Just finished Joe Perry’s book which comes out this Tuesday called “Rocks”. As many know Aerosmith was one of my very first ever favorite bands. I grew up with the Live Bootleg poster on my wall as a kid. To me they are still the best of the bands from that era by far because they all play as well as ever, they are all original, and their music is timeless. I have said many times it is remarkable what this band does still at this age on stage more than 40n years after they formed. But the Aerosmith story is loaded with drama (like many bands), some known well, some not. Joe’s book takes us on that journey brilliantly through the bands, as well as his own personal ups and downs. The book is so well written and it really has a way of putting you right in the room with whatever is happening. Credit to Joe and his writer David Ritz on that. While many will no doubt focus in on the very complex relationship between Joe and Steven (which is a good part of the book), and the years of drug abuse, there is so much more to take in. The reviews will no doubt focus on the barbs that Joe tosses Steven’s way because everyone loves drama, but there is just as much of a common bond and brotherhood between these guys as you will find out if you read it. Joe also voices his respect for Brad, Joey and Tom many times, very much the unsung heroes of this iconic band. I also loved reading about Joe’s time out of the band and the Joe Perry Project years. I am a huge fan of that bands 1980 debut album. Joe also talks about his love of the blues greats as well as bands he came up in the 70’s with like Kiss, Cheap Trick, ZZ Top and more. It truly is a great rock n roll read! Joe will be live in studio with me this Monday on my SiriusXM show after he appears on Jimmy Fallon. I am super honored that he has asked me to host his book launch this Tuesday at Barnes & Noble in Union Sq NYC. So much I can’t wait to discuss! The B&N event is open to the public but first come first served as far as capacity (the store will also have stock of both of my books on hand if you are interested). The conversation will also be recorded and posted next Thursday as my first ever podcast with a live audience. Audience questions will be welcome. After the interview Joe will sit and sign his book which is available for the first time that day. As usual I suggest the physical format for the book. It is loaded with great photos and a nice hard cover design. Can’t wait for next week to spend a couple of days with a true icon from one of my all time favorite bands!
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Thank you for your review on the book a lot of us have been waiting years, if not decades to read.
Aerosmith is one of my all-time favorite American bands as well. As much as it pains me to say this, I can only describe their last album (after 10-plus years of waiting for new material) as forgettable and in-one-ear-and-out-the-other. It just seemed to pander to as wide an audience as possible, and in the end, found no audience. If they were to ever make another album, I would hope they’d keep the writing in-house and give the reins more to Joe Perry’s ROCK sensibilities, and not Steven’s “let’s compete with Katy Perry on Top 40 radio” approach. Of course, that’s never going to happen. So at least we’re left with a still-great live band….
This is covered in Joe’s book. Although I think there are 7-10 out of the 15 songs that are really good on the latest album.
Being a long-time Aerosmith fan myself, the last album did have some kick ass tunes..I would’ve LOVED to have heard Street Jesus Live….just sayin
Love the deep respect you’ve always shown for my all time favorite band. Appreciate you EDDIE !!!!
Eddie,
What would be your Top 5 hard rock/metal biographies for fans to read (if we haven’t already read them).
Too many to mention but a couple underrated would be Glenn Hughes and Bob Daisley
I liked Rudy Sarzo’s book too. Ozzy’s book is hilarious as well. I love the story about Sabbath recording in a haunted mansion, only to have so many weird/freaky things happen, they really got frightened and decamped back to London.
They are at the top of their game in 2014. I hope people will not buy it thinking “oh, Steve Tyler already wrote the story”.