Former Journey Singer Steve Perry Preps ‘Cathartic’ New Solo LP
Former Journey frontman Steve Perry is planning to release a “cathartic” new solo LP in 2017. In a recent interview, the singer described the album, his first in over two decades, as an “emotional expression” of losing a loved one.
“I met someone, and I fell in love with this person,” Perry told ABC Radio. “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.”
The as-yet-untitled record will be Perry’s third proper studio work – and first since 1994’s For the Love of Strange Medicine. The “Oh Sherrie” singer said it’s been “real cathartic” touching on emotions he never expected to revisit. “And we really have been doing our very best to capture what I think are some timeless songs,” he said.
Perry appeared alongside his former Journey bandmates this weekend to accept the band’s induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. There was media speculation that the reclusive singer, who last sang with the band on 1996’s Trial By Fire, would perform with the classic rock hitmakers. But the hyped reunion never happened, and current frontman Arnel Pineda handled vocals.
Perry graciously praised both the band’s music and their years working together. “Aynsley Dunbar, Gregg Rolie, Steve Smith, Neal Schon, Jonathan Cain, Ross Valory. Are you fucking shitting me? Any singer would give his ass for that shit,” he said.
“They played so well. So, I want to thank them for all the music we’ve written. Thank you, Gregg for letting me live at your house to write the Infinity record. Thank you for letting me live at your house, Neal Schon. Thank you so much, Jon, for all the songs that we all have written together. Steve Smith’s amazing drums. Basso profundo, Ross Valory. Alright, guys, I thank you so much for all the music we’ve written and recorded together. It will be forever in my heart.”