Joe Perry recently had an in-depth conversation with Classic Rock, shedding light on one of the most tumultuous periods in Aerosmith’s history. During the discussion, he opened up about his past desire to replace Steven Tyler as the band’s lead singer, providing valuable insights into the dynamics that unfolded within the group.
The journey through troubled waters commenced in 2008 when Steven Tyler made a public statement expressing his intention to prioritize his personal brand, “Brand Tyler,” over the collective identity of Aerosmith. In response, Joe Perry made it clear that the band was actively seeking a new vocalist, sparking a heated exchange between the two iconic figures known as the Toxic Twins.
Looking back on the public spat now, Joe Perry finds himself grappling with conflicting emotions.
“I’m not sure how I feel about that [The public feud]. They say all press is good press, I’m not sure I agree with that. Maybe it felt like we had to [say] something to our fans. F*ck, I couldn’t tell you. We were so spread apart, I don’t know. Maybe we were trying to set the record straight and be a little bit more honest and let people know what was going on. I don’t know.”
While it may be tempting to believe the adage that “all press is good press,” he questions whether that holds true in their case. Perhaps, amidst their strained relationships and growing distance, the band felt compelled to provide their fans with an explanation. The guitarist admits to being unsure of the underlying motivations, suggesting that they might have aimed to set the record straight and offer a more candid perspective on their internal dynamics.
The tension between Tyler and Perry escalated even further in 2011 when Steven Tyler decided to join the judging panel of the popular TV show American Idol. Joe Perry publicly belittled Tyler’s latest career move, exacerbating the divide between them. However, the year 2012 marked a turning point in their relationship, as the duo set aside their differences and reunited to record Aerosmith’s album “Music From Another Dimension.” This pivotal moment served as evidence that they had managed to put their public feud behind them.
Nevertheless, the Toxic Twins found themselves embroiled in conflict once again in 2016 when Joe Perry criticized Steven Tyler’s solo album. Despite this setback, it seems that they have ultimately risen above the troubled times that threatened to tear them apart. As native sons of Boston, they are currently preparing to embark on a final tour, a grand farewell that will allow them to bid adieu to their devoted fans while celebrating their remarkable musical legacy.
47 comments
I love Aerosmith. However, as the years have gone on their popularity hasn’t. It would seem that whenever something happens like a tour, and album, shit would rise to the top of the pot to drum up ticket sales. Then on top of that ticket prices go sky high. It’s really disgusting. I can only speculate that this BS is the same thing. Tyler or not I will not see them on tour.
Scott couldn’t agree more. I for one am tired of these old bands stealing our money. Bands like Aerosmith. Stone. Van Halen. They all have plenty of money they all suck now. So go sit under a tree and enjoy retirement
Right on
All the old bands should be charging 1/4 what they charged 30 years ago they put on a/4 the show . Face it old rocks stars are such clowns and has beens . Its better to fade away then to rust !
It depends how much you like Aerosmith, I did see them and they were so great. I will never regret seeing them. Plus the tickets were not that bad. But Joe Perry better not get a Replacement
for Steven, Steven is Aerosmith and cannot be replaced as the lead singer. WTH is Joe thinking,?
Not even sure why Joe Perry is making all these decisions about Steven Tyler, I mean who is Joe Perry, the guitarist or the manager. Steven Tyler is Aerosmith so shouldn’t he be making the decisions? I mean all Joe Perry does is complain about Steven Tyler🤷♀️he’s a great guitarist but Steven Tyler cannot be replaced, his vocals are amazing😊
Exactly! Steven Tyler is the what’s its all about. Huge mistake to replace Steven Tyler, HUGE! I don’t go much to concerts anymore, as I have gotten older, but Aerosmith would be the one that I would spend the money for.
Just like Journey! Replace lead singer Perry, never the same.
sad to hear that. I saw them in vegas and they were incredible. He is still the best front man I have ever seen. They sounded great and put on a great show.
The reason ticket prices are so ridiculously high is a matter of the change in how the industry makes money. Back in the 1980’s and 1990’s bands went on tour to promote album sales… Some bands would do practically free concerts because it would sell a crapload of albums…. Well there pretty much are no “album sales” anymore… People buy their music digitally, one song at a time… So the entire music industry revenue model has essentially been turned upsidedown… Instead of a tour to promote album sales… It’s now song sales to promote concert ticket sales. The money that is no longer made selling albums is now made in concert ticket sales.
This band is evil, they molested a young girl got her on drugs and knocked her up then made her get an abortion! They are monsters to me not legends. I stopped listening to them years ago. I’m still angry that none of them were convicted of what they did to this young girl.
16 is still the age of consent in Massachusetts, so their relationship was legal. They didn’t put Julia on drugs, she herself used before meeting Steven, and she herself tried to sexually attract musicians
Doesn’t matter. They should have had the decency & responsibility to not even touch her. Who were the adults ?
Her parents had a hand in it. Days were different then, sex ,drugs, and rock and roll. Girls followed bands all over the country. Obviously no one was in charge.
She was 14 when he got with her, he was 26 big difference.
Eddie Van Halen is dead so what are you talking about Paul?? lol
They???? Get your facts, you are including the entire band in your comment.
You must not be a Democrats. They’ve aborted millions of babies from women of all ages. They prefer men that dress like women over real women.
