Journey guitarist Neal Schon recently addressed long-standing rumors about the origins of the band’s hit song “Any Way You Want It” and its connection to Thin Lizzy. He responded to fan speculation shared on X.
The discussion began when a Journey fan claimed the song’s distinctive style was influenced by the band’s 1979 tour with Thin Lizzy. Schon provided his own recollection of the events that led to the song’s creation.
A Journey fan wrote on X: “Fun Fact: Journey’s ‘Any Way You Want It’ got its signature back-and-forth guitar-and-vocal style from Thin Lizzy! While touring together in 1979, Steve Perry and Neal Schon jammed with bassist Phil Lynott in Miami, swapping rhyme exercises, and even started shaping the song on the band bus.”
“What I do recall is that we were on tour with Lizzy and I was definitely inspired by them to come up with the guitar,” Schon said. “I believe Steve played Bass and started singing at a soundcheck and that pretty much wrapped that song up. I love the band Thin Lizzy.”
The guitarist’s response clarifies the actual circumstances behind the song’s development. He acknowledged Thin Lizzy’s influence on his guitar work during that period.
Schon’s comments shed new light on one of Journey’s most recognizable tracks. The song has remained a staple of classic rock radio for over four decades. The song’s creation story reveals the spontaneous nature of how some of rock’s biggest hits come together during the creative process.
Guitar World reported that the track emerged during a soundcheck with a simple three-chord riff that Schon devised in about an hour. The guitarist has previously cited specific inspiration from Thin Lizzy’s “Jailbreak” album riff. This demonstrates how touring with influential bands can directly impact an artist’s creative output.
The song became a cornerstone of Journey’s 1980 “Departure” album. Hard Rock Forums noted that it marked their first top 10 record and established the band’s commercial breakthrough. This achievement came at a crucial time when Journey was transitioning from their progressive rock roots to a more accessible arena rock sound.
“That one came about during sound check; I believe we were on tour or just had toured with Thin Lizzy. I was a big fan, so it was a classic influence,” Schon explained in a previous interview, as Guitar World documented.
The collaboration between Schon and Steve Perry during that soundcheck proved to be a defining moment for Journey’s musical direction. The spontaneous creation of “Any Way You Want It” exemplifies how touring experiences and musical influences can converge to produce enduring rock anthems. These anthems continue to resonate with audiences decades later.
