In a recent chat with Rolling Stone, Ross Valory, the former bassist of Journey, opened up about his departure and the internal conflicts that led to legal disputes within the band.
Valory’s tenure with Journey saw him contributing to eight albums before leaving before the 1986 release of ‘Raised on Radio.’ He co-wrote notable tracks like ‘Anytime’ and ‘Just the Same Way,’ then rejoined for another five albums starting with 1998’s ‘Trial By Fire.’ His journey with the band, however, took a dramatic turn in 2020.
Accusations And Legal Battles
The conflict escalated when Neal Schon and Jonathan Cain accused Ross and drummer Steve Smith of attempting a boardroom coup to take over the band. This allegation led to a legal battle, with both parties suing each other. Valory denied the accusations, asserting that the move was meant to protect, not hijack, the band’s legacy. The dispute reached a climax with a lawsuit seeking over $10 million in damages, involving intricate details of band governance and trademark control.
Despite the bitter dispute, an amicable settlement was reached out of court, a resolution the bassist describes as satisfactory for all parties involved, saying:
“For me, it’s now a matter of history. There was controversy and personal and business conflicts. But we worked out our differences in a relatively short time. We had a mediated settlement that everyone was happy with. And since that time, we’ve all gone our own way. The band continues to perform and do well.”
Reflecting On The Journey Legacy
Moving beyond the controversy, the musician is now focusing on his solo debut, ‘All of the Above,’ featuring collaborations with notable musicians, including former bandmate Steve Smith. He still cherishes the memories of his time with Journey, as Valory noted:
“What an experience, from this experimental fusion band into one of the top-rated popular bands. This is a band that reinvented itself twice. But to answer your question, certainly I miss it. I miss performing, and eventually, I will be doing so on my own.”
His solo effort will be released on April 12. In addition to Smith, it features contributions from former Journey drummer Prairie Prince, Santana members, and Eric Levy from Night Ranger.
