Cain is expected to depart after the band’s next tour
Journey keyboardist, rhythm guitarist, and prolific songwriter, Jonathan Cain, will be leaving the band for a full-time journey into worship and faith. Founding guitarist Neal Schon has announced that Cain will step away after the group’s planned 2026-2027 stadium run to focus on his ministry and solo work, as he’s done for nine years. In a social media post last night (Thurs, Oct 9th), Schon confirms that “Cain announced his farewell to Journey tonight.”
Schon confirms the band will continue. “I’m nowhere near done! Journey has so much more life ahead! I’m sure we will have a great tour!” he adds.
A spokesperson for Cain shares, “Jonathan Cain remains an active member of Journey, and any reports suggesting otherwise are inaccurate. He is fully dedicated to touring with the band over the next couple of years and has only expressed plans to retire at a later time.”
Cain, who is a devout Christian, shares he will release a new song on October 24th, in remembrance of late political activist Charlie Kirk.
“I can’t think of anyone else who has stirred the revival in our nation more than our good friend Charlie Kirk,” Cain shares in a social media message. “With all that has been written and said about Charlie, I felt the need to frame his incredible life and movement he created in a song. As a songwriter, I am moved by what I observe in life, and what I feel is important to be noted. Starting out as a political activist and Conservative, Charlie’s path ended up leading him to share in the Judeo-Christian message of Jesus and the importance of family, faith, and nation, in his message as he visited campuses across the nation and around the world. I hope you agree that my tribute, ‘No One Else,’ captures the irreplaceable patriot and apostle the world has lost.”
Schon also confirms things are good between him and Cain, who were embroiled in a public suit over an American Express credit card for over a year during their 50th Anniversary Tour.
“It has been,” Schon tells a fan on X. “Jon is playing. He’s saying at the end of 26-27 he will move on. We will have a great couple of years.”
Cain has been an integral part of Journey’s sound since 1980, bringing a signature piano style and a crucial songwriting sensibility that propelled the band to diamond-selling success with the album Escape and subsequent multi-platinum records. Cain is responsible for co-writing many of Journey’s biggest hits, including “Don’t Stop Believin’,” “Faithfully,” and “Separate Ways (Worlds Apart).” Cain was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Journey in 2017.
Jonathan Cain announced his farewell to Journey tonight. I’m nowhere near done ! Journey has so much more life ahead ! 🤟🏽I’m sure we will have a great tour ! pic.twitter.com/njwEsfBc6D
— NEAL SCHON MUSIC (@NealSchonMusic) October 10, 2025
