Journey Settles Legal Battle Over Band Name

The year-long battle over control of Journey’s band name has reached an amicable settlement, according to Rolling Stone.

Founding member Neal Schon and longtime keyboardist Jonathan Cain have reached an agreement with former members, bassist Ross Valory and drummer Steve Smith, who were fired from the band in 2020 after they were accused of plotting what was described as “an ill-conceived corporate coup d’état” in an alleged effort to gain control over the band’s name.

“The members of the band Journey who were parties to a recent lawsuit [Schon, Cain, Smith and Valory] are pleased to announce that they have resolved their differences,” the group said in a statement to Rolling Stone. “Neal Schon and Jonathan Cain acknowledge the valuable contributions that both Ross Valory and Steve Smith have made to the music and the legacy of Journey. Ross Valory and Steve Smith wish their former bandmates well and much success in the future. Journey looks forward to continuing to tour and make new music for their dedicated fans around the world.”

Former American Idol judge Randy Jackson, who played bass for Journey during the mid-1980s, has returned to the lineup in place of Valory, while veteran drummer, songwriter and producer Narada Michael Walden has replaced Smith. Arnel Pineda continues to serve as the group’s frontman.