date published: September 10, 2007

Joey Kramer
by Josh B. Wardrop

For 37 years, Joey Kramer has provided the steady backbeat for the “bad boys from Boston,” Aerosmith. With the group making its triumphant return to area stages September 14 at the Tweeter Center, Panorama sat down with Kramer to discuss what’s new with the band—and its drummer.

Q: What’s the status of the next Aerosmith record?
A: We’re touring in September, and in October we’ll start recording. I think that [after 2004’s blues release Honkin’ on Bobo] it’s probably time for a “real” Aerosmith album—it’s time to get back to what’s what.

Q: Got that September 14 date at the Tweeter Center marked on your calendar?
A: Yeah, we always particularly look forward to playing Boston, of course. It’s home, you know?

Q: You’re co-owner of a new skate boutique, Technical. How’d you get involved with that?
A: [Partner] John Nichols is a good friend of my son’s, and I took notice of his passion for what he did at his Norwell store. I got off on it so much I encouraged him to open a bigger place.

Q: What’s been the key to Aerosmith enjoying such longevity?
A: We have that common denominator—we love to play onstage and make music. Frankly, lots of bands let drugs, alcohol and women get in the way. You gotta keep the mindset that music, first and foremost, is the thing. That’s the rule we’re sticking to these days.

Q: Who inspired you—and inspires you today—as a musician?
A: Unsurprisingly, for me, the drummer is key—if the drummer’s no good, it kinda kills the band. I like Taylor Hawkins (Foo Fighters), Tre Cool (Green Day) and Carter Beauford (Dave Matthews Band). My inspirations were guys like John Bonham, Clive Bunker from Jethro Tull and James Brown’s drummer, Clyde Stubblefield.