For Journey guitarist and band leader Neal Schon time off the road, just means more time in the studio.
In addition to performing a few concerts with his Journey Through Time band this winter, Schon is releasing a solo album called Universe this August and recording yet another solo album in the mean time.
Journey, too, will be back on stage by the fall.
Schon's Journey Through Time features him reunited with former Journey keyboardist and singer Gregg Rolie and drummer Deen Castronovo, playing some of Journey's early material among other cuts from their respective careers.
This summer, Schon plans to release Universe and go on the road with a solo band. But he tells AZ Central that he's already several tracks into another album, which is being recorded at a Nashville studio.
"We have four songs — amazing songs — right now," Schon said. "And they definitely have commercial viability. The story was [songwriter, producer Martin Frederiksen] is gonna be a Chris Stapleton story, because he's written so many hits for Aerosmith, Foreigner and many, many others. And he has an amazing voice. The second I heard him sing, all the hair on my arms stood up."
When Rolie goes back on the road in March with Ringo Starr & His All Starr Band, Schon says he'll put a band together and play some solo concerts.
All the activity bodes well for Schon, who says he's grateful to still be around with a recent health scare behind him.
"I'm gonna stay out there, man," Schon said. "I'm really having fun having my name out there. And I'm finding out that I have so many fans that want to hear so many facets of music that I've done throughout the years. And I've never really toured by myself with other great musicians."
While Journey has yet to announced any 2019 live dates, Schon spilled the beans, confirming the band will play Las Vegas in October and tour in 2020.
"We're doing a residency in Vegas in October and we have a couple corporate shows and a couple other things before that," he explained. "But the rest of the year is off."
Get all of Neal Schon's tour dates here.
Photo: Getty Images