In a significant and emotional announcement, Aerosmith, the legendary rock band behind iconic hits like “I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing,” “Dream On,” and “Walk This Way,” revealed Friday that they will be retiring from touring. The decision comes in response to irreversible damage to lead singer Steven Tyler’s vocal cords.
The band released a statement detailing that Tyler has been unable to fully recover from an injury sustained during their “Peace Out: The Farewell Tour” last September. Despite extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation, the damage to Tyler’s vocal cords appears to be permanent.
The statement read: “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.”
Steven Tyler’s distinctive voice has been a defining element of Aerosmith’s sound since the band’s inception in 1970. His powerful vocals have been central to the success of numerous hits, including “Love in an Elevator,” “Livin’ on the Edge,” and “Sweet Emotion.”
The injury occurred during a performance on what was intended to be the band’s final tour. Initially, Tyler had expressed optimism for a swift recovery, noting on Instagram that while the injury involved bleeding, he hoped to resume performing after postponing a few shows. However, the extent of the damage has proven more severe than anticipated.
The band underscored the critical role of Tyler’s voice in their live performances, stating: “We’ve always aimed to blow your minds when performing. As you know, Steven’s voice is an instrument like no other.”
Aerosmith, featuring Tyler along with Joe Perry, Brad Whitford, Tom Hamilton, and Joey Kramer, has left an indelible mark on rock music. The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees and four-time Grammy winners have sold over 150 million records globally.
In their statement, the band expressed deep gratitude to their fans: “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 both grand and private, you have given us a place in the soundtrack of your lives.”
While the band will no longer tour, it remains uncertain whether they will continue to record new music or engage in other non-touring activities.
