Journey performed in Japan with Steve Perry’s doppelgänger

Hugo Valenti, a well-known Steve Perry impersonator, performed a song with Journey on Saturday night in Japan, as per UCR. Five singers participated in Journey‘s 20-song performance at the first Greatest Rock event in Fukuomo, which also featured a performance by Night Ranger. The majority of the concert was led by Arnel Pineda, with drummer Deen Castronovo filling in for “Lights” and “Anytime,” with Jonathan Cain helping out on the latter. Jason Derlatka, the keyboardist, performed “Of a Lifetime” and “Suzanne.” However, Cain’s introduction of Valenti, whose vocal resembles Perry’s and who had tried out to take the singer’s position, was the most talked-about moment. Christia McGhee’s YouTube clip demonstrates how well Valenti mimics Perry’s appearance and voice.

We’ve got a special treat for you tonight. He’s comin’ all the way from New Jersey to visit Japan, and I thought we’d have him sing a song for you tonight. – Jonathan Cain

As expected, a variety of viewpoints were expressed in social media comments, most notably that some attendees thought they were seeing a reunion with Perry. According to others, Valenti’s performance became better in the middle and at the end of the song. Some started talking about how the performance would serve as a test run for a future lineup without Pineda, who had previously participated in a Journey tribute show.

Even more Hugo Valenti singing for Journey in Japan today pic.twitter.com/SgeNsbiVdH— Mitch Lafon (@mitchlafon) August 29, 2026

In Japan, Journey brought out Hugo Valenti to sing.

He’s ‘Steve Perry’ in a Journey tribute act pic.twitter.com/FowwwrKO9p— Mitch Lafon (@mitchlafon) August 29, 2026

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