It wasn’t long after Steven Tyler’s famous fall off the stage at the Sturgis motorcycle rally before speculation about the relationship between Tyler and the rest of the group started. As is usually the case in these situations, there were doubts about Tyler’s sobriety, something he addressed not long after being photographed making a purchase inside a Massachusetts liquor store.

Of all the other members of the group, Joe Perry seems to be the one with the most to say about the current state of the band and has not held back a whole lot when he talks about the cancelled tour.

Most recently, Perry – busy doing the rounds as he promotes his new album – is making statements that are fueling speculation that himself, and perhaps the rest of the group are estranged from Tyler. His chat with Billboard (video below) seems to confirm the rift that has opened up between Tyler and the rest of Aerosmith, although Perry seems to be the only one inclined to speak his mind on the issue so far.

Although Perry does not name Tyler specifically, his reference to the “5th band member” and how he needs to “get together” and come join the rest of the group again, makes it easy to read between the lines. And can we possibly not wonder about the state of Tyler’s sobriety after a comment like that?

Perry comes across as well-grounded, and does not hesitate to acknowledge that it’s the fans that are responsible for the band’s success. The fans appear to be the main source of his frustration over the cancelled tour because he feels they have been taken for granted by that unnamed “5th member.”

It’s clear that Joe Perry is not the kind of guy that will be sitting around watching Seinfeld reruns while he waits for the group to work out its differences. With regard to what he might be doing with his solo project on the road, he says he may even do a few Aerosmith songs that he feels belong more to him than the group.

Drummer Joey Kramer has also kept busy by promoting his new book which chronicles his own struggles with depression and substance abuse. Something he seems to have risen above and learned how to put behind him.

Once again, the future of Aerosmith seems uncertain, but it’s not the first time. The group has endured more than their share of trials and tribulations over their decades-long career and has always bounced back. Proving that they are still able to take to the stage and pull off a respectable show, it’s more than likely that many fans are hoping for at least one more comeback, offering the opportunity to see the “Bad Boys From Boston” at least one more time.