Raised on Radio' Explores the Rise of Journey and Arena Rock

New book chronicles the glory years of album-oriented rock in the 1970s and 1980s.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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In 'Raised on Radio,' author Paul Rees gathers firsthand accounts from the architects of the arena rock sound, including bands like Journey, Toto, and Chicago. The book explores the commercial success and critical disdain that defined the era of glossy, anthemic rock that ruled the airwaves in the late 20th century.

Why it matters

The book provides insight into a much-maligned but hugely popular musical genre, shedding light on the creative process and business realities that fueled the rise of arena rock. It also examines the Bay Area's role in shaping the sound, with contributions from local artists like Boz Scaggs and the members of Toto.

The details

Rees compiles an oral history of the 'album-oriented rock' (AOR) bands through extensive interviews, covering the success of hits like Journey's 'Don't Stop Believin'' as well as the critical disdain the genre often faced. The book features stories about the influence of progressive rock, the role of managers like Herbie Herbert, and the commercial ambition that defined the era.

  • The book 'Raised on Radio' was published in February 2026.

The players

Paul Rees

The author of 'Raised on Radio' who has previously written biographies of John Mellencamp and Led Zeppelin's Robert Plant, and served as executive editor of music magazines Q and Kerrang!.

Steve Perry

The longtime frontman of the band Journey, who claims he has only read three reviews of his work in his entire career, all of which were 'so painful' that he decided not to read reviews anymore.

Steve Lukather

The guitarist for the band Toto, who laments that 'for forty years now critics have hated and eviscerated us.'

Boz Scaggs

The Bay Area-based singer-songwriter whose 1976 album 'Silk Degrees' is credited as a harbinger of the coming arena rock sound, featuring contributions from future members of Toto.

Herbie Herbert

The larger-than-life manager of the band Journey, who installed Steve Perry as the band's singer in time for their fourth studio album 'Infinity' in 1977.

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What’s next

The book 'Raised on Radio' is available now from major booksellers.

The takeaway

This book provides a comprehensive look at the much-maligned but hugely popular arena rock genre, shedding light on the creative process, business realities, and cultural impact of bands like Journey, Toto, and Chicago during their heyday in the 1970s and 1980s.