When Rookie Singer Joined Established Band-They KNEW All Other Bands Were SCREWED!-Professor of Rock

Coming up a song that has become a classic rock standard and one that started it all for one of the greatest American rock bands in history... Journey… The song? Wheel In the Sky from their 70s classic album infinity... To think it wouldn’t have happened if the road manager hadn’t insisted on pulling the tour van over to get a candy bar.. or Take a piss, depending on the story! At the time the young virtuoso Neal Schon pulled out his guitar and created a riff that would live on radio forever but it also needed a legendary vocal and 2 different singers would end up recording it. Robert Fleischman, and a young kid named Steve Perry. Find out what version got released as the iconic guitarist and founder tells us the amazing story in an exclusive interview next of professor of rock.
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The history of Journey is a long and winding road of highs and lows that is as storied as any band in the annals of rock and roll. And it’s the band’s fourth album that seemed to be perfectly titled and was a harbinger because in 1978 Journey blasted off to infinity and beyond with the release of infinity. Most of the time, no matter what the critics criticize, or the writers write, the songs tell the story better than anyone. 2 of the 3 singles from Infinity are not only classics of the rock canon, both Lights and wheel in the sky are 2 of the 15 songs on Journey’s original Greatest Hits album which has sold 15 million copies in the US alone and logged over 1000 weeks on the billboard charts. They are the Rocker and the Ballad that set the tone for everything Journey would do after and they would create the blueprint of what made Journey such a magical band in the late 70s and 80s. This is the story of the rocker: wheel in the sky.
We will cover Lights in the near future. Wheel in the Sky was the fist single and along with the album, was Produced by Roy Thomas Baker- the studio magician famous for his work on classic albums by The Who, The Rolling Stones, Queen, including Bohemian Rhapsody The Cars, Foreigner, and Cheap Trick, among others.
Roy’s production gave Journey the opportunity to try different textures and ideas, implementing his innovative practice of stacking vocal harmonies, and working with guitarist Neal Schon on what Baker called “violin guitars,” creating a more sustained, thicker sound to the guitar parts. When Journey began to work on Infinity, they were a totally different band than the lineup from the mega hits of Escape and Frontiers. Neal Schon explained the lay of the land at that time to me in an interview we did…
The words for "Wheel in the Sky" were written by Robert Fleischman (flash-mun) and Diane Valory (wife of Journey bassist Ross Valory). The story goes that the genesis of the song came from a poem that Diane wrote called “Wheels In My Mind.”
Ross Valory gave his wife’s poem to Fleischman, and Robert riffed off the poem’s theme, and wrote the verses and the b-section.
Robert recounted that he wrote the final lyrics for “Wheel in the Sky" in less than an hour The mystical melody and all of the music was composed by Neal Schon,
I’m going to show you his breakdown of the song from Neal’s interview but first I want to quickly tell you about our sponsor Zenni optical. that’s where these cool glasses came from, I like this brand because they have incredible selection and you just put in your perscription online and they

[@ProfessorofRock]

Poll: Who your pick for the greatest pure rock singer of all time?

[@eightiesmusic1984]

John Waite Jennifer Rush Steve Perry Joe Elliot James Dean Bradfield The Manic Street Preachers

[@rogerdeahl9629]

Gordon Lightfoot James Taylor Michael McDonald

[@cjpew]

No question - Steve Perry.

[@ravenrose6672]

Steve most definitely, no auto tune and he is The Voice!! Next for me would be Layne

[@doctordetroit4339]

As someone who grew up in the 70s and 80s....that is an impossible question. But if really really pressed....I would have to say Perry. But my God there are so many others (Freddy, Delp, Plant, DeYoung, etc. etc. etc.). It's like asking which child do you love most?

[@golfbuddy1969]

Steve Perry is the best lead singer of all time. His talent, originality, range, effortless pitch, puts him in a league all his own.

[@jeanclaude7018]

The same traits can be said of Bradley Delp as well.

[@brucehellinga2335]

Steve Perry has the best male voice in rock, period!

[@marshabailey1121]

I agree about Steve Perry, Nobody even comes close. Yes, there are other great vocalists but nobody has Steve's incredible vocal technique; his vibrato and that gorgeous tone are in a league of thir own.

[@CARPETMAN-zj9iv]

You heard it from Neil Schon's own voice that if it wasn't for Steve Perry there would have never been the journey that we knew. Because they were being canceled. But then Steve Perry comes on and the rest is gold. Or double Platinum!

[@usmcchrisg]

Hanford CA. Dirty valley.

[@briansim1648]

Walsh from KANSAS is no slouch.

