Journey’s Internal Turmoil: Neal Schon Agrees to Mediation Amid Lawsuit
Rock legends Journey are currently embroiled in a bitter dispute between guitarist Neal Schon and keyboardist Jonathan Cain, with the two parties at odds over financial matters and artistic direction. The tensions between Schon and Cain have been brewing for years, but things came to a head recently when Cain filed a lawsuit against Schon, seeking to restructure the company that manages Journey’s touring operations.
According to reports, Cain alleged that Schon and his wife, Michaele, have been overspending and draining the band’s finances, leaving insufficient funds to pay the production team and crew. Cain also claimed that the pair were using company funds for personal expenses, and that Schon had unilaterally decided to cancel the band’s fall 2024 tour dates in the UK and Ireland.
Schon Responds, Agrees to Mediation
Schon initially refused to comment on the lawsuit, but eventually issued a statement on social media, where he called Cain’s allegations "slanderous" and "upset" him. However, in a surprise move, Schon has now agreed to work with a mediator to resolve the dispute and move forward.
"Recently, Jon Cain made a number of claims and slanderous accusations about me and my wife – and I can’t stress enough how much it upset me and how wrong they are," Schon wrote on Facebook. "I am determined to take the high road and push all this aside for the moment to focus on our fans, the tour and all who give so much to make things happen."
Schon also acknowledged that the current dynamic between himself and Cain cannot continue, and expressed his willingness to work with a neutral third party to resolve their disputes and find a way forward.
A Timeline of Tensions
This is not the first time that Schon and Cain have clashed. The two musicians have been at odds for years, with Schon previously accusing Cain of trying to manipulate him and take control of the band.
In 2020, Schon released a statement denying reports that Cain was planning to leave Journey, calling the rumors "lies" and saying that Cain was still a part of the band. However, in the months that followed, Cain began to distance himself from Journey, and the tensions between the two musicians continued to escalate.
Journey’s Touring Woes
The dispute between Schon and Cain has not only affected the band’s financial stability but also its ability to tour and perform. Journey was set to embark on a stadium tour with Def Leppard and Steve Miller, but the dates in the UK and Ireland were cancelled just weeks before the tour was set to kick off.
It remains to be seen how the dispute will ultimately be resolved, but one thing is certain: Journey fans around the world are eagerly waiting for a resolution to the crisis and for the band to get back to doing what it does best – making music and performing live.
FAQs
Q: What is the source of the dispute between Neal Schon and Jonathan Cain?
A: The dispute stems from financial disagreements between Schon and Cain, with Cain alleging that Schon and his wife have been overspending and draining the band’s finances.
Q: Has Neal Schon denied Cain’s allegations?
A: Yes, Schon has denied Cain’s allegations, calling them "slanderous" and "upset" him.
Q: What is the current status of the lawsuit between Schon and Cain?
A: Cain has filed a lawsuit against Schon, seeking to restructure the company that manages Journey’s touring operations. Schon has agreed to work with a mediator to resolve the dispute and move forward.
Q: Will Journey tour again?
A: It remains to be seen how the dispute will ultimately be resolved, but Journey has been on tour with Def Leppard and Steve Miller and still has dates scheduled through September.
