UNIVERSAL PUBLISHING SIGNS STEVE PERRY DEAL:

From: www.musicweek.com/news/read/universal-publishing-signs-steve-perry-deal/051674
by Tim Ingham

Don't Stop Believin' hitmaker Steve Perry has signed an exclusive publishing administration agreement with Universal Music Publishing Group for the world outside of the US and Canada. The deal includes all songs written or co-written by Perry throughout his career, including as lead singer of Journey and his solo work.
“One of the greatest voices in the history of rock also wrote or co-wrote some of rocks greatest songs. We couldn't be prouder that he has chosen to bring those songs to UMPG. We look forward to working with him on both his iconic catalog and his new songs,” said Zach Horowitz, Chairman & CEO, Universal Music Publishing Group.
Steve Perry said, “I so look forward to being a part of the Universal Music Publishing Group. I know they really get what songs are about and they still believe in the magic of music."
As the lead singer of Journey and in his solo career, Perry is responsible for writing or co-writing tracks such as Oh Sherrie, Any Way You Want It, Foolish Heart, Separate Ways (Worlds Apart), Open Arms, Lovin', Touchin', Squeezin,' Who's Crying Now. His songs have been featured on television shows such as Glee and American Idol, and in Broadway plays like Rock of Ages and films like Monster, Money Ball. Artists who have recorded cover versions of his songs include Mary J. Blige, Mariah Carey, Barry Manilow, Martina McBride, and Rise Against.
In the UK, the Glee cast version of Don't Stop Believin' went to No.2 on the Official Singles chart. Infinity, Perry's first album with Journey, has sold more than 3 million copies while 1981's Escape has sold more than 12.4 million worldwide. The band's Greatest Hits album, with most songs written or co-written by Steve Perry, has sold over 25 million albums worldwide. Journey's catalog has now sold over 60 million albums.

So what does this mean folks? Well, basically Steve Perry's publishing contract was up for renewal and this is his new deal. It is a promising step towards new music, especially given that UMPG CEO Zack Horowitz used the term "his new songs" in his statement. But even unreleased songs need copyright/publishing protection, so this is no immediate indication of new material imminent. Van Halen did the same thing a little while back, renewing with Warner Music and it was still 18 months until a new album surfaced. So good news, but a new Steve Perry album is still some time off I think.