[@beanyvinson4020]

Steve Perry. There will never be another like him.

[@user-xh4gw1hr4b]

Steve Perry gives you immediate shivers when he starts to sing!

[@ms.krueger2660]

Steve Perry’s voice just takes your breath away. 🌟How can that sound come out of a person?? 🤔I still think he is the best singer of all time. Next is Freddie Mercury !!🌟 🤩🤩🤩🤩

[@Nonnie335]

There is a reason why they call Steve Perry “The Voice” It’s because no one else has that depth of voice.

[@emmahowells8334]

Steve Perry has an unmistakable voice, once you hear it you know instantly who it is. Steve is my mumber one fave rock singer, there is no other rock singer like him and never will be.

[@midnightdreemz1509]

I still get goosebumps listening to Steve Perry classics ❤❤❤

[@trinapatterson8872]

Steven Perry’s voice is one of those voices that as you said will always no matter how many times you hear a journey song that can split your head wide open…. He truly has an amazing voice not many can even compare.

[@libbylandscape3560]

Absolutely. His voice is incomparable.

[@blackberrythorns]

@@libbylandscape3560 Rik Emmett.

[@saradollins5142]

​@@libbylandscape3560While it's true that nobody will sound as good as Perry in his prime, the only one that sounds ALMOST as good is their on again-off again(currently on if I'm right) drummer Deen Castronovo. I've seen some clips on here that sound amazing. Unfortunately, I don't remember being able to hear him when my sister and I saw Journey in concert several years ago. I think, at that point, he was doing time for allegedly abusing a girlfriend or maybe by then ex-girlfriend. Anyway, something else that makes me think he was gone from Journey at that point was that the drumming was boring. I had never seen clips of Deen doing boring drumming.

[@rafaelsale6364]

Steve Perry was the best lead singer for Journey ever. He had a powerful voice, great stage presence, and he wrote a lot of their best songs. The present lead singer doesn't have near the vocal ranger that Steve had.

[@cliffjjj]

I was in 11th grade and my girlfriend and I went to see Journey (the Escape tour) at the Omni in Atlanta. I had heard Journey on the radio and I was absolutely convinced that that voice was some kind of studio trick because nobody could actually sing like that. Well...I was wrong. I think my jaw hit the floor from the 1st song. He is an amazing and unbelievable talent. That brings me to something else, where is the talent these days? Music ended for me after early to mid 80's rock and 90's country. Thank goodness for satellite radio!

[@lewistaylor228]

Amen! I agree with you 100%!!!

[@thistlemoon1]

I was at that show! It was amazing to be sure.

[@1111boone]

I bought a Journey album before Steve Perry joined the group. I listened to 2 songs and never listened to the rest. As far as I’m concerned, Perry was the catalyst for their success!

[@bfish89ryuhayabusa]

Keep listening. Those first 3 albums are amazing!

[@jakecurtis3454]

@@bfish89ryuhayabusaagreed, when Perry joined the whole band's style adjusted and adapted. However, prior to '78 when he joined, their three pre-existing albums were still great, no doubt

[@wizquinn8021]

I liked Journey before Steve. When Steve was introduced to the band I honestly didn't like their change but it didn't take long for me to catch on and understand Herbert's vision. I was hooked for life. Steve catapulted these guys into infinite stardom. ​@@bfish89ryuhayabusa

[@MsRocker961]

I agree with you ! Didn’t much care for them till Perry was the singer

[@chrisb8655]

​@@bfish89ryuhayabusaYou're right. Those three albums have some awesome playing. Look Into The Future is one of the best Journey songs ever.

[@sunshine3914]

Never knew he was ever a rookie… but had no doubt from “all other groups were screwed” who it was. The man’s vocals slay.

[@Christodoulos-J]

Thank goodness Herbie suggested that Steve Perry join Journey, and thank goodness they agreed, even if reluctantly. The result was one of, if not the greatest band of their era. A match made in rock and roll heaven! Say what you will about Steve as a person, the man could sing! And the songs they cranked out together! I never get tired of listening to Journey songs during that era.

[@Tammyperry1]

My late husband turned me onto Journey. They were the sound track of the 80's. My two daughters grew up on Journey music. To me, Steve Perry is and always will be part of Journey. He made that group very rich. STEVE is a Legend in my eyes.

[@catherine6653]

I have always loved Steve Perry as lead singer of Journey. Niel Schon and Johnathan Cain are legendary musicians. Wheel in the Sky is a great early track by the band.

[@flagcoco69]

Operatic. That's the word that comes to mind whenever I listen to Steve Perry. Not a whole lot of rock singers qualify for that title.

