Why is Steve Perry always alone in public ?

[peridactyl]

I think Perry isolates himself because he is a tormented soul. A lot of artists who are driven to prove their worth are running from inner demons from their childhood. When Perry said "I've never felt like a part of the band" during the VH1 BTM interview, I believe he was revealing something deeper that was going on inside himself. He is a loner type. He didn't feel like he fit in the band, because he probably doesn't feel like he fits anywhere. If he did, he would have people around him... and he would probably be performing too.

I'll bet there are people on this forum just like Perry. A lot of people who spend time on online forums are people who isolate.

I like your last shot...

But back to Perry, I don't think we KNOW that he isolates himself. He doesn't avoid going out and he has described getting together with a bunch of friends for coffee every morning. I think we see him alone at ballgames because other people don't have the luxury of time off during the work week nor can they travel from city to city at a whim. And he isn't always alone: In the pix of Steve at a Dodger game in 2006 he was sitting next to a guy who is also with him at the White Sox games in 2005, and he doesn't look like a bodyguard.

Re musicians, Steve is retired so he works with other musicians when he feels like it and drops in on them probably more than is publicized. He said he goes out to performances a lot.

What I think is that he may be a bit of a control-freak (understatement!! ) who doesn't want to live with obligations or expectations of others a lot. He wants to do what he wants to do when he wants to do it. Second, how can he trust a lot of people since he knows that his every move might become public? Third, he has women in his life. I read he was with a woman named Robin for 10 years after Sherry. I am sure he dates and does whatever he wants.

Fourth, he was an only child and he probably doesn't feel uncomfortable being alone.

Just some possibilities....

[Voyager]

I think Perry isolates himself because he is a tormented soul. A lot of artists who are driven to prove their worth are running from inner demons from their childhood. When Perry said "I've never felt like a part of the band" during the VH1 BTM interview, I believe he was revealing something deeper that was going on inside himself. He is a loner type. He didn't feel like he fit in the band, because he probably doesn't feel like he fits anywhere. If he did, he would have people around him... and he would probably be performing too.

I'll bet there are people on this forum just like Perry. A lot of people who spend time on online forums are people who isolate.

I like your last shot...

But back to Perry, I don't think we KNOW that he isolates himself. He doesn't avoid going out and he has described getting together with a bunch of friends for coffee every morning. I think we see him alone at ballgames because other people don't have the luxury of time off during the work week nor can they travel from city to city at a whim. And he isn't always alone: In the pix of Steve at a Dodger game in 2006 he was sitting next to a guy who is also with him at the White Sox games in 2005, and he doesn't look like a bodyguard.

Re musicians, Steve is retired so he works with other musicians when he feels like it and drops in on them probably more than is publicized. He said he goes out to performances a lot.

What I think is that he may be a bit of a control-freak (understatement!! ) who doesn't want to live with obligations or expectations of others a lot. He wants to do what he wants to do when he wants to do it. Second, how can he trust a lot of people since he knows that his every move might become public? Third, he has women in his life. I read he was with a woman named Robin for 10 years after Sherry. I am sure he dates and does whatever he wants.

Fourth, he was an only child and he probably doesn't feel uncomfortable being alone.

Just some possibilities....

Everything is pretty much speculation. However, you can look at his actions and draw some logical conclusions. He obviously must suffer from anxiety, otherwise he would be put performing. Sure, his voice may not be what it was in his 20's or 30's, but neither is David Lee Roth's, and he's touring every chance he gets. Barbara Streisand had a bat bout with anxiety and wouldn't sing in public for years. It doesn't matter if you have a good voice or not, people with anxiety tend to want to isolate - and they also suffer from depression. While this may not be the case for sure, there is a strong argument for it.

