Joe Perry Cancels Tour Following Health Scare

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Joe Perry

Joe Perry has cancelled his fall headlining shows as he continues to take some time off following his recent hospital visit. While doctors have released Perry from care, with the dates set to begin November 30 and going through December 16, the guitarist will now take the rest of the year off.

The Aerosmith co-founder and songwriter had experienced shortness of breath and was treated backstage by paramedics following a guest performance during Billy Joel’s show at Madison Square Garden on November 10.

Perry joined Joel for the Piano Man’s monthly MSG residency. More than halfway through his 24-song set, Joel welcomed “our friend, Joe Perry.” The guitarist joined the band for a spirited version of Aerosmith’s “Walk This Way.” (Watch his performance below.)

Backstage at the concert, Perry, 68, was given oxygen; a tracheal tube was used to clear his airway before he was taken to a hospital. Perry remained in the hospital where he was said to be alert and responsive. He was released from the hospital late last week and was said to be “home and doing well.”

In a post just after 9 p.m. on his Facebook page, Perry apologized to the fans who were planning on coming to the shows:

“Just wanted to thank everyone for all of the kind messages I’ve received this week,” he wrote. “I’m home and doing well, but the doctor recommends a bit more downtime before getting out to rock again, so regrettably I had to cancel my upcoming tour dates. Was really looking forward to playing these shows with Brad and Gary and seeing all of you who were planning to come out and support us. We will be back out as soon as possible. Wishing you all happy holidays and looking forward to seeing you in 2019.”

On October 9, Perry announced shows in support of his solo album, Sweetzerland Manifesto, released earlier this year via his Roman Records label. The headlining dates were to kick off November 30 before wrapping up with three Los Angeles-area shows.

The fall tour’s 10 concerts were to showcase his new touring band featuring his Aerosmith bandmate Brad Whitford, also on guitar, with Gary Cherone of Extreme singing lead vocals.

Refunds are available at point of purchase.

Watch Perry perform “Walk This Way” with Billy Joel on November 10, 2018