Dear Steve Perry,
In the 80’s you were in one of the most popular bands of the time…Journey. I was just entering Junior High School when I heard the album Infinity. I was hooked and from that point on a dedicated fan. The years took there toll on you, with concerts, a serious relationship ending, drugs and your mother dying. You came out with 2 solo albums while still with the band, Street Talk and For The Love of Strange Medicine. These were distinctly different from the work you did with Journey and showed that you have got chops. In the mid 90’s, after Journey hadn’t had an album out in quite some time, you and the band released Trial By Fire. When You Love a Woman was nominated for a Grammy, and the band was anxious to hit the road. You went on a vacation and I am to guess when you came back Journey would hit the road but this didn’t happen because you fell while hiking and injured your hip. You needed surgery and recovery and ths takes time but the band wasn’t willing to wait (well this is what I have been told), and they hired a new singer and went on the road, leaving you behind. You are a talented artist who can sing rock and roll, love ballads and a hell of a blues singer, but rumor has it that you will never sing again. I have heard you in 2 interviews where you said something similar to, Well See, it might not be the end of hearing about Steve Perry but you have yet to record an album. I know you produce and have been the force behind the Journey greatest hits DVD’s and CD’s but do you want to be remembered as the Cheesy singer from the 80’s or the Mullet guy? Entertainment Weekly just realesed The Ultimate Cheesy Ballad Playlist and there you are right at the top. I disagree that Don’t Stop Believin is cheesy but they think it is. I know I am not the only one who feels this way. When I hear you sing, I am overjoyed and your voice at times is like angels singing. I hope someone, in some way will get this blog to you and you will wake up and get in that recording studio…NOW.
Here is the full story on ew.com
I cannot accept that classics like Dont Stop Believin, Open Arms and Whos cryin now can ever be labelled cheese. A pox on those who disagree!
Perry’s voice is a rare thing, instantly recognisable, soaring, and tuneful. I forever despair at arty farty music critics who dont know their arse from their elbow, extolling the virtues of tripe like Oasis on the one hand and damning consummate musicianship from the likes of Journey on the other.
I have been a Journey fan since the 80’s when I had the privelige of seeing them perform in Georgia. I have a couple Journey T-shirts and every time I wear them in public, I get stopped by someone to talk about Steve Perry and the band. That’s amazing! My husband gets a little impatient sometimes, but I think it’s cool. Journey has probably had the biggest fans of all time as far as I’m concerned. Steve Perry’s voice is like no other. He makes me feel so alive. I have taken my teenage daughter to 2 other concerts after Steve left the band, or whatever reason and she loves Journey almost as much as I do.
I agree. Steve get back to the studio! Everytime I hear his voice its undeniable. The man can project such beauty when he sings. I’ll never label “Don’t Stop Believing” or “When You Love A Woman” as cheesy. By my understanding these 2 songs will forever stay with me until the day I cross over to what lies ahead.
Bless you Steve. Your music will live forever no matter what any Hollywood critic says!
Steve Perry is a legend. I grew up listening to Journey and especially loving Steve Perry — his voice and his presence on stage where phenomenal! His solo albums were extraordinary! I was just watching the Houston concert DVD which I attended in 1981 and was so touched by his performance all over again. Truly timeless! I wish he knew how much he is loved and come back into the spotlight where he would be most welcome by his fans — and they are everywhere! A talent like his should not be kept silent. Steve Perry, I will always love you.
So good to see people who love Steve’s voice as much as I do. I always thought I was a huge Journey fan until he was no longer in it and then I realized that I was mainly a fan of Steve.
I know that he was a back up for a red hot chili peppers song (he is good friends with Dave Navarro) but have never heard it, anyone out there no which song it is?
I have been so inspired in my past by Steve Perry. His ability to reach the soul of so many can not be duplicated by simply imitating his voice. He always had the kind of charisma that it takes to grab unsuspecting listeners by the heartstrings and hold on until you surrender your soul. Anyone who has seen him perform live knows exactly what I mean. The ones that dispute his quality are usually jealous boyfriends or husbands that hate him because he knew how to touch hearts by projecting his feeling through that fabulous voice.
People have a low self esteem tend to get angry when they witness the likes of Steve Perry or anyone who carries the ability to stroke the emotions of others with positive force.
Unfortunately, those people spend more time throwing trash at others to deflect the attention away from the fact that they themselves are truly miserable individuals.
As for Mr. Perry singing again, just like many others, I would be sadly disappointed to never hear from him again, but, will always be grateful for the time that he did share with us. If he never sings again, I am sure he has a good reason, and I don’t believe it has anything to do with cheesy gossip. He knows how much he is loved! Every time he sees a page such as this he is reminded.
Thanks for putting it out there!
The section about Steve Perry, said that he had a failed marriage? I had never heard that he was ever married? Is that true?
he has never been married!
Cherry,
Real my older replies, I admitted to making a mistake…Sorry about that.
M
B. Harper,
Yes it is true. I believe Oh Sherry was written about her.
Steve Perry was never married. Sherrie Swafford was his girlfriend at the time when he wrote Oh Sherrie.
Yes Sherrie Swafford was his girlfriend and from what I am told by people who have interviewed him, she later became his wife and then they divorced at some point in the 90’s. I have been told many things about Steve Perry through various people, hard to know who is telling the truth unless it came from the man himself. He is a fascinating man and there are many things about him that I have been given conflicting information…for instance one of his producers said he never was a drug addict, and that wasn’t the truth, however he has been spotted in places where former addicts go to get help. Who do I believe? I believe those who I know to be true. The people who told me he was married are people to whom I trust.
