Source: Aerosmith not seeking new singer

BOSTON, Nov. 22 (UPI) -- A source close to Joe Perry said the Aerosmith guitarist and his band mates are not auditioning replacements for the U.S. band's lead singer, Steven Tyler.

The Boston Globe said Saturday while rumors had Aerosmith flying heavy-metal singer Paul Gillman in from Venezuela to audition for the band, the unidentified source has disputed such reports entirely.

Regarding Gillman, the source said Perry has "never heard of the guy."

Gillman's MySpace page details the singer's career with the heavy metal groups Arkangel and Gillman.

The rumors regarding a possible search for Tyler, 61, come amid tensions in the group that culminated in reports that the lead singer was poised to split from his band mates.

Aerosmith band members Brad Whitford and Joey Kramer said they would support Aerosmith remaining a band if Tyler did separate from the "Get a Grip" group.