Joe Perry Returns to Stage With Hollywood Vampires
On July 11, Hollywood Vampires experienced a major scare as guitarist Joe Perry collapsed onstage and was rushed to the hospital. As the band promised, he rejoined the group in Rohnert Park, Calif. on Friday night (July 22).
Taking the stage for the first time in nearly two weeks, Perry and the band tackled some of rock 'n' roll's greatest hits like Led Zeppelin's "Whole Lotta Love" as seen in the video above. Standing side-by-side with fellow guitarist Johnny Depp as frontman Alice Cooper played the harmonica and drummer Matt Sorum took the lead vocal, Perry's performance was animated, looking rejuvenated now that he's back out with the rest of Hollywood Vampires.
Tonight (July 25) marks the final date of the Hollywood Vampires' tour, but Perry will resume touring with Aerosmith in just over two months. The band will be playing a series of South American dates stretching from Sept. 29 through Oct. 24 with one more date on Oct. 27 in Mexico.
Aerosmith singer Steven Tyler stated that he was initially worried about his guitar player and bandmate for the last 46 years following the health scare. Three days after Perry was hospitalized, Tyler had yet to receive word from him, though he had read statements released by Hollywood Vampires stating Perry was indeed recovering.
Citing Perry's unyielding desire to stack a heavy touring regimen, Tyler told Billboard, "But I know my brother. He’s just about the only other guy that’s as passionate about his art as I am. He’s always asking me to do three, four shows in a row, and I can’t. I’ll blow out my voice. I know how to maintain my career, my health, and Joe’s passionate. I don’t think he knows how to. I think he’s out there and someone’s overbooking him. They’re doing like eight or nine shows in a row, or five in a row. I think they’re all a little burnt. I think they may need to look at that. Not young anymore, y’know?”
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