Steven Tyler is many things: One of the greatest frontmen of all time, a poet and, it bears mentioning, one of the wackiest dudes to ever walk the Earth. All of that combined is what makes the Demon of Screamin’ so iconic and so beloved.
With that in mind, it also makes the recent news of Aerosmith having to retire from touring all the more of a gut-punch.
On August 2, the band issued a statement announcing the cancelation of their farewell tour. The band issued the following statement:
“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.”
It’s devastating that Aerosmith won’t be able to go out on their own terms. They more than deserved that after being active for over 50 years. While they may not have gotten the ending they wanted, there will always be the music. In the case of Tyler, there will also be his wacky one-liners. Here’s a look back on ten quotes attributed to the Aerosmith frontman ranging from hilarious to poignant and everywhere in between.
