What happened to Steven Perry of Journey? This question has been on the minds of many Journey fans since the legendary rock band’s lead singer left the band in 1987. Perry’s departure from Journey marked the end of an era and left a significant void in the band’s sound and identity. In this article, we will delve into the reasons behind Perry’s departure and explore the impact it had on both Journey and the music industry as a whole.
Steven Perry, born on January 22, 1949, in Elk Grove, California, joined Journey in 1977, bringing with him a unique vocal style that would become synonymous with the band’s hits. His powerful voice and charismatic stage presence helped Journey achieve massive success, with hits like “Don’t Stop Believin'” and “Open Arms” becoming staples of the rock genre. However, behind the scenes, Perry’s personal struggles began to take a toll on his life and career.
One of the primary reasons for Perry’s departure was his battle with alcoholism. As the band’s success grew, so did Perry’s dependency on alcohol, which ultimately led to a downward spiral in his personal life. In 1987, Journey released their album “Raised on Radio,” which featured Perry on only one track. This signaled the beginning of the end for his tenure with the band. On December 5, 1987, Journey officially announced that Perry had left the group.
After leaving Journey, Perry continued to face challenges in his personal life. He checked into rehab multiple times, trying to overcome his addiction and find peace. Despite his struggles, Perry never lost his passion for music and continued to perform with various bands and solo projects. However, the Journey legacy without Perry was a difficult one to live up to.
The band, now without their iconic lead singer, went through a series of lineup changes. Steve Augeri, Steve Smith, and Jonathan Cain joined the band, and they released several albums, including “Trial by Fire” (1996) and “Arrival” (2001). While these albums had their moments, they were unable to replicate the magic of Journey’s golden era with Perry at the helm. The band even attempted to reunite with Perry for a reunion tour in 2001, but the tour was canceled due to contractual disputes and Perry’s ongoing health issues.
On April 8, 2017, Steven Perry passed away at the age of 67. His death was a tragic loss for the music world, and his legacy with Journey will always be remembered. Although Perry’s departure from Journey was a difficult chapter in the band’s history, his unique vocal style and memorable performances will continue to inspire future generations of musicians and fans.
In conclusion, what happened to Steven Perry of Journey was a complex mix of personal struggles and the pressures of fame. His departure from the band left a lasting impact on Journey and the rock music scene, but his contributions to the band’s discography will forever be cherished by fans around the world.