[@pipperoooo]

Journey is nothing without Steve. Period. You can't beat that incredible voice.

[@rjkubr]

And Grand Funk Railroad is nothing without Mark Farner who also has a great voice.

[@jonThe1975]

I couldn't agree more. There's a reason Steve Perry's nickname is The Voice. He is the greatest vocalist in music history. And my personal favorite singer too. 🙌🏻✊🏻☝🏻

[@raddad10]

Ahhhh to grow up in the late 70s early 80s listing to absolute amazing songs being played by incredible bands. And then there was Journey with Neil Schon and Steve Perry. They were in a league of their own, a “bottled lighting storm”. Cheers to these musicians who help create and sustain Journey. Thank you for the wonderful memories.

[@michaelperkins6747]

Steve and Neal - bottled lightening storm - love it and so true.

[@Querencia7779]

It was amazing, and we all took it for granted.

[@USAF-AMMO-461X0]

Born in 1960….best muscle cars, stereo….classic rock will never fade away …68-78-my kids still love it too❤❤❤

[@my3sons757]

Steve referred to the lofty heights his voice could soar to as "Calling small animals to the back door." 😂

[@jiheeder5611]

Steve Perry is my all time favorite rock voice. I loved the stories in this episode!

[@johnglielmi6428]

Steve Perry had a set of pipes that no one could touch! The perfect voice for that era of rock! All other bands tried to copy but never could

[@edflintlaw]

A two-fer today! Iconic sound of Steve Parry, this is a song I would always stop and listen to the rest of it when scrolling through the radio stations. And crank up the sound.

[@ProfessorofRock]

For sure!

[@fivestring65ify]

Journey is one of the most iconic bands in history. They were a huge influence on me and other musicians. What a legacy.

[@ProfessorofRock]

For sure!

[@screwyootube1]

I was surprised they never had a #1 single. They had 6 top 10 hits, and half of those are ballads!

[@fivestring65ify]

@@screwyootube1 That is amazing. They should have had several.

[@nikkiLee-hf6gx]

Time and numbers have proven Journey fell far short of Queen.

[@soko1450]

Lots of musicians wished they stopped being a band because it just wasn’t fair to everyone else.

[@mwaynem]

Steve Perry has a once in a lifetime range of singing voice. It is and always will be at the top of my favorite artists.

[@maryloucrowe6122]

There has never been and never will be any singer more amazing then STEVE PERRY! I still listen to him every day.

[@micdrop-jh3pf]

"His voice cracks my soul" - well said Professor! Steve Perry's voice is electrifying.

[@DavidGraskemper]

"Infinity" is an amazing album. Steve's harmonies with Gregg Rolie are amazing.

[@JustanotherMainer]

Couldn’t agree more!

[@smurphftw2008]

The best part of that album was Feeling That Way/Anytime. Gregg and Steve trading lead vocals, plus Neil's otherworldly guitar solos. Incredible stuff.

[@jeffreymiller9808]

Anytime and Feeling that Way....❤❤

[@morrisonreed1]

Something amazing about Greg and Steve together .but he left and Cain came in and ,that worked out pretty well to say the least

[@BaconIsNotBiceps]

I actually have been into Evolution as of late. I have the CD in my truck and had forgotten what a great album that was.

[@horseygirl645]

The collaboration of lyrics and notes that Jonathon Cain, Steve Perry, and Neal Schon created were phenomenal! Steve Perry is the GOAT vocalist! ❤

[@barryjackson5407]

I’m with you with Steve being an absolute brilliant singer. I’ve always had him as the best of all time. Paul Rodgers seems to be the favorite with most votes. But how can you deny Steve Perrys incredible range! Just the best.

[@robsteingruber9488]

Journey is one of the all-time great bands of the 80's.

[@rogerdeahl9629]

Love this song! Steve Perry took Journey to another level. Thanks for this bonus episode Professor! Happy Friday!

[@ProfessorofRock]

You're welcome!

[@TheCharlesAtoz]

One of my favorite bands of ALL time!! Steve is a legend!!

[@angelarasmussen1800]

Neal schon would just be another fabulous guitarist that hundreds knew about. Adding Steve to the group is what put journey into the stratosphere.

[@elizabethorsillo7187]

I love “Feeling That Way/Anytime!” Such an underrated song!

[@brandonseyfried1251]

The live Journey concert in Houston 1981 is up there with some of the best concert audio and footage ever. Listening to Neal, Steve and Jonathan absolutely shred Who's Crying Now is a next-level experience.

[@artheisenbergscourier5726]

I saw that tour when they opened up for the Rolling Stones in Philadelphia. Sorry that I didn't pay more attention. At least Journey didn't get fruit thrown at them like Foreigner did in 1978.

