At 75, Joe Perry is far from slowing down. While touring with the Joe Perry Project, making appearances at the VMAs, collaborating with Bad Company at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and releasing the new EP One More Time alongside longtime friend Steven Tyler and rising star Yungblud, Perry remains hungry for more musical adventures.
Despite his extensive career, he’s not resting on his achievements. In a recent interview, he shared the ten albums that profoundly influenced him, emphasizing that while he might take a breather at the end of 2025, his sights are firmly set on 2026.
however, the future of Aerosmith hangs in the balance, with rumors swirling about a potential farewell concert and a documentary chronicling the band’s storied history-topics Perry is open to discussing.For now, his primary focus is on the release of One More Time.
In addition to his busy schedule, Perry took the time to chat with Guitar Player, reflecting on the invaluable lessons and friendships he’s forged with rock icons like Alice Cooper, Johnny Winter, Jimmy page, Jeff Beck, and Slash.
Alice Cooper: A Unique Collaboration
“I first crossed paths with Alice during the filming of the Sgt. pepper movie, where Aerosmith contributed a cover of ‘Come Together.’ In the early ’80s, while I was on a break from Aerosmith, my manager arranged for us to collaborate on music for Alice’s upcoming album,” Perry recalls.
“We hit it off and became friends. When the Hollywood Vampires were recording their debut album, they invited me to contribute to a few tracks, and I became a core member of the group.”
“years ago, I read that Alice was said to be the reincarnation of a 400-year-old witch, which added a theatrical flair to his performances. He paved the way for many bands to incorporate performance art into their shows while delivering exceptional rock music.”
“What’s great about the Vampires is that alice coudl drop the persona and just be a genuine rock singer, connecting with the audience in a new way. Working with him was a breeze; he’s not driven by ego-his focus is on what benefits the band. He’s a genuinely good person.”
“Among all the lead singers I’ve collaborated with, Alice ranks high in terms of fun. He has a fantastic sense of humor.”
Johnny Winter: A Memorable Encounter
“I vividly remember seeing Johnny perform live with Rick Derringer at the Boston Tea Party, a venue that held about 800 people. He was phenomenal, especially with his slide guitar work,” Perry reminisces.
“Although our paths didn’t cross early on, our bus driver had previously worked with Johnny, so I heard plenty of stories about him. When I finally met him in L.A., he recalled our first major gig at the Academy of Music, where we shared the stage with Humble Pie and Johnny himself.It was an unforgettable show, especially as it was his first performance after rehab.”
“Johnny was incredibly friendly. Meeting someone you’ve admired for years and getting to shake their hand is a surreal experience.”
Jimmy Page: A Lasting influence
“jimmy has been a important influence on me. He was a true innovator, not just in the music he created but also in his production and songwriting techniques. He was at the forefront of rock music evolution,” Perry explains.
“In the ’60s, he was the go-to studio guitarist, honing his production skills thru constant studio work. He deserves more recognition for that aspect of his career. While many see him as a guitar hero, his production abilities are unparalleled.”
“I learned a lot from him, including how to utilize instruments creatively and write compelling songs. Although Led Zeppelin’s sound often diverged from traditional blues, they incorporated diverse influences from around the world, including Moroccan and Indian music.”
“Building a friendship with Page meant a lot to me. When they’re not holding guitars, these legends are just regular people.”
Jeff Beck: Pushing Boundaries
“While Jimi Hendrix was a pioneer in using the whammy bar, Jeff beck took it to another level. With the right strings and adjustments, he created sounds that were revolutionary for the electric guitar and beyond,” Perry notes.
“Hendrix used it for effects, but beck approached it as a musical instrument, always ahead of the curve. his sense of melody and dynamics allowed him to create some of the most gorgeous music on a stratocaster.When he transitioned from the Les Paul to the whammy bar, he truly found his voice.”
“However, he struggled to collaborate with vocalists. Over the last two decades of his career, he explored guitar techniques that were groundbreaking.Meeting him was a privilege; he had a sharp wit and was generally reserved, but I enjoyed getting to know him and his wife-they’re a splendid couple.”
Slash: A Kindred Spirit
“Slash is someone I’d trust implicitly. When I first heard Guns N’ Roses’ Appetite for Destruction, I knew it was a game-changer. They worked hard to earn their place, and I watched them evolve from a club band to arena rockers,” Perry reflects.
“They carved out their niche, blending performance art with rock, much like Kiss and Alice Cooper. Guns N’ Roses was all about delivering an electrifying experience to their audience.”
“After a show, if I heard laughter and bottles breaking outside the dressing room, I knew we had delivered a great performance.”
“Slash and Axl would often drop by our dressing room after their shows, eager to learn and share experiences. They were still finding their footing, wondering if they could ever reach the level of headliners like us. But they did,and they’ve continued to dominate the scene.”
“Slash’s dedication to his craft is evident; he never phones it in.The music industry can be unforgiving, but getting to know him over the years has been a rewarding experience, despite the ups and downs.”
