Jeff Scott Soto recently shared his thoughts on the idea of collaborating again with Journey’s Neal Schon. Speaking on Harmless Dave, he explained how he would respond if Schon ever invited him to jam. Soto didn’t hesitate to express the deep admiration he has for the guitarist and the major influence Schon has had on his musical life.
“In a heartbeat,” Soto said. “I have the most ultimate respect for Neil as a musician, as a writer, as a producer. The things that he’s done have literally put a stamp in music. They put a stamp in my life musically and influence-wise.”
Soto went on to clarify that, for him, the most important thing is the musical chemistry—not any personal differences or history. What matters most is the shared musical experience.
“I look at Neil. I look at what I did with I look at the talent and the talent pool that they come from. That to me is more exciting than the personality side or the differences in personality,” he explained. “I care more about what we have together in terms of the conversation and on a musical side. Jamming and having fun is what music is about—joy, smiling, and just having fun. I would do it in a heartbeat because I know I would get all of that from Neil.”
Soto also reflected on his history with Journey and Schon, emphasizing that time has brought them to a calmer and more respectful place.
“The whole Journey situation had its kind of a course road of interaction. Finally, Neil and I are at peace with each other. I can reach out to him now. He reaches out to me. We’re not having coffee. We’re not having dinner. We’re not starting up the band again, but we’re civil now. This is exactly what I want in our life. I don’t want anything from Neil. I want peace, love, and harmony.”
Their relationship has had its ups and downs, but Soto’s comments show genuine respect for Schon’s legacy and the music they’ve created together. Soto and Schon have worked outside the Journey lineup before—Ultimate Classic Rock points out that they collaborated on Soul SirkUS’s 2005 album World Play. Soto’s official time with Journey was brief, as Vernon Matters reports that he became the band’s lead singer in December 2006 and remained in the role until 2007. Since 2008, Arnel Pineda has been the frontman.
Journey continues to tour without Soto, with 103GBF Rocks noting that the band is currently on their Final Frontier farewell tour, led by Schon and featuring Pineda on vocals.
Despite the complicated history, Soto’s recent remarks make it clear that he holds no grudges. His focus is on the joy of creating music and maintaining peace in his relationships. His willingness to jam with Schon shows that, for him, the music—and the mutual respect behind it—comes first.
