Category Archives: Journey

Neal Schon Hoping To Release New Journey Single In July

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It was recently revealed that Journey were working on a new album and now it looks like we may get the effort’s first single this summer. During a recent appearance on SiriusXM’s “Trunk Nation,” guitarist Neal Schon said that he is hoping to release a new song in July.

Schon said the following:

“It’s been a crazy year, and many, many changes to come. And [I’m] just staying busy. The best thing I can do is stay busy, stay healthy and write music. And so I’ve been taking advantage of this time off. We had already taken a year off from touring. We were expecting to tour this year and it didn’t happen. And so [I’m] writing music, coordinating a lot with Jon Cain [keyboards] and Narada Michael Walden [drums] and Randy Jackson [bass] and Arnel [Pineda, vocals]. And we are off and running, man. We have, like, five new songs in the making right now, and hopefully a single coming out in July sometime.”

He went on to say that the band “have not yet been able” to get together in person:

“Arnel has been in the Philippines, and there’s a whole bunch of hoops that you have to jump through for him to get over here, with quarantine and everything else. I’ve been working in the studio here, ’cause Narada lives close by, and I’m working at his studio and I’m laying down tracks with live drums and guitar, much like I’ve done with many, many records. And so it’s a comfortable situation for me. I like playing with guitar and drums, and it’s a great way to create, especially rock. And I’ve created many records like that, going back to Jan Hammer. So we’re in a good flow right now. And Randy is recording his parts in L.A., Jonathan is recording his parts in Florida, Arnel is recording his parts in the Philippines. And it’s a virtual record right now. But I am looking forward to getting together in the same room… In the meantime, I feel like we should just continue doing what we’re doing and creating new music. I feel by the time that we actually get out, we could possibly have two new records done.”

He also added the following when asked about release plans:

“The first song that we recorded, Arnel had just finished vocals on it, I believe, yesterday. And so now we’re gonna get it into the mixing stages. Hopefully, I think sometime in July — sooner or later in July.”

[via Blabbermouth]

Neal Schon Says Journey’s New Album Is “Starting To Take Shape”

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It looks like Journey are working on a new album. Neal Schon said the following:

“Been in studio and Journey album is starting to take shape 🤟🏽back in later today zzzzz @nealschon @nealandmichaeleschon @merck_mercuriadis @journeymusicofficial @gibsoncustom @chromeheartsofficial #schön #soar”

Journey Reveal New Lineup

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Journey have officially announced their new lineup. In addition to guitarist Neal Schon, keyboardist Jonathan Cain and vocalist Arnel Pineda, the band now features bassist Randy Jackson, drummer Narada Michael Walden and second keyboardist Jason Derlatka. You can see footage of the new lineup performing a socially distanced version of “Don’t Stop Believin'” as part of UNICEF USA’s “UNICEF We Won’t Stop” virtual event below. This news comes after the group previously fired bassist Ross Valory and drummer Steve Smith for allegedly launching an “ill-conceived corporate coup d’état” to take control of the band’s name. As previously reported, Valory has since countersued.

Journey Cancel North American Tour

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Journey have cancelled their North American tour with The Pretenders due to the coronavirus pandemic. The 60-date trek was previously scheduled to kick off this month.

Journey commented:

“There is no greater thrill for us than playing for our incredibly devoted audience, but their safety must come first. Having seen what the world has endured during the last 45 days, and not knowing what the rest of this year or 2021 will bring, we knew the right thing to do was to make sure our fans’ health was not put in jeopardy and to provide immediate access to refund options given the unexpected events caused by this terrible virus. We would like to thank all doctors, nurses, police, other first responders and essential workers for their heroic efforts; as well as our fans for doing everything possible to stay safe. We would also like to send The Pretenders our best wishes and hope to see them in the future. We will see everyone again as soon as it is safe to tour, and we will share that news as it becomes available. In the meantime, please Don’t Stop Believin’ in the wonder of life and in each other.”

Ross Valory Countersues Journey’s Neal Schon And Jonathan Cain

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As previously reported, Journey recently fired bassist Ross Valory and drummer Steve Smith after the duo allegedly tried to go through with an “ill-conceived corporate coup d’état” to take control of the band’s name. Now, Valory has fired back with a countersuit against guitarist Neal Schon and keyboardist Jonathan Cain.

