How Van Halen Made Joe Perry Quit Aerosmith
Joe Perry on the Larry King Now interview - Larry King Youtube
In the tumultuous era of ’70s rock ‘n’ roll, Aerosmith stood tall as one of the biggest bands in the world. However, behind the scenes, the band grappled with internal conflicts and substance abuse, particularly between guitarist Joe Perry and frontman Steven Tyler, who were famously dubbed the “Toxic Twins” by their bandmates.
Amidst personal struggles and evolving musical landscapes, Perry made a decision that would shape his career and the fate of Aerosmith.
In a recent candid interview with Guitar World, Perry revealed the pivotal moment that led to his departure from the band during the recording of their 1979 album, “Night in the Ruts.” His decision was driven by a realization that Aerosmith was not ready to adapt to the rapidly changing music scene of the ’80s.
“I just had to take care of myself. My personal life wasn’t all that great, and I had to deal with that,” Perry shared. “I had to come to terms with that and knew it was time to leave. But I also felt we needed to be more open to new ideas.”
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As the band approached the ’80s, Perry distinctly remembered the impact of Van Halen’s debut record, a groundbreaking album that revolutionized the way guitars were played.
“Eddie’s guitar playing was just so incredible. He turned the guitar on its ear and was doing stuff that I’d never heard before. I knew it was time for a break because new ideas were needed,” Perry expressed.
Listening to Eddie Van Halen’s innovative guitar work, Perry realized that Aerosmith was not prepared for the shifting tides of the ’80s rock scene.
“It was just a vibe or feeling I had,” he recalled.
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Following his departure, Perry embarked on a solo career with The Joe Perry Project.
However, the allure of Aerosmith proved too strong to resist, leading him back to the band in 1982. This reunion marked a turning point, propelling Aerosmith to a resurgence in popularity that continued well into the late ’80s and early 2000s.
Perry’s journey serves as a testament to the transformative power of music and the importance of recognizing the need for change. His decision to step away from Aerosmith, driven by the inspiration he found in Van Halen’s groundbreaking sound, ultimately played a vital role in shaping both his own career and the enduring legacy of Aerosmith in the annals of rock history.
