Aerosmith to Replace Steven Tyler
News
All is not well in the world of Aerosmith. After bouts of band in-fighting, singer Steven Tyler has left the Boston group to focus on "something Steven Tyler: working on the brand of myself – Brand Tyler," he told Classic Rock magazine. But the rest of boys have other plans -- and will recruit a new frontman and continue without him.
"Aerosmith is positively looking for a new singer to work with," guitarist Joe Perry Tweeted. "You just can't take 40 years of experience and throw it in the bin. [The] band is playing hotter than ever and our songs need to be played live."
Ever helpful, SPIN editors offer a few suggestions about who could fill in. Tell us yours in the comment section.
SPIN's Picks to Replace Steven Tyler:
64 Comments
Click here to comment- Posted By Warren Mason
01.23.10 7:20 PM
I spent some time thinking about this a couple of months ago. The mid- to late-80's is the most likely prime era of a potential Aerosmith frontperson. I do not think the dull "monotone rock era" post-grunge era artists would have the charisma or understanding to front Aerosmith (imagine Chad Kroeger fronting them? Yuk!). The band would need someone without a substance abuse problem (sorry Jani Lane), a known name (sorry Jeff Keith) and someone who is available (sorry David Lee Roth). How about this short list:
* Lenny Kravitz - Would probably be the best fit, but he is a close personal friend of Steven Tyler so his selection is doubtful at best.
* Kip Winger - Highly underrated; a classic rock belter with tons of talent, lots of range, command of a stage and commercial appeal. Camp Aerosmith might think that the general public still unfairly views Kip Winger as un-cool after that backlash in the 90's. But, he has what it takes to front a killer rock song that will make the general public forget all about Beavis and Butthead.
* Grace Potter - While not a household name, she could be quickly. She has a raspy classic rock voice that could take the Aerosmith sound to another level. She is classic enough to appeal to the current base, but young enough to pick-up younger fans. She has a great stage presence and knows how to front a band. I think it would be quite interesting to see a woman front Aerosmith.
* Tom Keifer (Cinderella) - Has the blues sound that the band seems to desperately crave. Plus, he knows how to get a hit. He has had vocals problems over the past several years and may not be available.
* Sebastian Bach - He's available, a househould name, a pure rocker, has the pipes and understands Aerosmith rock. He is also a bit "crazy"; probably a bit too much for the Aerosmith troop to handle.
* Sheryl Crow - She would bring immediate name recognition and a history of hits. The question is whether or not she has enough rock in her sound and personality. She has a somewhat raspy voice, but is her musical style and personality too dull for a rock audience?
* Ann Wilson - She is pure rock. She has tons of range and a powerhouse voice. But, is she past her prime as a commercial rocker? Aerosmith may look at this situation as an opportunity to reach outside of their current fanbase and Ann Wilson may represent a small faction of what they already have.
- Posted By Aaron Poehler
12.24.09 1:16 PM
This article is about as funny as drug addiction.
- Posted By Anonymous
12.09.09 11:46 PM
Anybody can emulate guitar, bass, and drums. Vocals are irreversibly connected with what gives a band its signature sound. If the boys are going to continue without Steven, call it something else, and let the volumes of historical live recordings of the glory days of Aerosmith speak for themselves.
- Posted By Anonymous
11.23.09 7:30 AM
What??? Well you of the Blue Army! You mean business by golly gee. You brought them into this business (point and shake your finger) and mark your words they better straighten up??? (Pull your pants up to your waist cuz you really mean it.) You ! Soldier of the Blue Army (you say) clean the latrine before You get cited for treason. Further, what is your ranking in the Blue Army and WHO gave YOU classified info on making craziness possible. I found your post annoying but you have the right...oiy!
Back to reality...WE LOVE YOU STEVEN TYLER. Take your time, heal....
Then we'd love to see you rockin out again as only you can do. Thanks for putting on a worthwhile show that gives us great pleasure to buy our tickets
and spend some time diggin' your talent. First there was Aerosmith...then came the audience that grew to masses.
- Posted By StevenForMe
11.23.09 3:23 AM
Sooooo....you really think that Aerosmith is anything without Steven Tyler? Who exactly is on drugs???
Steven makes Aerosmith what it is. All of the members are good, but without Steven, Aerosmith would be nothing but another long forgotten hair band.
No Steven = no fan. At least in my court, and I assure, in any court that ever held a true blue Aerosmith fan.
Without Tyler, Aerosmith does not exist.
Steven would have an easier time of getting all new band mates, calling it Aerosmith, and keeping his fan base than the rest of the band EVER would to replace him and still call it Aerosmith and continue their current fan base.
People would still go to see Steven at the front of ANY BAND regardless of what he calls it. The rest of Aerosmith, without Steven, is merely another band. Dime a dozen.
