Journey Faces New Legal Battle as Jonathan Cain Sues Neal Schon Over Overspending
ICARO Media Group
In the latest twist to Journey's tumultuous legal history, Jonathan Cain, the band's steadfast member, has filed a lawsuit against Neal Schon, the group's lone founding member, alleging overspending. This legal action comes on the heels of a previous case in 2022, where Cain accused Schon of misusing a band credit card. The new court filing claims that Schon exceeded the $1 million limit on an American Express account and also violated a daily hotel fee cap of $1,500, allegedly spending up to $10,000 per night.
The lawsuit further reveals that debt payments have been blocked, leading to financial disarray within Journey. The band allegedly faced difficulties in paying their crew and production company during their ongoing stadium tour. Cain's legal team from Fox Rothschild LLP argues that these "unforeseen strains on cash flow" pose a severe threat to the band's future and the legacy of its musical greatness. Loyalty divides, crew defections, and general tension are said to be afflicting the band.
The court filing laments the very public nature of the disagreement between Cain and Schon, stating that it is impacting the band's reputation within the music industry. However, the suit acknowledges that the quality of Journey's onstage performances has not suffered despite the internal conflicts.
Cain's lawsuit proposes a resolution through the restructuring of Freedom 2020 Inc., a company co-founded by Cain and Schon to oversee Journey's touring operations. The petition seeks the appointment of a court-ordered custodian to act as a third board member and break tie votes within the two-seat board held by Cain and Schon.
Neal Schon, who has been an integral part of Journey since its inception in 1973, has yet to respond to the lawsuit filed in Delaware's Chancery Court. The band endured a series of legal battles starting in 2020 but appeared to find stability by establishing a new organizational structure that involved both Cain and Schon and their respective spouses. However, this arrangement now seems to be breaking down.
The court documents shed light on the deteriorating financial situation and internal strife within the band. Allegations of theft are stated to be triggered by precarious financial circumstances, leading to further tensions among band members, the band manager, and the company's accountant.
As Journey continues their musical journey on the road, the shows themselves have remained unscathed by the ongoing legal battles. However, with this new lawsuit and the unraveling of their previous arrangement, their future remains uncertain.
It remains to be seen how the court will resolve this far-reaching deadlock and restore harmony within Journey. The band's devoted fans can only hope that their favorite rock icons can find a way to navigate these legal storms and once again focus on the music that has captivated millions.