Iconic Band FIRED Their Singer & PROMOTED Their Roadie…He Became a LEGEND! | Professor of Rock
Vložit
- čas přidán 5. 05. 2024
- After losing his bandmate in a tragic car crash, rookie Steve Perry was ready to throw it all away. His music career, as far as he was concerned… it was over. He had come so close to that big break too many times. And it always fell apart. It was a mic drop in the worst way possible. But then, if you can believe it, him mom talked him out of quitting. She promised him something good would happen. And she was right. Not long after, he was recruited by Journey’s manager Herbie Herbert to be their frontman. Only, there was a catch. They already had a lead singer. So going undercover as part of this band’s road crew, Steve Perry laid low until Herbert could fire the other singer. And when Steve finally his chance, he didn’t disappoint. Six, multi-platinum albums later, Steve Perry is recognized as one of the greatest rock voices of all time… And today we’re telling the story of his first song with Journey... Lights, including an interview with the great guitarist Neal Schon, who he wrote it with. NEXT on the Professor of Rock.
Thank you to this episode’s sponsor, Zenni
GET ZENNI Glasses HERE: imp.i279709.net/vn5gLd
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Executive Producer
Brandon Fugal
Honorary Producers
Dan Schneider, Thomas French, Eric Casella, K&K Bosemer, Glenn Beardmore
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Check out my Hand Picked Selection Below
Professor's Store
- Van Halen OU812 Vinyl Album amzn.to/3tLsII2
- The 80s Collection amzn.to/3mAekOq
- 100 Best Selling Albums amzn.to/3h3qZX9
- Ultimate History of 80s Teen Movie amzn.to/3ifjdKQ
- 80s to 90s VHS Video Cover Art amzn.to/2QXzmIX
- Totally Awesome 80s A Lexicon amzn.to/3h4ilrk
- Best In Ear Headphones (I Use These Every Day) amzn.to/2ZcTlIl
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Check Out The Professor of Rock Merch Store -bit.ly/ProfessorMerch
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Check Out Patron Benefits
bit.ly/ProfessorofRockVIPFan
Help out the Channel by purchasing your albums through our links! As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you, thank you for your support.
Click here for Premium Content: bit.ly/SignUpForPremiumContent
bit.ly/Facebook_Professor_of_...
bit.ly/Instagram_Professor_of...
#classicrock #70smusic #vinylstory #journey
Hey music junkies, Professor of Rock, always here to celebrate the greatest artists and the greatest songs of all time. If you ever had a member only jacket from back in the day, You’ll dig this channel of potent musical nostalgia Make sure to, subscribe below right now. We also have a patreon you'll want to check out. There you’ll find an additional catalog of exclusive content and you can even become an honorary producer to help us curate this music history.
So, it’s time for another edition of #1 in Our Hearts. This show honors songs that were so unbelievably great, they absolutely should've been #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 Chart. But for whatever reason, be it radio play, lack of marketing, label support or just sheer stupidity, the song came up short. On today’s episode we’re going with a band that had 18 Top 40 hits in the US, but never a #1. The closest they ever got was #2. Well today we’re going to rewrite history as it should have been and give Journey a #1 hit. The song? It’s Steve Perry’s debut track with the band: Lights.
So by the summer of 1977 Journey was three albums into their young career. Their self-titled debut dropped in April 1975. ‘Look into the Future’ was released in January 1976. And ‘Next’ came next in February 1977. All three records struggled here in the US, averaging 108 on the Billboard 200. Since their formation in 1973, Journey had already been through some lineup changes moving on from drummer Prairie Prince and guitarist George Tickner. That meant at this point the band consisted of Santana alumni Neal Schon on guitar and Gregg Rolie on keys and occasional vocals, plus Ross Valory on bass and Aynsley Dunbar on drums.
The reason for Journey’s struggles to break through on both the album and the singles charts was simply that they weren’t a commercially-driven band. On their first few albums, Journey was replicating Santana’s approach: instrumental rock fusion with lyrics and vocals as an afterthought. Journey was opening for big time acts like Emerson Lake and Palmer and yes, Santana. And they were playing all these big outdoor shows. But really the exposure wasn’t translating to record sales. And that wasn’t sitting well with their label Columbia Records. - Zábava
Poll: Who are your top 3 Rock Singers of All TIME?
Layne Staley
Steve Perry
Bruce Dickinson
Steve Perry
Dan Fogelberg
James Taylor
Jon A. Ian A. Ian A. Yes, Tull, The Cult
Jim Morrison
Steve Perry
Freddie Mercury
Sammy Hagar
Steve Perry
Don Barnes
Jack Russell is 4th
Journey isn't Journey without Steve perry. All the one's that played in the band with Steve perry need to get back together and revive Journey again. Steve perry is Journey 🎉😊
In 1994 when I was 13, my big brother who was 23 had been home from the army after fighting in the Iraq war & training with special forces and he had this '64 Mustang mint condition that he wanted to sell but couldn't find any buyers here in Utah willing to pay what it was really worth. So he finally found a buyer back in NC near his training base (Fort Bragg). It turned out the buyer actually preferred we just drive it there instead of paying the crazy high freight so we drove it across the country & were gonna fly home. On the way my brother forgot his CD bag & I only owned tapes at the time so the only music we had to listen to the entire way on our portable cd player boom box, other than the 1-2 radio stations available at any given time because the Mustang didn't have a tape/cd player, was Journey's Time3 & Meatloaf Bat out of Hell 2: Back Into Hell. Needless to say we had every song memorized by the time we got there.
A couple pf good albums, no doubt. But I would have to stop and get 1 or 2 more before I lost my mind.
Steve Perry’s vocals have never disappointed. One of my favorite male singers.
Journey is just another band without Steve! There, I said it!
Journey and foreigner were the only bands that literally gave me chills when listening to them!
Without Steve Perry, Journey would've been one of those bands that you asked "whatever happened to ... ?" The remaining members owe their careers to his pipes.
Steve Perry THE VOICE!
Absolutefrickin' Lutely . . . :-)
Though Perry was a great singer, their time had passed by the time they fired. They had some success but definitely on a down hill slide.
Listen to Sam Cooke, You'll see where Steve Perry got his "voice", Plus Sam was Steve's favorite singer. Great singers
yeah, look at the post Perry era....
IDk about others but when Steve left I lost interest.....I still love Perry's era though and listen to those hits a lot
I LOVE Journey with Steve Perry. Nothing against the new singer, but Perry holds a special place in my heart. I cannot believe they never had a number 1. They will always be number ONE in my world!
I got to meet Neil a few years ago. He signed my guitar. He is awesome to talk to. He had just gotten married, his wife is so good for him. They are very happy and do everything together. His best music is coming from being in a happy marriage. He has boundless energy. Best band ever!
Glad you mentioned that about "Lights" originally being about LA (UUGGHH!!). I honestly just learned this fact a few years ago and could not believe it!
For those who may not know, there is a real (usually friendly but sometimes even hostile) rivalry between these 2 cities, and not only in sports!
I also learned about the same time that (also SF-based) Jefferson Starship's (or whatever they were legally calling themselves at the time) "We Built This City" is about LA...NOT SF (or New York) despite the Golden Gate Bridge, and the NYC (City That Never Sleeps) references in the song!!
It was indeed a sad week (LOL)... 😢😢😥😥
How in the hell did “don’t stop believing” not make #1 when that came out? It’s like the most iconic song of all time!
It wasn't even the first single released from Escape - Who's Crying Now was, then Open Arms.
Steve Perry was one of the most beautiful voices -- ever.
With a voice like that, it's unbelievable that he struggled to catch a break
Journey not having a #1 song defies all logic.
Right? How is it possible?
CCR and Bruce Springsteen are also noteworthy for never having a number 1 single.
🙂 Didn't Steve Perry do it with "Oh Sherrie"
@@robertcuratolo5339
No. 'Oh Sherrie' only made it to #3 on the US Pop/Top 40 radio charts.
Yep same with ELO! Then again Xanadu #1 with Olivia
I was a huge Journey fan while I was in highschool in the 80's and I thought Neal Schon was a great guitarist. My buddies mocked me because they didn't appreciate his playing style - until I asked them if they thought Carlos Santana was a great guitarist. Of course they all agreed that Santana was one of the greatest guitarists of all time. Then I hit them with the fact that Carlos had Neal join his band - when he was just 15 years old.
Stunned silence.
I love this, they were my favorite band and I used to get made fun of as well. Journey didn't get the respect they deserved at the time, I don't believe.
You can see him in the Woodstock videos.
I can add to your story. Search for Able Sanchez on here. Able had his band and was from the Bay Area and Ables manager told him about the teen guitarist sensation just down in SJ. Able set up a demo with him. Before Able could audition him, Carlos grabbed him. It was partly due to sibling rivalry because Able then grabbed Jorge Santana, whom Able swears was always better than Carlos, Carlos was a better publicity getter. Able still plays and does gigs in NorCal. Jorge died of Covid. And Carlos and Neil are still playing, just not together. Neil didn’t care for the Latin sound, he wanted to play rock.
Remember when Neal came in to the Hear 'N Aid session with a hangover, threw down two blazing solos off the cuff, and pretty much schooled all the other hard rock/metal guitarists that day, except for maybe Yngwie.
Steve made Journey . They treated him badly.
It is one of the great glitches in history that Journey does not have a number one song. One has to ask "HOW?".
I live in Lemoore, and let me tell you, Steve Perry is still the biggest thing that ever came outta here! Every now and then, there’ll be a sighting of him around here.
A friend of mine’s dad had been in Steve’s first band, back in high school. A few years ago, my friends dad bumped into Steve in a restaurant, and mentioned the band, and Steve immediately remembered him. Cool dude.
I thought he was from Hanford?
@@dtw63His family moved to Lenore, I think when his mother remarried. The towns are close to each other.
@@janetk3611 I lived in Hanford years ago.
Steve Perry is Journey, period. Everything else is just a cheap imitation, no matter how talented the young man from the Philippines is.
They can still play a hell of a show!
They were a good band before Steve, just not a radio-friendly band.
Journey is karaoke these days.
Kenboslice Yes, Steve Perry was the best voice of Journey, but not the only. As the Professors video should have taught you, Journey was around before Perry. So it makes sense they'll be around after
Neil always gives appreciation to Pineda. He keeps the band able to perform and apparently is a good bandmate, getting along well with everyone (kinda an accomplishment in itself)
I will never get sick of Adam covering the story of Journey; one of the greatest bands ever.
Amen!
The Greatest Band! ❤
My thoughts exactly....I watch each episode multiple times. Steve Perry, Neal Schon and Jonathan Cain--they define not only music of the 70's/80's but also the reason we love music--there music. The more about Journey the better!
I love the way Steve Perry showed up and knocked those musical geeks heads together. No offense Neil, but you guys needed it. Good for you for taking a chance on him
The first time I heard Steve Perry was in the combined song duet with Greg Rolle, "Feeling that Way/Anytime". One could tell right away he sounded fantastic.
Me too. First time I heard that song I was hooked.
Did you know that the song “Don’t Stop Believing” was inducted into the Library of Congress National Recording Registry in 2022? This means this iconic song will be registered there for 1000 years. This makes Journey’s music (my favorite band) truly timeless. Love Journey forever a fan. Journey On!❤
In the Spring of 1978 I was reading a copy of Circus magazine and I saw an advertisement for Journey's new album 'Infinity'. I had never heard of Journey before, but I bought 'Infinity' because I thought the album cover looked really cool. I fell in love with the album immediately, and to this day I consider it their finest album.
It’s a great one!
Same here. Bought it from the cover. I actually set it aside and didn't listen to it right away and a few days later saw them do Wheel In The Sky on Midnight Special and I was like "Holy crap! This is the record I just bought!"
Steve Perry's voice is also my favorite rock voice of all time!
It is still shocking to me that Journey never had a number one song, I mean, not just one of the most iconic bands of the 80's but in rock and roll history. Definitely one of my top 10 favorite bands. So many great songs.
I saw ELP in Fresno CA in 1977… opening band was Journey… I had not heard of them…They introduced their “new lead singer Steve
Perry”…
It was On from there for the group!!!
Little did I realize then but Steve Perry was a senior when I was a freshman at Lemoore High school (not Hanford as some claim)…
He was drummer for a band called the Sullies…
SMALL WORLD !!!
How was ELP?
I cant believe they wanted to snub Steve Perry what a big mistake that would have been
I’m shocked that Lights didn’t chart higher. Infinity was my first Journey album, and I was absolutely blown away. It’s still my favorite. And Lights-What a way to start a career with a band!
Journey has many songs I like but my favorite song (not just Journey song but of all songs) is Send Her My Love. Absolutely beautiful and meaningful to me as it reminds me of my now deceased parents (especially my mom who had dementia and loved roses). I love the lyrics which I sometimes change to "Send THEM my love". The song is positive and hopeful on those days when I'm missing mom and dad. Steve Perry, Neal Schon, Jonathan Cain, Ross Vallory, and Steve Smith with their individual talents were the right combination of musicians in making Journey legendary. Hope Steve Perry and Journey continue receiving the well deserved accolades.🎉❤
Haunting
I remember in high school EVERYONE was wearing Journey shirts. Its surprising they never had a #1 single.
Right? What's your favorite song by them?
@@ProfessorofRock I was never a big Journey fan, but I did like Stone In Love
Sometimes greatness isn't realized till later. Greatest NBA player of all time Michael Jordan was picked #3 in the NBA draft. It happens. Still crazy though.
If only "Separate Ways" had a better music video. 😂
Ditto.
