Exclusive: Read The Unheard Letter Neal Schon Had Planned To Read To Steve Perry At Journey’s Induction!

The kindest words!

This past weekend, Journey and their fans finally got the moment they had been waiting for! Journey was officially enshrined in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, which meant a brief reunion for the band with Steve Perry.

Steve joined his fellow bandmates on stage for the first time in over 20 years, and although they didn’t actually perform together, seeing them on stage was nostalgic and awesome! Steve gave a heartfelt speech, but the other members didn’t really talk too much. Guitarist Neal Schon has since released the letter he planned to read at the ceremony, and let’s just say it’s incredibly touching. Neal said the event was extremely emotional, and with Steve Perry’s speech, he didn’t feel it was necessary for him to try to top him. You can read the entire speech down below, but be prepared to grab a tissue or two…

“I’m honored, grateful, and happy tonight to receive this award. I’d like to first thank my mother and father for allowing me to follow my dream. My father also co-wrote some beautiful, timeless music with us. Classical songs like, ‘Mother Father,’ ‘Winds of March,’ and ‘Good Morning Girl.’ These songs helped mold us musically into a multi-dimensional band.

“Gregg Rolie…

“Gregg came to see me play when I was very young in a club in the Bay Area. And then, shortly after, he would pick me up from high school at the age of 15. Then, later, I met Carlos Santana and the rest of the band, and we hung in the studio. About three weeks after that, I met Eric Clapton. We played, and I was asked to join Derek and the Dominoes by Eric and move to England. The band Santana asked me join them the next day….

“Kind of mind f**ked at this point as a kid.

“Herbie Herbert, who I had met multitasking for Santana and guitar teching for Carlos and then myself. He approached me to manage myself, and wrap a band around my guitar playing. That was the beginning of Journey.

“And without Santana, there would have been no Journey. Thank you, Carlos. I love you, brother.

“Steve Perry…

“I truly don’t believe we would have achieved this timeless legacy without you. Thank you, my friend. I have great gratitude, respect, and love for you. We have become the musical soundtrack to so many people’s lives.

“Thank you Irving Azoff and John Baruck for being a part our legacy, and looking forward to stadium shows coming up with Journey, Eagles, Fleetwood Mac, Steely Dan, and Doobie Brothers.

“And to our fans…

“Without you, we Wouldn’t be Standing here. Thank you for your love, dedication, and voting for us. Wow! You definitely kicked some serious f**king ass!

“I am so grateful to all Journey members past, present, and future …

“I know my Journey will never be over …

“To my beautiful wife, Michaele. We share the beauty of love and life together. You are my rock. Thank you for being so patient and understanding, always. She has never left my side on tour for the past seven years. I love you.

“To my children: Miles, Lizzy, Sarah, Aja, and Sophie, LadyM, and I love you.

“Thank you, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame for this prestigious honor and award.”

What an amazing speech. No wonder it was hard for him to read it, because he would have bursted into tears. Hopefully Steve reads this, and we can see them all together on stage sooner rather than later!