Aerosmith: Joe Perry Interviewed

Aerosmith guitarist Joe Perry was interviewed on Monday, November 9 by Chuck Nowlin of Boston's WZLX 100.7 radio station. A few excerpts from the conversation follow (as transcribed by Blabbermouth.net).

On whether Steven Tyler has left Aerosmith:

Perry: "I don't know. There hasn't been any communication with his managers. He hasn't talked to anybody in the band. So [the report on Classic Rock magazine's web site is] the only thing I've seen or heard.

"Right after the [Abu Dhabi] show [on November 1], I jumped in the car and went to the airport and flew to London for the Classic Rock Awards show. And so we got back a couple of days later than everybody else and when we plugged in and got online and saw [the Classic Rock article], it was kinda... 'OK, well, I guess that's what he's doing.' I knew we were gonna be taking some time off, but I guess he just announced what he was gonna be doing during the time off."

On whether there was any talk with Steven at all during the recent shows in Hawaii and Abu Dhabi, capital of the United Arab Emirates:

"No. He was off in his own dressing room, he stayed in different hotels from the band, travelled on different planes. We never saw him until we walked on stage on any of those shows."

On Steven telling Classic Rock magazine that he wants to concentrate on "Brand Tyler:"

"I guess. That's what [the article] says. That's what he's gonna do. I guess. Maybe we'll get a telegram from him; I don't know.

"Like I've been saying since the tour got cancelled, we're gonna be on hiatus. He was like that during the [ill-fated Aerosmith] tour [with ZZ Top], too. I mean, he was pretty much travelling on his own, with his own group of people. So there really wasn't much talk about what was going on. And after he fell off the stage the second time [in Sturgis], I don't think he was physically up to finishing the tour — even if he hadn't broken his shoulder. I knew we were gonna be off for a while, so that was it. And I guess he's announced what he's gonna do online.

"I've been pretty verbal about what I'm doing [referring to his recently released solo album. — Ed.]. I've told the [other] guys [in Aerosmith], I've played them the record — at least gave them the record. I know Brad's [Whitford; guitar] listened to it, I don't know if the other guys have. But I never let it get in the way of [Aerosmith]. But... that's life."

On whether any of the new Aerosmith album has been recorded and whether Steven completed any vocals for the new songs before the recent tour:

"No. The only thing we have is a bunch of stuff that's been left over from past records. Some of those [songs] we were gonna put on the [next] album, but he didn't do any singing at all for this record. I can't really understand that. We had some pretty good stuff laid out, and working with [producer] Brendan O'Brien, I thought it was gonna be a slam dunk, but for some reason, he just wasn't interested."

On having Aerosmith end this way after being together so long:

"Well, I don't really think... As long as we're still kicking, it's not over. We'll probably get bored and come back. I don't what everybody's gonna be doing. We've talked about getting someone else to sing in the band, we've talked about just doing... I don't know... whatever."

On whether they have anybody in mind as a replacement for Tyler:

"Not really. And the thing is, it can't be Aerosmith with... at least not the Aerosmith that we know. For it to be valid and have something real about it, it would have to be somebody that would bring something to the party. It would be the four guys that have been playing forever, and using that weapon with somebody that's got [something] to bring in. But I don't know yet. We've really just kind of got knocked back on our heels, and everybody is just kind of settling back and figuring out what's going on."

On whether he or any of the other guys has reached out to Steven:

"I did call him when we were in Hawaii, because we had some gigs that were offered to us to do in South America — like, three gigs that we were gonna do in December. And I called him up and asked him if he would consider doing them, and he hung up on me about halfway through the conversation, so I kind of got the hint that he pretty much wants to be alone and wants to do his own thing."

Tyler told Classic Rock magazine following the Middle East concert that he intended to work on "Brand Tyler" instead of a new Aerosmith record for the foreseeable future, saying, "I don't know what I'm doing yet, but it's definitely going to be something Steven Tyler: working on the brand of myself — Brand Tyler."

Perry told the Las Vegas Sun that he believed Tyler had been planning to leave for a while, saying, "Obviously he hasn't been giving 100 percent to this thing for a long time . . . To disregard his brothers to the point where we have to find out about it on the Internet — it's like, 'See you later, Bud.' I still care for him as a person, or at least the person I used to know. But things change."

Thanks for the report to Blabbermouth.net.

