Huge band split after 50 years together as farewell tour announced

A major band has announced that they are parting ways after forming in 1973. Journey will be saying farewell to their legion of fans in 60 cities across North America and Canada from February 28 in Hershey, Pennsylvania, to July 2 in Laredo, Texas - the first leg of their Final Frontier Tour. Journey was formed in 1973, and they went on to sell over 100million records globally, making them one of the world's best-selling bands. However, Journey's founding member Neil Schon, 71, has promised to continue making music. The band's current line-up also includes singer Arnel Pineda, 58, drummer Deen Castronovo, 61, bassist Todd Jensen, 65, and keyboard players Jonathan Cain, 75, and Jason Derlatka.

Neil said in a statement: "This tour is our heartfelt thank you to the fans who've been with us every step of the way - through every song, every era, every high and low.

"We're pulling out all the stops with a brand-new production - the hits, the deep cuts, the energy, the spectacle. It's a full-circle celebration of the music that's brought us all together.

"As its founding member, I carry the Journey torch to this day, wherever I go. The sentiment and spirit of the band will always remain.

"While this marks a farewell to one powerful chapter of the Journey we've shared, I want everyone to know I'm not done. Music is still burning strong inside me, and there are new creative horizons ahead.

"This tour is both a thank you and the beginning of what's next."

Journey were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2017, along with former singer, 76-year-old Steve Perry - who is reportedly not involved in the tour - Neal, Jonathan, keyboardist Gregg Rolie, 78, bassist Ross Valory, 76, and drummers Aynsley Dunbar, 79, and 71-year-old Steve Smith.

And Jonathan, who joined Journey in 1980, said being part of the group has been an "incredible" experience.