Aerosmith have made the “heartbreaking and difficult, but necessary, decision” to retire from touring due to Steven Tyler’s long-running vocal injury, which previously caused the legendary band to postpone their farewell Peace Out tour. Aerosmith had been planning to return to the road beginning Sept. 20 in Pittsbugh.
The band made it through only three shows last fall after Tyler damaged his vocal cords and fractured his larynx, forcing the band off the road. He appeared to be on the mend in May when he joined Peace Out opening act the Black Crowes for a cover of Aerosmith’s “Mama Kin” in London, where he looked and sounded ready for the stage again with Aerosmith.
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Since forming Aerosmith in 1970, Tyler (76), guitarist Joe Perry (73), bassist Tom Hamilton (72), guitarist Brad Whitford (72) and drummer Joey Kramer (74) have embodied every bit of the proverbial rock’n’roll lifestyle, with worldwide album sales in excess of 150 million copies and all the attendant highs and lows. The group’s last proper tour was in 2017, and its most recent studio album was 2012’s Music From Another Dimenson!
Read the Aerosmith’s statement in full below:
“It was 1970 when a spark of inspiration became Aerosmith. Thanks to you, our Blue Army, that spark caught flame and has been burning for over five decades. Some of you have been with us since the beginning and all of you are the reason we made rock ‘n’ roll history.
It has been the honor of our lives to have our music become part of yours. In every club, on every massive tour and at moments grand and private you have given us a place in the soundtrack of your lives.
We’ve always wanted to blow your mind when performing. As you know, Steven’s voice is an instrument like no other. He has spent months tirelessly working on getting his voice to where it was before his injury. We’ve seen him struggling despite having the best medical team by his side. Sadly, it is clear, that a full recovery from his vocal injury is not possible. We have made a heartbreaking and difficult, but necessary, decision — as a band of brothers — to retire from the touring stage.
We are grateful beyond words for everyone who was pumped to get on the road with us one last time. Grateful to our expert crew, our incredible team and the thousands of talented people who’ve made our historic runs possible. A final thank you to you — the best fans on planet Earth. Play our music loud, now and always. Dream On. You’ve made our dreams come true.”
To see our running list of the top 100 greatest rock stars of all time, click here.