Journey guitarist Neal Schon recently addressed speculation about former vocalist Steve Perry potentially returning to the band. He shared his thoughts in an interview with Trunk Nation With Eddie Trunk.
The discussion centered around rumors that Schon had offered Perry the opportunity to perform with Journey during their final show on the ongoing Final Frontier Tour. When directly asked about any recent communication with Perry, Schon provided a candid response.
“We have not spoken in quite some time, no. I think actually the last time you asked me I had not spoken to him. I haven’t spoken to him since then,” Schon said.
Despite the lack of recent contact, Schon expressed openness to the possibility of Perry’s return. He emphasized that any reunion would require Perry’s willingness to participate.
“You know, is it possible? Yeah. He has to be willing. My door is always open. I’m very open-minded. I have nothing but great respect for everybody that’s ever been in this band, for real,” Schon continued. “I think we all worked very very hard to make it a staple as it is. So, I feel great about everyone.”
The comments address ongoing fan speculation about a potential reunion between the band and Perry, who left Journey in 1998.
Schon’s diplomatic response reflects the complex history between Perry and the band. This relationship has seen multiple departures over the years. Perry’s relationship with Journey has been marked by periods of creative tension and personal struggles that ultimately led to his permanent exit.
Ultimate Classic Rock reported that Perry’s first departure from Journey was voluntary in the late 1980s. He walked away after losing passion for music and feeling burned out. This initial exit was followed by a return, but the reunion proved temporary.
Perry’s final departure came on May 7, 1998. This marked the end of his tenure as Journey’s lead vocalist. Ultimate Metal noted that Perry has been candid about his reasons for leaving. He explained his mental state at the time.
“The reason I left is because I was just truly burned out. My love for music was getting really, really questionable within my heart, and I kind of had to step away,” Perry revealed in past interviews.
The singer’s departure was rooted in exhaustion rather than interpersonal conflicts. Perry described feeling like “a wrung-out sponge” during his final years with the band. This context helps explain Schon’s respectful tone when discussing the possibility of Perry’s return. He acknowledged that any reunion would need to align with Perry’s personal readiness and renewed passion for performing.