Comments

[Minkaro]

Based on everything I've read so far, my respect for Tyler is rapidly descending.

[SergioA20]

What the hell is wrong with Steven?
I just can't believe it. It's pretty sad

[mlukeroberts222]

A Tyler relapse maybe? Guess even when your that f*cking old your ego can still get in the way

[CangryRocker]

I thought Steven was cool...now I'm not so sure...

[brentondig]

Without Tyler, the one replacement I see (considering rumours about Tyler rehearsing with Zeppelin) is Robert Plant fronting the band. All I can say is, Dick move, Steven Tyler, dick move.

[Sami Philadelph]

He's on drugs you idiots, he's obviously not thinking clearly, whats so hard to believe about that? Not to mention, drugs + the fact that you're A FUCKING ROCK GOD and even have the OPTION to quit a multi-million dollar band,just might make you delusional enough to do silly things like this.

[valnir230]

What the hell man? I love aerosmith music and Steven Tyler is an amazing vocalist, but with the way he appears to be acting, I doubt highly that I will buy any solo effort he makes.

[metalaxxeman]

all based on speculation at the moment though ?

[Kuhana2e]

Is it just me or does Joe Perry look like Beethoven in the UG article pic?

[KingSquall802]

If Steven Tyler will leave Aerosmith,Perry and company should not hire any singers to replace Tyler. Man, no Tyler no Aerosmith. If that happens, Perry must focus on his solo work and the rest of the band. It sucks watching Aerosmith w/o Tyler. Maybe, their time is over.

[AVIDFANOFSOUNDS]

Aerosmith should find a new singer, just because steven wants to throw his toys out the pram dosen't mean the band has to end

[dylanzig]

Sounds like someone is back on the "dope" to me.

[k90728]

Lol it seems like hes been wanting to leave the band for awhile but doesnt know how to put it to work to leave.

[godberry]

that's a pretty crappy way for one of the greatest rock bands to end. they're one of the first bands i got into.

[Its So Easy]

Whyyyyy?

[frigginjerk]

i'm almost certain he's just back on drugs. It happens to ex-junkies all the time as they age... they have a surgery or two, and get hooked on opiate-based painkillers, and they're right back where they used to be.

[Kay-J]

I wonder what the other guys in the band are thinking/

[goneshootin]

damnnn they were working with Brendan O'Brien for the next album?!?? ..that would've been a total win. He knows how to get bands like Aerosmith back in the right zone

[Korzack]

Yeah, sounds like we're seeing a junkie relapsing right in front of us, almost.
It's a shame, if it means the end of the 'Smith (Understatement of the week, I know)

[kill it]

give captain ego some time to make a crappy watered down album with 'professional' songwriters and he'll be back.

[guitar67]

The beatles broke up under turmoil, but at least they recorded a killer final album in "Abbey Road".

[guitar67]

The other guys in the band seem as bewildered and confused as the rest of us.

[sav46e]

they didnt have an arguement or anything so to ign ore the band that made you who you are is a disgrcae. I used to see him as 1 of the coolest folf on the world as well.

[Ebucra]

If Tylers being a dick like that, they should move on. They're basically rock gods, who wouldn't want to sing for them (Besides Tyler)? They should keep on going, but use a different name because Steven was too much of a part of their signature sound to have it be the same Aerosmith without him.

[sonoflife]

time to call in miles kennedy

[Minkaro]

Sami Philadelph wrote:

He's on drugs you idiots

So...HE'S on drugs, and WE'RE the idiots? Sure...

[DonJulio]

seriously, what the f*** is wrong with steven?!?

[vinnie-watt5]

My respect for him just dyed. He's just being a huge snob. Maybe he wouldn't of lost people respect if he told his fans and band in person, and if he included a good reason for leaving.

[siraxlrose]

Sounds like he got lead singer's disease on the tour, sounds like axl rose before the orginals guns broke up. Why do lead singer's have to be such douches?

[travd92]

HER.O.IN.

[Jasonbts]

Tyler is being a jerk. Aerosmith deserves better than this. I'd rather them drop him and find a replacement, than keep him around for sentimental reasons.

[fretman5000]

sounds like hes being a dick. anyone else in the world would kill to b in aerosmith. idk if theyd b the same w/o him tho but oh well cuz hes ruining the band

[AcdcTXfan]

One thing I've wanted to do so badly is to see an Aerosmith concert. Well right now, it doesn't look like that's ever going happen. Way to go Tyler!!!!