[Don]

In all honesty, I think Perry goes out every day. Living in LA., I see stars or past idols all the time, but I don't see them always being recognised or hounded unless they are on a show right at this moment that is doing well or has some buzz with the media. There are the spoons of course, that will piddle if he is in the vicinity, but for the most part, Perry hasn't done anything to garner attention lately. In our little world he always appears foremost and center but in the real world, he isn't exactly a Madonna or a Brad Pitt type at this day and age. Journey was front and center a few months ago and maybe he laid low for a little bit during that time, but I think he leads a normal life for the most part. I have seen him twice in Hollywood and once in Burbank. Only one person approached him for an autograph (he seemed to honor the request). He was never alone, either he was with another guy, or with a man and a woman.

[Jana]

My previous quote: "I don't believe he lives an isolated life. The band was huge in the '80s. He's not being followed around non-stop. Everytime I've read in an interview he seems to live a full life. He talks about all the bands he checks out in LA, all the places he loves to travel to, etc, the musicians he stills gets together with. So I think that comment is overly dramatic. It seems to me he lives life to the fullest."

I agree with you, Peridactyl and Gunbot. I don't believe he lives an isolated life. Now, he just might have commitment issues.

[Voyager]

Sure enough, I googled "Steve Perry depression" and I found this quote from Perry on the Steve Perry Fan Asylum website:

It was Christmas and the band was back together for the Trial by Fire CD to come. During the holiday I got a wave of depression over not having Mom around. It lasted for weeks. One day I was so depressed I took an afternoon nap. I had this dream that Mom was working in this really cool gift shop with cobalt colored crystal and when I walked into the shop, Mom was standing in the distance with her back to me. She slowly turned around and smiled at me. In my dream I started to cry because she looked so good, not as I last remembered her. Then I saw her fearless comforting eyes and I could feel she was happy. That made me cry even more and then I woke up.

I called a friend of mine and said, “I feel better now.” He asked me what happened? I told him, "I hope you don't think I'm losing it but, I saw Mom today and she's doing great, Mom's got a gift shop, and she was so happy to see me." I explained the dream to him. Somewhere in my heart, I still feel Mom has a gift shop and she's doing great! After that, all I have to do is think of her and she's right here.

You would say things like this if you didn't suffer from anxiety and depression:

It lasted for weeks. One day I was so depressed I took an afternoon nap.

While it might be reaching a bit, I wouldn't be surprised to find out that Perry's above-mentioned depression was in fact the ultimate cause of his decision to leave Journey. The timing was right (during the TBF recording sessions). Most people with depression keep it to themselves, because it is a very personal thing that can bring shame.

[Jana]

Voyager, unless you've lost a parent you would never understand what he's saying. I've been there. It's normal. But maybe you're right, depression and loss of voice caused him to leave Journey. I don't believe he had anxiety performing. He says he misses that.

[Voyager]

Voyager, unless you've lost a parent you would never understand what he's saying. I've been there. It's normal.

I have too. Being sad about losing someone and being in a fog of depression for weeks are two different things IMHO. I know people who have depression, and Perry seems to fit the bill if you ask me. Just my opinion of course.

Sometimes anxiety and depression doesn't kick in until you hit your late 30's or 40's. Up until then it can be a driving force for artists and performers, which is in reality just an attempt to run from your inner tormentors. That's why many artists are sensitive. People who are real sensitive are usually vulnerable to depression.

Maybe I read too much. Psychology intrigues the hell out of me!

[peridactyl]

I think Perry isolates himself because he is a tormented soul. A lot of artists who are driven to prove their worth are running from inner demons from their childhood. When Perry said "I've never felt like a part of the band" during the VH1 BTM interview, I believe he was revealing something deeper that was going on inside himself. He is a loner type. He didn't feel like he fit in the band, because he probably doesn't feel like he fits anywhere. If he did, he would have people around him... and he would probably be performing too.

I'll bet there are people on this forum just like Perry. A lot of people who spend time on online forums are people who isolate.

I like your last shot...

