journey band members randy jackson

Complete List Of All Journey Current And Former Band Members

Feature Photo: Bruce Alan Bennett / Shutterstock.com

I first fell in love with the band Journey when I was in high school and brought the band’s album Infinity when it was first released. Their record company Columbia Records at the time heavily promoted the album. It was Steve Perry’s first recording with the band and Columbia knew they had a hit on their hands. I was blown away by Steve Perry’s voice and completely floored by how great the songs were on the record. Journey became one of the biggest bands of the seventies. They helped define the term “Stadium Rock.” The band has gone through multiple lineup changes over the years.  This article takes a look at the revolving door of musicians who have come and gone as members of the band Journey .

The Orginal Journey Band Members

Neal Schon, born on February 27, 1954, in Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma, is an American musician best known as the lead guitarist for Journey. He was one of the founding members of the band in 1973. Over the years, Schon played a significant role in shaping the band’s sound and has appeared on every Journey album to date, from their self-titled debut album “Journey” (1975) to their most recent releases. He primarily plays the electric guitar but has been known to play acoustic guitar and perform backing vocals as well. Schon co-wrote some of the band’s most iconic songs like “Don’t Stop Believin’,” “Wheel in the Sky,” and “Any Way You Want It.” Besides his work with Journey, Neal Schon has had a rich solo career and has also been a part of other bands like Santana and Bad English .

Ross Valory

Ross Valory, born on February 2, 1949, in San Francisco, California, is an American musician renowned for being Journey’s original bass guitarist. He joined the band at its inception in 1973 and contributed to albums like “Journey” (1975), “Infinity” (1978), “Escape” (1981), and many more. Valory played both the bass guitar and occasionally provided backing vocals. He was a part of Journey until he was fired from the band in 2020. Apart from Journey, Valory was involved in the Steve Miller Band and also had a side project called “The Vu.”

Gregg Rolie

Gregg Rolie was born on June 17, 1947, in Seattle, Washington, and is an American keyboardist and singer. He was a founding member of Journey and joined the band in 1973. Rolie played keyboards and was the lead vocalist on the band’s first three albums: “Journey” (1975), “Look into the Future” (1976), and “Next” (1977). He left Journey in 1980 to pursue other musical endeavors. Notably, he was a member of Santana before joining Journey and co-wrote and sang lead vocals on classics like “Black Magic Woman” and “Evil Ways.” After leaving Journey, he went on to form The Gregg Rolie Band and also joined Ringo Starr & His All-Starr Band .

George Tickner

George Tickner, born on September 8, 1946, in Syracuse, New York, is an American musician who played rhythm guitar for Journey. He was among the original members when the band was founded in 1973 but left shortly after the release of the band’s self-titled debut album in 1975. Tickner contributed to the writing of some early songs but didn’t stay with the band long enough to participate in the more commercial phases of Journey’s career. After leaving Journey, Tickner largely retired from professional music to pursue a career in medicine.

Charles “Prairie” Prince

Charles “Prairie” Prince, born on May 7, 1950, in Charlotte, North Carolina, was the original drummer for Journey when the band was formed in 1973. However, he never officially recorded with the band and left before their debut album was made. He is best known for his work with The Tubes , a San Francisco-based rock band. Though his time with Journey was short-lived, Prince has had a significant career in music, working with artists like Todd Rundgren, and Jefferson Starship, and as a session musician for various other artists.

The Next Phase and Beyond

Aynsley dunbar.

Aynsley Dunbar, born on January 10, 1946, in Liverpool, England, is a British drummer known for his work with various rock and blues bands. He joined Journey in 1974, shortly after the band’s formation, and played on the albums “Journey” (1975), “Look into the Future” (1976), and “Next” (1977). Dunbar’s jazz-influenced drumming style added a unique element to Journey’s early sound. He left the band in 1978 before the band shifted to a more mainstream, commercial sound. Apart from Journey, Dunbar has had an extensive career, playing with artists like Frank Zappa, David Bowie, and Whitesnake.

Robert Fleischman

Robert Fleischman, born on March 11, 1953, in Los Angeles, California, is an American musician who briefly served as Journey’s lead vocalist in 1977. Though he never appeared on any studio albums with Journey, he contributed to songwriting and is credited with co-writing songs like “Wheel in the Sky.” Fleischman was replaced by Steve Perry later in the same year he joined. Outside of Journey, Fleischman had a solo career and was a member of other rock bands like Vinnie Vincent Invasion.

Steve Perry

Steve Perry , born on January 22, 1949, in Hanford, California, is an American singer known for his soaring vocals. He joined Journey in 1977 and quickly became the band’s iconic lead vocalist. Steve Perry played a significant role in Journey’s commercial success and was a key contributor to albums like “Infinity” (1978), “Evolution” (1979), “Escape” (1981), among others. He co-wrote and sang some of Journey’s most famous songs, including “Don’t Stop Believin'” and “Open Arms.” Perry left the band in 1998 due to health issues and to pursue a solo career, which itself has been highly successful, featuring hits like “Oh Sherrie.”

Steve Smith

Steve Smith, born on August 21, 1954, in Whitman, Massachusetts, is an American drummer. He joined Journey in 1978, replacing Aynsley Dunbar, and played on some of their most successful albums like “Evolution,” “Escape,” and “Frontiers.” Known for his technical skill, Smith left the band in 1985 but returned for various stints, the latest being from 2015 to 2020. Outside of Journey, Smith has had a rich career in jazz and has been part of his own jazz fusion band, Vital Information.

