Neal Schon recently offered insights into why ‘Trial By Fire,’ which was the last album Steve Perry recorded with the band, might not have received the recognition many feel it deserves.
Released 27 years ago, ‘Trial By Fire‘ was a reunion album that saw the original lineup come together after a hiatus. Not only did it peak at number three on the Billboard album charts, but it also spawned the Grammy-nominated hit ‘When You Love a Woman.’ Yet, despite these accomplishments, it seems some fans believe the album was often been overlooked.
Gary Cooper Stuckey, a podcast host and Journey fan, recently brought attention to the album’s significance with a tweet:
“The Journey reunion album and the last one with Steve Perry, ‘Trial By Fire,’ was released 27 years ago today. This album deserves a lot more credit than it has received. Go back and listen to the tracks ‘One More’ and ‘Trial by Fire’… Phenomenal! What is your favorite from the album, and don’t say all of them!”
This prompted a response from Neal Schon, who revealed the main reason for the album’s underrated nature:
“I think mainly because we couldn’t support it.”
But what stopped them from touring? It seems the circumstances around Steve Perry played a role. Perry, while on a break in Hawaii in 1996, faced severe pain during a hiking trip. This led to the discovery of a degenerative bone condition, necessitating hip-replacement surgery. The health issue not only delayed the album’s release date but also halted any plans for a tour.
While the band waited to hear Perry’s decision regarding the potential tour, other members embarked on solo projects. Their patience waned over time, with Perry eventually announcing his departure. Rumors spread, with some blaming Schon for Perry’s exit. However, in a 2003 interview, Schon dismissed these claims, saying that it wasn’t his decision for Perry to leave:
“Steve Perry was an amazing singer, and I hope to hear from him again. I hope that he puts out a solo record because I know a lot of people miss his vocals, and everybody blames me for him not being in this band, but I just got to laugh at it because it really wasn’t my decision for him not to be in this band.”
This period wasn’t just marked by Perry’s health challenges. There were also internal disputes that affected the band’s dynamics. Later, when Perry discovered the band auditioned other singers during his health ordeal, he felt it wasn’t a collective band decision.
You can see the tweet below.
I think mainly because we couldn’t support it
— NEAL SCHON MUSIC (@NealSchonMusic) October 22, 2023
