I mean, who wouldn’t be cool with being booted from one of the most iconic rock bands of all time? I’d be totally fine with it, said no one ever. But hey, Ross Valory seems to be taking it like a champ. During a recent interview on SiriusXM’s “Trunk Nation With Eddie Trunk”, Valory was asked if he’s “cool” with how everything worked out with his former bandmates, and he responded with a resounding “yeah, sure, whatever”.
So, for those who may not be aware, Valory and drummer Steve Smith left Journey back in 2020 after a lovely legal dispute with Neal Schon and Jonathan Cain. But don’t worry, they all kissed and made up, and Valory even got a “very reasonable settlement” out of it. I’m sure it had nothing to do with the fact that Journey is still raking in the dough from their endless touring schedule.
The Journey Train Keeps on Rolling
Valory was also asked if he’s amazed that Journey has been able to successfully continue touring despite all the lineup changes. And his response was basically “meh, it’s all about the songs, dude”. Which, fair enough, the average ticket buyer just wants to hear “Don’t Stop Believin'” and sing along with the rest of the crowd. But let’s be real, it’s not like Journey is still putting out new, groundbreaking music or anything. They’re just cashing in on their legacy at this point.
I mean, can you blame them, though? The nostalgia train is a lucrative one, and Journey is just happy to be along for the ride. And hey, as long as they can still bring the hits, who cares who’s actually on stage, right? It’s not like the fans are there to see the actual band members or anything. 🙄
Reunion Rumors: Because You Can Never Have Too Much of a Good Thing
But, of course, the question on everyone’s mind is: will there be a Journey reunion with some of the band’s former members? And Valory’s response was a resounding “not that I know of, no”. Which, let’s be real, is just code for “I’m not invited, and I’m still bitter about it”. But hey, a guy can dream, right? Maybe Steve Perry will come back and reclaim his rightful place as the voice of Journey. A fan can dream, right?
Valory was part of Journey from its inception in 1973 through 1985, and then again from 1994 to 2020. He played on 13 of the band’s 15 studio albums, which is no small feat. And in April 2021, Schon and Cain “reached an amicable settlement agreement” with Valory and Smith, because who doesn’t love a good settlement?
Journey now consists of Schon and Cain, longtime singer Arnel Pineda, drummer Deen Castronovo, keyboardist/backing singer Jason Derlatka, and bassist Todd Jensen. Because, you know, the more members, the merrier. And Valory, well, he’s just out here living his best life, having released his debut solo album “All Of The Above” in April 2024. So, if you’re feeling nostalgic for some Journey-esque sounds without actually having to listen to Journey, be sure to check it out.
In conclusion, Ross Valory is cool with being kicked out of Journey, and you should be too. I mean, who needs a legacy when you can have a solo album and a “very reasonable settlement”? 🤑
Chord F. Discord, the Beethoven of Buffoonery, is a self-taught expert in music who once claimed he could “play the kazoo in four languages.”
Born in Crescendo, Indiana, Chord’s first brush with fame came when he accidentally entered a yodeling contest thinking it was a pie-eating competition—and won both categories.
Chord F. Discord: proving that laughter, much like a poorly tuned ukulele, is truly universal.
