Steven Tyler’s voice is what most people think of when they think of Aerosmith. His powerful singing has been the backbone of hits like ‘Dream On’ and ‘Walk This Way,’ making him one of rock’s most memorable frontmen. From the start, Tyler’s voice stood out, delivering screams and melodies that became the signature sound of Aerosmith.
But on one special occasion, Tyler decided to let someone else take the lead.
This happened on the song ‘Combination’ from their Rocks album. It was the first time in Aerosmith’s history that Tyler didn’t sing lead vocals. Instead, Joe Perry, the band’s lead guitarist, stepped up to the microphone. Perry’s voice was different—gritty and unpolished compared to Tyler’s—but it worked well for this song, giving it a raw, real feeling that matched the rough, edgy vibe of the music.
Before Aerosmith, Tyler had already been playing music in other bands. He even started as a drummer, but he quickly realized that his true place was at the front of the stage, leading the band with his voice. His transition from drummer to lead singer marked the beginning of Aerosmith’s rise to fame, especially after they released their second album, Get Your Wings. Tyler’s voice became a key part of their identity, helping the band create songs that connected with fans on a deep level.
Aerosmith’s willingness to experiment with their music became clear with ‘Combination.’ Letting Perry take over the vocals was a bold move that showed a different side of the band. While Perry didn’t have the same vocal range as Tyler, his rough voice added something special to the song.
It brought a sense of authenticity, fitting perfectly with the lyrics that talk about the highs and lows of the rock and roll lifestyle. Tyler himself was fully on board with this change, even pointing out one of his favorite lines in the song, which describes feeling drained despite being dressed in luxurious clothes. This line stood out as a clever commentary on the contrast between the rock star image and the reality behind it.
The decision to let Perry sing on ‘Combination’ wasn’t just a one-time experiment. It marked the start of a new chapter for the band, where Perry would occasionally step into the role of lead vocalist on other songs. Over the years, he took the lead on tracks like ‘Bright Light Fright’ from Draw the Line, ‘Walk on Down’ from Get A Grip, and ‘Something’ from their last studio album, Music From Another Dimension. Each time, Perry brought his unique style to the music, showing that Aerosmith was more than just Tyler’s voice.
‘Combination’ holds a special place in Aerosmith’s history. It wasn’t just the first song where Tyler didn’t sing lead—it was a turning point that highlighted the band’s ability to evolve and try new things.
By allowing Perry to take the lead, Aerosmith showed that they were a band that could adapt and grow, keeping their music fresh and exciting for both themselves and their fans.
