Steve Perry, the band has lost its authenticity — a sentiment that has circulated among some longtime listeners for years.
But Schon wasn’t having it.
The Fan’s Comment Sparks Debate
The remark came in the form of a tweet directed at JOURNEY, stating:
“Without Steve Perry, they are just a cover band.”
The comment references a long-standing belief among some fans that Steve Perry, whose voice helped define JOURNEY’s biggest hits in the 1980s, is irreplaceable.
Neal Schon’s Response on Twitter
In a short but confident reply posted on Twitter, NEAL SCHON addressed the criticism directly:
“Yeah, that’s why we continue to sell out everywhere lol.”
The comment, while brief, makes a strong statement. Despite the lineup changes over the years, JOURNEY remains a major touring act with an enduring fanbase and consistent ticket sales.
The Ongoing Debate: Is Journey Still Journey Without Perry?
Steve Perry officially left the band in 1987, with tensions reportedly building between him and Schon. According to Wikipedia, the split was driven by both personal reasons — including the illness and eventual death of Perry’s mother — and creative differences within the group.
Since then, JOURNEY has seen multiple vocalists come and go. The most notable addition came in 2007 when Arnel Pineda joined the band after being discovered on YouTube. His vocal style — strikingly similar to Perry’s — won over many fans and helped usher in a new era for the band.
Yet, the “cover band” criticism persists among some die-hard Perry loyalists.
Arnel Pineda’s Role in the Band
Arnel Pineda’s arrival breathed new life into JOURNEY. As a frontman, Pineda has performed on international stages, delivered countless arena-worthy performances, and helped the band continue to pack venues globally.
Though not an original member, his vocal prowess and stage presence have helped bridge the gap between the past and present, giving new generations a chance to experience JOURNEY’s music live.
And as Schon’s comment implies — fans are still showing up in massive numbers.
JOURNEY’s Touring Success Speaks Volumes
Despite ongoing conversations about lineup authenticity, there’s no denying the numbers. According to Journey Tour data and ticketing reports, JOURNEY continues to sell out shows across the U.S. and abroad. Their classic anthems — including “Don’t Stop Believin’,” “Open Arms,” “Faithfully,” and “Separate Ways” — remain crowd favorites and have never left the band’s setlist.
It’s clear that, while the voice has changed, the heart of JOURNEY still beats strong — at least commercially.
