Neal Schon and Jon Cain have decided to fire the band's drummer and bassist for allegedly attempting a 'corporate coup d'etat' to control the group's business entity.
- March 5, 2020
AceShowbiz - Journey's Neal Schon and Jon Cain have fired drummer Steve Smith and bassist Ross Valory.
Schon, the only original member now in the band following Valory's dismissal, and Cain, accused their old bandmates of attempting a "corporate coup d'etat" to control the group's business entity Nightmare Productions in a lawsuit filed in Los Angeles on Tuesday, March 3, 2020.
In a press release, the guitarist and keyboard player's lawyers allege Smith and Valory were "sowing discord" by "engaging in self-dealing and selfishly putting their interests ahead of the band's."
The pair are seeking damages of $10 million and accuse their ex-colleagues of trying to bring an end to the 2017 Rock and Roll Hall of Famers after more than four decades.
In their complaint they accuse the drummer and bassist of using Nightmare Productions, "as a tool to destroy the fabric of the band, undermining the very reason for Nightmare Productions' existence."
The rockers lead counsel, Per Miller, says, "This is not an action that Neal and Jon wanted to bring against two men that they once considered their brothers, but the devious and truculent behavior of Steve and Ross left them reluctantly with no choice but to act decisively."
The "Don't Stop Believin' " hitmakers' lawyers also state in their release that their clients have "provided notice" to their former pals and are unwilling to perform with them again. Their filing also states that Valory and Smith can no longer use the Journey name.
Schon and Cain also announced that their tour of North America will get underway in May as planned with regular vocalist Arnel Pineda and a new rhythm section.
Smith and Valory are yet to publicly respond to the lawsuit.
