Theoretically, Alex Pappademas’ GQ piece on Journey is about the new lead singer, Arnel Pineda, and his rise to stardom, but hands down, the best parts are courtesy Mr. Neal Schon.
Clearly, the relationship between Schon and Steve Perry is closer to that of a extended one-night stand that went on for too long, then ended badly, than one between two dudes who happened to be in a band together for a while.
Example:
In conversation, the members of Journey jokingly refer to Steve Perry as “He Who Cannot Be Named,” like the evil wizard in the Harry Potter books. Later, I ask Schon about this, after reading an interview with their former manager in which it is alleged that Journey are somehow legally enjoined from speaking on the record about Perry.
“Oh, y’know,” Schon says. “There’s no legal issue. We just try not to. I mean, I didn’t say anything inflammatory. I didn’t talk about how he still gets paid like a motherfucker even though he shouldn’t be. It’s stuff like that I’m not allowed to talk about. He sorta just bitches and moans and whines about everything. And he just assumes that every time we bring up his name, that we’re sayin’ bad things.”
When Steve Perry’s name comes up, poor Arnel must slink out of the room. Clearly, there’s some emotional baggage lying around the Journey offices. And Journey’s fans are playing the part of the family members who don’t quite understand why the couple broke up.
I ask people to tell me their Journey stories; I ask people what they think of Pineda. I give out my e-mail address. Within minutes, my in-box fills up with e-mails–angry, passionate e-mails.
I hear from a few thick-and-thin super-fans, from plenty of reasonable people ready to give Arnel a fair shake, and even a few early Pineda converts. But I also hear from people frustrated by the band’s -inability to hold on to a lead singer and from people who resent the band for continuing on at all. But mostly, I hear from people who have not stopped believing in Steve Perry. They compare him to Elvis, John Lennon, Freddie Mercury, and God. They describe the post-Perry band as “a second-class rendition of Journey.” They send me all-caps e-mails–Steve Perry really brings out the caps-lock in people–that begin “IT HAD BEEN BROUGHT TO MY ATTENTION THAT YOU ARE LOOKING TO WRIGHT AN ARTICLE ABOUT WHY JOURNEY IS NO LONGER JOURNEY BUT NOTHING MORE THEN A TRIBUTE BAND TO THE BEST SOFT ROCK BAND EVER.” They send me photomosaics of Steve Perry created out of many, many tiny little pictures of Steve Perry.
On the other hand, Perry’s moved on, and clearly doesn’t have time to keep tabs on Schon.
“I only know that they’ve been through three guys,” he says, “and I’ve never heard any of them. I stay away from it, because it’s really none of my business now. We have children together, which are the songs we wrote, but that’s about all.”
Obviously, Schon and Perry should consider hugging out their difficultie–perhaps on a very special episode of Dr. Phil. Until then, however, enjoy “Foolish Heart”. Oh, Neal and Steve, can’t you hear each others’ hearts calling? You’ve been wrong before. Don’t be wrong anymore.
“Steve Perry really brings out the caps-lock in people.”
That’s gold, Neil. I’ve always been on the fence about Neil since he was such an undeniable gangster in his youth before the unfortunate turn towards weakness with Journey (although I don’t entirely dislike some of his work with Jan Hammer). Actually, “don’t entirely dislike” is the best way to describe my feelings for Neil, which is the highest compliment I can pay a guy responsible for “Wheel In The Sky.”
“They send me photomosaics of Steve Perry created out of many, many tiny little pictures of Steve Perry.” I want one of these more than I can possibly express.
@NeverEnough: seriously! someone had better put these on eBay stat.
@Maura Johnston: I’ve been furiously Googling since and came across: [www.journeyloaded.com] and (are you ready?) [aquila-productions.tripod.com] I know what I’ll be doing the rest of the day.
From the story: “Finally Hugo found his voice. “Steve, you’re the greatest performer ever, at least in my book,” he said. “I consider it an honor to be here in your home, holding you as a friend and a lover. I care too much for you to ever hurt you. I love you too, and not just for what you are. I want to learn how to pleasure you, to make you happy, to be your best friend. You be who and what you want, and I’ll be there to support you. I love you.”"
