It was 81 and I was only 13. I had just started 8th grade when my dad brought home an album called Escape from a band called Journey. I was familiar with the lead singer's voice and knew of a few songs from them. When I put the record on , this voice filled up my room and I knew this was the singer of the year. His voice was strong , powerful and full of passion. He name was Steve Perry and he had this incredible long dark brown-black hair. I remember going on a cruise to Mexico with my family during Christmas break of 81. I met a girl and we became instant friends. The only problem we had is that I loved Journey and she loved Foreigner. We would argue who was better and to me Journey was the best band in the world. In July of 82 , Journey headlined an all day concert at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena. CA. The warm up bands were Aldo Nova, Triumph, and Blue Oyster Cult. I was a 14 year old teen, so excited to see the best band as well the best vocalist. When Journey was about to go onstage, myself and two other friends made it to the front of the stage. I was only 4' 8 1/2" and was covered by all of these people around me. When the band came on, they opened up with the title song off the album and people went crazy. I could see Steve come up to the front but then people started pushing and shoving to get to the front. My friends and I grabbed eachother's hands and pulled ourselves through the crowd and ended up on the bleachers. I was so sad to be so far away but Steve's voice rang out through the whole stadium. Tears ran down my face to see Steve on stage and to see the band Journey. The way he moved around the stage and the certain move he made with his shoulders lifted up alittle. I hope you Steve Perry fans know what move I am talking about. I was also wearing K-Swiss tennis shoes because it seemed those were the tennis shoes he wore back then.
During the concert they set off fireworks because it was two days before the 4th of July. They were absolutely beautiful and the concert was amazing. The next day I went out and bought all of the albums that Journey had with Steve Perry and would listen to them over and over again. I was also a vocalist, so Steve was a huge influence on my training as I got older and went to music school. I also trained with Tim Boggart back in the early 90's and would tell me some great stories with his days with Steve. Tim was an amazing man, I hope he is well. I had a boyfriend back in 95 and he knew I was a big Steve Perry fan, so he surprised me and bought tickets to see his Stange Medicine at the Brens Event Center back in 95. Back in 94 Journey came out with Trial by Fire and I was estatic. I couldn't wait to see them in concert again and to see Steve. But then Klos said there wasn't going to be a tour. I was so upset so seeing Steve's solo Tour was a blessing to me. He came out onstage and still had that incredible voice and presence. I loved the part with his tuxedo tails slowing coming down from the ceiling. It felt like I was a teenager all over again.
Years have gone by and I have heard nothing of Steve's career. I have met people who knew him and who know him but I have never been fortunate enough to meet him. Until last week I realized all of these websites about him. I am sad that it has taken me this long to figure this out but I am also so grateful to know that Steve is doing well and healthy. God Bless