Steve Perry Interview Online

by **swataz** » Sat Oct 29, 2011 8:05 am

That interview totally blew away my expectations.

I'll echo what others have said here and say that this was THE most insightful interview I have ever read about Mr. Perry.

Fantastic job, Andrew. Absolutely fantastic.

by **TRAGChick** » Sat Oct 29, 2011 8:39 am

An ABSOLUTE STUNNER of an interview! WOW!!! \~/

I can so relate about the depression...that took a lot of courage to mention and I give him kudos for doing so.

On a lighter note:

Sorry, Steve ~ I really don't think it's possible for you to "suck" :lol:

You "sucking" would most likely be a LOT BETTER than somebody else's best! :lol:

by **Andrew** » Sat Oct 29, 2011 9:12 am

RedWingFan wrote:
slucero wrote:GREAT interview Andrew...

I love the part when he talked about "Anyway".... I think most hardcore fans knew that was about the band... the lyrics are so obvious...

Perry really sounds like he's in a good place...

Well done!

Yeah, I was stunned when Andrew said he didn't know what it was about. It's so blatant.

It was 4am....in hindsight of course I knew!

by **annie89509** » Sat Oct 29, 2011 9:18 am

Andrew wrote:
RedWingFan wrote:
slucero wrote:GREAT interview Andrew...

I love the part when he talked about "Anyway".... I think most hardcore fans knew that was about the band... the lyrics are so obvious...

Perry really sounds like he's in a good place...

Well done!

Yeah, I was stunned when Andrew said he didn't know what it was about. It's so blatant.

It was 4am....in hindsight of course I knew!

Haha, I had to do a double-take on that, too. I think Andrew just wants to keep Steve talking... :lol:

by **perrylover52** » Sat Oct 29, 2011 9:21 am

Great interview Andrew. I know I've been waiting for something like this for years. Glad he opened up for you. Great job. Ditto on what has been already posted.

by **ForceInfinity** » Sat Oct 29, 2011 10:31 am

The big takeaway I got was reading about how how Trial by Fire (the title track) came together. It was neat just reading that story, and listening to Steve relate some of his ideas from his songs and integrate them into the interview answers. In the end it was both insightful and kind of saddening that these three couldn't somehow work together again, because as a team they wrote some great songs. I hope Steve does find a way to release some new music. There will definitely be an audience for them to be sure...

by **Memorex** » Sat Oct 29, 2011 12:11 pm

ForceInfinity wrote:The big takeaway I got was reading about how how Trial by Fire (the title track) came together. It was neat just reading that story, and listening to Steve relate some of his ideas from his songs and integrate them into the interview answers. In the end it was both insightful and kind of saddening that these three couldn't somehow work together again, because as a team they wrote some great songs. I hope Steve does find a way to release some new music. There will definitely be an audience for them to be sure...

I don't even long for the three - I'd love just hear hear Neal and Steve on something together again.

by **PerryLuvr** » Sat Oct 29, 2011 12:45 pm

That has got to be THE BEST interview, ever! Bravo, Andrew, Bravo!! I loved how you got Steve to really open up and let it all out. I especially loved it when he was telling you about "Anyway" and he said, "absolutely brothers til the end. Though you have your moments and you hate each other, you're joined at the hip because you have a mission. And we had that. We had that spark. We had that goalpost in our hearts, all of us. And it truly was a fire that burned inside us all." I'm an emotional person to begin with, but, oh man, did that remark hit a spot! It just took me back to the time when they were still together, happy (at least as happy as a band can be with each other), putting out awesome music, and giving us their all, in concert. Having had the wonderful opportunity of seeing them in concert a few times back then, they were magic together! It can never be outdone. I guess that is why I haven't been able to go to a Journey concert without Perry. I've seen and heard perfection and I can't listen to anything less.