But back to Perry, I don't think we KNOW that he isolates himself. He doesn't avoid going out and he has described getting together with a bunch of friends for coffee every morning. I think we see him alone at ballgames because other people don't have the luxury of time off during the work week nor can they travel from city to city at a whim. And he isn't always alone: In the pix of Steve at a Dodger game in 2006 he was sitting next to a guy who is also with him at the White Sox games in 2005, and he doesn't look like a bodyguard.

Re musicians, Steve is retired so he works with other musicians when he feels like it and drops in on them probably more than is publicized. He said he goes out to performances a lot.

What I think is that he may be a bit of a control-freak (understatement!! ) who doesn't want to live with obligations or expectations of others a lot. He wants to do what he wants to do when he wants to do it. Second, how can he trust a lot of people since he knows that his every move might become public? Third, he has women in his life. I read he was with a woman named Robin for 10 years after Sherry. I am sure he dates and does whatever he wants.

Fourth, he was an only child and he probably doesn't feel uncomfortable being alone.

Just some possibilities....

Everything is pretty much speculation. However, you can look at his actions and draw some logical conclusions. He obviously must suffer from anxiety, otherwise he would be put performing. Sure, his voice may not be what it was in his 20's or 30's, but neither is David Lee Roth's, and he's touring every chance he gets. Barbara Streisand had a bat bout with anxiety and wouldn't sing in public for years. It doesn't matter if you have a good voice or not, people with anxiety tend to want to isolate - and they also suffer from depression. While this may not be the case for sure, there is a strong argument for it.

Well, I have to disagree with you that Steve's behavior indicates significant anxiety or depression.
He tried singing while his voice was breaking apart during the FTLOSM and TBF eras, but he is a realist--he tried to tour and couldn't really pull it off without repeated cancellations and disappointing the public. He even tried to negotiate that again for TBF but I am sure he was ambivalent and when he and Journey parted for good and he was free of contractual and managerial pressures, it must've been really hard to imagine going back, especially with "half a voice".
From his interviews he's said that he loves performing, but I think he means when he can Wow people. Let's be honest, it's been awhile since that was the case.....And not singing doesn't help the old pipes.....Though I HOPE something has changed and he feels able and ready to perform again!!)

Beyond that I suspect he really hates the idea of management and contracts. So that alone keeps him away from a musical career.
And let's face it, he has a great life.....Why work again? He has more money than God, so why push himself????

Anyhow, an anxious or depressed man doesn't go out enjoying life as much as Steve does...His behavior speaks to his avoidance being a result of his preference for not being hounded and that is pretty normal.

IMHO

[Jana]

Voyager, I'm sorry for your loss. You might be right. He mentioned in an interview one time he had finally addressed something he needed to. Maybe it was chronic depression.

[Voyager]

Voyager, I'm sorry for your loss. You might be right. He mentioned in an interview one time he had finally addressed something he needed to. Maybe it was chronic depression.

I'm sorry for your loss too Jana. We may never know if Perry suffers from anxiety and depression... I'm just saying the classic symptoms are there if you ask me.

[Voyager]

He tried singing while his voice was breaking apart during the FTLOSM and TBF eras, but he is a realist--he tried to tour and couldn't really pull it off without repeated cancellations and disappointing the public. He even tried to negotiate that again for TBF but I am sure he was ambivalent and when he and Journey parted for good and he was free of contractual and managerial pressures, it must've been really hard to imagine going back, especially with "half a voice".

While this may be true, there are hundreds of 80's rock band lead vocalists who are touring year after year with trashed-out voices. David Lee Roth, Brian Johnson (AC/DC), and Stephen Pearcy (Ratt) are just a few that come to mind. Come to think of it, I cannot think of any other popular 80's band singers that have retired due to their voice being shot... other than supposedly Steve Perry. But we really don't know if that is why he retired. Everything is speculation.

[finalfight]

Perry is often spotted out alone as he probably wants to avoid the publicity of being seen out with the same guy or guys over and over. Draw from that what you will.

