Perry Releases Message -- Fan Asylum on Michael Jackson

[indigo]

Interesting post.

[Voyager]

You forgot to post a link to it.

[indigo]

http://www.fanasylum.com/steveperry/

There you go.

[youkeepmewaiting]

Steve Perry
July 1, 2009

Steve was contacted by various media outlets for his thoughts on the untimely death of Michael Jackson (June 25, 2009). The following are his comments. Excerpts may appear in other publications such as Life Magazine & Billboard Magazine.

What are some of your memories of working with Michael Jackson on "We Are The World"

I was originally contacted by Lionel Richie’s manager, Ken Kragen who told me that Lionel & Michael had written a song called “We Are The World” for a project they were doing together called U.S.A. For Africa. He wanted to know if I was interested in joining the choir with many other recording artists. I said, “Sure...that would be fantastic!” The next thing I knew I was at A&M studios in Hollywood in a room full of so many artists that I grew up with and admired.

After we had done the chorus choir of “We Are The World” it was time to do the verses. They told everyone to look at the floor and if your name was there, you were selected for a verse step-out vocal. I glanced at the floor and written on gray duct tape I saw the names of Michael Jackson, Tina Turner, Ray Charles, Bruce Springsteen, Billy Joel, Cyndi Lauper, Diana Ross, Kenny Loggins and so many more that I was stunned. Then I glanced down and saw my own name on the floor and I got pretty nervous. Lionel Richie had called me earlier and discussed why he wanted me to be there and I believe he had a lot to do with me having a step-out moment. I wasn’t sure what they were going to have me sing, but from that point on, I was all ears – trust me!


Kenny Loggins, Steve Perry & Michael Jackson pose briefly
for a photo during the "We Are The World" recording session.

For the longest period of time, I really wanted to meet Michael Jackson but for whatever reason, it just never happened. During the recording session, I remember how barraged Michael was with so many artists trying to talk to him. Out of respect, I left him alone. Instead, I went into the catering room and hung out with Bette Midler and Paul Simon.

Years later during the live rehearsals for the "Bad" tour, I finally got to meet and talk to Michael. He was very gracious and made me feel very welcome. I felt so lucky to stand stage left while they ran the entire, full dress rehearsal of the show. What an experience to watch him perform that close up!*

Do you have a favorite Michael Jackson song?

Michael's total body of work is so beautiful and massive that it's really impossible to have any one favorite. I know that every single time he released new music, the quality was always amazing and cutting edge. No artists ever wanted to release their music at the same time that Michael’s was released simply because the anticipation and subsequent sales from his records was too much for anyone to compete with.

How do you feel Michael has changed the music business?

Michael was always reaching for great songs, great vocal performances, better recording and production values, better and better music videos with new dance moves, and great sing along hooks that are still to this day, truly timeless.

I think everyone will remember the first time they saw Michael do the Moonwalk on television. I could not resist jumping up and trying it at least once or twice because it was such an amazing move. After many failed attempts, needless-to-say, I never tried that again.

Lastly, I'd like to add that the first time I ever heard Michael Jackson sing was on the Jackson 5 single "ABC."

Immediately, I knew how truly talented and gifted he was.

[youkeepmewaiting]

I just wish it would not have to take people dying and false appearences for him to talk to us

[Marabelle]

I thought he was sharing his reflections regarding Michael Jackson at a very emotional time in the lives of the Jackson family and fans. Good to hear from him! Nothing shocking but oh so very pleasant and enjoyable to hear his feelings about MJ!

[mdaemon]

Steve Perry
July 1, 2009

Steve was contacted by various media outlets for his thoughts on the untimely death of Michael Jackson (June 25, 2009). The following are his comments. Excerpts may appear in other publications such as Life Magazine & Billboard Magazine.