[@scottwalton5888]

I was there for that concert.

[@tommie827]

I wish I could have seen them live back then. My granddaughters and I have worn out 2 of the Journey, Live in Houston DVDs. It truly was/is an awesome concert!

[@tommypain]

That last couple of minutes of Who's Crying Now is maybe Neal's best song solo of all.

[@saw0314]

Agree 100%

[@Turanga1i1a]

I love the tone colors of many 80s vocalists. The voices of George Michael and Simon LeBon resonate with a beautiful sens of innocence. However, Steve Perry rings to the heavens with his voice in such a way that I call him the Vortex of Innocence!

[@mattlovespeebee]

As a child of the 70s-80s, for me personally, Journey was THE band that I listened to for all entire adolescence!! I listened to their cassette tapes on repeat as I rode my four wheeler and the lawn mower cutting grass on our 10 acres of lawn

[@carriehodges6566]

I saw Journey in 1980-they magically rose up out of the stage. It was absolutely unforgettable. I fell in love with music all over again after the dreary disco years -I thought music was over. But Journey turned it around!!

[@sandraalford1942]

Honestly I love Journey. They always have and will be my all time favorite band. Steve Perry the best singer ever.

[@PhilliptBates]

I'd have to go with Steve Perry and Brad Delp for best pure rock singer, but Robert Plant and Steve Walsh are not far behind. I loved when Steve and Gregg sang together, as those early albums with Steve and Gregg are pure magic. So many great songs... So Many!!! Great video!!

[@dmaynardabu]

For me, Steve Perry was Journey. That man could sing the phone book and I would listen.

[@trento777]

Fun fact or serious fact, actually: Our singer in our band stated this: "Two guys make work hard when singing their tunes: Steve Perry and Brad Delp" I agree with him totally.

[@einerreklov4304]

Steve Perry has the most amazing singing voice and range. Journey was THE icon band of the 80s.

[@Anaris10]

Nope, most people I know HATE Journey, myself included. Only old women play Journey on the Jukebox here. Perry's first album with Journey was okay, but after that, ewww!.

[@dayzey40]

@@Anaris10 your age is showing...Yes it would be older people that enjoy Journey...DUH

[@christopher9152]

@@Anaris10 Very young, or just stupid? They were an incredibly popular band in the 70s and 80s, though never one that I paid much attention to. But Perry was always a top notch singer, no doubt.

[@jimnagel5611]

NOTHING AT ALL AGAINST JOURNEY OR PERRY - BUT MY ALL TIME FAVORITE WAS DALTREY -- WHEN HIS GRAVELLY VOICE WAS ON KEY HE WAS SIMPLY THE SOUL OF ROCK N ROLL - MAYBE NOT THE GREATEST RANGE OR ANY OF THAT OTHER STUFF -- BUT MY FAVORITE -- SAW HIM SING DONT LET GO THE COAT LIVE IN DALLAS & I STILL REMEMBER IT ALL THESE YEARS (DECADES) LATER

[@dayzey40]

@@jimnagel5611 That was a whole different generation...most of the people that heard Journey weren't even born to hear Daltrey or at least were very young...

[@kathyjaissle6791]

Steve Perry…. My favorite rock vocalist ever. Hands down! I sure do miss the lineup of Perry, Schon, Cain, Valory and Steve Smith!!!

[@JeffreyGoddin]

In 1988 as a 13 year old for about a year the only time in my life I did this I would fall asleep listening to a tape, and I alternated between Mozart's 40th and 41st and Journey's greatest hits. Good listening! To this day, every song on that compilation album rocks my heart! Mozart ain't bad, either, lol!

[@TA-to7kt]

TOTALLY AGREE! Steve Perry and Neal Schon: the most magical musical partnership in rock history. Truly remarkable.

[@robster7316]

Journey was a very different band before Steve arrived. And what a journey he took them on! Thx for the bonus segment, Adam!

[@OweEyeSea]

Journey existed before and after Steve Perry's time with the band. But they were never as magical without him.

[@CowGirlKat8691]

Steve Perry is truly in a class of his own period!

[@quintbromley2112]

As much as I love both Robert Plant and Jon Anderson, I gotta go with Steve. What he did on the Rolie duets/albums is untouchable. The Cain years were also sublime. Perry is the heavy weight champ.

[@coinraker6497]

Yeah the Journey albums with both Perry and Rolie are my favorites.

[@quintbromley2112]

@@coinraker6497 Definitely. I wish Rolie would have stayed on a few more years.

