“It’s going to expand our audience, for sure. People who would never think about seeing Aerosmith might change their minds after seeing him on TV,” Aerosmith guitarist Brad Whitford told the Boston Herald about band mate Steven Tyler’s appearance as an American Idol judge. Well say what you will to what the show is doing to Tyler’s “credibility,” but Whitford would appear to be right, seeing as how the show is at least expanding the band’s sales.

The Hollywood Reporter is reporting that sales for Aerosmith’s Greatest Hits collections have increased by more than 250% since Tyler debuted on American Idol. More specifically, 1994’s Big Ones experienced a 260% increase after the show’s premiere, while 2004’s Devil’s Got a New Disguise: The Very Best of Aerosmith experienced a 146% increase after the show’s second week. In addition, two other Aerosmith compilations saw spikes of 137% and 147% in sales.

American Idol’s affect isn’t just seen in album sales, though. In the week ending January 30, Aerosmith’s “I Don’t Want To Miss A Thing” sold 34,000 downloads, while “Dream On” sold 26,000. This is especially good news for Aerosmith as a whole, for not only is American Idol essentially paying off, but also gives the band somewhat of a boost to finally record new music. Is there anyone who would actually be unhappy about this sales spike? …Well, maybe Joe Perry. Aerosmith have been in the studio working on a new album (minus Perry due to “previous commitments”). We do find it interesting that the article doesn’t say anything about an increase in Jennifer Lopez’ catalog. Nor does is say whether Journey’s 1986 album Raised on Radio, which Randy Jackson played on, experienced any sales increases since Idol debuted.