Joe Perry has confirmed that Aerosmith is indeed looking for a vocalist to replace Steven Tyler. On his Twitter page, Perry writes that he and his bandmates are “positively looking for a new singer to work with.”
As reported by Reuters, Perry said last month that Tyler has refused to write songs with him for the past decade. Tyler recently told Classic Rock magazine that he wants to focus on solo projects. The 61-year-old singer has reportedly stopped communicating with the band, and has hired his own manager.
Troubles within Aerosmith were ratcheted up at the band’s recent concert at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on November 1. A triumphant show by all accounts, the event was nonetheless marked by confirmation that turmoil was brewing. Guitarist Brad Whitford was the first to raise the possibility of a new vocalist, telling Classic Rock that if “the chemistry was right, why not?”
Eight years have passed since Aerosmith released a studio album of new material. It seems, however, that Perry believes the departure of Tyler may mark a new chapter for the band.
In an interview yesterday (Nov. 9) with Boston radio station WZLX, the guitarist said, “As long as we’re still kicking, it’s not over. We’ll probably get bored and come back.”