Journey’s Neal Schon takes aim at Jonathan Cain in social media posts
Just two months after they were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Journey’s Neal Schon has ignited a very public spat with Jonathan Cain.
Ahead of the opening date of their summer North American tour in Tulsa, sole constant member Schon took to Instagram on Sunday (4th June) to write: “I want to be elevated by whom I play with, not feel like I’ve got cement shoes. If anyone is unhappy they are not running my band, then they should leave.”
The caption accompanied an image that reads: “My journey hasn’t been easy, but I’m still… standing, laughing, forgiving, loving, learning and living. I’m perfectly imperfect and unapologetically me.”
> Bringing it every night ?? I want to be elevated by whom I play with not feel like I've got cement shoes. If anyone is unhappy they are Not running My band then They should Leave. God has bigger plans ?????? > > A post shared by Neal Schon's Journey (@nealschon) on Jun 4, 2017 at 9:50am PDT
In a comment that has since been deleted, Schon hinted that Cain’s 2015 marriage to Pentecostal Christian televangelist Paula White-Cain, who is the personal minster to Donald Trump, could be a source of some of the friction.
“I’ve stated how I felt about mixing religion and politics and how our music is not of one religion – Democratic or Republican,” Schon wrote.
“This is and has been an issue with myself Mr. Cain and his now wife, since he married. I’ve had to fight this whole time to protect the brand I built with Steve Perry, way before Gregg and I picked Cain to replace himself when he wanted to retire from the road back then. Well frankly, I’m tired of having to defend all by myself. Ross (Valory) is no help.
“I continue to grow and be completely creative and want to take the band Neal Schon's JRNY on an exciting new trip musically.
"Yes we will always have all hits to play But there must be musical growth also. I also need to surround myself with people that care as I do. I'll never stop."
> True gratefulness?? pic.twitter.com/6x3Vbg5jZ8 > > — Jonathan Cain (@TheJonathanCain) June 5, 2017
Without directly referencing the feud, Cain posted an image to Twitter yesterday that read: “A heart of gratitude leaves no room for complaining, for it is impossible to be truly thankful and filled with negativity and ungratefulness at the same time.”
Trying to diffuse the apparent feud, singer Arnel Pineda has posted a series of tweets calling for the two to rekindle their relationship. You can read them below.
Despite the rift, Journey performed a career-spanning set at the BOK Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma last night (5th June). It was the opening show of a 25-date North American tour with Asia.
> Praying LOVE will prevail in the end..#BrothersThen#BrothersWillBeAgain#inGodsGuidance > > — Arnel Pineda (@arnelpineda) June 5, 2017
> Believing in #God means forgiving & embracing each others #imperfection.
> Let #His examples apply now..
>
> — Arnel Pineda (@arnelpineda) June 5, 2017
> Only if i have d #power to heal wounded hearts.
> Just want everybody to be #FRIENDS again.
>
> — Arnel Pineda (@arnelpineda) June 5, 2017
> Regardless,@JourneyOfficial rockin on tonight for you #Tulsa ?
> Let the #LIGHT shine down our #heart&soul ..
> See you all in a few?
>
> — Arnel Pineda (@arnelpineda) June 5, 2017