[@cynthiagraven3343]

No vocalist greater than Steve Perry. No band as great as Journey for just pure passionate lyrics & guitar perfectly integrated.

[@billyt9987]

The Infinity, Evolution and Departure are a trilogy of awesomeness. Definitely desert island albums there. The dual vocals with Steve Perry and Gregg Rollie are as good as it gets. Journey continued to make killer music after Gregg left the band. To me it wasn't the same, with only Steve singing lead.

[@flavellinator]

I almost think of it as a Journey's version of the David Lee Roth era of Van Halen. Once Jonathan Cain arrived, it was similar to Sammy Hagar with VH... Just a different iteration of a great band

[@cnph7067]

Perry/Rolie combo are my favorite songs from Journey. Rolie’s lower voice just meshes with Perry’s so well and the group harmonies when he was in the band were phenomenal. The combo of both of them on “Just the Same Way”, “Anytime”, “Feeling That Way” just fantastic.

[@tedbecker4051]

I couldn't agree more. My favorite version of Journey. Loved it when Steve Perry and Greg Rollie shared lead vocals.

[@lauriesolonka2477]

😊 I also agree with Infinity, Departure & Evolution being 3 of Journey's Best. I'll admit it when my sister & I saw Journey with Def Leppard a few years ago, I was blown away when Journey performed " La Do Da" with Arnel, Great concert 😁✌️

[@gregjames9875]

Amen! People and Places!

[@rebelscumspeedshop]

When ever I listen to "Feeling that way" ,the way the song is on the album and Greg sing " Are you feeling that way too?" I always say to myself " ladies and gentlemen..Mr Steve Perry".😅😅😅

[@mikeadiddle]

Your description of the moment Steve Perry's vocals came in on "Feelin' That Way" is dead on! I remember being in a room full of people when that song came on the PA, and when Steve's voice came over the speakers to sing that line, everybody stopped what they were doing and just looked up into the air with an astonished look on their faces. Magical bewilderment.

[@Daryl-S]

I tell my daughters and wife all the time… that transition turned the world into journey fans! It’s one of my favorites songs

[@nanhand99]

Yes, that happened to me as well. Always my favorite singer of all time and my teenage years

[@mariaday712]

No one out there can touch Steve Perry and what he can do to a song.

[@desertdweller4951]

Just one of few bands I followed and play often. Great Band and Steve Perry, a power singer you'll never forget. Journey, Foreigner, Kansas, Styx, Asia, Toto, Rush, ACDC. They all Rock the World.

[@scottyskydog]

Steve, Neil and Journey were Giants…..they were an still are my all time favorite band…… the ultimate musicians! Long live there legacy!

[@ravenrose6672]

I absolutely love Steve Perry and Journey has some of the best songs ever recorded. I listen to them daily along with Duran Duran and Alice In Chains

[@christophersmith2091]

I can dig that man.

[@erictrenbeath9680]

That's a diverse repertoire. Respect.

[@adreanmarantz2103]

The (very)last time I bought CDs, it was for a road trip and I was laughing inside as I brought Metallica and ABBA to the checkout. I already had Journey's greatest in the car.@@erictrenbeath9680

[@badkitty4922]

I love this! Sounds like my playlists. Putting what moves me, no matter the genre. 😘👍👏👏👏

[@thesacredmom2784]

Alice n Chains, saw them I'm 2022 in New Mexico, still my fav band of 90s to now!

[@nostrilnick]

I guess I'm lucky enough to have seen both Steve Perry in Journey and Brad Delp in Boston, live in concert. I'm not sure which I would say was the best front man voice, but it would have to be one of the two.

[@tommassett5374]

Me too!

[@tommypain]

I agree, @ProfessorofRock, that "Feeling That way", was the pivotal turning point for the vocals of Journey. I remember hearing that song for the very first time (playing the first side of the LP at my friend's house after school after the Christmas break in 1978). The song starts with Gregg Rolie sort of lumbering through the drudgery of the song. We ironically hear "opened my eyes to a new kind of way", then his last line "Am I just your fool?" Then BAM, the crystal clear, soaring "When the summer's gone"! Mr. Perry took over! Wow, talk about your "out with the old and in with the new" sound! Journey -- and might I say Rock & Roll -- were never the same since! Plus some other incredible greats on the back side: "Winds of March" and "Opened the Door". Just amazing songs -- even 45 years later.

[@TerryMundy]

How many can tell a time when they seen Journey in concert in 1981 when their baby girl was "in the oven" and the next time when that baby girl took me to a Journey concert when she turned 20 because she loved them just as much as the generation did in 1981?!

