Steve Perry Reunites With Journey At Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame But Doesn’t Sing

Steve Perry reunited with Journey for the first time in 20-plus years as part of the band’s induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on Friday night.

Much to attendees’ delight, Perry walked on stage at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center for his first appearance with the band since 2005, although he did not perform.

The reclusive frontman appeared onstage with his former bandmates as they each gave acceptance speeches.

When it came time for him to speak, Perry began by recounting his first encounter with Journey. “I would always go to see Journey perform, I watched with amazement, their musicianship was par to none. There was one instrument that flew above, that was the magic guitar of Neal Schon.” He continued by praising each of his other former bandmates as well as the band’s current singer, Arnel Pineda. “I must give a shout out to a man who sings his heart out every night, Arnel Pineda.”

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Despite rumors to the contrary, Perry did not take part in the band’s subsequent performance. Instead, Pineda fronted the band as they performed “Lights,” “Separate Ways” and “Don’t Stop Believin.’”

“You put us here, we would not be here if not for you,” Perry said. “Your tireless love and consistent devotion, you never have stopped. But from my heart I must tell you — I’ve been gone a long time, but you’ve always been in my heart. I want you to know that. I love every single one of you. Thank you so very much!”