On a sunny Wednesday afternoon in Los Angeles, lunchtime shoppers at The Grove were treated to a surprise as Aerosmith arrived to announce details for their upcoming American trek dubbed, the Global Warming tour.

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees (minus guitarist Brad Whitford who had a prior commitment), who have sold more than 150 million albums worldwide were brought to the stage by Jimmy Kimmel and then afterwards, drummer Joey Kramer sat down with Noisecreep to talk about the tour, the band's history, and how Steven Tyler's role as a judge on American Idol has affected the band. As you'll see below, while touring with a band as huge as Aerosmith is isn't logistically a walk in the park, the 60-year-old Bronx, N.Y. native can't wait to get back out on the road.

Joey, there's been a lot of talk on how Steven's judging duties on American Idol will affect the future of Aerosmith. What are your thoughts about this? Does it help or hurt?

I think it absolutely helps this band. Look, I think if there was any controversy, it was because of the way the whole thing happened. I mean, Steven went about it all in a way where he didn't make an announcement - to us or to anyone else - he just went and did. That's Steven. And feeling are feelings and so initially, yeah, it created some weird feelings. But now the band has been exposed to a whole new genre of kids, a whole new group of fans - whether or not it translates into ticket sales we'll see. But I think it's all great.

You're one of the last veteran bands left with all original members. What is it about this band that endures like it does?

We just did South America and Japan, the shows were great and the band is playing like never before. I guess wine gets better with age. We finally feel our old energy, but we're not old. Chronlogically maybe, but as far as the spirit that governs this band - not old. I don't feel any different than I did when I was a teenager and first found these four other guys that wanted to do what their lives just what I wanted to do. I think that's what make us appealing to a lot of people. We believe in what we are doing and we have survived. Then there are the songs, too. I mean, that's our true strength, all of the those songs.

Watch Aerosmith's "Sweet Emotion" Video



Many of us have our own favorite Aerosmith albums - do you?

Well, I love Pump [1989]. Permanent Vacation [1987]. Those albums Bruce Fairbairn produced really got us up to speed in terms of sound and made us, I think, sound like a more modern band.

What younger drummers do you like or pay attention to?

I like Tré Cool from Green Day. Taylor Hawkins from Foo Fighters, And I really like Adrian Young from No Doubt. Those are all really great drummers. Those guys all know what it is all about. They get it.

Any thoughts on the new record you guys are working on?

The energy, which is the most important thing, reminds me of yesteryear - our real glory days. But put into a modern context. The combination of that makes for some really interesting songs. We all took part in the writing, and of course having Jack Douglas back on board producing reminds us of how special things were back in the '70s. He's just great, and I think that after a 10-year absence people will welcome this record with open arms.

Watch Steven Tyler Explain Reasoning Behind Global Warming Tour Name


Joey, on the tour, how different is it for you today versus, say, a tour in 1976? Is it harder for you to go out?

I wouldn't say it is harder - I would say it is more complex. Understand, when we first started, it was just us - five guys alone and against the word. Today, there are wives and kids and dogs and aunts and uncles [laughs]. I love touring, I love playing live - we all do - there's just more we have to factor in today when we go out.

Aerosmith tour dates:

6/16 Minneapolis, MN - Target Center

6/19 Cleveland, OH - Quicken Loans Arena

6/22 Chicago, IL - United Center

6/27 Toronto, ON - Air Canada Centre

7/1 Uniondale, NY - Nassau Coliseum

7/3 Bristow, VA - Jiffy Lube

7/5 Detroit, MI - The Palace of Auburn Hills

7/7 Milwaukee, WI - Marcus Amphitheater, Summerfest

7/17 Boston, MA - TD Garden

7/21 Philadelphia, PA - Wells Fargo Center

7/24 East Rutherford, NJ - IZOD Center

7/26 Atlanta, GA - Philips Arena

7/28 Dallas, TX - American Airlines Center

7/30 Houston, TX - Toyota Center

8/1 Denver, CO - Pepsi Center

8/4 Oakland, CA - Oracle Arena

8/6 Los Angeles, CA - Hollywood Bowl

8/8 Tacoma, WA - Tacoma Dome

Watch "Learn About Aerosmith" Video

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