JAM Magazine Online has issued a new interview with AEROSMITH drummer Joey Kramer. The following is an excerpt from the interview, conducted by Tim Taylor:

Q: One of the most intriguing aspects of your book is your relationship with Steven Tyler. You, Tom and Steven have been through hell and back the entire history of this band. You refer to your friendship with the band's only singer as one of a loving, brother type of situation that has its share of demons.

A: "Steven and I have a very "earthy" connection between us. Whatever it is he's become to me – it's because I allow it. I own up to that fact in the book. Has he taken advantage of friendship over the years? Yes. Has he abused our friendship? Yes. But bear this in mind. Whatever Steven and I have been through, I take the responsibility for allowing the bad, and the good, to have transpired between us. The only way to change that situation was to draw certain boundaries, and keep them up, when it comes to dealing with Steven – or anyone else in this band for that matter.

Q: You seem a different person just making the statement you just did.

A: "If you let somebody take advantage of you – or if you let somebody make you a doormat – that's your own fault. Nobody else can fix that problem except you. I'm responsible for my own actions. Steven knew how to manipulate me, and he did it for years. It's those instances when he became my own personal demon. On the flip side, I have been very blessed to have Steven Tyler in my life. He taught me more about music, and myself, than you'll ever know. I can't begin to tell you how much I've learned about life itself from him. Pretty much from the beginning, Steven has been a very dynamic force in Aerosmith. I just sort of sat back behind the drums and kept the music on track while he did his thing. Over the years, I finally came into my own, and I'm very grateful for Steven easing me into the role I've taken. I love him dearly, don't get me wrong. We are brothers to the end and get along famously despite the politics that's always going on in Aerosmith. We love each other; we get mad each other. There are days we get along great, and times we need space from one another. The two of us have been through the ringer more times than I care to count the past 40 years. At this point in our lives, it has become almost comical to witness the ridiculous things that transpire in this band. But hey, it wouldn't be Aerosmith if there wasn't some sort of drama swirling around us."

Read the full interview at this location.