The Day My Life Changed
By Cindy Hall

I was 16 when I first saw Journey in May of 1978, during the Infinity Tour. It was at the Concord Pavilion, Concord, California (SF Bay Area). My boyfriend at the time (now my husband) loved Journey from the early 70′s. He had some friends from high school that used to hang out with Journey (pre Steve days). They had gone to a benefit concert earlier that year at the Old Waldorf in San Francisco. Back stage my boyfriend met Ansley Dunbar (band’s 1st drummer) and Gregg Rolie.

Steve came out half way through the set to sing a few songs. Most long time Journey fans at that time were very skeptical about this new singer. Journey’s music up to that time was mostly instrumental, very psychedelic and not “commercial” in anyway. The influence of Santana showed very strongly in those days, they were the working man’s band who played small venues and hung out with their fans. But as we know the history, Steve changed all that, he brought them up to national exposure. To new music heights.

That small town boy with a dream was working on a “chicken ranch” when Journey’s management called. He changed everything. His dreams became our memories. Lucky for me my boyfriend saw first hand the talent Steve was blessed with, and took me to see them when the Infinity tour started. I hate to admit the music I was listening to at that time. My life changed from the moment he took the stage. I was completely and helplessly hooked. It was like hearing music for the first time. So clean, so passionate and full of life.

Steve was very “raw” at that time in his stage presents. He stood very still at the mike, spoke to the crowd very softly. It was completely obvious to me at the time that this talented man was going somewhere. And of course just my luck it was impossible to get back stage, journey was now Journey! In fact I was so mesmerized by him that I didn’t even notice the 100+ degree weather, or the incredibly bad sunburn I was getting. I did come back down to earth when I got home, just long enough to notice and treat my bright red skin.

But I was different from that day on, I bought each album (vinyl) as they came out, saw Journey 10 times through the years. He continued to impress on me with his music. I married that boyfriend and we now have three teenage daughters who cut their teeth on Steve Perry’s music. I even sang Steve’s songs to them as babies. They won’t admit it but his voice is a source of comfort for them as much as it is for me, they know the words to many of his songs. Now they just roll their eyes in mock protest and go to their rooms when I play that and I quote “that 70′s music”.

Sadly my husband lost interest in Journey years ago. But I have continued to follow Steve’s life and his talent. I was a member of the “force” (fan club) and had the chance to go back stage in 1983 but couldn’t since I was 8 months pregnant. That baby now almost 16, is still not impressed by my teasing, of my “sacrifice”. I’ve continued to collect memories through the years with Steve’s music as the sound track to my life. And his latest gift to us, his Greatest Hits + Five has continued the journey. I can pick out his voice in a second in a crowded room full of noise.

I saw his solo tour, FTLOSM and was amazed at the way the man has continued to bless us with his music. How so much of his heart and soul come out through his voice. I wish him all the best and thank him for the talent he has shared with us. And for the dreams he never gave up on that helped shape so many lives. Journey and Steve Perry to the Future!