The Real Story How Neal Schon and Jonathan Cain Reconciled

Journey is marking its 50th anniversary with a series of performances alongside Toto and an upcoming summer tour featuring Def Leppard and Steve Miller Band. What’s more remarkable is the restored camaraderie between co-founding guitarist Neal Schon and longtime keyboardist Jonathan Cain.

Drummer Deen Castronovo shared in an interview that Schon and Cain, the band’s primary songwriters, have reconciled their differences through open communication. This reconciliation, facilitated by their spouses, Michaele Schon and Paula White-Cain, has been instrumental in revitalizing the band’s unity and focus on their shared legacy.

During a relaxed Zoom chat from Philadelphia, Castronovo also delved into Journey’s experiences touring with Def Leppard and discussed the recent release of Revolution Saints’ latest album, Against the Winds.

The ongoing tour with Toto has been a huge success, with nearly sold-out shows and a palpable sense of joy and camaraderie among band members onstage.

Castronovo attributes this positive change to the willingness of Schon and Cain to communicate and resolve their differences, with the support of their respective spouses who now co-manage the band alongside them. This collaborative approach has transformed Journey into a more cohesive unit, reminiscent of its earlier days.

The musical synergy between Journey and Toto has been exceptional, with both bands showcasing stellar musicianship. Castronovo particularly admires the performances of Steve Lukather from Toto and Neal Schon from Journey, highlighting the rare opportunity to witness such renowned musicians sharing the stage.

Reflecting on his drumming influences within Journey, Castronovo acknowledges the diverse styles of previous drummers like Aynsley Dunbar, Steve Smith, and others. Learning and adapting to these different drumming eras has been both challenging and rewarding for him.

Despite his initial struggles with certain Journey classics like “Don’t Stop Believin’,” Castronovo’s dedication to mastering each song’s nuances has contributed to his growth as a drummer within the band.

Looking Ahead

Castronovo expresses excitement about Journey’s upcoming stadium tour with Def Leppard, anticipating the energy and camaraderie that will define these larger-than-life performances.

Switching gears, Castronovo shares his thoughts on the evolution of Revolution Saints since the addition of Jeff Pilson and Joel Hoekstra. While initially apprehensive about the lineup change, he now appreciates the unique chemistry and musical prowess that Pilson and Hoekstra bring to the band.

Despite logistical challenges, Castronovo remains hopeful about the possibility of Revolution Saints performing live in the future, driven by his unwavering determination to make it happen amidst busy schedules and competing commitments.