[@bluesguy47]

I was never a big Journey fan when I was younger, but you certainly can’t deny their amazing musicianship…

[@Bootradr]

Journey and Led Zeppelin are my lifelong, all-time favorite bands. I've collected tons of live shows, studio outtakes, etc, etc from Journey through the decades and they were the perfect band for my teenage soul when I first heard them in 1981. Of course I started going backwards to 1978 (and later 1975 would their studio albums in 1973 with their unreleased live shows) with Infinity soon following my discovery of them at the age of 14. And I've never thought twice about them being one of my two favorites and how incredible bands. I have always been so impressed by the musicians and Steve Perry on vocals and they just blew everything else away for me. They touched my soul and sang the lyrics to my life and loves throughout it. I'm about to put the 2 LP Journey Captured album on right now :-) I didn't realize Robert Fleischman was one of the writers on Winds of March either. That is one of my all-time favorite Journey songs. Especially when it's live! They haven't played it live since around 1981. And I was really lucky to be able to hear and see Neal sit down after a sound check in Austin back in 2002 and start picking at an acoustic guitar playing Winds of March. I got all excited thinking they were going to do the song that night finally. But I walked up to the stage and talked to Ross Valory after the sound check and asked him if they were playing the song that night. He was so cool! But unfortunately he said that one wasn't on the set list so I never got to hear a full band version of it at a concert. Journey has so many unbelievable songs that the common fan probably doesn't hear nowadays And they probably seldom heard them on the radio back in the day. With those early Perry albums starting with Infinity and going through, in my opinion, Departure, they had a ton of great songs that just never got a lot of radio play. I love all of their Steve Perry era albums and my favorites are the early ones up through Frontiers. But like I said, I love them all! What an incredible band. I'm definitely feeling that way... anytime (and every time) I hear classic Journey! Brian in Fort Worth 🎶

[@dantierney3301]

Born in 1959, it was the Beatles and the Monkees in grade school, Elton John and Santana in junior high, from then on it was one FANTASTIC band after another, you could barely keep up. I saw Journey open for Queen in '79 for $7.50. That's what it was like. KY102 had 102 cents concerts, where the T- shirt I bought cost more than the show! We had it made. Sorry you younger kids missed it. Oh yeah, we didn't have crack houses, school shootings, drive-by's or school resource officers either. Mtv actually played music videos, not "16 and pregnant". The heighth of our civilization. What happened? Ronald Reagan, Fox News, Newt Gingrich, the Moral Majority, Karl Rove, Dick Cheney, Columbine, the NRA, Aurora Colorado, Sandy Hook, Harriet Stoneman-Douglas, the pandemic, I pity you kids. You deserve what we had. General admission shows for a few bucks. Let's aim for that, instead of a Mini-14.

[@valeriematthews-oo6ho]

Steve Perry has the most intricate, powerful voice. I absolutely love Journey!

[@Augirl78]

I cannot be the only one who misses these two vocalists TOGETHER.?. I recognize Steve’s brilliance but Gregg just had something as well. I really loved his voice. Steve is the king. Don’t get it twisted. Still…

[@Tammyperry1]

Damn straight they were the best two lead singers....OMG!

[@g.t.richardson6311]

@@Tammyperry1 agree love the songs with the duets Just the same way, do you recall, feelin that way

[@mariacampos8234]

Steve Perry and Rollie were OK together, Perry is a Counter Tenor (F#2 - A5) High Tenor Altino with a Tone between Sam Cooke and Aretha Franklin 4 Octaves, 5 Notes. Rollie sounded like every other singer out there in a rock band singing with Perry. Herbie Herbert wanted something Flashy, Unique and someone who would standout and it helped Perry was easy on the eyes to women everywhere. Rollie being in the band longer than Perry expected the Frontman position Herbert realized he wasn't it and when he found Perry told them this is your frontman. Herbert's decision never set well with Rollie and after a short period sharing the vocals with Perry, Rollie left.

[@g.t.richardson6311]

@@mariacampos8234 that’s your opinion that they were “ok”, which is fine Many would disagree 3 or 4 albums together isn’t a short time in a lot of peoples view either. Gregg one of 25 inducted twice in the rock and roll HOF

[@mariacampos8234]

@@g.t.richardson6311 - it's fact Rollie expected the Frontman position and when he didn't get it, tried being second fiddle for a while and then decided he had enough and left. The information regarding Perry's voice is FACT go look it up! Gregg got in twice as part of a group not as a SOLO ARTIST and yes neither did Steve Perry, but he has the superior voice. Sorry, truth and fact bother you...