Thanks Andrew, Lora, and eveyone else involved with setting this interview up! It was awesome! Now, I'm with a few other people on wanting to "hear" the interview too!

by **ForceInfinity** » Sat Oct 29, 2011 6:02 pm

Memorex wrote:
ForceInfinity wrote:The big takeaway I got was reading about how how Trial by Fire (the title track) came together. It was neat just reading that story, and listening to Steve relate some of his ideas from his songs and integrate them into the interview answers. In the end it was both insightful and kind of saddening that these three couldn't somehow work together again, because as a team they wrote some great songs. I hope Steve does find a way to release some new music. There will definitely be an audience for them to be sure...

I don't even long for the three - I'd love just hear hear Neal and Steve on something together again.

I get where you'e coming from there. Some of my favorite tracks are from the Pre-Cain days (and oddly maybe the more obscure tracks) are Winds of March, People and Places, I'm Cryin, Lovin You is Easy, and Destiny

by **Art Vandelay** » Sat Oct 29, 2011 11:36 pm

Andrew - just wanted to say thank you for posting this fantastic interview. It was beautifully done, you should be proud. I'm sure that we all can take what we want from it, just as you said that you would do with his lyrics. I can tell you that it was hands down one of the best interviews conducted that I've ever read. Everyone involved is in a good place....we should all just chill and be happy.

And thanks Cyndy and Lora! You rock.

by **whirlwind** » Sun Oct 30, 2011 8:56 am

At long last and it was certainly worth the wait, Andrew. Now that the interview is over, don't you feel just a bit depressed that this long awaited interview is over? Now that you have climbed this mountain, do you have a taller one that you will strive for or would you say that getting the elusive Perry interview was the peak?

I get the feeling that you and he might just become good friends. You're amazing at what you do.

by **Andrew** » Sun Oct 30, 2011 11:52 am

Thanks for some overwhelmingly amazing feedback. Really truly appreciate all comments.
Will spur me on for more big interviews!

Next? Good question. I suppose I could start bugging Steve for a follow up

And I will continue to bug the shit out of Eddie Van Halen and his people too.

Would live to talk to Mutt Lange (no idea where to find him); David Lee Roth; a few others too.

Nothing planned right now. Will wait and see.

by **Deb** » Sun Oct 30, 2011 1:57 pm

Memorex wrote:
ForceInfinity wrote:The big takeaway I got was reading about how how Trial by Fire (the title track) came together. It was neat just reading that story, and listening to Steve relate some of his ideas from his songs and integrate them into the interview answers. In the end it was both insightful and kind of saddening that these three couldn't somehow work together again, because as a team they wrote some great songs. I hope Steve does find a way to release some new music. There will definitely be an audience for them to be sure...

I don't even long for the three - I'd love just hear hear Neal and Steve on something together again.

Ditto.

by **whirlwind** » Mon Oct 31, 2011 1:55 am

Andrew wrote:Thanks for some overwhelmingly amazing feedback. Really truly appreciate all comments.
Will spur me on for more big interviews!

Next? Good question. I suppose I could start bugging Steve for a follow up

And I will continue to bug the shit out of Eddie Van Halen and his people too.

Would live to talk to Mutt Lange (no idea where to find him); David Lee Roth; a few others too.

Nothing planned right now. Will wait and see.

Come get Perry's "Famous Fifty" demo's and get them to Mutt Lange. How's that for a mountain?

By the looks of what you pulled out of Perry, with your interview, it seems that a Journey reunion, of sorts , might just happen.

Maybe you can get Perry and Lange together at your next years Melodicrock concert.

by **Babyblue** » Mon Oct 31, 2011 7:31 am

I just went back and reread this.It gets better everytime i read it.

by **swataz** » Mon Oct 31, 2011 8:12 am

Memorex wrote:
ForceInfinity wrote:The big takeaway I got was reading about how how Trial by Fire (the title track) came together. It was neat just reading that story, and listening to Steve relate some of his ideas from his songs and integrate them into the interview answers. In the end it was both insightful and kind of saddening that these three couldn't somehow work together again, because as a team they wrote some great songs. I hope Steve does find a way to release some new music. There will definitely be an audience for them to be sure...