Okay I did a bit of research and though I can’t find anything concrete (Steve Perry speaking) stating that he has never been married ( I found him stating he isn’t married right now but nothing saying he hasn’t EVER been married). I couldn’t find anything that stated he was either. So I will swallow my pride (or ego) and say to Journey Fan, that it looks like you are correct. Also on Wikipedia.com it didn’t state he was married and that site usually has all the information needed. So I will edit my blog to take out his marriage ending but I have read that he had a relationship end at about the same time his mother was dying. Would you agree with this?
yes. that would be his relationship with sherrue swafford. he’s never seen at games with a woman, always his friends or alone. so, it should be safe to say that he is single. anyhow, that’s his business if he’s married. he deserves a good woman. leave the man in peace, i say.
yes. that would be his relationship with sherrie swafford. he’s never seen at games with a woman, always his friends or alone. so, it should be safe to say that he is single. anyhow, that’s his business if he’s married. he deserves a good woman. leave the man in peace, i say.
Are you talking to me? Ha ha. No seriously, I don’t think I am disturbing the man, if I was I am sure one of his press people, assistant or he would contact me…this has not happened. He is a celebrity and part of that is the public talking about you. It isn’t as if I am harrassing him or anything overly traumatizing. Anyway, I think he is great. I would love to see him come up with some NEW music. He did release a greatest hits in January and I have all the songs but one of them I didn’t recognize so maybe it is new…it is called: Against the Wall. Is this new or have is it something I actually don’t have.
Peace to you all.
M
Steve Perry never did marry but people have said that he has a daughter who is 37 and he has two grandkids. He took her to the premire of the movie monster which he helped with the music. He broke up with Sherry around the same time his mom passed away I think 85 or 86. He also left the band. He was emotional burned out from the split,illness, then death of his mom and the touring. He just needed to be good to himself. That lasted 7 years and then he was ready to come back. He just needed some healthy balance in his life and if Neal couldnt understand that I say screw him!!! A vegas news paper said his new album release has beem moved to feb.2010. He wants everything just perfect and after-all thats our steve!!!
Cutlets, bummer it won’t be till 2010 but I am excited about it and to hear that magical voice once again.
Shiloh,
Read my other posts on Steve. He will be coming out with a solo album next year – February 2010. You can take a sigh of relief in knowing Yes Shiloh there is a singing Steve coming to you soon.
M
It is now Sept. 2010. Where is the long-awaited album?
wordm7,
I agree with that. Steve Perry is obviously a very private person. I’ve noticed that in many interviews, he is very vague when answering questions that pertain to his personal life. The one thing we all know for sure is that he has an amazing voice and there are many people who would love to see him make a comeback.
Journey Fan,
I agree. Which leads me to my newest post…exciting possibilities with Mr. Perry. Please read it, it has got me hopeful. Blog is titled…Steve Perry, Legends Possible Return
🙂
Growing up as a teenager with Steve Perry’s voice as the soundtrack to my life was something that I will never forget. I too thought I was a true Journey fan, but realize that I am a Steve Perry fan. I know this because it literaly makes me sick to hear all of the substitutes they’ve had singing those old songs. I can put on a “real” Journey song and Steve’s voice brings tears to my eyes. I can’t explain what his voice does to me.
Please come back Steve. Your voice is such a part of my life…not to sound corny, but many of my great memories have been made with you singing in the background!!!
Ok I am totally into Steve Perry. I wish that he come back into the lime light. I remember an interview with him and he was talking about how he go to be the lead singer of Journey . I alsio watched an interview with him and the band called ‘Behind the scenes on MTV. Now from what I see Neil and Johnathon Cain were attacking Stve for leaving the band. I wish that they would grow up. About two years ago, I saw Journey in concert with Steve Augeria and to be honest the coincert stunk. Steve Augeria had lost his voice and he kept putting the mike to the audience so that we did most of the singing,
Most of the fans at the concert were yelling bring back Perry. I couldn’t blame them. The only memories that I have were in 1982 when I saw my first Journey concert and in 1986 when Steve Perry came out on stage with a NY Mets hat on backwards singing Don’t Stop Believin. My heart throbed . Now you know where I am from. Lets Go Mets lol. That was the year the Mets won the world series.
I also saw Steve in a theatre in Mahattan on a solo tour…
I always wanted to see him at a small place on Long Island called Westbury Music fair. All the seats there are great….
I sure hope that Steve comes back
What a waste of talent, indeed! I believe this man combines superb vocal techniques and an extraordinary voice. I even listen to songs I actually hate, just because he’s singing on them!
Here in the Netherlands there’s still a large crowd for the man and his music. Let’s hope he comes to his senses and records some more music. Cheesy, poppy, rocky, a capella..I don’t care, as long as Perry’s singing on it.
Just that there has been such a huge response to this blog article is an indication of how wonderful Steve is.
Hey Eric, have you read my other blog Steve Perry, A Legacy’s possible return…your wish may come true, I sure hope it does.
Amy…I have the same reaction. Certain songs that Steve Sings bring tears to my eyes. He has a voice like Angels and huge charisma.
I hope whatever is holding him back from singing is released and he will get in that studio and record some songs.
Hello-I have loved Steve Perry since I was 12 years old-with every picture (even the smallest from the teen mags). I dropped into heavier rock for many years. When I was pregnant with number four of my boys, my husband bought me a Journey Video. All I can say is I cried-it brought back all those memories and the love I still have for him-His voice is angelic and I can’t even look away for one moment when I watch the videos. As a matter of fact, there is not one person who will watch the video with me because I am silent and sad because I wish I had had the opportunity to meet him one day and I feel that dream is over. I know this sounds pretty sad, but I have a normal life, work a professional job, raise good kids-I still carry a pic of him and if you get me on the subject I won’t stop. Thanks for listening-it makes me feel better to put it somewhere-Take care-Cyndie
I just want to say to Steve Perry , you are the best !!!!!
