The July issue of Metal Edge magazine looks back 20 years ago at the July, 1987 release of Aerosmith's Permanent Vacation which featured such smashes as Rag Doll, Dude (Looks Like a Lady) and Angel.
Here is an excerpt from the article:
Aerosmith neede a miracle by 1987. Done With Mirrors, the 1985 release that hoped to be the comeback that would re-establish the band as a major commercial force, turned out to be a relative disappointment. Sales of only 400,000 copieswere significantly lower than the expectation of the previous decade succes of albums like Rocks and Toys in the Attic. the popular Run-DMC rap version of Walk This Way featuring singer Steven Tyler and guitarist Joe Perry guesting on the cover of their own 1975 hit was about the only interest in Aerosmith.
Substance abuse that derailed Aerosmith toward the end of the 1970s remained hopelessly unchecked. Each of the five band members continued to indulge in varying levels of alcoholism and drug addiction, all but debilitating their ability to focus on music. First Tyler - the result of an intervention by the band and their manager - then Perry, followed by guitarist Brad Whitford and drummer Joey Kramer; successful rehab addressed the creative roadblockThe single holdout at the beginning of the album sessions was bassist Tom Hamilton, who ultimately acquiesced to peer pressure and followed suit.
Permanant Vacation
Heart's Done Time
Magic Touch
Rag Doll
Simoriah
Dude (Looks Like a Lady)
St. John
Hangman Jury
Girl Keeps Coming Apart
Angel
Permanent Vacation
I'm Down
The Movie
Pick up the magazine in your local record store, bookstore or newsstand.
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