Is Aerosmith taking a Permanent Vacation?

Steven Tyler told a United Kingdom magazine he plans on pursuing solo projects for the foreseeable future, and his bandmates are talking openly of replacing their longtime lead singer.

“I don’t know what I’m doing yet,” Tyler told Classic Rock magazine, “but it’s definitely going to be something Steven Tyler, working on the brand of myself. Brand Tyler,” he said.

Meanwhile, his bandmates - who have told Tyler they don’t plan to work with him again until he straightens up and sobers up - plan to reconvene after doing shows in Hawaii and Dubai and discuss the future of the 40-year-old rock ’n’ roll institution.

That could include “either the announcement of a long hiatus or even possibly include carrying on with a new lead vocalist,” Classic Rock reported.

“It would largely depend on who we could get and who would want to do it. That’s big shoes to fill,” guitarist Brad Whitford said. “Nobody could replace Steven or imitate him, he’s one of a kind. But if somebody was willing to do it and the chemistry was right, why not?”

The chemistry with Tyler has apparently been wrong for a while. According to the report, during their last three shows, none of the band saw the frontman until the opening number and Steven’s dressing room was located quite a distance from the rest of the group.