Joe Perry Expresses Doubts About Aerosmith’s Touring Future

Aerosmith’s future remains uncertain as co-founding guitarist Joe Perry has expressed doubts about the band’s ability to tour again. In a recent interview with Boston’s WBUR, Perry noted that frontman Steven Tyler currently lacks both the desire and capacity to embark on another extensive tour. This revelation follows a series of setbacks for the legendary rock band, which had announced their farewell tour in 2023.

During a performance in Elmont, NY on September 9, 2023, Tyler suffered a fractured larynx, leading to the postponement of several shows on their Peace Out tour. Ultimately, the band cancelled the remainder of the tour in August 2024, declaring their retirement from touring. Despite this announcement, bassist Tom Hamilton emphasized that Aerosmith is “still alive,” countering claims that the band is finished.

In his conversation with WBUR, Perry shared insights from a recent discussion he had with Tyler about the band’s future plans, which may include a potential documentary. However, he cautioned fans to manage their expectations regarding full-scale touring. “He just doesn’t want to tour and he can’t tour. It’s tough,” Perry remarked. He added, “I’m not sure I would want to go out and book another 40-city tour. It’s a long way to the top and staying there takes it out of you, especially an Aerosmith tour.”

While Perry did not completely dismiss the idea of performing again, he hinted that any future endeavors would likely be less demanding. He mentioned the possibility of a Las Vegas residency, similar to their Deuces are Wild concert series that occurred in 2019, 2020, and 2022. “I’ll never say never, but I wouldn’t bet on it — no pun intended,” he said. “You really have to want to be out there, and we’re all at that point of: How do you want to live? How do you want to spend the next however long you’ve got?”

Since their retirement from touring, Tyler has only performed live a few times. His appearances included his annual Jam for Janie Grammy Awards Viewing Party in February and a benefit concert titled Back to the Beginning in England in July.

As the band’s future hangs in the balance, fans remain hopeful for any potential performances, while the members of Aerosmith evaluate their paths forward. The legacy of this iconic band continues, but their next steps remain to be seen.