Aerosmith

Aerosmith formed in 1970 in Boston, Massachusetts, when vocalist Steven Tyler and guitarist Joe Perry met at a Sunapee, New Hampshire ice cream shop. They joined with bassist Tom Hamilton, guitarist Ray Tabano (later replaced by Brad Whitford), and drummer Joey Kramer to create a blues-rock sound inspired by the Rolling Stones and the Yardbirds. Their self-titled debut album (1973) and follow-up Get Your Wings (1974) established a loyal following, but it was Toys in the Attic (1975) that broke them into the mainstream, featuring hits like “Walk This Way” and “Sweet Emotion.”¹

The late 1970s saw Aerosmith at their commercial peak with albums like Rocks (1976) and Draw the Line (1977), but internal tensions and heavy drug use led to the departures of Perry and Whitford in 1979 and 1981, respectively. The band continued with replacements, releasing Rock in a Hard Place (1982), but struggled critically and commercially. The original lineup reunited in 1984, and their 1985 comeback album Done with Mirrors was modest, but a 1986 collaboration with Run-D.M.C. on a remake of “Walk This Way” revitalized their career, bridging rock and hip-hop and introducing them to a new generation.²

With sobriety and a renewed focus, Aerosmith achieved unprecedented success in the late 1980s and 1990s. Permanent Vacation (1987), Pump (1989), and Get a Grip (1993) each sold millions, propelled by power ballads like “Angel,” “Janie’s Got a Gun,” and “I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing.” The latter, from the film Armageddon (1998), became their only number-one single on the Billboard Hot 100. They also won four Grammy Awards, including Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal for “Janie’s Got a Gun” and “Livin’ on the Edge.”

In the 2000s and 2010s, Aerosmith continued to tour and release albums, including Just Push Play (2001) and Music from Another Dimension! (2012), their last studio album to date. They have sold over 150 million records worldwide, making them one of the best-selling rock bands in history. Their influence is vast, cited by bands like Guns N’ Roses and Metallica. In 2001, they were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and in 2020 they received the Kennedy Center Honors. Despite lineup changes and health issues, they remain an iconic act, with a residency in Las Vegas ongoing.³

Beyond the hits, Aerosmith has several lesser-known facets. Their 1975 song “Walk This Way” was originally inspired by a line from the film Young Frankenstein, and the guitar riff was famously sampled by Run-D.M.C. without permission, leading to a legal settlement and a collaborative performance. The band’s early lineup included a brief stint by guitarist Ray Tabano, who later became their merchandise manager. Steven Tyler’s stage name was originally “Steven Tallarico,” and he played drums on some early demos. The band also holds the record for the longest-running American rock band to have its original members (though with interruptions).⁴

Blues-based hard rock

A subgenre of rock music that combines elements of blues rock and hard rock, characterized by heavy guitar riffs and a strong rhythm section.

Power ballad

A slow, emotional rock song, often featuring dramatic vocals and orchestration, typically dealing with themes of love and loss.

Residency

A series of concert performances by an artist at a single venue, often in Las Vegas, over an extended period.