Neal Schon Fires Back in Legal Clash With Journey’s Jonathan Cain

Neal Schon has responded to accusations by his Journey bandmate, Jonathan Cain, about alleged overspending. These claims have surfaced both in court and online, adding tension as Journey continues its stadium tour with Def Leppard, Steve Miller, and Cheap Trick.

Cain has filed a lawsuit in an effort to restructure the company managing their touring operations. The disagreement centers on financial issues between Schon and Cain, the only board members of this business entity. To resolve tie votes, Cain wants the court to appoint a neutral party. He warns that without intervention, the band might face significant financial challenges soon.

“Petitioner’s allegations that the company faces imminent irreparable harm from a purported inability of the company to meet its financial obligations has no basis in fact,” said Schon’s attorney, Jack Yoskowitz, during a recent hearing in Delaware’s chancery court. A more detailed written response is expected shortly.

Cain’s lawsuit claims Schon is spending “up to $10,000” each night while on tour. Additionally, Schon allegedly accrued bills amounting to hundreds of thousands of dollars for private jets, using the company credit card for personal expenses.

These unplanned expenses are reportedly causing severe budget pressure. Lawyers state that Journey has struggled to meet financial obligations to crew members and the production company.

“Our client denies that there’s been any mismanagement,” Yoskowitz argued, suggesting that Cain’s public accusations are harming the group’s reputation.

In an unexpected move, Journey’s scheduled fall 2024 dates in the U.K. and Ireland have been canceled. It remains unclear whether financial issues or the legal dispute influenced this decision.

Responding to fan inquiries about spending as much as $10,000 a night while on tour, Schon addressed the claims on the social media platform X, labeling them as “BS” and stating, “I pay for it.” He described the cancellation of the U.K. and Ireland dates as “very unfortunate.”

Both Schon and Cain hold equal shares in Freedom 2020, the subsidiary managing their tour operations, but Schon is the president. During the hearing, Cain’s attorney, Sidney Liebesman, claimed that Schon believes he has complete autonomy in making decisions, contributing to a dysfunctional state within the band.

Liebesman argued that the band is currently in crisis, with damage occurring during the tour due to their disagreements.

Beyond financial disputes, there are reportedly minor conflicts between Cain and Schon over issues like whether Cain should play rhythm guitar during performances of their 1978 hit, “Wheel in the Sky.” These conflicts have allegedly created a “toxic internal environment” while on tour.

Cain’s lawyers claim this toxic environment has diverted focus from the band’s performances. As a result, the band’s business manager, lead vocalist, and crew members find themselves entangled in the directors’ disputes, impacting their job performance and pressuring them to take sides.

In the midst of this turmoil, several crew members have reportedly left the band.