Steve Perry Q&A @ Fan Asylum

[donnaplease]

Very Sweet "tails" picture DonnaPlease! A Keeper......

Yes THANKS Cyndy and Lora for doing this AND letting us folk at MR know when it was fresh off the press.

Thanks! Wanna see it again...here ya go!!!

[Perry86fan]

Thanks !!! He answered 4 questions from me.hehe I am happy dancing all over.lolo

[Deb]

The thing that I came away with after reading this is that it was written by a real human being. He has a lot of the same thoughts and emotions that any of us would have about events, circumstances and relationships that are part of our lives, current or past. He's obviously very intelligent and has deep thoughts about many things.

I was naturally disappointed that he hasn't recorded or isn't currently planning to do so. That doesn't lessen my respect for him though.

As a lot of you said, the one thing that grabbed me the most was his respect and affection for Neal. Do I think that means he wants to get back with Journey? NO!! I think it means exactly what Steve said, no more, no less. The comment about being "fairly" certain he was through with Journey was likely said thinking about the possibility of something happening in the future like the HOF or some other recognition of Journey type of event. JMO

He's still my favorite singer and probably always will be. He doesn't owe me anything more than the great music he's already given me.

Thanks Steve, Lora and Cyndy.

Great post ohsherrie!

[Red13JoePa]

It hit me right away, and I asked Cyndi right away as well.

Sure sounds as if he is really wanting a chance again with Journey. The way it was worded, the way it was said. The answers, "Neal Schon."

Sure hit me in the middle of the head.

God almightly, please no.

I want the band to CONTINUE.

I get a boot out the selectivity of the times when he says he and "Journey went our separate ways in May, '98" too. So that time, when Schon/Cain actually confronted him and forced him into a yes/no they went their separate ways, presumably because of the unreasonable impatience of the band.
But from '87 to '95 Journey was still a functional, fully operational outfit.

We're in the JSS-led Journey now.

That said, I'm all ears for the annual threat to go into the studio and do solo work. Yes I'd be picking it up on release Tues.

[fred_journeyman]

I think what you were saying in regards to him never giving Andrew a proper interview is this: you think his interview lacked substance and you wanted to hear stuff about music--his new music right? my answer back to you is =take what he gives, don't expect more and you won't be disappointed.

No, what I was basically saying regarding any interview Andrew might get with Perry is that, in my opinion, Perry would not be willing to answer the tough questions...the questions about Journey, tapegate, etc.,...period.

[SteveForever]

I think what you were saying in regards to him never giving Andrew a proper interview is this: you think his interview lacked substance and you wanted to hear stuff about music--his new music right? my answer back to you is =take what he gives, don't expect more and you won't be disappointed.

No, what I was basically saying regarding any interview Andrew might get with Perry is that, in my opinion, Perry would not be willing to answer the tough questions...the questions about Journey, tapegate, etc.,...period.

Fine, let's move on...............

[StyxCollector]

Dennis DeYoung could sing, but couldn't carry Perry's jock, in a vocal sense!

Bullshit!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

DDY STILL sings at an amazingly high level. Perry doesn't.

Ed...

I could care less what DDY "still sings". That's never been even remotely relevant to me. I just know I heard DDY in his prime and Perry in his prime, and it just wasn't close, for my ears! If you think they're in the same league, that's your opinion...I'm okay with agreeing to disagree on this point. I simply think Perry was on a level by himself, when it came to soaring vocals.

John from Boston

They are in the same league, just different. And I am more impressed by an almost 60 year old guy who can still do it. Just my opinion.

Perry was and is a different singer than DDY. They were in rock bands but that's where the similarity ends to some degree. If they sang the same song, then you could make a more level and fair comparison.

I love both Journey and Styx, but I have to agree with AR - DDY may have lost a slight step, but his range of singing is pretty much intact. I've seen him enough since 1999 to know that. Steve Perry doesn't owe anyone a hill of beans, but as a singer, if he hasn't used his instrument in a long time, it's going to suffer. The Bill Graham tribute was bad. TBF was pretty good, but his voice was not exactly the same as it was in the 70s and early 80s.

I'm not trying to move anyone either way - if you think Perry was a better singer overall in every era, fine. However, to compare the DDY of today to SP of now, I'd say that's an easy call.

