Jonathan Cain Plays Journey Medley in Surprise Visit Ro Rock Hall

Jonathan Cain recently made a surprise visit to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, where he played a medley of Journey’s greatest hits on the grand piano from the band’s peak years. The occasion marked the return of Cain’s iconic 1981 Yamaha C7, affectionately known as “the Whale,” to the Hall’s exhibit space. Exclusive photos and video of Cain’s visit can be seen below, courtesy of the Rock Hall.

Cain described the Whale as an integral part of his career. “It’s here because it served me well,” he said. “We played many, many shows. This piano played for millions of people.” The instrument first made its debut during Journey’s 1981 Escape tour, with microphones carefully placed inside to capture its rich sound on stage. Cain noted:

“This piano was with me for 35 years.
“We made the very first live simulcast MTV show, Live From Houston, and that piano was centerstage. Steve Perry sang ‘Open Arms’ right next to it. I made all of the [’80s-era] Journey records with this piano, all the way up to Raised on Radio. This was in the studio. I wouldn’t play any other one.”

The Whale was a significant part of Journey’s performances, despite initial resistance from the band’s founding manager, Herbie Herbert, due to logistical concerns. Cain recalled:

“He didn’t want to have this out there, but I demanded it.
“I said, ‘I’m going to have to have this piano,’ especially because the songs on the Escape album were very piano-oriented: ‘Who’s Crying Now,’ ‘Open Arms,’ ‘Don’t Stop Believin’.’ These are songs that you couldn’t do on a rinky-dink piano.”

Jonathan Cain Reveals the Price of His Famous Yamaha Piano

Cain bought the Whale for $12,500, a sum that seems modest compared to its current value of $86,000. He painted the piano red to stand out on stage, noting:

“I can’t go on stage with a black piano. I’ll disappear. I’ll just be a floating head.”

For music fans visiting Rock Hall, they’ll enjoy several activities like spotlighted artifacts, rock and roll trivia games, and unique photo opportunities.

View Cain’s visit from the video below: