The song, Dude Looks Like a Lady is a #14 hit by the rock band Aerosmith off their 1987 album Permanent Vacation. The band knew it would be controversial. And they were right. Eventually, the songwriters had to clear things up. Everyone loves a good rock and roll drama, and this one is edgy. So shall we get into it? Let’s jump in!
They had three phases of writing styles throughout the years. A songwriting team from the beginning, Tyler and Perry wrote their songs with Steven on drums and Joe on guitar. According to Joe, Steven is an imaginative drummer, which lends itself to his percussive singing style. So first, they would write the music, and then Tyler would add the lyrics. After Perry left the band, their songs progressed into more radio-friendly hits. In their later years, they worked with songwriters outside of the band.
Born Vincent Neil Wharton in February of 1961 in Hollywood, CA, Vince is the lead singer and sometimes rhythm guitar player for the heavy metal band Motley Crue. He’s of Mexican and Native American descent. In the 1960s, Vince’s family bounced around Southern California before settling in Glendora. Out of high school, he formed the band Rock Candy before joining Motley Crue, selling over 100 million albums worldwide.