The Elevator Ride Where Neal Schon First Showed Perry A Riff That Became “Any Way You Want It”

April 1, 2025

The elevator doors slid shut, sealing Neal Schon and Steve Perry inside a small metal box humming with electricity and the faint hint of grease. It was 1979, and they were both part of the band Journey, but at that moment, it was just the two of them: two musicians on the brink of something incredible. The pressure of their recent tour weighed heavily on them, but Neal could feel a spark of inspiration bubbling up, and he needed to share it. With a flash of excitement in his eyes, he turned to Perry and said, “Hey, I’ve got this idea for a new song.”

As the elevator creaked upward, Neal began to play the riff he had been working on. It was a catchy melody, full of promise and energy—something that could galvanize the crowd. The simple yet infectious guitar notes filled the small space, echoing off the metal walls as the elevator climbed. Steve could feel the music wrapping around him like a warm embrace. He closed his eyes, letting the notes wash over him, and the rhythm ignited something deep inside. It was as if the melody was calling out to him, awakening the passion he had for music, and sparking a fire that had been smoldering just below the surface.

“Any Way You Want It,” Neal exclaimed with a grin, his fingers dancing over the strings in a way that made it seem effortless. Steve’s heart raced; he could already hear the lyrics forming in his mind, inspired by the riff that Neal had birthed in this confined space. As the elevator continued its ascent, they began to hash out ideas, their voices blending with the music, creating something greater than either of them could have imagined alone. In that moment, they weren’t just bandmates; they were co-creators, sculpting a piece of art that would soon resonate with millions.

When the elevator finally dinged and the doors opened, the world outside felt different. They had been transformed during that brief ride, and they knew they had something special on their hands. With determination fueling them, they hurried to the studio, where they meticulously crafted the song. The gripping riff and soaring melody unfolded seamlessly, and Steve poured his heart into the lyrics, capturing the longing and freedom that came with pursuing your dreams.

Months later, “Any Way You Want It” would soar to the top of the charts, become one of Journey’s biggest hits, and a staple at concerts for generations to come. For Neal and Steve, it was more than just a song; it was a testament to their resilience and unwavering passion for music. They had taken a fleeting moment in an elevator and turned it into an anthem that celebrated individuality and the power of choice—a reminder that creativity could flourish in the unlikeliest of places.

Looking back, both men realized that this moment changed their lives in ways they couldn’t have imagined. Not only did it solidify their bond as musicians, but it also marked the beginning of a new era for Journey. The elevator ride had transformed their frustrations into joy, their doubts into determination, and their friendship into a powerful collaboration that would echo through the ages. In that small space, two artists had embraced their dreams, lifting each other higher, and together, they created a legacy that would inspire countless others to chase their own passions without hesitation.