“Aerosmith looking to replace Steven Tyler? S.O.S. (Too Bad).”

By Bob Zerull

I love that this is on the front page of the entertainment section at Google News. I read the article over at www.mtv.com and then again at www.blabbermouth.net. Aerosmith is my favorite band, it always has been. I’m personally quite fond of early Aerosmith albums such as “Get Your Wings,” “Toys in the Attic,” and “Rocks,” but I like everything they’ve done. To me they’re the one band that transcends all genres. They’re just Aerosmith. When they cover a Beatles or Doors song, it becomes an Aerosmith song. I’m not saying that it’s better; I’m just saying nobody is going to confuse the two.



They’re last album “Honkin’ on Bobo” was the best album Aerosmith had released since “Pump.” It was an album full of blues covers and was just phenomenal. What other band has been around 40 years and is still releasing relevant music? Rolling Stones are around, but they’re not good for much more than a tour. Kiss just released “Sonic Boom,” but I have yet to hear a song on the radio. Rush has their diehard fans, but that’s about it. Even if you hate Aerosmith, there’s an Aerosmith song you like.

What makes Aerosmith what it is? Is it Steven Tyler’s irreplaceable voice? Is it Joe Perry, or is it the rhythm section? It’s really tough to say. Joe Perry is probably the coolest guy in all of rock n’ roll. Steven Tyler is probably the best front man in the history of rock n’ roll. I’ve seen them eight times since 1998. He was old in 1998 and he has consistently sounded as good as he always has and he moves around the stage better than I could and I’m only thirty. Joe Perry is why I’m an Aerosmith fan, but I recognize the power of Steven Tyler.



So can you replace Steven Tyler? Yeah, Guns n’ Roses replaced Axl Rose and called themselves Velvet Revolver. Queen went out with Paul Rogers and sold out everywhere they played. It can be done. All they have to do is recognize that it’s NOT Aerosmith. If they try to sell it as Aerosmith it’ll be embarrassing. Go grab Axl Rose, call yourself Guns n’ Aeros and play Guns and Aerosmith songs or something like that. You have to grab a singer with a history. If you grab the guy fronting The Joe Perry Project then that’s all you really are - The Joe Perry Project. Not that there is anything wrong with the guy fronting The Joe Perry Project. I can’t wait to see them on Nov 18th.

Finally I have to ask, why is this news? Steven Tyler is 61 and I think Joe Perry is 59 with the rest of the band being somewhere around that. Aerosmith can go away for a year and come back and be fine. Let Steven Tyler do his thing and you guys do your thing. When Aerosmith feels like kicking some serious ass, release an album or tour. I know how this story is going to play out.



BYLINE:

Bob Zerull is a frequent movie and concert goer who talks about his ventures to arenas and theaters more than any person should be allowed to do. Now, he puts them down on paper. Visit: www.cadaverchristmas.com. Email Bob at bob@zoiksonline.com.