John McCain and Sarah Palin have angered plenty of musicians by appropriating their songs during the build up to the presidential election on November 4th. But where, we wonder, are all the McCain supporters in the music world? Until now Republican musicians have either been keeping very quiet about their allegiances or are just in their garages getting ready to jam with Joe the Plumber. But now Aerosmith guitarist Joe Perry has come out of the political closet, telling the Boston Herald: “I’ve been a hardcore Republican my whole life.”

“We pretty much stay out of it,” Perry said. “But seeing so many people come out for Obama, I just felt like ‘What the hell, I might as well raise my hand for this side.’” What prompted Perry to suddenly break ranks and throw his weight behind McCain after remaining silent for so long? He sites the glowing endorsements of political behemoth Arnold Schwarzenegger and failed Republican nominee Rudy Giuliani as his personal inspiration.

Perry, who is no spring chicken himself, has no qualms about McCain’s advancing years, saying: “My mother’s in her 80s and she does aerobics. My manager’s 70 and he’s right there. That doesn’t bother me.” But does the guitarist believe McCain still has a chance of winning? “I’m an optimist. It ain’t over till its over,” he said. “I think that he’s got a chance.” Meanwhile, McCain spokesman Tucker Bounds has responded in kind to Perry’s endorsement, saying: “Joe Perry is an icon of rock-and-roll and a great American. John McCain absolutely appreciates his support.” [Gigwise]