by Benjamin Hymowitz
As of Tuesday, March 3, Journey drummer Steve Smith and bassist Ross Valory are no longer part of the multi-platinum band. What led to this? Why did this happen? Is this the end?
The events that led to the firings were a very big deal. According to Neal Schon, Jonathan Cain, and Billboard.com, the duo attempted a coup d’etat to gain control of the Journey trademark. Schon and Cain own the rights to the Journey trademark as of 1998, when then lead singer Steve Perry left the band.
As stated by Billboard.com, “The alleged plot by Valory and Smith to assume control of the trademark culminated on Feb. 13, 2020, when Schon and Cain allege the two men held ‘improper’ shareholder and board of directors meetings of Nightmare Productions under the ‘incorrect’ assumption that the company held the rights to the Journey name.”
Journey also owns the corporate entity “Nightmare Productions.” The agreement signed in 1998 also states that Schon and Cain have “exclusive, irrevocable license” of the Journey name. The firing leave Neal Schon as the only original current member of Journey.
Now it’s speculation time. Some are suggesting Journey should re-hire former drummer Deen Castronovo, who played with Journey from 1998 to 2015, longer than any other drummer.
IMS band teacher, Paul Scattaretico, thinks it would be in Journey’s best interest to professionally select members within two weeks to join the band for their upcoming tour.
Is Journey ending? While no one really knows the future of the band, it is probable Journey will live to see another tour. Journey currently has a scheduled tour spanning from May 15, 2020 in Ridgefield, WA to September 12, 2020 in Bethel, NY.