I have listen to you for years. I am 37 years old I have a daughter that is 20, She wants to merry you. She thinks that you are that hots older man that she has ever seen. Her son is 11 mos old and we cant not get him to go to at all
night after night it took us along time, untill one night I was watching VH1 80’s and your videos 4 of them came on back to back ,Mason thats his name he stop crying and sat there and watch every one, he didnt not move, we could talk the hole time you were on. when they were over, he stated crying again so we have to start them all over again. So now every night he has to hear you sing before mason goes to bed.. What I am asking is please, please sing again we all miss you and want you back. No one can sing like you….You are still a very good looking man, and if you havnt heard this yet I love love love your lone hair you look da… sexy with it very long fan 4 ever Mery
Back in the 80’s, I LOVED JOURNEY!!!! or shall I say Steve Perry……………he is even under my grid in my senior yearbook picture. It has been so many years and I always wish he would sing for Journey again. I went to see them at the PNC a few years back, not even realizing that Steve Perry was not with them, when i got there and saw that it was some other bumbling idiot I was completely disappointed and very upset. We even had backstage passes and it really meant nothing. I keep hearing how great the new singer is that they just brought on a while ago, so I went to you tube and brought it up and he still cannot compare to STEVE PERRY……………..
PLEASE COME BACK TO JOURNEY, EVEN IF FOR 1 MORE SHOT!!!!!!!
I’M FOREVER YOURS FAITHFULLY!!!!!!
Steve and Sherrie were never married, his mother took sick and then after his mum died, Sherrie and he split up, that was back in 1984-85. His grandfather also was sick and he took care of him too. He was very close to his relatives. His music is his life and that takes front seat to everything. We will see Steve again, I promise you this. Something about early 2009. When they ask SP if he is married, he always says, no, that marriage isn’t for him. Yes he is a very private person and everyone is always trying to get into his business. They all need to stop. He doesn’t deserve to be pestered. He wanted peace, that’s why he left the limelight. And he has done a great job of hiding. I respect him for that. He is the most amazing singer, and I can’t wait to see what he puts out this time. I guess we will all have to wait to see what our Shakespeare comes up with. I am sure it will be great! God gave him that VOICE and he utilizes it well. There are 13-18 year olds out there and up that are going out and buying his CDs, what does that tell you? If by chance he gets to read this, Love you Steve, and we miss you terribly.
I have been a Steve Perry fan since the 70’s. Journey will never be the same without him. The band played at Hershey Park in August and the new singer couldn’t hold a note compared to Steve. Steve, you are missed so much.
love steves voice, loved it in “we are the world” Band aid
I have wondered if Steve is so private, because he is ashamed of his life! Could he be hiding something? Does he have a romance with any woman? Can’t believe he lives all alone, what partner does he have?
If he were gay (that IS what you’re implying, isn’t it?), why should he be ashamed? I personally don’t believe he is, but do not care either way… not that it’s anybody’s business but his own. He’s such a beautiful, extraordinarily talented man, and I would leap for joy if he sang again.
Misty,
I am not sure if you are speaking to me? I didn’t imply this and if it came across that way then I apologize. I have no issues with a person being gay however I don’t think that Steve Perry is.
M
All I can say is that I read all the posts before mine and I agree with each and everyone. Steve Perry is THE VOICE and we want him back.
English Please
I wouldn’t say it is just for rich folks but determined minds. Right now there is so much verbage aout the economy and how we are sailing down hill with money. I hope Obama helps in some way to make change, to follow through on the Yes We Can. I pray for peace this Christmas not just for those whom it is obvious that need it but for those who are hiding it and are struggling to make it through each day.
M
I also saw Journey at Hershey …what a joke ! The new kid COULD NOT hold the notes , his voice was all over the place …I was embarassed for them ! LOTS of people left when they came on and I couldn’t understand it until the singing started . He may have improved by now , but in August he sounded terrible . Steve , PLEASE come back to us , we miss you so much ! You were gifted with THE most beautiful voice …. USE it again ! We need to hear more of you and sadly I am losing hope that we ever will . LOVE YOU !
I have been reading a lot about Steve perry. There’s so many things said true and untrue. All I wish that he sings again. Nobody can replaced him. Oftenly when I watch his performance before I am enchanted by his voice. Indeed “The Voice”. Steve we want you back. We missed you so much.
AB
I was not aware of journey having a new singer but make no mistake there is only one journey and that is with Steve Perry. I can’t believe they would even consider doing this unless money was an issue. They were a great band and
not just for Steve Perry, they were a group and played as one. You dont see this much but when you do you get
results like Journey.
For some reason I can’t understand, I’ve become obsessed with Steve Perry lately (just spent the last 3 hours watching videos on Youtube.com…) so I’m glad I found this blog. I hope too that he will return to public singing again, whether with Journey or solo; I’m ready to buy his next CD and would make every effort to see him perform live if he came to S. FL. I agree that he’s a “legend” and he can’t just “fade away”, he must allow us fans to show him our love once again!
STEVE, Nós te amamos!
Did you read my other blog on here called Steve Perry, a legacy’s possible return. It is an article with Steve Perry and Neal Schon (done seperately), asking them both some of the same questions and some different ones.