[astonhemmings]

Never thought I'd see the day Tyler went all Axl on us...

[maximumrocker]

AcdcTXfan wrote:

One thing I've wanted to do so badly is to see an Aerosmith concert. Well right now, it doesn't look like that's ever going happen. Way to go Tyler!!!!

yea i was suppose to see them like a week after he fell off stage...well looks like im in the same boat as you...

[GIBSONroks6167]

40 years together...and this is how its going? damn...at least the other guys are on good terms (knock on wood)

[Zeato505]

yea that sucks and everything but really, we don't know the whole story and Steve should be allowed time to explain himself. That's when we should start making a big deal out of it. Btw, I don't think its gonna end like this. He's prolly gonna come to his senses and get to singing again. Prolly just a phase.

[Ac!Dc73]

They have found pic of him in a liquor store on sunday. Hes been sover for a while but maybe thats it?

Checked.

[RobinTrower12]

Kuhana2e wrote:

Is it just me or does Joe Perry look like Beethoven in the UG article pic?

Yes... Yes he does

[burndttoast]

Maybe he has swine flu and quarantined himself so that he doesn't infect anyone else. And maybe he's not telling the rest of the band because he doesn't want them to feel bad. What a guy.

[Mailbox Guitar]

Maybe he has swine flu and quarantined himself so that he doesn't infect anyone else. And maybe he's not telling the rest of the band because he doesn't want them to feel bad. What a guy.

He's a true American Hero.

[v0odoo_child001]

He'll come back...this isn't the first time he left. When Brand Tyler doesn't click and he's broke and realize Aerosmith is the only way he can make money he'll come back. It's so disappointing how he's treating the people like this that he's been playing shows with for 4 decades.

[TheLPF]

If Steven wants to focus on something then he should but the way he's treating his Bandmates its just wrong. He shouldn't leave in the way of a new album. In my opinion Aerosmith wouldn't seem the same to me without Tyler. Reading all this just makes me think about music's corruption nowadays in the way i see it.

[dannydesktop]

i never really expected this to happen, i thought Aerosmith would sooner retire then just have a bitter breakup like this. why Steven? why?

[kickapoo92]

sonoflife wrote:

time to call in miles kennedy

yes +1

[queenslander47]

astonhemmings wrote:

Never thought I'd see the day Tyler went all Axl on us...

when i heard traveling separate and staying in separate hotels i thought of axl as well. he is coming off as a total cock in all this. Brand Tyler, come on, what an ego.

[Mattt0192]

No Tyler no band. Guys, the rest of the band is mediocre at best compared to others out there. I love aerosmith's music but maybe this is the best thing. Joe Perry has a colossal ego and thinks he's the one carrying the band, let him try and fail. Not to mention Steven fell on stage twice and got injured. Whether its from all of his hard drug abuse of the past catching up with him or his new addiction to prescription drugs (which he went to rehab for- checked himself in if you recall) something is wrong with him physically and maybe he can't continue to tour. Also, they aren't doing anything right now so this was the best time for him to announce this. I don't think he's "going axl on us", I think he's looking out for his best interest. I believe that's what "Brand Tyler" is all about, not his own project but his own well being.

[Mattt0192]

about my "they aren't doing anything right now" you may argue that they are working on a new album but if you read the article it sounds like they thought of stuff to do but really haven't done anything with it.

[MantlePicture]

It's definitely drugs. He's been back on coke for a while. My friend saw them a year or two ago, and they were REALLY late getting on stage. He talked with one of the crew members and found out they were late because Steven was coked up in the dressing room.

[MantlePicture]

It's definitely drugs. He's been back on coke for a while. My friend saw them a year or two ago, and they were REALLY late getting on stage. He talked with one of the crew members and found out they were late because Steven was coked up in the dressing room.

As an addict, I can tell you that the quickest way to lose all your sober friends is to start using drugs. Especially since everyone else in the band is in recovery(at least I've had no reason to believe they are using again).

