The Back-Burner: Aerosmith Outtakes & Demos

If you’ve been watching the signs—and let’s be honest, if you’re here, you probably have—you’ll know things are heating up across the Aerosmith universe. And now, with Joe Perry and Tom Hamilton both hitting the road with new tour dates in August, and Brad Whitford tagging along for the ride, it’s finally happening: fans have a chance to see three-fifths of Aerosmith live within the same week.

No official Aerosmith dates (yet). But this? This is as close as we’ve been in over a year—and it’s starting to look a lot like the prelude to something bigger.

JOE PERRY PROJECT IS ON—AND THIS TIME, IT’S REAL

Joe’s solo tour was originally rumoured to launch in April 2025. That didn’t happen. Most likely because of the same family emergency that kept him from appearing at the Janie’s Fund event with Steven Tyler in February. But now? The stars are aligned. And he’s not coming alone.

The just-announced Joe Perry Project tour features Brad Whitford and Buck Johnson (making it two Aerosmith members on stage), along with rock royalty from The Black Crowes and Stone Temple Pilots. It’s a stacked lineup, a full U.S. run—and it officially kicks off in mid-August.

Meanwhile, Tom Hamilton’s new band Close Enemies continues to pick up steam, releasing new music and booking Midwest dates for the end of August. His bass lines are unmistakable, and the songs pack punch. Tom is playing with purpose again—and you can feel it. Here’s the kicker:

• Joe Perry Project plays Aug 22 (Mashantucket, CT) and Aug 23 (Port Chester, NY)
• Close Enemies hits Aug 28 (Louisville, KY), Aug 29 (St. Charles, IL), Aug 30 (Eau Claire, WI)

That’s three Aerosmith members, live, within the same week—a window that may never come again.

🎟️ Joe Perry Tickets
🎟️ Close Enemies Tickets

THE REST OF THE BAND? THEY’RE NOT QUIET EITHER

Let’s take a quick look at what all five band members are up to right now:

• Steven Tyler – After a powerful (and promising) return at Janie’s Fund San Francisco in April, those close to the singer say his vocal recovery has taken a real step forward. His range, control, and presence have improved since February’s Grammy week event. Insiders say he’s been quietly working with vocal coaches—and wants to go out on his own terms. And he’s scheduled to participate in Black Sabbath’s last show ever on July 5th.
• Joe Perry – Touring again with a vengeance, making good on delayed plans, and teaming up with Whitford and Buck Johnson. The timing feels intentional.
• Brad Whitford – Back on the road with Joe, having recently played several guest spots with his son’s band. Still sharp, still solid, still stage-ready.
• Tom Hamilton – Writing, releasing, and performing new material with Close Enemies. Out front, but also clearly ready to step back into the big spotlight if needed.
• Joey Kramer – Still grieving, still healing, but recently said in an interview, “I’ve got a lot of juice left. I’ll be around for a long, long time.” If the moment’s right, don’t count him out.

DECEMBER/JANUARY IS STILL THE WINDOW—AND THE CLOCK IS TICKING

While we’re focused here on helping promote Joe’s and Tom’s upcoming shows, we can’t ignore the broader context: industry insiders, and even the notoriously controversial (but often accurate) AeroFANatic page, continue to hint that December–January 2025/26 remains the likely window for a final string of Aerosmith shows.

Not a tour. Not a Vegas run. But a handful of major market appearances to close the book, properly and publicly. Special events. The kind that take months to plan—and months to recover from.

It’s no coincidence that both Joe Perry Project and Close Enemies are leaving December open. The band may not be ready to say it out loud yet—but their calendars are speaking for them.

SO WHAT’S A FAN TO DO?

If you’re an Aerosmith diehard, here’s our advice:

• Get to these August shows. You’ll hear the songs, feel the energy, and maybe—just maybe—get a sense of what one final chapter might look like. Who’s to say Steven may not want to try his vocals again on stage with Joe and Brad as an improvised guest in August?
• Watch the gaps. The band’s activity is picking up, and announcements tend to come fast and quiet.
• Stay hopeful—but grounded. This isn’t a tour. It’s a slow build. The pieces are aligning, but only if the health, timing, and desire stay on track.

IS THIS THE BEGINNING OF THE END? OR JUST A DIFFERENT ENDING?

Whatever happens next, one thing is clear: these guys still love to play. And they’re doing it while they can—on their terms. The August run isn’t just about filling time—it’s about finishing what they started, the way they want to.

If you’re lucky enough to be in the U.S. this August, make the trip. Support the music. Soak it in. Because what’s coming might not be forever—but it just might be unforgettable.

— The AerosmithBackBurner Team
Still rocking, still watching, still hopeful.