In a recent tweet on X, Neal Schon called himself the ‘original and only founder’ of Journey.
“Neal Schon the original and only Founder in Journey that’s been there from the very early inception in 72 and have played on every single show / never canceled once!” the guitarist wrote. “Co-wrote and played on every single album … Jon Cain I asked to join in 81.”
On July 30, Cain sued Schon, saying he wasted too much of the band’s money. Cain claims Schon overused a credit card, went over hotel budgets, rented private jets, and hired a friend for security. Cain’s lawyers say this caused money problems and tension in the band.
After the lawsuit, Schon released a statement on Facebook, “I find Cain’s slanderous allegations are very disruptive and damaging with intent to try to harm me, the band, crew, promoter, and the tour. Truly disturbing to hear of Mr Cain’s filing in the middle of Journey’s very successful Stadium Tour with our good friends Def Leppard.”
The guitarist continued, “Journey has a great life and I thank the fans for that. Jonathan Cain has created a very hostile work environment for not only myself, but other band members and crew-members. The allegations are false and I intend to prove it in court.”
“My answers to Mr Cain’s false allegations and filing will be submitted by 5 PM ET Monday for all to read,” Neal also noted. “My focus is, as it always has been, and will be, the music and fans since when I began Journey in 1972, 51 years now for me.”
Neal lastly added, “I will continue to always do what’s right for Journey in protecting and making good decisions for the band, crew, music, and fans. All Journey band members you see on the stage with me I personally hired including Jonathan Cain. I will let the music do the talking.”
After Cain sued Schon, Journey canceled their UK and Ireland shows from their 50th-anniversary tour. Their North American tour with Def Leppard is still going as planned. Arnel Pineda recently posted a video of Journey preparing to fly to their next show in Phoenix, but fans noticed Cain was missing. Comments on the video asked about Cain’s absence but the band didn’t say anything.
Neal Schon the original and only Founder in Journey that’s been there from the very early inception in 72 and have played on every single show / never cancelled once! Co wrote and played on every single album … Jon Cain I asked to join in 81. pic.twitter.com/FDE8v0i2J8
— NEAL SCHON MUSIC (@NealSchonMusic) August 21, 2024