M
steve,
please put out a new cd. your voice reaches so many people and here we are many years later longing to hear you, your writing ablities coupled with your voice is untouchable. I respet your privacy and love your heart. you seen to be a freebirs and that is wonderful. please sing again. we know that as you age your voice probaly deepened but how soulful you will sound. I only wish i could someday meet you as millions of others do but your voice has gotten me through some rough times and good times. My 2-girls own you cd and remember growing up with you playing on our cd player.
god bless,
carol burnett- yes tht is my name i married into it lol
I too love Journey, with Steve Perry in it, not even interested in wannabes they have had since he leftit. My youngest son, 21, even asked me a while back if the original singer was still in the band and I sadly said no. Now, my son is not easily impressed by much, but he recognized a great voice even at his age. He would have definitely been searching out Journey concerts if so. I love this man’s voice and sad that I will never get to see him sing. I too have been watching videos, reading his story, wanting to know a lot more than is available online. His songs and voice just touch me and melt me. His music was part of my life growing up and I still love listening to it. Does Journey know what a mistake they made moving on without him??? Like Julia Roberts says in “Pretty Woman, Big Mistake, Big, Big, Mistake.” Ha, well all I can do is been the optimist that I am and hopefully see him again performing in public and sharing his beautiful voice with us again…..
Steve you are still as attractive as ever and your music never gets old or goes out of style. You are a classic. When is the new cd being released? I heard about that one. Honey, you’ve got it all and we need you. Take care, Dear.
steve
first, s cuse my english…i just want to say your voice is like no one else so hot and you are a verry nice man (still today)
grrrrr…why i am not born in the sixties in california….i just dream…
It was Steve Perry by personal choice who did not want to continue with Journey. Journey waited for him but he does not want to tour anymore for some reasons.
nuKnuK
I hate to side with you but here is the real truth about Perry and Journey. This is taken from Wikipedia.
Journey’s classic 1981-85 lineup reunited in 1996 to record Trial by Fire. The album was a small success, entering the Billboard charts at #3 and going Platinum before year’s end, but its triumph was short-lived. Before the Trial By Fire tour could begin, Perry suffered a hip injury while hiking in Hawaii and was unable to perform. Perry was diagnosed with a degenerative bone condition and a hip replacement would be required. Reluctant to rush into surgery, Perry wished to postpone the tour. Due to the long wait between the album’s release and the tour’s postponed kick-off date, as well as the absence of Journey’s iconic frontman, Journey fans were losing hope for the band’s future.
The remaining members of Journey waited until 1998, nearly 17 months after Perry’s injury, before making a decision on its future. Growing impatient and realizing the window of opportunity was closing to follow up the success of the Platinum-selling Trial By Fire LP with a world tour, Journey members Jonathan Cain and Neal Schon met with Perry and presented an ultimatum that he either undergo hip replacement surgery so the tour could proceed upon his recovery or a replacement singer would be hired[3]. Perry, still hesitant to undergo surgery and now apparently upset at his bandmates’ intractability and their meddling in personal health decisions, decided to part ways with Journey. Without a lineup for any Trial by Fire tour, the band knew they had to replace Perry with a dynamic high tenor, which fortunately, they were able to do when they found their new vocalist, Steve Augeri of Tall Stories, and nearly two years after the album’s initial release, Journey began its long-postponed tour.
Sorry but Wikepidea has it wrong.
I love Steve Perry! Journey is DEFINITELY NOT the same without him. His immaculate voice makes me want to cry. It makes me feel warm inside. I hope he makes another record soon. I hope to meet him one day and see him in concert. I’ve always loved Journey, but recently it just clicked in my head that this band (Steve Perry era) was absolutely amazing and it’s changed my life. I hope Mr. Perry is happy doing whatever he’s doing now. I miss him! It doesn’t hurt that he’s one hot 60 year old. So HOT!
I believe Steve is a very sensitive soul and it hurts me to see sorrow in his eyes nowadays…He knows his voice is not the same,and will never return to that level of excelence.Its OK for us,but is heavy for him…Well,as a gifted artist,he is not like everyone else… I´m a huge fan. Simply love the man. *Steve,não se preocupe,sua voz está dentro do coração de seus fãs no mundo todo.
*Steve,don´t worry,your voice is inside your fans hearts all over the world.
*Love*
Steve Perry was Journey, and Journey isn’t Journey w/out Steve P.
I saw Journey in High School, and fell head over heels w/ the man and his beautiful voice! I guess I still am?!
Anyhow, in my adult years, have seen Journey and the “man who can do SP to a T?” LOL NOT! Journey will never be what it once was-since Steve Perry left.. He was Journey!
I respect his privacy-and his desires to lead a private life…however I would love to see him come back as so many millions of other people. It’s his voice you will never forget! It breaks my heart to see that era of SP with Journey is over!
My nephew moved to OR many years ago, and was neighbors w/ Journeys drummer DC.. They became friends and there was a bet w/ the two-that I could not tell the difference between Steve P and the Steve A.. Well I was able to say “sorry guys-that is NOT Steve P singing that one..” That goes to show anyone-Steve Perry’s voice is one in a million-and no matter how hard you try-you will never hold his tune!
SP-where ever your heart takes you in life…remember this-you are greatly loved by so many and I long to hear your voice again! Wishing you much happiness!
