Cain also served as Journey's first rhythm guitarist since Tickner's departure in 1975. By the end of 1980, however, founding keyboardist Rolie had decided to leave the band, with Jonathan Cain of The Babys chosen as his replacement. The group's new lineup remained stable for two years and three studio albums: Evolution, Departure and the soundtrack Dream, After Dream. He was replaced by Steve Smith, a former roadie for the group.

The band issued Perry's debut album Infinity the following year, before Dunbar was dismissed in October 1978. After just a few months, however, Fleischman was replaced by Steve Perry in October, at the end of a tour supporting Emerson, Lake & Palmer. In June 1977, Journey added Robert Fleischman as its first non-instrumental lead vocalist. The guitarist was not replaced and the band remained a four-piece for its next two albums, Look into the Future and Next. Shortly after the release of the band's self-titled debut album in 1975, Tickner left Journey to pursue a career in medicine. Early the next year, Prince left to rejoin his previous group the Tubes, with former John Mayall & the Bluesbreakers and Frank Zappa drummer Aynsley Dunbar taking his place on February 1, 1974.

Journey was formed in February 1973 by lead guitarist Neal Schon with bassist Ross Valory, rhythm guitarist George Tickner and drummer Prairie Prince, who were joined by keyboardist and vocalist Gregg Rolie in the summer before debuting live on New Year's Eve 1973.

Lead singer of journey