Former Journey singer Steve Perry recently contributed a variety of collectibles from his personal archives to an auction to raise money for those affected by the wildfires that devastated parts of the Los Angeles area. Now comes word that the sale has brought in $215,000, which will benefit the Sweet Relief Musicians Fund’s fire-relief efforts.
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Among the more than 50 items Perry donated to the auction were handwritten lyrics to classic Journey songs, including “Don’t Stop Believin’” and like “Faithfully,” as signed instruments, vinyl LPs, awards, and tour programs.
The collectible that brought in the most money was Steve’s handwritten lyrics to “Don’t Stop Believin’,” which sold for $43,500. The handwritten lyrics to “Faithfully,” meanwhile, brought in $12,100.
Another piece of memorabilia the sold for a significant amount was a signed, framed RIAA award celebrating the cumulative multiplatinum sales of Journey and Perry solo CDs. That item fetched $10,100.
Other noteworthy collectibles that sold for big bucks included handwritten lyrics to Perry’s solo song “Foolish Heart” ($8,600), a custom Journey-themed New York license plate autographed by Steve ($7,500), and a signed electric bass guitar ($7,000). The license plate, which reads “JRNEYFAN,” was thrown on stage during a Journey concert years ago, and kept by Perry.
The auction was organized in partnership with Darkives Collectibles, a new archival memorabilia platform launched by Perry’s current record label, Dark Horse Records. You can check out the full results at DarkivesCollectibles.com.
Steve Perry Comments on the Success of the Auction
Perry has issued a statement expressing his happiness about the success of the auction.
“I’m truly appreciative of the incredible support for this charity auction,” he said. “It means the world to me to see these personal pieces, many of which carry deep memories from different chapters of my life, find new homes while helping a cause that matters so deeply to me.”
He added, “I started this auction as a way to give back, and the response has been nothing short of overwhelming. I’m beyond grateful to everyone who participated, placed bids, shared the word, and supported the mission. Your generosity and kindness have turned this into something truly special. From the bottom of my heart, thank you. And who knows… maybe I’ll dig a little deeper into the vault and do this again sometime.”
Prior to the sale, Aric Steinberg, executive director at Sweet Relief Musicians Fund, issued his own statement about the auction.
“We are so excited to be the charity beneficiary for this amazing auction!” he said. “Steve Perry is an absolute legend, and we’re honored to be a part of this campaign. Steve has supported Sweet Relief for many years, he truly cares about the music community and this is another example of his kindness and generosity. The fire relief efforts in LA are ongoing and thousands of musicians and music industry professionals are still in desperate financial distress; the funds raised will be disbursed to this community in their time of need.”
About the Recent California Wildfires
In January 2025, the California wildfires killed 30 people and destroyed more than 16,000 structures, many of them homes. Combined, the Eaton and Palisades fires were among the most destructive fires in California history. UCLA’s Anderson School of Management estimated $95 billion to $164 billion in total capital and property losses.
About Perry’s Latest Musical Release
In May 2025, Perry released a new duet version of “Faithfully” featuring country legend Willie Nelson. Proceeds raised by the track are benefiting the Farm Aid organization, which Nelson co-founded.
Perry commented about the collaboration, “No one has a voice or vocal phrasing anything like Willie Nelson. Singing this duet with Willie has been something I’ve always wanted to do. After recording ‘Faithfully’ with Journey, I always felt it would be a great song for Willie too. What a wonderful experience it was to finally sing with Willie. I’m so proud of what we have accomplished together.”
Nelson added, “Working with Steve Perry on ‘Faithfully’ was a meaningful experience. It was a pleasure to collaborate on this song. I’m proud that we could create something meaningful and use it to give back through Farm Aid.”
Journey originally released “Faithfully” in 1983. The ballad, which was written by Journey keyboardist Jonathan Cain, peaked at No. 12 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
(Photo by David Zonshine)
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