A Breath of Fresh Air August 12

Neal Schon is the guitar powerhouse behind one of rock’s most iconic bands: Journey. A prodigy from the Bay Area, he was just 15 when he joined Santana, turning down a chance to play with Eric Clapton. His raw talent and soulful style made him a standout, but it was the creation of Journey in 1973 that truly launched him into rock legend status.

Originally formed as a jazz-fusion group, Journey hit its stride when Steve Perry joined in 1977. With Schon’s blazing guitar solos and Perry’s unforgettable vocals, the band dominated the airwaves through the late ‘70s and ‘80s. Albums like Escape and songs like Don’t Stop Believin’, Any Way You Want It, and Faithfully became instant classics, and today, their music continues to resonate with fans of all ages.

Beyond Journey, Neal’s explored side projects like HSAS and Bad English, and released several solo albums that showcase his love for blues, fusion, and cinematic guitar soundscapes. But it’s with Journey that his legacy is most deeply rooted.

Now celebrating over 50 years of Journey, Neal remains the band’s heartbeat, still touring, recording, and thrilling fans around the world. His guitar has become the band’s signature — passionate, powerful, and unmistakable. Neal Schon isn’t just a guitarist. He’s a cornerstone of classic rock history, and he’s still going strong.

Sandy Kaye