Hard not to hear them throughout the 80's....their songs with Steve Perry were delicious.
So glad he didn't give up, if he had, we wouldn't have the Wonderful music he sung to Our Hearts!
Indeed!
I have heard that when Journey was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2017, while Steve did speak, he deferred to Arnel Pineda, his replacement with the band, to perform, saying Arnel had been with the band longer than he and had earned the right to perform... this after Arnel and Neil both had asked him to sing. Neil went on to tell Rolling Stone that he felt Steve had been feeling "too emotional" to perform. I can't imagine any other front man being that generous.
I got to see Steve with Journey during the "Raised on Radio" tour when they performed in Biloxi, MS, and I'm so very glad I did!
I was really disappointed that Steve Perry did not sing with the band just for the audience and us , his fans, at the Hall of Fame. It would have been the best. My dream is a reunion before we all leave this earth. I know Neal and Jonathan would really like that. But at the last interview with Dan Rather , Steve did say he is burned out from touring. Such a bummer 😢😢😢😢
Saw that concert in Atlanta, GA, with my Sister because she loved them. I wasn’t a fan before it, but was a big fan afterwards!
I was in the Army in Germany when that Album/CD was released. Anytime I hear songs from it I immediately think of that time in my life, the other albums (80-83) I was in HS.
Steve Perry is called The Voice for a reason. He is Journey to me. Back then my sister loved them. Hugging, Touching, Squeezing was sung over and over in the locker room at school. When the Lights is a quintessential Perry song. High notes and sung to perfection. I love his voice and I’m so glad he did not give up. ❤ Honestly Lights is a song I don’t really remember. Lovin, is the first one I remember. Because of the na na na na nas. My sister graduated in 83 so the album Lovin was on. Don’t Stop is the one after Lovin I remember.
I heard an interview many many years ago that the na na na na's came about because Steve had forgotten what he was going to sing at that point. If that story is true then I'm glad because I don't think the song could have been any better that it is now.
The entire music world is grateful that Steve Perry got his opportunity to be lead singer of Journey. He is easily one of the greatest vocalists of all-time and Journey never would've soared to the incredible heights of success without him.
Professor, on another note, I want to congratulate you for reaching the milestone of one million subscribers. It is well-earned and deserved. About 4 years ago, I was searching for music on CZcams channels and found yours by complete accident. I consider it my best find. I immediately was hooked, subscribed, and have been coming to your channel regularly ever since. While there are other music review channels, what separates your channel from all of the others is that you cover far more ground. For example, you can go from an episode covering either Led Zeppelin or Pink Floyd one day to John Denver or The Carpenters the next. While you go by the title of Professor of Rock, you are so much more than that covering many different musical genres. I have a very wide variety and diverse musical tastes loving rock, pop, country, r&b, disco and so much more. You cover it all. No other channel does that. Also, I love the musical decades of the 1950's, 1960's, 1970's, 1980's,. Again, you cover it all. No other channel does that. These songs, albums, artists, and years that you cover bring back so many great memories for me and I've gotten so much pleasure from this channel. Also, what I love about all of your videos is your presentation. Your knowledge, respect, love, and passion for the subject you're discussing always shines through. Thank you for your passion, hard work, and dedication to keeping all of this wonderful music and memories alive. We're all so lucky and better off for it. It's great to see good people like you get rewarded.
I agree Stephen. I found him in November 2020 and was immediately hooked!
My favorite rock vocalist, The Voice, the incomparable Steve Perry ❤️❤️❤️. His absence from Journey is still heartbreaking. I cannot bring myself to watch Journey without him. Arnel has a good voice, but he doesn’t have the charisma that Steve had, and more importantly, his voice just isn’t the same. How could it be? There is just no substitute. And it really soured me how the whole split between Perry and Journey went down. Anyway, it feels almost sacrilegious to watch Journey without Steve. I was also a fan of Steve Smith, and that’s another story for another time. Professor of Rock, THANK YOU so much for featuring Steve Perry, and my all time favorite band, Journey ❤️
It's great to see Steve giving props to his parents. Another hidden gem from "Raised on Radio" in '86 is "Happy to Give". That song is about Steve's mom who had recently passed, and features some inspirational and quintessential Steve vocals at the end. Check it out!
It’s always pretty touching.
I picked "Happy to Give" as my song for my wedding in 1995. Imagine that....Tho I am divorced over 20 years ago, the song still resonates with me today.
Awesome song! I believe he wrote another great one, "When I Think of You" from Trial By Fire, about her too
@@MrJrnyfan Yeah, it starts off pretty simple, but by the end, Steve's vocals are just soaring. In a way, it sort of reminds me of the song "For the Love of Strange Medicine". His vocals just take off and have such impact over certain minor chords. Part of his brilliance.
