Joe Perry, the legendary guitarist of Aerosmith, has been rocking stages for over 50 years. From small clubs in Boston to huge stadiums worldwide, he has seen the rise of rock and roll firsthand. Even with all of Aerosmith’s success, Perry never forgets the bands that came before him or the ones that still impress him today.
In a recent interview, Perry revealed the one band he believes is in a league of their own: AC/DC.
Aerosmith’s Journey
Aerosmith started in the early 1970s, a time when rock music was changing fast. The Beatles had broken up, and bands like Led Zeppelin were making rock louder and heavier. Joe Perry learned guitar from older blues and rock legends like Chuck Berry and Bo Diddley, which gave him a solid foundation before he ever touched distortion pedals.
When Perry teamed up with Steven Tyler, Aerosmith’s sound came alive. Their music was loud, dangerous, and full of energy. But even as Aerosmith became famous, Perry always respected other bands who had something special.
AC/DC’s Impact
When Aerosmith toured with AC/DC in the 1970s, Perry was blown away. He saw how the Australian band could take the stage and completely electrify a crowd without any flashy tricks. No fancy lights, no extra effects — just guitars, amps, and pure energy. Perry said they could “destroy the place” every time they performed.
Even after the death of AC/DC’s original singer Bon Scott, the band didn’t lose their edge. With Brian Johnson on vocals, they released Back in Black, which became one of the best-selling rock albums ever. Perry admired their consistency and dedication to raw, honest rock.
Why AC/DC Stands Out
Perry believes AC/DC is special because they never chase trends or try to be something they’re not. Their music is simple, powerful, and full of attitude. They show that rock isn’t about fancy production — it’s about energy, presence, and passion.
For Perry, standing next to AC/DC on tour wasn’t competition — it was a lesson in pure rock and roll. Their commitment to keeping rock raw and powerful set a standard few bands could match.
Final Thoughts
Joe Perry has seen and played with some of the greatest rock bands in history. But in his eyes, AC/DC operates on another level. They embody rock and roll in its simplest and most powerful form — loud, energetic, and unforgettable.
For anyone who loves real rock, Perry’s admiration for AC/DC is a reminder that sometimes the best lessons come not from trying to be the best, but from appreciating raw talent done right.