History of Journey (band) in Timeline
Journey is an American rock band formed in San Francisco in 1973, originating from a collaboration of musicians previously with Santana, the Steve Miller Band, and Frumious Bandersnatch. As of 2025, the lineup includes Neal Schon on guitar and vocals, Jonathan Cain on keyboards, guitars, and vocals, Deen Castronovo on drums and vocals, Arnel Pineda as lead vocalist, Jason Derlatka on keyboards and vocals, and Todd Jensen on bass. Known for their arena rock anthems and power ballads, Journey has achieved significant commercial success and remains a prominent figure in rock music.
3 hours ago : Journey Announces Farewell Tour After 50 Years, But Neal Schon Hints at More
Legendary rock band Journey announced their farewell tour after 50 years. Guitarist Neal Schon indicated that other band members might continue music endeavors individually. This marks the end of an era for the iconic group.
1973: Journey Formation
In 1973, Journey was formed in San Francisco by former members of Santana, the Steve Miller Band, and Frumious Bandersnatch.
1973: Formation under Herbie Herbert
In 1973, the original members of Journey came together in San Francisco under the management of Herbie Herbert and were originally called the Golden Gate Rhythm Section.
1973: First Public Appearance
Journey made their first public appearance at the Winterland Ballroom on New Year's Eve in 1973, playing to an audience of 10,000 people.
February 1, 1974: Aynsley Dunbar Hired
On February 1, 1974, Journey hired British drummer Aynsley Dunbar, after auditioning up to 28 drummers.
February 5, 1974: Debut Performance with New Line-up
On February 5, 1974, Journey's new line-up with Aynsley Dunbar made its debut at the Great American Music Hall in front of Columbia Records executives, securing a recording contract.
November 1974: Debut Album Recording
In November 1974, Journey entered CBS Studios to record their debut album, Journey.
April 1975: Debut Album Release
In April 1975, Journey's debut album, Journey, was released, entering the Billboard charts at number 138.
January 1976: Look into the Future Release
In January 1976, Journey released Look into the Future, which entered the Billboard Top 200 charts at number 100.
October 1976: Third Album Recording
From May to October 1976, Journey recorded its third studio album, Next, at His Master's Wheels Studios.
October 10, 1977: Steve Perry Hired
On October 10, 1977, Journey hired Steve Perry as their new lead singer.
October 28, 1977: Steve Perry's Live Debut
On October 28, 1977, Steve Perry made his live debut with Journey at the Old Waldorf.
1977: Touring with Robert Fleischman
In 1977, Journey went on tour with Robert Fleischman, opening for bands such as Black Sabbath, Target, Judas Priest, and Emerson, Lake & Palmer.
January 1978: Infinity Album Release
In January 1978, Journey released their fourth studio album, Infinity, which peaked at number 21 on the US Billboard 200.
1978: Redefining Sound
By 1978, Journey redefined their sound by embracing pop arrangements on their fourth album, Infinity, cementing their reputation as a commercial rock/pop band.
1978: Aynsley Dunbar Fired
In 1978, Aynsley Dunbar was fired shortly after the Infinity Tour ended with the Day on the Green concert.
1978: Commercial Success Begins
In 1978, Journey began its period of biggest commercial success with Steve Perry as the lead vocalist.
1978: Evolution Album Recording
In late 1978, Journey recorded their fifth studio album, Evolution, at Cherokee Studios.
March 1979: Evolution Album Release
In March 1979, Journey released their fifth studio album, Evolution, which peaked at number 20 on the Billboard 200 and gave the band their first Billboard Hot 100 Top-20 single, "Lovin', Touchin', Squeezin'".
March 1980: Departure Album Release
In March 1980, Journey released their sixth studio album, Departure, which peaked at number eight on the Billboard 200.
1980: Cain Joins Journey
In late 1980, with Jonathan Cain joining as the new keyboard player, Journey entered Fantasy Studios in Berkeley, California.
June 12, 1981: Successful Tour Begins
On June 12, 1981, Journey began another lengthy yet successful tour with Billy Squier, Greg Kihn Band, Point Blank, and Loverboy as opening acts.
July 1981: Escape Album Release
In July 1981, Journey released their seventh studio album, Escape, which became their most successful album, charting at number one in the United States and producing hit singles.
