In an emotional and heartfelt gesture, Journey's keyboardist and guitarist Jonathan Cain has unveiled a tribute song dedicated to the late conservative activist Charlie Kirk. This new solo single, which bears the title "No One Else," was shared on Cain's Instagram account on October 7, serving as a powerful homage to Kirk, who tragically lost his life in a shooting on September 10 while addressing an audience at Utah Valley University.
In the Instagram post, Cain referred to Kirk as "a voice that inspired a generation" and highlighted that his influence would endure. He announced, "A legacy that will never fade. ‘No One Else’— written in honor of Charlie Kirk— drops soon. Get ready to feel every word." This suggests that the song not only seeks to honor Kirk's memory but also to evoke strong emotions tied to his impactful life.
During a recent appearance on the "Strang Report" podcast, where Cain premiered the entire track, he elaborated on his motivations for creating this tribute. He expressed a desire to celebrate the movement that Kirk spearheaded, focusing on what he saw as the core values that Kirk championed. "That was righteousness, truth, and the gospel," Cain affirmed. He went on to commend Kirk's extraordinary outreach, stating, "Not since Billy Graham has anybody rocked the world like Charlie, when it comes to just pure amount of how many schools he went to, and how ferocious and fearless he was."
The title of the song carries significant meaning, reflecting the sentiment shared by many of Kirk's supporters in the wake of his death. "We need an appreciation song for what he did," Cain remarked. He elaborated, "‘No One Else’— no one else could wear the mantle. The calling on his life was so strong. God used him in such a powerful, powerful way … and I admired his courage."
Kirk was a highly controversial figure, known for his strong conservative viewpoints that sparked significant debate and dissent. His perspectives on various issues, such as gender identity, race relations, gun ownership, and religion, often placed him at the center of heated discussions. Leading the organization Turning Point USA and its related spiritual outreach initiative, TPUSA Faith, he advocated for Christian nationalist ideas while opposing what he referred to as ‘woke’ ideology.
In a touching act of remembrance, fellow musician Sammy Hagar also recently honored Kirk with a poignant rendition of Merle Haggard’s classic "Are the Good Times Really Over," reworking the lyrics to encourage Americans to reconsider their values and reflections on national symbols like the Liberty Bell and the American flag.
Cain further elaborated on Kirk's substantial political influence, stating, "He helped so many people get into office. Even JD Vance will tell you that he couldn’t have achieved his position without Charlie Kirk, and Mr. President Trump would likely agree as well."
Jonathan Cain’s wife, Paula White-Cain, a recognized pastor in Florida and a spiritual adviser to former President Donald Trump, was appointed this year to oversee the White House Faith Office, highlighting the close ties between the faith community and politics.
As Journey navigates through a tumultuous period marked by legal conflicts and personal disagreements within the band, this tribute comes at a pivotal time. Recently, guitarist Neal Schon disclosed in an interview with radio host Eddie Trunk that he and Cain have reconciled and are now aligned toward planning a more cohesive tour. This marks a significant shift after their public disputes, including a notable incident in 2022 when Schon issued a cease-and-desist order regarding Cain's performance of "Don’t Stop Believin'" at a political event hosted by Trump at Mar-a-Lago. At that time, Schon had stated that such political associations could harm the Journey brand, asserting, "Journey is not, and should not be, political."
Despite Kirk’s untimely passing, Turning Point USA has announced that its fall campus tour will persist. This tour features comedian Rob Schneider, known for his work on "Saturday Night Live," and Christian author Frank Turek, and is scheduled to make a stop at UC Berkeley on November 10.
As we reflect on the legacy of Charlie Kirk and the hearts he moved, how do you view the intersection of music and politics? Can artistry be an effective tool for social or political change? Feel free to share your thoughts and opinions in the comments below!
