Amid his iconic career with Aerosmith, Steven Tyler has decided to step away from touring due to a severe larynx injury that has made full recovery unattainable.
Following an irreparable vocal injury, Aerosmith's Steven Tyler performed at a charity event, marking a poignant moment in his career but also signaling the end of his touring days, Fox News reported.
Last year, while performing on stage, Steven Tyler, known globally for his dynamic vocals and high-energy performances, suffered a significant injury to his larynx. This injury deeply affected his singing ability, prompting a quest for recovery under the guidance of top medical experts.
Despite relentless efforts to regain his vocal strength, the full recovery that Tyler and his fans hoped for proved elusive. Eventually, this led to a tough decision for the band. In August, Aerosmith announced that they would cease touring. This decision followed over five decades of celebrated performances worldwide.
However, Steven Tyler's love for music and commitment to charity led him back to the stage recently. He performed at the Jam for Janie Grammy Awards Viewing Party, an event supporting his initiative, Janie's Fund. This performance was not just for charity but also a test of his current vocal capabilities after his injury.
The charity event not only underscored Tyler's ongoing passion for music but also highlighted his physical limitations. According to Matt Sorum, former drummer for Guns N’ Roses, Tyler's performance at the event was impactful and tested his singing post-injury, but confirmed that touring was no longer a viable option for him.
Sorum has been vocal about Tyler's condition, reinforcing that the singer's inability to perform as before has permanently altered his ability to undertake a full tour. "It was a really big moment for him because he hurt himself bad," Sorum stated, marking the gravity of Tyler's performance comeback.
Further stressing the physical demands of touring, Sorum added, "Steven cannot put himself under the rigors of doing a full worldwide tour because it’s a lot of pressure and if you’re not a singer you wouldn’t understand what he goes through." At 77 years old, Tyler's perfectionism in his craft makes it hard for him to accept anything less than the best of himself.
Aerosmith released a statement last year, voiced by the group, expressing the emotional weight of their decision. "We have made a heartbreaking and difficult, but necessary, decision — as a band of brothers — to retire from the touring stage," they announced, acknowledging Tyler's role as a founding member and his unique vocal talent that could no longer meet its past standards.
Despite these challenges, Tyler remains committed to live performance standards. Sorum emphasized Tyler's refusal to lip-sync or adjust the original keys of Aerosmith's songs to suit his current vocal condition, which is common in the industry today. "He’s not going to put it on tape, like 80% of the people that are out there taking your money," Sorum remarked.
This stance is reflective of Tyler's overarching artistic integrity. "He’s like, ‘I’m an artist. I’m a singer. This is my band. I’ve been doing this for 50 years and if I can’t do it perfect, I can’t do it,'" Sorum shared, highlighting Tyler's uncompromising approach to his music and performances.
Despite the setback, the possibility of Tyler performing again, albeit not on a tour scale, remains open. Sorum mentioned, "And that was just one time. Maybe down the line, he’ll do it again and possibly do the same amount of songs, but it’s a lot of pressure for a guy like him."
The emotional impact of Tyler's recent performance was palpable among those close to him. Sorum mentioned his reaction: "So to have him on stage, I cried. It was just beautiful." This sentiment underscores the deep affection and respect Tyler commands in the music industry.
Consequently, it remains evident that while the curtain may have closed on Tyler's touring career with Aerosmith, his influence continues to resonate, and his dedication to both his craft and charitable causes stands undiminished. As Tyler came offstage at the charity event, euphoria was evident. "He was so happy that he was able to do it," noted Sorum, hinting at the emotional lift music continues to provide Tyler.
