Yes Perry was an employee of the band NOT a member!
Also this:
“Journey’s classic 1981–85 lineup reunited in 1996 to record Trial by Fire. The album was a huge success, entering the Billboard charts at No. 3 and going platinum before year’s end, but its triumph was short-lived. Before the Trial By Fire tour could begin, Perry suffered a hip injury while hiking in Hawaii and was unable to perform. Perry was diagnosed with a degenerative bone condition and a hip replacement was required, and as he was reluctant to rush into the surgery, Perry desired to postpone the tour. Due to the long wait between the album’s release and the tour’s postponed kick-off date, as well as the absence of Journey’s iconic frontman, Journey fans were losing hope for the band’s future.
Meanwhile, long-time Journey drummer Steve Smith resigned. (Smith had rejoined, along with original Journey bassist Ross Valory).
The remaining members waited until 1998, nearly 17 months after Perry’s injury, before making a decision on Journey’s future. Growing impatient and realizing the window of opportunity was closing to follow up the success of the platinum-selling Trial By Fire LP with a world tour, Journey members Jonathan Cain and Neal Schon met with Perry and presented an ultimatum that he either undergo hip replacement surgery so the tour could proceed upon his recovery, or a replacement singer would be hired.[6] Perry, still hesitant to undergo surgery and now apparently upset at his bandmates’ intractability and their perceived meddling in personal health decisions, decided to leave Journey.”