Neal Schon Says Jonathan Cain Has Quit Journey
It’s official — or at least according to Neal Schon. The Journey guitarist and founding member took to social media this week with a post that rocked the band’s fanbase:
“Jonathan Cain announced his farewell to Journey tonight. I’m nowhere near done!”
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Just like that, one of rock’s longest — and often most volatile — partnerships seems to have come to an end. Schon later added that Cain “wants to do his ministry,” suggesting that the longtime keyboardist and songwriter has chosen to step away from the spotlight to focus on his faith. But for a band that’s weathered nearly every kind of drama imaginable, this split feels like more than just a quiet exit.
Cain joined Journey in 1980, right before the band’s massive Escape album changed everything. His arrival reshaped the group’s sound, helping turn them from a guitar-driven rock outfit into the kings of radio-ready anthems. Alongside Schon and frontman Steve Perry, Cain co-wrote “Don’t Stop Believin’,” “Faithfully,” and “Open Arms” — songs that have outlived the entire arena rock era. It’s hard to imagine Journey without his melodic fingerprints all over the music.
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But let’s be honest — anyone who’s followed the band’s recent history probably saw this coming. The past few years have been rough: lawsuits, social media spats, and open disagreements about everything from finances to politics. When Cain performed “Don’t Stop Believin’” at Mar-a-Lago, Schon fired back publicly, saying Journey shouldn’t be tied to any political movement. The tension between them has been simmering ever since.
Still, Schon isn’t ready to pack it in. His message to fans was clear — Journey’s not done. He’s already talking about tours, new music, and keeping the spirit alive. After all, this is the guy who’s kept the band rolling through lineup changes, legal fights, and the kind of behind-the-scenes chaos that would make Fleetwood Mac blush.
If this really is Jonathan Cain’s farewell, it marks the end of an era. He wasn’t just a member — he was a co-architect of Journey’s golden sound. His melodies and lyrics defined what fans came to love about the band: big emotion, bigger hooks, and songs that hit straight to the heart.
Whether this is a peaceful parting or the last act in a long drama, one thing’s certain: Neal Schon isn’t stopping. Journey’s story keeps rolling — but it’ll sound a little different without Jonathan Cain behind the keys.