[@drumdotpizza]

Obviously Escape and Frontiers are HUGE albums, but... start to finish I still think Infinity is Journey's best effort. Each song just gets more magical with another listen. Perry's absolutely soaring vocals are huge part of that magic. Great video!

[@vcv6560]

I don't know if it was intended to happen this way, but Feelin' That Way & Anytime were always on radio as a double-a side. That's the song(s) the really stuck with me with each a Neal Schon solos and indeed what an introduction to Steve Perry.

[@darthtater4655]

He has an incredible range. Amazing singer.

[@pcooper3559]

Met Steve Perry at the top of CN Tower he was absolutely amazing, totally unexpected meeting him I was visiting from UK.

[@mikesmith-knutsen4028]

so many great songs in the Journey catalog. I have to say that for "Feeling That Way", it's because it moves from Greg Rollie to Steve Perry that makes it just leap out of the speakers. It's still my favourite Journey song. Hope you do a spot on that one, one day!

[@dannyjacobs2280]

"Feeling That Way" with Steve and Gregg is probably my favorite Journey song, yet least heard!

[@Slap_Shot1977]

Evolution was my introduction to Journey thanks to my brother, and because of it Lovin', Touchin', Squeezin' is my favorite Journey song of all time. Would love to see a retrospective on that one.

[@acerdan]

I live in the Bay Area. I’ve seen Journey so many times at the Day on the Green concerts. They always put on a great show. I really miss those days.

[@Whisper_292]

Wheel in the Sky was the first Journey song I ever heard. The harmonies blew me away.

[@grahamnash9794]

Twice in the same day !!! Some one give this man a raise.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Ha ha!

[@jeffwheaton1257]

I can remember the first time I heard a Journey song with Steve Perry. I was a teenager parked next to a little league baseball field with my car radio on. As soon as Steve’s voice came on I actually thought it was a woman singing…no way could a man sing that high and pure. I’ve been a Perry and Journey fan ever since.

[@greenzombie77]

Phenomenal vocals and guitar. Plus hooks through the roof. What a band!

[@raygarrett354]

One of the greatest singers there ever has been , the band is great too . Hopelessly in love the partys over 👍

[@nataliecombs8147]

I love this album 🎉 Wheel in The Sky was my ring tone when ring tones were cool. 😂 Steve Perry has an amazing gift. His voice just just draws you into all the emotions of the songs he sang. His talent and Neil's genius of the guitar made a beautiful work of art. I just love Steve Perry. ❤️ Will always love his voice. ❤

[@catlover15301]

Great content as always Professor. Steve Perry and Journey had lots of great music. But my favorite is a hidden gem from the Midnight Special 1979. Journey and Herbie Hancock performed "Roadrunner" Steve Perry is soulful and funky and there is an incredible guitar vs keyboard "duel" between Neal Schon and Herbie Hancock. Musicians having FUN. I say a MUST SEE for Journey fans.

[@katnhat7695]

Steve Perry - Love hearing his voice and can listen to it for hours!

[@Andrea-kt6ds]

Steve has the best voice and presentation ever! Greatest band. Steve made that band what it was…

[@philipmichel215]

Ah 1978, Senior year, 2 breakthrough albums of the year in Journey Infinity and Foreigner Double vision. I remember distinctly where I was and who was in the room the first time Infinity album was played and Steve Perry vocals were like none ever heard before. I agree professor that Perry is the greatest vocalist of our time! I saw Journey live that summer at Cleveland Stadium World Series of Rock along with Foreigner, Trickster and headliner ELO. … damn rock was great back in those days!

[@mgabbard]

Infinity was an amazing album. I wore out many a needle on that record back in the day. Wheel in the Sky is undeniably a great song along with Lights. But my absolute favorite Journey song of all time is Feeling That Way and Anytime (which everyone knows must always to be played together or else there will be a rip in the space-time continuum).

[@kathyscoppettuolo7168]

Yes, MUST be played together!

[@michaelkneringer3194]

Loved Steve, Loved Arnel (awesome) filling the void helping to carry Journey's music to younger generations. The thought of Journey members helping Arnel through the complications isn't lost, thanks Journey, best wishes to all for a wonderful experience in life.

[@savedin87ify]

Journey has to be one of my all time favorites bands. And yes Steve Perry in my opinion is there best lead singer. And yes Wheel in the Sky is one of there best songs of all time.

[@stevew6910]

Steve Perry is the top singer of my life, And the 80ties had some great ones across all Genre

[@dianedee7919]

I agree, Steve Perry is by far one of my favorites, what a beautiful voice. ❤ Wheel in the sky still gives me goosebumps, it's that amazing. The 70s and 80s were the best time to be young and enjoying these wonderfully talented bands.