I meant that in general, nothing against you. I just think that he is very private and I’m sure that he’s made a lot of fake friends and met alot of bad women over the years. People probably wanted to use him for his money. The world is cruel. Maybe he just has had it with that and finding someone to trust. He might not want to the hassle of trying to build another relationship and getting hurt. Considering that he has to be wealthy and Herbie Herbert did invest Journey’s money well; to make sure that they were all taken care of for life back in the 80’s, maybe Steve just didn’t want the hassle of another heartache and a woman bleeding him of all he worked hard for. The divorce rate has gotten so high. I did hear that he is very private and kind hearted. So, maybe he just keeps people in his personal life out of the public eye out of respect. I think that’s really admirable and I’d go for him even though he’s nearly twice my age. He’s as attractive as he always was these days and they say that he is genuinely kind. What woman doesn’t want a sincerely kind guy? Cuteness helps too. lol
When is Steve’s new cd coming out and where does he go, besides baseball games? Wish he’d get out more and give the fans more pictures too see.
Diane,
It is coming out February 2010. Check Myspace there is a woman on there who’s name escapes me that must know him because she posts pictures of him on there all the time. If I remember her name I will post on here…Oh it is perryswoman, I think.
M
did you ever confirm if there’s a perryswoman on myspace? i too belong to the myspace steve perry sisterhood and don’t find her. please let me know if you found her
Sorry, no I didn’t. I know she is on there somewhere though.
I love reading all the praise about Mr. Steve. I was in 9th grade when I bought Evolution and from that point on I was (embarrassingly) obsessed with SP. I was known all through high school for being obsessed with him and wrote his name and the band name Journey on every desk I sat in. The boys hated that. Maybe they were jealous. 😉 I am 16 years younger than SP and wanted very, very much to be his jellyroll sweet!
He used his vocal chords so much from the late 70’s until (I think) 1986 that the abuse they took most likely has changed his vocal range and he has probably lost the buttery smoothness his voice had that everyone remembers.
He went out on top and maybe that’s how he wants to be remembered. I can see why he wouldn’t want to make a comeback, if indeed this is the reason he hasn’t done anything new, as his voice will more than likely never quite be the same. Sadly, Journey will never be the same w/o him as none of the replacement singers that have attempted to emulate him have been successful. There is only one Steve Perry, and he has had an impact on many lives, most definitely mine!
Love you tons Steve, and still think about you much!
Kisses~
I fans #1 the journey and you perry I LOVE YOU JOURNEY AND PERRY
What do you expect? The crap they play now a days makes me want to vomit. What shame, where are those days.
Retro,
I actually like music that is out now. Not all of it but I love John Mayer, Pussycat Dolls and Pink.
M
STEVE MARRY ME… PLEASE…I LOVE YOU SO MUCH…AND YOUR VOICE IS REALY WONDERFUL…PLEASE PERRY MARRY ME… I HEAR YOUR VOICE NI MY MIND…I SEE YOUR FACE I N MY DREAMS… I CAN SAY YOU BEATIFUL THINGS YOU ONLY NEE TO BE WITH ME…
DO YOU WOULD LIKE MARRY ME?… I`LL SEND YOU A PHOTOGRAP…
Have loved listening to Steve Perry sing since I first heard the Escape album – can listen to him 24/7 after all these years – he has a song for my every mood.
Going back to Don’t Stop Believin’, Open Arms, etc being cheesy – has anyone done a count on how many tv series and movies these songs have been in (whether by Journey or someone else)?
Oh Sherrie is still played quite regularly on the radio here in Western Australia – Journey tracks are very rare. Don’t think they achieved the chart success here that other bands have – would have loved to have seen Steve perform live but guess I was born in the wrong place, wrong time – though thanks to technology I can see now what I missed out on.
I took my two girls to a Blink 182, Fall Out Boy, Panic at the Disco Concert on August 5th at the Hershey Park Stadium (which by the way was very good, even though it rained almost the whole concert, they enjoyed themselves). Since this was a last minute decision, I bought the tickets at the door and our seats were in the last section back. Anyway, half way through the Fall Out Boy preformance, they brought out a singer and said that everyone should know this song, and the singer started singing, Don’t stop Believing. We were so far back that I couldn’t make out the face and everyone was singing so loud I could not hear the voice. My girls swore it was Steve Perry–Does anyone know if it was indeed Steve Perry and if not, who was singing–It was not one of the Fall Out Boy band members since the singer was wearing a white shirt and the Fall Out Boy all had on black. I was hoping that someone would know for sure if it was Steve — I am a huge fan of his and tried to attend as many of Journey’s concert as I could in the eighties. Hopefully someone out there will know for sure!!
S Simmons,
Not sure who it was but would be great to know it was him. He has done some back up for Red Hot Chili Peppers so who knows. Anyone out there that can confirm this information? I would try typing it in Google and seeing what comes up.
M
Doesn’t seem likely-for one thing, he is always, always in recent years wearing black t-shirts, not white. Also, Hershey, PA seems like a strange venue for him to just show up and sing a single song. The fact that they said that you would recognize the song, and not the singer-I think since he hasn’t done a live concert since the 1990’s that there would have been a HUGE deal made of it in both the concert AND the Harrisburg/Philadelphia papers. I live in Philadelphia PA, get the paper daily, watch TV locally, and have heard absolutely nothing about Perry-so, unfortunately I doubt that it was him. Would seem more likely that he might try out NEW music at a small club or venue somewhere, or sing a duet with someone that he has produced tracks for, like David Pack or Guff than to do Don’t Stop Believin’ anonymously.
Ssimmons-are you sure you don’t mean August 12th? There was no concert with these people in Hershey on August 5th, according to both the Fall Out Boy tour schedule and the Harrisburg Patriot News. Don’t stop believin wasn’t in their published play list. Also, the Harrisburg Patriot News on August 13 talked about 98 drunk and disorderly charges at the concert, but no mention of a surprise visit by Perry. Considering he has been in the news alot this summer relating to Don’t Stop Believin being played at Dodgers games, I think they would have picked up on his presence-would have been big news for that paper and the Harrisburg bureau of the PHiladelphia Inquirer and local TV stations.
