Joe Perry Project Delivers Powerhouse Set of Aerosmith, Black Crowes, and STP Hits in Toronto

The Joe Perry Project lit up Toronto on August 16 with an electrifying show at History, marking the third stop of its U.S. tour. Fans witnessed Aerosmith’s legendary guitarist Joe Perry leading a powerhouse lineup that blended talent from Aerosmith, The Black Crowes, and Stone Temple Pilots. The concert was a rare chance to see some of rock’s finest musicians collaborate onstage in an intimate yet high-energy setting.

The group featured Perry’s longtime Aerosmith bandmate Brad Whitford on guitar, Buck Johnson on keyboards, The Black Crowes’ Chris Robinson on vocals, and Stone Temple Pilots’ Robert DeLeo on bass. Jason Sutter, a seasoned drummer who has played with the Project before, filled in for STP’s Eric Kretz, who was unable to participate due to a family emergency. Together, they delivered a raw, unfiltered sound that lived up to Perry’s “garage band on steroids” promise.

This performance was more than just a concert—it was a celebration of Perry’s legacy and versatility. For fans, it felt like a reunion of sorts, pulling together some of rock’s most iconic acts into a single night of explosive music. The show perfectly balanced nostalgia with fresh energy, proving that Perry and his bandmates are still masters of the stage.

A Setlist Packed with Classics

The Toronto setlist was a dream for classic rock fans, covering not only Perry’s solo material but also hits from Aerosmith, The Black Crowes, and Stone Temple Pilots. Opening with “Let The Music Do The Talking,” the night quickly shifted gears into Aerosmith staples like “Mama Kin” and “My Fist Your Face.” Perry and Whitford’s guitar interplay gave fans a glimpse of what made Aerosmith such a timeless force.

Chris Robinson brought a soulful grit to the performance with Black Crowes favorites like “Twice As Hard” and “Jealous Again,” both of which had the crowd roaring. Robert DeLeo’s basslines anchored STP hits “Interstate Love Song” and “Vasoline,” seamlessly blending with the band’s hard-driving style. This fusion of bands created a one-of-a-kind playlist that honored multiple rock legacies in a single show.

The encore brought the night to a raucous close with the Tiny Bradshaw classic “The Train Kept A-Rollin’” and Aerosmith’s “Walk This Way.” The finale reminded fans why Perry remains one of rock’s great showmen, delivering not only fiery guitar solos but also an unforgettable atmosphere of unity through music.

The Current Tour and Lineup Adjustments

The Joe Perry Project’s 2025 run spans eight dates across North America, wrapping up in Port Chester, New York on August 23. While the lineup shift due to Eric Kretz’s family emergency was unexpected, longtime drummer Jason Sutter stepped in effortlessly, ensuring the show’s momentum remained intact. Perry expressed support for Kretz in a public statement, promising his return once circumstances allow.

When announcing the tour earlier this year, Perry highlighted how fortunate he was to bring together such an accomplished lineup. Many of these musicians had already joined him in Los Angeles in 2018 for the release of Sweetzerland Manifesto, which set the foundation for their chemistry onstage. Perry emphasized that this tour would showcase not only fan favorites but also deep cuts, giving audiences a truly immersive experience.

Upcoming stops include Muskoka, Boston, Hampton Beach, and Mashantucket, with fans eagerly awaiting the same energy Toronto just witnessed. For Perry, it’s not just about revisiting past glories—it’s about pushing his solo project forward with renewed force while paying tribute to the bands and artists that shaped him.

Joe Perry’s Enduring Legacy

Since launching The Joe Perry Project in 1979, Perry has carried the torch for unapologetic rock and roll. Though Aerosmith remains his defining band, the Project has given him freedom to experiment and collaborate beyond the confines of one group. Over the years, the band has released multiple albums, with Perry returning to it periodically between Aerosmith commitments.

Beyond his solo work, Perry’s career achievements are staggering: over 150 million albums sold with Aerosmith, induction into both the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame, and countless awards spanning Grammys to MTV Video Awards. His guitar work has become synonymous with rock’s rebellious spirit, influencing generations of musicians and fans alike.

In recent years, Perry has also extended his creativity into projects like the Hollywood Vampires supergroup with Alice Cooper and Johnny Depp. Yet, it’s shows like the one in Toronto that remind audiences why Joe Perry is, at his core, a performer who thrives on the live stage. The Joe Perry Project’s Toronto concert wasn’t just a night of hits—it was a statement that true rock energy never fades.