Ross Valory Shares His Real Opinion About Leaving Journey

Former Journey bassist Ross Valory has taken some time to reflect on his departure from the iconic band.

“What an amazing experience,” Valory shared with Rolling Stone. “I am so blessed to have spent the better part of 50 years in a band that’s remarkable. All the fine players and singers that have come through the room that I had the privilege of performing with, including the current players. These are all brilliant, talented people, whether they are present in the band or not.”

Valory’s history with Journey began when he met Herbie Herbert, who was managing the band Frumious Bandersnatch at the time. Herbert later became involved with Santana, where he introduced Valory to Gregg Rolie and Neal Schon. Together with George Tickner, they formed the core of what would become Journey.

Over the years, Valory contributed to the band’s success, co-writing songs like “Anytime” and “Just the Same Way.” Despite leaving before the release of “Raised on Radio” in 1986, he later rejoined for a stretch of albums starting with Trial By Fire in 1998.

However, tensions within the band resurfaced in 2020 when Valory and drummer Steve Smith were accused by Schon of plotting to take over the group. Valory denied the accusations and both parties eventually settled their differences out of court.

Addressing a controversial incident in 2017 when some band members visited the White House, Valory clarified that his intention was simply to enjoy a VIP tour, regardless of who was president.

The split with Journey in 2020 mirrored Valory’s departure in the mid-’80s, with Randy Jackson briefly stepping in as his replacement. Valory expressed no hard feelings about the decision, acknowledging the band’s prerogative to explore different musical directions.

A New Chapter

Looking ahead, Valory is focused on his upcoming solo debut, All of the Above, set to release in April. Despite the end of his tenure with Journey, Valory cherishes the experiences and memories he gained from his time with the band.

Reflecting on Journey’s evolution over the years, Valory shared:

“What an experience, from this experimental fusion band into one of the top-rated popular bands. This is a band that reinvented itself twice. But to answer your question, certainly I miss it. I miss performing, and eventually I will be doing so on my own.”

Nick DeRiso, author of the rock band biography Journey: Worlds Apart, provided insights into Valory’s journey with the band.