I think you saw a tribute cover…
Awe man,you guys are makin me cry here! I swear it.Reading all the lover here just rips me up.I love Steve sooo much,and I miss him every time I hear Journey,or one of his solo songs like “Foolish Heart”.God,he’s just,..his voice is as close to the word Divine as I can find.Right now,I have my MySpace music open,listening to this song,and it breaks my heart to know he will never be back.Yet,I wish him all the happiness I can send in my heart.He deserves it.Journey wont be remembered for their fake Steve(and I saw him).He was tryin so much to bve Steve,the hair,his movements,etc.I hated it,and I was embarrassed for the band. The only thing they will be remembered for is being Steve Perry’s back up band.
Crumbs,I gotta go,cos I got tears in my eyes and cant type right.Lol.
shiloh..I feel ur pain…I have been in love w/ this angelic voice all these years.Just to think he probably will never sing to us ever again is such a heartbreaking ‘finality’.I guess we just have to enjoy all the music he has given us all these years…he indeed left us w/ such an ‘unforgettable legacy’……
There were reports that the fake Steve (Augeri) they tried to foist on the public instead of Perry, really wasn’t singing half the time-that there were tapes and he supposedly was caught lip syncing during what was supposed to be live concerts-see the 2007 Herbie Herbert Interview where this was supposedly discovered during some concert in Sweden, or by a Swedish blogger, or something-don’t remember the scenario exactly.
Wordm-the drug bit bothers me. One thing I have NEVER heard mentioned with him is drugs-and I’ll tell you why I don’t believe that-because A. he was, by his own admission, almost phobic about his voice and worked in every way to protect it, and B. H. Herbert, the manager, who admits to hating him and trashes him unmercifully in every interview, talks about Valory and Schon being heavily involved in drugs, but says that as the frontman, they were doing things like that, and womanizing that Perry couldn’t or wouldn’t do (paraphrasing the interview). Even though Perry is a class act and never trashes them-only says there were personal differences at times, they (Schon/Herbert, and to a lesser degree Cain), never let up on Perry. My point is, if Herbert thought he could make a drug charge stick, he would have thrown that mud in both those long interviews in 2001 and 2007. Therefore, I don’t believe the drug stuff for a minute. Also, the paparazzi, with all the recent hype about Don’t Stop Believin’, would have ferreted that stuff out by now. I’ve tried to read everything I can get my hands on, and I have never heard one hint of scandal in that regard.
By any chance did you ao anyone here save that Castles Burning interview of Herbert’s?
No I didn’t see it, where was it published?
It was called Castles Burning from 2001. I saw it online but don’t know where. It has since been taken down. If you Google the title you can find bits of it, mostly on the Melodic Rock website in the forum section. I wish I saved it.
I am not sure this is it but let me know:
http://www.melodicrock.com/interviews/herbieherbert.html
No, that’s not it. That interview you posted the link for was done by Andrew at Melodic Rock in 2008. Castles Burning was done years before by someone else and has since been taken down. I have found part of it on the MR forum which a fan posted but not the whole thing.
Yes I realize that now. From what I can tell by the forums is that the interview was done in 2001 (I think September) by livin2do. I joined the melodic rock site but am waiting to be approved. There is a forum that Livin2do started about Journey and the switch to Arnel Pineda, it mentions the article in it.
I don’t think that was it. I am still searching. You are right, it is really hard to find. Found some sites that list a link from geocities but it no longer exists.
Hi Shiloh, We all love Steve Perry and I know that when I listen too, When You Love A woman and When I think Of You I cry right after I come out of my trance. He captures my heart and leaves me in a dream like state that I never want to come out of. When he sings his beautiful songs its like he wrote them and is singing them just for me. No singer has more passion or heartfelt emotion when they sing then Mr Perry. I have nothing against Arnel, he just does not capture any of that for me!!! Steve Perry is a once in a lifetime!!!
Where do i start?, the music list that the site you listed has up, some of them are just plain bad artists, you cant put debbie gibson, new kids on the block and journey in the same boat. The author of that list is just using the word cheesy in place of sappy or mushy, meaning tear jerkers or just very good love songs. Steve Perry sings in his home, he sings alone and possibly in front of a few friends. Thats what he likes to do, thats how it started. Singing in public requires that he “desire” to be an entertainer, he doesn’t have that in him, however, he does love to sing and he does.
Steve, shoot me an email sometime, loved your voice, thank you for sharing as much of it as you did
jesse
Scripteaze,
I am not sure what site you are referring to. I only listed entertainment weekly. I personally did not agree with Journey being in the cheesiest catagory and even stated that in my blog.
As for Perry liking to sing alone or in front of friends/family…well he will be coming out with an album next year and most likely will tour so I am not sure about that. He also performed when with Journey for a long time, as well as touring when he put out his solo albums. He has stated in interviews that he misses this.
M
one more if possible or please add this to the post above.
the new journey has asked the public to “settle” and they have, they have no choice but to settle. This new journey or no journey.
The new journey is like eating generic ice cream, sure tastes good, but lets face it, its not ben n jerry’s
i too have seen the new journey arnel cannot hit those high notes. at one point he dropped his mic purposely the drummer took over the high note. what a fake. i agree the new journey is generic. try replacing mick jagger w/the stones. van halen tried it w/ david lee roth, they found out it wasn’t the same so he’s back. i couldn’t imagine in the sixties the beatles replacing john. no theres only one voice for journey its steve perry. you may say there was a journey before steve, but people only knew of journey after steve. they had chart hits only after steve joined them. enough said!