Randy Jackson

Randy Jackson, born on June 23, 1956, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, is an American musician, best known as a judge on the television show “American Idol.” He joined Journey as a bass player for a short stint during the mid-1980s and played on the 1986 album “Raised on Radio.” Jackson was part of the band’s transition towards a more pop-oriented sound during that period. Besides Journey, he has been an in-demand session musician and has produced and performed with a wide array of artists across genres.

Steve Augeri

Steve Augeri, born on January 30, 1959, in Brooklyn, New York, is an American rock singer best known for his work as the lead vocalist for Journey from 1998 to 2006. He was brought in as a replacement for Steve Perry and featured on albums like “Arrival” (2001) and “Generations” (2005). Augeri co-wrote songs for the band but had to leave in 2006 due to vocal issues. Outside of Journey, he has been involved in other bands like Tyketto and has also embarked on a solo career.

Jeff Scott Soto

Jeff Scott Soto, born on November 4, 1965, in Brooklyn, New York, is an American singer who served as Journey’s lead vocalist for a brief period from 2006 to 2007. He stepped in following Steve Augeri’s departure due to vocal issues but was in the band for less than a year. Though his time with Journey was short-lived, he did perform live with the band during that period. Outside of Journey, Soto has a prolific career, having been a part of bands like Yngwie Malmsteen’s Rising Force and Talisman, as well as a successful solo career.

Deen Castronovo

Deen Castronovo, born on August 17, 1964, in Westminster, California, is an American drummer and vocalist. He joined Journey in 1998, replacing Steve Smith, and contributed to albums like “Arrival” (2001), “Generations” (2005), and “Eclipse” (2011). Besides playing drums, Castronovo also performed backing and some lead vocals during his time with the band. He left Journey in 2015 amidst personal issues. Beyond Journey, he has played with bands like Bad English and Hardline and is known for his work in various other musical projects.

Narada Michael Walden

Narada Michael Walden, born on April 23, 1952, in Kalamazoo, Michigan, is an American musician, producer, and songwriter. He joined Journey as a drummer in 2020, replacing Steve Smith. Known for his diverse skill set across genres, Walden has a rich career outside of his time with Journey. He’s a multi-Grammy Award-winning producer and has worked with a myriad of artists including Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey, and Aretha Franklin.

Arnel Pineda

Arnel Pineda, born on September 5, 1967, in Sampaloc, Manila, Philippines, is a Filipino singer and songwriter. He became the lead vocalist for Journey in 2007, discovered by Neal Schon through YouTube videos of Pineda covering Journey songs. He made his studio debut with the band on the 2008 album “Revelation” and has remained with the band since. Outside of Journey, Pineda had been a part of several bands in the Philippines and has a solo career as well.

Jason Derlatka

Jason Derlatka, born on September 8, 1972, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is an American keyboardist, vocalist, and composer. He joined Journey in 2020 as a touring keyboardist and background vocalist. Though he hasn’t been featured on any studio albums with the band yet, he brings a wide range of musical experience to Journey. Derlatka has worked extensively in television, composing music for series like “House” and “Parenthood.”

Todd Jensen

Todd Jensen, born on October 19, 1965, in Portland, Oregon, is an American bassist. Though he never officially recorded with Journey, Jensen was involved as a touring member following Ross Valory’s departure in 2020. Known for his versatility, he has played with various artists and bands spanning multiple genres, including David Lee Roth, Ozzy Osbourne, and Alice Cooper.

Complete List Of All Journey Current And Former Band Members article published on Classic RockHistory.com© 2023

Classicrockhistory.com claims ownership of all its original content and Intellectual property under United States Copyright laws and those of all other foreign countries. No one person, business, or organization is allowed to re-publish any of our original content anywhere on the web or in print without our permission. All photos used are either public domain Creative Commons photos or licensed officially from Shutterstock under license with ClassicRockHistory.com. All photo credits have been placed at the end of the article. Album Cover Photos are affiliate links and the property of Amazon and are stored on the Amazon server. Any theft of our content will be met with swift legal action against the infringing websites.

DON’T MISS A BEAT

Be the first to know when a new article is published

We don’t spam! Read our privacy policy for more info.

Check your inbox or spam folder to confirm your subscription.

Related Posts

Complete List Of Eagles Current And Former Band Members

10 Jazz Fusion Guitarists That Rock

5 Of Classic Rock’s Most Musical Drummers

Complete List Of Train Band Members

Complete List Of The Doobie Brothers Band Members

Complete List Of ZZ Top Band Members

About the author.

Brian Kachejian

Brian Kachejian was born in Manhattan and raised in the Bronx. He is the founder and Editor in Chief of ClassicRockHistory.com. He has spent thirty years in the music business often working with many of the people who have appeared on this site. Brian Kachejian also holds B.A. and M.A. degrees from Stony Brook University along with New York State Public School Education Certifications in Music and Social Studies. Brian Kachejian is also an active member of the New York Press.

Add Comment Cancel Reply

 Yes, add me to your mailing list

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Randy Jackson is back to his rock band roots.

On Saturday, Journey guitarist Neal Schon announced the new lineup of band members (following the exit of bassist Ross Valory and drummer Steve Smith), including the former American Idol judge, 63, as the new bassist.

Jackson was temporarily part of the "Any Way You Want It" band back in the 1980s.

"Ok Friends word is out! @randyjackson RJ the Big Dawg is our new Bass player again 💪🏾🕶," Schon, 66, wrote on Instagram, adding in another post , "The King is back 💪🏾🕶 @randyjackson 🔥🔥."