I don't even long for the three - I'd love just hear hear Neal and Steve on something together again.

I thought the same thing. I would love an album of semi-acoustic tracks with Perry and Schon. That would be amazing.

by **donnaplease** » Mon Oct 31, 2011 8:50 am

whirlwind wrote:
Andrew wrote:Thanks for some overwhelmingly amazing feedback. Really truly appreciate all comments.
Will spur me on for more big interviews!

Next? Good question. I suppose I could start bugging Steve for a follow up

And I will continue to bug the shit out of Eddie Van Halen and his people too.

Would live to talk to Mutt Lange (no idea where to find him); David Lee Roth; a few others too.

Nothing planned right now. Will wait and see.

Come get Perry's "Famous Fifty" demo's and get them to Mutt Lange. How's that for a mountain?

By the looks of what you pulled out of Perry, with your interview, it seems that a Journey reunion, of sorts , might just happen.

Maybe you can get Perry and Lange together at your next years Melodicrock concert.

Switzerland isn't too big.... that's Mutt's last known address isn't it?

Agree with you WW, he definitely did not close the door on a reunion. That was the most positive I've ever known of him in that regard.

SOOOO happy for you Drew - I can only imagine how great a feeling it was to talk to him. And the fact that he gave you so much extra time - all I can say is WOW!!!

by **maverick218** » Tue Nov 01, 2011 12:15 am

The thing that continues to hit me, is that he still talks so positively about Neal's guitar "voice". The two of them just need to make up, even if they never work together again (but, wouldn't that be sweet?).

by **donnaplease** » Tue Nov 01, 2011 8:50 am

maverick218 wrote:The thing that continues to hit me, is that he still talks so positively about Neal's guitar "voice". The two of them just need to make up, even if they never work together again (but, wouldn't that be sweet?).

Oh I don't know, maybe it's one of those things that they would never have been friends in "real life" if they didn't work together. AMAZING creative chemistry, and even a passion between them (no homo), but when there's no bond to link them, there just isn't anything left. Dunno, just a thought.

Loved the compliments SP gave Neal though. I give him credit for doing that after all the nasty things Neal has said about him publicly. It would be really hard for most of us to do that, I think.

by **Shadowsong** » Tue Nov 01, 2011 6:15 pm

Congrats Andrew,

Great Interview!

Miracles can come true...

:mrgreen:

by **FinnFreak** » Tue Nov 01, 2011 10:10 pm

EXCELLENT Steve Perry interview, Andrew..! - I've enjoyed all Your interviews, but THIS ONE... man..!

Andrew wrote:Would live to talk to Mutt Lange (no idea where to find him)

Mike Shipley could give an informative interview too...

Thanks Again,

John -

by **madsplash** » Tue Nov 01, 2011 11:47 pm

bugsymalone wrote:I bow to the master! First, you interview my fave, Dennis DeYoung and now you get this amazing one from one of my other all-time favorite vocalists!

Beautifully realized and a really interesting read.

Kudos.

Bugsy

Where can I read that interview? Is it here on the site somehwere?

by **Deb** » Tue Nov 01, 2011 11:55 pm

Andrew wrote:Thanks for some overwhelmingly amazing feedback. Really truly appreciate all comments.
Will spur me on for more big interviews!

Next? Good question. I suppose I could start bugging Steve for a follow up

And I will continue to bug the shit out of Eddie Van Halen and his people too.

Would live to talk to Mutt Lange (no idea where to find him); David Lee Roth; a few others too.

Nothing planned right now. Will wait and see.

Any 'Big' interviews on the horizon?

by **madsplash** » Wed Nov 02, 2011 12:48 am

madsplash wrote:
bugsymalone wrote:I bow to the master! First, you interview my fave, Dennis DeYoung and now you get this amazing one from one of my other all-time favorite vocalists!

