Joe Perry Project

The Joe Perry Project is an American rock band formed by Aerosmith lead guitarist Joe Perry. Perry formed the band shortly before his departure from Aerosmith in 1979. The Joe Perry Project signed a record deal almost immediately after Perry's exit from the band with Aerosmith's label, Columbia Records, who were disappointed with the chaos in the Aerosmith camp and hoping to maneuver Perry back into Aerosmith. The Project, with its debut album Let the Music Do the Talking played mostly around the Boston area in smaller venues. Aerosmith replaced Perry with guitarist Jimmy Crespo and after, Rick Dufay was brought on to replace Brad Whitford, Aerosmith's other original guitarist, after his departure shortly after Joe Perry's. After several line-up changes over the next few years and 2 more albums with dismal sales the Joe Perry Project dissolved in 1984 when Perry agreed to reunite with Aerosmith (Brad Whitford also rejoined bringing the band back to its original form) and the band went on to have arguably the greatest "comeback" story in music history. Joe Perry has reformed the JPP several times since, but, just as a side project to stay busy during downtime with Aerosmith.