Joining Journey in 1977, Steve Perry helmed the band’s most commercially successful iteration. The San Francisco prog-rockers released multiple hits with Perry at the mic, including their seminal 1981 track “Don’t Stop Believin’.” Now, Perry is reaching deep into Journey’s vault to help rebuilding efforts in his home state following January’s historic wildfires.
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Journey’s Steve Perry Offers Handwritten Lyrics and More
Partnering with Darkives Collectibles, a new archival memorabilia platform from Dark Horse Records, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member has launched an auction site offering more than 50 pieces from his personal archives. These include handwritten lyrics to songs like “Faithfully” and “Don’t Stop Believin’,” as well as signed instruments, records, and tour programs.
All proceeds from the auction will go to the Sweet Relief Musicians’ Fund to benefit rebuilding efforts in the Altadena neighborhood of Los Angeles. January’s Eaton Canyon wildfire destroyed nearly half of the community’s Black households and almost 10,000 structures overall, according to the Guardian.
“I’m excited to open up my personal archives and give fans who have supported me through the years a chance to own a piece of my musical journey,” Perry wrote on his website. “Every item in this collection comes directly from my personal archive. These pieces have been carefully stored for many years, and now I feel it’s the right time to pass them on from my hands to yours, to be enjoyed, remembered and treasured in your own personal collections.”
Dhani Harrison, CEO of Dark Horse Records and Darkives Collectibles, said of Perry, “His continued generosity makes him the perfect artist to help launch this platform.”
L.A. Wildfire Rebuilding Efforts Continue
Aric Steinberg, executive director at Sweet Relief Musicians Fund, added, “Steve Perry is an absolute legend, and we’re honored to be a part of this campaign… The fire relief efforts in L.A. are ongoing and thousands of musicians and music industry professionals are still in desperate financial distress.”
Five months ago, 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.
Featured image by Lynn McAfee/Shutterstock
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