Jonathan Cain, the long-standing keyboardist and key songwriter for the legendary rock band Journey, will conclude his tenure with the group after an upcoming farewell tour. This announcement marks a significant change for the band, which has seen Cain contribute to many of its biggest hits since joining in 1981. The decision follows a period of public disagreements between Cain and co-founding guitarist Neal Schon.
Key Takeaways
- Jonathan Cain will leave Journey after the 2026-2027 farewell tour.
- Cain joined Journey in 1981, contributing to chart-topping albums like 'Escape'.
- Neal Schon confirmed the departure, stating Journey will continue.
- Cain plans to focus on his solo career in faith-based music and ministry.
- His songwriting was crucial for hits such as "Don't Stop Believin'" and "Open Arms."
Journey's Future After Cain's Departure
Neal Schon, the only remaining co-founding member of Journey, confirmed Cain's planned exit. Schon made the announcement through a social media post, indicating that the band will continue its musical journey. He emphasized his own commitment to the group's future.
Schon clarified the timeline for Cain's departure. "Jon is playing. He's saying at the end of 26-27, he will move on," Schon stated in a follow-up message. He added, "We will have a great couple of years." This suggests a final, extensive tour period before the lineup change officially takes effect.
Quick Fact
Journey's 1981 album, 'Escape', which featured Jonathan Cain's contributions, sold millions of copies and topped the U.S. charts, achieving diamond certification.
Cain's Solo Career and Ministry Focus
Jonathan Cain has been actively pursuing a solo career, primarily focusing on faith-based music, since 2016 with his album 'What God Wants to Hear'. He recently released a promotional video for a new tribute single titled "No One Else," dedicated to activist Charlie Kirk. This solo work is a significant part of his future plans.
"I'm coming with an EP at the end of the year," Cain said on the Strang Report podcast. "Then, of course, we go on the Journey tour in 2026 – on our farewell Journey tour. So, I'll be saying goodbye to that."
Schon supported Cain's decision to pursue his spiritual calling. "He wants to do his ministry," Schon said. Cain himself affirmed this, stating, "I feel a calling there." This aligns with his recent musical direction and personal commitments.
Impact of Cain's Songwriting on Journey's Success
Jonathan Cain's arrival in Journey in 1981 marked a turning point for the band. While Journey had already achieved significant success, Cain's songwriting prowess helped propel them to even greater heights. He became a crucial presence in the band's creative process.
Cain wrote or co-wrote many of Journey's most iconic songs. These include the No. 2 hit "Open Arms" and their signature anthem, "Don't Stop Believin'." His contributions were vital to albums like 1983's six-times platinum 'Frontiers', 1986's two-million-selling 'Raised on Radio', and 1996's platinum comeback album 'Trial by Fire'. The band's most recent album, 'Freedom', was released in 2022.
Historical Context
Before Cain joined, Journey was successful, but his integration with Steve Perry and Neal Schon led to an unprecedented period of chart dominance and multi-platinum sales in the early 1980s. The band achieved its first three gold-selling Top 10 singles within months of his arrival.
Ricky Phillips, Cain's former bandmate from The Babys and Bad English, praised his songwriting. "Jonathan unquestionably, undeniably had really good, solid ideas — especially for the time. The first Journey record — in fact, the first couple he did — definitely proved that," Phillips said in 'Journey: Worlds Apart'.
Cain himself reflected on his songwriting legacy. He told UCR, "Never in my wildest dreams did I think that I was going to be able to create this kind of lasting longevity when it comes to writing. I'm most proud of my songwriting and my relationship with Steve [Perry], and how we were able to craft these songs with Neal that mean so much to so many people. That's pretty overwhelming to think about."
Cain's Journey Before Journey
Jonathan Cain's life before Journey included significant challenges and varied experiences. He survived a tragic fire at Our Lady of the Angels School in 1958, which claimed the lives of 92 schoolmates and three nuns. He later attended the Chicago Conservatory of Music at Roosevelt University.
Before joining Journey, Cain moved west, pursuing a music career. He secured an early record deal and had a minor hit single with "Til It's Time to Say Goodbye." He even appeared on Dick Clark's American Bandstand in 1976. Initially, he recorded under the name Johnny Lee, but changed it to Jonathan Cain after discovering another singer used the name. The name 'Cain' was inspired by a sign he saw on Sunset Boulevard.
Early Career Detail
Cain's debut album, 'Windy City Breakdown', did not achieve commercial success. This led him to briefly step away from music, working jobs such as selling stereos and operating a forklift.
Songwriting eventually drew him back to the music industry, leading to his involvement with the band The Babys. During his two-album stint with The Babys, they opened for Journey on tour, which laid the groundwork for his future with the band.
The Evolving Relationship Within Journey
Gregg Rolie, a co-founder of Journey, acknowledged Cain's critical role. "If Jonathan Cain had not been my replacement and without his writing skills, I don't think they would have gone on to do half the things they did," Rolie told Mixdown magazine.
Cain's songwriting style often drew from real-life stories, focusing on people's hopes and dreams. He also credits his father for encouraging him with the phrase, "Don't stop believin'," which later became the title of one of Journey's most famous songs.
Despite the band's musical success, the relationship between Cain and Schon became strained in recent years. Their disagreements sometimes escalated into legal disputes. However, Cain continued to tour with Journey, navigating the backstage complexities.
Cain reflected on overcoming adversity in 'Journey: Worlds Apart'. "When you overcome tragedy, it makes you better in so many ways," he mused. "It seems when that's when God shines, and he blesses us in the biggest ways. Something usually tragic has to happen and all of a sudden, change can turn into a miracle."
The identity of Cain's successor remains unknown. Neal Schon has expressed optimism for Journey's future, stating, "Journey has so much more life ahead! I'm sure we will have a great tour!" He also promised new music from the band in the future.