AEROSMITH guitarist Joe Perry spoke with Darryl Sterdan from QMI Agency recently about a number of topics. A few excerpts from the chat follow:

QMI Agency: Could these be the last Aerosmith shows ever?

Perry: "Frankly and truthfully, I don't know what's going to happen after our last gig in Vancouver. But about 15 years ago, I had an epiphany - I can't remember why - and realized we're mortal. And I have to play every night like it's the last show. So that's how I've been playing it. On top of that, you know, what with the accidents we've had and some of the other stuff, we're playing the shows like they are the last.'

QMI Agency: So American Idol isn't going to kill the band?

Perry: "No. When this tour is over, even if he wasn't doing the show, we would be taking off up until Christmas. We just need some time off ... And he's chosen to take the next four months and do this TV show. More power to him if that's what he wants to do. I've gone off and had my own band and put out my own records. I plan to do more of that. And hopefully we'll find the time to make an Aerosmith record. I'm not sure when that's going to happen. But I'm an optimist (and) we're planning positively. There's got to be another Aerosmith record."

QMI Agency: What about getting a temporary replacement for Steven? Is that off the table?

Perry: "Nothing has changed. I don't know what his schedule is. I don't know what he is planning on doing. But if January rolls around and he's involved in some project, we'll find another singer. Why not?"

QMI Agency: Well, didn't he threaten legal action last time?

Perry: "Well, he can threaten to sue anybody. But it's four votes against one. And we have a pretty strong case if he wants to go that way. Bottom line is, how can he stop the four of us from wanting to go out and play?"

Read the entire interview here.