Jonathan Cain performed a medley of favorites on the grand piano from Journey’s industrial zenith throughout a shock go to to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. See unique images from Cain’s go to and video courtesy of the Rock Hall beneath.

This look coincided with the return of Cain’s signature 1981 Yahama C7 to the Rock Hall’s exhibit house. “It’s here because it served me well,” Cain stated of the instrument, nicknamed the Whale. “We played many, many shows. This piano played for millions of people.”

A particular fan fest occasion is being held immediately on the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame as Journey’s ongoing tour with Def Leppard and Cheap Trick reaches Cleveland.

READ MORE: Ranking All 52 Journey Songs From the ’80s

Cain unveiled the Yahama throughout Journey’s Escape tour, after microphones have been rigorously inside to seize its wealthy sound on stage.

“This piano was with me for 35 years,” Cain stated. “We made the very first live simulcast MTV show, Live From Houston, and that piano was centerstage. Steve Perry sang ‘Open Arms’ right next to it. I made all of the [’80s-era] Journey records with this piano, all the way up to Raised on Radio. This was in the studio. I wouldn’t play any other one.”

Watch Jonathan Cain Play the Whale With Journey

How Much Did Jonathan Cain Pay for the Whale?

Likely due to sheer logistics, Journey’s founding supervisor Herbie Herbert was initially towards the thought of touring with the Whale.

“He didn’t want to have this out there, but I demanded it,” Cain stated. “I said, ‘I’m going to have to have this piano’ – especially because the songs on the Escape album were very piano oriented: “Who’s Crying Now,” “Open Arms,” “Don’t Stop Believin’.” These are songs that you couldn’t do on a rinky-dink piano.”

Cain stated he bought the instrument again then for $12,500. “This same piano, today, costs $86,000 brand new,” he added. Cain painted it purple so he’d stand out extra on stage; Neal Schon additionally had a Ferrari in the identical colour. “I can’t go on stage with a black piano,” Cain stated with a chuckle. “I’ll disappear. I’ll just be a floating head.”

Fan day actions on the Rock Hall immediately will embody spotlighted artifacts, rock and roll trivia video games and distinctive photograph alternatives.

Jonathan Cain’s Surprise Rock Hall Visit

Video courtesy of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

Nick DeRiso is writer of the Amazon best-selling rock band bio ‘Journey: Worlds Apart,’ accessible now in any respect main bookseller web sites.