[peridactyl]

He tried singing while his voice was breaking apart during the FTLOSM and TBF eras, but he is a realist--he tried to tour and couldn't really pull it off without repeated cancellations and disappointing the public. He even tried to negotiate that again for TBF but I am sure he was ambivalent and when he and Journey parted for good and he was free of contractual and managerial pressures, it must've been really hard to imagine going back, especially with "half a voice".

While this may be true, there are hundreds of 80's rock band lead vocalists who are touring year after year with trashed-out voices. David Lee Roth, Brian Johnson (AC/DC), and Stephen Pearcy (Ratt) are just a few that come to mind. Come to think of it, I cannot think of any other popular 80's band singers that have retired due to their voice being shot... other than supposedly Steve Perry. But we really don't know if that is why he retired. Everything is speculation.

Your guess is as good as mine, but that said, only Steve was "the Voice." I mean, he has a cult following (including me!) that rips apart every move he makes.
He himself said that fame was not enough to "float his boat" and being known everywhere he went "became scary."

He is a complex guy whom HH called neurotic. Probably true. Figuring him out "would send Sigmund Freud screaming for the hills" (paraphrasing HH).

[Voyager]

He is a complex guy whom HH called neurotic. Probably true. Figuring him out "would send Sigmund Freud screaming for the hills" (paraphrasing HH).

He definitely has something going on. It may not be depression. I mean, Brad Delp had depression and hid it really good... but he still went out and sang with Boston even though his voice didn't sound very good live anymore (he had another singer in the band help him on lead vocals on their last tour). Maybe Delp had depression but not social anxiety? Whatever it was, it put the nail in his coffin.

[peridactyl]

He is a complex guy whom HH called neurotic. Probably true. Figuring him out "would send Sigmund Freud screaming for the hills" (paraphrasing HH).

He definitely has something going on. It may not be depression. I mean, Brad Delp had depression and hid it really good... but he still went out and sang with Boston even though his voice didn't sound very good live anymore (he had another singer in the band help him on lead vocals on their last tour). Maybe Delp had depression but not social anxiety? Whatever it was, it put the nail in his coffin.

Random factors:

Steve made some enemies and stepped on toes during his journey days (when he was described as arrogant and he basically admitted it himself.) He doesn't want his image tarnished.
He prefers to be anonymous as most of us would. In this he is a normal guy.
He may have had some secret vice that has been hinted at before.
Like a lot of very famous people he may not know who to trust in a romantic relationship
He's a control-freak, self-absorbed and maybe selfish in a relationship
He has enough buddies for his needs
He likes his own company
He is happy with his life as it is
He completely burned out on the music business and all that goes with it.
He likes singing but only if he can do it well

Not so strange....

[Jana]

Well, he's definitely a sensitive soul. He admits in an interview he listens to his songs all the time and gets emotional. Well, most singers never admit to listening to their music. He also seems to genuinely miss singing when he gives an interview and talks about how the remastering process he handled was painful because it brought back a lot of memories. Tony Bennett could never give it up. Look how old he is. For someone who is so musical, loves to write songs and the soulfulness he puts into singing and the way he seems to speak wisfully of it in interviews, it always confuses me he gave it completely up at 48.

[peridactyl]

Sure enough, I googled "Steve Perry depression" and I found this quote from Perry on the Steve Perry Fan Asylum website:

It was Christmas and the band was back together for the Trial by Fire CD to come. During the holiday I got a wave of depression over not having Mom around. It lasted for weeks. One day I was so depressed I took an afternoon nap. I had this dream that Mom was working in this really cool gift shop with cobalt colored crystal and when I walked into the shop, Mom was standing in the distance with her back to me. She slowly turned around and smiled at me. In my dream I started to cry because she looked so good, not as I last remembered her. Then I saw her fearless comforting eyes and I could feel she was happy. That made me cry even more and then I woke up.

I called a friend of mine and said, “I feel better now.” He asked me what happened? I told him, "I hope you don't think I'm losing it but, I saw Mom today and she's doing great, Mom's got a gift shop, and she was so happy to see me." I explained the dream to him. Somewhere in my heart, I still feel Mom has a gift shop and she's doing great! After that, all I have to do is think of her and she's right here.

