Journey’s Neal Schon is suing bandmate Jonathan Cain, claiming he “improperly restricted” access to financial documents relating to Journey’s American Express card. Schon’s lawyers argued in court documents filed in Northern California’s Contra Costa County that “This action is brought to turn the lights on, so to speak, and obtain critical financial information Schon has been trying to obtain but has been denied”

Both Schon and Cain are joint owners, members and managers of Nomota, LLC, which was established around 1998 as the operating entity to handle Journey’s business dealings, with shared 50/50 ownership. In the lawsuit, Schon states he “has the right to access and control Nomota’s books and records” and have “unfetted access to Nomota’s records so that he can oversee and manage Nomota/Journey.” Cain later set up Nomota’s American Express account “without Schon’s consent or knowledge, with only Cain as the account holder.” The filing also says that “Schon has tried to avoid legal action, repeatedly requesting that Cain grant him access to the AMEX account. For many months, Cain and his representatives have represented that Schon would be granted access. But every time Schon contacted AMEX, AMEX informed him that he was still not authorized to access AMEX account records.”

Schon’s lawyers also make additional allegations about Cain that they say are detrimental to Journey’s continuing business. “Cain is interfering with Journey, refusing to respond to booking opportunities, blocking payment to band members, crew and vendors, refusing to execute necessary operating documents, and in other ways as well,” the filing claims. “Cain has obstructed Schon from viewing expenses incurred by Cain and his touring party on band tours .. Cain has further refused to deal with critical, time-sensitive touring contracts for Journey’s 2023 tour and ensure payment for band members and crew, who Cain contends are ‘non-essential … Schon believes those band and crew who are crucial to the band’s success should be paid. Cain’s conduct is inexplicable.”

A preliminary hearing is scheduled for March 3.

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