Joe Perry recently opened up about Aerosmith’s rivalry with KISS in an interview with Classic Rock, reflecting on the distinct paths both bands took in their performances. He humorously recalled seeing KISS for the first time, noting how their theatrical style made him question Aerosmith’s approach: “We spent all this time learning how to play, and these guys are doing all this theatrical stuff.”
Perry remembered a specific show in Detroit where the competition between the two bands was palpable, especially during KISS’s rise in the mid-’70s. He praised KISS for their bold stage presence, saying, “KISS took performance art to the next level,” and admitted to feeling pressure to keep up with their energy and showmanship.
The two bands have shared stages multiple times, starting in 1974 when KISS opened for Aerosmith. They later co-headlined the Rocksimus Maximus Tour in 2003. Perry has consistently emphasized the differences between the two, describing KISS as a band that prioritized theatricality while Aerosmith focused on their music as the main attraction.
In May 2023, Aerosmith announced their farewell tour, Peace Out, but it was delayed and ultimately canceled due to Steven Tyler’s vocal cord injury. The band has since retired from touring.
