You Better Wait

The Zoo Crew is spinning Steve Perry's 1994 track "You Better Wait," a high-energy rock ballad from his solo album For the Love of Strange Medicine, and the Zoo Freaks are loving it. This song, co-written with Lincoln Brewster, George Hawkins Jr., Moyes Lucas Jr., John Pierce, and Paul Taylor, marked Perry's return to music after a six-year hiatus following his departure from Journey. In a 1994 interview with Rolling Stone, Perry shared that the song's driving rhythm and soaring vocals were inspired by his desire to reconnect with fans, reflecting his personal journey of rediscovery after years away from the spotlight. He described the writing process as "cathartic," noting that the lyrics, which speak of resilience and holding on, mirrored his own comeback mindset.

Another tidbit about "You Better Wait" comes from a 2018 Songfacts interview where Perry revealed that the song's infectious guitar riffs were crafted to capture the live energy he missed from his Journey days. He collaborated closely with guitarist Lincoln Brewster, whose fiery solos gave the track its edge. Perry also mentioned on his Instagram in 2019 that the music video for the song, featuring dramatic live performance shots, was one of his favorites to shoot because it felt like "reclaiming the stage." Fans on the Steve Perry Fan Club Facebook group often cite the song as a standout, with some sharing stories of blasting it during road trips, calling it their "anthem for pushing through tough times."

Steve Perry, born Stephen Ray Perry on January 22, 1949, in Hanford, California, began his musical journey in his teens, inspired by soul legends like Sam Cooke and Aretha Franklin. Growing up in a musical household, his father, a singer, performed locally, and Perry recalled watching him on stage at age four, thinking, "I can do that." He played drums in high school and sang in local bands, including The Sullies, which won a Battle of the Bands in Calaveras County. After a brief stint working at a turkey ranch, Perry joined the progressive rock band Alien Project, but it was his 1977 audition for Journey that changed everything. His powerful tenor and songwriting skills helped transform the band into a global phenomenon, with hits like "Don't Stop Believin'" and "Open Arms." Perry's solo career kicked off with the 1984 album Street Talk, featuring the hit "Oh Sherrie," cementing his status as a rock icon.

You can keep up with Steve Perry through his official website, where he shares updates on new music and projects. He’s active on Facebook, with over 220,000 followers, posting about recent releases like his 2024 holiday album The Season 3. His Instagram offers behind-the-scenes glimpses, including studio shots and fan interactions. On X, Perry engages with Zoo Freaks, sharing memories and answering questions about his career. Fans also gather at tribute sites like For the Love of Steve Perry, a detailed homage to his work, and the Steve Perry Fan Club Facebook group, where thousands discuss his music and legacy.