Neal Schon recently shared his thoughts on Journey’s upcoming Final Frontier farewell tour, speaking about the band’s direction and leadership in a statement to Rolling Stone.
He underscored his vital role in the group’s legacy and decision-making. “Well, Jonathan (Cain) had mentioned that he was wanting to say goodbye at the end of this tour. At the time, we had a manager, which we don’t anymore … the old story of that. It always manages to come back to the beginning, which is with me here and sort of running stuff,” Schon said. “The legacy and the heart of the band I have within myself … I’ve been here since day one, and wherever I go, the heart and soul of the band is going to go with me. Journey goes on.”
When asked about Steve Perry possibly joining the band for their farewell plans, Schon expressed that he’d be happy to see the former frontman take part. “I would welcome him, and I’m sure everybody else would, too. If he wanted to just walk on and say hi, this would be the tour to do it, or if he wanted to come on and sing anything or if he just wanted to be a part of it, period,” Schon said.
Schon’s remarks come as Journey prepares for what will be a landmark moment in rock history. After fifty years of performing, the band has officially confirmed their farewell tour—marking the close of an era for one of rock’s most enduring acts.
The Final Frontier Farewell Tour is set to begin in Hershey, Pennsylvania, on February 28, 2026, and conclude in Laredo, Texas, on July 2, 2026, according to iHeart. The tour will span 60 North American cities, including Milwaukee, New Orleans, Austin, Sacramento, Salt Lake City, Buffalo, and Greenville, South Carolina. Tickets will be available to the general public starting November 14 at 10 a.m. local time.
The choice to embark on this farewell tour was heavily shaped by keyboardist Jonathan Cain’s decision to step back from the band. Cain’s intention to say goodbye after this run played a major role in concluding Journey’s touring chapter, as noted by Ultimate Classic Rock. This shift is especially significant given Cain’s long-standing creative influence on the band’s signature sound.
While Schon expressed openness to Perry’s potential involvement, reports indicate there are no current plans for him to join the farewell tour. The band’s current lineup, led by Arnel Pineda, will carry on without Perry, according to Greenville Online. Perry, who departed in 1987, has only occasionally appeared with Journey since and remains uninvolved in the tour.
Schon’s statement that “Journey goes on” implies that, while this may be the final tour for the present lineup, his connection to the name and spirit of Journey might continue in some capacity. For now, the focus remains on honoring the band’s legendary music as they embark on their last tour across North America.
