i heard several things...not wanting to tour, his health (arthritis in neck and hip), his voice...BUT, at the journey show i went to in 1998, with augeri, a roadie, who was also augeri's brother-in-law (self-proclaimed), said the real reason perry was out of journey was that, quote, "because neal schon hates his guts", end quote.

i could see neal and cain being mad for the "no touring" stance perry supposedly took...but again, this is just what i heard...