Happy Birthday Joe Perry

Aerosmith_1985_PWK

Anthony Joseph Pereira was born September 10, 1950 in Lawrence, Ma. Young Anthony found himself drawn to the ocean. His dream was to one day become a marine biologist and follow in the footsteps of his hero, Jacques Cousteau. Unfortunately, little Tony was not a good student. His mother commented, “I thought he had ADHD, Dyslexia, or a learning disability, but it turns out he was just dumb.”

Joe changed his name, learned the guitar, grew his hair, and decided Rock n Roll was his future. Forget marine biology, I realized I hate fish and they smell really bad. I want to Rock!

Aerosmith

Aerosmith formed in 1970, signed a deal with Columbia records and released their debut album in 1973. “Dream On” peaked at number 59 on the billboard charts that was dominated by Tony Orlando & Dawn. The album eventually went on to sell millions of copies and “Dream On” is considered a rock n roll masterpiece. 

Happy Birthday Joe Perry
Aerosmith Illustration circa 1985 By Paul King Art

International success, endless groupies, unlimited money and a mountain of drugs fueled the band throughout the 1970’s. The band reached it’s pinnacle in 1976 with the classic album “Rocks”. The album captured Aerosmith at their most raw and rocking. 

Toxic Twins

Tyler and Perry became known as “The Toxic Twins” due to their notorious abuse of drugs on and off the stage. It is said they had a wheelbarrow full of cocaine backstage for every show. In a typical ‘Behind The Music’ episode, the band broke up. After rehab, the band had a major comeback with “Permanent Vacation”. This was the band’s first album they ever recorded sober, and it introduced their music to a whole new generation.

Joe Perry has a line of hot sauce that is also used as a horse diuretic, tours with The Hollywood Vampires, Aerosmith and solo projects, enjoys marionette puppets and breeds Corgi puppies. He also runs a support group for musicians that have to deal with annoying and egotistical lead singers. He has an impressive net worth of $140 million. Big Joe stands 6’2″ and weighs 138 lbs. Now that’s a tall drink of water. Whatever the heck that means. Cheers Joe!

Related Stories: Interview with Steven Tyler & Joe Perry

About the Artist: Paul W. King is a musician, singer/songwriter, engineer and acclaimed artist. His illustrations are true works of art. Check out all of his incredible Rock n Roll Caricatures. https://paulkingart.com/