I haven’t seen Journey in concert since Steve was a part of the band. I haven’t bought any of the new albums either.
Journey was a band before he came along, just a different type of band.
M
There is no longer a Journey. Only “Neal and his Amazing Mocking Bird”. The mocking bird is not very amazing at that. Steve’s the best!
Would it really be right to have Steve back in the band? After so much time and so much stuff between the band and him. I am excited that he will be coming out with new music and moving forward.
M
You rock Matt!
steve is the only person to know the best thing for his own life..
Queddy,
I agree. I just think that he is loved so much that people hope and pray for him to come and share his wonderful voice once again.
Steve Perry is doing movies now. He was even in some TV shows not long ago.
Really? do you have any ideas what tv shows or what movies. I would love to see this. I saw him with the baseball team whose theme song was Don’t Stop Believing. He came and sang it with them but other than that, this is the first I have heard of him being in tv and movies.
Yeah I wish he would get back into music too-he’s been my childhood idol and hero since I was 7 years old-29 long years now-since 1981,but he’s also 61 years old(his birthday is 3 days after mine-mine is January 19th). He’s of that age where he’s getting old-…er(sorry-lol),and he spent most of his life doing the music thing and now I’m just sure he wants to relax and maintain a normal life and not the 3 ring circus he was living. He’s been my musical inspiration-as I am an aspiring singer and you may as well say he wrote the soundtrack to my life-both in his Journey days and during his solo work and when I sing I draw on his musical style.
This is what I kind of picture with Steve and how he may be living and I could be wrong,but knowing how he is and what a private person he is I picture him living someplace in Northern California-way out in either the country or way up in the mountains as far from civillization as 1 could possibly get and doesn’t leave the house unless it’s absolutely necessary or unless he’s really really bored.
I feel he may live alone with not even any pets in a huge house that he doesn’t really need as he doesn’t have a family to raise it in,does all of his own cooking,cleaning,gardening and stuff like that and very much a homebody or a hermit and is enjoying just being able to live a normal life in complete anonymity and privacy and his isolation and seclusion,being able to do his own thing. I feel he doesn’t even really like it if company shows up unannounced. I also do feel that from time to time he will go to breakfast with friends. I feel he’s an early to bed,early to rise kind of guy that is up before the crack of dawn and a guy that loves the outdoors-doing stuff on his property and he loves to be able to kick back and watch Monday Night Football on T.v. sucking down a cold beer.
I also feel that as Steve once said in an interview-he won’t write or perform if he doesn’t have anything to say and he may or may not be working on an album-which if he is cool, if not-he obviously has come up dry and doesn’t have anything to say. I do also feel-he may have a recording studio in his house which if he is making an album-this is where most of the work on it is being done. He’s just one of these guys that is kind of enjoying his “golden years”, just living a normal life like we all do. I don’t feel that he has any children he’s not married, and is very single and likes it that way-he likes being alone. I also feel one thing he loves to do as I know from experience as I have an uncle and an aunt whom live in Brazil and speak Portueguese-the portueguese are known for their hearty appetites and they love to cook and I feel that that is one of Steve’s many talents and he’s good at it,even though most of the time he’s only cooking for 1.
Now I don’t know any of this for sure,but I have had dreams about all this and it’s kind of what I have seen in my head and they could be wrong-but just knowing how he is-this is how I feel he’s living and what I feel he may be up to now. Just thought I would share that with you all, see what you guys think. I think it’s quite interesting myself, would love it if I could actually prove or validate it-lol. Anyway-hopefully he is releasing an album and if not-that’s okay too.
Steve Perry’s incredible voice and delivery of any song is to me forever ‘timeless’..he is one of a kind talented artist.He makes any song his very own signature piece that nobody can emulate..he sings w/ so much emotion,it seems to touch you in every angle of your being..I saw this man perform live in Houston in ’81..I was in my late 20’s back then…I am now in my mid-50’s and I am still playing his music almost everyday..I wake up and go to sleep w/ SP singing to me…wishing he will make new album before I do get very senile to enjoy anything…To me SP comes once in a lifetime…he sings like an angel……….Perrygirl 4-evah~
Steve Perry is the most amazing artist! I grew up with him in the 80s and I still listen to him everyday at age 39. In fact, I want to adopt a child in the future and name her “Journey”. Steve Perry is beautiful inside and out and I will always support him. I wonder why he never married, as he seems to be such a wonderful man. I would love for him to come back :-).
Tracy
Hi Steve, since I am a french canadian, my english may not be perfect and I may do a few mistakes here and there, but I’m just doing my best here, and I want to tell you how much I enjoy your voice and all your songs, as a singer in Journey as well as a solo artist.
And, speaking of artistry, I think honestly that you are one of a hell of a good one, and hope that these will get to you and that you will seriously reconsider your decision of not singing or recording again, you should get back in studio and record again. Hey, come on man, get back on your feet again and come back to us your fans, we miss you man, I miss you, miss your talent as a composer and miss your voice as well… I can’t wait to hear some new material from you again and hope to see you live on a stage again, please man, get back to us as soon as possible, you can do it man, you can kick ass as good if not better than you did in the past…
We miss you… we love you… Please come back…
Steve, you are for me the most sensible person in the world and I thank you because of your music I could tolerate the most difficult things in my life as my husband’s infidelity, when I hear don’t stop believe me always full of hope and start again, I know I am a fan more, but thanks for being my prince charming,
BLESSING
HELLEN
Steve wrote a comment on his Greatest Hits solo CD panels that during his never fully released Against The Wall sessions a manager didn’t understand where he was going with his music and his own creation was shelved. From the perspective of an artist, this is extremely discouraging. If some smug executive manager doesn’t appreciate what you’re doing for them, then why give them anything?
