Journey reaches out to Steve Perry for farewell tour as reunion hopes fade

Journey has confirmed it reached out to former lead singer Steve Perry about a possible reunion appearance during the band’s farewell tour, though hopes of a comeback now appear unlikely.

Keyboardist Jonathan Cain told Ultimate Classic Rock that Perry had been invited to join the group at any point during the Final Frontier Tour, which begins February 28 in Hershey, Pennsylvania.

“Neal already asked,” Cain said, referring to guitarist Neal Schon. “[Perry’s] thinking about it. I hope he comes out. It’s never too late. We’ve got 100 shows, so he’s welcome at any one of them.”

Cain initially struck an optimistic tone, noting that Perry “didn’t say no”. However, the outlet later reported that the singer has since declined the offer.

Perry fronted Journey during the band’s commercial peak, including the blockbuster 1981 album Escape, before departing in the late 1980s. A planned late-1990s reunion tour with the classic lineup never materialised.

The upcoming farewell run will instead feature longtime vocalist Arnel Pineda, now the group’s longest-serving frontman.

Cain said Pineda is prepared for the tour after dealing with recent issues in his home country, describing him as “a singing machine”.

The first leg of Journey’s farewell shows runs through July, with additional dates expected to be announced.

Cain also suggested he plans to step back after the tour concludes. “Wait ’til that time and see,” he said of the band’s future. “I just know that’s it for me.”