One of the greatest American rock and roll bands has called it a day – in terms of hitting the road at least. Less than two months before their “Peace Out: The Farwell Tour” was scheduled to resume in Pittsburgh, and 11 months to the day from when it originally kicked off at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Aerosmith made the announcement it was all over due to the issues singer Steven Tyler is facing.
“As you know, Steven’s voice is an instrument like no other,” the band revealed in a statement. “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.”
It was just over a year ago when Aerosmith began what was to be their final tour. Following a critically acclaimed opening date, the wheels fell off only three gigs in. Tyler sustained damage to his vocal cords, and the trek was suspended first for 30 days and then to 2024. This April saw 39 brand new shows announced, including another Philly stop Sept. 23. That show and all the rest, including what was to have been a New Year’s Eve finale in the band’s hometown of Boston, were scuttled.
“We are grateful beyond words for everyone who was pumped to get on the road with us one last time,” the group said. “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.”
Reaction throughout the music landscape was swift, with many fellow rock and rollers paying homage to the band who got their start in 1970 and set the bar for wild and debaucherous behavior, bitter infighting, substance abuse, and subsequent recovery. Along the way, Aerosmith delivered some true landmark albums, among them Get Your Wings, Toys in the Attic, Rocks and Pump.
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“Lyrically, musically, rhythmically, and especially with those monster songs, Aerosmith was unparalleled,” said Motley Crue’s Nikki Sixx. “Their entire catalog is outstanding, but those first five albums were the holy grail for a young, future Nikki Sixx.”
“This has brought a tear to my eye,” Queen’s guitarist Brian May wrote. “Aerosmith have been a huge part of my life, as they have been for millions of other rock fans. Steve Tyler stands as one the greatest vocalists and frontmen of all time – and it’s heartbreaking that his extraordinary voice has been so damaged. All things must pass – but the inspiring work of Aerosmith will live on – along with the memories of truly one of the most awesome bands to ever hit a stage.”
“Their energy, talent, and passion for music have always been an inspiration to us and countless others,” said New Jersey rockers Skid Row in a collective statement.
Sammy Hagar, currently leaning into his time in Van Halen on the “Best of All Worlds Tour,” spoke from the stage in Michigan the night the news broke. He spoke of how they were competitors during his time fronting VH, and that Tyler bowing out gracefully was to be commended.
“It’s a sad thing, but honest to God, my hat goes off to one of the greatest rock and roll singers of all time, Mister Steven Tyler, for saying, ‘I can’t sing anymore. I quit,’” Hagar said. “That’s [expletive] honorable. The day I can’t sing anymore, I will [expletive] do the same thing. And that’s what a lot of other [expletives] should have did a long time ago.”
One of the bands most affected by the news was The Black Crowes. Not only did Aerosmith take them out on one of their first big tours, but the Southern rockers were slated as support for the farewell tour.
“We are shocked and saddened by this news from earlier today,” brothers Chris and Rich Robinson said in a statement. “Nothing but love and respect to our friends in Aerosmith. Heartfelt thanks for all of the incredible memories.” Another group to who Aerosmith provided an opening slot at their outset was Guns N’ Roses, and guitarist Slash posted on social media, “Just wanted to take a moment to thank Aerosmith for everything. Without this band, none of this would have been possible.”
A version of this article appears in this week’s print and online editions of my syndicated Rock Music Menu column under the title “Aerosmith pulls off the road for good; band thankful for fans“
The Chronicles of Michael Christopher 
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