Schon, on Twitter , also referred to Journey as an "ever-changing unstoppable force," stating that the group is entering "a completely new chapter for us and can't wait to get to it!"

Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories

The newly restructured Journey — which also includes Narada Michael Walden on drums — performed during UNICEF's Won't Stop benefit on Saturday, playing their hit "Don't Stop Believin'" together.

"Y'all vibe with @journeymusicofficial revival tonight!? The boys are back 😎," Jackson wrote on Instagram, sharing a throwback photo from his Journey glory days.

RELATED VIDEO: Snoop Dogg Listens to ‘Let It Go’ — and Idina Menzel Responds with ‘Drop It Like It’s Hot’

In other potential reunion news for Jackson, Simon Cowell said in September that he wants to make another show with his original American Idol cohorts, Jackson and Paula Abdul .

The trio appeared together on The Kelly Clarkson Show to reminisce with the host (who, of course, was the first winner of the competition series back in 2002), when Cowell, 60, shared his wish for a reunion.

"It does make me think," Cowell said at the time. "If I had one wish, it'd be to make another show with us again. That would be my No. 1 wish."

"Let's go, man," Jackson responded.

Related Articles

Journey bring back bassist Randy Jackson

Journey’s Neal Schon reveals that bassist Randy Jackson is back in the band, with drummer Narada Michael Walden completing the new-look lineup

Journey ’s Neal Schon has confirmed that the band’s former bassist Randy Jackson has returned to the group.

In addition, drummer Narada Michael Walden has been brought into the fold to complete the new-look lineup.

The news comes after Ross Valory and Steve Smith were dismissed from Journey back in March over claims the pair had attempted a ”corporate coup d'état" to gain control of one of the band's business entities, Nightmare Productions, and take control of the Journey name.

Jackson played with Journey between 1985 and 1987, playing on the band’s 1986 album Raised On Radio , while Narada Michael Walden is known for his extensive production work and solo career, and has previously played with artists including Jeff Beck , Carlos Santana and Robert Fripp and the Mahavishnu Orchestra.

Guitarist Schon said on Twitter : “OK, friends, the word is out. Randy Jackson, the Big Dawg, is our new bass player again.”

He then added: “Narada Michael Walden is our new drummer. Multi-talented songwriter/producer, Mahavishnu Orchestra. The J Boyz will have a new strut.”

Replying to comment that Journey were an “ever-changing unstoppable force,” Schon replied: "Couldn’t agree more. This is a completely new chapter for us and can’t wait to get to it.”

Classic Rock Newsletter

Sign up below to get the latest from Classic Rock, plus exclusive special offers, direct to your inbox!

Jackson and Walden made their Journey debuts when the band played a lockdown version of Don’t Stop Believin’ for a UNICEF fundraising event on Saturday evening. 

In legal papers filed at the Superior Court of Contra Costa County, California, against Valory and Smith in March, Schon and keyboard player Jonathan Cain said they had “lost confidence in both of them and are not willing to perform with them again."

The claim continued, "With their actions, Smith and Valory have destroyed the chemistry, cohesion and rapport necessary for the band to play together. Journey can only tour successfully and succeed creatively if it is united and the band members trust one another. The actions taken by Smith and Valory shattered that trust.”

Last month, Valory countersued Schon and Cain , calling the allegations “baseless,” Schon and Cain’s actions “outrageous” with the pair causing “him to suffer severe emotional distress.”

The King is back 💪🏾🕶 @randyjackson 🔥🔥 Neal Schon Music A photo posted by @nealschon on May 23, 2020 at 11:14pm PDT

Scott has spent 35 years in newspapers, magazines and online as an editor, production editor, sub-editor, designer, writer and reviewer. Scott joined our news desk in the summer of 2014 before moving to the e-commerce team in 2020. Scott keeps Louder’s buyer’s guides up to date, writes about the best deals for music fans, keeps on top of the latest tech releases and reviews headphones, speakers, earplugs and more. Over the last 10 years, Scott has written more than 11,000 articles across Louder, Classic Rock, Metal Hammer and Prog. He's previously written for publications including IGN, the Sunday Mirror, Daily Record and The Herald newspapers, covering everything from daily news and weekly features, to tech reviews, video games, travel and whisky. Scott's favourite bands are Fields Of The Nephilim, The Cure, New Model Army, All About Eve, The Mission, Cocteau Twins, Drab Majesty, Marillion and Rush.

"I went, 'I just don't know if my fans are gonna get it.'" How Slayer legend Kerry King ended up guesting on Sum 41's pop punk anthem What We're All About in one of the most unlikely heavy metal cameos ever

"I made it about the sexual cry of love." How The Rolling Stones and a dancer from Hot Gossip inspired one of Billy Idol's greatest hits

“Korn scared me as a kid!” Fontaines D.C. extend Romance tour, talk up unexpected nu metal influences on new album

Most Popular

• Discount Codes

Journey announce line-up changes as former bassist Randy Jackson rejoins

The former 'American Idol' judge played with the band in the 80s

Journey guitarist Neal Schon has announced some key line-up changes to the band, including the return of former bassist and American Idol judge Randy Jackson.

On Saturday (May 23), Schon revealed that the band had recruited both Jackson and Grammy-winning drummer Narada Michael Walden. “Ok Friends word is out ! @randyjackson RJ the Big Dawg is our new Bass player again,” he announced on Instagram.

In a separate post, he shared the news of Walden’s addition to the line-up, writing: “Word is out ! @officialnarada Narada Michael Walden is our new Drummer! Multi talented song writer Producer / Mahavishnu orchestra The J Boyz will have a new Strut thank you for your love and help my LadyM.”

