Aerosmith returning to studio for long-delayed album

CEBU, Philippines - Now that Steven Tyler has finished his successful first season as a judge on "American Idol," he is returning to his day job with Aerosmith.

The singer and his four bandmates plan to reunite next month with veteran producer Jack Douglas to kick-start work on their long-delayed album, guitarist Joe Perry said on Tuesday.

"Whole band has plans to go into the studio with Jack Douglas second week of July to work on new Aero CD," Perry said on Twitter.

The album will be recorded in the Massachusetts studio the band built six years ago expressly to work with Douglas, Perry said last month. The band, sans Perry who had a prior commitment, held an eight-day writing session earlier this year.

Aerosmith has not released an album of new material since 2001's "Just Push Play." Attempts to record a follow-up have been interrupted by internecine strife and a litany of health problems affecting most of its members.

Tyler has found himself at odds with his bandmates in recent years as he looked to pursue various solo projects. He was a popular addition to the "American Idol" lineup this season, and used the show's high profile to promote his debut solo single and autobiography.

Aerosmith will take a break from recording to kick off a South American tour in Peru on October 22. A US trek —as well as a stop on "American Idol" — is planned once the new album is done, Perry has said.

Douglas worked on such Aerosmith albums as 1974's "Get Your Wings," 1975's "Toys in the Attic," and 1976's "Rocks." He reunited with the band on its 2004 collection of blues standards "Honkin' on Bobo."