Livin’ on the Edge

From the streets of Boston to global stardom, the journey of Aerosmith’s Joe Perry embodies determination, perseverance, and survival through 6 decades of rock music history.

Joe Milliken chronicles the guitar hero’s early life and meteoric rise to stardom, then Aerosmith’s collapse and comeback. He also explores Perry’s adventures as a solo artist, entrepreneur, and in projects including the Joe Perry Project and the Hollywood Vampires. Intertwining exclusive interviews with childhood friends, fellow musicians, and industry professionals, Livin’ on the Edge is the definitive portrait of an iconic rock star who remains the blues-drenched, rock ’n’ roll soul of Aerosmith.

Growing up in the suburbs of Boston, Joe Perry was obsessed with the guitar from an early age and set his sights on one goal: to become a professional musician. In 1969, he met future bandmates Steven Tyler and Tom Hamilton in Sunapee, and soon after, Brad Whitford and Joey Kramer joined to complete the classic Aerosmith lineup.

The band moved to Boston, endured two years of near-poverty, and on the day they signed a management deal, found themselves holding a promoter’s contract in one hand and an eviction notice in the other. What followed became one of rock’s most legendary rides: an explosion of fame and fortune, clashing egos, addiction, internal conflict, and breakup—followed by a triumphant comeback that led to Aerosmith’s induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and cemented their reputation as America’s greatest rock band.

Over the course of their career, Aerosmith have earned 12 multi-platinum, 18 platinum, and 25 gold records, totaling over 150 million units sold worldwide, along with 4 Grammy Awards, an Academy Award nomination, induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame, an ASCAP Founders Award, a Tony Award, and numerous Billboard, Cashbox, People’s Choice, MTV, Boston, and American Music Awards.