Aerosmith likes touring with big bands

BOSTON, Sept. 6 (UPI) -- Boston rockers Aerosmith find inspiration these days by touring with other big names.

The group has shared bills in recent years with Kid Rock, Kiss and Lenny Kravitz and begins a 33-show run with Motley Crue Thursday in Hartford, Conn.

"It keeps your edge," guitarist Joe Perry says of having another multi-platinum act on the shows. "It doesn't mean you go out and try to blow the other guys off the stage, but I think there's a friendly competition to go out there and make yourself remembered with the audience.

"So that's definitely an added attraction for everybody."

Aerosmith will release a greatest hits collection Oct. 10. "Devil's Got a New Disguise" also features two brand new songs. A new album should follow in 2007.

Bassist Tom Hamilton will sit out part of the tour while he recovers from radiation treatment for throat cancer.