Video shows Joey Kramer being refused entry to Aerosmith Grammy rehearsals
A judge has blocked Joey Kramer’s efforts to rejoin Aerosmith for their Grammy Awards performance - on the same day a video has emerged of Kramer being refused entry to rehearsals.
Last updated 11th Mar 2020
As we reported yesterday, Joey Kramer sued his Aerosmith bandmates last week for excluding him from returning to the band for the MusiCares Person of the Year award on Friday (24th January) and the Grammys event on Sunday (26th January). Kramer was sidelined after suffering "minor injuries" last year.
Claiming he was asked by Aerosmith to audition for his “own job”, Kramer said the legal proceedings were about being “deprived of the opportunity to be recognized along with my peers, for our collective, lifetime contributions to the music industry.”
In response, Aerosmith refuted Kramer’s claims, saying he has “not been emotionally and physically able to perform with the band.”
They also said: "We have missed him and have encouraged him to rejoin us to play many times but apparently he has not felt ready to do so."
As TMZ reports, a Massachusetts judge has now stopped Kramer’s attempts to be reinstated, arguing that the exiled drummer didn’t make a convincing enough case for performing with Aerosmith.
The judge explained: "Given that Kramer has not played with the band in six months and the dearth of available rehearsal time before the upcoming performances, Kramer has not shown a realistic alternative course of action sufficient to protect the band's business interests."
In response to the ruling, Joey Kramer has issued the following statement:
"Although I'm extremely disappointed by the Judge's ruling today, I respect it. I knew filing a lawsuit was a bit of an uphill battle considering that the corporate documents don't reference any process for a band member returning from an injury or illness. However, the band waited until January 15th to tell me that they weren't letting me play at the awards ceremonies this week. I can hold my head high knowing that I did the right thing — to fight for my right to celebrate the band's success that I have dedicated the better part of my life to helping build.
"The truth speaks for itself. Ever since I injured my foot last August and went through many hours of physical therapy to heal, not once did the band in its entirety offer to rehearse with me. That is a fact. I was also sent the full rehearsal schedule on January 18th and flew to LA the next day to rehearse and have many texts and emails stating the band can't wait for my return. That's also a fact. When I showed up to rehearse, I was greeted by two security guards who prohibited me from entering.
"The band's offer to allow me to participate in this week's MusiCares and Grammy celebrations for red carpet photo ops only, is appreciated; however, with a fill-in drummer playing on stage at two events honoring our collective musical contributions, it is extremely hurtful to me. I am a professional musician who is eager to return to my rightful place with Aerosmith.
"I want to thank my fans for the incredible outpouring of support and for sharing my goal of taking my place on stage as one of the five founding members of Aerosmith and continuing to play the music I love."
Video: Joey Kramer blocked from Aerosmith rehearsals --------------------------------------------------------
Last night (22nd January), TMZ published a video from last weekend of Kramer being denied entry to Aerosmith’s rehearsals by security guards.
With Kramer walking up to the rehearsal venue, one of the security guards tells him: “I’m sorry we’ve been hired by the other four members of the band to ask that you…”
Kramer asked the security guard to repeat himself, before the man replies: “We’re just asking that you not come into the property right now. We’ve been hired by the other four members of the band to ask that you don’t come in today.”
Letting the comments sink in, Kramer then tells them: “Well you’re just doing your job. Okay, thank you.”
Watch the video here:
Alongside singer Steven Tyler and bassist Tom Hamilton, Joey Kramer has been a constant member of Aerosmith since their formation in 1970.
Following the Grammys, Aerosmith continue their epic Deuces Are Wild Las Vegas residency at the Park Theater at Park MGM on Wednesday 29th January. It's unclear whether Kramer will perform with them.
Aerosmith hit the UK this summer for shows at The O2 in London and Manchester Arena on 15th and 18th July respectively. Head to Planet Rock Tickets to check ticket availability.