[StyxCollector]

That is what got me too on that statement, the word "fairly" he added. I don't believe he will or wants to join Journey again, but IMO it does sound like he wants to be on speaking terms with Neal again.

THis one is telling if you ask me:

79) You seem to really admire Neal Schon and you guys are magic together. Would you consider working with him outside of Journey?
SP: Well he is and will always be a guitar genius and we were very good together that's for sure. There are many, many old relationships I would like to go back to but after they've run their course- sometimes only love is left...... without the desire to go back. Neal and I could be in that place.

That sounds to me like SP has come to terms with the past and Journey, and he'd rather have fond memories than bad ones. I tend to agree. It seems like he has the right perspective.

[donnaplease]

That is what got me too on that statement, the word "fairly" he added. I don't believe he will or wants to join Journey again, but IMO it does sound like he wants to be on speaking terms with Neal again.

THis one is telling if you ask me:

79) You seem to really admire Neal Schon and you guys are magic together. Would you consider working with him outside of Journey?
SP: Well he is and will always be a guitar genius and we were very good together that's for sure. There are many, many old relationships I would like to go back to but after they've run their course- sometimes only love is left...... without the desire to go back. Neal and I could be in that place.

That sounds to me like SP has come to terms with the past and Journey, and he'd rather have fond memories than bad ones. I tend to agree. It seems like he has the right perspective.

It's just that little "could" and "fairly" that has me intrigued. I don't think he's really talked like that before...?

[NoMoreTails]

That said, I'm all ears for the annual threat to go into the studio and do solo work. Yes I'd be picking it up on release Tues.

Songs I've Been Thinking About Writing and Recording + 5 More Sony Against The Wall Rejects

[Blueskies]

That said, I'm all ears for the annual threat to go into the studio and do solo work. Yes I'd be picking it up on release Tues.

Songs I've Been Thinking About Writing and Recording + 5 More Sony Against The Wall Rejects

[Enigma869]

However, to compare the DDY of today to SP of now, I'd say that's an easy call.

Considering Perry hasn't sung a significant note in over 10 years, that's not exactly an earth-shattering statement! Obviously, it doesn't take a genius to figure out you can't compare Perry to a guy who is still singing today, and if you read my posting that you quoted, nowhere in that statement did I ever say that Perry was better than DDY today! In fact, I'm quite sure that I said TO MY EARS (opinion folks!), Perry in his prime was on a different level than DDY was in his prime!


John from Boston

[ohsherrie]

TO MY EARS (opinion folks!), Perry in his prime was on a different level than DDY was in his prime!


John from Boston

My ears agree. I love DDY's voice but I don't consider him and Steve to be the same type of singer. Dennis' voice is a clear, strong, beautiful tenor, but Steve has a more gutsy, bluesy depth to his voice.

[StyxCollector]

My ears agree. I love DDY's voice but I don't consider him and Steve to be the same type of singer. Dennis' voice is a clear, strong, beautiful tenor, but Steve has a more gutsy, bluesy depth to his voice.

That was my point. They are different singers with different styles, so to 100% say A is better than B is ridiculous.

[Saint John]

Not much news here. Seems to be the same stuff Perry always says. That said, I really, really loved the fact that he said Neal inspired him so much. I've always said Neal is as good of a musician as I've ever seen (except when he thinks he actually has a singing voice!), and it's nice to see Perry has such an appreciation for Neal's immense talent! I also like the fact that even Perry flat-out said he has no idea what he really has (in terms of still having a singing voice or not)...Very honest statement.

I've always been VERY annoyed by those who go on and on about how Perry can't sing any longer, as if it even matters! Who cares if the guy can't sing any longer...he's almost 60! If the guy never sang another note in his life, it will never take away from the talent that was Steve Perry! I've never heard anyone (male or female) with his vocal power, and I suspect I'll never hear anyone like that again, in my lifetime!


John from Boston

Good post John.......although I'd still like to lock Perry and Schon in a room for a few hours, no press, no phones, no bullshit, just communication.

1 of 2 things would happen.
1) They sit down and start collaborating/writing great music.
2) They kill each other.
My guess would be #1. It's GETTING them in that room that is soooo frustrating.