What are some of your memories of working with Michael Jackson on "We Are The World"

I was originally contacted by Lionel Richie’s manager, Ken Kragen who told me that Lionel & Michael had written a song called “We Are The World” for a project they were doing together called U.S.A. For Africa. He wanted to know if I was interested in joining the choir with many other recording artists. I said, “Sure...that would be fantastic!” The next thing I knew I was at A&M studios in Hollywood in a room full of so many artists that I grew up with and admired.

After we had done the chorus choir of “We Are The World” it was time to do the verses. They told everyone to look at the floor and if your name was there, you were selected for a verse step-out vocal. I glanced at the floor and written on gray duct tape I saw the names of Michael Jackson, Tina Turner, Ray Charles, Bruce Springsteen, Billy Joel, Cyndi Lauper, Diana Ross, Kenny Loggins and so many more that I was stunned. Then I glanced down and saw my own name on the floor and I got pretty nervous. Lionel Richie had called me earlier and discussed why he wanted me to be there and I believe he had a lot to do with me having a step-out moment. I wasn’t sure what they were going to have me sing, but from that point on, I was all ears – trust me!


Kenny Loggins, Steve Perry & Michael Jackson pose briefly
for a photo during the "We Are The World" recording session.

For the longest period of time, I really wanted to meet Michael Jackson but for whatever reason, it just never happened. During the recording session, I remember how barraged Michael was with so many artists trying to talk to him. Out of respect, I left him alone. Instead, I went into the catering room and hung out with Bette Midler and Paul Simon.

Years later during the live rehearsals for the "Bad" tour, I finally got to meet and talk to Michael. He was very gracious and made me feel very welcome. I felt so lucky to stand stage left while they ran the entire, full dress rehearsal of the show. What an experience to watch him perform that close up!*

Do you have a favorite Michael Jackson song?

Michael's total body of work is so beautiful and massive that it's really impossible to have any one favorite. I know that every single time he released new music, the quality was always amazing and cutting edge. No artists ever wanted to release their music at the same time that Michael’s was released simply because the anticipation and subsequent sales from his records was too much for anyone to compete with.

How do you feel Michael has changed the music business?

Michael was always reaching for great songs, great vocal performances, better recording and production values, better and better music videos with new dance moves, and great sing along hooks that are still to this day, truly timeless.

I think everyone will remember the first time they saw Michael do the Moonwalk on television. I could not resist jumping up and trying it at least once or twice because it was such an amazing move. After many failed attempts, needless-to-say, I never tried that again.

Lastly, I'd like to add that the first time I ever heard Michael Jackson sing was on the Jackson 5 single "ABC."

Immediately, I knew how truly talented and gifted he was.

Now I know how he injured his hip

[youkeepmewaiting]

Steve Perry
July 1, 2009

Steve was contacted by various media outlets for his thoughts on the untimely death of Michael Jackson (June 25, 2009). The following are his comments. Excerpts may appear in other publications such as Life Magazine & Billboard Magazine.

What are some of your memories of working with Michael Jackson on "We Are The World"

I was originally contacted by Lionel Richie’s manager, Ken Kragen who told me that Lionel & Michael had written a song called “We Are The World” for a project they were doing together called U.S.A. For Africa. He wanted to know if I was interested in joining the choir with many other recording artists. I said, “Sure...that would be fantastic!” The next thing I knew I was at A&M studios in Hollywood in a room full of so many artists that I grew up with and admired.

After we had done the chorus choir of “We Are The World” it was time to do the verses. They told everyone to look at the floor and if your name was there, you were selected for a verse step-out vocal. I glanced at the floor and written on gray duct tape I saw the names of Michael Jackson, Tina Turner, Ray Charles, Bruce Springsteen, Billy Joel, Cyndi Lauper, Diana Ross, Kenny Loggins and so many more that I was stunned. Then I glanced down and saw my own name on the floor and I got pretty nervous. Lionel Richie had called me earlier and discussed why he wanted me to be there and I believe he had a lot to do with me having a step-out moment. I wasn’t sure what they were going to have me sing, but from that point on, I was all ears – trust me!


