Watch Longtime Steve Perry Impersonator Hugo Valenti Finally Guest With Journey
Longtime Steve Perry impersonator Hugo Valenti was invited on stage by Journey during a concert in Fukuoka, Japan, on 29 August to sing the band's 1982 hit "Faithfully". Valenti, who bears a striking resemblance to Perry both in looks and voice, has fronted Journey tribute acts for 21 years and was briefly considered as a replacement singer when Perry left the band in 1998, before Steve Augeri was chosen instead.
Keyboardist Jonathan Cain introduced Valenti to the crowd as a "dear friend" who had travelled from New Jersey to Japan, and both Cain and guitarist Neal Schon have previously spoken about Valenti's uncanny similarity to Perry. Valenti now leads the tribute act Hugo – The Ultimate Journey Tribute, which next performs on 11 September in Hoboken, New Jersey, while Journey continue the final leg of their Final Frontier farewell tour, running from 5 September in Honolulu to 28 September in San Francisco. Speculation about a possible Perry reunion has resurfaced amid the tour's conclusion, but Perry himself has firmly dismissed the rumours.
- Journey invited Perry impersonator Hugo Valenti on stage in Japan
- Valenti sang "Faithfully" during the band's farewell tour
- Steve Perry has denied rumours of rejoining Journey
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Journey are an American rock band whose best-known songs include “Faithfully”, released in 1982. Steve Perry was the band’s lead singer during much of its most successful period, but left in 1998; Steve Augeri took over as singer.
Hugo Valenti has spent 21 years performing Journey songs in tribute acts, recreating Perry’s look and voice. He was considered briefly as a possible replacement for Perry, but the band chose Augeri. A tribute performer appearing with the original band is unusual, and Valenti’s resemblance has helped keep interest in Journey’s past line-up alive.