Looks like all that talk of Steven Tyler quitting Aerosmith was a little premature. Take it from the man himself last night: “I am not leaving Aerosmith!” Fans, you can exhale now.
But yesterday, when you were still holding your breath, I spoke with a guy who knows a thing or two about subbing for Tyler: Chris Vandahl, lead singer for tribute act Aeromyth. That’s him on the right in the photo accompanying this post — hard to tell who’s who, isn’t it? Vandahl gamely agreed to grade a few potential replacements for Tyler. Even though the entire premise of our interview is now obsolete, this thought experiment was too much fun not to share. Read on after the jump, then let us know in the comments whether you agree with Vandahl’s grades for these hypothetical new Aerosmith singers.
Scott Weiland: “I love Scott Weiland. I think he’s a great entertainer. But I don’t see him in that band. It’s just a completely different vibe.” C+
Gary Cherone: “No. No. No. Again, Gary is a good singer, but you’re talking about the dirtiest American rock band in history. It’s not just about being able to sing the stuff.” D
Axl Rose: “Oh, God. He would be great — but in my opinion, riskier than Tyler. If you’re looking for a replacement, you want somebody that you can count on to be around for a while.” B
Adam Lambert: “This is tough. The guy’s talented, but he’s not Aerosmith. Adam comes across as really clean; Tyler’s vocals are very gritty and raw.” C+
Robin Zander: “The guy’s a chameleon. He’s got the talent, the range, the flexibility. He’s an icon in his own right.” A
Liv Tyler: “Holy cow. I’ve never heard her sing. Assuming she has an amazing voice, why not? She definitely has the look!” A
Miley Cyrus: “What’s the lowest grade available? It would be a mockery of the machine that is Aerosmith, for no other reason than shock value.” F
Chris Vandahl: “It had to come to this, right? I sing for an Aerosmith tribute band, but I’ve been a professional artist in my own right. And two people on the planet are born with this face — what else am I going to do? I’m going to get slaughtered for this, but I have to give myself an A.”
Vandahl ended with a prescient suggestion of his own. “I’ve got one more thing, if you don’t mind. I gotta give Steven Tyler an A+. You’re talking about attempting to fill some of the biggest, most well-worn-in shoes in rock’n'roll history. The smartest thing would be for [the band] to work out their issues.” Now, sure enough, it appears they have.
(Follow the Music Mix on Twitter: @EWMusicMix.)
More from EW.com’s Music Mix:
Aerosmith 2.0: Who should replace Steven Tyler?
The 2009 Country Music Awards: We’re liveblogging it!
Wyclef Jean on his new album, the future of the Fugees, and being confused with will.i.am
The Killers’ Brandon Flowers on live albums, vampires, and Sinatra: A Music Mix Q&A
Photo credit: Tyler: Walter Weissman/Corbis
who gives a sh*t…this band has been relevant for 20 years and hasn’t been good for 35 or 40.
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Chris is right on the money. And honors Steven’s delicious “Steven-ness” as he channels him so perfectly in Aeromyth. Chris Van Dahl brings to life the Steven we all fell in love with. But glad to hear that the real Steven is stepping back up to the plate.
I think Chris did a great job grading! But chris is right too, how do u replace the man himself? Butttt, if someone had to do it, I say Chris is the man for the job!!! saw u on regis and u did gr8!!!
DIG IF YOU WILL THIS AUDITION YOUTUBE SEARCH: “GEORGE STECKERT”
david lee roth would be the only man to fit in his shoes, i hear he is not to busy these days .
I’ve heard Chris sing when he was in LA Guns and it was completely different than Aerosmith so I’d have to check out his work with Aeromyth before judging. I do know that he’s a lot taller than Steven Tyler. The guy is like 6′ 5″
Looks like Steven Tyler but doesn’t even remotely sound like him. This guy can sing to save his life.
Joshua Todd.
Does the announcement that Steven Tyler is recording a rap album change this conversation?
“On March 26, 2010, it was reported that Steven Tyler, intrigued by the 2009 Chris Cornell record Scream, would be teaming up with Timbaland to record a rap album. Guest appearances by Reverend Run and Darryl Mac of Run-D.M.C., Kid Rock, and T-Pain are rumored to be featured on the new project.”
Chris would have to bring his sampler loaded with pre recorded vocal tracks. Because he can’t sing! He lip syncs with Aeromyth. POSER!!!
ummmm…. i’m not sure who wrote that about Chris, but it was’nt me “Matt Muckle”. Not cool…. I just now saw this for the 1st time!
He would also have to tighten his weave, and inject his lips, and get there a day early with his track tech!
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