Wise up! Help him instead of deserting him. The payoff will be far higher.
Joe Perry, you are far more interesting when you are in brotherhood up front playing with Steven Tyler than you ever can hope to be alone. You are a great guitarist, but you disappear in the eyes of many Aerosmith fans without Steven. I did not even know you had a solo album until I was told this while discussing this story about 5 minutes ago. But I throw your name around like water on a fire when referring to Aerosmith.
Steven, my mom said she loves you, and I love you too! And all of your fans love you. And you do have a butt-load of fans!!! Keep the faith!!
- Posted By Anonymous
11.22.09 8:33 PM
I value every member of Aerosmith but when it comes right down to it...Steven Tyler IS Aerosmith more than any other band member. He is the showman.
Women go gaga over him. He is extremely talented and despite his possible relapse I think he deserves the respect and support that with God's help, he can pull it back together. He fell during a concert, performing for his fans...maybe, just maybe he had alot of physical pain during his recovery. Maybe he took prescription pills to help with the pain...maybe the pills triggered a relapse, just maybe. Anyway...the dude deserves respect. He has earned it. Steven Tyler has been good to his fans. There is no Aerosmith without him period. If he is out I would not accept a replacement...they can play
but it won't be Aerosmith and without Steven it won't be on my CD player. Maybe people who did not grow up with the band would be more adaptable...but I dig Aerosmith, the real McCoy.
- Posted By Anonymous
11.20.09 9:57 AM
At some point they have to get tired of "helping" someone as old as Tyler through some kind of teenage tantrum,so I wouldn't blame Brad,Joe,Tom and Joey if they decided to replace the guy.A band is a collaboration,not one guy,so when one guy wants out,even if it's Tyler,you let him go and find someone else.As far as the so called Van Hagar goes,Sammy can sing and write circles around Dave and Van Halen's songwriting grew up when Sam came in.by the way,Sammy still looks and sounds like Sammy,and Dave looks like Carol Channing at this point and I understand that he sounds just as bad as she did.
- Posted By rockguy 55
11.20.09 9:42 AM
Steven would be nearly impossible to replace,but just because one member wants to go his own way shouldn't mean the rest of the band who still wants to play has to stop,so go for it guys,if Steven really wants to be a 61 year old junkie,then replace him.Steven Tyler,as much as I love his work,Is NOT Aerosmith!!!There are 4 other guys who contribute just as much,and some new blood might make for something interesting.Don't write them off yet.
- Posted By highway
11.19.09 6:28 PM
GOOD FOR YOU! I's about time that WE THE PEOPLE who made AEROSMITH sound off about how they can't get along.Its not OK how Stevens' idiosyncrasies are effecting the rest of the band. Yes I want them to keep touring and Yes I want more music BUT Mr. Tallarico doesn''t understand that WE of the BLUE ARMY have been buying the tix and albums/CDs that have made ALL his craziness possible . If we don't buy the 1st there isn't a 2nd and so on.
I'm not saying STOP buying their albums what I am saying is that they made all the fame and fortune not once but twice and he needs to regain his sight of the brass ring and how he got to see it in the first place
- Posted By Highway
11.19.09 6:05 PM
It is truly Stevens choice as to what it is he wishes to do with himself and"Brand Tyler". What I draw my opinion from are Tylers own words. In the book "Walk This Way" He's quoted as saying something to the effect of Aerosmith is not me,or Joe or Tommy Brad or Joey, It is a combination of all of us. Does he forget 1325 Commonwealth Ave. and all 5 living together to make things work? Hey Steven ,you even told me once yourself "You gotta fake it until you can make it. And to Joe Tommy Brad and Joey I say Please don't be like Van Halen , For Dave to come back Micheal left. Business wise they could've been The hottest ticket in the world but didn't keep their **** together.
- Posted By Kathy (wanna be Tyler)
11.19.09 5:07 PM
Aerosmith without Steven Tyler??? You can't be serious. without Steven it can't be Aerosmith. I can't even imagine, I won't even imagine it.
AEROSMITH IS THE BEST BAND EVER!!!!!!!!!!! I would never buy another CD by the band if Steven was not on it.
The guys are like family and should do everything in their power to fix what ever is wrong. If Steven has a drug problem do everything in your power to help him get through it and kick it. NOW!!(P.S. When VanHalen became VanHagar I quit listening.)
- Posted By Anonymous
11.19.09 4:49 PM
This has got to be the most screwed up thing tha has happened in 2009 and all you people can do is joke about it and joe perry I don't know what your thinking ,but I don't think aerosmith has a chance in hell of surviving without the greatest front man that has ever lived. Good luck with all crap that's going on in your head. Steven Tyler get your poop in a scoop and get your ass back in front of the greatest rock band that ever lived besides KISS.
02.16.10 2:27 PM
Mark Slaughter ....