Complete List Of Bad English Band Members

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I love supergroups, and this one was one of my favorites. I only wish they had released more than two albums, but that is the usual story with supergroups. You never usually get more than one or two. Bad English was formed in 1988, combining talents from notable bands including Journey and The Babys. The band’s lineup featured John Waite as lead vocalist, Neal Schon on guitar, Jonathan Cain on keyboards, Ricky Phillips on bass, and Deen Castronovo on drums. Bad English was known for their hit ballad “When I See You Smile,” which became a number one hit on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The band released two albums, Bad English (1989) and Backlash (1991), before disbanding in 1992. Despite their brief time together, they left a lasting impact on the rock scene with their blend of hard rock and arena rock.

John Waite

John Waite was the lead vocalist of Bad English, having previously gained fame as the lead singer of The Babys and as a solo artist. Waite’s powerful vocals were a defining feature of Bad English’s sound. He played a crucial role on both of the band’s albums, contributing not only as a singer but also as a lyricist. His earlier hits include “Missing You,” a solo career highlight that mirrored the success he would later achieve with Bad English. After the band dissolved, Waite resumed his solo career and continued to record and perform.

Read More: Top 10 John Waite Songs

Neal Schon

Neal Schon, the guitarist for Bad English, brought with him a wealth of experience from his time with Journey, one of the most successful rock bands of the late 1970s and 1980s. Schon’s guitar work was central to Bad English’s rock sound, and his solos on tracks like “When I See You Smile” and “Price of Love” are particularly notable. Beyond Bad English, Schon continued his career with Journey and participated in various other musical projects, maintaining his reputation as a leading figure in rock guitar.

Read More: Top 10 Journey Songs

Jonathan Cain

Keyboardist Jonathan Cain was another member who came from Journey and had also previously played with John Waite and Ricky Phillips in The Babys. In Bad English, Cain contributed significantly to the songwriting process, co-writing songs including “Price of Love” with John Waite. The band’s number one hit “When I See You Smile,” however, was written by Diane Warren. Cain’s expertise in crafting ballads and rock anthems was instrumental in shaping the band’s successful sound. Cain returned to Journey after Bad English disbanded and continued as an integral member of that band.

Read More: Top 10 Babys Songs

Ricky Phillips

Bassist Ricky Phillips had been a member of The Babys alongside John Waite and Jonathan Cain before joining Bad English. His bass playing provided the rhythmic foundation for the band’s music. After Bad English, Phillips worked with several artists and later joined Styx full-time in 2003. He remained with Styx until 2024, when Terry Gowan took over the bass position.

Read More: Top 10 Bad English Songs

Deen Castronovo

Drummer Deen Castronovo joined Bad English after playing with Wild Dogs and working with guitarist Tony MacAlpine. His connection with Neal Schon led to his audition for Bad English. Castronovo’s drumming added a dynamic element to Bad English’s sound, capable of both power and subtlety, which suited the band’s range from hard rockers to tender ballads. After Bad English, Castronovo continued working with Schon on other projects and eventually joined Journey in 1998. He remained with Journey until 2015 and returned to the band in 2021. Castronovo also became the lead vocalist and drummer of Revolution Saints, which showcases his vocal talents as well as his drumming.

Read More: Top 10 Revolution Saints Songs

Updated August 23, 2026.