I have whispered those words to my Steve Perry poster a thousand times…
paging kate!!!!!
@NeverEnough: I just spasmed reading that. Should I thank you, or not?
@Ned Raggett: Shhhh! I’m too busy reading the tale of Hugo and Steve’s love that dare not speak its name to answer you!
@NeverEnough: “Don’t..stop.”
“Any way you want it?”
I heard there’s a secret way to get Steve Perry and Journey back together again, but you have to solve the final puzzle from their 80′s video game to find out. Does anyone have a working Atari 2600 so we can get this in motion?
@Ned Raggett: “Lovin’, Touchin’, Squeezin’”?
@NeverEnough: “And now I come…
To you.”
@NeverEnough:
@Ned Raggett:
Memories remain,
Roses never fade.
Seriously though, Neil Schon is a frickin GREAT guitarist. Ross Valory ain’t half-bad on the bass, either.
@Ned Raggett: Better “to” than “in your left eye”.
Christ, I’ve spent the past 45 minutes reading Steve Perry slash fiction. What the fuck is wring with me? When not having hot man-on-man action with Hugo, Steve Perry talks about Alex, his roadie who has “a condition called Turner’s Syndrome that screwed her up genetically. She’s genetically neither gender. She’s a Pagan, with some very open ideas.” Also, Steve’s mom is terminally ill. Nothing says sexy like mutated genes and the loss of a parent.
@NeverEnough: Run!!! Run from the dark side before it swallows you up!!!
This band hasn’t been the same since Randy Jackson left to be a judge on the Gong show.
@NeverEnough: I couldn’t get very far into the story because this early passage made my head explode:
He couldn’t stand sitting around the house feeling sorry for himself, so he decided to get out and go for a long walk. That sort of thing usually cleared his mind and settled his mood.
He went across the Bridge to the City, parked near Chinatown, and got out. When he tired of walking, there were plenty of good places to eat in the area. He’d chosen this spot deliberately for that very reason, for he loved Chinese food.
@disinterested 3rd party: Don’t deny yourself, son. Embrace of Perry goodness.
For someone who doesn’t talk badly about Steve Perry, Neal sure does alot of bad talking about him. Neal sounds very jealous and bitter in all his interviews. Of course Steve gets money, uh, hello, he wrote and co-wrote most of the hits. He should get money. Lots of money. They would be AMAZING again with Steve. Neal should stop bad mouthing and start kissing but. They were fantastic together, Steve Perry, Neal Schon, Jonathan Cain, Ross Valory and Steve Smith. Steve Perry is a class act who is impossible to follow or replace. FOR ME, Steve was, is and will always be Journey.
Longtime Steve Perry fanatic but Pineda is good, very good!!
Bought Revelation last week and was very impressed. Although they shouldn’t have re-recorded the classics, it was also very good in a different taste than when Perry sang them. IMO, Journey will again be in the ballpark. Peace!
A “marriage of equals” can lead to emotional bankruptcy. Like minds can fall apart. Then again, perhaps Mr. Schon never got to be a one-name wonder like Clapton, Santana, Escovedo and others whom he looked up to and that frustrated him. Perry being a lead singer stole Schon’s thunder from him like lead singers tend to do, they run the show. Took me years before I realized Mike Jackson was actually on stage with his brothers, that is how captivating a performer he was! But, here is the thing, life is SOOOOO short. And those guys are now older. They should understand that when they hurt their fans hurt, so I hope one day before someone dies, they all patch up whatever differences they have and act like they respect the years together that they shared. Their fans respect it. Last thing, check out this crazy woman on YOUTUBE who claims she is going nuts trying to locate the missing Steve Perry. Very funny stuff. Her channel name is Mochabuspasslady. If the Journey guys and Steve Perry could laugh at themselves for one minute, I guarantee they would approve.
I’m like a deer in headlights right now! When I heard about how Neal found Arnel it wasn’t shocking. I didn’t buy the rags to riches story. I figured he probably found success prior to Neil’s call. I know Neal wouldn’t choose a lame singer so I expect dynamic vocals. They’ve always been great!