November 6, 1981: MTV Videotapes Houston Show
On November 6, 1981, MTV videotaped one of Journey's two sold-out shows at The Summit in Houston in front of over 20,000 fans.
1981: Tour Success and Corporate Establishment
Following the success of the 1981 tour, Journey's full establishment as a corporation, and the formation of a fan club called "Journey Force" happened.
1981: "Don't Stop Believin'" Release
In 1981, Journey released "Don't Stop Believin'", which later became their top-selling track on iTunes among songs not released in the 21st century.
1982: Touring and Disney Film Songs
In 1982, Journey continued touring with shows in North America and Japan. They released "Only Solutions" and "1990s Theme" for the 1982 Disney film, Tron.
1982: Frontiers Album Recording
In the middle of their 1982 tour, Journey recorded their eighth studio album, Frontiers, at Fantasy Studios.
February 1983: Frontiers Album Release
In February 1983, Journey released their eighth studio album, Frontiers, which sold over six million copies and spawned hit singles.
1983: Frontiers Album Release
In 1983, Journey released their follow-up album Frontiers, which was almost as successful as Escape in the United States and broadened the band's appeal in the United Kingdom.
1984: Band Continuity Assured
In 1984, Neal Schon commented that Journey was not ending and that the members were committed to the band. He said going in separate directions was to keep the band strong.
1984: Solo Projects
In 1984, after the Frontiers tour, Steve Perry and Neal Schon pursued solo projects. Perry recorded and released his first solo album, Street Talk, while Schon toured with his supergroup HSAS.
1985: Elmo Partners Becomes Licensee of Journey Trademark
In 1985, Elmo Partners became the licensee of the Journey trademark and service mark.
1985: Return to Fantasy Studios
In late 1985, Journey returned to Fantasy Studios to record their ninth studio album, Raised on Radio, with Steve Perry as the album's producer.
August 1986: Raised on Radio tour began at Angels Camp
In August 1986, Journey's "Raised on Radio" tour commenced at Angels Camp. The band performed sold-out shows across the United States with supporting acts like Honeymoon Suite, The Outfield, and Glass Tiger.
1987: Band members collaborate with other artists and form Bad English
In 1987, following the Raised on Radio tour, Schon and Cain collaborated with artists such as Jimmy Barnes and Michael Bolton. Steve Smith devoted time to his jazz bands. The band went into hiatus in 1987.
1987: End of Peak Success Era
Journey's period of peak commercial success, which began in 1978, came to an end in 1987.
November 1988: Greatest Hits Compilation Release
In November 1988, Columbia Records released Journey's "Greatest Hits" compilation album. It became a best-selling greatest-hits album, selling over 15 million copies and remaining on the Billboard album charts for 750 weeks until 2008.
1988: Greatest Hits Album
In 1988, Journey released their Greatest Hits album, which achieved 18-time platinum RIAA Diamond Certified status.
1988: Schon and Cain form Bad English
In 1988, Schon and Cain teamed up with Cain's ex-Babys bandmates John Waite and Ricky Phillips to form the supergroup Bad English with drummer Deen Castronovo.
1989: Bad English released first album
In 1989, the supergroup Bad English released its first album. The band was formed in 1988 by former Journey members Neal Schon and Jonathan Cain.
November 3, 1991: Schon, Cain, and Perry reunite at Bill Graham tribute concert
On November 3, 1991, Neal Schon, Jonathan Cain, and Steve Perry reunited to perform "Faithfully" and "Lights" at the Bill Graham tribute concert Laughter, Love & Music at Golden Gate Park.
1991: Bad English release second album
In 1991, Bad English released its second album, continuing the collaboration of former Journey members Neal Schon and Jonathan Cain.
1991: Schon and Castronovo form Hardline
In 1991, following the breakup of Bad English, Neal Schon and Deen Castronovo formed the glam metal band Hardline with brothers Johnny and Joey Gioeli.
October 1993: Schon, Rolie, Valory, Dunbar, Smith, and Cain reunite at private dinner
In October 1993, Schon, Rolie, Valory, Dunbar, Smith, and Cain reunited and performed at a private dinner for their manager Herbie Herbert at Bimbo's in San Francisco, with Kevin Chalfant on lead vocals.
