Joe Perry is the lead guitarist for Aerosmith, which is currently in residency at Las Vegas’ Park MGM. He also performs with the Hollywood Vampires, a supergroup that includes Johnny Depp and Alice Cooper.
Where do you come up with your best ideas?
No particular place. It’s more of a state of mind than it is a place.
What is the best non-material gift you’ve received?
My wife’s love.
What is the best non-material gift you’ve given?
Giving my family unconditional love.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced?
Flying an airplane solo.
If you had to choose a different profession, what would you do?
I’d be a marine biologist.
What is the most useful mistake you’ve made?
Living too close to the edge.
What’s the strangest experience you’ve had?
I am still waiting to see a UFO.
What opportunity do you regret passing up?
We were given a MTV Icon Award [in 2002] and part of it was to give the next year’s winner, but we were working on an album in Boston. We could have made it with some maneuvering and we didn’t. If I had to do it over again, I would have been there.
I am still waiting to see a UFO.
How do you relax?
I can only really relax when I’m within two feet of [my wife] Billie.
If you could go anywhere in the world tomorrow, where would you go?
Sarasota, Florida [his home].
What is your most indelible childhood memory?
The first time I took a breath under water.
What’s the most valuable thing you learned in school?
Desperation and how to live with it.
When you’re stuck how do you get unstuck?
I take things one step at a time. That does it.
What is your proudest moment?
Seeing my kids accomplish what they set out to do.
What would you like to experience before you die?
If you asked me that 10 years ago, it would have been to see my kids be successful and happy with their lives. But I feel like I have seen that, so that’s it.
Published on
