NEAL SCHON has responded directly to claims suggesting that JOURNEY relied on lip-synching during a recent high-profile performance. The allegations surfaced following the band’s halftime appearance at the San Francisco 49ers vs. Chicago Bears game on Sunday, December 28.
Shortly after the performance aired, a fan accused JOURNEY drummer DEEN CASTRONOVO of lip-synching to archived vocals from former frontman STEVE PERRY. The accusation quickly gained traction online, prompting a public response from NEAL SCHON, the band’s co-founder and longtime guitarist.
Accusations surface after NFL halftime show
The halftime performance was meant to celebrate JOURNEY’s enduring legacy and connection to San Francisco. However, instead of focusing solely on the music, some viewers questioned whether live vocals were actually being performed on stage.
One fan specifically alleged that DEEN CASTRONOVO was miming to STEVE PERRY’s iconic voice rather than singing live. As speculation spread across social media, NEAL SCHON addressed the claims head-on via Twitter/X.
NEAL SCHON shuts down lip-synching claims
Responding firmly, NEAL SCHON defended his bandmate and made it clear that no backing tracks were involved.
“Any that are in doubt that was Deen Castronovo 1000% he does sing that well,” Schon said.
The guitarist’s response left little room for ambiguity. According to NEAL SCHON, DEEN CASTRONOVO’s vocal performance was entirely legitimate and reflective of his proven abilities as a singer.
Notably, DEEN CASTRONOVO has served as a vocalist for JOURNEY on multiple occasions, particularly during live performances when additional vocal support is required. Over the years, fans have grown accustomed to hearing his voice complement the band’s sound.
Calls for STEVE PERRY’s return resurface
As often happens when JOURNEY trends online, the controversy quickly reignited long-standing calls for STEVE PERRY to return to the band. One fan urged NEAL SCHON to reunite with the legendary singer, suggesting it would resolve any doubts surrounding live performances.
However, NEAL SCHON wasted no time dismissing the idea.
“Seriously does everyone live under a rock and in denial of true facts about Steve’s own statements?!” he replied.
The response underscored a reality that JOURNEY fans have heard repeatedly over the years: STEVE PERRY has no intention of rejoining the band.
Why STEVE PERRY left JOURNEY for good
STEVE PERRY departed JOURNEY for the second and final time in 1998. Since then, he has consistently maintained that returning to the band is not part of his plans. While his influence on JOURNEY’s classic era remains undeniable, his personal relationship with music changed dramatically following his exit.
Over the years, STEVE PERRY has addressed reunion rumors in multiple interviews, often emphasizing his desire to move forward creatively rather than revisit the past.
STEVE PERRY addresses reunion rumors in 2018 interview
In a 2018 interview, STEVE PERRY openly discussed his stance on JOURNEY and made it clear that a reunion was unlikely.
Transcribed by 106.7 Lite FM:
“I think that we’ve gone on our separate ways and we’re doing great,” he said at the time.
“Arnel [Pineda] is a great singer and he’s been in the band for ten years, but yeah, I don’t think that’s where I’m at right now.”
In the same interview, STEVE PERRY reflected on the emotional toll his time with the band had taken on him. He explained that stepping away from JOURNEY was necessary for his own well-being and creative recovery.
Transcribed by 106.7 Lite FM:
“It took forever for me to find the passion for music again because I felt it was kind of damaged. I thought I would never feel that love again for music, so I had to walk.”
According to STEVE PERRY, rediscovering his passion allowed him to focus on new material rather than revisiting old chapters.
Transcribed by 106.7 Lite FM:
“Now that I’ve found that again — I have so many other songs ready to be recorded.”
JOURNEY today: moving forward, not backward
Despite ongoing comparisons to the band’s classic lineup, JOURNEY has continued to move forward with its current roster. Frontman ARNEL PINEDA has been with the band for well over a decade, earning respect for his vocal range and dedication to honoring the group’s catalog.
From NEAL SCHON’s perspective, the band’s present lineup represents evolution rather than replacement. While nostalgia remains powerful, JOURNEY has consistently emphasized live musicianship and authenticity in its performances.
The halftime controversy, while loud online, does not appear to have shaken the band’s confidence. Instead, NEAL SCHON’s response reinforced the group’s commitment to transparency and respect for its members.
A familiar debate with a familiar answer
Lip-synching accusations and reunion demands have followed JOURNEY for years, particularly during high-visibility performances. However, as NEAL SCHON’s comments suggest, the facts surrounding STEVE PERRY’s departure and DEEN CASTRONOVO’s vocal abilities are not new.
For fans hoping to see STEVE PERRY return, the message remains unchanged. JOURNEY is focused on the present, not reliving the past.
