Journey soared to prominence between 1978 and 1987, with hits like “Don’t Stop Believin’,” the second single from their 1981 album, Escape. The track achieved global acclaim, cementing itself as a timeless anthem for fans worldwide. The accompanying video, a delicacy for enthusiasts of Perry’s vocal finesse, showcases his isolated vocals against the backdrop of live footage from their 1983 performance in Tokyo.
This technical marvel seamlessly synchronizes Perry’s studio-recorded vocals with Neal Schon’s guitar riffs, highlighting the band’s exceptional cohesion and professionalism. The video underscores Journey’s ability to replicate their studio magic in a live setting, a testament to their musical prowess.
“Don’t Stop Believin'” endures as Journey’s signature tune, enjoying a resurgence in the digital era long after its initial release. Its inclusion in the iconic final scene of “The Sopranos” finale further solidified its status as a cultural phenomenon. With over 7 million digital copies sold in the US alone, it holds the title of the best-selling digital track from the 20th century.
In 2017, both Steve Perry and Journey received the honor of induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. However, Perry’s journey with the band was marked by intermittent departures, driven by health concerns such as vocal cord issues and a degenerative bone disease. Despite his intermittent absences, Perry’s distinctive voice remains irreplaceable, an integral element that Journey has cyclically sought to replicate over three decades, as aptly noted by The New Statesman in 2018.