My Perry Tales
By Paula Hudson

It was October 1, 1980, Two days before my 18th birthday. Journey was playing in concert at Riverfront Colesium in Cincinnati, Ohio. My best friend took me to the concert. There were 12 of us all together and we had seats in the first two rows in the center. We were wearing party hats and having a great time. I was on cloud 9!!!

Finally, Journey came on stage and it was totally awesome!!! It was a dream come true to be so close to my incredible Steve Perry! After they played a couple of songs, Steve noticed us in the front row and commented to us, “Is someone having a birthday?” Everyone then of course pointed to me!!! I thought I would die right then and there!!! Then Steve wished me happy birthday and walked to the edge of the stage and picked up a bouquet of roses that someone had thrown on stage then gave them to me!!!!

I had to get up from my seat and walk over to him, my legs were shacking and I was ready to cry! He sang a quick little happy b-day tune and went on with the show. He made gestures to my group all evening! For as long as I live I’ll never forget that most wonderful, incredible night!!! And the roses…I still have them in my freezer!!!

I do have another Perry tale…

It was October 25, 1995…FTLOSM tour. Steve was playing at Taft Theatre in Cincinnati, Ohio. I went to the show alone, late b-day present to myself! Before the show I managed to talk to the guys in his band but Steve wouldn’t come out. It was a fabulous show and it was so incredible to see Steve again and in this intimate little theatre!!!

The acoustics were perfect! I had a sweatshirt I made for Steve and I had to give it to him. I persuaded a security guard into helping me get the shirt to Steve. The security guard told me where the unmarked stage entrance was and I went there to see my Steve!!! Soon afterward there were 100 or so others wanting a glimpse of Steve as well! I was standing in the doorway of the stage entrance(I already claimed that spot as mine!)

We waited for awhile and finally his band came out and got on the bus, yet no Steve. We waited more…still no Steve. I just couldn’t wait any longer, I noticed the door wasn’t locked so I opened it and jumped right in! As I looked up there he was, Steve just two feet in front of me!!! Security was getting ready to grab me but Steve said to let me go and he walked to me. I was in shock!!! I did manage to say hi and I love you and I made this shirt for you. He took the shirt and said this is really cool, thank you very much. He then hugged me and kissed me on the cheek!!! Security said it was time and wisked him away to the bus.

He is so adorable and not much bigger than me. He is truly a very gifted and special man!!! If only all men were like him…