Listen very closely to the AOR of the eighties, and the few surviving remnants during the early nineties. Sounds like they were more than singing, sounds like they were trying to warn us about the end of the free world if we don’t stand up and fight the government. All that about lost love must be a metaphor for the American spirit, because…
Look at us now.
Steve Perry was what I recognized as the voice of Journey. I love his beautiful voice and grew up and raised my children to your voice. “Who’s Crying Now?” describes most of my relationships and it is my all time favorite song, I am so insulted by whatever cold-hearted person person called that emotional song cheesy they sound jealous of you and your talent and charisma. you are an excellent, sexy guy and still look so young. I dream of meeting you. I sing along to your music and definitely recognize your crystal clear voice, Journey made a big mistake when they replaced you as the singer because I realized that I am a Steve Perry fan and no longer a Journey fan you were what made the band Journey. Please bring back that beautiful voice and that gorgeous guy, Steve Perry. People do need to respect your privacy also. Bye Steve, I hope to hear a new album soon.
With with all due respect to the many leaving comments on this wonderful Website, and to everyone else because we are obviously intitled to our own opinions.
Steve Perry is a very gifted HUMAN BEING in so many whe ays. He gave his heart and soul in the 9yrs. and 6 mos. he was with Journey. also gave us two awsome solo albums! He is and will forever be “The Voice”. But Steve Perry is like a multi-faucted diamond, he continues to give of himself in so many ways, far to many to mention here!
Steve Perry is a human being, something I’ve not seen mentioned, in all scuttle-but, comments and judgments on his person as well as his personal life. I don’t believe in passing judgement I have no right, and I don’t think anyone else likes it done to them. Yet it continues to happen. Steve Perry is an awsome man let him live his life as he chooses. No judgement, no “assumesons”, let’s be thankfull for all he’s given us, and let the man live his life as he chooses!
Steve Perry is presently taking vocal lessons in O C from Kevin Jones he is now learning to sing with ballz
Some would disagree with you Daniel. I think anyone who has the courage to sing is singing with ballz
I’ve since the early
I’ve been into Journey forever it seems. If anyone were to ask who my favorite singer is…my family and friends would say at the same time STEVE PERRY!!!! LOL I love his voice too and it was cool to find out that he used to work in construction. I don’t like the idea of the new guy taking over and if I”m right..I don’t think he speaks english well. It’s a shame.. no one will ever take Steve Perry’s place…and that’s that. Peace to Ya’ll out there in the Virtual World and 3D World. *smile*
I don’t know how I landed on this page tonight. I was googling for pictures of Steve Perry for FB. I’ve been reading all the comments so I would like to make a few. I listen to Steve Perry almost everyday along with the Eagles, Jackson Browne, Paul McCartney, etc…you know what I mean most singer from that time. I wish Steve Perry want to get back on stage and sing even to smaller crowds such as Tony Bennett does and sells out.
We’ve seen him twice within the last 4 years, what a wonderful evening and sold out. The Eagles are back, their songs like Steve’s are timeless. The Eagles are stilling selling out to huge crowds of 30,000 to 40,0000. People still love their music, brings them back in time when life was….young so to speak. They say and I agree that Steve Perry has the purest of voices, he can hit one of the second highest notes and is one of best of 100 voices of our time. He’s never been married but he does have a girlfriend. I listened to a recent interview and he sounds happy…but, I wish he would still sing. Paul McCartney is almost 70 and look at him, Steve is the same age as the Eagles and they are touring all over. Only he knows why he’s not coming back, but if he does I would go in a heartbeat to listen to the man who had a beautiful head of hair and the purest beautiful voice of our time. He only acknowledges and put posts on a website I believe is call Fancast. He posts a message on his Birthday every year.
We miss you Steve Perry….
Gail
I don’t think that would ever happen, Steve Perry going on tour with Journey again. From interviews I have read or heard him on, he doesn’t want to go back. There have been rumors that he will be coming out with an album and he even said he had been playing around with some tracks but I haven’t seen anything yet…darn it.
STEVE,
I LOVE YOU!!!! AND WOULD ABSOLUTELY DIE AND GO TO HEAVEN IF YOU DID A CONCERT TOUR W/ JOURNEY!!!
you should take vocal lessons if there is a need for you to sound like Taylor Swift or Josh Groban .~-
Well Taylor Swift is pretty good but I don’t think he needs to take singing lessons considering 15 years later people still want to see him create another album and read posts like this one about him. You have a right to your opinion but I disagree.
I can see that you simply are an expert at your field! I am launching a web web-site quickly, and your details will in all probability be rather beneficial for me.. Thanks for all your assist and wishing you all of the success.
Glee,
Definately not an expert. You would be better off going to the Steve Perry website pages to get more concreate information and solid background information
You need to get all of your facts straight. He NEVER has done drug’s and he didn’t injure his hip falling “while on vacation”, He had a degenerate bone disease. I too want Steve back in the studio or to release new music. When he is ready he will. In the mean time don’t stop belivin’ and be faithful to him
I am not sure what you mean’t by Wikipedia has it wrong but this is one of many articles I have found stating that he injured
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/04/24/journey-steve-perry-arnel-pineda_n_1450308.htmlhis hip in an accident.
Sharon,
If you think Steve Perry has never done drugs you are living in a fantasy world. He has admitted to smoking pot and there is no way he didn’t do anything else.
Luv luv Steve voice of an angel