Aerosmith Officially Cancels Tour as Steven Tyler’s Vocal Recovery Is Not Possible
Aerosmith has now confirmed the cancellation of their tour due to 76-year-old singer Steven Tyler’s vocal problems. They also announced their retirement from touring with a lengthy statement. It reads, “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.”
The band continues, “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.”
Kevin Winter/Getty Images for The Recording Academy
Before the announcement, Aerosmith previously postponed all 2023 and 2024 shows on their tour after singer Steven Tyler developed some throat and vocal problems. The singer, known for his impressive vocals, already once lost his ability to sing in 2006 when he blew a blood vessel in his throat. This time, he sustained vocal damage that caused some bleeding.
The band confirmed on social media that his injuries are “more serious than initially thought.” Tyler’s doctor “confirmed that in addition to the damage to his vocal cords, he fractured his larynx which requires ongoing care. He is receiving the best medical treatment available to ensure his recovery is swift, but given the nature of a fracture, he is being told patience is essential.”
Leon Bennett/Getty Images for Janie’s Fund
Surgeon Dr. Steven Zeitels explained what happened to Tyler and many other singers including Adele and Julie Andrews. He said, “Bleeding is very common, that was something Steven Tyler had, Adele had, Sam [Smith] had, Lionel had. I developed a newer approach about seven years ago with a specialized laser, which is also for cancer, which can stop the vocal bleeding and not burn the vocal cord at all — to the point that it can actually function better. Previously, it would cauterize them, and it would stiffen the cord. I think that changed the game: you have a precise way so singers didn’t have to be fearful that their voice would be ruined by treating the bleeding.”
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In the past, surgery came with a lot more side effects and potential issues, but with this new procedure, singers reportedly have a lot less to fear. Tyler was one of the very first patients to receive the surgery, called phonosurgery, in 2006. Andrews had phonomicrosurgery after sustaining permanent damage to her range after a different surgery in 1997. This helped to recover some of her voice and range.
For fans who already purchased tickets for the tour, they will be refunded within 30 days.
Oh What A Year: 1980
January 2020
Take a look back at our retrospect of the year 1980 where we celebrate the hottest in movies, music and TV.
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