For the last 30 years I’ve felt that Steve Perry had one of the most beautiful voices, if not THE most beautiful voice. I’ve had the pleasure to see him/them countless times. Steve could sing your “your mama” and it may send you chills. A voice so touching!
I took a second to see how this Arnel sounds. It turned into a whole night of it. I watched every video I could possibly find! I can’t get over it! I can’t find a concert on the Eastern seaboard either, damn it!
Being a Perry fan I understand the naysayers. Isn’t it bizarre how Perry is praised when he doesn’t even sing? When was the last time any of his fans heard him sing? For a couple of years it’s been my opinion that Perry had back surgery, it can make you loose your voice. Why would he just stop singing? If he was is so great, where do we see him? Is he on the radio? How could an elite singer like Perry be so great if he’s not even singing? I have not heard him in more than 10 years!!! Where’s the music?
Perry’s voice was great in concert, but he wasn’t anything more as a performer. IMO a beautiful voice is good enough. But it is nice to see a singer enjoy what he’s doing. We’re talking about Steve Perry, he can sit on the floor and never look up. I know, I know.
Seeing Arnel perform is an eye-opener. Absolutely amazing!!! I thought all the praise came from Asians. So many acolytes, it seemed like Michael Jackson fans just going crazy. I’m not Asian, I don’t know him. I am confident when I say: Steve didn’t sound as good as Arnel when we was a singer!!!
To the people that disapprove of them re-recording new CD’s with Arnel: GO LISTEN TO THIS SINGER!!! YOU WILL CHANGE YOUR MIND….I’D RATHER HAVE THE NEW VOICE!!!! ! PERRY LEFT JOURNEY LONG AGO.
The other guys have been great. No Perry…But this new guy is actually BETTER than Perry. Crap, I never thought I’d say that…
Journey is always great, now they’re just better!
I have been DYING to weigh in on this. 1) Arnel is GOOD. Sure he is, he’s got a good voice. But he also sounds like Steve Perry.
2) Neal sounds like a bitter teenager. GET.OVER.YOURSELF. Stop talking crap about somebody who’s participation in your band has been one of the MAIN reasons for your major success! you wouldn’t still be touring as Journey today if Steve Perry had never graced your presence! I do also want to add that while I am absolutely fuming over his nasty ex-wifey attitude he is a BRILLIANT guitar player. Credit where credit is due.
Why can’t it just be left as you guys don’t get along? No more bad mouthing? How old are you?! REALLY.
I hardly think Journey would have this kind of reneweds success if every singer since Steve hadn’t SOUNDED like Steve! Sure, you guys are making it without him but only because it still sounds like he’s there!
I have nothing against the members of the band aside from Neal’s attitude. But it’s not the same as it was. AND HOW DARE them re-record all of the songs Steve made famous with Arnel! WTF?!?!?! ugh.
The problem was with Steve first he had Ross and Steve Smith fired. I think he did that because he knew that Raised on Radio would be the end for him so why not make as much money for himself by using cheaper paid musician's. Second The Neal and the rest of Band still had there hearts into the band and to have that come to a hault because Steve just wanted to stop. Journey as far as I'm concerend was always a group and one person doesn't make a group. Steve wanted Journey to sit idle untiil he wanted it again and that's not far. Besides if Steve was so great why did he have only two hit's outside of Journey. He is nothing without them. I 'm glad the band moved forward I have enjoyed every show I got to see 3 times with Perry and 4 times with S Augueri and once Arnel Journey rock on. Steve Perry doesn't have it anymore I luve d there music All Of it no matter who singing it. At least I still get to hear and see them live and enjoy it.
your right on the money about Perry
LIKE ALL OTHER PREVIOUS BANDS WHO REALLY MADE IT BIG, BOTH IN THE GOOD TIMES AS WELL AS THE BAD, I BELIEVE JOURNEY WITH NEAL,STEVE PERRY,JONATHAN CAIN,STEVE SMITH, AND ROSS VALORY WOULD BE SUCH A HUGE DRAW NO MATTER WHERE THEY PERFORMED. GUYS, PUT YOUR DIFFERENCES ASIDE,REUNITE,AND HIT THE ROAD, YOU HAVE A FORTUNE WAITING OUT THERE FOR YOU TO COLLECT! OH, IF YOU NEED A MANAGER,CALL ME!