Kenny Loggins, Steve Perry & Michael Jackson pose briefly
for a photo during the "We Are The World" recording session.

For the longest period of time, I really wanted to meet Michael Jackson but for whatever reason, it just never happened. During the recording session, I remember how barraged Michael was with so many artists trying to talk to him. Out of respect, I left him alone. Instead, I went into the catering room and hung out with Bette Midler and Paul Simon.

Years later during the live rehearsals for the "Bad" tour, I finally got to meet and talk to Michael. He was very gracious and made me feel very welcome. I felt so lucky to stand stage left while they ran the entire, full dress rehearsal of the show. What an experience to watch him perform that close up!*

Do you have a favorite Michael Jackson song?

Michael's total body of work is so beautiful and massive that it's really impossible to have any one favorite. I know that every single time he released new music, the quality was always amazing and cutting edge. No artists ever wanted to release their music at the same time that Michael’s was released simply because the anticipation and subsequent sales from his records was too much for anyone to compete with.

How do you feel Michael has changed the music business?

Michael was always reaching for great songs, great vocal performances, better recording and production values, better and better music videos with new dance moves, and great sing along hooks that are still to this day, truly timeless.

I think everyone will remember the first time they saw Michael do the Moonwalk on television. I could not resist jumping up and trying it at least once or twice because it was such an amazing move. After many failed attempts, needless-to-say, I never tried that again.

Lastly, I'd like to add that the first time I ever heard Michael Jackson sing was on the Jackson 5 single "ABC."

Immediately, I knew how truly talented and gifted he was.

Now I know how he injured his hip

[Voyager]

I just wish it would not have to take people dying and false appearences for him to talk to us

No shit. At this rate it would take the return of Jesus Christ to get him to hum a few bars. Your family members will probably have to change your forum username to "diedwaiting" someday.

[Jana]

I just wish it would not have to take people dying and false appearences for him to talk to us

No shit. At this rate it would take the return of Jesus Christ to get him to hum a few bars. Your family members will probably have to change your forum username to "diedwaiting" someday.

Now, that's funny.

[brywool]

thanks for posting that. he said some cool stuff.

[Babyblue]

thanks for posting that. he said some cool stuff.

I have to agree

[TRAGChick]

Thanks so much for posting Steve's thoughts on this..... *sigh*.....

Just wish he'd RELEASE something.........................

[youkeepmewaiting]

I just wish it would not have to take people dying and false appearences for him to talk to us

No shit. At this rate it would take the return of Jesus Christ to get him to hum a few bars. Your family members will probably have to change your forum username to "diedwaiting" someday.

Haha.. that made me laugh (hence the "haha")

[SP Fan in Oregon]

I really appreciate reading Perry's answers about his experience in the filming of We are the World,
and his feelings towards MJ. Thanks for the notice that it was posted at Fan Asylum.

[Voyager]

I just wish it would not have to take people dying and false appearences for him to talk to us

No shit. At this rate it would take the return of Jesus Christ to get him to hum a few bars. Your family members will probably have to change your forum username to "diedwaiting" someday.

Haha.. that made me laugh (hence the "haha")

For the record... I hope you live for many more years.

[JRNYFan]

On the Fan Asylum site, they have the 'We Are The World' video. What a great group of singers all in the same room. Then there was Dan Akroyd. That still makes me scratch my head.

[annie89509]

On the Fan Asylum site, they have the 'We Are The World' video. What a great group of singers all in the same room. Then there was Dan Akroyd. That still makes me scratch my head.

I read somewhere (may be in the insert of the 25th anniv. dvd) that he said that he was a tagalong. It has been revealed that most of the musicians got together at that studio to record immediately after one of the big music awards shows in L.A. (American Music Awards?). In fact, that particular evening was picked so to make it convenient for all the out-of-town artists. There were limos taking people from the awards show to the studio. Apparently, Dan A. was a presenter with Harry Belafonte. So was Lionel Ritchie, and the two of them talked Dan into coming along with them .... he got into their car.

