Will there be – could there be – an Aerosmith without Steven Tyler? According to Classic Rock Magazine, the iconic band may be toying with that idea.
In a bombshell report posted yesterday (Nov. 4), Classic Rock intimated that Tyler and the rest of the band may be contemplating going their separate ways. Prior to taking the stage on Sunday for a triumphant set at Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Tyler told the publication: “Once the band hit the final note and I walk off stage – then I’ll tell you the whole story.”
The publication is saving the “whole story” for their February print issue, but Tyler was further quoted as saying: "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."
Troubles have been brewing in the band ever since Tyler suffered an accident in a fall on-stage during a tour last year. According to Classic Rock, the handful of Aerosmith shows staged recently have seen Tyler sequestered from the rest of the group.
The magazine further reports that Aerosmith will reconvene in the next couple of weeks – “probably sans Tyler” – to discuss future plans. Such plans could consist of a long hiatus, or of carrying on with a different singer.
Lest anyone think the reportage smacks of tabloid-like hyperbole, the magazine quotes guitarist Brad Whitford as saying: “I’m not sure how good [getting a new lead vocalist] would look, it would largely depend on who we could get and who would want to do it. That’s big shoes to fill.
“Nobody could replace Steven or imitate him – he’s one of a kind. But if somebody was willing to do it and the chemistry was right, why not?”