JOURNEY, JOURNEY, JOURNEY! IS THERE A WAY YOU GUYS CAN PUT ASIDE YOUR DIFFERENCES? WITH THE LINE-UP OF NEAL SCHON, STEVE PERRY, JONATHAN CAIN, STEVE SMITH, AND ROSS VALORY YOU SIMPLY CANNOT GO WRONG! THINK OF ALL THE OTHER LEGEND BANDS THAT HAD DIFFERENCES REUNITED AND ARE NOW BACK OUT TOURING AND MAKING IT BIG,YOU GUYS CAN DO THE SAME NO MATTER WHERE YOU WOULD PERFORM, THERE IS A FORTUNE AWAITING YOU GUYS! DIFFERENCES ASIDE, REUNITE, AND HIT THE ROAD! YOUR CONCERTS WILL BE PACKED AND THEN SOME I GURANTEE IT! OH, IF YOU NEED A MANAGER, CALL ME! THERE ARE MILLIONS AWAITING YOUR RETURN TO THE CONCERT STAGE!
Journey was a great band with frontman Gregg Rolie, they released several albums and had a bright future as a Rock band then Journey disapated into a Glam band with Perry (I proudly say I do not own any of the music featuring Perry) Neal and Gregg have both played locally and I am looking forward to Neal's upcoming tour.
Just so you know:
Journey was an American rock band formed in 1973 in San Francisco, California, with former members of Santana. The band included Santana alumni Neal Schon on lead guitar and Gregg Rolie on keyboards and lead vocals. Bassist Ross Valory and Rhythm guitarist George Tickner, both of Frumious Bandersnatch, and drummer Prairie Prince of The Tubes rounded out the groupJourney has been eligible for induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame since 2000, but Gregg Rolie is the only current or former member of Journey who has been inducted — as a member of parent band Santana. Jpourney has been playing together since 1973
No Steve Perry or Randy Jackson here!
Steve Perry came along with his beautiful voice and his songwriting talent and made JOURNEY famous. They were a struggling rock band, and Steve Smith left the band when Steve Perry Did Not come back. He had serious burnout from the constant touring and if you never listened to Steve Perry sing you missed a wonderful experience. Are you that stubborn or just plain ignorant???
They were all great musicians and Neil Schon needs to quit badmouthing Steve Perry because if Journey wasn't using the songs that Steve Perry wrote and sang and helped make famous he wouldn't be getting paid now would he? Journey of the Steve Perry time will always be Journey to me and alot of other fans.
No one can sing Steve Perry except the voice of the real Steve Perry, and I can tell if it is him singing with Journey by the first note. Steve asked Neal to use another name besides Journey, but Neal wouldn't, so of course STEVE GETS PAID FOR EVERY SONG HE WROTE. Whatever their differences were I agree with you 100 %, Neal needs to grow up and stop badmouthing Steve Perry. Steve Perry has an awesome voice and no one can deny that fact. He is my favorite singer with unbelievable range and a beautiful voice.
IT GOES BOTH WAYS until Steve Perry came along I never heard of Journey, and who told you that Steve had Ross and Steve Smith fired, Steve Smith quit when Steve Perry was ousted by Neal. Journey is now using a singer Arnel who is IMIITATING Steve Perry's voice, so how original is the new Journey???? Get real!!! It is a shame that they can't put aside their differences and come together as the real Journey of the 70's and 80's and early 90's that their fans all knew and loved.
Read Herbie Herbert (ex-manager)’s interview. Steve did have Smith and Vallory fired.
Granted Neal is a gifted guitar player, as Van Halen, Eric Clapton, etc. , but there is only one Steve Perry, unique voice and quality incomprable. Journey never made it on there own. They needed Steve. Steve for sure woud have made it without Journey, not so sure Journey would have made it without Steve.
