Journey reunites with Randy Jackson, performs 'Don't Stop Believin' for UNICEF campaign
Yo dawg! Your eyes aren't fooling you! Randy Jackson is officially back to his rock band roots as he reunites with his former band Journey.
It can be recalled that Randy was temporarily part of the band in the 1980s.
Last Saturday, May 23, the former American Idol judge made his virtual debut as the band's bassist alongside new members Narada Michael and Jason Delatka as they performed “Don't Stop Believin'” for UNICEF's Won't Stop campaign. The campaign aims to raise funds to buy personal protective equipment for medical frontline workers and the needs of impoverished children.
The news follows months after the firing of former members Ross Valory and Steve Smith early this year, when guitarist Neal Schon and keyboardist Jonathan Cain filed a lawsuit against the two claiming they were part of a malicious “coup to assume control” of the band's name to ensure “windfall payments in the millions of dollars after their retirement.”
Early Saturday morning, guitarist Neal Schon took to Twitter to confirm that the band had officially become a six-piece on Twitter.
He wrote, “OK friends, the word is out! RJ the Big Dawg is our new bass player again.”
Ok Friends word is out ! @yo_randyjackson RJ the Big Dawg is our new Bass player again 💪🏾🕶 https://t.co/qz3KvOU0KO
-- NEAL SCHON MUSIC (@NealSchonMusic) May 24, 2020
He then announced that Grammy-winning drummer Narada Michael Walden would take Steve Smith's place followed by Jason Derlatka replacing Ross Valory.
Word is out ! @naradamwalden Narada Michael Walden is our new Drummer! Multi talented song writer Producer / Mahavishnu orchestra 🔥🔥🔥🔥 The J Boyz will have a new Strut 🕶💪🏾 https://t.co/wMmSFnW5Hd
-- NEAL SCHON MUSIC (@NealSchonMusic) May 24, 2020
We were so happy to be involved with unicef with all the amazing artists, for such a great cause 🙏🏽 thank you @mmercuriadis 🙌🏽welcome to our Journey family @yo_randyjackson @naradamwalden and jason_derlatka… https://t.co/XUohk72HWc
-- NEAL SCHON MUSIC (@NealSchonMusic) May 24, 2020
Hours later, UNICEF uploaded a video of the group showing Randy playing the bass to the rock anthem.
Randy Jackson originally joined Journey in 1985 where he served as a bassist until 1987. His greatest contribution would have to be playing for the band's 1986 record “Raised on Radio.”
On Instagram, Randy confirmed joining the iconic band by posting a throwback photo of himself in the '80s with the caption, “Y'all vibe with @journeymusicofficial revival tonight!? The boys are back!”
Y'all vibe with @journeymusicofficial revival tonight!? The boys are back 😎
A post shared by Randy Jackson (@randyjackson) on
Aside from Journey, UNICEF's Won't Stop campaign also featured other acts like Cher, Sheryl Crow, Peter Frampton, the Eurythmics, Jordin Sparks, Rod Stewart, Sting, and so much more.
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