You would say things like this if you didn't suffer from anxiety and depression:

It lasted for weeks. One day I was so depressed I took an afternoon nap.

While it might be reaching a bit, I wouldn't be surprised to find out that Perry's above-mentioned depression was in fact the ultimate cause of his decision to leave Journey. The timing was right (during the TBF recording sessions). Most people with depression keep it to themselves, because it is a very personal thing that can bring shame.

All we get from Steve's very open admission is Grief. Normal. Grief.

Depression is just inconsistent with Steve's lifestyle.
Neurosis (internal conflict) is more consistent, IMHO

[peridactyl]

Well, he's definitely a sensitive soul. He admits in an interview he listens to his songs all the time and gets emotional. Well, most singers never admit to listening to their music. He also seems to genuinely miss singing when he gives an interview and talks about how the remastering process he handled was painful because it brought back a lot of memories. Tony Bennett could never give it up. Look how old he is. For someone who is so musical, loves to write songs and the soulfulness he puts into singing and the way he seems to speak wisfully of it in interviews, it always confuses me he gave it up at 48.

What makes sense to me is that he is really hurt that his greatest treasure, his voice, has let him down. What made him special and remarkable was sacrified for the money Journey enjoyed, and his needs, to rest his voice, to cut back on touring, never got any support from the others or HH.

He burned out on the conflicts he had with Journey after ROR.
For several years thereafter he was grieving and taking care of his grandfather who died several years later.

He stopped singing and time didn't heal his voice much, while not singing didn't help.


His voice just never came back well enough. He tried. FTLOSM and TBF.
He never said Never about singing. I wonder if he thought he could rest his voice and "get his life together, emotionally" and his voice would perform again. Didn't seem to be happening.
HH said he heard steve worked with the best vocal coaches but it didn't help (taken third hand.)

He may be very sad about this, and trying very hard to pretend he isn't.

Oh my gosh, maybe he is depressed!!!!!!!!!

[Jana]

Peridactyl, I think you're on to something regarding your views, especially the part he may be very said about this and trying hard to pretend he isn't.

But you can't blame Journey for his voice alone. Steve Perry had admitted how driven he was regarding the band and touring. He was just as ambitious as they were. It was in ROR that it came to a head for him. And he had had time off before that. His voice just never was as strong, like you said. And he is a perfectionist.

[Voyager]

Depression is just inconsistent with Steve's lifestyle.
Neurosis (internal conflict) is more consistent, IMHO

True, but neurosis can cause depression. From Wiki:

The definitive symptom is anxieties. Neurotic tendencies are common and may manifest themselves as depression, acute or chronic anxiety, obsessive-compulsive tendencies, phobias, and even personality disorders, such as borderline personality disorder or obsessive-compulsive personality disorder. It has perhaps been most simply defined as a "poor ability to adapt to one's environment, an inability to change one's life patterns, and the inability to develop a richer, more complex, more satisfying personality." Neurosis should not be mistaken for psychosis, which refers to loss of touch with reality.

[peridactyl]

Peridactyl, I think you're on to something regarding your views, especially the part he may be very said about this and trying hard to pretend he isn't.

But you can't blame Journey for his voice alone. Steve Perry had admitted how driven he was regarding the band and touring. He was just as ambitious as they were. It was in ROR that it came to a head for him. And he had had time off before that. His voice just never was as strong, like you said. And he is a perfectionist.

Ok well, looking at his current situation from that perspective, might he be avoiding Journey and all that went with his former life because
a. He doesn't want to be reminded of his former glory; his mixed feelings (pride, joy and grief) are just too painful. People never let him forget what he once was, so it is better to not have it pushed in his face
b. He feels guilty over letting Journey down, TWICE. Completely avoiding all contact with them prevents pushing guilt buttons.
c. His conscious defense is that Journey hurt him rather than the other way around. Blame and anger directed at Journey over being replaced is much easier than admitting you couldn't go forward and couldn't perform when you tried, and that you dragged your colleagues into it AGAIN. Once again, after his apology over the '80's, he acted from a place that was all about him and he hurt others in the process??
d. He can never admit nor explain all of this publically. Better to just say nothing or hint
mysteriously at a future comeback than admit you're really Finished.

