Joe Perry Praises The Beatles’ Live Performance and Longevity Beyond 30
Joe Perry, the guitarist of Aerosmith, recently shared his admiration for The Beatles in an interview with MusicRadar. He reflected on their extraordinary impact during their brief career, stating, “They were together for maybe eight years, but God, they turned the world upside down!” Perry attributes much of his musical inspiration to The Beatles, along with other iconic bands from the British invasion, particularly The Rolling Stones.
Musical Influences and Legacy
For Perry, The Beatles and The Rolling Stones hold a special place in rock history. “There was a whole bunch of bands that came over to America where if they had an English accent and a catchy song, they were a big star for five minutes,” he explained. “But The Beatles and Stones – we really learned a lot from them.”
Aerosmith, founded in Boston in 1970, drew heavily from these legends. In 1978, they participated in the musical comedy film Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, performing a rendition of The Beatles’ “Come Together.” Although the movie received poor reviews, Aerosmith’s version achieved notable success, hitting No. 23 on the Billboard Hot 100.
The Beatles and Rolling Stones: Kindred Spirits
Perry considers The Beatles and The Stones to be kindred spirits in many ways. He noted their parallel paths in music, recalling how The Beatles would often influence The Stones and vice versa. “The Beatles did something, and then the Stones would do something a little while later,” he remarked. “The Beatles did Sgt. Pepper, and then The Stones did Their Satanic Majesties Request.”
Both bands faced challenges during their careers, especially concerning live performances. “When The Beatles stopped touring, they said, ‘Nobody is listening to us…,’” Perry recalled. He believes that if they had continued touring, they could have achieved immense success similar to The Stones.
Reflections on Rock and Roll Longevity
Perry also reflected on the erratic nature of the music industry. “The music business is a bitch, man,” he said. He recalled pivotal moments like Woodstock in 1969, which he described as a watershed event that demonstrated the financial viability of music festivals and their artists.
Aerosmith’s enduring success is remarkable, especially when considering the rock and roll lifestyle. Perry mentioned a common notion from the ‘60s and ‘70s, saying, “There was the whole thing of if you could make it past 27, that was an event.” He pointed out the untimely deaths of influential figures like Elvis Presley, who died at 42, emphasizing how rare it was for rock musicians to sustain careers past 30.
Conclusion
Through his experiences and insights, Joe Perry highlights the significant influence of The Beatles on his career and the rock genre. Their live performance and lasting legacy continue to inspire musicians today, proving that true talent can endure well beyond the expectations of their time.