1993: Neal Schon Joins Paul Rodgers for live performances
In 1993, Neal Schon joined Paul Rodgers for live performances, alongside Deen Castronovo, showcasing his guitar skills in a different musical context.
1994: Steve Perry Releases Second Solo Album
In 1994, Steve Perry released his second solo album, "For the Love of Strange Medicine," and toured North America in support of it, though his voice had changed since his last performance.
1994: Termination of Elmo Partners License
In 1994, the license of the Journey trademark and service mark held by Elmo Partners was terminated by Herbie Herbert of Nightmare Productions.
October 1995: Journey hires Irving Azoff as manager and begins writing new album
In October 1995, Journey hired Irving Azoff as their new manager. Steve Smith and Ross Valory reunited with Journey, and the band started writing material for their next album, with rehearsals beginning that same month.
August 1996: Perry discovers degenerative bone condition
In August 1996, while hiking in Hawaii, Steve Perry discovered he had a degenerative bone condition and needed hip-replacement surgery. He later admitted he had other physical issues, which delayed the album's release date.
1997: Schon and Cain release solo albums
In 1997, Schon released his solo album "Electric World", and Cain released his solo album "Body Language". The band took a break following the album's release to work on solo projects, waiting for Perry to decide if he wanted to tour.
1997: "When You Love a Woman" nominated for Grammy Award
In 1997, the album's hit single "When You Love a Woman", which reached number 12 on the Billboard charts, was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal.
1998: Cain released For A Lifetime
In 1998, Cain released his second solo album, "For A Lifetime", as the band continued to wait for Perry's decision about touring. Schon had released Electric World in 1997.
1998: Journey Hires New Members and Records Song for Armageddon
In 1998, Journey hired Deen Castronovo and replaced Steve Perry with Steve Augeri. They also recorded the song "Remember Me" for the soundtrack of the film "Armageddon".
1998: Reunion with Steve Augeri
Journey had a successful reunion in the mid-1990s and regrouped with Steve Augeri in 1998.
1999: Journey Embarks on U.S. Tour
In 1999, Journey continued their tour with another leg in the United States, beginning in Minnesota in June and concluding in Michigan in September, following initial gigs in Japan.
August 2000: Recording of Arrival album completed
In August 2000, Journey completed recording their next studio album, Arrival, at Avatar Studios with producer Kevin Shirley.
September 11, 2001: 9/11 attacks in New York City
On September 11, 2001, attacks occurred in New York City, prompting Journey to participate in a major fundraising event to aid victims and families of the attack.
2001: Journey Makes Recordings
Between 2001 and 2002, the band made some recordings, resulting in the release of a four-track EP titled Red 13 in November 2002.
2002: Schon forms Planet Us, Cain releases solo album
In 2002, Neal Schon formed Planet Us with Deen Castronovo, Sammy Hagar, and Michael Anthony. Jonathan Cain also released another solo album during this time as Journey activity remained quiet.
2003: Journey Tours the United States with Styx and REO Speedwagon
From May to August 2003, Journey embarked on another tour of the United States. They teamed up with Styx and REO Speedwagon in Classic Rock's Main Event.
September 2004: The Summer Detour Concludes
In September 2004, Journey concluded the Summer Detour tour, which had begun in June of that year.
2005: "Don't Stop Believin'" iTunes Ranking
In 2005, "Don't Stop Believin'" reached number three on iTunes downloads.
2005: Fifth-Best US Rock Band
In 2005, a USA Today opinion poll named Journey the fifth-best US rock band in history.
2005: Journey Inducted into Hollywood Walk of Fame
In 2005, the members of Journey were inducted into the Hollywood Walk of Fame alongside former members, including Steve Perry, who surprised everyone with his presence.
December 2006: Jeff Scott Soto announced as new vocalist
In December 2006, Jeff Scott Soto was officially announced as Journey's new lead vocalist, following a successful tour where he filled in after Steve Augeri stepped down.
2006: North American Tour
In 2006, Journey toured North America with Def Leppard.
2006: Journey Tours with Def Leppard, Augeri Steps Down
In 2006, Journey toured in Europe and then joined Def Leppard in a North American tour. Steve Augeri stepped down as Journey's lead singer due to vocal attrition problems, performing his last show with the band on July 4 in Raleigh.
