Inductee Steve Perry of Journey speaks onstage at the 32nd Annual Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame Induction Ceremony at Barclays Center on April 7, 2017 in New York City. The event will broadcast on HBO Saturday, April 29, 2017 at 8:00 pm ET/PT (Photo by Theo Wargo/WireImage for Rock and Roll Hall of Fame)
Former Journey frontman Steve Perry disappointed many fans when he passed on singing with the band on April 7, 2017, when it was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall. Some even wondered in various online forums whether Perry would ever sing again—it’s been 23 years since he released his third, and most recent, solo album, For The Love of Strange Medicine.
It turns out he prefers to look ahead, not backward. Perry has announced that he will release a new solo album later this year. He did not reveal the title but disclosed to ABC Radio that making it has been a “cathartic” experience. “I met someone and I fell in love with this person,” he told the radio network. “And I lost this person to breast cancer four years ago. In the midst of that, I had written some songs, and before I met her I had sketched some. And so about a year ago, I started recording.
“Basically, the record is an emotional expression, and a reason to make one,” he continued. “It’s been a real cathartic experience going back to that emotional place that I thought I would never go back to. And we really have been doing our very best to capture what I think are some timeless songs.”
At the induction ceremony, Perry used his time at the microphone to thank all of the other members, including Arnel Pineda, the band’s current singer. The band, sans Perry, performed the Journey hits “Separate Ways (World’s Apart),” “Lights” and “Don’t Stop Believin’.”
Related: Steve Perry shares stage with Journey at Rock Hall induction
Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin'” 45 picture sleeve (Perry is second from right)
At the induction, Perry also thanked the band’s fans. “You are the one who put us here,” he said. “You are the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. You put us here. We would not be here had it not been for you. At the highest level and consistent devotion, you never have stopped. And from my heart, I must tell you…I’ve been gone a long time, I understand that and I want you to know you’ve never not been in my heart. I want you to know that. And I love each and every one of you. Thank you so very much!”
Perry last appeared with Journey at their Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony on January 24, 2005.
Watch Steve Perry’s acceptance speech from the Rock Hall induction ceremony
3 Comments so far
Jump into a conversationYou looked and sounded great,Steve. Congrats and you soooo deserved the honor. I can’t wait for the new album. YOU will always be Journey to me!!!!!
There’s no replacing the best Journey singer ever – Steve Perry
I am so pleased for you to make more music, that you love so much, it’s in your blood wish you all the best, I will be waiting for it to come out, Steve Perry album not journey’s.
Yes were a great band but people need to get past it and move on.
I for one will be looking forward to hearing a Steve Perry album.