🎶 Joe Perry’s stories are more than memories — they are chapters of rock history

🎸 “They put us on the bill with Humble Pie and Johnny Winter”:

Joe Perry on new music, Yungblud, and the guitar legends who shaped rock

As Joe Perry teams up with Yungblud for the new One More Time EP, the legendary Aerosmith guitarist opens up about unforgettable moments shared with icons like Jeff Beck, Jimmy Page, Slash, and more.

Perry has just released One More Time alongside longtime bandmate Steven Tyler and new creative partner Yungblud. Yet despite touring with the Joe Perry Project, appearing at the VMAs, contributing to Bad Company’s Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction, and staying busy in the studio, his hunger for music remains undiminished.

At 75, Perry shows no signs of slowing down. While he may take a breather toward the end of 2025, his eyes are firmly set on 2026. Aerosmith’s future remains uncertain — rumors of a final show or even a documentary continue to circulate — but for now, Perry is fully focused on the present.

In a candid conversation with Guitar Player, he reflected on friendships and lessons learned from Alice Cooper, Johnny Winter, Jimmy Page, Jeff Beck, and Slash.

Alice Cooper

Joe Perry first crossed paths with Alice Cooper during the filming of Sgt. Pepper, where Aerosmith recorded their iconic cover of Come Together. Cooper appeared as Father Sun, and that meeting planted the seeds for a lasting friendship.

In the early ’80s, during a break from Aerosmith, Perry was invited to collaborate on material for Cooper’s next album. The sessions were relaxed and creative, leading to a genuine bond. Years later, Perry joined Alice in the Hollywood Vampires project, becoming part of its core lineup.

Perry credits Cooper with paving the way for theatrical rock performances, blending music with visual storytelling. Yet within the Vampires, Alice stepped away from the persona, revealing himself as a pure rock singer engaging directly with the audience.

Working with Cooper was effortless, Perry recalls. Ego never entered the room — the music always came first. Among all the frontmen he’s worked with, Alice ranks as one of the most enjoyable collaborators.

Johnny Winter

Perry vividly remembers seeing Johnny Winter live with Rick Derringer at Boston’s Tea Party club. The performance was explosive, with Winter delivering blistering slide guitar throughout the night.

Though they didn’t initially cross paths, they eventually met in Los Angeles. Winter remembered Aerosmith’s first major gig, where they shared the bill with Humble Pie, Edgar Winter, and Johnny himself. It marked Winter’s return to the stage after rehab, and the energy in the room was unforgettable.

Perry describes Winter as warm and approachable, making the long-awaited meeting with a lifelong hero deeply meaningful.

Jimmy Page

Jimmy Page’s influence on Perry runs deep. Beyond his guitar work, Page was a visionary producer and songwriter. In the 1960s, he was one of the most in-demand session players, learning the craft of production from the inside out.

Perry believes Page doesn’t receive enough recognition for his studio mastery. While many see him as a guitar hero, his ability to shape recordings and extract the best from musicians was extraordinary.

Page’s use of blues foundations, combined with global musical influences, helped Led Zeppelin redefine rock. For Perry, befriending Page reinforced the idea that legends are simply people when the guitars are put down.

Jeff Beck

When it came to the whammy bar, Perry notes that Jimi Hendrix pioneered its use, but Jeff Beck transformed it into an expressive musical voice. With light strings and precise control, Beck produced sounds never heard before.

Beck’s melodic sensitivity and dynamic control allowed him to create some of the most beautiful guitar music ever recorded, particularly on a Stratocaster. Once he moved away from the Les Paul and embraced the tremolo, his true voice emerged.

Despite his towering reputation, Beck was humble, humorous, and kind — one of those rare heroes who exceeded expectations.

Slash

Slash immediately impressed Perry when Appetite for Destruction hit the scene. Guns N’ Roses paid their dues, opening for Aerosmith and evolving from club act to arena powerhouse.

Perry watched them grow, noting how Slash and Axl Rose soaked up every experience. Slash, in particular, stood out for his authenticity — never phoning it in, always playing with conviction.

In an industry that can overlook even immense talent, Slash’s journey earned Perry’s deepest respect. His commitment to the guitar and the music remains unwavering.

🎶 Joe Perry’s stories are more than memories — they are chapters of rock history, told by a guitarist who has lived with Gibson, Fender, in his hands on the world’s biggest stages. Stories like these remind us why we pick up a guitar — and why we never put it down.