Aerosmith cancels tour and retires from live performing in ‘heartbreaking’ move after Steven Tyler suffers vocal injury
AEROSMITH has canceled their farewell tour and retired from live shows just weeks before they were set to hit the road.
The rock band frontman’s vocal cords were left injured and bloody after a show in 2023, and he later learned that he fractured his larynx.
Aerosmith posted a statement on Instagram on Friday featuring the unfortunate news that there would be no future performances.
The band was due to set out on tour, playing 40 dates across the United States, in September.
“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,” the statement began.
“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.”
The band’s statement continued, “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.”
The iconic rock band concluded with, “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.”
Fans who bought tickets to upcoming Aerosmith shows via Ticketmaster will automatically be refunded.
Those who purchased from sites like SeatGeek, StubHub, and other resellers will have to contact those sellers for more information.
FAN HEARTBREAK
In the comments on the social media post, fans expressed their sadness over the band’s decision.
“Heartbreaking. One of my fav bands of all times!” one fan posted.
“My first Aerosmith tour was going to be their last…and now I don’t even get that. Rip,” commented a second.
“I’m saddened by this news. Aerosmith has always been a monster band, and I think I speak for everyone when I say godspeed Aerosmith. In the true words of Keith Richards, ‘It’s another goodbye to another good friend’,” penned a third fan.
You can’t shut him up – he can’t close that mouth
Mia Tyler
“This is heartbreaking but I can’t imagine how the guys feel. Thank you Aerosmith for being a pivotal part of my life! Your music got me through some serious s**t,” another comment read.
“Thanks for all Aerosmith,” gushed a fifth fan in the comments.
“Wow I can’t believe I saw one of your last ever shows last year. Peace out to my favorite band ever!!” posted someone else.
STEVEN’S SCARE
Steven, 76, suffered a vocal injury in late 2023, later learning that it was a fractured larynx which is far more serious than he initially believed.
He opened up about his road to recovery in February 2024 in an interview with People.
“My throat’s been better, but it is on the mend,” he told attendees at the 5th annual Jam for Janie Grammys viewing party.
“And out of all things, I’ve decided to take the advice not from my doctors, but from the girls at Janie’s house.”
Mia Tyler told People at the time that her father was doing “much better,” but noted that he was not following doctor’s orders.
“He’s not supposed to be talking sometimes, so I have to literally yell at him and be like, ‘You can’t be on the phone with me right now, let’s just text’,” she told the outlet.
“You can’t shut him up – he can’t close that mouth,” she joked.
Steven was injured during a September 2023 performance, after which Aerosmith postponed the remaining shows on their farewell tour.
“Unfortunately, Steven’s vocal injury is more serious than initially thought,” the band said in a statement online.
“His doctor has confirmed that in addition to the damage to his vocal cords, he fractured his larynx which requires ongoing care.”
Steven added a message of his own to the post, telling fans, “I am heartbroken to not be out there with Aerosmith, my brothers and the incredible Black Crowes, rocking with the best fans in the world. I promise we will be back as soon as we can!”
Months later, in November 2023, he assured fans his “THROATS ON THE MEND.”
