Neal Schon is 71 years old. He’ll hit the 72 mark on February 27, 2026.
If you just watched him shred a three-minute solo without breaking a sweat, that number probably feels wrong. Most guys his age are thinking about golf or where they put their reading glasses. Neal? He’s gearing up for the "Final Frontier" tour, a massive 60-city trek that basically says retirement is for other people.
He was born in 1954 at Tinker Air Force Base in Oklahoma. Since then, he’s lived about ten different lives, all involving a Gibson Les Paul. It’s wild to think he was just a 17-year-old kid when he joined Santana. Imagine being a teenager and having Carlos Santana and Eric Clapton fighting over you. That’s not a "illustrative example"—that actually happened. Clapton wanted him for Derek and the Dominos, but Neal chose Santana.
The Mystery of How Old Is Neal Schon and Why It Matters
People ask about his age because the math doesn't seem to add up. When you hear the opening riff of "Stone in Love" or the soaring melody of "Lights," you're hearing a guy who has been the singular constant in Journey since 1973. He is the only member to play on every single album. Every tour. Every lineup change.
Honestly, the "how old is Neal Schon" question usually pops up after someone sees him live. He still plays with a level of aggression and fluidity that puts 20-year-olds to shame.
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- Birth Date: February 27, 1954
- Current Age (Early 2026): 71
- Musical Debut: 1971 (with Santana)
- Journey Founded: 1972/1973
There’s a specific kind of "old school" work ethic here. He doesn't use backing tracks. He doesn't phone it in.
Why 2026 is a weird year for Neal
Right now, there’s a lot of noise about this being the "Final Frontier." Is it really the end? Journey fans are skeptical, mostly because Neal has been "moving on" for decades. He’s recently been teasing something called "Journey Beyond." He even trademarked the name. It sounds like a solo project or a new iteration of the band that focuses on deep cuts rather than just playing "Don't Stop Believin'" for the billionth time.
There’s been some drama, too. You've probably heard about the lawsuits with Jonathan Cain. It’s been messy. But through the legal filings and the backstage bickering, Neal stays focused on the gear. He recently sold a huge chunk of his guitar collection—over 100 instruments—including the '77 Les Paul used on the Escape album. He said he needed to make room for "new arrivals."
At 71, most people are downsizing their homes. Neal is just rotating his inventory of legendary guitars.
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The Santana Years to Now
He was a prodigy. Plain and simple. His dad was a big band musician, so the DNA was there. By the time he was 15, he was hanging out in clubs in San Francisco. By 17, he was recording Santana III.
When Journey started, they were a prog-rock fusion band. They didn't even have a lead singer like Steve Perry at first. Neal was just looking to play complex, technical music. It was only later that they pivoted to the arena rock sound that defined the 80s.
You look at him on stage today and the hair is still there, the flashy outfits are still there, and that signature sustain is definitely still there. He’s managed to keep his technique sharp while many of his contemporaries have slowed down due to arthritis or just losing interest.
What’s Next for the Guitar Wizard?
So, Journey is hitting Hershey, PA on February 28, 2026—literally the day after Neal turns 72. That’s a hell of a way to spend a birthday. The tour runs all the way through July, ending in Texas.
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If you're planning on catching a show, don't expect a nostalgia act. Neal has been vocal about wanting to play "An Evening With" format—no openers, just two long sets. He wants to dig into the 70s stuff that doesn't always get radio play.
What you should do if you're a fan:
- Check the 2026 Tour Dates: The "Final Frontier" tour is hitting major arenas (Capital One in DC, PPG Paints in Pittsburgh, etc.). If this really is the farewell, you'll want to be there.
- Look into "Journey Beyond": Keep an eye on Neal's social media. He’s been dropping logos and hints about this new project that likely kicks off after the Journey tour wraps.
- Listen to "Freedom": Their 2022 album was the first in over a decade. It shows that even in his late 60s, Neal was still writing fresh riffs.
Neal Schon isn't just "old." He's seasoned. There is a massive difference between a musician who is hanging on and a musician who is still ascending. Even at 71, Neal seems like he’s still trying to find that one perfect note he hasn't played yet.
If you want to keep up with his latest gear setups or see the tour rehearsals, his Instagram is surprisingly active. He’s one of the few legends who actually interacts with the fans directly, usually while holding a guitar and wearing a very expensive jacket.