Neal Schon Shares How Journey is Now Healing

Not long ago, Journey appeared to be on the verge of a breakup. Neal Schon and Jonathan Cain were embroiled in disputes over control of the band, visits to the White House, and financial matters.

Nevertheless, Journey persevered. They released “Freedom,” their first studio album in over a decade, and resumed their rigorous touring schedule. Their 23-date stadium tour with Def Leppard and Steve Miller kicked off in St. Louis on Saturday.

How did they manage to reconcile? “We just decided that the music is the music,” Schon told music journalist Lyndsey Parker. “We worked really hard and diligently on keeping this thing alive all these years, and just not let the other stuff get in the way and kind of keep it separate.”

Schon credited this mindset to original Journey manager Herbie Herbert. He explained:

“It was actually a rule that way before Jonathan was in the band, that we would never have politics involved in our music or any one religion – because [Journey’s music] is for everyone.
“Anytime you [get political] and you segregate, you’re going to lose fans – and why would you want to do that? Just keep it open for everyone to be able to enjoy your music as music.”

Journey’s music is a staple at sporting events and in TV and movie soundtracks, but it also pops up at political rallies. Schon admitted:

“I’m not a fan of it. No, I’m not a fan of it.
“It’s just, I’m in the middle and I don’t want it to go one way or the other. I think we should remain neutral and let everybody enjoy what they want to enjoy – and I think it’s nobody’s business.”

Keeping Music Free from Politics

Schon emphasized his disdain for mixing music and politics.

“I don’t think they go hand-in-hand. I think that music is the greatest communicator of the world and that it shouldn’t have a label on it to be one way or another. It should be conveyed by everyone in their own way.”

In the end, Schon believes this approach has kept Journey relevant across generations, even as classic-era vocalist Steve Perry was replaced by longtime frontman Arnel Pineda. Schon noted:

“Think of this: I’ve been in Journey 51 years.
“Jon for 41 years and for Arnel, this is his 17th year as vocalist – which is way longer than Steve was!”

As Journey prepares for another round of shows, Schon’s goal remains the same:

“You want to take ’em out of the funk. You want to lift them.
“When I go to see somebody, I want to be entertained. I don’t want to be brought down or brought into some funk. I want to get away from everything and be entertained and lifted.”