Steve Perry Songs: Broken Hearts Inspire Comeback in Emotional Interview

When someone you love leaves, it can be one of life's most devastating experiences. For former Journey frontman Steve Perry, losing his long-term girlfriend due to breast cancer was the catalyst that reignited a passion for music he thought had been extinguished forever.

In an exclusive interview with CityNews Calgary, Perry opens up about how heartbreak and loss ultimately led him back behind the microphone after years of silence. The legendary singer's story is one of love, loss, pain, and ultimate redemption – all set to the soundtrack of some of his most iconic hits.

Perry first rose to fame as the distinctive voice behind Journey in the late 1970s and early 1980s. With timeless classics like 'Don't Stop Believin'', 'Open Arms', and '(I'll) Be There' etched into rock history books, it's hard to believe that for a period of time following his departure from the band, Perry seemed determinedly absent from the music scene altogether.

'I didn’t sing for anyone not even for myself,' he candidly reveals about those dark days. 'It wasn't just Journey – I stopped singing completely.'

However, as often happens when life gives you lemons (or in this case a broken heart), some people find an unexpected silver lining. For Perry, it was the promise he had made to his late partner before she passed away: if anything ever happened to him, he would continue their shared love of music.

'I kept that promise,' says Perry with emotion still evident in his voice. 'It gave me something bigger than myself.'

And what could be bigger than churning out some unforgettable tunes? Clearly moved by the memory of his lost loved one and finding solace in songwriting once again, Perry began penning new material at a furious rate.

'I just couldn't stop,' he explains matter-of-factly about this creative surge. 'The songs just kept coming.'

As fans will attest, good things do indeed come out of heartbreak – especially when it's channelled into the kind of raw, honest songwriting that only comes from true experience. Perry himself agrees: 'I think you can hear a lot more soul in these new tracks because I've been through some tough times recently.'

And boy oh boy does he deliver! Tracks like 'Gates Of Eden', an emotive ballad about finding solace after loss, and the anthemic title track 'Letting Go' – both co-written with producer Phil Sambado – are guaranteed to move even the toughest of audiences to tears.

'I hope people can relate to these songs,' Perry says humbly when asked what he hopes listeners take away from his comeback album. 'I'm just glad I could share my story and hopefully help others through theirs.'

As we bid farewell to this candid conversation, one thing is clear: Steve Perry may have been broken-hearted before – but it seems that time was long gone.

Steve Perrys new music will be released soon via . For more information on upcoming tour dates and where to purchase tickets visit 'official website URL'.

Photo credit: Getty Images

Steve perry songs broken hearts