View this post on Instagram Ok Friends word is out ! @randyjackson RJ the Big Dawg is our new Bass player again 💪🏾🕶 A post shared by Neal Schon Music (@nealschon) on May 23, 2020 at 8:15pm PDT

View this post on Instagram Word is out ! @officialnarada Narada Michael Walden is our new Drummer! Multi talented song writer Producer / Mahavishnu orchestra 🔥🔥🔥🔥 The J Boyz will have a new Strut 🕶💪🏾 thank you for your love and help my LadyM 🌹 A post shared by Neal Schon Music (@nealschon) on May 23, 2020 at 8:19pm PDT

The vacancies required filling after Journey spectacularly sacked their drummer and bassist over an alleged “corporate coup d’état” earlier this year .

Steve Smith and bassist Ross Valory were accused of trying to take over the corporate entity Nightmare Productions, Inc. in an attempt to take control of the Journey name.

Recommended

The band’s remaining principal members, Schon and keyboardist Jon Cain, filed a lawsuit on March 3 against the former drummer and bassist.

Jackson originally played bass with Journey in the ’80s, performing on the band’s 1986 album ‘Raised on Radio’.

Since then he has become known for his appearances as the longest-serving judge on American Idol and executive producer for MTV’s America’s Best Dance Crew. Jackson has previously won a Grammy Award for his work as a producer.

The new Journey lineup made its debut during a socially distanced performance of ‘Don’t Stop Believin” for UNICEF’s Won’t Stop fundraiser .

• Related Topics

You May Also Like

The party never sleeps: fat dog unleashed in america, what now for ‘shōgun’ after that life-and-death finale, pet shop boys: “this is our queer album”, ‘fallout’ review: learn to love the bomb in this fun yet flawed adaptation, ‘life eater’ review: twisted kidnapping simulator strikes at the heart, more stories, ‘baby reindeer’ creator richard gadd urges people to stop trying to work out identity of stalker, ben stiller says ‘zoolander 2’ flop affected him “for a long time”, kim petras “going through some health issues”, cancels summer 2024 festival shows, porter robinson announces new album ‘smile :d’ with euphoric single ‘knock yourself out xd’, ryan gosling blames ‘angry birds’ for killing ‘the nice guys’ sequel with russell crowe, tupac shakur’s estate threatens legal action against drake over diss track using ai-generated vocals.

The Big Dawg is back: American Idol’s Randy Jackson rejoins Journey as bassist

The Rock Hall of Famers also announced new drummer, jazz-fusion legend Narada Michael Walden

Journey recently parted with bassist Ross Valory and drummer Steve Smith, firing the two longtime members following a “coup”  in which founding electric guitar player Neal Schon and keyboardist Jonathan Cain alleged the two had attempted to wrest control of the band’s trademark.

Now, Schon has revealed Valory and Smith’s replacements – and it’s a killer rhythm section, to be sure.

Stepping into the drum slot is Narada Michael Walden, the former Mahavishnu Orchestra member who has also played with ace guitarists like Jeff Beck, Allan Holdsworth and Robert Fripp.

On bass, meanwhile, is the Big Dawg himself, American Idol judge Randy Jackson.

Jackson, for his part, is returning for his second run with Journey, having replaced Valory once before to perform on the band’s 1986 album, Raised On Radio, as well as the subsequent tour.

In an Instagram post to announce Jackson’s return, guitarist Neal Schon wrote: “Ok Friends word is out! Randy Jackson RJ the Big Dawg is our new Bass player again.”

Ok Friends word is out ! @randyjackson RJ the Big Dawg is our new Bass player again 💪🏾🕶 Neal Schon Music A photo posted by @nealschon on May 23, 2020 at 8:15pm PDT

In a separate post Schon welcomed Walden to the band, writing, “The J Boyz will have a new Strut.”

Get The Pick Newsletter

All the latest guitar news, interviews, lessons, reviews, deals and more, direct to your inbox!

The new lineup made their debut with a socially distanced performance of the classic Don’t Stop Believin’ as part of the UNICEF Won’t Stop fundraiser concert.

You can check it out above.

Thank you for reading 5 articles this month**

Join now for unlimited access

US pricing $3.99 per month or $39.00 per year

UK pricing £2.99 per month or £29.00 per year 

Europe pricing €3.49 per month or €34.00 per year

*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription

Prices from £2.99/$3.99/€3.49

Rich is the co-author of the best-selling Nöthin' But a Good Time: The Uncensored History of the '80s Hard Rock Explosion. He is also a recording and performing musician, and a former editor of Guitar World magazine and executive editor of Guitar Aficionado magazine. He has authored several additional books, among them Kurt Cobain: Montage of Heck, the companion to the documentary of the same name.

“I wanna say thank you Michael for an unbelievable catalog of music that has changed the history of rock 'n' roll”: Green Day’s Billie Joe Armstrong and Mike Dirnt play Van Halen hits with ex-VH bassist Michael Anthony

“TONEX ONE represents a revolution for guitar and bass players”: IK Multimedia’s new $179 pocket-sized TONEX pedal packages the firm’s game-changing amp and rig modeling powers into an absurdly small format

“He said things like, ’Well, why does there have to be a guitar solo there?’… He has a wonderful lack of knowledge or respect for this past of mine”: David Gilmour’s first solo album in 9 years features a new producer tearing up the rulebook

Most Popular

Journey's Neal Schon says he and Steve Perry are 'in a good place' before band's 50th anniversary

On the cusp of turning 50, the band that etched “Don’t Stop Believin’ ” and “Faithfully” into lighters-up lore is entering “a cleaned-up chapter of Journey.”

