With Neal Schon the last remaining original member of Journey, the musician watched as the band gained international stardom over the decades. Given the massive success that followed Journey, the group sold over 100 million albums worldwide and gained entry into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. While thrilled about what the band was able to accomplish, Schon has found himself in a legal battle with fellow band member Jonathan Cain. According to Cain, Schon’s spending habits got out of control as he used the company credit card for personal expenses and even spent nearly $10,000 a night on hotels.
Besides sharing the stage together, Cain and Schon each have a 50% stake in Freedom 2020. The company was created to take control of finances that went along with touring. But with each person owning 50%, it appears they both constantly disagree. And with no third person to break the tie, Cain hoped a Delaware judge could name a custodian to help them when disputes take place.
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Neal Schon Fires Back At Jonathan Cain Over Spending Claims
While waiting for their day in court, Schon’s attorney, Jack Yoskowitz, suggested that Cain’s claims against his client are nothing more than fiction. “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.” He added, “Our client denies that there’s been any mismanagement.”
Seeming to focus more on the legacy of the band, Cain’s attorneys wanted to end the disagreement as it had become a “public battle.” It even affected the crew. “Rather than focusing on the band’s performances during a major international tour, the band’s business manager, lead vocalist and crew members now find themselves caught in the middle of the directors’ disputes, afraid of performing their job responsibilities, and pressured to align with one director or another.”
As for Cain, he claimed that Schon not only spent thousands on hotels, he also used funds for private jets. And their dispute goes far beyond finances as both also had creative differences. With a judge expected to look over the case, Schon and Cain remain at odds.
(Photo by Rob Loud/Getty Images for Journey)