A day after reports surfaced denying Jonathan Cain’s alleged departure from JOURNEY, guitarist Neal Schon reignited the controversy by posting a video that appears to confirm Cain’s exit. The clip, shared by Schon on X (formerly Twitter), shows Cain discussing his plans for the future — and directly referring to the band’s next run of shows as a “farewell tour.”

The Clip That Sparked the Latest Twist

In the video, Jonathan Cain discusses upcoming solo and band activities, including new music and his final performances with JOURNEY.

“I’m coming with an EP at the end of the year,” Cain said. “Then, of course, we go on the Journey tour in 2026 – on our farewell Journey tour. So, I’ll be saying goodbye to that.”

This statement, seemingly straightforward, carries significant weight — as it directly contradicts the previous day’s statement from Cain’s spokesperson, who denied any official decision to leave the band.

Neal Schon’s Response

When sharing the video, Neal Schon offered his own remarks to clarify the situation. His post added new context to the timeline surrounding Cain’s future with JOURNEY.

“Jon is committed to playing 26/27 then he says his ministry is calling,” Schon commented. “Of course I’ll continue Journey music / plus.”

Schon’s post suggests that Cain intends to fulfill touring obligations through 2027 before stepping away to focus on his faith-based work. The guitarist also reaffirmed his commitment to continuing the JOURNEY legacy beyond that period.

Conflicting Reports Continue

This latest exchange comes after days of confusion over Jonathan Cain’s status with the band. On October 9, Neal Schon initially announced on X that Cain had shared his farewell intentions, writing, “Jonathan Cain announced his farewell to JOURNEY tonight. I’m nowhere near done!”

However, within hours, Cain’s spokesperson issued a rebuttal via Blabbermouth.net, stating:

“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.”

Schon’s newly surfaced video evidence adds another layer of intrigue — suggesting that while Cain may not be leaving immediately, his departure appears to be planned and acknowledged by both parties.

Cain’s Focus on Ministry and Faith-Based Music

The core reason for Jonathan Cain’s eventual exit seems rooted in his dedication to faith-based projects. Since 2016, Cain has been increasingly active in Christian music and ministry work, releasing several solo albums and performing at religious events across the U.S.

The San Francisco Chronicle recently reported that Cain previewed a new single titled “No One Else” — a tribute to the late conservative activist Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA. Kirk was tragically assassinated in September 2025 during a college event in Utah, a case widely referred to as a politically motivated attack.

According to the report, Cain’s song was written in Kirk’s honor, emphasizing his commitment to faith-driven messages and Christian activism.

The Future of JOURNEY

While the back-and-forth between Schon and Cain has fueled speculation about the band’s future, Neal Schon remains optimistic. His posts suggest that JOURNEY will continue touring and possibly releasing new music beyond Cain’s tenure.

The dynamic between Schon and Cain has long been a defining element of JOURNEY’s later-era lineup — both musically and personally. Despite public disagreements, the two have continued performing together, maintaining the band’s legendary catalog for audiences worldwide.

As of now, JOURNEY has not issued an official joint statement regarding the “farewell tour” reference, leaving fans curious about how long the current lineup will remain intact.

A Band in Transition

For over five decades, JOURNEY has remained one of rock’s most enduring and beloved acts, known for timeless hits like “Don’t Stop Believin’,” “Separate Ways,” and “Faithfully.”

While lineup changes have been common throughout the group’s history, the potential departure of Jonathan Cain marks a particularly emotional moment — given his crucial role in shaping JOURNEY’s sound and songwriting legacy since joining in 1980.

If Cain’s statement in the video is indeed final, it signals the end of an era for JOURNEY, and perhaps the beginning of a new chapter for both musicians — one continuing the classic sound, the other following a path of faith and personal calling.