CONGRATULATIONS ON 1M! Well earned! Well deserved!
Thanks for watching and for your support!
Steve Perry IS Journey!! One day our English Bulldog Winchester Remington was walking in the HS parking lot not far from our house when a car full of teenagers both male & female drove passed us with all singing at the top of their lungs, "Don't Stop Believing!!" as if they'd discovered rock!! I had to simply smile & think to myself, "Yeah? Y'all should have been there when it was born!! 🤠
❤🎉
Steve Perry had one of the most distinctive voices in Rock. He took Journey into the stratosphere. Shame what has happened to them with all the fighting. 😢
Thanks Professor!
Congrats on the one million subscribers. Glad to be a part of it all.
Cake time right!
@@AnnaTrail-xp8pr
😂😂
For sure!
also you'd think escape or frontiers woulda produced at least 1 number 1 hit lol
to sell that many albums and not have a number 1?? dayum what happened? lolz
Yeah, it’s really unfortunate.
I still have my members only jacket. I found it when Mom passed. It was packed away in perfect condition...its a little tighter on me now. Lol.
Journey is one of my favorites too. Legendary.
Saw Journey a few times in the 70s-80s. First time was an outdoor show and they performed 'Lights' just as the sun was going down behind them. It was magical.
My father-in-law Bill was a big Journey fan. He was outside their target demographic, for sure; his peers were listening to Kenny Rogers, but he was jammin' to Journey. He passed away a couple of years ago, and he'd left instructions to play Separate Ways at his funeral. Attendees were shocked and mortified when that tune cranked up after such a solemn ceremony. We had to announce that we were simply honoring Bill's wishes, and we knew that he was laughing somewhere.
Thanks for sharing.
And I'm over here crying. With a smile on my face. What a great way to go out! ❤
Haha, I loved that Bill came up with that idea.
Stephen Ray Perry! Steve’s SUPERFANS 1000+ voted Steve “Greatest Rock Singer” ever through BILLBOARD in September, 2023. Steve acknowledged the win 🏆 on social media,shocked, and very grateful. Always humble and 47 years after he was asked to join “Journey” by the great Band Manager Walter “Herbie” Herbert, Steve Perry still has the greatest voice on the planet 🌎 with 8.1 BILLION people on the planet.
Gen X,1965 and I’m so grateful to have been a Steve Perry fan since 1977 and seen him unload the most beautiful vocals from 1977-2024.
Not only is Steve Perry an amazing singer, he seems to have a heart of gold. He pretty much gave up the band when he decided to put his personal life before the fame. His mother was sick and Steve had hip issues. The band decided to move on without him. Their loss. I love watching Steve's You Tube channel he's just a modest nice guy.
What a fantastic backstory, Adam, good things certainly happen to those who wait. Journey wouldn't have been the same without the legendary Steve Perry as their frontman.
Thanks Trina!
Wow, that little performance was really cool! Thanks Neal!
I so love this 80's era band called Journey. There will never be another like it. Powerful, soul-piercing music, the music of our lives.
Steve Perry is my #1 favorite singer. Back when I was young and could sing, he was my idol as a vocalist.
Let's hear it for one million subscribers!!🎉🎉🎉
Took over four years and I still shaking my head why so long, but well deserved for sure!
Woohooo! 😁
Journey was only Journey with Steve Perry! That voice was absolutely an epic! I can’t listen to any of their songs without tears!
Worked with a guy who was Steve Perry's landlord in LA. Said he was a model tenant - quiet, respectful and responsible. He started noticing girls stalking around the complex hoping to get a glimpse of Steve at the apartment complex. Confused by this, it was short time later that Steve gave notice and said he was going on tour. Gave the landlord the album Infinity. The landlord bid him Goodluck and farewell. A short time later, he put the record on the turntable and listened. He says to me as he recounts the story (and hadn't yet told me the identity of the tenant yet), "I said to myself 'this music is crap!'". He went on to laugh and said he had to eat his words because the guy's name was Steve Perry of Journey.
Ha ha. Cool story
Haha!
"And now you know the rest of the story..." 😁
Professor of Rock, Adam, you are the man, and the best of what CZcams has to offer. I hope we're all putting money in your pockets. You bring it every day and nail it always.
