Tyler Says He’ll Be ‘Idol’ Judge, Aerosmith Member

The band’s lead singer said he expects Aerosmith to begin writing songs later this month in preparation for their first new album in a decade. A concert tour has been booked for South America and Japan next November and December.

“We’re still rocking, big-time,” Tyler said at a news conference with the ‘Idol’ cast.

Yet Tyler sighed when he was asked whether that meant the band was comfortable with his new job. Lead guitarist Joe Perry complained publicly last summer that he learned about Tyler’s “American Idol” role on the Internet, and Tyler said in an interview last fall he was having trouble finding Perry to talk about it.

“You know, I got some stuff,” Tyler said. “Everybody’s got their opinions. I just wanted to test my limitations.”

After 40 years in the rock ‘n’ roll business, Tyler said he was eager to pass along some of his knowledge to a new generation.

“It’s just what I love to do,” he said. “They (fellow band members) may have some things to say about it, but it’s not going to fly … It will all come out in the wash.”