Rock bands are often seen as unshakable forces, but the reality behind the curtain tells a different story. The pressures of the road, relentless performances, and personal battles often take a toll, even on legends like Aerosmith.
For guitarist Joe Perry, health scares have been a sobering reminder of these challenges. From collapsing on stage to emergency hospital visits, his journey has been anything but smooth. These moments not only tested his resilience but also shook his bandmates, especially Steven Tyler.
Tyler, known for his flamboyant presence, has opened up about the fear of almost losing his longtime friend and collaborator. Their bond, forged through decades of music and mayhem, has weathered countless storms, but these incidents brought a rare vulnerability to their enduring partnership.
A Scary On-Stage Moment With Hollywood Vampires
In 2016, Joe Perry faced a frightening incident while performing with Hollywood Vampires in Brooklyn, New York. Struggling during his guitar solo on “I Got A Line On You,” he eventually needed medical attention backstage. Speculation about a heart attack quickly spread, worrying fans and bandmates alike.
Alice Cooper, the band’s frontman, soon addressed the situation, attributing it to dehydration and exhaustion. While the clarification eased some fears, it didn’t erase the gravity of the moment for those close to Perry. The incident highlighted the physical toll of non-stop touring and performing.
Steven Tyler later voiced his concerns about Perry’s relentless work ethic. Acknowledging their shared passion for music, Tyler urged Perry to slow down, saying, “He’s always asking me to do three, four [Aerosmith] shows in a row, and I can’t. I’ll blow my voice out.” Their bond as bandmates and brothers in music made the scare even more personal.
A Brother’s Worry
Perry’s health scare in September 2016 cast a shadow over Aerosmith’s South American tour. For Steven Tyler, the focus quickly shifted from the band’s upcoming shows to his friend’s recovery. The uncertainty surrounding Perry’s condition left Tyler deeply concerned and searching for answers.
Tyler voiced his frustration over the lack of updates about Perry’s health. He admitted feeling scared and unsure whether the issue stemmed from exhaustion, overwork, or something more serious. The silence only heightened his anxiety, making it hard to concentrate on the band’s demanding schedule.
Reflecting on their decades-long bond, Tyler emphasized his love and concern for Perry. “Joe’s my brother, and I love him so much,” he said, suggesting that it might be time to rethink their grueling performances as they age. For Tyler, Perry’s well-being was far more important than the band’s next big show.
Another Health Setback
In 2018, Joe Perry faced another alarming health scare, collapsing backstage at a Billy Joel concert in New York City due to shortness of breath. The incident forced him to cancel a planned appearance at Rock and Roll Fantasy Camp in Florida. It was a stark reminder of the physical toll his demanding schedule could take.
By 2019, Perry had made a full recovery and returned to the stage with Aerosmith for their Las Vegas residency. His resilience was on full display, proving his dedication to his craft and his bandmates. Despite the challenges, Perry showed no signs of slowing down.
Now, as Aerosmith embarks on their farewell “Peace Out” tour, Perry is once again ready to take the spotlight. Reflecting on their grueling schedules, Steven Tyler remarked, “Joe’s passionate. I don’t think he knows how to maintain his health… They’re doing like eight or nine shows in a row. I think they may need to look at that. Not young anymore, y’know?”