In a move that has left fans stunned and the music world buzzing, Journey’s longtime keyboardist and guitarist Jonathan Cain has abruptly parted ways with the iconic band, just days after unveiling a solo tribute to the late conservative activist Charlie Kirk. But here’s where it gets controversial: Cain’s departure comes amid a growing divide between his personal beliefs and the band’s apolitical stance, raising questions about the intersection of art and ideology. Let’s dive into the details.
The news broke on Thursday, October 9, when Journey co-founder and guitarist Neal Schon took to social media platform X to announce Cain’s farewell. “Jonathan Cain announced his farewell to Journey tonight,” Schon wrote, leaving fans reeling. But don’t worry—Schon assured everyone that Journey is far from over. “I’m nowhere near done! Journey has so much more life ahead! I’m sure we will have a great tour!” he added, hinting at the band’s resilience.
In a follow-up post, Schon shed light on Cain’s decision, explaining that the keyboardist, who has been creating solo faith-based music since 2016, is stepping away to focus on his ministry. Cain, however, has yet to publicly confirm his departure, leaving fans and industry insiders speculating about the future.
Earlier this week, Cain teased his new single, ‘No One Else,’ a heartfelt tribute to Charlie Kirk, the Turning Point USA founder who was assassinated on September 10 while speaking at Utah Valley University. Kirk, a polarizing figure known for his conservative views on gender identity, race, gun rights, and religion, was no stranger to controversy. His fiery rhetoric often drew criticism, but he remained a staunch advocate for Christian nationalism through his work with Turning Point USA and TPUSA Faith.
Cain described Kirk as “a voice of truth, courage, and faith in our generation” in an Instagram post accompanying a promotional video for the track. He later premiered the full song on the Christian podcast ‘Strang Report,’ where he praised Kirk’s political influence and emphasized his desire to honor Kirk’s “movement” and values. This is the part most people miss: Cain’s tribute isn’t just about Kirk’s politics—it’s about celebrating what he believes Kirk stood for, a perspective that’s sure to spark debate.
Fellow Bay Area musician Sammy Hagar also paid homage to Kirk, dedicating a performance of Merle Haggard’s 1982 classic ‘Are the Good Times Really Over’ last month. But Cain’s tribute, coming on the heels of his departure from Journey, feels particularly significant.
Cain has been a cornerstone of Journey’s lineup since 1980, co-writing some of their biggest hits, including ‘Don’t Stop Believin’’ and ‘Open Arms.’ However, his relationship with the band hasn’t always been smooth. In 2022, Schon sent Cain a cease-and-desist letter for performing ‘Don’t Stop Believin’’ at President Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort, declaring, “Journey is not, and should not be, political.” This incident underscores the tension between personal beliefs and artistic neutrality—a debate that’s far from settled.
Interestingly, earlier this month, before Cain’s tribute was announced, Schon revealed on Eddie Trunk’s ‘Trunk Nation’ that he and Cain were ‘on the same page’ again. Yet, Cain’s sudden departure suggests that deeper divides may have persisted. Is it possible to separate an artist’s work from their beliefs? Or does art inherently carry the weight of its creator’s convictions?
As Journey prepares for their anticipated return to the stage next year, the question of who will replace Cain looms large. While Schon’s optimism is reassuring, fans can’t help but wonder how this shakeup will shape the band’s future sound and identity.
What do you think? Is Cain’s departure a loss for Journey, or an opportunity for the band to evolve? And should artists be expected to keep their personal beliefs separate from their work? Let us know in the comments—this is one conversation you won’t want to miss.