Valory’s attorneys filed a cross-complaint in Contra Costa County Superior Court on April 6. They also shared “evidence,” which they believe refutes Schon and Cain’s allegations, while also setting causes of action for monetary damages for trying to “wrongfully” remove Valory from the group.

Valory’s attorney Andrew Spielberger said the following:

“Ross is shocked and devastated by the conduct of his lifelong bandmates (Schon and Cain) and is disappointed that there was never any attempt to sit down and discuss what is most likely a misunderstanding and something that easily could have been worked out.”

He also added:

“If there ever was a time to have perspective in this world about disagreements — it is now. Unfortunately, this disagreement between ‘brothers’ who have played music together for the past 35 to 45 years was not able to be resolved during the current coronavirus crisis when many are suffering. Ross feels horrible about this whole unnecessary ordeal. But he is a fighter and he has hired able counsel to defend and fight for his rights. I expect he will be vindicated and justice will prevail.”

[via Blabbermouth]

Journey Fire Drummer Steve Smith And Bassist Ross Valory

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Journey have fired bassist Ross Valory and drummer Steve Smith. The band made the move after the duo allegedly tried to go through with an “ill-conceived corporate coup d’état” to take control of the band’s name.

According to a press release that Los Angeles-based law firm Miller Barondess, LLP issued through Business Wire, Valory and Smith were trying to take over one of the group’s business entities, Nightmare Productions, which they thought controlled the Journey name and trademark. A lawsuit has since been filed.

The press release said the following:

“In 1998, [Neal] Schon, [Jonathan] Cain and [Steve] Perry entered into a written agreement providing Schon and Cain the sole, exclusive, irrevocable right to control the Journey Mark, including the Journey name. They are, therefore, authorized to perform together as Journey, with or without anyone else.

Defendants Smith and Valory were members of Journey at various times during the band’s history. Collectively, they only have a very few song credits on Journey albums. Nevertheless, they were compensated generously for many years.

Recently, however, defendants attempted to launch an ill-conceived corporate coup d’état to assume control of Nightmare Productions because they incorrectly believe that Nightmare Productions controls the Journey name and Mark. They hope that, by taking over Nightmare Productions, they can hold the Journey name hostage and set themselves up with a guaranteed income stream after they stop performing. Smith and Valory began their campaign to take control of Nightmare Productions in December 2019 by conspiring to oust Schon and Cain from control.”

In addition to firing Valory and Smith, Journey are also seeking damages “in excess of $10 million.” Lead counsel Skip Miller says “this is not an action that Neal and Jon wanted to bring against two men that they once considered their brothers, but the devious and truculent behavior of Steve and Ross left them reluctantly with no choice but to act decisively.” The band will now be moving forward with replacements that are said to be “top musicians.”

Journey Announce 2020 Tour With The Pretenders

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Journey have announced a 2020 tour with The Pretenders. You can find the dates for that run below.

Tour Dates:

