The iconic rock band Aerosmith has announced an end to their touring days following lead singer Steven Tyler's severe vocal injury.
After nearly 50 years of performances, Aerosmith will retire from touring due to Steven Tyler's ongoing struggle with a vocal injury that cannot fully heal, People reported.
In September 2023, during a live performance, Steven Tyler sustained a larynx fracture, an injury that has profoundly affected his distinctive singing voice. Despite immediate medical attention and subsequent treatment, Tyler, aged 76, has faced immense challenges in regaining his vocal capabilities.
The band revealed through a heartfelt statement that despite having access to top medical experts and Tyler's relentless effort to restore his voice, a complete recovery was deemed unachievable. This revelation has been a significant factor in their decision to cease touring.
"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," shared the band in their statement.
The decision to retire from touring was described by the band as heartbreaking but necessary, emphasizing the familial bond among the members and their collective heartache over the situation. "We have made a heartbreaking and difficult, but necessary, decision - as a band of brothers - to retire from the touring stage," the band stated.
This announcement came nearly a year after Tyler's larynx injury, indicating the time the band took to evaluate their future and Tyler's health progress.
A significant portion of Aerosmith's announcement was dedicated to thanking their fans, who have supported them through decades of rock music. "Thanks to you, our Blue Army, that spark caught flame and has been burning for over five decades," they said, appreciating the loyalty and passion of their fanbase.
"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 continued, highlighting the deep connection they've forged with their audience over the years.
The band also expressed their gratitude towards the fans eagerly waiting to join them on their last tour, acknowledging how much those plans meant to the supporters.
Earlier in February, Tyler's daughter, Mia, in an interview with PEOPLE, hinted at her father's health issues post-injury, stating that he was doing "much better" but was not fully compliant with medical advice to rest his voice. "He's not supposed to be talking sometimes, so I have to yell at him and be like, 'You can't be on the phone with me right now, let's just text,'" she shared.
Her comments pointed towards Tyler's nature of being talkative and active, further complicating his recovery. She humorously added, "You can't shut him up — he can't close that mouth," but reassured that he was "very healthy" despite the vocal challenges.
Aerosmith's September 9, 2023, performance at UBS Arena in Elmont, New York, captured by Kevin Mazur, might be one of their last live shows. Despite their characteristic energy, the performance highlighted Tyler's serious condition following his injury.
With no further performances planned, the band approaches a significant shift, marking the end of an era of electrifying live rock shows and a quiet farewell.
This moment in music history signifies the end of touring for an iconic band that redefined genres and influenced countless artists. Aerosmith's music, performance style, and persistence will leave an indelible legacy in the world of rock.
