The Letter Steve Perry Wrote But Never Sent To Neal Schon After Leaving

April 1, 2025

It was late at night when Steve Perry sat down at his cluttered desk, a blank piece of paper before him and a pen in hand. The dim light from a nearby lamp cast long shadows across the room, mirroring the confusion swirling in his heart. He had just made one of the most difficult decisions of his life — leaving the band Journey, a group that had not only shaped his career but had also become his family. As he stared at the paper, he couldn’t shake the feeling that he owed Neal Schon, the band’s brilliant guitarist and his dear friend, an explanation. But the words wouldn’t come.

Steve remembered the first time he met Neal. It was during a rehearsal, where the energy buzzed in the air like electricity. Their voices blended together in perfect harmony, creating a sound that would captivate millions. But as the years went by, fame began to weigh heavily on him. The pressure of constant touring took a toll on his health, and he often found himself longing for peace and solitude. He felt trapped in a whirlwind of expectations, both his own and those of the fans who adored their music. Finally, after a turbulent internal struggle, he decided he needed to step away to rediscover himself.

With each stroke of the pen, Steve relived their adventures — the electric performances, the laughter shared backstage, and the connection they forged through music. He poured his heart into the letter, expressing his gratitude for the memories they created together and the music that would forever tie them. Yet, as much as he wanted to send it, he hesitated. Would Neal understand? Would he forgive the void that Steve was about to leave? He wrestled with his emotions, wanting to reach out while fearing the fallout of his decision.

As the clock ticked on, Steve began reminiscing about the songs they wrote, especially the iconic ballad “Don’t Stop Believin’.” It brought tears to his eyes, reminding him that even in times of darkness, hope could shine through. He knew he would cherish those moments forever, but he also understood that sometimes taking a step back was essential for personal growth. In that moment of reflection, he found a spark of inspiration. Life was about change, and this was his time to evolve. With that realization, the weight on his shoulders began to lift.

Though he never sent the letter, Steve found a new purpose in his life. He took the time to explore his passions outside of music, something he had neglected for years. He traveled, wrote songs in solitude, and connected with himself in a way he thought he had lost. Through his resilience, he discovered that stepping away didn’t mean giving up; rather, it was about finding the strength to emerge stronger and more authentic than before.

Years later, when Steve returned to music, he did so with a renewed sense of self and a deeper appreciation for his craft. Journey would go on to create new music, and when they performed once again, it felt like a celebration of not just their journey as a band, but also of Steve’s own personal journey. The letter he had never sent became a symbol of his transformation, a reminder that even amid uncertainty, hope and passion could light the way forward.