Why Was Ross Valory Removed From Journey? Unpacking The 2020 Departure
For many who love the classic sounds of Journey, the news of Ross Valory’s departure in 2020 came as a real surprise. It’s a bit of a complex story, involving some deep-seated disagreements within the band itself. People often wonder what truly happened behind the scenes, you know, especially when a long-standing member suddenly isn't part of the group anymore.
This situation, quite frankly, involved more than just a simple parting of ways. It led to legal actions and a lot of public discussion. Ross Valory, who had been a significant part of Journey for so many years, found himself at the center of a major internal conflict, which is something that can happen even in the most successful groups, apparently.
The whole event really brought to light the pressures and sometimes the very personal disagreements that can affect even legendary music acts. It's a tale of accusations, denials, and ultimately, a resolution reached outside of a courtroom, which is usually how these things go, in a way. This piece aims to shed some light on what transpired, using information directly from Ross Valory himself and other reports.
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Table of Contents
- Ross Valory's Journey with Journey: A Brief History
- Personal Details and Bio Data: Ross Valory
- The Heart of the Matter: The 2020 Split
- The Amicable Settlement: A Resolution Reached
- Looking Back: Valory's Perspective
- Frequently Asked Questions About Ross Valory's Departure
Ross Valory's Journey with Journey: A Brief History
Ross Valory's connection with the band Journey goes back a long, long way, you know. He was, in fact, a founding member of the group, which means he was there from the very beginning. His bass lines helped shape the sound that so many people have come to love over the decades, and that's a pretty big deal, honestly.
While his time with the band seemed quite consistent for many years, there were, in fact, periods when he wasn't actively playing with them. For example, Valory originally stepped away from the group back in the 1980s. That was a time when the band's lineup saw some changes, as can happen with groups that have been around for a while, too it's almost.
However, his story with Journey wasn't over then. He eventually found his way back on stage with the band throughout the 1990s, which was a welcome return for many fans, I mean. His presence helped bring back a familiar feel to the live shows and recordings, and that's something fans really appreciate, actually.
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Following that return, Valory truly settled back into his role. It was then, from 1995 all the way to 2020, that the founding Journey member had his longest continuous period with the group. This was a significant stretch, spanning a quarter of a century, where he was a constant fixture, basically. His work during this time included playing on nearly all of Journey's studio albums, with just a couple of exceptions, like the 1986 album "Raised on Radio" and the more recent "Freedom" from 2022, you know.
On "Raised on Radio," for instance, he was replaced on bass in the studio by Bob Glaub on three tracks. That's a small detail, but it shows the long history and the various phases the band went through. So, his return in the 90s really did seem like a permanent arrangement, at least until the events of 2020 unfolded, which, as we'll see, changed things quite dramatically, in a way.
Personal Details and Bio Data: Ross Valory
Here's what we know about Ross Valory based on the available information:
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Role in Journey | Bassist |
| Status | Founding Member |
| First Departure | During the 1980s |
| Return to Journey | Throughout the 1990s |
| Longest Stint with Group | 1995 to 2020 |
| Albums Played On | All Journey albums except 1986's "Raised on Radio" and 2022's "Freedom" |
| Replacement on "Raised on Radio" | Bob Glaub (on three tracks) |
| Departure from Journey | 2020 |
| Reason for 2020 Departure | Legal dispute with bandmates Neal Schon and Jonathan Cain; accused of attempting a "boardroom coup" |
| Legal Outcome | Amicable settlement agreement reached with Neal Schon and Jonathan Cain |
| Current Status (as of 2024) | Four years since his firing from Journey |
The Heart of the Matter: The 2020 Split
The biggest and most impactful split for Ross Valory from Journey happened in 2020. This particular departure was not like his earlier one in the 80s; this one involved a very public and rather heated legal dispute. It really shook up the band's lineup and, honestly, surprised many people who follow their music, you know.
What sparked this whole situation was a series of accusations made by two of Journey's prominent members: founding guitarist Neal Schon and longtime keyboardist Jonathan Cain. They took legal action against Valory and the band's drummer, Steve Smith. It was a pretty serious development, considering how long these musicians had played together, basically.
The legal filing essentially stated that Valory and Smith were both let go from Journey in 2020. This wasn't just a quiet change; it was a firing. The core reason given for this drastic step revolved around some very specific allegations concerning their actions within the band's business structure, which is something that can cause a lot of tension, sometimes.
Accusations of a "Boardroom Coup"
According to reports, specifically from Rolling Stone, Neal Schon accused Ross Valory and Steve Smith of attempting what was described as a "boardroom coup." This phrase, "boardroom coup," sounds quite dramatic, and it refers to an alleged attempt to take over the group's business entity, in a way. It's about trying to gain control or make significant changes that Neal Schon, in particular, disagreed with very strongly, you know.
The accusations suggested that Valory and Smith were trying to "make changes" that Schon found unacceptable. This kind of dispute isn't just about musical differences; it's about control and the direction of the band's operations. When financial and management aspects get intertwined with artistic endeavors, things can get really complicated, as a matter of fact.
It's been four years since these accusations first surfaced, and the details, while now settled, still resonate with fans. The idea that two long-standing members were allegedly trying to alter the band's structure without the agreement of others was a significant point of contention, which is why it led to such a public falling out, you know.
There was also a mention of a controversial incident in 2017 when some band members visited a certain location. While the text doesn't provide specifics about what happened during that visit or its direct link to the 2020 events, it suggests that there might have been underlying tensions or disagreements brewing for a while before the ultimate split, which is quite common in long-running groups, arguably.
