Rock legends Aerosmith have officially announced their retirement from touring, a decision stemming from frontman Steven Tyler’s serious vocal injuries. This marks the end of their remarkable five-decade journey filled with unforgettable performances and musical evolution.
On a recent Friday, Aerosmith shared the news via their official website and X (formerly Twitter). The statement emphasized the uniqueness of Tyler’s voice and the challenges he’s faced in recovering it: “Despite months of effort and top-notch medical care, his full recovery has now been deemed impossible,” they wrote.
The band described the choice to retire from touring as “heartbreaking and difficult but necessary,” reflecting their strong bond as a close-knit group.
This announcement follows a series of postponed dates on their “Peace Out” farewell tour, which was initially affected by Tyler’s vocal cord injury sustained during a live performance on September 10. This injury resulted in significant bleeding and damage.
Tyler, 75, expressed his disappointment in an Instagram post, stating, “Following the doctor’s strict orders, I must not sing for the next 30 days to hopefully heal. This injury has forced us to postpone upcoming shows, and we hope to reschedule them to deliver the performances our fans deserve.”
Complications arose as Tyler’s condition was later revealed to be more severe than initially assessed, with doctors diagnosing him with a fractured larynx in addition to vocal cord damage, necessitating ongoing medical treatment.
Understanding Laryngeal Fractures
A laryngeal fracture is a serious injury to the voice box, located in the center of the neck. This structure is crucial for sound production, breathing, and preventing food from entering the windpipe. Dr. Joel E. Portnoy, a laryngologist at ENT and Allergy Associates, highlighted the rarity and severity of such injuries.
“Once the laryngeal cartilage ossifies into bone around age 30, it becomes vulnerable to fractures, which can be life-threatening if not treated promptly,” he explained.
Symptoms of a laryngeal fracture may include hoarseness, neck pain, difficulty breathing, and even loss of voice, making immediate medical attention critical. “While most laryngeal fractures can be managed with rest and medication, severe cases might require surgical intervention,” Dr. Portnoy noted.
For singers like Tyler, the impact of such an injury is profound, potentially leading to permanent changes in voice quality or the inability to perform vocally, highlighting the need for careful voice management and preventive measures.
Aerosmith’s announcement has reverberated throughout the music community, serving as a reminder of the physical demands and risks associated with live performances and extensive touring.
In their parting message to fans, Aerosmith promised to seek new ways to connect with their audience outside the touring circuit. As the music world reflects on the band’s monumental influence over the past fifty years, this announcement signifies the end of an era as Aerosmith takes their final bow from the stage.
Steven and Aerosmith have been a part of my life musically since 1973 when I discovered them at 13! I’ve had a huge crush on Steven all these years and now I’m 64. It’s so hard to say goodbye to Aerosmith, I was at one of the last shows in Philly thankfully!! I surely hope to see all the band carry on the music and I know Steven will keep himself busy and maybe some day I might get to meet my crush!!🩷💙💜🩷
Steven Tyler, you’re in my prayers, remember Chit Chat. You were so helpful to me, I will keep you in my thoughts for a Full Recovery.
🙏🙏🙏♥️♥️♥️