The Case For Tom Jones Joining Aerosmith

Recently, Joe Perry told Britain's Classic Rock magazine that he would consider Tom Jones as the temporary replacement for Steven Tyler in Aerosmith.  "He’s got a great set of pipes, so why not? I’ve played with him before, and know he could bring something extra to the band. We haven’t approached him yet, but if he were interested that would be great. Imagine the interest Tom would generate."

Hard core Aerosmith fans are probably squirming in their seats over such a statement but, the fact is, it's not as crazy as it sounds.  Consider the following clip from 1969 (Jones with Janis Joplin):

Or this more recent performance of Burning Down the House with the Cardigans:


So why would Jones actually fit in the group?

• As Joe Perry said, "he’s got a great set of pipes."   Even at 69 years old, he has proven that he can still hit the big notes (and don't forget, that's only eight years older than Tyler).  He also has that inherent soulfulness when he sings that takes even the most mundane songs and pushes them to another level.  Just think about how he would sound on a song like I Don't Want to Miss a Thing.
  
  Jones' voice is deeper and richer than Tyler's, so the band might have to make some key adjustments, but that richness and strength could fit beautifully with a song like Dream On.   As far as rockers go, he can really let the voice go like the best of them (see the clip with Joplin) so don't count him out on something like Walk This Way or Cryin'.  
  


• Jones has remained fairly relevant.   Throughout the last couple of decades, he has made an effort to fit in with more modern sounds on songs like Kiss (with Art of Noise) and Sex Bomb.  He's also played a few of the British festivals, keeping his name in front of the younger crowd. 
  


• Like Tyler, he is a performer.  No, you probably won't see him spin around but, then, Tyler probably shouldn't be either after his fall from the stage last year.  What Jones has, though, is charisma.  He knows how to work an audience and he knows how to build the excitement. 
  


• Jones is, obviously, experienced.  He's been doing this for years, longer than anyone in Aerosmith.  It isn't like Journey or INXS picking a newcomer and throwing him on the biggest stages, only to run into trouble down the road.  Jones could come in, learn the songs and the group would be ready to hit the stage running.
  


• A tour would be "event" programming.  The big Tyler fans would sit it out as would the more stubborn of the band's followers, but there are enough Aerosmith people out there that they would most likely be willing to pay to see 4/5 of the members plus another music legend.  Throw in people who are already Jones fans and the simply curious and you could have some great receipts.
  


• Finally, and most importantly, it's temporary.  Perry has made it clear that he doesn't want Tyler out permanently.  He only wants him to get his life together, which could take some time, and he wants the band to be able to continue playing while that is happening.  Jones wouldn't be interested in anything permanent either but could very well consider a one or two month jaunt around the U.S. and Europe as a nice diversion from singing his many hits.  

Do we think it will happen?  Probably not, but the idea is not as strange as many might think.