Former ‘American Idol’ Judge Randy Jackson Returns to Journey

| July 7, 2021

Getty Images

Reading Time: 2 minutes

YO, Dawg! Randy Jackson is back in business! The former American Idol judge will return as a bassist for the iconic rock band, Journey. Guitarist Neal Schon made the announcement after parting ways with founding bassist Ross Valory, and longtime drummer Steve Smith. It was alleged that the two had attempted to take control of the band’s trademark. Jackson performed with the band in the late 1980s, now coming full circle on his new journey (no pun intended).

Back in the day, Jackson temporarily replaced Valory, and played on the 1986 Raised On Radio album. He joined the band on the subsequent tour amid packed arenas and stadiums. The album produced three Top 20 singles in the United States, “Girl Can’t Help It,” “I’ll Be Alright Without You,” and “Suzanne.” It also managed to muster up a top ten single “Be Good To Yourself.” The song went to number four on the Billboard 200 chart and went certified double platinum in the USA.

Back and Better than Ever

Today the band is back and better than ever! Guitarist Neal Schon took to Instagram to announce Jackson’s second run with the Hall of Fame inductees.

“Ok Friends word is out! Randy Jackson RJ the Big Dawg is our new Bass player again” he shared.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CAjh821nbaK/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=22a67bba-c809-4e38-a9db-5e4a2bb94852

Alongside Jackson is new drummer, Narada Michael Walden. He is a former Mahavishnu Orchestra member who has also played with top guitarists like Jeff Beck, Allan Holdsworth, and Robert Fripp.

Journey Drops a New Single

The band sure didn’t waste any time getting to work. A couple of weeks ago, Journey dropped “The Way We Used To Be” available for streaming on all platforms. They also released a corresponding music video to the track on YouTube, and I have to say, it’s very clever.

Lady Gaga Sports Huge Engagement Ring in ‘A Carpool Karaoke Christmas’

Nikki Garcia Says It’s ‘OK to Be Sad’ Following Divorce

Kelly Clarkson Doesn’t Regret Moving to New York City with Her Kids

The video is a cartoon that depicts a couple in love, who are forced to separate during the Coronavirus Pandemic. There, we follow the journey of these two characters who are just trying to get back to the way things used to be. Man, we’ve all been there.

The former Idol Judge is definitely doing his thing now with Journey. It’s amazing to see Jackson get back out there and start performing again. They’ve already started off hot with this single, so I cannot wait to see what comes next from the rock icons. I surely won’t “stop believin'” that in 2021, Journey is bringing the heat!