Steve Perry: 16 Magazine September 1982

Journey - Santana?
Dear 16,
Is it true that Journey used to be a group called Santana?

Dear Ariel,
Journey was never called Santana, but a couple of the band's members (past and present) have their roots in the famous group led by Carlos Santana. Journey was started by ex-Santana lead singer, Gregg Rolie, and former Santana member (since he was 15!) Neal Schon.

Steve Ill?
Dear 16,
Could you tell me if it's true that Steve Perry has cancer?

Dear Susan,
Steve Perry does not have cancer or any other fatal disease. This is a rumor that seems to get started about every rock star who makes it big, so we guess it's just Steve's turn to deal with the rumor now.

Summer LP?
Dear 16,
I heard Journey's putting out a new album and going to Europe this summer. When are they going to be back in America?

Dear Warren,
Oops! Boy, is what you heard way off base! Journey is winding down its tour as we go to press and is planning to go back into the recording studio in late July or early August to begin work on a new album. The guys have been hard at work writing new material, and the entire band is chomping at the bit to get it down on tape! The guys will eventually tour with that new LP - Europe, Japan and the U.S.! - but it will be a while (maybe this winter!) before they're back on the road again, Warren. In the meantime, why not keep spinning Escape and all those wonderful Journey LPs - as you already know, they can't be beat for hits!

Gregg or Steve?
Dear 16,
Gregg Rolie replacing Steve Perry? What's going on?

Dear Neil,
Nothing's going on. Gregg is not replacing Steve, because Steve isn't going anywhere! It's true he's helping Kenny Loggins out with his new LP - and it's true Steve is thinking about doing a solo album in the future! - but he's sticking close to Journey as always. As for Gregg, he's busy working with his old buddy, Carlos Santana, and some hot new rock groups who are warming up in the bullpen! Just as soon as those projects are completed, 16'll be letting you know!

Steve Smith Splits?
Dear 16,
I can't believe Steve Smith and his wife are getting divorced. They just had a baby! What happened?

Dear Lisa,
The Steve Smiths did in fact have a baby a while back and 16 is glad to report they're together - as ever! - and happy as can be! That little Smith cherub is the apple of this drummer's eye and we can't imagine how such awful stories about Steve and his family got started. Take our word for it - everything is A-OK

A Steve Perry Currie?
Dear 16,
Is it true that Steve Perry's going with Cherrie Currie who used to be in the Runaways?

Dear Kathy,
No, it's not true, Steve's lady is named Sherry, but she's no relation to the pretty rocker-actress you came to know in the Runaways and in the film Foxes (with Scott Baio). Hope that sets the record straight!

Steve Moved?
Dear 16,
Is it true Steve Perry's moved to New York? My sister says she read it in a newspaper.

Dear Felice,
Steve's living arrangements seem indeed to have changed, although it appears at press time to be a move within the state of California. We've got a call into Steve for all the intimate details, but we wanted to answer your question now, since it's on the minds of other Journey fans too! Stay tuned to upcoming issues of 16 for all the facts on this one, Felice - straight from the fella who should know!!

A New Sound?
Dear 16,
I read that Journey is changing their style. What are they going to do that's different?

Dear Peter,
This is a sticky one Peter, since this band - or any other for that matter! - is not going to tell all before their album is finished. But a good guess would be that Journey's probably headed for a simpler, more 'live' sound. Guess we'll all have to wait to find out the answer to this one!

Ross Before Journey?
Dear 16,
My favorite bass player is Ross Valory of Journey. I think he's funny. Didn't he and Steve Perry work in a band before Journey?

Dear Billy,
You're right about Ross being funny - and talented too! - but you've got your Steves mixed up. Ross used to be a part of the Steve Miller band. He didn't meet Steve Perry until that lovable lead singer joined Journey in 1978.

Neal Leaving?
Dear 16,
I'm mortified! My friends just told me Neal Schon is leaving Journey. Say it isn't so!

Dear Betsy,
It isn't so. Neal is now, and always has been since its inception, a very big and important part of Journey. What's causing the rumors probably has to do with the fact he's go a second LP due out at any moment with rocker Jan Hammer. The duo hit it off so well on their first effort together, they simply had to get back into the studio to do it one more time! So don't fret - these projects are fun for Neal, but Journey is still his baby!

Jonathan Solo?
Dear 16,
We think Jonathan Cain is the cutest guy in Journey and we heard he's doing an album of his own. When is it going to come out?

Dear J & J,
Funny how rumors get started! Oddly enough, there is some album talk surrounding adorable Jon, but it has nothing to do with him directly. It's Jon's wife, Tane - whom you've seen on Dance Fever with Deney Terrio! - who's got a recoding contract with RCA. Jon's helping out in the writing, production and co-ordination stages of the process, but in fact it's Tane's album all the way! If there's any word of a duet on the LP, June and Jerri, we'll let you know as soon as Jon tells us!