Aerosmith's 8 Best Bets for 'Replacing' Steven Tyler

Nov. 11, 2009 — -- Scratch that. Steven Tyler is, in fact, not walking far, far away from Aerosmith, the iconic rock band for whom he's sang, screeched and screamed since 1969.

Tuesday night, Tyler and Aerosmith guitar guru Joe Perry performed the musical equivalent of hugging it out, reuniting on a New York City stage and announcing that Tyler was sticking with the group, contrary to what Perry previously reported.

"I just want New York -- New York, I just want you to know I am not leaving Aerosmith," Tyler told a crowd of raucous fans at Irving Plaza, according to British music outlet New Musical Express, aka NME. He then launched into a rousing rendition of "Walk This Way" with Perry and co.

Perry didn't seem like he wanted to walk anywhere with Tyler Monday, when he turned their 40-year-long friendship into a public feud through Twitter, proclaiming Tyler's impending absence and insisting the band keep on rocking.

"Aerosmith is positively looking for a new singer to work with. You just can't take 40 years of experience and throw it in the bin!" Perry tweeted Monday. "Band is playing hotter than ever and our songs need to be played live! Don't despair; Aerosmith not splitting up. Promise that's the last you'll hear from me on the subject till we gear up again."

Tyler's whole "should I stay or should I go" refrain started last week when he gave an interview to a British music magazine and said he was preparing to focus on a solo career.

It's not hard to imagine why Tyler would want to bail from the band and kick back a bit -- at 61, the aging frontman doesn't sport the swagger he rocked during Aerosmith's heyday in the '70s, '80s and '90s. In August, Tyler plummeted sideways off the stage during a South Dakota show, injuring his head, neck and breaking his shoulder, and forcing the band to scrap the rest of their 2009 tour, save for two October concerts.

Perry can't have mishaps like that messing up Aerosmith's mojo, and Tyler probably doesn't have a death wish. Which is why, should Tyler break off from the band in the future, Perry might want to think outside the box in searching for his replacement. After all, as many ABCNews.com readers noted Wednesday, no one can fill the boots of the large-lipped, crazy-haired rock icon.

"I thought this was a joke when I read the reports yesterday," wrote Brady Augustine from Vancouver, Wash. "We need to facilitate a sit down meeting right now to resolve the communication breakdown with both of them present. It has to get done!"

"No one can fill Steven Tyler's shoes (or should i say lips)," wrote Robert Quiroga from Pomona, Calif. "He is as iconic to Aerosmith as Michael Jordan is to basketball."

"There will never be a replacement for Steven Tyler," wrote Barbara from Riverside, Calif. "He is the biggest part of Aerosmith. They should just retire and keep their dignity."