“Democrats” hasn’t aborted millions of babies individuals of all politicsl parties have and surprise a few republicans have also !! Why do folks have to politicize EVERYTHING
I think your wrong, we don’t judge for what people wear. Abortion is a women’s choice. God will judge not you.
Couldn’t agree more! Just don’t make me finance it! BOOM!
Never heard about it.
Have listened to the crap music though.
Not true !!!! Do some research before making statements that damaging !!
I saw Steve Perry’s name on the tribunal list in gitmo… I believe you’re seeing a body double.. Who knows But I tell you what if it’s not real. They’re sure all a lot of pieces lining up…..
You’re right! But not “they” Steven Tyler. Narcissism at his best. Who cares that they ruin a life and even take anothers. But hes all about his dtr Liv now that it’s convenient for HIM. Disgusting. I don’t care to listen to someone like that.
I dont know which band you’re talking about but it’s not at all Aerosmith
They have not had a even fair album in years. You could not pay me to go see them in concert. after 3 times most of the songs you did not know what they were playing until the hook of the song. the early stuf was done by other artist so …….just part ways and retire..
Responding to Virginia’s post
Exactly Virginia. Fans want to see Steven sing Aerosmith songs. Not some replacement.
I’ve loved Aerosmith since the early 70’s. I am now 62. They still are my favorite band. Signed Mama Kin
Might not be a bad idea after bringing all this to light. I’m sure they won’t have to worry about how they will pay for groceries!!
Always blame enyone but the little tramp who did drugs on her own and opened her legs, she’s to blame.
Moron…. being fully grown adults they should have known better. Why would they be attracted to a 16 year old girl to begin with. Your thinking makes you just as sick as they are….
The young girl was given to them by her parents the girl. Was 8and half the fire burning in her kitchen by the way. Steven has never got over that everybody talks about that girl and how she had to have abortion they had to induce a medical abortion because the baby’s brain was so so damaged that he would have never had any kind of life so before y’all started condemning a man that has suffered all his life with the loss of a child and I understand that loss because I lost the daughter at the age of 44 and I’m still about a as far as Steven leaving Aerosmith there won’t be Aerosmith do you think people will come to concerts not to see Steven Tyler
Exactly . Fans want to see Steven sing Aerosmith songs. Not some replacement.
Aerosmith isn’t Aerosmith without Steven Tyler!! Enough said!!
Sad,situation for their last hurruh.Even Joey Kramer bailed out.Wouldn’t be the same without Steve, hope he gets well soon.
I think that Aerosmith has always been overrated. Farewell Aerosmith!
Aerosmith is not Aerosmith without Steven Tyler!
Hes the icon of arrow Smith.
I couldn’t see anybody else as the front Man
You guys have been around since the 70s🤟🥰 We all had out times of getting high, I don’t see Areosmith ever going anywhere without Steven Tyler. 50 years come on now 🤟🥰
Makes me truly sad that they’re doing one last concert. Aerosmith is one of my fav rock bands but if the spark is no longer there n has become toxic then its best that they do go their separate ways as oppose to going at eachother publiclyevery few years. The kinda band they were, they shoulda never let whatever they were going thru go public. It’s really heartbreaking to know they had so many issues. All good things must come to an end n I guess that means, Aerosmith has put their guitars on display some where n for Steven to hang up his microphones too. They genuinely will be missed…💯😢💔
I know nothing about the truth of any of the allegations against Steven Tyler or any other musician for that matter. I do know Aerosmith will not be Aerosmith without any 1of the 5 mainstay members, especially Steven. I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to meet them all. Good group of men in my humble opinion. They were all clean and sober when I met them and I’m sure it made a difference. I will go see them if they return to the stage ❤️
Love Steven ty
Saw them twice before they …. Hired ghost writers, changed their sound, went from a rock band to an AM POP music band. Sold out to the suits. Starting with Permanent Vacation . Played once in my home town and wanted $200.00 ,their reasoning was it would still be cheaper than taking taking the ferry over to the big city to see them. And the set list …. too many sappy songs.
Who cares all of this happened ten thousand years ago
There is no Aerosmith without Steven.Stop your whining Joe.It has got old over the years. You would have been nothing without Steven’s voice. And you know it. You had your gig to Joe Perry project that was no big deal. Every time Tally goes and does something you get all pissy. So grow the hell up. Let his throat heal finish your file final tour. And go do your own crap Joe. I can remember way back 40 plus years ago. When everyone was hanging out he was still being a little whiny and enough is enough. Try to finish the tour. And then after Like I said there will be no more Aerosmith without Steven. So go back to your project. And if the tour can’t be finished that it can’t be done there’s been many years of great music and Aerosmith will live on Give me a break Joe.. we’re all shaking our heads over this. You have pulled some bull crap during the years kicking Stephen off the stage If you don’t take the people forgot that give me a break.
I have loved Aerosmith since I was 14 I’m now 60 they are the best . Steven Tyler’s voice goes beyond any others im sad he’s not well, and this is Aerosmiths last concert no one can replace him the band would never be the same without those Vocals of his… i saw them last year at Fenway Park and they Rocked out a sold out concert and I’m waiting for the dates for next years concert this will be my 6th time seeing them and if they could live forever I would keep seeing them I am taking my 2girls with me and we’re going Rock right there with them…
Boy there sure is a lot of anger here. That’s the problem with the world these days. Everyone needs a chill pill.