So, it took over four decades for Steven Tyler and Joe Perry to finally call it quits.
Must have grown tired of each other? Irreconcilable differences, maybe? Or plainly Livin’ on the Edge?
Such bad note, indeed, to read over the weekend. Despite the honor of making it into the MTV List of Icons in 2002, a level they shared with Janet Jackson (2001), Metallica (2003) and The Cure (2004), the group finally gave in to Tyler’s decision to go solo and prioritize release of some of his yet unpublished works, while Perry sticks to touring and an album of all fresh materials after “Just Push Play” released eight years ago.
With all due respect, Aerosmith remains as one of America’s best bands. But whether we fanatics would want to insist that they should stay around for a decade longer with their “Dream” on “Sweet Emotions” in this “Crazy” and “Jaded” (world of the rock music industry) tracks, the years are already showing – telling us hard rock junkies it’s time to hang up the Spandex and rather have memories of old Aerosmith days intact, not spoiled!
After the Sturgis incident left a sour note as to the future of the group’s tours in South Dakota and neighboring states, I would agree that Tyler being 61 years old would have to drop further collaboration to give time for broken bones (and ego) to heal – the process of which certainly takes much longer. More so, that this rock act has a history on “excessive blows” to their bodies for years. Tyler and Perry are not Toxic Twins for nothing, right?
Also — well, even the mad-about Aerosmiths – know that it’s not after all that easy to “keep up the energy for grueling touring and shows after years and years of doing it.” So the decision to pack up from those road shows, now tagged the bummer-in-summer concerts, is most welcome.
This week, Perry made an announcement as to screening for a new front man. Eww! That’s the flattest of flat notes! Who could ever replace Tyler? That may have happened to “Journey” when Arnel Pineda, somehow, did fit into the picture. But for Aerosmith, hello?!
Aerosmith will never be the same again without that unique vocal style of a belter from the Skinny Big Mouth Tyler. Successors would find it real hard to come up with a better brand of yowling which sets him apart from other lead singers; to take on a new, special voice; and render more soulful riffs. That would mean rehashed digital copies sounding a lot better.
Geez! I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing!