Classic Rock Features
AUDIO: Joe Perry Dishes on Aerosmith, Solo Work
Aerosmith guitarist Joe Perry opened up about his latest outing with his solo group, the Joe Perry Project, as well as the troubles that have plagued Aerosmith as of late.
Speaking to 104.1 The Hawk in Modesto, California, Perry acknowledged that while he and his Aerosmith bandmates have had issues and rifts in the past, things feel very different this time around.
The guitarist pointed to well established problems the group has had with frontman Steven Tyler distancing himself from the group, such as hiring his own manager and traveling and finding accomodations away from the band. Perry added that they don't see Tyler at most gigs until they take the stage.
Additionally, the guitarist expressed concern over Tyler's health after taking a fall off the stage at Sturgis over the summer, which resulted in an injury that caused the tour to be put on hold.
"[Steven] could have been killed and was badly injured," said Tyler, though he went on to wonder why they had to cancel the tour over the injury, as when Tyler pulled a leg muscle.
"I don't understand what a pulled leg muscle has to do with singing," Perry said. "I've seen Pete Townshend play gigs with a cast on his hand."
Meanwhile, other reports have surfaced with other Aerosmith band members worrying about Tyler possibly falling back into a pattern of substance abuse. Tyler recently stated that he wished to put Aerosmith on hold for 2 years while he worked on solo projects, though Perry finds that to be an unacceptable move.
"[I] want to work and will not take two years off," said Perry, before reaffirming his faith in the band. The guitarist pointed to the 40 years of experience they have playing together, and floated the idea of hiring a new singer to play the band's tunes.
However, he added that he'd love for said singer to already be established with a catalog of songs himself, which the group could potentially jam on. "It would have to be something where people go 'wow, I need to see this," Perry said.
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