Rockin' Train

The song "Rockin' Train" by the Joe Perry Project from their 1980 album Let the Music Do the Talking is a funky, high-energy track that captures the raw, back-to-basics rock vibe Joe Perry was chasing after leaving Aerosmith. According to a review on Rate Your Music, the song channels a funk-infused rock style reminiscent of Aerosmith classics like "Walk This Way" and "Last Child," showcasing Perry’s knack for blending gritty guitar riffs with a danceable groove. Fans on Reddit have praised its "boogie feel," with one user, Greg Schwepe, noting its infectious rhythm made it a standout on the album. The lyrics, co-written by Perry and singer Ralph Morman, evoke a wild, carefree party atmosphere, with lines like “smokin’ locomotive rollin’ on that party track” painting a vivid picture of a train-fueled rock ‘n’ roll journey. Interestingly, Louder suggests that "Rockin' Train" could easily have been an Aerosmith hit, as its raw energy and hooks would’ve suited Steven Tyler’s vocal style perfectly.

Behind the scenes, "Rockin' Train" emerged from a tumultuous period for Joe Perry. A Louder review recounts the infamous 1979 Cleveland incident where Perry’s then-wife Elyssa threw a glass of milk at bassist Tom Hamilton’s wife, Terry, sparking a backstage argument that led to Perry’s exit from Aerosmith. This chaos fueled Perry’s desire to create something fresh and unburdened by Aerosmith’s internal struggles, and "Rockin' Train" embodies that liberated spirit. On X, Perry has occasionally shared throwback posts about the Let the Music Do the Talking era, hinting at the album’s personal significance as a statement of independence. Fans on the Aerosmith Fan Group on Facebook often cite "Rockin' Train" as a highlight of Perry’s solo work, with some recalling seeing the Joe Perry Project live in the early ‘80s, though performances were sometimes marred by Perry’s struggles with substance abuse, as noted in a Reddit thread where a fan described a chaotic show in Dover, NJ.

Joe Perry, born Anthony Joseph Pereira on September 10, 1950, in Lawrence, Massachusetts, began his musical journey inspired by rock pioneers like The Rolling Stones and The Beatles. According to his IMDb bio, Perry’s early exposure to these bands shaped his gritty, blues-infused guitar style. Growing up in a working-class family, he picked up the guitar as a teenager, honing his skills in local bands around Boston. By the late 1960s, Perry was jamming in the Boston music scene, where he met Steven Tyler and formed Aerosmith in 1970. The band’s early years were marked by relentless gigging and a raw, bluesy sound, leading to their breakthrough with albums like Get Your Wings (1974) and Toys in the Attic (1975). Perry’s songwriting and electrifying guitar work became central to Aerosmith’s success, but by 1979, personal and professional tensions led him to launch the Joe Perry Project, kicking off with Let the Music Do the Talking.

You can keep up with Joe Perry and his projects through his official website at joeperry.com, where he shares updates on music, tours, and his hot sauce brand, Joe Perry’s Rock Your World. His Facebook page is active with posts about his solo work, Aerosmith, and personal milestones, like his 74th birthday celebration in 2024. On Instagram, Perry shares behind-the-scenes photos, gear shots, and glimpses of his life on the road. His X account is a mix of music nostalgia, fan interactions, and occasional commentary on rock culture. Fans can also connect through the Aerosmith Fan Group on Facebook, a lively community sharing memories, photos, and discussions about Perry and Aerosmith. While no dedicated Joe Perry Project fan sites stand out, the Aerosmith Temple fan site covers Perry’s solo career alongside his Aerosmith legacy, offering discographies and rare photos.