Aerosmith has announced their retirement from touring, marking the end of an era for the legendary rockers. The band had initiated their “Peace Out” farewell tour last September, but most dates were postponed following a vocal cord injury sustained by 76-year-old frontman Steven Tyler during a performance.
In a heartfelt statement released earlier today on social media, Aerosmith addressed their fans: “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.”
The rescheduled “Peace Out” tour was set to start on September 20 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, with special guests The Black Crowes. Tickets for the remaining dates will be refunded through Ticketmaster. Fans who purchased tickets through third-party resellers like StubHub or SeatGeek can obtain refunds through those vendors.
Since their founding in 1970, Aerosmith has sold over 150 million albums worldwide and produced classic music videos such as “Amazing,” “Crazy,” “Janie’s Got A Gun,” “Livin’ On The Edge,” and “Love In An Elevator.” The band has undertaken numerous record-breaking global tours, including their highly successful Las Vegas residency. Aerosmith also made history with the first major hip-hop collaboration with Run DMC on “Walk This Way” and was the first hard rock band to perform at a Super Bowl Halftime Show in 2001. In 1999, they became the first band to have their own themed attraction at Disney World with the Rock ‘N’ Roller Coaster starring Aerosmith.
Aerosmith‘s influence extends beyond music, appearing in films, TV shows, and video games, and inspiring generations of rock bands with their style and musical prowess. In 2020, MusiCares named Aerosmith Person Of The Year for their artistic achievements and philanthropic efforts, including Steven Tyler‘s Janie’s Fund, which supports abused and neglected young women.
The band was inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame in 2001 and holds the record for the most RIAA certifications by an American group, with 25 gold, 18 platinum, 12 multi-platinum, and one diamond album. In honor of their Boston roots, April 13, 2020, was declared “Aerosmith Day” in Massachusetts by former governor William Weld.
This announcement marks a poignant and bittersweet moment for Aerosmith fans worldwide, as the band bids farewell to touring after more than five decades of rocking the stage.
