Steven Tyler, Aerosmith’s iconic frontman, steps back from touring to preserve his legacy of authentic live performances.
It’s the end of an era.
At a Glance
- Former Guns N’ Roses drummer Matt Sorum reveals Steven Tyler won’t tour again
- Tyler, 77, performed at a charity event despite a recent laryngeal injury
- Aerosmith announced retirement from touring in August 2024
- Tyler refuses to use pre-recorded tracks or alter song keys in performances
- Occasional live appearances may still be possible for the rock legend
The End of an Era: Steven Tyler’s Touring Days
Rock music fans were dealt a blow as news emerged that Steven Tyler, the charismatic lead singer of Aerosmith, will not be returning to large-scale touring. This revelation came from an unexpected source: former Guns N’ Roses drummer Matt Sorum, who shared insights into Tyler’s decision following a recent charity performance.
At 77 years old, Tyler says he wants to be remember for the good performances he’s done over the year. However, the physical demands of global tours have become too challenging for the veteran rocker to maintain consistently. This decision marks a significant turning point in Tyler’s illustrious career, prioritizing the integrity of his performances over the quantity of shows.
Sorum shed light on Tyler’s perfectionist nature and his reluctance to use modern shortcuts that many contemporary artists employ.
“He’s not going to put it on tape, like 80% of the people that are out there taking your money. He will not be on tape, and he will not change the keys to the song. That’s just who he is. He’s like, ‘I’m an artist. I’m a singer. This is my band. I’ve been doing this for 50 years and if I can’t do it perfect, I can’t do it,’ and I respect that,” Sorum said.
Tyler’s decision to step back from touring comes in the wake of a fractured larynx he suffered in September 2023. This injury led to Aerosmith’s announcement of their retirement from touring in August 2024. The band acknowledged that a full recovery from Tyler’s vocal cord injury is not possible, adding a bittersweet note to their farewell tour plans.
“If he doesn’t sing correctly, it bothers him,” Sorum also said.
Despite these challenges, Tyler’s passion for performing remains undiminished. He recently took the stage at the Jam for Janie Grammy Awards Viewing Party, benefiting his charity Janie’s Fund. This appearance, only his second since the larynx injury, demonstrated that while full tours may be off the table, Tyler’s voice can still captivate audiences in more limited engagements.
While fans may mourn the end of Aerosmith’s touring era, there’s still hope for future performances from Tyler. Sorum suggested that occasional appearances, featuring a handful of songs, might be possible in the future.
