The iconic anthem “Don’t Stop Believin'” by Journey recently cemented its legendary status, being declared the “Biggest Song of All Time” by Forbes. This monumental recognition naturally brings the spotlight back to the voice that powered the song and countless other hits: Steve Perry. For fans wondering, Where Is Steve Perry Now? While he may no longer be fronting Journey, the celebrated vocalist has been far from silent, embarking on his solo journey and hinting at exciting new horizons.
Steve Perry’s Emotional Response to “Don’t Stop Believin'” Milestone
Upon hearing the news of Journey’s 18-times-platinum certified hit achieving the ultimate accolade, Steve Perry shared a deeply emotional response. He expressed being “emotionally stunned” and took to social media to articulate his feelings. In a heartfelt post, Perry reflected on his parents, attributing the song’s success to their musical influence and support. He touchingly stated, “My dad was a singer and both of them were very musical. So on behalf of my Mom and Dad, I thank every one of you for so many years of support.” This poignant reaction underscores the deep personal connection Perry maintains with the music he created decades ago and the enduring impact of “Don’t Stop Believin'”.
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While now a global karaoke staple and sports arena anthem, “Don’t Stop Believin'” wasn’t an immediate radio sensation in the early 1980s. Despite its instant appeal to live audiences, radio airplay was initially limited. Released in 1981 on Journey’s seventh studio album, the song was quickly lauded by critics as a “perfect rock song,” but its journey to becoming the “Biggest Song of All Time” was a slow burn fueled by its undeniable resonance with listeners across generations.
Photo of Steve Perry with Journey bandmates Neal Schon, Ross Valory, Steve Smith, and Gregg Rolie, circa 1980s
Reflecting on the song’s powerful lyrics, Perry once explained, “The lyric is a strong lyric about not giving up, but it’s also about being young, it’s also about hanging out, not giving up and looking for that emotion hiding somewhere in the dark that we’re all looking for. It’s about having hope and not quitting when things get tough, because I’m telling you things get tough for everybody.” This message of resilience and hope continues to resonate, contributing to the song’s timeless appeal.
Journey Days and Departure
Steve Perry’s powerful vocals were synonymous with Journey during their most commercially successful periods. He first joined in 1977 and fronted the band through their golden era until 1987, and then again for a reunion from 1995 to 1998. His departure from Journey was attributed, in part, to a feeling of lost passion for singing and struggles with the rock and roll lifestyle. However, Perry’s exit from the band did not signify the end of his musical journey.
Solo Career and New Music
Far from retiring from music, Steve Perry has maintained a solo career, releasing several albums over the years. His solo discography includes 1994’s For the Love of Strange Medicine, 2018’s critically acclaimed Traces (and its 2020 alternate version, Traces Alternate Versions & Rarities), and 2021’s holiday album, The Season. While these albums were celebrated by fans and critics alike, Perry notably did not tour in support of these releases.
However, recent developments indicate a renewed energy and passion for his music. In May of this year, Perry announced that he has signed with a new record label, signaling an exciting new chapter in his solo career. He also recently collaborated with the band The Effect, lending his iconic vocals to their rendition of Journey’s “It Could Have Been You.”
Steve Perry watching a baseball game in Los Angeles, California, 2009
Perry himself has expressed enthusiasm about this new phase, stating, “I just signed with a new label. I’m very excited about it, and I’ll have an opportunity very soon to work with these very, very musically creative people. I’ll probably announce who I signed with very soon. That’s about as much as I can say, but I’m excited about that, and I am working on stuff.” This news has ignited anticipation among fans eager for new music from the legendary vocalist.
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Touring and Future Prospects
The question of touring has long been on the minds of Steve Perry’s fans. Addressing this, Perry has openly discussed the reasons behind his absence from the touring circuit. He candidly admitted, “Well, it’s a long story. Uncle Steve is up in age, and everybody at this age has some aches and pains and things like that. But it’s a really good question that I’ve been asking myself too.” He further elaborated on a “soulful reclaiming” of his original passion for singing, suggesting a desire to reconnect with the core reasons he loves music before returning to the stage. Importantly, Perry also expressed that touring is “something that I’m absolutely missing terribly. I can’t even tell you how much,” and acknowledged it as his “dream to tour once again,” offering a glimmer of hope for fans yearning to see him perform live.
Personal Life
While Steve Perry remains a public figure in the music world, he maintains a very private personal life. He revealed in 2019 that he has a daughter and grandchildren but prefers to keep details about his family private. This desire for privacy underscores his focus on his music and professional endeavors, while keeping his personal life out of the public eye.
In conclusion, Steve Perry is now actively engaged in his solo career, having signed with a new label and working on new music. While touring remains a question mark, his recent statements suggest it’s a possibility he is considering for the future. Even as Journey continues to tour with a new frontman, Steve Perry’s legacy as their iconic voice endures, and his solo work promises to continue captivating audiences for years to come. Fans can eagerly anticipate announcements regarding his new label and upcoming musical projects, keeping the hope alive that they might once again witness the legendary Steve Perry grace the stage.
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