Steven Tyler will not be touring again, to the disappointment of fans, as his friend confirmed in an interview with WBAB last week. Matt Sorum, former Guns N’ Roses drummer and friend of Tyler, 77, provided an update on the Aerosmith frontman. This news follows Tyler’s performance at his Jam for Janie Grammy Awards Viewing Party in Los Angeles on February 2nd, where he sang Aerosmith hits alongside other musicians.
The event was a benefit for Janie’s Fund, supporting girls who have experienced abuse and neglect. Sorum, 64, mentioned that after fans saw Tyler still able to perform, he felt the need to clarify the situation with the classic rock icon. “It was a really big moment for him because he hurt himself bad,” Sorum said.
Steven Tyler's Friend Shares Health Update After Aerosmith Tour News: 'He Hurt Himself Bad'
Sorum continued: ""Now, is he gonna tour again? No, he’s not. Because, and I explained this to people, Steven cannot put himself under the rigors of doing a full worldwide tour because there’s a lot of pressure." He went on, regarding the "Sweet Emotion" crooner: "And if you’re not a singer, you wouldn’t understand what he goes through, but he’s 77 years old and he’s a perfectionist."
The drummer noted: "And if he doesn’t sing correctly, it bothers him." Sorum mentioned that the "I Don't Want to Miss a Thing" vocalist would neither record his voice as it is now nor adjust the keys to match the music more harmoniously. "That’s just who he is. 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.' And I respect that."
Tyler's pal also shared: "I talked to him about it multiple times. I said, ‘So, just sing four or five songs tops.’ He says, ‘I can do that.’ And that was just one time. Maybe down the line, he’ll do it again and possibly do the same amount of songs. It's a lot of pressure for a guy like him."
In August of 2024, Tyler and Aerosmith revealed that they would be stepping away from touring. This decision came after the father of five suffered a serious injury to his larynx while performing on stage in September 2023. This unfortunate incident forced the band to delay their much-anticipated farewell tour.
Aeromsith revealed in an Instagram statement: "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."
The classic rock band continued: "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."
The Grammys party marked Tyler's second live performance since his injury. In May 2024, he made an unexpected appearance with the Black Crowes in London, delighting the audience with a rendition of Aerosmith's 1973 hit, "Mama Kin."