2006: End of Steve Augeri Era
Journey's regrouping with Steve Augeri, which began in 1998, ended in 2006.
November 2007: Journey enters the studio with Pineda to record Revelation
In November 2007, Journey entered the studio with new lead vocalist Arnel Pineda to record the studio album, Revelation.
December 5, 2007: Arnel Pineda Named Lead Vocalist of Journey
On December 5, 2007, Neal Schon officially named Arnel Pineda, a Filipino singer from the cover band The Zoo, as the new lead vocalist of Journey after being impressed by his YouTube covers and holding successful auditions.
2007: "Don't Stop Believin'" gains popularity after The Sopranos
In 2007, "Don't Stop Believin'" experienced a surge in popularity after being featured in the final episode of "The Sopranos" television series, leading to a sharp increase in digital downloads.
2007: Regrouping with Arnel Pineda
In 2007, Journey regrouped with Arnel Pineda as their lead vocalist.
2007: Soto no longer part of Journey
On June 12, 2007, Journey announced that Jeff Scott Soto was no longer part of the group, following tours of Europe and the United States.
February 21, 2008: Pineda Performs First Concert with Journey
On February 21, 2008, Arnel Pineda performed for the first time with Journey in front of 20,000 fans in Chile, marking his debut as the band's lead vocalist.
June 3, 2008: Revelation album released
On June 3, 2008, Journey released the album "Revelation". It debuted at number five on the Billboard charts, selling more than 196,000 units in its first two weeks.
December 18, 2008: Revelation Certified Platinum by RIAA
On December 18, 2008, Journey's album "Revelation" was certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), signifying significant sales success.
2008: Greatest Hits Leaves Billboard Charts
In 2008, Journey's "Greatest Hits" compilation album ended its 750-week run on the Billboard album charts. The album had been released in November 1988 and became a best-selling compilation.
February 1, 2009: Journey Performs at Super Bowl XLIII Pregame Show
On February 1, 2009, Journey performed at the Super Bowl XLIII pregame show in Tampa, Florida, gaining significant exposure to a large audience.
October 2009: Revelation Tour Concludes
In October 2009, Journey concluded their Revelation tour. The band also performed in Manila to 30,000 fans, which was recorded for a live release, Live in Manila.
2009: "Don't Stop Believin'" becomes top-selling song on iTunes
In 2009, "Don't Stop Believin'" became the top-selling song on iTunes among those released before 2000, marking a significant milestone in its enduring popularity.
2009: "Don't Stop Believin'" Top Selling Track
In 2009, Journey's song "Don't Stop Believin'" became the top-selling track in iTunes history among songs not released in the 21st century.
May 24, 2011: Eclipse album released
On May 24, 2011, Journey released their studio album "Eclipse", which debuted at number 13 on the Billboard 200 charts.
June 2011: Journey Tours the United Kingdom
In June 2011, Journey toured the United Kingdom with Foreigner and Styx, bringing their music to fans across the Atlantic.
March 8, 2013: Don't Stop Believin': Everyman's Journey Documentary Release
On March 8, 2013, the documentary "Don't Stop Believin': Everyman's Journey", directed by Ramona S. Diaz, was released. The movie chronicles the discovery of Arnel Pineda and his first year with Journey.
June 2015: Deen Castronovo Arrest
In June 2015, Deen Castronovo was arrested after a domestic dispute.
2016: Steve Smith Returns
In 2016, Steve Smith rejoined Journey as the drummer, reuniting most of the Escape-Frontiers-Trial by Fire lineup. The Journey tour that year included Dave Mason and The Doobie Brothers.
2017: Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction
In 2017, Journey was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Inductees included Steve Perry, Neal Schon, Jonathan Cain, Gregg Rolie, Ross Valory, Aynsley Dunbar, and Steve Smith.
2018: North American Tour
In 2018, Journey toured North America with Def Leppard.
2018: Billboard Hot Tours List Topped
In 2018, during the North American tour with Def Leppard, Journey topped the Billboard Hot Tours List by grossing over $30 million over 17 shows.
March 3, 2020: Smith and Valory Fired and Sued
On March 3, 2020, Schon and Cain announced the firing of Smith and Valory from Journey and initiated a lawsuit alleging an "attempted corporate coup d'état."