That’s according to Neal Schon, the band’s ace guitarist, lone original constant and de facto CEO.

Despite decades of fluctuating lineups and  snarly lawsuits among band members , Journey endures.

On July 8, the band released “Freedom,” its first new album in 11 years that also presents the return of Randy Jackson (as in "American Idol") on bass. The 15-song collection is steeped with vintage-sounding ballads (“Still Believe in Love,” “Live to Love Again”) and soaring melodic rockers (“United We Stand,” “You Got the Best of Me”).

Journey – including longtime keyboardist Jonathan Cain,  peppy singer Arnel Pineda , drummer Deen Castronovo and keyboardist Jason Derlatka, adding bassist Todd Jensen for live shows – will hit Resorts World Las Vegas  this month for shows backed by a symphony orchestra before rolling through more arena dates this summer and in early 2023, the band’s official 50th year.

Journey in pop culture: Quarantined family perfectly re-creates 'Separate Ways' music video at home

Regular road warriors who consistently pack arenas and stadiums – their 27 shows this year grossed $28 million, according to Billboard Boxscore – Journey relies on a solid catalog of mega-hits and a devoted fan base that appreciates the familiarity.

The Rock and Roll Hall of Famers also received a boost from Netflix’s ’80s-centered “Stranger Things” when the show used “Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)” in the trailer for the just-ended season, launching the song onto Billboard’s Rock Digital Songs chart. The affable Schon, 68, talked with USA TODAY about the band’s complicated legacy, his relationship with former frontman Steve Perry and plans for Journey's golden anniversary.

Santana recovers: Carlos Santana collapsed on stage from heat, dehydration 

Question: Are you amazed at how the Journey train keeps rolling after almost 50 years?

Neal Schon: It’s quite an accomplishment and I’m very proud of what we’ve done and how we’ve gotten through emotional and personnel changes and survived. It’s pretty mind-boggling but also a lot of hard work.

Q: Does the title “Freedom” refer to anything specifically?

Schon: Our ex-manager Herbie Herbert  wanted to call the (1986) “Raised on Radio” album “Freedom” because he always came up with these one-word titles. Steve (Perry) fought him on that and got his way, so we sat on it for many years. When we got through the lawsuit with the ex-bandmates, we made the new LLC Freedom (JN) and when we were tossing around album titles said, why not just call the whole thing “Freedom?" It's for the times right now.

Q: There’s been a bit of a revolving door in the rhythm section. Deen Castronovo is back for the live shows, but Narada Michael Walden played drums on the album, and Randy Jackson is back in the band, at least on record?

Schon: Deen is singing and playing his butt off. He’s such a musical sponge, this guy. He’s been like my little brother for close to three decades and is such a joy to work with. Randy, he’d been working with me diligently this whole time. He’s so many things beyond being an amazing musician and bass player.

Rock in the rain: Def Leppard, Motley Crue, Poison, Joan Jett combat weather during The Stadium Tour

Q: Will Randy play at any of the upcoming live shows or is Todd Jensen handling those duties?

Schon: Randy is still recovering from some surgery and he stays very busy and Todd fits like a glove. Having said that, I think with our 50th anniversary next year, there’s room for everybody to jump in if they want to participate. We did go through an ugly divorce with (Steve Smith and Ross Valory) with the court proceedings (in 2021, Schon and Cain settled a $10 million trademark lawsuit with the band’s former drummer and bassist). But definitely, if Steve Perry wanted to come on and sing a song, yes. If (original Journey singer) Gregg Rolie wanted to come sing a couple of songs, yes. Randy Jackson (can) come sit in on some of the material – he played on a lot of hits on “Raised on Radio.”

Q: Do you talk much with Steve Perry?

Schon: We are in contact. It’s not about him coming out with us, but we’re speaking on different levels. That’s a start, even if it’s all business. And I’m not having to go through his attorney! We’ve been texting and emailing. He’s a real private guy and he wants to keep it that way. We’re in a good place.

Q: Do you think, after 15 years, that people have accepted Arnel?

Schon: I was diligent in that I wanted to show the massive size of our audience, so I hired photogs to come out every show and shoot the audience and show the size of the crowd to make everybody see, what am I missing? From putting up the different photos every night and the reviews from the fans online, I saw very little of “This is not Journey, man.” I think we just shut everybody up.

JOURNEY Announces New Bassist And Drummer

JOURNEY has announced the addition of bassist Randy Jackson and drummer Narada Michael Walden to the group's ranks.

"Ok Friends word is out! @randyjackson RJ the Big Dawg is our new Bass player again," JOURNEY 's founding member and guitarist Neal Schon wrote on social media, adding that Walden has also joined the band.

" JOURNEY is an ever-changing unstoppable force," Schon added. "This is a completely new chapter for us and can't wait to get to it!"

The new JOURNEY lineup performed a socially distanced version of "Don't Stop Believin'" for UNICEF USA 's virtual event "UNICEF We Won't Stop" , which aired Saturday night (May 23) on MSNBC . Also appearing with the band was keyboardist and vocalist Jason Derlatka .

