As the calendar turned to 2026, Neal Schon took a reflective turn on Facebook, sharing a lengthy New Year’s message that traced the full arc of Journey’s history—from its earliest days to its current lineup.
, addressed to “Dear Friends,” offered gratitude to the musicians, mentors, and collaborators who helped shape the band across more than five decades. While many fans praised Schon’s tone and depth, others zeroed in on the way he referenced Steve Perry, sparking a lively and divided comment section.
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Schon began by spotlighting Journey’s earliest era, crediting Gregg Rolie with helping forge the band’s original identity. He then reflected on the pivotal role longtime manager Herbie Herbert played in encouraging the group to expand its sound—an evolution that ultimately led to Perry joining the band.
In his post, Schon wrote that Perry’s “vocals and songwriting helped create a body of work that continues to resonate across generations and remains a cornerstone of our legacy,” describing that era as “one of the most defining chapters in Journey’s history.”
It was that phrasing, in particular, that prompted some fans to read between the lines.
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Fans React to the Steve Perry Reference
Many commenters expressed appreciation that Schon acknowledged Perry’s impact at all.
One fan wrote, “Steve is the VOICE that made me a Journey fan. The voice that brought Journey to the forefront of the 70s and 80s bands. No other voice is like his. I am happy you included him in your post.”
Another shared how deeply the music continues to resonate on a personal level:
“Neal Schon, it’s been the soundtrack and saving grace to so many fans' lives, including mine. The impact and joy I feel is indescribable seeing you play live. Just radiates life and good times. I’ve loved every incarnation of this band for decades ?.”
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Others, however, were more critical of the wording Schon used when referencing Perry’s tenure.
One commenter pushed back, writing, “‘One of the most defining chapters in Journey's History’ is the most undervalued and ridiculously backhanded compliment I've ever heard when referring to SP's tenure in the band.”
Another added a longer critique of the band’s later years, arguing that Journey’s peak came earlier and suggesting it may be time to step away entirely.
Beyond Perry, Schon’s post acknowledged nearly every era of Journey, naming former members including Ross Valory, Aynsley Dunbar, Steve Smith, Randy Jackson, Steve Augeri, and Jeff Scott Soto. He also emphasized that current frontman Arnel Pineda “remains very much a part of Journey,” noting that the band is looking ahead to its upcoming tour.
Schon also shared deeply personal reflections about his late brother Jackie Villanueva and early mentor Elvin Bishop, tracing the unlikely chain of events that led him from a teenage blues guitarist to joining Santana and, eventually, forming Journey.
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Looking Ahead
While some fans used the moment to call for reconciliation—or even a final reunion with Perry—others simply thanked Schon for laying out the band’s history in his own words.
As one fan put it, “Loved you from the beginning. What a lovely message. The music of Journey has helped me heal in many ways.”
For Schon, the message closed not on controversy, but gratitude—celebrating more than five decades of music and the community that has grown around it, even as conversations about Journey’s past continue to spark strong feelings.
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