Journey keyboardist Jonathan Cain is sharing his thoughts on former bandmate Steve Perry’s recent return to the live stage after a 20-year absence.
In the past couple of months, Perry teamed up with alternative rock band EELS to sing some Journey classics at shows in St. Paul, Minnesota, Washington, DC and Los Angeles, creating a major buzz and fueling speculation that he and Journey may reconnect.
“I think it’s great that he broke the ice and went out with the Eels and performed,” Cain tells writer Michael Cavacini in a new interview. “I think it needed to happen. You get a monkey off your back. You get out in front of the people and feel what that feels like. I’m very happen for him that he has embraced this concept of, “This is who I am today and I don’t sing like I used to sing.” I think he’ll enjoy it and embrace it.”
“He deserves to be out there on stage,” he continued. “I think it’s wonderful. I could never understand why he seemed to be in recluse mode, hiding away somewhere. When you’re Steve Perry, one of the greatest voices of all time, you should be on a stage where you belong. So, good for him. I’m happy he’s out there flexing his chops.”
Following the singer’s appearances, both Perry and Journey have denied any plans for a reunion.
As for his return to live action, Perry said “I realized in a nano second as I walked on stage [in St. Paul] how much I had missed it. I had been away from live performing for a long time. Walking out on that stage was like having sex for the first time in 20 years. I didn't have a lot of stamina or restraint ……. but it still felt really AMAZING!!”
Journey had their most successful commercial period with Perry, who joined the group in 1977; a string of multi-platinum albums followed before he left the band in 1998.
Journey are currently in the middle of a North American tour with the Steve Miller Band.
See also:
Steve Perry comments on Journey reunion rumors
VIDEO: Steve Perry performs Journey classics with EELS in Washington
Journey singer says Steve Perry should reunite with band
VIDEO: Steve Perry performs Journey classics with EELS
Search Journey at hennemusic