Jackson is no stranger to JOURNEY , having previously played with the band from 1985 to 1987 and appeared on 1986's "Raised On Radio" album. Walden is a Grammy -winning musician and producer who has previously worked with the likes of Whitney Houston , Mariah Carey and Aretha Franklin . He was honored with Grammy Awards for "Producer Of The Year" in 1987, "Album Of The Year" for the movie soundtrack "The Bodyguard" and the "R&B Song Of The Year" for Franklin 's " Freeway Of Love" . He has also worked with Jeff Beck , THE TEMPTATIONS , Regina Belle , Lionel Richie and Elton John , among many others.

On March 3, Schon and JOURNEY keyboardist Jonathan Cain filed a lawsuit against bassist Ross Valory and drummer Steve Smith , who have been members of JOURNEY on and off since the band formed in 1973, claiming the two attempted a "coup" in order to gain control of the JOURNEY trademark. The suit, which seeks more than $10 million in damages, accuses Smith and Valory of holding an "improper" shareholder and board of directors meetings in February during which they ousted Cain and Schon from leadership posts at Nightmare Productions under the "incorrect" assumption that the company held the rights to the JOURNEY name. A month later, Valory countersued Schon and Cain , accusing them of a breach of contract and of causing him emotional distress. He's seeking "past and future compensatory damages." He's also asking a judge to determine who has rights to the JOURNEY band name.

"The JOURNEY name is controlled by Neal Schon and Jonathan Cain ," a lawyer for Cain and Schon told Rolling Stone in March. "And for very good cause, they don't want to perform with Smith or Valory anymore, they don't want to have anything to do with them, and that's their right. They're going to go on with JOURNEY , continue with the great success of the past and these two guys are going to get replaced."

Earlier this month, JOURNEY canceled its previously announced 2020 North American tour due to the coronavirus pandemic that is sweeping the globe. The 60-date trek with THE PRETENDERS was supposed to kick off May 15 in Ridgefield, Washington.

View this post on Instagram Ok Friends word is out ! @randyjackson RJ the Big Dawg is our new Bass player again 💪🏾🕶 A post shared by Neal Schon Music (@nealschon) on May 23, 2020 at 8:15pm PDT

View this post on Instagram Word is out ! @officialnarada Narada Michael Walden is our new Drummer! Multi talented song writer Producer / Mahavishnu orchestra 🔥🔥🔥🔥 The J Boyz will have a new Strut 🕶💪🏾 thank you for your love and help my LadyM 🌹 A post shared by Neal Schon Music (@nealschon) on May 23, 2020 at 8:19pm PDT

Comments Disclaimer And Information

BLABBERMOUTH.NET uses the Facebook Comments plugin to let people comment on content on the site using their Facebook account. The comments reside on Facebook servers and are not stored on BLABBERMOUTH.NET. To comment on a BLABBERMOUTH.NET story or review, you must be logged in to an active personal account on Facebook. Once you're logged in, you will be able to comment. User comments or postings do not reflect the viewpoint of BLABBERMOUTH.NET and BLABBERMOUTH.NET does not endorse, or guarantee the accuracy of, any user comment. To report spam or any abusive, obscene, defamatory, racist, homophobic or threatening comments, or anything that may violate any applicable laws, use the "Report to Facebook" and "Mark as spam" links that appear next to the comments themselves. To do so, click the downward arrow on the top-right corner of the Facebook comment (the arrow is invisible until you roll over it) and select the appropriate action. You can also send an e-mail to blabbermouthinbox(@)gmail.com with pertinent details. BLABBERMOUTH.NET reserves the right to "hide" comments that may be considered offensive, illegal or inappropriate and to "ban" users that violate the site's Terms Of Service. Hidden comments will still appear to the user and to the user's Facebook friends. If a new comment is published from a "banned" user or contains a blacklisted word, this comment will automatically have limited visibility (the "banned" user's comments will only be visible to the user and the user's Facebook friends).

• Accessories
• Transcriptions
• Terms of Use

Sign up for the Bass Magazine Newsletter

Stay in the loop for the latest news on all things low end delivered right to your inbox.

Journey to Release First New Album in Decade Featuring Randy Jackson on Bass

Journey unleashed the first single “You Got The Best Of Me” off their forthcoming studio album, Freedom, due out July 8th

As one of the world’s most beloved rock bands, Journey continues to create new music and thrill audiences night after night in sold out arenas worldwide in conjunction with AEG as their promoter.

Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2018, Journey have 25 gold and platinum albums, including the fifteen-million selling Greatest Hits collection, with total sales adding up to 80 million records around the world. 

Emerging from the pandemic with a supercharged new studio line-up, today, the members of Journey unleash the first single “You Got The Best Of Me” off their forthcoming studio album, Freedom – due out July 8 via BMG.   

Listen Here

“You Got The Best Of Me” will be followed this summer by an epic, fifteen-track set of new original songs that brings back the grand scale of the group’s greatest moments, along with updated and bold new directions and sounds. 

“I wanted kind of a punky rendition of ‘Any Way You Want It’”, says the group’s founding member, guitarist, songwriter, and producer Neal Schon about the single. “I usually don’t go in saying I’m going to look for something like that, but then it just came to me, like “Wheel in the Sky” did years ago. It just kind of flew out of my mouth.”

While the forthcoming album was made with visions of arena and stadium stages, it started from humble beginnings. In 2020, as COVID swept the globe, Schon was stuck at home like the rest of us. “During the pandemic, there wasn’t much to do,” he says. “I spent a lot of time in my little studio at home, learning how to play keyboards and looping. Some of those ideas ended up being songs. So it kind of came out of nowhere.”

