The song that Aerosmith’s Joe Perry would like to have written

The guitarist Joe Perry was one of the musicians who helped to create Aerosmith, group formed in Boston, Massachusetts in 1970. It didn’t take long for them to be one of the most successful bands in the world. In more than five decades, they had ups and downs but they always cameback stronger releasing really powerful hits. That consistency made them become one of the best-selling acts in the history of music. They have sold an estimated amount of more than 150 million records worldwide.

Perry was a crucial part not only of the band’s sound but also in the lyrics. So he co-wrote dozens of hits the group had over the years. Although he had the chance to become a successful songwriter, he once revealed the track from another artist that he would like to have written.

The song that Aerosmith’s Joe Perry would like to have written

By the time Aerosmith was formed in 1970, Rock and Roll had already evolved a lot and there already were many famous songwriters that inspired the scene. Joe Perry’s main influence came from especially British bands that were creating music inspired by the Blues. However, he always had a broad musical taste and was also paying close attention to what was being made in North America. In an interview with Pop Matters in 2009, he even revealed that the song that he wished he had written. Curiously, it was made by a Canadian artist.

The musician was asked which was “The creative masterpiece you wish bore your signature?”. He replied saying: “I really wish I’d written, “Rockin’ in the Free World”.

The track mentioned by Perry was written by the legendary Canadian guitarist and singer Neil Young. It was first released on his 1989 album “Freedom”. At the time of its release, the track reached number 2 at the United States Billboard Mainstream Rock chart.

Besides having a successful solo career, Neil Young was also a famous member of the groups Buffallo Springfield and Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young.

Perry had the chance to meet Young many times

One of the most influential guitarists of all time, Joe Perry is constantly invited for ceremonies and concerts. So he was lucky enough to have met many of his heroes during his career.

During a conversation with Digital Trends in 2014 he recalled what he talked with Neil Young when both met each other. He was asked by the interviewer if he had discussed “Pono” with Young, which was a portable music player created by the Folk Rock artist.

“Actually, no — I talked to him about his bus more than I talked to him about his music. (both laugh) I did get a chance to check out his rig, and I talked to his guitar tech. But his head’s in the right place when it comes to sound, I’ll tell ya,” Joe Perry said.

Perry and Neil Young performed with Led Zeppelin when they were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

The legendary British Hard Rock band Led Zeppelin was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1995 by Steven Tyler and Joe Perry. That same night, Neil Young was also inducted into the Hall by the Pearl Jam singer Eddie Vedder.

At the end of the ceremony, Led Zeppelin invited Tyler and Perry to play many songs. They were “Train Kept a Rollin'”, “For Your Love”, “Reefer Headed Woman”, “Boogie Chillen”, “Baby Please Don’t Go'” and “Bring It On Home”.

But that night Zeppelin also invited Neil Young to the stage. They played the classic song “When The Levee Breaks”.