LENNY KRAVITZ Says He Is Not Joining AEROSMITH

Lenny Kravitz has shot down media reports that he is contemplating joining AEROSMITH as the replacement for Steven Tyler.

"As much as I am flattered that AEROSMITH's camp would consider me to front the band, Steven Tyler is a family friend, and no voice could ever take the place of his," Kravitz writes on his Twitter profile. "I hope the band stays together. They are classic."

The current issue of Rolling Stone magazine features an in-depth look at the rift between Steven Tyler and the rest of AEROSMITH, including interviews with Perry and guitarist Brad Whitford, plus drummer Joey Kramer, in which they speak openly about their relationship with Tyler and their plans for the group's future. The most surprising comment, however, came from former Geffen Records executive John Kalodner, who oversaw AEROSMITH's late Eighties comeback and some of their biggest albums, such as "Permanent Vacation" and "Pump".

When asked who could possibly take over as lead singer in the band, Kalodner says, "I was talking to Marti Frederiksen about this because he co-wrote 'Jaded' and worked with them for ten years or so. We were talking about how no one can replace Steven Tyler, but the only person he said — and I agreed with — that could even make AEROSMITH anything would be Lenny Kravitz."

But, Kalodner added, "If you're asking me, is there AEROSMITH without Steven Tyler, my answer is no. And if Steven Tyler goes solo, my answer is no."

Tyler has been estranged from the band since August, when he fell from a stage in South Dakota and forced the group to cancel the rest of its summer tour.

The other members have revealed that Tyler has his own management, and that none of them have had any contact with him in months. Whitford and Kramer have hinted that they think Tyler might be using drugs again.

The Rolling Stone article also hints at musical differences between Tyler, who prefers to record radio-friendly pop hits, and the rest of the band, who want to get back to their harder-rocking roots.

(Thanks: Teri Troubadour)