[@tammydunn6252]

There's a reason he's called "The Voice." NOONE has a better rock voice than Mr. Perry. HE is the one that made Journey successful.

[@hugome778]

Wheel in the Sky was the first song I ever saw on MTV. I knew and loved Journey, but had never actually seen them before. I was hooked! Wish I'd gotten to see them with Steve Perry. He is beyond amazing. I did get to see them last year and they did not disappoint, but just not quite the same.

[@glennhecker4422]

I saw them on June 4th, 1983 with Steve Perry at JFK Stadium. You are absolutely right. They were INCREDIBLE.

[@adreanmarantz2103]

I didn't see them until about 10yrs ago myself. Arnel did a great job, and he may not be Steve but without him I may have never gotten to see Journey at all, and that would be a shame.

[@livemeyer]

Journey has been my favorite band since the Escape LP was given to me for Christmas in 1981. I was blown away by Who's Crying Now, Don't Stop Believin' and Stone in Love. I started to go back into the history of the band and love everything they did, including the first three prog rock albums and the unusual collaboration with a Japanese orchestra on Dream After Dream. I met Steve Smith (my drum hero) in the mid 90's and he signed my Dream After Dream album. We had a long and personal conversation, as I was in the throes of being newly married with a child on the way while at the same time the band I was in wanting to go on the road. I made the right choice and stuck with my family instead of my band mates. But it was clearly an awkward conversation Steve and I had; I realized I was touching a nerve, as I'm certain touring had taken a toll on all members of the band and their families. Journey was my first concert I attended in 1983 (Frontiers tour) and I've seen them a couple more times since. The last time I saw them, about 6 years ago, they launched into the album cut "Escape" to the delight of die hard fans like myself. My gut feeling is that Neal Schon probably lets out his prog-rock demons on that song, which is a delight to me because all the young'uns in the audience that only know the greatest hits album don't know that song. Sort of a treat for us old die hard rockers. I only wish I could have seen them live in the late 70's when they were at their peak, like on the Captured album. I love opening that double album to see all the photos of the fans with their homemade banners back then. Steve Perry is the greatest singer in rock history, bar none. Neal Schon is probably the most underrated guitarist/songwriter ever. At least the songs will live on forever.

[@scottburton9701]

"Wheel In The Sky" is certainly greater than its chart position-Still sounds great 45 years later!

[@elram2649]

Steve Perry, the pride of Hanford, CA.

[@ritchhine6255]

Great song. It came out at a time when several songs kind of carried that kind of "mystical" sound like: Crystal Ball by Styx, Crazy On You by Heart, Ridin' The Storm Out by REO, and several others that kind of define this period. It was the beginning of a great run for Journey as well. Great interview and video POR. Thanks much. 👍✌️🙏

[@TailsSP]

According to Herbie Herbert, Steve Perry was constantly trying to get into the band. He even gave Herbie a reel to reel demo. Herbie had no way to play the reel to reel. Herbie passed Steve off to Tower of Power because they were also looking for a singer. Tower of Power transferred the reel to reel t a cassette. Herbie asked them what they thought of Steve. They thought he was very good and would have hired Steve, but said he was "too white." Herbie could not get Steve off his mind, even after he had hired Fleischman. Then when the band was touring through California in mid August, Herbie had invited Steve to come with the band. Fleischman and Herbie had not been getting along because Fleischman had become very demanding - like a diva. During the band's set-up and sound check in Long Beach, Herbie sent Fleischman to a interview on the QE II and brought Steve in to the soundcheck. Herbie asked Steve what song he would like to do. Ironically, Steve picked the song "For You." Herbie described the atmosphere after soundcheck, and how every person in the place was mesmerized. After the show, Herbie sent Fleischman packing. Herbie invited Steve to go on the road with them to Denver. Journey had a show there on August 19, 1977, a couple of hours before the band headed out from the hotel to the venue, Herbie sent Steve and Neal up to a room and told them not to come out until they had written a song. In less than 30 minutes, the duo had written "Patiently," and magic was born. I interviewed Herbie in April 2020, and all of this is according to his account of the band's history. He also said that Steve's first official stage performance with the band was the first of October 1977 at a fundraiser event for NORML; it was not October 28, 1977. The Stanford Daily published an article on October 6, 1977, about Steve as the band's new lead singer.

[@unsafe_at_any_speed]

I got to see journey live this spring albeit with Arnell but what a great show. Timeless classic rock songs. We were big fans of Bad English also which Neil was a part of.

[@akasgsvirgil9503]

The true magic of Journey lives and breathes in their B sides.