There are certain things that just shouldn’t happen. The Mona Lisa shouldn’t smile, the Leaning Tower of Pisa shouldn’t be straighten, and Aerosmith shouldn’t perform with any lead singer other than Steven Tyler, but the last one may be a distinct possibility.
In case you missed it, after months of speculation that he was using drugs again, Tyler checked into rehab at the end of last year. He had injured his leg during a concert in Connecticut in June 2009 then he fell off the stage on August 2009. The band cancelled several dates after the fall, but returned for a few shows in October and November.
There seemed to be some animosity between Tyler and the other Aerosmith band members. In early November, guitarist Brad Whitford admitted the band had to hold a crisis talk about their future due to a strain in relations with Tyler. Days later, Joe Perry announced that “as far as I can tell” Tyler had quit the band. However, Tyler performed with Perry at the Fillmore New York before entering rehab and told the crowd that he wasn’t quitting the band.
Yet today, Perry confirmed the band it looking for a new lead singer. Does this mean the end of Aerosmith as we have known it for the past 35+ years? Maybe, maybe not. Perry said the band is looking for a new lead singer because Tyler’s injuries will have him sidelined for up to a year and a half. He pointed out the other band members wanted to perform and hinted that this new lead singer may only be temporary. He said the band would be willing to work with Tyler in the future if he was so inclined. But right now, they are putting out feelers for a new singer and will start having auditions soon. He said he hopes the band, with a new lead singer, will be touring soon.
Meanwhile, Tyler made his first public appearance since entering rehab…at a karaoke bar in Palm Desert. He surprised the crowd at the Tilted Kilt pub by taking the stage and singing “I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing.” Sources say he sounded good and was gracious to the crowd, who went wild after the song.
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