Founding Journey Member, Ross Valory Says He No Longer Talks to Former Bandmates

Rock ‘n’ roll bands go through a lot. Both behind and in front of the curtain, the relationships between band members are complicated and at times, incredibly delicate. That being so, a lot can go wrong and turn friends into enemies. It’s happened with so many infamous rock ‘n’ roll groups and it seems it has happened to another one, as one of Journey’s founding members, Ross Valory, said he no longer speaks with his former band.

When something such as this happens it’s always a shame. As we fans typically have fond memories of the camaraderie some of our favorite bands possessed. So, it’s a grave disappointment when it dissolves right in front of our eyes. Despite musician’s larger-than-life persona, they are human. Thus, falling in and out of relationships is just part of life. And it seems Ross Valory is currently experiencing one of those moments.

Ross Valory’s Departure From Journey

Valory’s first period with Journey spanned from 1973 to 1985, he was then fired and returned ten years later in 1995. It was then from 1995 to 2020, that the founding Journey member had his longest stint with the group. However, an angered Valory left in 2020 due to a dispute he had with Neal Schon and Jonathan Cain. The two claimed that Valory and drummer, Steve Smith were attempting an “ill-conceived corporate coup d’état,” per UCR.

Consequently, Valory opened up with Total Rock about his current relationship with his former musical companions. Valory stated, “I haven’t been in touch with anybody except for maybe Steve Smith once in a while” and “Everybody’s moved on with their lives.” Valory didn’t give a specific why and how the band’s relationship became estranged and he doesn’t believe it really matters. As Valory said, “So many people are curious about what went wrong” and “My point is we should talk about what went right.”

Given Valory’s comments, it seems he has moved on as well. With an open mind, Valory has seemingly compartmentalized the feud between the band and recognized it for what it is—Drama between passionate musicians with strong convictions. That being so, Valory has gone solo and has been rather successful.

Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/WireImage for Rock and Roll Hall of Fame