Joe Perry, the legendary guitarist of Aerosmith, has openly expressed his feelings about one particular song that he believes was completely out of place for the band: “Girls of Summer.” As a defining figure in rock music, Perry has always thrived on the raw energy and authenticity that characterizes Aerosmith’s sound. However, he admitted that this track, with its overt pop influences, crossed a line he wasn’t willing to accept.
In the early 1980s, Perry had a brief separation from the band after a fallout with frontman Steven Tyler, but he reunited with Aerosmith as they attempted to reclaim their status in the music industry. While the band enjoyed a resurgence in the late 1980s, with their innovative collaboration with Run-DMC on “Walk This Way,” it was during the 1990s that they truly solidified their position as rock icons. Hits such as “Crazy” and “Cryin’” showcased their ability to craft powerful ballads, while “I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing” from the Armageddon soundtrack became a massive commercial success.
However, with this newfound success came a shift in direction that Perry found troubling. After the release of their album “Just Push Play,” which pushed toward a more commercial sound, the song “Girls of Summer” emerged as a bonus track. Perry distinctly felt that the track aligned more with the stylings of early 2000s pop artists than with Aerosmith’s bluesy roots. In his memoir, *Rocks*, he poignantly stated, “A few overdubs doesn’t change the guts of a song. I thought it was a waste of time and wrong for an Aerosmith record.”
Ultimately, Perry found the song to be an embarrassment, especially when it came time to perform it. Despite his reservations, Tyler’s enthusiasm led to the song’s recording, and Perry’s discontent was evident when no other band members participated in the promotional video.
While “Girls of Summer” marked a distinct pivot towards a more pop-oriented sound for Aerosmith, it would also serve as a turning point. Following this phase, the band made concerted efforts to reconnect with their roots, culminating in the release of *Honkin’ On Bobo*, an album that celebrated their blues influences. This return to form reinforced the essence of what made Aerosmith a seminal rock band, and although not every foray into new musical territory was embraced, it highlighted the band’s versatility and commitment to their artistic integrity.