I remember the first time I ever saw Journey. It was on some PBS concert series back in the late 70s. I was hooked right away. I remember my late dad was sitting there watching it with my brothers and I. He turned to us and said, "this guy can really sing, he must be Portuguese. " We laughed at him. My dad was a Portuguese immigrant, who constantly listened to his favorite Portuguese and Brazilian singers. My dad must've been a genius because decades later, we found out that Steve Perry was indeed of Portuguese origins. It's just too bad that Steve fell out of love with being a rock star and left the band much too early. Who knows what could've been, had he not lost his desire to play with Journey.
Very cool!
Congrats on one million subscribers, Professor. You've earned them all. On to 2 million.@@ProfessorofRock
I sat down in front of the TV from mowing the lawn with the best of Journey playing in my ear buds. As soon as I saw the thumbnail I knew what this one was about. To say that their music was woven into our lives in the 70's and 80's is an understatement. Great job Professor!
Steve Perry's voice always had me listening and amazed at how it could be soooooo smooth. Certain people were made to sing for us.
I have loved Journey for decades by now. If you are new listener to classic bands, listen to Steve Perry sing After the Fall. My #1 Journey song. Beautiful.
Oh man this brings back some memories. I love Journey. I used to have the hugest crush on Steve Perry! We always heard their songs on the radio, in the skating rink, and now I hear it all over karaoke. Even I've managed to find a song that I can do. ♥️♥️♥️
Absolutely 1 of the BEST bands with the BEST music of ALL TIME!
Steve was/is a “crooner”…and that is a great compliment. He has the heart and soul of a jazz singer. He also has the throat of a stadium rock singer.
He can sing his songs better than you can…and sing your songs better than you can..
Good call. Who is in your top 5 rock singers?
It is funny how the band wanted a hard-edge singer and got a smooth crooner that they ended up liking anyways. Fortunately we did the best of both worlds in the late 80s with Geoff Tate and Queensryche.
@@ProfessorofRock Off the top of my head, the names that immediately come up are Steve, Brad Delp, Freddie Mercury, Jimmy Jamison…I’ll reserve the 5th name because I’m prob missing an obvious one.
He can make that phone book his own.
@@guslevy3506Terry Kath?
Steve 'the voice' Perry. Best male pipes ever.
Brad from Boston says hold my beer
As a fellow San Franciscan “Lights” and Perry’s love for the city by the bay will always have my love!! The rest of the band owes Perry and Jonathan Cain basically everything. Both men joined late in the Journey arc and neither truly got the praise they deserved (not for years anyway) given issues with ahem certain egos. Cain wrote the most incredible tunes (“Don’t stop believing”), and Perry’s exquisite voice lifted them into the rock heavens…
As a teenager and young adult during that time, money was tight for a music lover like myself. I would spent $1 on a 45rpm record of a song I really liked on the radio, but rarely ever purchased albums. The exception was Journey. I knew I'd love every song and the packaging was like icing on the cake.
My top 2 bands of all time are Journey and Foreigner. I loved them back in the day and love them today. I was born in 1962 and graduated high school in 1980... I grew up with the greatest music of all time.
I was born in 65 and agree completely, I see you served, thanks brother, from an Army grunt.
@@Helo-Driver If you were born in '65 and went off to Army boot camp right after high school, then you probably went in about the time I was over in Beirut in '83.
In interviews for VH1, Steve talked about how resistant he was to auditioning for Journey and how his mother nudged him to dive for it. It paralleled Neal's lukewarm reaction to Steve's voice, despite the homogyny they shared as writers. It was heartbreaking to learn how neither Steve nor the other Journey members felt like they belonged together.
The difficulty Journey went up against from Columbia Records who wanted them to get commercial is historically understandable. Four years before the writing for *Infinity* kicked in, another act on the label, Chicago, was being forced into that same box. Their 1972 album, *Chicago V,* was their first songle-length LP, and they were obligated to plug singles like "Saturday in the Park". And, just after Journey added Steve, a different act on the label, Toto, was obligated to forgo choosing (the late) Mike Porcaro as their bass player in favor of actual founding bass player David Hungate. The label's hierarchy wanted the *Toto* debut to resemble the accompaniment of the Boz Scaggs album *Silk Degrees,* which Hungate had played on. Mike did replace David subsequently, but that couldn't undo the influence that the label excerted over them.
I learned a lot! Thanks.
Hard to imagine Steve Perry NOT being THE voice of Journey! And his solo work is quite solid as well.
For sure.
Everything else is just karaoke.
all you gotta do is check out some of the newer albums.....lolz
Foolish Heart is amazing.
This is my favorite episode of all of the great tributes you have created that I have seen! Nuf said!
"Lights" is a great song. I can't speak for San Francisco, but I grew up in L.A. When you're on a hill looking down on the city, yeah, the lights seem to go on forever. I get nostalgic just thinking about it.