[yak]

24) Can you define your desire of how the relationship between you and your fans would be? What is the right balance between a persons passion for your art versus respect for your privacy?
SP: Good one. That's tough for I get star struck too, so I think the bottom line is ....If you love the music? Love the music..... but please don't park in front of my house and stalk me. Where's the love in that?

Hear that gals?

83) What is your favorite type of stuffing for Turkey? Do you like old-fashioned bread stuffing, or something with sausage or nuts in it?

SP: OLD FASHIONED stuffing for me!!! Mom used to make her stuffing from scratch. I mean soaking the oven dried French bread in homemade turkey neck and onion garlic broth. Then putting in olives- pimentos- chopped hard boiled eggs- pan cooked in olive oil- celery and onions with garlic- and mashed all together, then she'd add cumin powder- pepper- salt- allspice- and other stuff I can't remember and the stuffing is what made the Turkey. Oh my I can't believe I remembered all that. The secret was the cumin powder and YES- a pinch of cinnamon. SO DAMN GOOOOOOOODDDDDD!!!!!!

Let me guess what concoction unsuspecting Loon families wil be getting served for their Christmas meal....The grocery stores are already filled with loon shoppers seeking these ingrediernts.

Sorry, but this "dish" sounds rather unappetizing to me. Can't imagine what the "other stuff" he can't remember could possibly be. Not an expert here, but reading the description didn't sound all that mouth watering.


I read the interview, and can see that Perry didn't answer some questions directly, as per usual. And that, after all the hoopla, there still is nothing new to announce.

[Badcotune]

...sure there was a flicker of activity from 94 to 96, but let's be frank -- after the ROR tour -- for reasons we may never know, and isn't our business to know -- he checked out. It all became too difficult -- too emotional -- to do the thing he struggled for so long to be able to make a living at. His dream job fulfilled and perfectly realized became all too much.
He could sing at half speed and still inject his unique cadence and texture into song, and have an audience well into twilight like Sinatra did, and he'd be surrounded by loving fans for the duration. Instead, he's content to sip tea and pontificate on, and continually polish up old treasures. And good for him -- but I don't have to get excited about it. Perry hasn't just let some very productive years get away from him -- he's let DECADES. My respect for him has dwindled proportionately.

Paul Rodgers in contrast, is in top form, and is demonstrating what being a 57 year old power-singer is cabable of -- and that new performance plateaus can still be attained even at that age if but first there is effort and a desire. My respect for him grows daily.

(P.s. please let's not turn this into a Paul vs. Steve thread. They are apples and oranges. The point of the comparison is clearly defined -- effort and desire = results)

~Badcotune

[*Laura]

Badcotune,
your post was interesting.It made me think that despite the fact that Steve Perry was/is a celebrity who's actions and statements have been discussed incessantly,it's like the more we find out,the less we understand.
You say he let decades get away from him without doing anything worthy and that your respect for him has diminished because of that.Why?
Why can't people respect what he has already done?Why be upset about what he is not doing?

Maybe it's human nature...People tend to complain about the lack of something,instead of being happy with what they already have.

Speaking of SP's career over the years,my opinion is that everything was and still is related to his inner structure.As an artist.
From what I noticed,all the people who are gifted with extraordinary talents are unpredictable.The will never do what others expect them to do,they only listen to their..."demons".
When SP was in his prime,he was obsessed to be perfect and he almost destroyed himself by trying to reach that goal.That's another thing that unique talens do,it's like they are set on "autodestruct".Some start drinking heavily,some isolate themselves,others work until they go crazy...Just look at the lives of famous painters,singers,scientists...None of them did what they were *supposed* to do.

We will never really know what happened to SP in private 20 years ago,but if anyone would read between the lines will notice that all his statements from the time were talking about emotional pain and struggle.Not the industry,not the fame,just the pain.
Then he spent 7 years fighting with himself not knowing if he could do his job again.Was still obsessed with perfection and afraid he couldn't do it like before,but he was obsessed with music too.
So he chose music.
Then he had to quit again.

It's like that U2 song ..."I can't live with or without you"...

And now,after all this time in which it seems like he'd found some peace of mind (although he still has the desire to sing again,but is too afraid),he has to face the Fan's Inquisition.
Well,at least a part of the fanbase is very tough on him.
Some other fans,who respect this singer's decisions say "Steve Perry doesn't owe anything to anyone".And that is the truth.