As the band’s legend continues to grow larger and their touring gets bigger, Freedom will be the first album of new material to be released in eleven years, since 2011’s Eclipse, and in addition to longtime keyboard player and primary lyricist Jonathan Cain and vocalist Arnel Pineda, one more member was recruited for the upcoming album — bassist extraordinaire Randy Jackson, who had played on Journey’s 1986 album Raised on Radio.

• Next »

Talent Recap

TOP SHOWS right now American Idol Britain's Got Talent Canada's Got Talent The Masked Singer Quiz

Heidi Klum, Sofia Vergara Rumored to Not Get Along on ‘America’s Got Talent’

‘bgt’ judges sing ‘the greatest showman’ through ai in early release clip, luke bryan reacts to katy perry leaving ‘american idol’, blake shelton shares what it would take to get him back on ‘the voice’, ‘american idol’ season 22 decides the top 12 singers, ‘the voice’ season 25 playoffs begin with team legend, dan + shay, ‘dwts’ pro hints at show’s future ‘facelift’ — will dancers be replaced, ‘so you think you can dance’ season 18 decides top 8 contestants, moving sand art performance earns golden buzzer on ‘canada’s got talent’.

TOP SHOWS right now

TALENTRECAP.COM Entertainment Celebrity

Former ‘American Idol’ Judge Randy Jackson Returns to Journey

Reading Time: 2 minutes

YO, Dawg! Randy Jackson is back in business! The former American Idol judge will return as a bassist for the iconic rock band, Journey. Guitarist Neal Schon made the announcement after parting ways with founding bassist Ross Valory, and longtime drummer Steve Smith. It was alleged that the two had attempted to take control of the band’s trademark. Jackson performed with the band in the late 1980s, now coming full circle on his new journey (no pun intended).

Back in the day, Jackson temporarily replaced Valory, and played on the 1986  Raised On Radio  album. He joined the band on the subsequent tour amid packed arenas and stadiums. The album produced three Top 20 singles in the United States, “Girl Can’t Help It,” “I’ll Be Alright Without You,” and “Suzanne.” It also managed to muster up a top ten single “Be Good To Yourself.” The song went to number four on the Billboard 200 chart and went certified double platinum in the USA.

Back and Better than Ever

Today the band is back and better than ever! Guitarist Neal Schon took to Instagram to announce Jackson’s second run with the Hall of Fame inductees.

“Ok Friends word is out! Randy Jackson RJ the Big Dawg is our new Bass player again” he shared.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Neal Schon (@nealschon)

Alongside Jackson is new drummer, Narada Michael Walden. He is a former Mahavishnu Orchestra member who has also played with top guitarists like Jeff Beck, Allan Holdsworth, and Robert Fripp.

RELATED POSTS:

Kelly Clarkson Stuns with Magical Cover of ‘Over the Rainbow’

Gwen Stefani Calls Blake Shelton Divorce Rumors ‘Just Lies’ in New Interview

Morgan Wallen Arrested for Throwing Chair at Nashville Bar

Journey drops a new single.

The band sure didn’t waste any time getting to work. A couple of weeks ago, Journey dropped “The Way We Used To Be” available for streaming on all platforms. They also released a corresponding music video to the track on YouTube , and I have to say, it’s very clever.

The video is a cartoon that depicts a couple in love, who are forced to separate during the Coronavirus Pandemic. There, we follow the journey of these two characters who are just trying to get back to the way things used to be. Man, we’ve all been there.

The former Idol Judge is definitely doing his thing now with Journey. It’s amazing to see Jackson get back out there and start performing again. They’ve already started off hot with this single, so I cannot wait to see what comes next from the rock icons. I surely won’t “stop believin'” that in 2021, Journey is bringing the heat!

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Randy Jackson (@randyjackson)

‘The Voice’ Winner Cassadee Pope is Back with a New Pop-Punk Album

Talent Recap Comment Policy

What do you think we welcome your insight and opinions, but keep them clean comments are monitored, and abusive content will be removed..

I saw Randy Jackson with Journey on tour ..In December, 1986 . He was amazing !!!!

The latest news, videos, opinions about celebrities

Miss Cleocatra Unmasked on ‘The Masked Singer’ Girl Group Night

Calling all Talent Enthusiasts!

• All Talent News
• America's Got Talent
• Dancing With the Stars
• Celebrity News

• Privacy Overview
• Strictly Necessary Cookies

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognizing you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful. You can view more details on Privacy and Policy

Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings.

If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again.

Music and Concerts | Journey’s 50th anniversary tour makes its way…

Share this:.

• Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on X (Opens in new window)

e-Pilot Evening Edition

• Restaurants, Food and Drink
• Home and Garden
• Lottery numbers and winners
• Games and Puzzles

Things To Do

Music and concerts, music and concerts | journey’s 50th anniversary tour makes its way to norfolk with a ‘dirty dozen’ in store.

Journey is back with its 50th-anniversary tour, headlining arenas this spring before spending a chunk of the summer on a stadium tour with Def Leppard.

Guitarist and founding member Neal Schon and keyboardist/guitarist Jonathan Cain say that today’s band has never played better.

“Finally, it sounds like the Journey everybody knows,” Cain said of the group, which formed in 1973 in San Francisco. “It’s back to the ’80s, that’s what it sounds like.”

Journey with special guest star Toto is coming to Scope Friday.

Schon and Cain are the two remaining members going back to the early 1980s when Journey was churning out hits like “Don’t Stop Believing,” “Any Way You Want It” and “Open Arms.” The two reflected on the band during a recent video interview, including on recent lawsuits, disputes and personnel changes, and regaining a level of popularity that has Journey back on the road.

