Neal Schon has shared a wide-ranging and reflective statement addressing the future of Journey, while also revisiting the band’s long and complex history. The message, posted on Facebook, arrives at a pivotal moment as the band prepares to move into 2026 and acknowledges the upcoming departure of keyboardist Jonathan Cain.
Rather than focusing solely on change, NEAL SCHON used the statement to honor the many eras, voices, and individuals who helped shape JOURNEY into one of rock music’s most enduring acts. Throughout the message, he emphasized continuity, gratitude, and respect for the band’s past, while also reinforcing its plans to move forward.
Honoring JOURNEY’s earliest identity
At the beginning of his statement, NEAL SCHON reflected on the band’s origins and the importance of its earliest lineup. He paid particular tribute to Gregg Rolie, whose contributions helped define JOURNEY’s initial sound and direction.
Transcribed by Neal Schon (Facebook):
“Dear Friends, as we move into 2026, I want to take a moment to honor the voices, the believers, and the people who helped shape the heart and soul of Journey from the very beginning,” SCHON said.
“Journey’s original voice was forged with Gregg Rolie, whose vocals, musicianship, and spirit helped define who we were in those earliest days.”
According to SCHON, that early foundation played a critical role in establishing the band’s identity.
“That foundation mattered—it gave Journey its first identity and set the stage for everything that followed.”
By revisiting these beginnings, NEAL SCHON framed the band’s evolution as a continuous story rather than a series of disconnected chapters.
The influence of management and a defining new voice
As JOURNEY evolved, NEAL SCHON explained that longtime manager Herbie Herbert played a major role in guiding the band toward a broader sound. According to SCHON, this guidance ultimately led to one of the most important decisions in the band’s history.
“As the band evolved, longtime manager Herbie Herbert played a pivotal role in encouraging us to expand that sound,” he continued.
“It was Herbie who inspired the idea of bringing in a new voice—someone who could take the songs to another level.”
That decision eventually led to the arrival of Steve Perry, whose impact on JOURNEY would prove transformational. NEAL SCHON also shared a personal anecdote illustrating how long their paths had crossed before that moment.
“Years earlier, I had already met Steve Perry a few times, even giving him a ride back to his car after an Azteca show in the city.”
According to SCHON, that early connection came full circle in a way few could have predicted.
“Life has a funny way of circling back, and that connection ultimately helped lead to one of the most defining chapters in Journey’s history.”
Recognizing STEVE PERRY’s lasting legacy
While reflecting on that era, NEAL SCHON emphasized the enduring impact of STEVE PERRY’s contributions to the band. Rather than framing that period as definitive or exclusive, he acknowledged it as one vital chapter within a larger story.
“Steve’s vocals and songwriting helped create a body of work that continues to resonate across generations and remains a cornerstone of our legacy.”
This acknowledgment reinforced SCHON’s broader message: JOURNEY’s success has always been shaped by collaboration, timing, and shared vision.
Acknowledging other voices in JOURNEY’s journey
Moving forward through the band’s timeline, NEAL SCHON also recognized the contributions of other vocalists who stepped into the spotlight during different eras. Although he did not dwell extensively on each period, the inclusion itself underscored his commitment to honoring every chapter.
Eventually, SCHON turned his attention to the band’s current frontman, Arnel Pineda, whose role he described with clarity and reassurance.
“For the past 17 years, Arnel Pineda has carried these songs forward with passion, respect, and heart.”
He then directly addressed speculation about PINEDA’s future with the band.
“Arnel remains very much a part of Journey, and we’re all looking forward to being back on the road together for the upcoming tour.”
This statement appeared designed to remove any doubt about JOURNEY’s immediate touring plans.
Addressing JONATHAN CAIN’s upcoming departure
One of the most significant elements of NEAL SCHON’s message involved JONATHAN CAIN’s decision to step away from touring. Rather than framing it as a loss, SCHON approached the topic with respect and understanding.
“As has been shared publicly, Jonathan Cain has expressed that this tour represents his farewell chapter, and we respect that.”
At the same time, SCHON emphasized that the band’s creative output and purpose remain unchanged.
“What remains constant is the music we have created for you.”
This balance between honoring individual decisions and reinforcing collective continuity formed a central theme throughout the statement.
A career defined by connection and gratitude
Reflecting on more than five decades in music, NEAL SCHON expressed gratitude for the opportunity to create songs that became deeply personal to listeners around the world.
“For more than five decades, I have been fortunate to create songs with musicians that became the soundtrack to people’s lives.”
He described that legacy as both humbling and motivating.
“That is something I’m profoundly grateful for—and something we’re excited to celebrate together on this upcoming tour.”
Rather than presenting the tour as a farewell, SCHON framed it as a continuation of a shared journey between the band and its audience.
JOURNEY moves forward into 2026
Taken as a whole, NEAL SCHON’s statement confirms that JOURNEY will continue touring with its current lineup, even as JONATHAN CAIN prepares for his final chapter with the band. More importantly, it reinforces the idea that JOURNEY’s identity has always been built on evolution rather than stagnation.
By honoring the past while embracing the future, NEAL SCHON made it clear that the band’s story is far from over. As preparations for the upcoming tour continue, fans can expect a celebration not only of iconic songs, but also of the shared history that has carried JOURNEY across generations.