(Someone is going to come after me with a net for all this armchair psychoanalysis...)

There's only one thing I HOPE which is that despite whatever is driving Steve's mishegas (insanity)
he gets his voice and his drive back so we get just a bit more of him before we all disappear....
I really really hope

[Jana]

wow, peridactyl, good analysis.

If he doesn't do something now, when there's all the hype about Journey from Sopranos and all the publicity from hiring Arnel off YouTube and the new album, then I don't see that he ever is. This would be the time. Plus he's 60. In Ultimate Guitar Rob Dickinson stated he wrote a song with Perry this summer and that it was a great song and that Steve was looking to write with other people. But he didn't know what the situation was with a solo album for Steve or if it would ever see the light of day. Time will tell.

[peridactyl]

Depression is just inconsistent with Steve's lifestyle.
Neurosis (internal conflict) is more consistent, IMHO

True, but neurosis can cause depression. From Wiki:

The definitive symptom is anxieties. Neurotic tendencies are common and may manifest themselves as depression, acute or chronic anxiety, obsessive-compulsive tendencies, phobias, and even personality disorders, such as borderline personality disorder or obsessive-compulsive personality disorder. It has perhaps been most simply defined as a "poor ability to adapt to one's environment, an inability to change one's life patterns, and the inability to develop a richer, more complex, more satisfying personality." Neurosis should not be mistaken for psychosis, which refers to loss of touch with reality.

Maybe if Steve's neurotic defenses (projection, avoidance, denial) weren't working as well as they seem to be, he could become depressed. But at the moment and for the last few years it seems his defenses are working as they are intended to do, and he is living life OK. Maybe the difference is between depression with a small d (some things that sadden and upset and cause a chronic sense of loss) and Depression with a capital D (significant illness--staying home, inability to enjoy life, probable disturbed sleep and appetite, etc.) Steve doesn't seem Depressed. He seems conflicted and emotionally upset about the past and his voice and if he hadn't moved on and renegotiated his life expectations he might be depressed.

[TRAGChick]

My .02....

To me, this picture says it all:

Trying to be Steve NormalGuy, and he STILL gets Autograph requests....
....which reminds him ONCE AGAIN where he once was.....but not now - by his choice.

Rhetorical question time: How would ANYone handle / resolve something like that...?

[peridactyl]

In all honesty, I think Perry goes out every day. Living in LA., I see stars or past idols all the time, but I don't see them always being recognised or hounded unless they are on a show right at this moment that is doing well or has some buzz with the media. There are the spoons of course, that will piddle if he is in the vicinity, but for the most part, Perry hasn't done anything to garner attention lately. In our little world he always appears foremost and center but in the real world, he isn't exactly a Madonna or a Brad Pitt type at this day and age. Journey was front and center a few months ago and maybe he laid low for a little bit during that time, but I think he leads a normal life for the most part. I have seen him twice in Hollywood and once in Burbank. Only one person approached him for an autograph (he seemed to honor the request). He was never alone, either he was with another guy, or with a man and a woman.

SHIT. You have? In Burbank and Hollywood? Recently? I've never seen him and I live here (SFV and work in Hollywood) and I would definitely chase him around the block (no, just kidding; but I may have a cardiac arrest) if I saw him.

[annpea]

I think Perry isolates himself because he is a tormented soul. A lot of artists who are driven to prove their worth are running from inner demons from their childhood. When Perry said "I've never felt like a part of the band" during the VH1 BTM interview, I believe he was revealing something deeper that was going on inside himself. He is a loner type. He didn't feel like he fit in the band, because he probably doesn't feel like he fits anywhere. If he did, he would have people around him... and he would probably be performing too.