But there were more issues to come – this time between Schon and Cain. Schon sent a cease-and-desist letter to Cain after Cain joined a sing-along of “Don’t Stop Believing” at a November 2022 event for former president Donald Trump. Cain’s wife, Paula, had worked as a spiritual advisor to Trump. Schon took offense to Cain’s performance, noting that Journey never was and never would be a political band.

Then last year, Schon and Cain traded lawsuits over a financial account for the group. The bandmates hashed out their differences without the courts, they said.

“All we really did was get fed up with the legal and having legals talk instead of us,” Schon said. “We talked for a couple of hours and we talked through it all. I think that’s what fixed everything.”

Now Schon and Cain are leading Journey (with Pineda, Castronovo and Jensen) on one of the band’s biggest touring years. Fans can expect to hear Journey’s biggest hits — the “Dirty Dozen” as the band has nicknamed them — with a handful of new or deeper cuts. This makes crafting set lists a challenge but it’s a problem many bands would welcome.

“We just have a massive catalog,” Cain said, “with so many great songs that we don’t get to.”

When: 7:30 p.m. Friday

Where: Scope, 201 E. Brambleton Ave., Norfolk

Tickets: Start at $49.50

Details:  sevenvenues.com

More in Music and Concerts

Music and Concerts | Audacy Oceanfront Concerts: What to know about the Virginia Beach event this weekend

Things To Do | Fun to Do: Audacy Oceanfront Concerts, Stomp, Billy Currington and more

Music and Concerts | After 4 decades in music and major vocal surgery, Jon Bon Jovi is optimistic and still rocking

Music and Concerts | Newport News native Ella Fitzgerald to be celebrated with music festival

Trending nationally.

• Pa. state police say pursuit ended with multiple dead
• US-required bridge inspections don’t test for ship strike. Then, one hit the Key Bridge.
• Boston police arrest 108 at Emerson College pro-Palestinian tent encampment
• In Tampa, Biden blames Trump for abortion ‘health care crisis’
• Reintroduced gray wolf found dead in Colorado

Journey Members Reach ‘Amicable Settlement’ in Battle Over Band Name

By Daniel Kreps

Daniel Kreps

Journey has reached an “amicable settlement” with a pair of former members that were previously accused of plotting an “ill-conceived” attempt to take over the band’s name.

In March 2020, Journey’s Neal Schon and Jonathan Cain fired longtime bassist Ross Valory and drummer Steve Smith after the latter two allegedly tried to fund their retirement by wresting control of the band’s name.

Both Schon and Cain and Valory exchanged lawsuits in the legal battle; Skip Miller, a lawyer for Schon and Cain, said at the time of Valory’s countersuit, “The cross-complaint has no merit whatsoever. Valory is out of the band. When the pandemic is over, Journey will go out on tour without him. Life will go on.”

Thirteen months later, the two sides have reached an agreement, the terms of which were not revealed.

Billie Eilish Would Like to Reintroduce Herself

Team trump is ready to lose the supreme court immunity case. they’re celebrating, taylor swift and jack antonoff have reached their limit, kanye west announces 'yeezy porn' amid reports of adult film company.

“The members of the band Journey who were parties to a recent lawsuit (Neal Schon, Jonathan Cain, Steve Smith, and Ross Valory) are pleased to announce that they have resolved their differences and reached an amicable settlement agreement,” the band said in a statement to Rolling Stone . “Neal Schon and Jonathan Cain acknowledge the valuable contributions that both Ross Valory and Steve Smith have made to the music and the legacy of Journey. Ross Valory and Steve Smith wish their former bandmates well and much success in the future. Journey looks forward to continuing to tour and make new music for their dedicated fans around the world.”

As the statement confirms, Valory and Smith remain no longer in Journey; in May 2020, Journey announced they were bringing back their former bassist and  American Idol  judge Randy Jackson for the first time since the mid-Eighties — coincidentally, Jackson also replaced co-founding bassist Valory after his first dismissal from the band in 1985 — as well as welcoming Grammy-winning drummer Narada Michael Walden to the band.

After More Than Two Decades in Reggaeton, Wisin Is Feeling More Adventurous Than Ever

• LLEGÓ EL FRONTÚ
• By Juan J. Arroyo

Babehoven’s ‘Water’s Here in You’ is a Contemplative Gem

• ALBUM REVIEW

Carin León Announces International Tour: 'From Hermosillo to Paris'

• De 🇲🇽 Pa'l 🌎
• By Tomás Mier

How Conan Gray Turned the Wreckage of Heartbreak Into His 'Very First Love Song' With 'Alley Rose'

• The Breakdown
• By Larisha Paul

Louis Tomlinson Performs in a Different City for Each Song on New Surprise Album 'Live'

Most popular, anne hathaway says 'gross' chemistry test in the 2000s required her to make out with 10 guys: that's the 'worst way to do it' and 'now we know better', 'the lord of the rings' trilogy returning to theaters, remastered and extended, sources claim hugh jackman’s worrying behavior may have something to do with his breakup, first queen elizabeth ii memorial statue unveiled, with a smile and three corgis, in england, you might also like, music industry moves: benny blanco to be honored with president’s award at 2024 bmi pop awards, take a shine to the silver handbag trend with these top metallic purses that fashion insiders are carrying this spring, the best yoga mats for any practice, according to instructors, 2024 emmy predictions: outstanding supporting actress in a comedy series, ncaa names nil registry partner after five-year process.

Rolling Stone is a part of Penske Media Corporation. © 2024 Rolling Stone, LLC. All rights reserved.

Verify it's you

Please log in.