Why Joe Perry Hated Steven Tyler’s Decision To Be On ‘American Idol’

Joe Perry and Steven Tyler‘s relationship is about as tempestuous as they come. Since they founded Aerosmith back in 1970, the two have split and reunited quite a few times. However, that is just the name of the game, and drama always ensues when ego, substances, and fame are center stage. That being said, Joe Perry was fuming when Steven Tyler decided to join American Idol as a judge in 2010.

Steven Tyler joined American Idol on Season 10 and only stayed through Season 11. It is unclear why his time on the show was so short, but Joe Perry was seemingly grateful for the stint to only last two years. However, Tyler’s fleeting presence on the show still did not diminish Perry’s feelings about the initial decision.

Why Joe Perry Didn’t Want Aerosmith To Be Associated With ‘American Idol’

Upon Tyler’s decision to join the show, Perry voiced his opinion on the matter more than once. In an interview with the Boston Herald, Perry stated: “I mean, after working with me for 40 years, he couldn’t tell me about this? Why so secretive?”

“We’re told it’s a done deal,” continued Perry per Entertainment Weekly. “If Steven is committed to a TV show, that kind of affects the rest of us. We’d like to plan our lives, ya know.”

Thanks to the lack of loyalty on Tyler’s part, the decision marked a very turbulent time in Aerosmith’s career. Following his decision, Aerosmith threatened to split ways with Steven Tyler altogether and go on tour without their integral frontman. Furthermore, during this time, Tyler was mainly focused on his solo career with his own manager and publicist. Clearly, there was a sense of betrayal that outlined Steven Tyler’s decision to do American Idol.

Aside from the personal issues between Perry and Tyler, Perry hated the decision because he believed it would tarnish Aerosmith’s reputation.

“He’s signed a contract that’s taking him out of the music business for up to seven months of the year,” Perry told the Calgary Herald, per TV Guide. “That kind of throws a wrench into things. […] It’s a reality show designed to get people to watch that station and sell advertising. It’s one step above ‘Ninja Turtles’. I don’t want Aerosmith’s name involved with it. We have nothing to do with it.”

Luckily, Steven Tyler’s American Idol career didn’t last long enough to taint Aerosmith’s name. However, it surely showed how badly he needed to mend his relationship with his bandmate, Joe Perry.

Photo by Emma McIntyre/Getty Images for The Recording Academy