Aerosmith Over or Not? Joe Perry Finally Gives a Straight Answer

Joe Perry in an interview wearing his iconic outfit and hair.

via WCVB Channel 5 Boston / YouTube

Joe Perry has been fielding the same question for years: is Aerosmith finished or not? His recent conversation with Guitar World gave fans the clearest update in a long time. Instead of dodging or hinting, he spoke openly about where the band stands and why things aren’t as final as some might think. The remarks landed at a time when fans are still trying to make sense of Aerosmith’s halted farewell tour, Steven Tyler’s injury, and the band’s sudden return to the studio.

The heart of Perry’s message is that Aerosmith is far from shutting the door on creativity. Touring may have slowed, but the band’s internal spark hasn’t faded. He framed their current period not as an ending, but as a shift in how they operate. That perspective alone has rekindled hope among longtime followers who feared the curtain had already dropped.

The interview also revealed how much the band’s recent collaborations have energized the members. Rather than taking a quiet step back, Aerosmith found themselves pulled into new partnerships and new sounds. That momentum is now shaping how Perry and Steven Tyler view the future: uncertain in form, but still moving forward.

A Collaboration That Came Out of Nowhere

Perry explained that their work with Yungblud wasn’t part of any long-term plan. It started as a simple idea, then suddenly turned into rehearsals, photoshoots, and full production days that stretched from morning until night. What surprised the band wasn’t just the music they made, but how smoothly the creative chemistry clicked. That connection pushed the project far beyond a quick guest spot.

He described the collaboration as mutually energizing. Yungblud brought a raw, youthful restlessness that reminded Aerosmith of their own early years. At the same time, the band gave him an entry point into a classic rock world he clearly respected. Perry’s enthusiasm made it clear that this wasn’t a symbolic “passing of the torch,” but a genuine artistic exchange.

Their five-track EP One More Time with Yungblud shows what that unexpected chemistry produced. The songs don’t mimic Aerosmith’s older catalog, yet they still carry the band’s feel. Perry’s comments make one point unmistakable: Aerosmith still thrives on the challenge of trying something new, even when they’re no longer living on the road.

So… Is Aerosmith Done?

The direct question finally received a direct answer. Perry didn’t promise new albums or a major comeback, but he made one thing clear — he’s not retired. Steven Tyler isn’t retired. And the idea of Aerosmith shutting down entirely just doesn’t match where their heads are right now. If One More Time ended up being their last release, Perry said he’d be proud of it. But he made sure fans understood that nothing about this moment feels like a final chapter.

He also reminded listeners that they still talk about unfinished business. In July 2025, Perry shared that the band had discussed coming together for a proper send-off, especially since the farewell tour collapsed after Tyler’s vocal cord injury. That idea hasn’t disappeared. It’s simply waiting for the right timing and the right conditions.

For now, the band is treating the studio as their main outlet. They may not be playing arenas, but they’re still creating, experimenting, and staying connected through music. In Perry’s mind, that alone proves Aerosmith isn’t “over” — they’re adapting.

A Future Built on New Partnerships

Another detail that stands out from Perry’s interview is the band’s growing interest in collaborations. In addition to Yungblud, Aerosmith recently teamed up with Lainey Wilson for the track Wild Woman. These cross-genre moves show a band that’s less focused on preserving its legacy and more interested in expanding it. Instead of retreating, they’re leaning into new generations of artists.

This phase of their career reflects a broader shift in the rock world. Many legacy bands have slowed down touring due to health, age, or logistics. But Perry makes it clear that stepping back from the road doesn’t mean stepping away from music. Aerosmith seems to be finding a second wind by working with artists who challenge them stylistically.

Perry’s “we’ve still got some juice left” remark sums up their current attitude. They may never return to the grueling schedules that defined their past, but the drive to create is still there. Whether that leads to a final performance, another EP, or an unexpected project, Aerosmith has not sealed their future shut — and Perry doesn’t sound like someone ready to do that anytime soon.

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