June 2020: New Album Announced
In June 2020, Neal Schon announced via his social media that a new Journey album with Jackson and Walden was "starting to take shape".
January 2021: First Single of the Album Announced
In January 2021, Neal Schon announced that the first single of the album would be released later that year, with possibly a worldwide tour to follow.
April 1, 2021: Settlement Reached
On April 1, 2021, it was announced that an amicable settlement had been reached between Schon/Cain and Valory/Smith.
June 24, 2021: "The Way We Used to Be" Single Released
On June 24, 2021, Journey released the single "The Way We Used to Be".
July 2021: Deen Castronovo Rejoins as Second Drummer
In July 2021, Deen Castronovo rejoined Journey as a second drummer. Marco Mendoza was brought in to play bass due to Jackson's back surgery.
August 21, 2021: We Love NYC: The Homecoming Concert
On August 21, 2021, Journey played "Don't Stop Believin'" live at New York's "We Love NYC: The Homecoming Concert", which celebrated the city's emergence from the COVID-19 pandemic.
February 16, 2022: "Freedom" Album Announced
On February 16, 2022, Journey announced the title and track listing of their 15th studio album Freedom.
March 1, 2022: Walden and Jackson Exit
On March 1, 2022, Cain confirmed that neither Walden nor Jackson remained in the lineup, with Walden's exit following a minor heart attack following a live show in Pennsylvania.
April 26, 2022: "You Got the Best of Me" Single Released
On April 26, 2022, Journey released "You Got the Best of Me", the second single from the album Freedom.
July 8, 2022: "Freedom" Album Released
Journey's 15th studio album, Freedom, was released on July 8, 2022.
September 21, 2022: Perry Files Lawsuit
On September 21, 2022, Steve Perry filed a lawsuit against Neal Schon and Jonathan Cain regarding song trademark registrations.
October 27, 2022: Live Album Announced
On October 27, 2022, Journey announced its fifth live album, Live in Concert at Lollapalooza.
December 9, 2022: Live Album Released
On December 9, 2022, Journey released its fifth live album, Live in Concert at Lollapalooza.
December 2022: Cease and Desist Order
In December 2022, Neal Schon served Jonathan Cain with a cease and desist order after Cain performed "Don't Stop Believin'" for Donald Trump.
2022: Augeri discusses accusations of using prerecorded vocals
In a 2022 interview, Augeri admitted he wasn't legally allowed to say whether it was true or not if Journey used prerecorded lead vocals during his time with the band. Former manager Herbie Herbert insists it was true.
January 7, 2023: Perry Drops Lawsuit
On January 7, 2023, Steve Perry dropped the lawsuit against Neal Schon and Jonathan Cain.
January 2023: Rolie Not Joining 50th Anniversary Tour
In January 2023, Schon backtracked on previous confirmation that Rolie would join Journey for their 50th anniversary tour.
February 22, 2023: Rolie Guest Appearance
On February 22, 2023, former member Gregg Rolie made a guest appearance for Journey's performance in Austin.
July 2024: Lawsuit Filed Against Schon
In July 2024, Cain opened up another lawsuit against Schon, in which Schon was accused of misusing the band's credit cards, which resulted in a UK and Ireland tour being cancelled.
September 2024: North American Tour
Throughout September 2024, Journey toured North America again with Def Leppard.
September 22, 2024: Pineda's Facebook Post
On September 22, 2024, Arnel Pineda responded to criticism after Journey's Rock in Rio performance on Facebook. He offered to leave the band if one million fans commented "Go" on his post.
October 10, 2025: Cain Leaving After One More Tour
On October 10, 2025, it was announced that Cain would be leaving Journey after one more tour. Schon confirmed that Journey would continue without Cain.
November 6, 2025: Final Frontier Tour Announced
On November 6, 2025, Journey announced the North American leg of their farewell tour, dubbed the Final Frontier Tour.
2025: Band Members
As of 2025, Journey consists of Neal Schon, Jonathan Cain, Deen Castronovo, Arnel Pineda, Jason Derlatka, and Todd Jensen.
February 2026: Final Frontier Tour Set to Begin
In February 2026, Journey's Final Frontier Tour is set to begin.
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