It’s always unfortunate when bands don’t get along. It’s really unfortunate when that band has had the original members in it for 50 years minus the first four of the 1980’s. But that’s exactly what’s happening with the legendary Aerosmith, who are scheduled to perform at the Grammy’s on Sunday and receive a lifetime achievement award on Saturday. The band have effectively ousted drummer of 50 years, Joey Kramer, from performing at the shows.
In retaliation of the decision, Kramer took his bandmates to court this week filing a lawsuit. Claiming that he’d been unfairly barred from playing and rehearsing with the band. Being forced to audition for the group with a click track. The rest of Aerosmith argued that Kramer hadn’t performed in at least six months. Saying he would join the band for rehearsal time and time again and never showed up. And when it came time for the Grammy’s he just showed up expecting to be a part of the band with minimal rehearsal. Therefore, Kramer is not allowed to play due to the bands business interests. A Massachusetts judge ruled in favor of Aerosmith.
It’s a sad mess anyway you look at it. Particularly seeing Joey Kramer trying to enter the rehearsal space, only to be turned down by security. How disrespectful. Aerosmith due have a right to protect to whole bands interest. But they could have handled this way better. They really treated him like some sort of hired gun they didn’t want around anymore. I mean, this is the drummer of Aerosmith. He’s been in the band for 50 years. He came up with the band name for crying out loud! He held a dopesick Tyler in his arms night after night in the early 80’s. Joey Kramer has dedicated his entire life to Aerosmith, arguably more than any member. And this is how they do him? We’re talking what? Two, three songs total? Songs that have been played thousands of times like ‘Walk This Way’ or ‘Dream On.’ And they can’t let Kramer perform on those songs?
I get it if they’re hesitant about letting him come back for a full set on their Vegas residency, but we’re talking about two performing two songs here. That’s just wrong. Even bands with ousted members like Cheap Trick included their past members when receiving major awards. It’s a shame Aerosmith can’t do the same for their fans.
