Schon, on Twitter, kind of sounded a bit pissed and discouraged about the RS interview. I think he truly does want a friendship with Perry, but I'm sure in the back of his mind, he also wants a musical relationship with Perry as well. I think Perry might still see Schon as one who wants to take an opportunity to ride the coattails (no pun intended) if Perry's venture with this album turns out to be very successful. Schon realizes that this version of Journey is over, and what better time to get with Perry than now?
Perry does need to realize that Schon's life revolves around music. That's all he's ever known, even at a very early age. Perry has allowed himself to live a, somewhat, normal life for the past 20 years and reconnecting with how life away from the limelight can be. Steve doesn't need the music business as much as Schon needs it. So, he seeks friendships in his life, now, that is actually built upon things that don't make money or fame. I think Schon wants that friendship with Perry, if only that eventually, down the road, it might lead to them collaborating musically again.
It's kind of like when you break up with a girlfriend, and you've missed her and want her back, but she's fine without you. You're so desperate to be around her again, that you convince yourself that you can just be "friends" with her, you don't have to get back together with her, but you just need her around in your life. And, there's always something in the back of your mind saying if she's still in your life in that capacity, eventually things will get serious again.
I can picture Schon being like, "Hey dude, want to go shoot hoops or something? Maybe go check out the titty bar? We can do whatever, doesn't have to be anything about music. Hey, would you mind listening to this riff I worked on today? Just for a second. Won't take long!"
