After spending more than three decades dealing with the business that is rock ‘n’ roll, Aerosmith co-founder Joe Perry dreams of a time when he can focus on nothing but playing his guitar. Dream on.
With the release of a new album and summer-long U.S. tour that starts Wednesday in Hartford, Perry and the Boston-based quintet have been dizzied by a flurry of videos, movie soundtracks, award ceremonies, sporting event appearances and collaborations with other artists.
“It seems like Aerosmith has turned into a full-time job, which is kind of a drag because I got into this business so I wouldn’t have to work,” Perry said after a recent recording session at his home in Cohasset, Mass.
“We just want to play our guitars, get out there, get a little instant energy, adrenaline rush and move on to the next show,” he said. “But it seems there’s so much other stuff that goes along with it now.”
He admits the band members – including co-founder Steven Tyler – have changed, and with them, the music. They still kick out ear-bleeding, riff-based hits, but have found more success in melodic power ballads like “Jaded” that receive widespread radio play.
“There’s only a couple of us that have long hair anymore. You can’t stay the same. I think it’s boring,” said Perry, 50. “But I still like leather pants, I don’t think that’s going to change anytime soon… they’re just not as tight as they used to be, but they’re still leather.”