[Deb]

Steve Perry
July 1, 2009

I think everyone will remember the first time they saw Michael do the Moonwalk on television. I could not resist jumping up and trying it at least once or twice because it was such an amazing move. After many failed attempts, needless-to-say, I never tried that again.

Aw, just had the cutest visual.

Thanks for the update, L & C.

[artist4perry]

All joking from another thread aside........Perry is a gracious man.

[Arianddu]

All joking from another thread aside........Perry is a gracious man.

True.

[artist4perry]

I would love to see him attempt to moonwalk!

[Ftloperry]

It was nice to hear Steve's comments about Michael and We Are The World. What a gracious man Steve is. In Steve's statement this spoke volumes to me......

For the longest period of time, I really wanted to meet Michael Jackson but for whatever reason, it just never happened. During the recording session, I remember how barraged Michael was with so many artists trying to talk to him. Out of respect, I left him alone. Instead, I went into the catering room and hung out with Bette Midler and Paul Simon.

[SP Fan in Oregon]

It was nice to hear Steve's comments about Michael and We Are The World. What a gracious man Steve is. In Steve's statement this spoke volumes to me......

For the longest period of time, I really wanted to meet Michael Jackson but for whatever reason, it just never happened. During the recording session, I remember how barraged Michael was with so many artists trying to talk to him. Out of respect, I left him alone. Instead, I went into the catering room and hung out with Bette Midler and Paul Simon.

It is nice of you to point this out. When I read it at Fan Asylum, it struck me also that Steve was very respectful of Michael J, and even says it was "out of respect" that he didn't become a part of the barrage trying to talk to him. Talk about waiting your turn. He didn't even get a turn! I guess it is true that "good things come to those who wait," cause SP says he got to meet him later at a different event.

[stevew2]

It was nice to hear Steve's comments about Michael and We Are The World. What a gracious man Steve is. In Steve's statement this spoke volumes to me......

For the longest period of time, I really wanted to meet Michael Jackson but for whatever reason, it just never happened. During the recording session, I remember how barraged Michael was with so many artists trying to talk to him. Out of respect, I left him alone. Instead, I went into the catering room and hung out with Bette Midler and Paul Simon.

Paul Simon, wrote more songs than any of them,although he is a dick,he is the better writer out of the whole gang, maybe exept for Dylan who cant perform shit

[SP Fan in Oregon]

It was nice to hear Steve's comments about Michael and We Are The World. What a gracious man Steve is. In Steve's statement this spoke volumes to me......

For the longest period of time, I really wanted to meet Michael Jackson but for whatever reason, it just never happened. During the recording session, I remember how barraged Michael was with so many artists trying to talk to him. Out of respect, I left him alone. Instead, I went into the catering room and hung out with Bette Midler and Paul Simon.

Paul Simon, wrote more songs than any of them,although he is a dick,he is the better writer out of the whole gang, maybe exept for Dylan who cant perform shit

Hey Steve W, How ya do'in tonight? Everytime I see you post I think of those Maryland blue crabs cooked in bay leaves with the cajun salt on their shells..

[stevew2]

It was nice to hear Steve's comments about Michael and We Are The World. What a gracious man Steve is. In Steve's statement this spoke volumes to me......

For the longest period of time, I really wanted to meet Michael Jackson but for whatever reason, it just never happened. During the recording session, I remember how barraged Michael was with so many artists trying to talk to him. Out of respect, I left him alone. Instead, I went into the catering room and hung out with Bette Midler and Paul Simon.

Paul Simon, wrote more songs than any of them,although he is a dick,he is the better writer out of the whole gang, maybe exept for Dylan who cant perform shit

Hey Steve W, How ya do'in tonight? Everytime I see you post I think of those Maryland blue crabs cooked in bay leaves with the cajun salt on their shells..

