#498 - Journey Departure - STRANGE FACTS and BIG CHANGES - Neal Didn't Even Know!

Journey's Departure: The Album That Almost Wasn't the End Robert John Hadfield digs into one of the most fascinating moments in Journey history: the release of Departure in 1980, the final studio album featuring founding member Greg Rolie. Using a vintage 1980 magazine interview with Neal Schon, this episode captures a band standing on the edge of superstardom—successful, respected, and growing rapidly, yet still unaware that their biggest breakthrough was just around the corner. The discussion explores Neal Schon's remarkable journey from teenage guitar prodigy in Santana to co-founder of Journey, along with the band's evolution from a struggling cult favorite into an arena-rock powerhouse. Along the way, Robert uncovers surprising connections between Journey and Queen, examines the iconic album artwork created by the legendary Kelly/Mouse team, and highlights comments from Schon that, in hindsight, reveal tensions already forming within the band. What seemed like confidence about Journey's future lineup would soon collide with Greg Rolie's departure and the arrival of Jonathan Cain. The episode also dives into the psychology of band dynamics, Steve Perry's growing influence, the transition from the 1970s into the 1980s, and how Departure became a pivotal stepping stone toward Escape, Don't Stop Believin', and Journey's transformation into one of the biggest rock bands in the world. Add in some rock trivia, vintage album analysis, and a surprise record unboxing, and you've got a nostalgic deep dive into a critical turning point in classic rock history. Chapters 00:00 Journey's Hidden Turning Point 00:30 Why Departure Matters 01:00 Rock Trivia Challenge Begins 02:04 Neal Schon Before Journey 03:18 Santana, Greg Rolie, and Origins 04:12 Clapton vs. Santana Opportunity 05:16 How Journey Was Formed 06:12 The "Trilogy" Debate 07:15 Album Art and Kelly/Mouse 09:11 Journey Chases New Directions 09:44 Why "Any Way You Want It" Sounded Different 11:02 Robert's Personal Journey Memories 13:29 Recording Departure in Three Weeks 14:14 Journey's Surprising Queen Connections 15:35 The Album That Could Change Everything 16:00 Before Journey Became Superstars 17:07 Building Success the Hard Way 18:39 AM Radio vs. FM Radio Era 20:48 The New 1980s Journey Look 22:13 Steve Perry's Growing Influence 23:24 Greg Rolie's Difficult Position 24:20 The Quarterback Analogy 27:03 Journey's Simplified Stage Design 28:39 Neal Schon on Never Being Satisfied 30:15 Personnel Changes and Band Growth 31:25 "This Is the Final Lineup" 32:11 The Ego and Tension Discussion 33:15 Aggression with Feeling 34:25 What Happened Next? 34:48 Trivia Answers Revealed 35:50 The Forgotten Journey Soundtrack 37:29 Greg Rolie's Final Vocal Performance 38:03 Sponsor Message and Closing