Journey fans puzzled after Neal Schon’s Jonathan Cain announcement

Journey’s Neal Schon has sparked confusion after declaring that Jonathan Cain is leaving the band.

Schon, 71, made the statement on X before later explaining that Cain, 75, would continue touring with the group throughout 2026 and 2027. Cain also clarified that he had only shared plans to retire at a later time.

On X, Schon wrote: “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!”

In response to a fan, Schon added: “He wants to do his ministry.”

Shortly after, he followed up with a new message to clear the air. “Jon is playing. He’s saying at the end of 26-27 he will move on. We will have a great couple of years.”

A spokesperson for Cain also issued a statement to address the situation. “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.”

The confusion came after Cain appeared to hint at his eventual departure during an interview on the Strang Report podcast, where he promoted his tribute song for Charlie Kirk.

He said: “Then of course, we go on the Journey tour in 2026. On our farewell Journey tour. So I’ll be saying goodbye to that. And I’ll probably move into ministry and worship; I feel a calling there.”

Cain’s wife, Paula White-Cain, is a well-known pastor and televangelist.