I'll bet there are people on this forum just like Perry. A lot of people who spend time on online forums are people who isolate.

"He was just a smalltown boy living in a lonely world" change the names but the story is still the same; no amount of fame could cure a lonely soul. He, could sing from within what he could'nt express in a normal conversation with another. Because they couldn't hear what he was telling them in his song, the anger grew and grew until it became a burning rage, " How do they not understand my pain? I'll show them I'll never sing again" many time he was asked "why don't you sing anymore?" many times he replied " I'm thinking about it, maybe some day".

[perrylover52]

To me, it's very simple really. Being an only child, you did things with your friends but if you friends were not available, you did what you wanted to do anyway, just alone. I was the same way as a kid.

I'm the oldest of 3. My brother is 4 years younger and my sister is 8 years younger. I was born in 1952, the next 1956 the next 1960. About 99% of the kids in my block were my brother and sister's age. There was only 1, a girl, who was a year younger then me and her mom had a a tight hold on her. So if I wanted to do anything, like go to the movies, spend my allowance, go swiming, ride my bike, roller skate, anything at all, I did it alone. By myself. I'm sure it was the same way with Steve. I'm sure he had plenty of friends to hang out with but they had parents who said no or yes. So if his friends couldn't do anything what was he to do? Sit around and do nothing?

Now at the age of 56, I'm single, no boyfriend, no one special to hang out with. Brother and sister has lives of their own and we are not that close really. So if I want to do anything I do it alone. Just me. Steve's in the same boat. Friends that he has, have families and lives of their own. They get together when they can. Plus, you add in the fact that Steve doesn't have to work like his friends do. His daughter is busy with her own life and I'm sure they keep in touch. But if Steve wants to do something he has to do it alone.

I'd like to think that if love came around that he would be open to it. But who knows really. And no I'm not on the internet 24/7 or in chat rooms or looking for love via the online personal sites. I come home from work, check my email, check a few forums and that's about it. Now I'm just waiting for my wash to get down. Then it's time to watch a new video I just got of Jeff Dunham. With Peanut and Walter.

[peridactyl]

wow, peridactyl, good analysis.

Thanks. I think there really is a lot Steve has to feel guilty about (and which he is trying to deny to himself) and it has to do with hubris (pride) and selfishness. (Nothing you haven't heard before....) At least this is the way Journey seem to interpret his behavior and he knows it.

He was on top of the world after Street Talk and really wanted a solo career; he felt he was great the superstar of Journey and didn't need them. He had a 3 album solo contract He went back because his ailing Mother told him to.

After taking control of ROR (arrogance) and messing up the band in some REAL ways with that (that he does openly regret) the king of the hill got some real painful injuries as his voice diminished, he lost Sherry and his Mom died. He hated Journey and it is certainly reasonable to believe as Journey did that he wanted out to pursue his solo work, but he found a dishonest way out. Maybe he did, though he denies it. Still, after caregiving his grandfather, rather than return to Journey he went to work on his second solo album which reinforces the idea that steve felt his greatness alone was enough.. That is when he got his real ego-deflating spanking, when Sony turned down Against the Wall. Rude awakening, that.

The next few year his voice was deteriorating and his solo career was shaky. But he couldn't go back to Journey given the manipulation he pulled a few years earlier and besides, the other guys were in new projects. So he goes on and tries to work on his third solo album. He finally gets it together with FTLOSM in which he admits he blew it with Journey in the song Anyway. He goes on with the FTLOSM tour which proves to him he can't do it alone for sure. He decides his last hope is to rejoin Journey, which appears to be reforming and he has to act because 1) they are about to hire a new singer and 2) They are approaching the 10 year anniversary when royalties diminish and 3) He needs the band to make any kind of comeback musically that he couldn't pull off alone.

Then the shit hits the fan with TBF.

Whether or not he really injured his hip, and I believe he did, his lengthy absence from Journey and slow process of dealing with his medical problems really appear convenient if he couldn't go forward vocally, emotionally, or physically, and needed a way out of the contract to tour.

