There aren’t many books out there about Journey. In fact, to be precise, there are only two major ones, and Nick DeRiso’s “Worlds Apart” is, in our personal opinion, the most comprehensive and detailed biography of this legendary American band. Having read rave reviews and being a huge Journey fan, I invested in “Worlds Apart” and was truly vindicated. Not without effort, though, as I won’t hide the fact that I initially struggled to read it—not because of difficult language (the opposite is true, in this case)—but because of the unorthodox structure of the chapters, which didn’t help the text flow smoothly… at least at first. What do I mean?
The book may follow the traditional linear narrative where events unfold in chronological order, but in between, the chapters are abruptly interrupted —without even being finished—by intervening supplementary subchapters that, on a first reading, throw you off balance, but then not only do you get used to them, but they actually contribute to a fuller understanding of the phenomenon… Journey! So, for example, just as you’re reading about “Infinity,” a separate biographical chapter on Steve Perry “pops up” out of nowhere, detailing how the demo tape fell into the hands of the brilliant manager Herbie Herbert. And just when your…brain has adjusted and returns to factory settings as you continue reading about “Infinity,” another subchapter pops up about the album’s reviews, the promotional campaign, its position on the Billboard charts, etc. The paradox is that after a few pages you get used to it, and it’s actually highly illuminating for the entire narrative.
Personally, I gained a better understanding of everyone’s personality, especially Steve Perry’s, whose shadow still looms over Journey to this day. I also understand Neal Schon’s dissatisfaction and Herbie Herbert’s aversion. They have a point. However, Steve Perry wasn’t just a singer. He was an artist. The voice of an entire genre, an entire generation…and beyons. The fact that he is missed by all Journey fans is underscored in the most emphatic way in “Worlds Apart.”
Nick DeRiso offers us a truly unique book. I would describe it as an essential companion…a resource to go alongside Journey’s discography. Sure, you can get by without it, but trust me, you’ll hear the albums in a whole new light once you’ve finished reading. I couldn’t think of a more fitting title for what Journey ultimately is (or rather… became after 1986).
Sakis Nikas