Thanks im doing fine, i dont use bay leaves. I steam my crabs with Old bay , 1 cup of vinegar,1 beer,2 chickin bouine cubes ,steam them for 30 mins Ill bee doing it this weekend for sure

[SP Fan in Oregon]

It was nice to hear Steve's comments about Michael and We Are The World. What a gracious man Steve is. In Steve's statement this spoke volumes to me......

For the longest period of time, I really wanted to meet Michael Jackson but for whatever reason, it just never happened. During the recording session, I remember how barraged Michael was with so many artists trying to talk to him. Out of respect, I left him alone. Instead, I went into the catering room and hung out with Bette Midler and Paul Simon.

Paul Simon, wrote more songs than any of them,although he is a dick,he is the better writer out of the whole gang, maybe exept for Dylan who cant perform shit

Hey Steve W, How ya do'in tonight? Everytime I see you post I think of those Maryland blue crabs cooked in bay leaves with the cajun salt on their shells..

Thanks im doing fine, i dont use bay leaves. I steam my crabs with Old bay , 1 cup of vinegar,1 beer,2 chickin bouine cubes ,steam them for 30 mins Ill bee doing it this weekend for sure

I'm SOoooooooooooooooooooo Jealous

[stevew2]

It was nice to hear Steve's comments about Michael and We Are The World. What a gracious man Steve is. In Steve's statement this spoke volumes to me......

For the longest period of time, I really wanted to meet Michael Jackson but for whatever reason, it just never happened. During the recording session, I remember how barraged Michael was with so many artists trying to talk to him. Out of respect, I left him alone. Instead, I went into the catering room and hung out with Bette Midler and Paul Simon.

Paul Simon, wrote more songs than any of them,although he is a dick,he is the better writer out of the whole gang, maybe exept for Dylan who cant perform shit

Hey Steve W, How ya do'in tonight? Everytime I see you post I think of those Maryland blue crabs cooked in bay leaves with the cajun salt on their shells..

Thanks im doing fine, i dont use bay leaves. I steam my crabs with Old bay , 1 cup of vinegar,1 beer,2 chickin bouine cubes ,steam them for 30 mins Ill bee doing it this weekend for sure

I'm SOoooooooooooooooooooo Jealous

I guess you eat them big ass crab legs over there,i like them to,need a lot of butter and beer

[SP Fan in Oregon]

It was nice to hear Steve's comments about Michael and We Are The World. What a gracious man Steve is. In Steve's statement this spoke volumes to me......

For the longest period of time, I really wanted to meet Michael Jackson but for whatever reason, it just never happened. During the recording session, I remember how barraged Michael was with so many artists trying to talk to him. Out of respect, I left him alone. Instead, I went into the catering room and hung out with Bette Midler and Paul Simon.

Paul Simon, wrote more songs than any of them,although he is a dick,he is the better writer out of the whole gang, maybe exept for Dylan who cant perform shit

Hey Steve W, How ya do'in tonight? Everytime I see you post I think of those Maryland blue crabs cooked in bay leaves with the cajun salt on their shells..

Thanks im doing fine, i dont use bay leaves. I steam my crabs with Old bay , 1 cup of vinegar,1 beer,2 chickin bouine cubes ,steam them for 30 mins Ill bee doing it this weekend for sure

I'm SOoooooooooooooooooooo Jealous

I guess you eat them big ass crab legs over there,i like them to,need a lot of butter and beer

Well, yeah, we get Alaska King Crab legs here, but we also have Dungeness Crab which are 2 to 2 1/2 pounds and makes eating their legs a lot easier. It's just different than East Coast,
but my favorite crabs are those ones cooked in Old Bay with the cajun salt added after. Plus the blue crab meat is so much sweeter and whiter too. Anyway, end of the day for me. You are up very late!!
It's almost 11:00 here, so 2:00 a.m. there. You are a night owl!! Do you work a late shift or just can't sleep?