[Badcotune]

Some other fans,who respect this singer's decisions say "Steve Perry doesn't owe anything to anyone".And that is the truth.

I don't think Steve Perry owes me anything, least of all an explanation. But the past only holds so much fascination for me, regardless of how compelling or engaging it WAS. I'm more interested in how interesting NOW can be.

[*Laura]

Some other fans,who respect this singer's decisions say "Steve Perry doesn't owe anything to anyone".And that is the truth.

I don't think Steve Perry owes me anything, least of all an explanation. But the past only holds so much fascination for me, regardless of how compelling or engaging it WAS. I'm more interested in how interesting NOW can be.

I can sure respect and understand that.

I also believe that the past is what the present is made of.

[SusieP]

Sometimes the drive to be a success is what spurs an artist to keep on going. Sometimes it's the search for financial security. And many more reasons, probably.
Maybe Paul Rodgers feels he hasn't attained all he wanted to attain and maybe Steve has?
Or maybe Paul isn't financially secure enough to stop working?

Steve is such a private person that I suspect we'll never know.

I read the Q&A's and didn't really learn anything new.
My own question - about future [new] recordings/ live performances wasn't answered, so he's managed to keep us [well, me, anyway] guessing still.

I did want to know if there were plans to release the ROR tour on DVD [I have to see those crazy stage clothes again, I HAVE to! ] and he said no. So at least I got an answer to that question.
I'm a tad disappointed, because, naively, I had hoped he would announce that an album of new stuff was in the pipeline. That serves me right for hoping I suppose.
Damn and I wanted the CD for Christmas, too.

[Blueskies]

Badcotune,
your post was interesting.It made me think that despite the fact that Steve Perry was/is a celebrity who's actions and statements have been discussed incessantly,it's like the more we find out,the less we understand.
You say he let decades get away from him without doing anything worthy and that your respect for him has diminished because of that.Why?
Why can't people respect what he has already done?Why be upset about what he is not doing?

Maybe it's human nature...People tend to complain about the lack of something,instead of being happy with what they already have.

Speaking of SP's career over the years,my opinion is that everything was and still is related to his inner structure.As an artist.
From what I noticed,all the people who are gifted with extraordinary talents are unpredictable.The will never do what others expect them to do,they only listen to their..."demons".
When SP was in his prime,he was obsessed to be perfect and he almost destroyed himself by trying to reach that goal.That's another thing that unique talens do,it's like they are set on "autodestruct".Some start drinking heavily,some isolate themselves,others work until they go crazy...Just look at the lives of famous painters,singers,scientists...None of them did what they were *supposed* to do.

We will never really know what happened to SP in private 20 years ago,but if anyone would read between the lines will notice that all his statements from the time were talking about emotional pain and struggle.Not the industry,not the fame,just the pain.
Then he spent 7 years fighting with himself not knowing if he could do his job again.Was still obsessed with perfection and afraid he couldn't do it like before,but he was obsessed with music too.
So he chose music.
Then he had to quit again.

It's like that U2 song ..."I can't live with or without you"...

And now,after all this time in which it seems like he'd found some peace of mind (although he still has the desire to sing again,but is too afraid),he has to face the Fan's Inquisition.
Well,at least a part of the fanbase is very tough on him.
Some other fans,who respect this singer's decisions say "Steve Perry doesn't owe anything to anyone".And that is the truth.

Great post Shania! I understand what your saying. Artists are very passionate people. They can't help but to open themselve's up to create....that leaves them very vunerable, so when wound's are inflicted, they cut deep......so they will close off sometime's to avoid more injury. Take's alot for them to open up again,.....some work it out and create again and some never do. There are plenty of example's....one that come's to mind is Vincent Van Gough.....his story ended badly. Then a musician artist write's a song about him.....Vincent by Don McLean.....because he understood it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d2JcH1l_2bY link to the song

[Badcotune]

[/quote]
I can sure respect and understand that.

I also believe that the past is what the present is made of.[/quote]

True to some degree, but the present holds possibility, and the past does not. Some take that possibility and explore it. And some prefer to explore memories to the exclusion of creating lasting, and profound, new ones.