May 15 – Ridgefield, WA – Sunlight Supply Amphitheater
May 16 – George, WA – Gorge Amphitheatre
May 18 – Vancouver, BC – Rogers Arena
May 20 – Boise, ID – ExtraMile Arena
May 21 – West Valley City, UT – USANA Amphitheatre
May 23 – Inglewood, CA – Forum
May 24 – Chula Vista, CA – North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre
May 26 – Anaheim, CA – Honda Center
May 27 – Concord, CA – Concord Pavilion
May 29 – Wheatland, CA – Toyota Amphitheatre
May 30 – Mountain View, CA – Shoreline Amphitheatre
Jun. 01 – Phoenix, AZ – Ak-Chin Pavilion
Jun. 02 – Albuquerque, NM – Isleta Amphitheater
Jun. 04 – Denver, CO – Pepsi Center
Jun. 06 – East Troy, MI – Alpine Valley Music Theatre
Jun. 07 – St. Paul, MN – Xcel Energy Center
Jun. 09 – Sioux Falls, SD – Denny Sanford PREMIER Center
Jun. 10 – Des Moines, IA – Wells Fargo Arena
Jun. 19 – Oklahoma City, OK – Chesapeake Energy Arena
Jun. 20 – Durant, OK – Choctaw Grand Theater*
Jun. 22 – Rogers, AR – Walmart AMP
Jun. 24 – Memphis, TN – FedExForum
Jun. 26 – Maryland Heights, MO – Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre – St. Louis, MO
Jun. 27 – Noblesville, IN – Ruoff Home Mortgage Music Center
Jun. 29 – Cincinnati, OH – Riverbend Music Center
Jun. 30 – Cuyahoga Falls OH – Blossom Music Center
Jul. 02 – Moline, IL – TaxSlayer Center
Jul. 03 – Tinley Park, IL – Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre – Chicago, IL
Jul. 05 – Clarkston, MI – DTE Energy Music Theatre
Jul. 08 – Grand Rapids, MI – Van Andel Arena
Jul. 10 – Columbus, OH – Nationwide Arena
Jul. 11 – Burgettstown, PA – KeyBank Pavilion
Jul. 13 – Toronto, ON – Budweiser Stage
Jul. 14 – Quebec City, PQ – Videotron Center
Jul. 17 – Hartford, CT – XFINITY Theatre
Jul. 18 – Darien Center, NY – Darien Lake Performing Arts Center
Jul. 29 – Mansfield, MA – Xfinity Center
Jul. 30 – Wantagh, NY – Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater
Aug. 01 – Saratoga Springs, NY – Saratoga Performing Arts Center
Aug. 02 – Bristow, VA – Jiffy Lube Live
Aug. 04 – Holmdel, NJ – PNC Bank Arts Center
Aug. 05 – Camden, NJ – BB&T Pavilion
Aug. 07 – Virginia Beach, VA – Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater at Virginia Beach
Aug. 08 – Charlotte, NC – PNC Music Pavilion
Aug. 10 – Raleigh, NC – Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek
Aug. 12 – Nashville, TN – Bridgestone Arena
Aug. 13 – Atlanta, GA – Cellairis Amphitheatre at Lakewood
Aug. 21 – Tampa, FL – MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre at the FL State Fairgrounds
Aug. 22 – West Palm Beach, FL – Coral Sky Amphitheatre at the S. Florida Fairgrounds
Aug. 24 – Jacksonville, FL – VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena
Aug. 26 – Orange Beach, AL – The Wharf
Aug. 27 – New Orleans, LA – Smoothie King Center*
Aug. 29 – Bossier City, LA – CenturyLink Center
Aug. 30 – Dallas, TX – Dos Equis Pavilion
Sep. 02 – San Antonio, TX – AT&T Center
Sep. 03 – Corpus Christi, TX – American Bank Center Arena
Sep. 05 – The Woodlands, TX – Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion
Sep. 09 – Lexington, KY – Rupp Arena
Sep. 11 – Hershey, PA – Hersheypark Stadium
Sep. 12 – Bethel, NY – Bethel Woods Center for the Arts

Journey Add Four December Dates To 2019 Las Vegas Residency

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Journey have added four more dates to their 2019 Las Vegas residency including shows on December 27, 28, 30, and 31 at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace. Previously announced dates include: October 9, 11, 12, 16, 18, 19, 23, 25, and 26.

Keyboardist Jonathan Cain told Billboard the following about the new dates:

“We don’t usually play a New Year’s Eve show. How quick the [other] shows sold sealed the idea and this year it made sense for all of us.”

He also added:

“I always tell people, there’s a heart in Vegas you haven’t seen yet. You don’t have to look too far to find it. Back in the day nobody wanted to play Vegas — and now it has become the place to play.”

Journey Announce Fall East Coast Dates

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Journey have announced some fall East Coast shows. Here’s the dates:

09/27 Atlantic City, NJ – Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena
09/28 Atlantic City, NJ – Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena
10/01 Bethlehem, PA – Sands Bethlehem Event Center
10/02 Niagara Falls, NY – Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino Event Center
10/04 Uncasville, CT – Mohegan Sun Arena
10/05 Uncasville, CT – Mohegan Sun Arena

These shows will take place before the band’s previously announced Las Vegas residency.

Journey Announce 2019 Las Vegas Residency

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Journey have announced a 2019 Las Vegas residency. The band will perform at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace on the following dates: October 9, 11, 12, 16, 18, 19, 23, 25, and 26. Tickets will go on sale to the public on April 19 at 10 a.m. PT. Details regarding the various presales can be found HERE.