This past week, rumors surfaced that Aerosmith frontman Steven Tyler was leaving the band to pursue his own personal brand. The ageless rocker, troubled with drug addiction and alcoholism back in 70s and 80s primarily (also recently this past year), has called it quits, for now. "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 told Classic Rock magazine recently.
Joe Perry, superstar guitar player for the band, spoke to the Las Vegas Sun saying "Steven quit as far as I can tell. I don't know anymore than you do about it. I got off the plane two nights ago. I saw online that Steven said that he was going to leave the band. I don't know for how long, indefinitely or whatever. Other than that, I don't know." Perry went on to say that the band plans on moving on, with or without Tyler, and will look for a new lead singer. I'm going to sound very hypocritical here because I have been in full support of bands moving on without a key ingredient to their mix (ie. Slash leaving Guns N' Roses) but I just find this completely absurd. First of all, replacing a singer isn't easy. Most average music listeners identify a band with the voice first. Is it impossible to replace a vocalist? Absolutely not. Van Halen replaced David Lee Roth with Sammy Hagar and went on to become ever bigger. AC/DC did it after Bon Scott passed away and continued to rock out kick ass albums after albums. But if Perry is serious about replacing Tyler's voice with some new character, he will fail. Aerosmith is way past their prime. It happens to every band. I'm not trying to be a hater, believe me. Aerosmith is a Boston band. I'm a Bostonian. Of course I love Aerosmith and have pride in them just like I do for the Sox or Pats, but this just isn't right, mainly because of their age. Aerosmith's last successful album arguably was 20 years ago, "Pump". They then went on to create some hits off of the records "Get a Grip", "Nine Lives", and also their most notable and first ever number 1 single of the late 90s "I Don't Wanna Miss A Thing", but any fan could tell you that their earlier work was far more potent.
Joe Perry should take a step back and look at that body of work and realize that maybe putting Aerosmith to rest isn't such a bad idea. I mean, they are in their 60s, have made multimillions, and haven't quite tarnished the Aerosmith name, although many can argue that they are just a pop mainstream act post-1993. He is walking in seriously dangerous territory if he is really contemplating moving on and replacing Tyler. It will not work out. Let it go, man. Enjoy what you've accomplished. Keep your options open for Aerosmith only if Steven is on board and ready to get back on the saddle. If not, you're talented and an icon yourself. Shuttle your work away from Aerosmith and keep creating. Don't allow the critics to laugh at this legendary band you've helped build. It will happen and I, for one, don't want to see it occur. Long live Aerosmith.
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