[Matthew]

...sure there was a flicker of activity from 94 to 96, but let's be frank -- after the ROR tour -- for reasons we may never know, and isn't our business to know -- he checked out. It all became too difficult -- too emotional -- to do the thing he struggled for so long to be able to make a living at. His dream job fulfilled and perfectly realized became all too much.
He could sing at half speed and still inject his unique cadence and texture into song, and have an audience well into twilight like Sinatra did, and he'd be surrounded by loving fans for the duration. Instead, he's content to sip tea and pontificate on, and continually polish up old treasures. And good for him -- but I don't have to get excited about it. Perry hasn't just let some very productive years get away from him -- he's let DECADES. My respect for him has dwindled proportionately.

Paul Rodgers in contrast, is in top form, and is demonstrating what being a 57 year old power-singer is cabable of -- and that new performance plateaus can still be attained even at that age if but first there is effort and a desire. My respect for him grows daily.

(P.s. please let's not turn this into a Paul vs. Steve thread. They are apples and oranges. The point of the comparison is clearly defined -- effort and desire = results)

~Badcotune

Paul Rogers has wasted decades too. Sure, he had a few hits early in his career but let's face it....his career as an A-list act fizzled out in the mid-70s...and recently all he's done is sing old classics written by someone else. Rogers had so much potential and it was never fulfilled. Whereas Perry has most definitely fulfilled his...

[Blueskies]

I can sure respect and understand that.

I also believe that the past is what the present is made of.[/quote]

True to some degree, but the present holds possibility, and the past does not. Some take that possibility and explore it. And some prefer to explore memories to the exclusion of creating lasting, and profound, new ones.[/quote]...................................................
True....sounds like Perry is not quit there in his understanding of it, with all his talk of memories, but has been working on it...so the possibility is there for him to actually do something again. He's not getting any younger, so hopefully he'll decide to open up and make some new memories again...not live in the past.

[fredinator]

Stevie P needs to look into getting some Propanolol... Wonder drug that aids post traumatic stress disorder and anxiety disorders and stage fright...

[Granny]

Stevie P needs to look into getting some Propanolol... Wonder drug that aids post traumatic stress disorder and anxiety disorders and stage fright...

Propanolol is for high blood pressure..maybe some xanax or celexa or lexapro

[Badcotune]

...sure there was a flicker of activity from 94 to 96, but let's be frank -- after the ROR tour -- for reasons we may never know, and isn't our business to know -- he checked out. It all became too difficult -- too emotional -- to do the thing he struggled for so long to be able to make a living at. His dream job fulfilled and perfectly realized became all too much.
He could sing at half speed and still inject his unique cadence and texture into song, and have an audience well into twilight like Sinatra did, and he'd be surrounded by loving fans for the duration. Instead, he's content to sip tea and pontificate on, and continually polish up old treasures. And good for him -- but I don't have to get excited about it. Perry hasn't just let some very productive years get away from him -- he's let DECADES. My respect for him has dwindled proportionately.

Paul Rodgers in contrast, is in top form, and is demonstrating what being a 57 year old power-singer is cabable of -- and that new performance plateaus can still be attained even at that age if but first there is effort and a desire. My respect for him grows daily.

(P.s. please let's not turn this into a Paul vs. Steve thread. They are apples and oranges. The point of the comparison is clearly defined -- effort and desire = results)

~Badcotune

Paul Rogers has wasted decades too. Rogers had so much potential and it was never fulfilled. Whereas Perry has most definitely fulfilled his...

Respectfully, I couldn't disagree more. Rodgers has sold 125 million albums, still actively tours, still actively sings, and actually sounds better than he did in his youth, and has fronted multiple hit making bands. If that's not fufilling your destiny as a successful singer, what is?

In contrast, the only thing Perry actively does these days/years/decades is pontificates.

[Saint John]

Stevie P needs to look into getting some Propanolol... Wonder drug that aids post traumatic stress disorder and anxiety disorders and stage fright...

Propanolol is for high blood pressure..maybe some xanax or celexa or lexapro

Or better yet...a set of balls. JUST KIDDING!!!!!!!!!

[Blueskies]

Stevie P needs to look into getting some Propanolol... Wonder drug that aids post traumatic stress disorder and anxiety disorders and stage fright...

Propanolol is for high blood pressure..maybe some xanax or celexa or lexapro

Maybe his "chi" is just off......needs a good "karma" cleansing!