In the ever-evolving conversation about music’s greatest practitioners, guitarists hold a particularly revered position. Their ability to weave melody, rhythm, and texture into a cohesive sonic tapestry is a skill that’s both technically demanding and artistically inspiring.
Neal Schon, the undisputed riff-master behind iconic rock band Journey, has undoubtedly earned his place among these esteemed ranks. However, a recent social media exchange has shed light on Schon’s frustration with being consistently absent from “greatest guitarist” lists.
The reason he offers might surprise you. “Politics with ex-manager,” was what Schon wrote on X when a fan questioned such lists overlooking the great Journey guitarist. Schon’s answer hinted at factors beyond pure musical merit that can influence these rankings.
Politics with ex manager
— NEAL SCHON MUSIC (@NealSchonMusic) June 29, 2024
Journey Shuffles Management After Legal Dispute
Journey’s management team underwent a significant shift in December 2022. Previously, the band was overseen by a combination of Neal Schon and Jonathan Cain, both members of Journey. However, this arrangement dissolved following a legal dispute.
Schon filed a lawsuit against Cain in California, accusing him of misusing band funds through an unauthorized credit card and withholding crucial financial records. The lawsuit centered around Nomota, a jointly-owned company that manages Journey’s business affairs. Cain responded with counter-accusations, alleging Schon’s own spending habits were excessive.
With the legal battle ongoing, Journey brought on Mike Kobayashi as their new manager in December. This marked a clear departure from the previous management structure and signaled a new chapter for the band.
Schon Fights for Access in Journey’s Financial Dispute
The social media war between Schon and Cain escalated further when Cain labeled Schon’s lawsuit “ill-conceived”. Schon vehemently denied this, claiming he simply wants transparency. He argued that despite being a 50% owner, founder, and key management figure in Nomota LLC, the company handling Journey’s finances since 1998, he doesn’t have full access to financial records
According to Schon, Cain was deliberately blocking access, particularly to credit card statements. Schon even provided details of a recorded conversation with American Express where they confirmed limited access on his part.
“AMEX ON A RECORDED LINE on both side told me JON WILL NOT give me access to the account of ALL CREDIT CARDS THAT HAVE BEEN USED. They told me I only have Limited access,” Schon wrote.
Bandmates Clash Turns Political
The rift between Neal and Jonathan wasn’t always public knowledge. However, tensions simmered beneath the surface for years.
In 2017, the band’s internal conflict became a national spectacle when Cain, along with singer Arnel Pineda and former bassist Ross Valory, made a controversial visit to the White House with then-President Donald Trump. Cain’s wife even delivered the invocation, further amplifying the political nature of the visit.
This incident, coupled with ongoing legal battles over finances, pushed Schon and Cain further apart. Lawsuits were filed in 2021, with accusations flying back and forth. However, there seems to be a recent shift. Earlier this year, Journey’s official Instagram account offered a glimmer of hope, showcasing a photo of Schon and Cain together, suggesting a potential reconciliation.