Steve Perry Confirms He Will Not Rejoin Journey
Despite recent speculation fueled by comments from Journey member Jonathan Cain, Steve Perry has definitively stated he will not be rejoining the band. Perry released a statement on February 20, 2026, addressing the rumors and clarifying his position.
Dismissing Reunion Speculation
Cain had suggested that Perry hadn’t entirely ruled out a return to Journey, stating, “He didn’t say no — depart it at that.” But, Perry quickly dispelled this notion with a firm declaration that the rumors are “simply not true and I want to gently put them to rest.”
Focus on New Creative Endeavors
Perry expressed his understanding of fans’ desire for a reunion, acknowledging the significance of the music created during his time with Journey. However, he emphasized his commitment to exploring new creative projects and focusing on music that reflects his current artistic direction. “I completely understand why people would hope for that,” Perry said. “The music we created together means a great deal to me too. But I’m continuing to explore new creative work and really enjoy working on new music that reflects where I am today.”
Journey’s Current Lineup
Journey’s upcoming tour will proceed with its current lineup, featuring Jonathan Cain, Neal Schon, Arnel Pineda, Jason Derlatka, Deen Castronovo, and Todd Jensen.
Past Attempts at Reconciliation
The possibility of a reunion has been a recurring topic for years. Although a brief moment of unity occurred during Journey’s 2017 induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, communication between Perry and the band has remained limited. Neal Schon revealed in October 2025 that he has “zero dialogue” with Perry presently, despite reaching out with an invitation to a San Francisco Giants game that went unanswered (Ultimate Classic Rock). Schon had previously expressed a desire for a more casual relationship with Perry, hoping to be able to connect without involving management or legal representation (Ultimate Classic Rock).
In May 2025, Perry had already indicated his firm stance against rejoining the band (Facebook).
A History of Distance
The relationship between Perry and Journey has been strained since Perry’s final departure from the group in 1998. Schon noted in a 2012 interview that Perry “walked” away from the band (Ultimate Classic Rock).
Fans have continued to discuss the dynamic between Perry and Neal Schon, with some attributing Perry’s departure to the band’s relentless touring schedule (Reddit).
Despite the lack of a reunion, the enduring legacy of Journey’s music, particularly the collaborations between Perry and Schon, continues to be celebrated by fans (Facebook).