AEROSMITH Frontman: 'MICK JAGGER Is My Hero To This Day'

The Times of India recently conducted an interview with AEROSMITH frontman Steven Tyler. An excerpt from the chat follows:

The Times of India: Who have been your biggest influences?

Tyler: One of my personal biggest influences was my father, Victor Tallarico. He practised every day on a Steinway grand in our small apartment and I listened to him play the classics. I started singing when I was three in front of family and friends; later from watching bands like THE KINKS, THE BEATLES and THE HULLABALOOS, I realized I could really sing. A big mention needs to go to THE ROLLING STONES. Mick Jagger is my hero to this day.

The Times of India: You've rocked with some of the best musicians in your shows. Share a few great/fun/wacky experiences with us.

Tyler: The first real big thing for me was in the 60s, pre-AEROSMITH days. I was in a band that opened for THE BEACH BOYS. It meant everything to me, because I used to listen to them at home. Bands like that, their music explained life to me. AEROSMITH has not seen too many changes from its original line-up.What makes you guys stay together? There are few bands from our generation who are still around. It's because they either say 'f*** you!' or they fight. I've given Joe (Perry) the finger plenty of times, but it's all about talking now. Hundreds of screaming fans at your concerts or applause from your peers as you walk up to pick up a Grammy? Without our fans, we wouldn't be nominated for, let alone win a Grammy. That's amazing, but nothing beats walking out and performing in front of thousands of people who are there to see you.

The Times of India: "Armageddon"'s "Don't Want to Miss a Thing" is one of your best known hits. How do you change gears to compose for movies?

Tyler: That song was actually written by Diane Warren; Joe helped her with some of it, but it was mostly Diane. That song was great and helped introduce us to a new audience. It was apparently supposed to be sung by U2, but after Liv (Tyler) was cast in "Armageddon", they had the idea of us doing it.

The Times of India: After "American Idol", reality shows are big when it comes to finding talent. Do you endorse such methods?

Tyler: A band that came out of one of those reality shows in Britain recently covered "Walk This Way" — I'm not going to criticise it because it was for charity. I'm not sure how I feel about those kinds of shows, to be honest.

Read the entire interview at The Times of India.