Joe Perry Project Shines at the Hollywood Bowl

On the first of two nights of The Who’s “The Song Is Over” Farewell Tour at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles on September 17, much of the excitement and drama centered not on the legendary rock icons Roger Daltrey and Pete Townshend but rather the opening act, the Joe Perry Project.

Transforming a Side Project into a Main Attraction

Historically, the Joe Perry Project, led by Aerosmith guitarist Joe Perry, has served as a side project to keep its namesake occupied during Aerosmith’s downtime. However, recent events have elevated its significance. Aerosmith was forced to cancel their own farewell tour due to lead singer Steven Tyler’s vocal cord injury, ultimately leading to the band announcing their retirement from touring.

With Tyler’s future in limbo, Perry embarked on a tour in August featuring an all-star lineup of the Joe Perry Project. The band included Chris Robinson of the Black Crowes on vocals, Perry’s Aerosmith bandmate Brad Whitford on guitar, Stone Temple Pilots bassist Robert DeLeo, ex-Smash Mouth drummer Jason Sutter, and Black Crowes backing vocalist Mackenzie Adams.

Special Guest Appearances that Amped Up the Energy

The excitement reached new heights when it was announced that Tyler would join the band for a few songs. And he did not disappoint. Late in the set, Tyler took the stage for Aerosmith’s iconic hit “Walk This Way” and a spirited rendition of their classic cover “Train Kept a Rollin’,” even adding a train whistle effect during the intro.

Slash Joins the Fun

Tyler was not the only surprise guest at the Hollywood Bowl show. Guns N’ Roses guitarist Slash also made an appearance early in the set, collaborating on the vintage Aerosmith blues rocker “Mama Kin,” where he traded riffs with Perry and Whitford.

A Setlist to Remember

Aside from the exciting guest appearances, the Joe Perry Project delivered a setlist rich in Aerosmith deep cuts including “Combination,” “Last Child,” “Get It Up,” and “Chip Away the Stone.” They also performed a few of Perry’s solo works (“Let the Music Do the Talking” and “East Coast, West Coast”) and notable tracks by the Black Crowes (“Twice as Hard”) and Stone Temple Pilots (“Vasoline”).

Early in the performance, Robinson declared the band’s mission, stating, “This is the Joe Perry Project and we play rock ‘n’ roll!” Perry’s classic guitar riffs and Robinson’s dynamic frontman role ensured the band lived up to that promise.

Hope for Aerosmith’s Future

While the Joe Perry Project proved to be a solid attraction on its own, the sight of Tyler and Perry performing together again sparked hope among fans that Aerosmith may someday reunite for a proper farewell. Although a full tour might be unrealistic due to Tyler’s vocal challenges, Wednesday night’s performance suggested that a final concert could be a memorable event.

Setlist from September 17, 2025 at the Hollywood Bowl

• “Let the Music Do the Talking”
• “East Coast, West Coast”
• “Combination”
• “Twice as Hard”
• “Mama Kin” (with Slash)
• “Vasoline”
• “Get It Up”
• “Last Child”
• “Chip Away the Stone”
• “Walk This Way” (with Steven Tyler)
• “Train Kept a Rollin'” (with Steven Tyler)

Conclusion

The Joe Perry Project’s performance at the Hollywood Bowl was not just a showcase of talent but a celebration of rock ‘n’ roll history. With special guests and a stellar setlist, the night proved to be a memorable experience for all in attendance, leaving fans hopeful for the future of Aerosmith and their legacy.

FAQs

Q: Who are the members of the Joe Perry Project?

A: The current lineup includes Joe Perry, Chris Robinson, Brad Whitford, Robert DeLeo, Jason Sutter, and Mackenzie Adams.

Q: Why was Aerosmith’s farewell tour canceled?

A: Aerosmith’s farewell tour was canceled due to lead singer Steven Tyler’s vocal cord injury.

Q: Did Steven Tyler perform with the Joe Perry Project during the Hollywood Bowl show?

A: Yes, Steven Tyler joined the band for performances of “Walk This Way” and “Train Kept a Rollin’.”

Q: Did Slash make an appearance at the show?

A: Yes, Slash performed “Mama Kin” with the Joe Perry Project during the concert.

Q: What songs were included in the Joe Perry Project’s setlist?

A: The setlist featured a mix of Aerosmith deep cuts, Perry’s solo songs, and tracks from the Black Crowes and Stone Temple Pilots.