#interview 2011

In recent years, he says he's received offers to appear on "Glee" and to serve as a judge on "American Idol," where friend and former bandmate Randy Jackson is a judge. But he's turned those and other offers down because, he explains, he's not a "front-camera guy."

Lately, Perry's been dabbling in film editing and writing music for a possible solo album, a challenging process after years of being away from the music business.

"I'm going to be recording sometime soon," said Perry.

He said he's recorded three cover songs recently, but would only disclose that one was a Beatles tune and that he has played his new music for just a few friends privately.

Perry said his signature voice, which stretches for high and long notes in many of his songs, is in good shape overall. At one point in the interview, telling a story about one of Journey's first tours, he broke into the Journey song "Feeling That Way."

Physically, though, he's battled health issues. He had hip replacement surgery 13 years ago, and has struggled with a "pretty substantial amount of arthritis that's not comfortable."

"I live on anti-inflammatories," Perry said, noting that he has had some arthritis-related surgeries over the years since he left Journey.

Still, he says he's feeling good overall. He even left open the possibility of touring again — just not with Journey.