Transcendent is a pretentious, deep word which I use with great reservation. Steve Perry and Journey are transcendent. Their sound really takes you to other places.
Well said!
Perry was/is a great vocalist- his voice is unique! No Auto Tune!
Please give an episode on April Wine, Blue Rodeo, Truimph, etc
Triumph and April Wine are 2 of my favorite bands along with Journey and RUSH, of course.
They never made a great video but you cannot deny the great music that they produced. They were a great band with Steve Perry on board - a superb singer and songwriter.
The "Steve Perry ecstasy" SO well said!
Love Journey. Songs from my youth.
You mean to tell us that Steve Perry's mom to him "Don't stop believing?!?!?!"
That's about right!
I’m not surprised there.
The Keyboard player Jonathan Cain brought that line in and they wrote a song around it. Wikipedia says: Cain had kept the song title from encouragement his father gave him as a struggling musician living on Los Angeles' Sunset Boulevard.
Adam, I saw Journey in Dallas/ Ft. Worth, from their first tour in 1975 and loved their jazz rock sound. They had started changing their sound when I saw them with Fleishman at UTA Texas Hall and I wasn't impressed with that show. So when the Infinity tour visited Tarrant County Convention Center, I was blown away! Regardless of their collective history since, that album and tour captured lightning in a bottle. I met them on that tour and found out later that Gregg Rolie met his future wife that night. I rode up the elevator with Gregg (and Lorie), Neal and Ross. This story has so much more to it, but suffice it to say, they were my favorite band for years after, until my tastes changed. I have since reverted back to my R&R roots and Journey has returned to my 'A' rotation. Pure greatness.
Wow! What an amazing treat to have him play in front of the bridge. Just beautiful.
I was vacuuming the pool staring at my next door neighbours husband who looked exactly like Neil Schonn. My dad came out and said stop staring at Mark over the fence!!! I wanted to die!!!!!❤😂
The fact that Steve Perry looks more like a roadie than a lead singer makes this story all the more better. One of the best lead singers in rock history. 🙌
Just looks like an ordinary person.
Dude, that guitar solo at the end of the video was awesome. What a treat!
GREATEST VIDEO YOU'VE EVER COVERED!! NEIL playing his rendition of 'LIGHTS' ON TOP THAT HILL, AT NIGHT, PRICELESS!! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻❤️❤️
Every young couple has what they call "our song" - that one special song that is shared between them for special reasons. For my wife and I, "Lights" was our song. It always found its way into our special occasions and anniversaries. It will always hold a treasured place in my heart.
Very cool. Great song to have as "your song"
With me, for a different reason I was going thru a divorce and our special song that she didn't know was "Seperate Ways"
Awesome! Was it your wedding song?
@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 no but it was played at our wedding
Jukebox (at the tables) in the burger joint next to high school in 1979-80 played 3 songs for a quarter. One of the three songs I used to play all the time used to be this girl Carol's favorite song. Except it was the Styx song Lights. We dated that summer so I still remember the lyrics.
Steve was born in Hanford, California and they moved to Lemore when his parents divorced. Thanks to Jon Bon Jovi for giving Steve the nickname "The Voice". Steve has an awesome voice, and he can sing anything and make it sound great. Steve is a big fan of Sam Cooke, and you can hear some of Sam in the way Steve sings. My favorite Journey song is "Open Arms." The live version from the Houston, 1981 show just gives you goosebumps. I'm glad he left when he did. When your heart's not into something it's just no good. I'm glad he's doing ok and living his life the way he wants to and is not driven by money. God bless you, Steve. Love you always. My top 3 singers are 1. Steve Perry 2. Robert Plant 3. Huey Lewis. Congratulations on hitting a million viewers. Love your channel and watch every day. Take care Adam.
Hey Adam! Congratulations on your million viewers!
I don’t really have anyone specifically after SP no one really came before or after him.
EXCEPT for Elvis Presley. My family were fans & so I inherited it. Of course Elvis was more their age. Steve Perry is mine. Maybe, one of these days, I’ll actually get to meet my idol. One can only dream!
PS I Almost forgot about Jon Bon Jovi.
PS I Watch your show every day, too! I also loved your mentor, as well. Casey Kaden!
My favorite thing that Perry and Schon used to do was when Perry would lead into the bridge with a high note; Schon would then match the sustained high with a perfectly pitched guitar note for a bar, then go onto just nail the guitar solo after Perry trails off. It was studio magic! They did this the most on the Evolution album, although I recall their doing it on Departure at least once. Think "Do You Recall," and "It Ain't Easy."
