Long-running legendary classic rock band Journey has summarily fired their rhythm section of Steven Smith and bassist Ross Valory. The news of the split came via a press release from Los Angeles-based law firm Miller Barondess, LLP, which has filed a lawsuit “to ensure that the band continues on its great success of more than 40 years.” According to the lawsuit, Smith and Valory had attempted a “corporate coup d’état” to gain control of one of the band’s business entities, Nightmare Productions. Schon and Cain are represented by Skip Miller, Mark A. Barondess and the lawyers at Miller Barondess, LLP in Los Angeles. Per Miller, who is lead counsel: “This is not an action that Neal and Jon wanted to bring against two men that they once considered their brothers, but the devious and truculent behavior of Steve and Ross left them reluctantly with no choice but to act decisively. Journey will continue on with great success by ridding the band of disruptive members and replacing them with top musicians; and most importantly, by keeping its essential members — Neal Schon, Jon Cain and Arnel Pineda — fully intact.” The lawsuit seeks compensatory damages in excess of $10 million.Continue reading →