Joe Perry Says Aerosmith Not Breaking Up – But They Need A Singer!

The news of Steven Tyler’s exit as lead vocalist for Aerosmith has shaken up the rock n’ roll world. But guitarist Joe Perry says the band will go on – with or without Tyler belting out all those memorable tunes. Perry took to Twitter late Monday to say that Aerosmith is “not splitting up” but “looking for a new singer to work with.”

So there you go Aerosmith fans – welcome to your very own version of David Lee Roth vs. Sammy Hagar, a debate that has been part of Van Halen’s legacy since the mid-’80s. Looks like Aerosmith fans need to prepare for someone else singing “Dream On,” “Draw the Line” and the rest of the bluesy-rock hits Aerosmith is famous for.

And so the search begins for the next lead singer of Aerosmith.

Let the parlor games begin. Ramp up the rumors. Begin the wild speculation.

Across the web, conversation about possible replacements have already begun; one name that pops ups a lot is Stone Temple Pilots’ Scott Weiland, certainly not lacking for that Tyler-esque swagger and fits the hard-livin’/hard-rockin’ model Aerosmith built its reputation on.

Perry and the guys could go the Journey route and find a total unknown, in their case Arnel Pineda, who has done as well as can be expected having to fill the gigantic shows of former Journey vocalist Steve Perry.

Axl Rose and Kid Rock are also names that have come up for discussion.

It’s absolutely nice work if you can get it.

It’s not a perfect science when having to replace a frontman who is forever associated with a particular band. INXS moved on after the sad passing of lead singer Michael Hutchence, but no doubt they haven’t been back to the heights (at least in the US market) they achieved with the original version of the group. But they keep going, and that’s awesome, because INXS should keep playing.

It’s a touchy subject because some fans just might not be able to accept Aerosmith without Tyler out front. Their first album debuted in ‘72, so we’re talking about a lot of fans who have seen Tyler and Aerosmith go up and down and up again, all the while producing some truly amazing rock n’ roll.

If Perry wants to keep the band going then fans will just have to wait and see how it plays out. Whoever it is, they probably won’t be able to sing “Rats in the Cellar” quite as perfect as Tyler, but that doesn’t mean Aerosmith won’t be just as terrific – just different.

And Lord knows Aerosmith could stand to get more youthful. Tyler is 61! And speaking of Tyler post-Aerosmith, I think he should call Noel Gallagher right away.

Who do you think should be the next lead singer of Aerosmith?