JRE #569 – Joe Perry

10/28/2014

This podcast features a conversation between Joe Rogan and Joe Perry, guitarist and co-founder of Aerosmith. The conversation touches upon a range of topics, from Perry’s personal experiences with fame, substance abuse, and the music industry, to broader societal issues such as gun control and mental health. Underlying themes explore the complexities of success, the importance of personal growth, and the need for critical thinking in a world of rapid change.

Podcast Topic Breakdown

1. Joe Perry’s Acquisition of Elvis Presley’s Pistol:

• Perry reveals he owns Elvis Presley’s personal .38 pistol, a treasure he acquired through a series of connections.
• The pistol’s history is traced back to Elvis’s visit to the White House to meet with President Nixon.
• Perry emphasizes the authenticity of the pistol, noting its wear and tear from Elvis’s frequent use.
• The story highlights Elvis’s immense fame and the impact he had on musicians of later generations.

2. The Impact of Fame on Elvis Presley:

• Perry reflects on the unprecedented level of fame Elvis achieved, surpassing even Frank Sinatra’s popularity.
• He discusses Elvis’s struggles with dealing with such intense fame, which he believes contributed to his later substance abuse problems.
• Perry compares Elvis’s rapid rise to the Beatles’ journey, highlighting the Beatles’ years of hard work in clubs before achieving stardom.
• The discussion explores the profound impact of fame on a person’s reality and the difficulties of navigating such intense public scrutiny.

3. The Role of the Colonel in Elvis Presley’s Career:

• Perry discusses the controversial role of Elvis’s manager, Colonel Parker, who allegedly controlled many aspects of his career.
• He describes how Parker allegedly kept Elvis isolated from new trends in rock and roll and prevented him from pursuing acting roles.
• The story reveals Parker’s alleged greed and his use of a “system” to generate profits from Elvis’s music and movies.
• The discussion highlights the power dynamics that often exist between artists and their managers and the potential for exploitation in the entertainment industry.

4. Frank Sinatra’s Evolution as a Musician:

• Perry points to the surprising evolution of Frank Sinatra’s musical style, from his early high-pitched vocals to his later, more conversational delivery.
• He discusses how Sinatra’s “persona” and his association with the Rat Pack influenced his music and public image.
• The conversation delves into Sinatra’s talent and his ability to adapt to changing musical trends, showcasing his versatility.
• The discussion reflects on the lasting impact of Sinatra’s music and his enduring legacy as a cultural icon.

5. Joe Perry’s Early Experiences with Substance Abuse:

• Perry shares his personal experiences with witnessing substance abuse firsthand, both through construction work and his interactions with musicians.
• He describes the devastating effects of addiction on individuals and the difficulties of maintaining sobriety.
• Perry emphasizes the importance of learning from others’ mistakes and the need to be aware of the dangers of substance abuse.
• The discussion highlights the prevalence of substance abuse in the music industry and the challenges artists face in navigating a culture of excess.

6. Joe Perry’s Departure from Aerosmith:

• Perry discusses his decision to leave Aerosmith in the 1980s due to personal and professional tensions within the band.
• He explains how the pressures of fame and the band’s internal struggles contributed to his decision.
• Perry emphasizes that he and the band members remained friends during his absence, suggesting that the departure was not entirely acrimonious.
• The discussion explores the complexities of navigating interpersonal relationships within a band and the challenges of maintaining stability in the face of intense public scrutiny.

7. Joe Perry’s Return to Aerosmith:

• Perry credits his wife, Billy, for encouraging him to rejoin Aerosmith, emphasizing her objective perspective on his career.
• He describes how personal issues had settled down, creating the right environment for his return.
• The discussion highlights the importance of having supportive relationships and the need for reflection and growth in personal and professional life.
• The conversation reflects on the enduring success of Aerosmith and the band’s ability to overcome challenges and endure through decades of change.

8. The Challenges of Managing Egos in a Band:

• Perry acknowledges the difficulties of managing egos within a band, especially when drugs and alcohol are involved.
• He emphasizes how substance abuse can exacerbate existing tensions and contribute to the downfall of bands.
• Perry highlights the remarkable feat of Aerosmith’s longevity, noting the rarity of bands that can maintain stability for over 40 years.
• The discussion explores the importance of communication, compromise, and personal growth in overcoming the challenges of band dynamics.

9. The Impact of Aerosmith’s Success:

• Perry expresses humility about Aerosmith’s success, noting that he sometimes struggles to relate to the band’s status as a legendary rock group.
• He shares the significance of the band’s distinctive sound and their lasting impact on music fans.
• The discussion highlights the surreal nature of achieving such a high level of fame and the lasting legacy of a band’s music.
• The conversation emphasizes the importance of staying grounded despite achieving significant success and the ongoing connection between artists and their fans.

10. The Evolution of Music Technology:

• Perry reflects on the rapid evolution of music technology, from eight-track tapes to digital music streaming services.
• He discusses the advantages and disadvantages of different formats, including the warmth of vinyl records versus the convenience of digital music.
• The conversation highlights the impact of technology on the music industry, from recording techniques to music distribution and consumption.
• The discussion explores the nostalgic appeal of older formats and the ongoing debate between analog and digital sound.

11. The Importance of Live Music Performances:

• Perry emphasizes the unique experience of attending live music performances, acknowledging that no technological reproduction can fully capture the energy of a concert.
• He discusses how the connection between artists and audiences during live performances creates a powerful and unforgettable experience.
• The conversation highlights the lasting importance of live music as a cultural and social phenomenon.
• The discussion reflects on the enduring power of music to connect individuals and create shared experiences.