Beautifully realized and a really interesting read.

Kudos.

Bugsy

Where can I read that interview? Is it here on the site somehwere?

Found it. Sorry...

by **CatEyes** » Wed Nov 02, 2011 3:43 am

Congratulations Andrew.

Great job;

by **Andrew** » Wed Nov 02, 2011 9:33 am

FinnFreak wrote:EXCELLENT Steve Perry interview, Andrew..! - I've enjoyed all Your interviews, but THIS ONE... man..!

Andrew wrote:Would live to talk to Mutt Lange (no idea where to find him)

Mike Shipley could give an informative interview too...

Thanks Again,

John -

Yeah, Mike would be cool too....

by **E5C4P3ING** » Wed Nov 02, 2011 12:41 pm

VERY...VERY...COOL!

by **FinnFreak** » Wed Nov 02, 2011 7:08 pm

Andrew wrote:
FinnFreak wrote:EXCELLENT Steve Perry interview, Andrew..! - I've enjoyed all Your interviews, but THIS ONE... man..!

Andrew wrote:Would live to talk to Mutt Lange (no idea where to find him)

Mike Shipley could give an informative interview too...

Thanks Again,

John -

Yeah, Mike would be cool too....

Mutt Lange hasn't given an interview since the release of Def Leppard's Hysteria... for years the engineer/producer discussion board gearslutz.com have tried to get him to do a Q/A-session... Mike Shipley did one in 2004 & he talked quite a bit about his work with Mutt too: http://www.gearslutz.com/board/q-mike-shipley/

shipshape aka Mike Shipley wrote:You will never hear a quote or interview with Mutt. He feel's his job is a behind the scenes one and he refuses to give interviews etc. His way of working is very unorthodox and a lot of people don't understand why he does work the way he does. I've already had some slutz here telling me that Dusty Springfield did it a certain way so what's wrong with Mutt etc , and that's what kinda rubs Mutt up the wrong way. He is not making records for "industry people" to buy and critique, he's making records for the check out girl at safeways , or the guy pumping gas .
Hearing opinions from Engineers and producers etc about his work methods is kinda old and just beg's for everyone to give an opinion and put a value on it in terms of how "they" work compared to him.
"how can u spend so long , it's not natural , that doesn't sound like a real kit, you do What ??'" etc etc . All that gets in the way of what he does .So he chooses to be reclusive to a point and not listen to any one else's opinion especially the AandR people!! He makes records for one reason only...to sell them. He will rewrite the same song until he's happy with it and that can be a while, he wants every record to have a "sound "to it rather than take for him what is the easy route and that can take some time also.
Yes there are people that work way faster and get the job done to their satisfaction just fine, he chooses a different route and always has. As I said his record sales are between 180million and 190 million so his way works for him. People have tried to copy him, thinking that all you gotta do is be anal and spend alot of time..but there is so much more than that. I love working with him because it's always something new.
As lame as an artist like Shania is to a lot of people,I just got a plaque last week from Mutt and the label saying that she is the "First artist in history to have 3 conecutive diamond albums"
so theyve sold over 10 million each. Actually in total for her it's about 70 million on the three records. Back in Black just hit the 20 million mark. DL sold around 35 million.etc .

If the stars & planets align - and there's a God up there... - Mutt Lange producing Steve Perry would create some seriously GREAT music indeed... IMHO.

(and we'd find out for once and for all, WHO is "the perfectionist" in the studio)

John -

by **FinnFreak** » Sun Nov 13, 2011 1:29 am

...actually, Andrew...

I'm 100% sure now, that Mutt reads your site.

HE will contact you, if/when the time is right.

"Gotta have something to say"

John -

by **Intell** » Wed Nov 16, 2011 7:44 am

Thank you. GREAT interview and classy responses. So glad I was able to read it.
Thanks again.

MR

Steve Perry Interview Online

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