International fame

In the meantime, Journey had become one of the biggest rock bands in the world. Their 1981 album “Escape” went multi-platinum, and Perry was hailed as one of the greatest vocalists in rock history. His range, tone, and emotional delivery were second to none. Journey had it all – chart-topping albums, sold-out tours, and legions of devoted fans.

But the demands of fame began to take their toll.

In a 2018 interview with the New York Times, the “Open Arms” singer revealed that burnout played a significant role.

“As a vocalist,” Perry explained, “your instrument is you. It’s not just your throat, it’s you. If you’re burnt out, if you’re depressed, if you’re feeling weary and lost and paranoid, you’re a mess.”

Journey went on hiatus in 1987, and while they briefly regrouped in the mid-90s, things didn’t go smoothly.

Comeback

In 1996, the band released “Trial by Fire,” which included the hit single “When You Love a Woman.” It looked like a comeback was underway – until Perry suffered a hip injury while hiking in Hawaii.