12. The Current State of the Music Industry:

• Perry discusses the challenges facing the music industry today, including the decline in record sales and the rise of digital streaming services.
• He highlights the impact of digital music piracy on artists’ earnings and the changing landscape of music distribution.
• The conversation explores the need for artists to adapt to new business models and find innovative ways to connect with fans in the digital age.
• The discussion raises concerns about the future of the music industry and the potential for artists to be marginalized in a rapidly changing landscape.

13. Gun Control and Mental Health:

• Perry shares his perspective on gun control, arguing that the focus should be on addressing mental health issues rather than simply restricting access to firearms.
• He emphasizes the role of mental illness in violent acts, suggesting that the presence of firearms is merely a tool, not the root cause of violence.
• Perry highlights the complexities of gun control laws and the need for a more comprehensive approach that includes mental health resources and support.
• The conversation sparks a nuanced discussion about gun violence, mental health, and the need for a balanced approach to addressing these interconnected issues.

14. The Impact of Outsourcing and Globalization:

• Perry discusses the effects of outsourcing and globalization on American manufacturing and the economy.
• He highlights the decline of American manufacturing jobs and the rise of poverty in cities like Detroit.
• Perry expresses concern about the working conditions in overseas factories, highlighting the exploitation of workers.
• The conversation explores the complex economic and social implications of globalization and the need for greater transparency and ethical considerations in global trade.

15. The Role of Education in Society:

• Perry shares his own experiences with traditional education, acknowledging his learning disabilities and how they affected his academic performance.
• He emphasizes the need for individualized approaches to education, recognizing that not all students learn in the same way.
• Perry highlights the importance of funding and supporting educators, advocating for increased investment in education to ensure a strong and vibrant society.
• The conversation underscores the critical role of education in fostering a healthy and prosperous society and the need for a more inclusive and effective educational system.

16. The Importance of Social Engineering and Human Infrastructure:

• Perry argues for greater focus on social engineering and investing in human infrastructure, such as education, healthcare, and community support.
• He criticizes the current political system for prioritizing short-term gains and failing to address long-term social issues.
• Perry emphasizes the need for a more compassionate and equitable society, where resources are allocated to meet the needs of all citizens.
• The conversation advocates for a shift in priorities towards investing in people and building a stronger and more just society.

17. The Political Landscape of the United States:

• Perry expresses skepticism about the current two-party political system and the influence of special interest groups.
• He critiques the dominance of money and power in politics and the lack of representation for alternative viewpoints.
• Perry highlights the importance of civic engagement and the need for a more transparent and accountable political system.
• The conversation sparks a discussion about the challenges facing American democracy and the need for reform to address systemic issues and create a more inclusive and representative political landscape.

18. The Nature of Werewolves and Other Cryptids:

• Perry shares his fascination with werewolves and other cryptids, acknowledging the possibility of their existence.
• He discusses the appeal of these creatures in popular culture and the enduring fascination with the unknown.
• The conversation highlights the blurring lines between reality and fantasy and the enduring power of myth and folklore.
• The discussion explores the human fascination with the supernatural and the enduring search for answers to the mysteries of the world.

19. The Impact of Digital Technology on Film and Television:

• Perry discusses the shift from film to digital technology in filmmaking and the impact on the visual aesthetic of movies.
• He highlights the advantages and disadvantages of both formats, acknowledging the warmth and depth of film versus the clarity and accessibility of digital.
• The conversation explores the evolving landscape of filmmaking and the ongoing debate between analog and digital technology.
• The discussion reflects on the enduring appeal of film as an art form and the potential for digital technology to enhance and expand storytelling possibilities.

20. The Importance of Supporting Local Businesses:

• Perry expresses his support for local businesses, highlighting the importance of community and the unique experiences they offer.
• He discusses the rise of farmers markets and local restaurants as a pushback against corporate chains and mass-produced goods.
• The conversation advocates for supporting local businesses as a way of strengthening communities and fostering a sense of place.
• The discussion emphasizes the need to resist the homogenization of our culture and to appreciate the value of unique experiences and personalized services.

5 Memorable Quotes

• “Elvis was like the original real superstar. Like Elvis hit like a level of fame that probably no one will ever hit again.” – Joe Perry reflects on Elvis Presley’s immense fame, acknowledging its unprecedented nature.
• “I think that if the band had been, and I’ve said this a million times, if we had been clearer, we would have just taken a vacation and just kinda, you know, relax take take in a couple of years and and let things settle.” – Perry acknowledges the need for balance and time for reflection, especially for bands experiencing intense fame.
• “The fact that he had a gun is just the the tool that he used to carry out his mentally ill idea. Exactly. It has almost nothing to do with the I mean, obviously, gun makes it easier, but we have 1,000,000 of guns in this country, 1,000,000. And if you look at the amount of actual violence that takes place, Is it regrettable that it happens? Because, you know, because someone uses a gun that yeah. Absolutely. Absolutely. But there’s so many factors that lead to someone doing something horrible.” – Perry expresses his viewpoint on gun control, arguing that mental health should be the primary focus.
• “The most important thing, if you wanna have a strong country, the most important thing is have less losers. more people that have educations, more people that are happy, more people that are healthy, that would make a stronger country.” – Perry emphasizes the importance of investing in human capital, advocating for a more equitable and supportive society.
• “I don’t think there are any right or wrong sounds. you know, I mean, I’ll pick up anything. This thing I can make I can turn that into a rhythm machine, you know, with the coffee with the right stuff with the right stuff in there and, you know, by speeding it up and, you know, adding some subs to it or something like that.” – Perry showcases his open-minded approach to music and his appreciation for the creative potential found in unexpected places.