While Steve Perry joined Journey onstage at Friday's Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction, it wasn't in quite the way most fans wanted.
Perry did not sing with his former band, though he did step up to the mic and thank the fans for their unwavering support.
"You put us here," he said. "We would not be here had it not been for you and your tireless love and consistent devotion. You never have stopped. I've been gone a long time, I understand that, but I want you to know that you've never not been in my heart."
Perry spoke last of all the inductees, according to Ultimate Classic Rock.
Perry named the band members individually and thanked them, wondering aloud, "Guys, I thank you so much for all the music we've written and recorded together. It will be forever in my heart."
"I never saw a band like that in my entire life," he said regarding Journey's early years before he joined. "There was one instrument that was flying above the entire city...that was the magic fingers of Neal Schon's guitar."
Before leaving the stage, Perry recognized current Journey singer Arnel Pineda, who performed all three songs.
Rumors swirled leading up to the ceremony that Perry would perform with Journey, after it was revealed that he would indeed attend the festivities.
Perry's former bandmates Neal Schon and Gregg Rolie both insisted that they would welcome their former frontman back if he were willing to join them.
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony will air on HBO at 8 PM ET on April 29.
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