[Genghis_khan]

Mattt0192 wrote:

No Tyler no band. Guys, the rest of the band is mediocre at best compared to others out there. I love aerosmith's music but maybe this is the best thing. Joe Perry has a colossal ego and thinks he's the one carrying the band, let him try and fail. Not to mention Steven fell on stage twice and got injured. Whether its from all of his hard drug abuse of the past catching up with him or his new addiction to prescription drugs (which he went to rehab for- checked himself in if you recall) something is wrong with him physically and maybe he can't continue to tour. Also, they aren't doing anything right now so this was the best time for him to announce this. I don't think he's "going axl on us", I think he's looking out for his best interest. I believe that's what "Brand Tyler" is all about, not his own project but his own well being.

No, not on us... his going Axl on his own band, which is really sad.

[MantlePicture]

Mattt0192 wrote:

No Tyler no band. Guys, the rest of the band is mediocre at best compared to others out there. I love aerosmith's music but maybe this is the best thing. Joe Perry has a colossal ego and thinks he's the one carrying the band, let him try and fail. Not to mention Steven fell on stage twice and got injured. Whether its from all of his hard drug abuse of the past catching up with him or his new addiction to prescription drugs (which he went to rehab for- checked himself in if you recall) something is wrong with him physically and maybe he can't continue to tour. Also, they aren't doing anything right now so this was the best time for him to announce this. I don't think he's "going axl on us", I think he's looking out for his best interest. I believe that's what "Brand Tyler" is all about, not his own project but his own well being.

People aren't pissed because he is taking time off of Aerosmith. It's because he left without even having the decency to tell the band that has stuck by him for 40 years and put him where he's at. And it would be one thing if he just wasn't up to it. But he's going online talking about "Brand Tyler", and being a total douche about it.

I get it, he's hooked again. I've been there many times, I know the signs. But that doesn't excuse him being a complete tool about it.

As for Joe's "ego", he's every bit as important to Aerosmith as Steven is. David Lee Roth, Vince Neil, Sebastian Bach, etc, all thought they WERE the band. And we see how successful their solo careers were. If it weren't for Randy Rhoads and Bob Daisley, Ozzy would have succumbed to Lead Singer Disease as well.

[Shinsen88]

Man... this is pretty sad. I hope they get everything to work out.

[Anjohl]

I won't support anything either group does that is an attempt to "take over" the Aerosmith legacy. IE, no solo concerts of Tyler's singing AS songs, nor an album by the Joe Perry Project with "Aerosmith" on the front. I LOVE the band, but this is just ridiculous. If Tyler has a beef, he should come public with it, and then we can decide for ourselves.

[Hungry_Hameds]

Kuhana2e wrote:

Is it just me or does Joe Perry look like Beethoven in the UG article pic?

yup!

Tylers an idiot to get on drugs again, and no matter how high you are it all stems from the person, if the thoughts are there then drugs may only bring them out. Either way he should remember the band that made him what he is and get out of his fake life of travelling seperately to the rest of the band. Perry can do what he wants, Tyler is more limited though, he's too much the stereotypical frontman, he couldnt do what plant did and have a great solo career. ''Brand Tyler'', WTF???

[TwistedLogic]

Although I do not like what Tyler is apparently doing, we have to realize that if he is using again it will cloud and impact his judgement. And this will be compounded by the group of people he is hanging with, if they are not looking out for Steven's best interests. We need to see how this plays out before being too hard in Tyler; if he is using again and it is affecting his judgement hopefully he will get cleaned up and realize what he is doing to his friends. If he is not using, then he is just being a butthole.

[cantgetenough]

steven tyler performed walk this way with the joe perry project last night in new york

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IsS6kxUXkeA

[cantgetenough]

^oh and he says he is NOT leaving aerosmith. tg

[Ledforthehead]

His solo album will suck ass, surely he doesn't think he's better off with them?

[rgt42dx]

thank god, great bands are meant to stay together!

[SomeBlueKind]

Guys. Drugs are pretty cool, despite what your mom says. And this is coming from the guy who won his state's D.A.R.E. Essay contest as a kid. It does sound like he is back on the junk tho. As for relapsing after the falls, it seems just as likely that he was on dope before he fell. When it comes to replacing Tyler, I think you can't do anything more than substitute. Robert plant would be awesome. I think tho, they should just continue touring w/o a singer and just play the music and let the fans chime in for the lyrics. I think that might better serve to straigten up Tyler.

[loaded_]

so did steven tyler become axl rose?

[Scum_PunkRocker]

Steven Tyler sounds like such a diva. What's wrong with him? I don't know but all those hard drugs may have had a part in his whacked mindset.

The band should change its name, find someone better and do something else.