Perry: Steven Tyler taking time off from Aerosmith

Tue Nov 10, 2009 11:05 AM EST
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NEW YORK — Aerosmith's guitarist Joe Perry says the future of the band is still uncertain.

Perry said Wednesday that he thinks front man Steven Tyler wants to take some time off from the band — even though the two appeared together on a New York stage.

"As it stands, Steven wants to take a couple years off and do some of whatever he wants to do and the rest of the band wants to keep working," Perry said in a telephone interview.

"The band is a really well-oiled machine and we're going to work one way or another and I don't know what form that's going to take," he added.

Tyler's publicist, Kim Estlund, said the 61-year-old rock star was not going to issue a statement on Perry's recent comments.

The status of the band — which also includes Joey Kramer, Brad Whitford and Tom Hamilton — has been the topic of rumors since Tyler was quoted as saying he was considering a solo career. Perry tweeted late Monday that Aerosmith was "not splitting up" but "looking for a new singer to work with."

The rumors of a potential break-up seemed to be quashed Tuesday night when Tyler joined Perry and his band for their encore at a concert in New York City. According to Rolling Stone and Billboard magazines, Tyler told the crowd: "I am not leaving Aerosmith" and then he and Perry performed "Walk This Way."

But in his interview, Perry said he was stunned to hear that Tyler was outside his dressing room as he rested before the encore. He said he hadn't been in recent contact with Tyler.

"He was the last person I expected to see," Perry said. "You never know with him. Every time I figure I've got him sussed, he always does just the opposite."

Of Tyler, Perry added: "I think over the last few years he's just kind of drifted away from the band's goals and plans, and really without communicating that stuff to the guys."

___

Associated Press Writer Mark Kennedy contributed to this report.

© 2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
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{"commentId":10594625,"authorDomain":"snotrag-dave"}
SnotRag Dave

Years ago, Joe Perry went his own way. Eventually, the band re-grouped and gave us more outstanding music... along with a few duds here and there.

If there is indeed a parting of the ways, let's at least reflect on the incredible length of this band's career and allow their internal feuds to remain internal.

{"commentId":10594625,"threadId":"720954","contentId":"3485386","authorDomain":"snotrag-dave"}
  • 2 votes
Reply#1 - Tue Nov 10, 2009 11:37 AM EST
{"commentId":10595319,"authorDomain":"snotrag-dave"}
SnotRag Dave

I was fortunate to see Aerosmith during 2004's Honkin' On Bobo tour. Third row!

The only thing wrong with the show was it was too short.

{"commentId":10595319,"threadId":"720954","contentId":"3485386","authorDomain":"snotrag-dave"}
  • 1 vote
#1.1 - Tue Nov 10, 2009 12:08 PM EST
{"commentId":10595549,"authorDomain":"deerfeeder"}
judi fermanich

SnotRag Dave, my husband and I also saw the Honkin' On Bobo tour, in Denver. Too short but great, great tunes! We were first row. I touched S. Tyler's toe and my husband got to hit Joe "fu.... Perry's guitar. It was absolutely awesome! I would hate it if the band broke up but everyone needs to clear their heads and maybe this is his time away. Oh, how I hope that it is short lived. They are great.

{"commentId":10595549,"threadId":"720954","contentId":"3485386","authorDomain":"deerfeeder"}
    #1.2 - Tue Nov 10, 2009 12:18 PM EST
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    {"commentId":10594975,"authorDomain":"marcowhm"}
    marcowhm

    I'm not sure how or if Steven Tyler could ever be replaced. His voice is so iconic and at least in my opinion, Aerosmith revolves around him.

    Hopefully some time apart and maybe a solo project here and there will give the group some time to make up and eventually re-group as they have done before.

    {"commentId":10594975,"threadId":"720954","contentId":"3485386","authorDomain":"marcowhm"}
    • 1 vote
    Reply#2 - Tue Nov 10, 2009 11:52 AM EST
    {"commentId":10604733,"authorDomain":"whochkn515"}
    mizimel

    Hands up all of those who didn't see this coming from a mile away?

    Seriously, though, this is childish. If Tyler wants to leave the band, why not just have a sit-down with them and say "Hey, this is what's going on?" And then officially announce it?

    It's sad that it's at the point where they don't even talk directly to each other. They have to hear things from a friend of a friend or through a gossip column.

    Tyler and Perry's relationship is a large part of what has driven the band all of these years. It's sad that it's fallen apart again.

    {"commentId":10604733,"threadId":"720954","contentId":"3485386","authorDomain":"whochkn515"}
      Reply#3 - Tue Nov 10, 2009 6:20 PM EST
      {"commentId":10611352,"authorDomain":"deerfeeder"}
      judi fermanich

      Human nature being what it is, Steven may have had an epiphany after he fell off of the stage and decided that he could not wait to do a solo. Because there are several personalities involved it is hard for them to have "a sitdown".

      Remember the last time; Steven's wife saved his life and then helped heal the band. Now he has divorced her I do not know who is there to fill the breech.

      I am glad the rest of the guys are determined to continue. It may not be as awesome but down the road, Steven may decide, as Joe did; to come back and be badder than ever.

      {"commentId":10611352,"threadId":"720954","contentId":"3485386","authorDomain":"deerfeeder"}
        #3.1 - Wed Nov 11, 2009 12:35 AM EST
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        {"commentId":10619834,"authorDomain":"deerfeeder"}
        judi fermanich

        I just read that Steven Tyler is not leaving the band. Seems talking to each other is the best way to find the truth.

        Since my husband and I have seen the last 7 shows the group has given in Denver from the front row or second row, in one case; it is safe to say we will be able to do so again. Since so much in our lives is hit or miss; including income, I still feel safe saying that is a stable point for us. Keeps us grounded and makes us feel special at the same time. Hurrah!!!

        {"commentId":10619834,"threadId":"720954","contentId":"3485386","authorDomain":"deerfeeder"}
        • 1 vote
        Reply#4 - Wed Nov 11, 2009 2:21 PM EST
        {"commentId":10619970,"authorDomain":"snotrag-dave"}
        SnotRag Dave

        Thank you, judi... for that update.

        'Tis good news!

        {"commentId":10619970,"threadId":"720954","contentId":"3485386","authorDomain":"snotrag-dave"}
          #4.1 - Wed Nov 11, 2009 2:29 PM EST
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