Steve Perry Opens Up About His Comeback Album

For decades, Steve Perry’s voice defined Journey’s rise to arena-rock greatness. Songs like “Don’t Stop Believin’,” “Open Arms,” and “Who’s Crying Now” helped shape the sound of early-’80s melodic rock. Yet after stepping away from the spotlight in the 1990s, Perry disappeared almost completely from the music world, leaving fans to wonder if they would ever record new music again.

That long silence finally ended in 2018 with the release of Traces, his first studio album in nearly 25 years. At the time, the record felt like an unexpected return for a singer many believed had quietly retired. Perry himself had once admitted that the passion for songwriting and performing had faded, and he had accepted the idea that his musical chapter might already be finished.

Looking back today, Traces stands as the turning point that reopened that chapter. The album not only marked Perry’s comeback but also paved the way for several later projects, including the holiday album The Season (2021), its expanded follow-ups, and guest appearances such as his performance of “Open Arms” on Dolly Parton’s collaborative album Rockstar. What began as a deeply personal return to music ultimately became the start of a new phase in his career.

A Long Silence Before the Comeback

After Journey’s Trial by Fire era in the mid-1990s, Perry gradually stepped away from the music industry. Years of recording and touring had taken a toll, and he admitted that the inner joy he once felt for songwriting had disappeared. Rather than continuing without that passion, he chose to walk away from it altogether.

During his time away, Perry lived a quieter life outside the spotlight. He traveled, kept a low public profile, and rarely appeared in interviews. Financial success from his years with Journey and his solo work meant he didn’t need to return to the industry, and he seemed content simply living life without the pressures of fame.

Even so, the music he helped create never faded from public consciousness. Journey’s songs continued to reach new audiences through films, television, and streaming. When “Don’t Stop Believin’” gained renewed popularity after appearing in shows like The Sopranos and later Glee, Perry watched from afar as a new generation discovered the music he had once stepped away from.

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The Personal Loss Behind Traces

The real reason behind Perry’s return to music was deeply personal. Through filmmaker Patty Jenkins, he met psychologist Kellie Nash, who was battling stage-four cancer. Despite the seriousness of her illness, the two quickly formed a strong emotional connection and began a relationship that would have a profound impact on Perry’s life.

Nash was open about the reality of her condition, and the couple shared conversations about what the future might hold. At one point she asked Perry to promise that if something happened to her, he would not retreat back into the isolation that had defined his years away from music. It was a promise he did not take lightly.

When Nash passed away in December 2014, Perry was devastated. But her words stayed with him. In the years that followed, he began writing again, slowly rediscovering the emotional connection he once had with music. Those songs eventually formed the heart of Traces, turning grief and love into the creative force behind his long-awaited comeback album.

A Comeback That Led To A New Chapter

When Perry returned to recording for Traces, he approached the process cautiously. After such a long absence, he wasn’t certain whether the spark would still be there. But as he began singing again, he felt the same emotional connection that had driven him earlier in his career.

The album blended reflective ballads with uplifting songs, many inspired by his relationship with Nash. While the record carried moments of sadness, Perry also filled it with hope and gratitude. The project reminded him that the passion for music he thought was gone had simply been waiting for the right moment to return.

In the years since Traces, Perry has continued to release new material. His holiday album The Season arrived in 2021 and debuted in the Top 10 of Billboard’s Top Album Sales chart. Later releases expanded the project, including The Season 3 in 2024, which featured remasters and previously unreleased recordings. He has also made guest appearances, including joining Dolly Parton on her collaborative album Rockstar to perform Journey’s classic “Open Arms.” What began as a personal comeback ultimately reopened the door to a new creative period in Steve Perry’s career.