Steve is a classy guy and does not have an inflated ego, but he knows his worth. Neal has no respect for Steve or singers, shown by his cavalier ways of just throwing another singer in the mix, like Arnel, who is just an imitator at best. If we cant have Steve will just go buy another one to sing like him. I think its time for journey to put it to rest. or back to their rock fusion that didnt seem to be working for them. Steve moved on a long time ago , to the girl Susie who posted, for them to put aside their differences and return to the original journey, get real, life goes on. There is too much time and distance between them. Steve has written some beautiful songs since then, his “For the love of Strange Medicine cd, is far superior then the stuff of journey, and far more mature, yes those songs were amazing, but now is a different time. Steve has grown artistically, the Journey band members are stuck in a time zone.
I can’t quite understand on the infighting with Journey. Goes to show that talented people maybe can’t always get along with each other. I rather like the new Journey with Pineda. I think Perry was a gifted singer of course, but the songs live on anyway. Hope the guys get over the pettiness and we can love the music for what it is — damn great!
Maqui berry is a special berry, which is deep purple in color, grows in remote region of Patagonia. This region located in southern South America and it is one of the most unpolluted places on earth.
That’s laughable.Steve Perry forever!!!!!!
Steve didn’t “just leave” as some have stated on here. He had a hip injury where surgery was suggested. He wasn’t too keen on the idea at that time. A tour was coming up and Neal tried to strong-arm him into getting the surgery. He gave Steve an ultimatum and Steve just wasn’t ready for the surgery although he was in a lot of pain. As someone previously said, all other lead singers that Neal picked after Steve had a very similar vocal sound. So what does that say? Neal knew who brought the fame, money and success to Journey. Neal is bashing Steve for collecting royalties for all the songs Steve co-wrote and that all the copy cat lead singers have continued to perform and the New Journey has re-recorded. Steve should get royalties for what they are trying to re-gain fame on. Neal is just an elderly cry baby now. (He should listen to his background vocals from one of the recent live performances.) If the shoe was on the other foot, I just bet Neal would want the same thing, be compensated for the work he did for someone else to ride on now!
I think Steve Perry is THE VOICE of ROCK. I would give anything to hear Perry sing again.
I agree with you 100%…
lol Just too funny. your highest compliment and he didnt even write Wheel in the sky.Diane Valory did.lol
So you read those too. I will always feel that Neal and Steve had one hell of an affair. And yet, Perry apologizes in Anyway. Did he really undergo hip replacement, or did he just disappear, feeling washed up and exhausted? I think their story runs deep with emotion they both won’t come to terms with, at least not publicly, and in this day and age – that’s the sad part. I’ve always wondered if Augeri and Arnel have spoken to Perry despite his maintaining otherwise. Augeri and Perry flanked Neal at the Hall of Fame induction. Seems improbable that Perry would snub Augeri. (I loved the one written about the two of them. Hot but most likely fiction. Then again … I even wonder about Herbie Herbert and Perry.)
Maybe Neal had an affair with Steve. Are you kidding me? You’re crazy. Steve is straighter than a stick. Give me a break. Neal is jealous because we as fans of Journey are still talking about Steve even though he is not singing a note. Neal has been jealous of Steve for a long time and he knows who brought the success and he can’t handle it that Steve isn’t his cash cow anymore. Steve will be having an album this year and you can bet if he gets to do any shows he will continue to sing a lot of the songs from Journey because he is synonymous with Journey. His voice is the best ever! Fans still love Steve because they care so much about his legacy with Journey and without. He is the ultimate showman even though so some say otherwise. People came to see him in his own tour and Neal could never get a tour by himself because nobody really wants to see him they want to see Steve in the worst way. Steve has never bad mouthed Neal and the other guys and he deserves respect from Neal not arrogance.
YES YES YES!!!!
Who Care’s? Steve sang it and made it what it is!!
They weren’t no good then either!!
That last one was a reply to the 1973 thing.
Say �thanks� you to your mother and father that they gave you the planet
Can anyone ever spell Neal’s name correctly?