Valory's Denial and the Legal Back-and-Forth
When these accusations were made public, Ross Valory did not simply accept them. He denied everything that was alleged against him. This denial was a crucial part of the story, as it meant there were two very different sides to the narrative about what happened within Journey, you know. He wasn't just going to let the accusations stand without a challenge, which is understandable, really.
Following his denial, Valory took his own legal steps. He countersued, which means he filed a lawsuit against Schon and Cain in return. This escalated the situation from an internal band dispute into a full-blown legal battle, with both parties taking each other to court. It's a pretty serious step for bandmates to take against one another, so.
The legal actions meant that the details of their disagreements were laid out in legal documents, even if they weren't fully litigated in open court. This back-and-forth legal maneuvering showed just how deep the division had become between the musicians. It wasn't just a simple disagreement; it was a fundamental clash over the band's future, in a way.
For Ross Valory, this period was undoubtedly a challenging one. Being accused of trying to take over the group he helped found must have been quite upsetting. His decision to countersue demonstrated his firm belief that the accusations were unfounded and that he had his own case to make, which is what you'd expect, I mean.
The fact that both parties sued each other highlights the intensity of the conflict. It wasn't a one-sided affair; it was a dispute where both sides felt wronged and believed they had legal grounds to pursue their claims. This kind of situation can be incredibly draining for everyone involved, you know, both personally and professionally, you know.
The Amicable Settlement: A Resolution Reached
Despite the initial legal battles and the public accusations, the dispute between Ross Valory, Steve Smith, Neal Schon, and Jonathan Cain eventually found a resolution. According to Rolling Stone, the parties involved reached an "amicable settlement agreement." This means they managed to sort out their differences outside of a courtroom, which is often the preferred outcome in such situations, basically.
An "amicable settlement" implies that while there was a disagreement, they were able to come to terms that were acceptable to everyone involved, or at least to a point where they could move on. This kind of resolution avoids a lengthy and potentially damaging public trial, which can be very good for everyone's reputation and peace of mind, you know.
The specifics of the settlement agreement haven't been made public, which is pretty typical for these kinds of arrangements. However, the fact that they reached an agreement at all is significant. It means that after all the accusations and the countersuits, a common ground was found, allowing the musicians to put the legal fight behind them, in a way.
For Valory, this settlement closed a difficult chapter. It meant that the legal cloud hanging over his departure from Journey was lifted. While he was no longer with the band, the formal dispute was concluded, allowing him to move forward, which is what anyone would want after such an ordeal, you know.
This outcome, a settlement rather than a protracted court case, suggests a mutual desire to avoid further conflict and to perhaps protect the legacy of the band. It shows that even when things get very tense, there's often a path to finding a resolution that works for everyone involved, or at least one that ends the fighting, you know.
Looking Back: Valory's Perspective
In a recent conversation with Rolling Stone, Ross Valory, the former bassist for Journey, spoke openly about his departure. He shared his thoughts on the internal conflicts that led to the legal disputes within the band. His perspective offers a personal look at what it was like to go through such a significant change after so many years with the group, I mean.
For Valory, the whole episode is now, as he put it, "a matter of history." This statement suggests a sense of closure and a desire to move past the events of 2020. It indicates that he views the situation as something that happened in the past, something he has processed and is no longer actively dwelling on, which is a healthy way to approach things, arguably.
His willingness to talk about it shows a certain level of openness, even if the details of the settlement remain private. It allows fans to hear directly from him, or at least through a reputable source like Rolling Stone, about his experience. This kind of direct insight is often what people are looking for when they wonder about band breakups, you know.
The fact that he addressed it four years later also provides a bit of distance from the immediate emotional impact of the firing. Time can offer a clearer perspective on past events, allowing for a more reflective and perhaps less charged discussion about what transpired. It's often the case that some time needs to pass before people can truly talk about difficult experiences, you know.
Valory's comments help to complete the picture of why he was removed from Journey, at least from his side. It confirms that the departure was due to a dispute he had with Neal, and that he denied the accusations against him. Ultimately, his words reinforce the idea that while the split was painful, it's now a part of the band's long and complex history, you know.
To learn more about Journey's history, you can find additional details on our site. Also, for more on the dynamics within music groups, check out this page about band member changes.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ross Valory's Departure
People often have questions about Ross Valory's exit from Journey. Here are some common inquiries:
1. What were the specific accusations against Ross Valory that led to his removal?
Ross Valory, along with drummer Steve Smith, was accused by bandmates Neal Schon and Jonathan Cain of attempting a "boardroom coup." This meant they were alleged to be trying to "make changes" to the band's business structure that Schon, in particular, disagreed with. It was essentially an attempt to take over control of the group's business entity, which is a serious charge, you know.
2. Did Ross Valory admit to the accusations made against him?
No, Ross Valory explicitly denied all the accusations made against him by Neal Schon and Jonathan Cain. He didn't just deny them; he also countersued, meaning he filed his own legal action against them. This showed his strong disagreement with their claims and his determination to challenge their narrative, in a way.
3. How was the legal dispute between Ross Valory and the other Journey members resolved?
The legal dispute between Ross Valory, Steve Smith, Neal Schon, and Jonathan Cain was resolved through an "amicable settlement agreement." This means that both parties reached an understanding and settled their differences outside of court, avoiding a full trial. The specific terms of this agreement have not been made public, but it brought an end to the legal conflict, which is what they wanted, apparently.
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