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Band Timeline

1970

Formation of Aerosmith in Boston

Aerosmith was formed in Boston in 1970 by lead vocalist Steven Tyler, bassist Tom Hamilton, drummer Joey Kramer, and guitarists Joe Perry and Brad Whitford. Originating from earlier projects including the Jam Band, the group solidified its classic lineup with Whitford replacing Ray Tabano in 1971. Their music is rooted in blues-based hard rock, blending elements of pop rock, heavy metal, glam metal, and rhythm and blues. This foundation set the stage for one of America's most iconic rock bands.
1973-1974

Early Albums and Establishing a Sound

The band launched their career with their self-titled debut album in 1973, followed by 'Get Your Wings' in 1974. These albums displayed their signature hard rock and blues-infused style. Although not instant commercial juggernauts, these records began earning the band attention and a solid fan base. Their energetic performances and songwriting partnership of Tyler and Perry (known as the "Toxic Twins") became a hallmark of their early identity.
1975-1976

Breakthrough with 'Toys in the Attic' and 'Rocks'

Aerosmith reached mainstream success with the release of 'Toys in the Attic' in 1975, featuring hits like "Sweet Emotion" and "Walk This Way." Their 1976 follow-up 'Rocks' further cemented their status with hits and critical acclaim. These albums made Aerosmith one of the most popular hard rock bands worldwide, earning dedicated fans known as the "Blue Army." Their dynamic, high-energy sound and relentless touring helped build their legendary reputation.
1977-1979

Success Amid Internal Strife

Following their commercial peak, Aerosmith released 'Draw the Line' in 1977 and 'Night in the Ruts' in 1979. Despite continuing success, escalating issues with drug addiction and interpersonal tensions began to fracture the band. Joe Perry departed in 1979 due to these conflicts, which affected their creative output and cohesion. Brad Whitford would also leave later, intensifying challenges to the band's stability.
1982

Low Point and 'Rock in a Hard Place'

'Rock in a Hard Place' was released in 1982 during a turbulent era without Perry and Whitford. The album failed to match Aerosmith’s earlier successes and was met with mixed reviews. The band’s popularity waned as internal issues persisted. This period is often viewed as a nadir in their career, marked by uncertainty about the band’s future and diminished commercial performance.
1984-1986

Reunion and Resurgence

Joe Perry and Brad Whitford reunited with Aerosmith in 1984, revitalizing the band’s classic lineup. Their 1985 album, 'Done with Mirrors,' signaled a return but modest commercial impact. The pivotal moment came in 1986 with their collaboration with rap group Run-D.M.C. on a remake of "Walk This Way," which bridged rock and hip hop and introduced Aerosmith to a renewed audience, reigniting their career and paving the way for future success.
1987-1997

Commercial Peak with Multi-Platinum Albums

Aerosmith experienced a dramatic commercial resurgence with albums such as 'Permanent Vacation' (1987), 'Pump' (1989), 'Get a Grip' (1993), and 'Nine Lives' (1997). They produced a series of hits like "Dude (Looks Like a Lady)," "Angel," "Janie’s Got a Gun," and "Crazy," earning multi-platinum sales and multiple awards. Their widespread touring during this period was among their heaviest, and they expanded their cultural impact with prolific music videos and media appearances.
1998-1999

First Number-One Hit and Cultural Expansion

In 1998, Aerosmith scored their first number-one single with "I Don't Want to Miss a Thing," featured on the 'Armageddon' movie soundtrack. The following year, the band’s cultural reach extended with the debut of their roller coaster attraction at Walt Disney World. This period underscored Aerosmith’s crossover appeal beyond music, solidifying their legacy and introducing them to new audiences in entertainment and theme park realms.
2001-2012

Later Albums and Ventures into Gaming

Aerosmith continued to release albums including 'Just Push Play' (2001) with hits like "Jaded," the blues cover album 'Honkin' on Bobo' (2004), and 'Music from Another Dimension!' (2012). In 2008, they ventured into gaming with 'Guitar Hero: Aerosmith,' becoming the best-selling band-centric video game. These activities highlighted the band's enduring musical creativity and adaptability to evolving entertainment landscapes, maintaining their relevance in the 21st century.
2019-2024

Las Vegas Residency and Touring Retirement

From 2019 to 2022, Aerosmith held a concert residency in Las Vegas. This was interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic but resumed afterward. In 2023, during the third date of their farewell tour, Steven Tyler suffered a vocal injury, which ultimately led to the band retiring from touring in 2024. Despite retiring from live performances, the members have not ruled out recording new music or occasional performances, marking a significant milestone in their storied career.
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Members

Current

Name
Begin
Occupation

Joe Perry

1984

Background vocals

Guitar

Tom Hamilton

1970

Bass guitar

Steven Tyler

1970

Piano

Lead vocals

Harmonica

Joey Kramer

1970

Percussion

Tom Hamilton

1970

Background vocals

Joey Kramer

1970

Drums (drum set)

Brad Whitford

1984

Background vocals

Steven Tyler

1970

Percussion

Brad Whitford

1984

Guitar

History

Name
Begin
End
Occupation

Jimmy Crespo

1979
1984

Background vocals

Guitar

Joe Perry

1970
1979

Guitar

Background vocals

Rick Dufay

1981
1984

Guitar

Ray Tabano

1970
1971

Guitar

Brad Whitford

1971
1981

Background vocals

Brad Whitford

1971
1981

Guitar

Story of Aerosmith

Aerosmith: From Boston Streets to Rock Royalty

Born in the gritty streets of Boston in 1970, Aerosmith exploded onto the scene with a raw, blues-soaked sound that would redefine rock 'n' roll. The band, featuring the powerhouse vocals of Steven Tyler, the searing guitar of Joe Perry, the rhythmic backbone of Tom Hamilton, the thunderous drums of Joey Kramer, and the slick guitar work of Brad Whitford, were a force of nature.

Their music wasn't just hard rock, it was a potent cocktail - a blend of bluesy grit, pop sensibility, heavy metal swagger, a touch of glam, and a whole lot of rhythm and blues. Aerosmith's influence on generations of rock artists is undeniable, their legacy cemented by countless awards, accolades, and a devoted fanbase that dubbed them "the Bad Boys from Boston" and, more recently, "America's Greatest Rock and Roll Band."

The creative fire behind Aerosmith's music is the songwriting partnership of Tyler and Perry, affectionately known as the "Toxic Twins." Their synergy sparked their first self-titled album in 1973, followed by the equally powerful Get Your Wings in 1974. But it was Toys in the Attic (1975) and Rocks (1976) that truly catapulted them to rock stardom. Draw the Line (1977) and Night in the Ruts (1979) solidified their position as rock royalty.

The 70s saw Aerosmith become a live phenomenon, dominating stages across the globe. They churned out a string of chart-topping singles, including their first Top 40 hit, "Sweet Emotion," and the iconic Top 10 hits, "Dream On" and "Walk This Way." From those humble Boston beginnings, Aerosmith became a global force, their music a timeless testament to the power and passion of rock and roll.

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