Joe Perry (b. 1950)

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Biography

Joseph Anthony Pereira, professionally known as Joe Perry, is an American musician best known as a founding member, guitarist, and backing and occasional lead vocalist of the rock band Aerosmith, who has appeared on every studio album except Rock in a Hard Place. Perry also has his own solo band called the Joe Perry Project, and is a member of the all-star band Hollywood Vampires with Alice Cooper and Johnny Depp.

Timeline

The story of Joe Perry, told in moments.

1950 Birth

Born Anthony Joseph Perry in Lawrence, Massachusetts. His parents were both accountants. He picked up the guitar at 10 after hearing the Beatles and Chuck Berry. Met Steven Tyler at a Sunapee, New Hampshire, ice cream parlor in 1969.

Meeting Steven Tyler at an ice cream parlor. Was that the most important coincidence? Both parents accountants. Was guitar the opposite of their math?

1973 Event

Aerosmith releases their debut album. It sells slowly at first but "Dream On" keeps climbing. Perry and Tyler are called the Toxic Twins for their drug use. They play 300 shows a year in those early years.

300 shows a year in those early years. Was that ambition or addiction? 'Dream On' climbing slowly. Did patience pay off?

1979 Event

Quits Aerosmith after a backstage fight with Tyler at a concert in Cleveland. He launches the Joe Perry Project. Both he and Tyler spiral deeper into addiction. The band doesn't record together for five years.

Quitting after a backstage fight in Cleveland. Was that impulsive? Both spiraling into addiction separately. Was the split necessary?

1986 Event

Reunites with Aerosmith. Run-D.M.C. invites them to collaborate on "Walk This Way." The rap-rock crossover reaches No. 4 and revives both acts' careers. Perry and Tyler are sober for the first time in years.

Walk This Way with Run-D.M.C. reviving both careers. Did rap-rock feel natural? Sober for the first time in years. Was clarity disorienting?

2001 Event

Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with Aerosmith. Kid Rock inducts them. The band has sold over 150 million records. Perry's partnership with Tyler has lasted through addiction, breakups, and lawsuits for over 50 years.

Fifty years with Tyler through addiction, breakups, lawsuits. What holds it together? 150 million records. Is the partnership worth the pain?