Fresh Doubts Surface Regarding Future of Aerosmith

All accounts indicate that the “Bad Boys From Boston” have been wowing crowds at shows in Hawaii and at the Gran Prix in Abu Dhabi in recent weeks. No doubt under close scrutiny after persistent rumors of a rift between frontman Steven Tyler and the rest of the band, their on-stage interactions provided no indication that the boys were not getting along.

Behind the scenes, however, there is some evidence that the end of Aerosmith, as we have known it for nearly four decades, may be at hand. According to Classic Rock Magazine, relations between Tyler and the rest of the group show signs of strain. Tyler has pulled the plug on a South American tour that was on tap for the end of the year and has expressed his desire to dedicate more of his time to solo projects.

It’s hard not to suspect that the personal conflicts within the group are a major factor in Tyler’s desire to focus more on his own career. It appears that he has had little or no contact with the other members of the group lately, except for the time they have spent on stage. It is also being reported that Tyler has put some additional distance between himself and the rest of the group by having his dressing room located further away from the others than would normally be expected.

It also seems that some of the group’s other members are beginning to have doubts about their continued relationship with Tyler. Guitarist Joe Perry seems to have been the most vocal of the group lately, and has been pretty forthcoming about his feelings regarding the situation.

Guitarist Brad Whitford is also opening up a bit now and revealing his uncertainty about the future. Talking about the possibility of an Aerosmith without Tyler, Whitford said: “Nobody could replace Steven or imitate him – he’s one of a kind. But if somebody was willing to do it and the chemistry was right, why not?”

As for Tyler, if one were to read between the lines a bit, one might get the impression that he has some pent-up resentment towards the other members of the band. “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,” he was quoted as saying.

That surely doesn’t make it sound like he’s anxious to get back together again with Aerosmith again soon. What comes next for Aerosmith is anyone’s guess, but it seems likely that the group – in its current form – is on pretty shaky ground unless Tyler and whomever else it is in the group he is not getting along with decide to bury the hatchet and move on.

Tags: Abu Dhabi, Aerosmith, Breakup, Future, Gram Prix, Leaving, Solo, Steven Tyler

Joe Perry The Shoe Salesman

The frustration has apparently gotten to Aerosmith guitarist Joe Perry. Admitting that he feels like “a f—ing shoe salesman” in a recent interview, he says he is tired of making excuses for the delays the group has encountered trying to finish up their new album.

First it was knee surgery that sidelined Perry and then frontman Steven Tyler came down with pneumonia. I guess that kind of thing is to be expected when you’re rocking into your late fifties and early sixties. But the bad boys from Boston have no plans to let these bumps in the road keep them out of the studio or off of the stage.

Perry reports that he knee is doing well and that he has been doing his “bends and dips and bulls— to get it flexible  for the stage.”

It’s not clear when the new Aerosmith album will actually be finished, although Perry was able to finish up work on a solo album he has been recording, which he describes  as “hands and feet better than the last one,” adding that, “I think the last one was really good.” He expects it to be released in early fall.

Perry also confirms some rumors that have been going around regarding Aerosmith’s plans to perform the material from an entire album during their summer tour with ZZ Top. It’s a unique and interesting idea, and I think Perry is right when he talks about the “vibe” that goes along with  hearing an album from beginning to end. I like it.

Among other tidbits from the interview are Perry’s admission that he’s lousy at playing “Guitar Hero” once the material starts getting complicated. He’s quite happy to leave gaming to the gamers.

He’s also planning to expand his food business beyond his hot sauce by introducing a line of macaroni and cheese, which will be called “Rock ‘N’ Roni.” It will be available in four flavors and be made from all-natural ingredients. Joe Perry is obviously a guy that doesn’t like standing still for too long.

Read the entire interview at Entertainment Weekly.

Tags: Aerosmith, Album, interview, Joe Perry, Rock N Roni, Solo, tour