From Mar-A-Lago to maxed-out credit: How tensions between Journey’s Cain and Schon escalated

In 2024, the legal feud between Journey's Jonathan Cain and Neal Schon escalated, with Cain filing another lawsuit against his longtime bandmate. This latest action centers on accusations of Schon’s excessive spending, which Cain claims was at the band’s expense, and may have created a "deadlock" situation for the band. The situation was particularly uncomfortable as both musicians remained active members of Journey and were performing together on a North American tour with Def Leppard.

Filed on Tuesday, July 30th, the lawsuit accuses Schon of overextending the band’s finances by maxing out an American Express card with a $1 million limit. Additionally, Cain claims Schon exceeded a $1,500-per-night hotel budget, chartered private jets, and hired a personal security guard, all while failing to ensure that the band's debts were paid. Despite these financial concerns, Cain emphasizes in the lawsuit that Journey’s onstage performances remain strong, remarking, "The band’s actual onstage performance is, at the moment, one of the only aspects of the business that has not suffered."

So, refreshingly, it's not alleged that anyone is too rich to care about their performance quality. Still, the tensions between Cain and Schon have been ongoing. Drummer Deen Castronovo previously mentioned tensions in the band, saying "Everybody was separate, and it was hard for me to see guys that I’ve known since 1989 not talking."

In 2022, Cain filed a similar suit, accusing Schon of racking up excessive charges on the band’s American Express account. Around the same time, Schon retaliated by issuing a cease-and-desist letter to Cain after he performed Journey’s iconic hit "Don’t Stop Believin’" at an event associated with Donald Trump. Cain’s appearance at Mar-A-Lago alongside MAGA figures like Marjorie Taylor Greene and Kimberly Guilfoyle reportedly sparked controversy, with Schon stating that while Cain was free to express his political beliefs, doing so in the context of Journey harmed the band’s reputation.

How Donald Trump — yes, him — further strained the band Journey

At the risk of sounding like a hit piece against Donald Trump, it's simply opbjectively true that this decision by Cain exacerbated tensions within the band Journey. Long story short: Schon’s letter stated, "Journey is not, and should not be, political." Though someone like Kid Rock might back Trump (even praising him for cheating at golf), Journey is pretty far from being the most obviously political band, so it's no wonder other members might have objected, regardless of which politician was being supported by a band member onstage.

Cain’s new legal filing also brings attention to Neal Schon’s wife, Michaele Schon (formerly Michaele Salahi), and her alleged involvement in the band’s financial matters. The lawsuit suggests that Michaele played a role in creating further internal strife within the band’s business operations. According to Cain, both Schon and his wife have accused band members, managers, accountants, and other personnel of theft, adding to the discord.

Journey's place in rock history

Journey, formed in 1973 in San Francisco, has experienced its fair share of turbulence over the decades. With Neal Schon as a founding member, the band went on to achieve massive success in the late 1970s and 1980s, solidifying its place in rock history with albums like Escape (1981) and Frontiers (1983). Their 1981 single "Don’t Stop Believin’" became one of the best-selling digital tracks in history, earning widespread recognition well beyond its initial release.

Cain, who joined the band in 1980, contributed significantly to Journey’s success, co-writing many of the band’s biggest hits, including "Open Arms" and "Who’s Crying Now."

This would be a sad way to go out

While internal conflicts have plagued Journey throughout its existence, the band has managed to endure, maintaining a dedicated fanbase. In 2017, Journey was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, with both Schon and Cain among the members honored. Despite the band’s tumultuous history, they have continued to tour and record, releasing their most recent album, Freedom, in 2022.

However, the ongoing disputes between Cain and Schon present a significant challenge to the band’s unity. As these legal battles play out, fans and industry insiders alike are left to wonder how long Journey can sustain its legacy amidst the internal discord. Cain’s lawsuit highlights not just financial disagreements but a deeper rift that could affect the future of one of rock’s iconic bands.

Some of the latest news involves a social media statement by Schon: "Anyone who follows Journey will know that Jon Cain and I don't always see eye-to-eye on everything Or, sometimes, on pretty much anything...That’s why I'm so glad that Jon now agrees with me that the current dynamic can't continue," Schon added, "and it's also why I'm pleased that we're going to bring in someone impartial to help us resolve our disputes, bring clarity to what we're doing and allow us, as a band, to get back to what we should all focus on – making music and performing for our fans."

Will this happen, and will it work? It seems only time will tell. Journey may have stopped believin' after all, and all journeys must come to an end at some point, right?