All that is past. Now he can't face Journey and doesn't want to dredge up the guilt over being manipulative, arrogant, and maybe dishonest. So he stays completely away from them and his past and lets everyone think it is because journey hurt him by not waiting for him.

This in no way minimizes the way Journey may have been crappy to Steve, and that his talent is what made Journey superstars. No doubt about that. He brought greatness to the group (Neal's talent was extraordinary but never would've brought wealth and acclaim.) Anyway, they seem to have less anger with Steve over the past than he has guilt and anger (which is evident in the complete avoidance he maintains, rather than the words he speaks.)

Whew.

[FishinMagician]

So I'm not going nuts then?


This is the one I saw..............
http://steveperryonline.net/gallery/dis ... um=7&pos=7

Steve with his daughter Shamira and grandchild at San Diego zoo earlier this year....(this has been posted on the internet for awhile....) and a couple of years ago...Not a secret since Steve brought her with him to a public event....

are you sure its not steve augeri? lol

[S2M]

wow, peridactyl, good analysis.

Thanks. I think there really is a lot Steve has to feel guilty about (and which he is trying to deny to himself) and it has to do with hubris (pride) and selfishness. (Nothing you haven't heard before....) At least this is the way Journey seem to interpret his behavior and he knows it.

He was on top of the world after Street Talk and really wanted a solo career; he felt he was great the superstar of Journey and didn't need them. He had a 3 album solo contract He went back because his ailing Mother told him to.

After taking control of ROR (arrogance) and messing up the band in some REAL ways with that (that he does openly regret) the king of the hill got some real painful injuries as his voice diminished, he lost Sherry and his Mom died. He hated Journey and it is certainly reasonable to believe as Journey did that he wanted out to pursue his solo work, but he found a dishonest way out. Maybe he did, though he denies it. Still, after caregiving his grandfather, rather than return to Journey he went to work on his second solo album which reinforces the idea that steve felt his greatness alone was enough.. That is when he got his real ego-deflating spanking, when Sony turned down Against the Wall. Rude awakening, that.

The next few year his voice was deteriorating and his solo career was shaky. But he couldn't go back to Journey given the manipulation he pulled a few years earlier and besides, the other guys were in new projects. So he goes on and tries to work on his third solo album. He finally gets it together with FTLOSM in which he admits he blew it with Journey in the song Anyway. He goes on with the FTLOSM tour which proves to him he can't do it alone for sure. He decides his last hope is to rejoin Journey, which appears to be reforming and he has to act because 1) they are about to hire a new singer and 2) They are approaching the 10 year anniversary when royalties diminish and 3) He needs the band to make any kind of comeback musically that he couldn't pull off alone.

Then the shit hits the fan with TBF.

Whether or not he really injured his hip, and I believe he did, his lengthy absence from Journey and slow process of dealing with his medical problems really appear convenient if he couldn't go forward vocally, emotionally, or physically, and needed a way out of the contract to tour.

All that is past. Now he can't face Journey and doesn't want to dredge up the guilt over being manipulative, arrogant, and maybe dishonest. So he stays completely away from them and his past and lets everyone think it is because journey hurt him by not waiting for him.

This in no way minimizes the way Journey may have been crappy to Steve, and that his talent is what made Journey superstars. No doubt about that. He brought greatness to the group (Neal's talent was extraordinary but never would've brought wealth and acclaim.) Anyway, they seem to have less anger with Steve over the past than he has guilt and anger (which is evident in the complete avoidance he maintains, rather than the words he speaks.)

Whew.

He hurt his hip just as much as Dennis was allergic to stage lighting....

What a neatly packaged way to exit the 'white-hot spotlight'.....Funny Dennis did Hunchback, right? Were there stage lights then...?

....'give me the lights
precious lights
give me lights......the lights will take me where I long to be...
just like a thousand nights before.....
I can't explain...
It gives me some pain.....'

How prophetic...

My ass......