Journey keyboardist Jonathan Cain has addressed recent reports about his departure from the iconic rock band, confirming he plans to retire but not immediately. The 75-year-old musician stated he will complete two more tours with Journey before stepping away to focus on his family and ministry work.
Key Takeaways
- Jonathan Cain confirmed he will retire from Journey after completing two more tours.
- His final tours with the band are expected to run through 2026 and 2027.
- The clarification follows conflicting social media posts and reports that suggested an immediate departure.
- Bandmate Neal Schon has indicated he plans to continue with Journey after Cain's retirement.
Cain Sets the Record Straight on Retirement
During an appearance on the radio show "Nashville's Morning News" on October 17, Jonathan Cain directly addressed the speculation surrounding his future with Journey. He described initial reports of his immediate exit as "misinformation."
Cain explained his actual intentions, which he had previously mentioned on the "Strang Report" podcast. "What was really said... was that I was gonna do these next two tours and just kind of wrap it up," he stated. He emphasized his desire to avoid spending his later years on the road, citing the recent death of John Lodge from The Moody Blues as a sobering moment.
"It just feels like a good time to enjoy my grandkids and my family. I've given a lot. I've given enough," Cain said during the radio interview.
He assured fans he would not leave abruptly. "I would never, ever duck out on my fans without saying goodbye, because I'm grateful for them and I always, always planned on doing one last hurrah. So this is gonna be it for me."
A Two-Year Farewell
When asked to confirm if the next series of shows would be his last, Cain clarified the timeline. "Well, it'll be two years... So two different tours will be my last run with JOURNEY, yeah," he confirmed. This timeline suggests his final performances with the band will take place through 2026 and 2027, although Journey has not officially announced tour dates for those years.
Cain also acknowledged that his vision for the future differs from that of founding guitarist Neal Schon. "I don't know what Neal is planning. I think Neal said he wants to go on and go on. And that's not me."
A Career Spanning Decades
Jonathan Cain joined Journey in 1980, becoming a key songwriter during the band's most successful period. He was instrumental in crafting the iconic album "Escape," which featured hits like "Don't Stop Believin'" and "Open Arms." Before Journey, he was a member of The Babys and released a solo record in 1976.
Conflicting Reports and Social Media Confusion
The uncertainty about Cain's status began with a social media post from Neal Schon on October 9. Schon wrote, "Jonathan Cain announced his farewell to JOURNEY tonight. I'm nowhere near done! JOURNEY has so much more life ahead!"
This initial post led many to believe Cain's departure was imminent. However, Schon later posted a clarification, stating that Cain would be touring with Journey "all through" 2026 and 2027 to celebrate the music they created together.
To further quell the rumors, Cain's spokesperson issued a formal statement. "Jonathan Cain remains an active member of JOURNEY, and any reports suggesting otherwise are inaccurate," the statement read. "He is fully dedicated to touring with the band over the next couple of years and has only expressed plans to retire at a later time."
Future Plans: Ministry and Worship
Cain, a devout born-again Christian, first hinted at his retirement plans on the "Strang Report" podcast while promoting a tribute song for conservative activist Charlie Kirk. He stated that after the "farewell JOURNEY tour," he would likely "move into ministry and worship; I feel a calling there." His wife, Paula White-Cain, is a prominent minister who served as a spiritual adviser to former U.S. President Donald Trump.
A History of Internal Tensions
The recent confusion highlights a history of public disagreements between Cain and Schon, often centered on politics and finances. The two have feuded over several issues, including Schon's allegations that over $1 million in personal expenses were charged to the band's shared credit card.
Politics has been a significant point of contention. Schon has repeatedly expressed his desire to keep Journey's music separate from political causes. In December 2022, he publicly criticized Cain for performing "Don't Stop Believin'" at Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago property.
- Mar-a-Lago Performance: Cain performed the song with a chorus that included political figures Marjorie Taylor Greene and Kimberly Guilfoyle, prompting Schon to call him a "hypocrite."
- White House Photo: In 2017, Schon criticized Cain, singer Arnel Pineda, and then-bassist Ross Valory for being photographed with Trump at the White House.
- Differing Views: In a 2017 interview, Cain stated, "We're not political; we don't get into politics." Schon's actions suggest a strong disagreement with Cain's public political associations.
Despite this history, Schon recently indicated that relations have improved. Earlier this month, he mentioned having "great conversations with Jonathan lately and some great meetings with him for the first time in many years," suggesting the two are on better terms as they prepare for the upcoming tours.