THE YEAR IS… 1987!
- Like many rock bands, Aerosmith’s songs were primarily written by their lead singer (Steven Tyler) and guitarist (Joe Perry). Bands who wrote their own songs were loath to bring in outside writers, as they usually felt they could compose just fine on their own. Although they did not want to write with Desmond Child at first, they went ahead and did it. This song was the result. Desmond was already know for writing hits for KISS and Bon Jovi.
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This was Aerosmith’s comeback single. Their last hit was a remake of “Come Together” in 1978. After years of drug addiction and poorly selling records, they emerged clean with Permanent Vacation and went on to enormous success in their second act. Aerosmith’s comeback started the year before, when Run D.M.C. did a hip-hop cover of “Walk This Way” which introduced the band to a new, younger audience and got them on MTV.
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Poking fun at Vince Neil was the inspiration for this song, but Aerosmith lead singer Steven Tyler is a dude who has also looked like a lady. Tyler has worn feminine clothes on stage since the ’70s. Desmond Child said that he told Vince Neil the story of the song, and that Vince got a kick out of it. The Motley Crue frontman is fully aware that the song is about him.
- Guitarist Joe Perry said that he was going for an AC/DC sound when he came up with the guitar riff for this song.
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