Earlier this month, classic rock fans were surprised to learn that Journey keyboardist Jonathan Cain was planning to leave the band. Guitarist Neal Schon wrote via social media: “Jonathan Cain announced his farewell to Journey. I’m nowhere near done! Journey has so much more life ahead! I’m sure we will have a great tour!”
Cain co-wrote some of the band’s most well known songs including “Don’t Stop Believin’”, “Faithfully,” “Open Arms” and “Who’s Crying Now,” among several others. And while Schon’s announcement was technically correct, it appears that the guitarist may have slightly jumped the gun. Cain elaborated during an appearance on “Nashville’s Morning News.”
“Well, that was kind of misinformation,” Cain said. “What was really said in the article I did was that I was gonna do these next two tours and just kind of wrap it up. ‘Cause I felt like I didn’t wanna die on the road in my sleep at 80 years old, like John Lodge did, of The Moody Blues. I was very, very disturbed when I saw that. But it just feels like a good time to enjoy my grandkids and my family. I’ve given a lot. I’ve given enough.”
Cain added: “I would never, ever duck out on my fans without saying goodbye, because I’m grateful for them and I always, always planned on doing one last hurrah. So this is gonna be it for me.” Cain then put a time limit on his final run. “’It’ll be two years… So two different tours. I don’t know what Neal is planning. I think Neal said he wants to go on and go on. And that’s not me.”
Cain’s full interview can be heard below.