I am from Northern California (between Redding and SF 80% of my life) Lights has always held a special place in my heart and I even heard Neal one time sing with just an acoustic quitar to it. This song has meant to much to me that it is included in two of my movie scripts - one even taking place in 1890's. Thank you for giving their stories to us Adam!
I’m from the same area, Yolo county, I used to race at Hanford fairgrounds on Thursday nights. When I was married we lived in Hanford finishing up a contract at NAS Lemoore.
Just outside of Sac now. Anytime I go to SF or Bodega Bay I always think of Journey, it’s a weird kinda comfort.
Journey holds a special place in my heart. I learned to play bass with the songs off of Escape, which is my favorite Journey album, and IMO, their best one. Steve is an amazing singer and writer. He's a legend, deservedly.
Journey is my favorite band of all time. If someone says they don't like them, they're lying. How can someone hate 'Don't Stop Believing' and 'Wheel In The Sky' and every other song they've released.
Thanks for this episode Adam...there were a couple of songs I forgot about!! Now they're in my playlist!! Rock on Professor!
Neal Schon's playing at the end brought tears!
Only pure love and gratitude for this band and the genius musical talent exposed when they were all together. Steve Perry, Neal Schon, Steve Smith, Ross Vallory, John Cain = the perfect storm. Gregg Rolie, too.
Also, Steve Perry is guesting on a new version of Journey's "It Could've Been You" (from Raised on Radio) that Trevor Lukather's (Steve L's son) band "The Effect" is releasing tomorrow. I can't wait to hear Steve's take on this underappreciated Journey song from '86!
I have to hear this!
@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 Yes--coming out in a few hours! Should be interesting to hear, for sure.
As A Native Born San Franciscan, My Favorite Journey Song Is Still Lights, . . . Out Of So Many Incredibly Fantastic Kick Ass Journey Songs, It Still Comes Back To Lights For Me, Because I Was Born There, In The Early 1960's, And Grew Up There In The Late 1960's, Through The 1970's, On Through The 1980's, And Journey, With Amazing Front Man-Singer Steve Perry, Was Mine, And Our Soundtrack Back Then, Which Still Resonates To Today, 2024 . . . ;-)
Now you can't shine no light in S.F. its disgusting😅😅
I used to love the city, it was magical and had an immense allure and beauty to it. Now it’s difficult for me to get near the city, sometimes I fly out of Petaluma and that’s as close as I go. Bodega Bay is also a place I love to go, still.
Stay safe
The clip at the end of Neal playing reminded me a lot of the tone at the graham tribute show. Something special about that performance. Mournful and deep
In high school, I saw Steve Perry in concert. He threw a velvet hat to the crowd, and I would have caught it if not for a big football player who outreached me by a couple of inches 😢
Fact is always stranger than fiction with these rock stories, Steve as a stagehand. No wonder no one tries to do a version on any journey song how is anyone going to match steve with Neil 's soaring guitars. Lights is a perfect opening song for the legend of journey. Loved Neil's playing at the end! Congratulations on 1 million subscribers!!! Great episode
Thanks My Name! Rock on!
Yeah. There will never be another Steve Perry.
Because of the awesomeness of this song, being a SoCal guy I guess I can forgive them for singing about NoCal. Professor, you could do a show about Journey everyday for 6 months and I'm watching... Congrats on the mil!
Thanks Flave! I'm going to have to!
He’s my favorite singer.
@@ProfessorofRockWhat about one about what Steve is up to now? He has been mentoring Trev Lukather for years and they have new music dropping tomorrow. With Trev's new band The Effect, including Nic Collins, they have a re-imagining of It Could Have Been You from the Raised on Radio album.
Steve Perry will always be #1 in my heart♥️
My brothers wedding song was Faithfully. It was their song because he was in the military during their engagement and the separation wasn’t easy. Many years later we rented an ice rink for their anniversary, I was in low level figure skating competitions at the time, so I played their song and performed to it with all my heart. My nephew, who was all of 5 at the time, said afterward “that was beautiful”. ☺️ They just celebrated their 35th anniversary! ❤
Amazing band and Steve Perry is a class act!❤
Thanks for sharing! How was your weekend my friend!
@@ProfessorofRock Struggling lately to keep the faith.
My all time favorite Journey song. That vocal, those harmonies, and that solo!! This song doesn't get the flowers it's due.
How is it possible no number 1 hit for Journey - yet everyone knows who they are and almost everyone loves them. I'd love to see a reunion tour - I'd include Pineda in it somehow too. He's kept the believin' alive for many years. Loved the story of how Steve Perry honored AP at the Rock & Roll HOF induction. Classy.