Aerosmith can't seem to put out a new album, citing health problems. But damn it, they are going out and touring the states this summer. Wouldn't it be easier to finish the record if you are ill?

Joe Perry tells Billboard.com that the record sessions — for the group's first album since 2004's "Honkin' on Bobo" and first of all-original material since 2001's "Just Push Play," were delayed when he had to have surgery earlier this year to clear out an infection in his knee replacement.

Then, last month, singer Steven Tyler came down with pneumonia, after which the veteran Boston rockers "realized there wasn't any chance of getting it finished before we hit the road for the summer. So basically we had to push (the album) back, and when the band gets off the road, that's when we'll pick up the Aerosmith record."

Aerosmith's tour, the group's first since 2007, starts in June with ZZ Top. Perry says about 40 dates are set so far for North America, with South America, Europe and Japan also under consideration. The itinerary should be announced soon.