Aerosmith is an American rock band, sometimes referred to as “the Bad Boys from Boston” and “America’s Greatest Rock and Roll Band”….whose style, which is rooted in blues-based hard rock….which came to also incorporate elements of pop rock, heavy metal and rhythm and blues….while inspiring many subsequent rock artists.
They were formed in Boston, Massachusetts in 1970 when guitarist Joe Perry and bassist Tom Hamilton, originally in a band together called the Jam Band, met up with vocalist Steven Tyler, drummer Joey Kramer, and guitarist Ray Tabano….and formed Aerosmith. In 1971, Tabano was replaced by Brad Whitford….and the band began developing a following in Boston…..as seen in this video herewith.
They were signed to Columbia Records in 1972…..and released a string of gold and platinum albums beginning with their 1973 eponymous debut album….followed by Get Your Wings in 1974….when In 1975, the band broke into the mainstream with the album Toys in the Attic….and their 1976 follow-up Rocks cemented their status as hard rock superstars. Draw the Line and Night in the Ruts followed in 1977 and 1979 respectively. Their first five albums have since attained multi-platinum status.
Throughout the 1970’s, the band toured extensively and charted a dozen Billboard Hot 100 singles….including their first Top 40 hit and signature classic “Sweet Emotion” ….and the Top 10 hits “Dream On” and “Walk This Way”. By the end of the decade, they were among the most popular hard rock bands in the world and developed a loyal following of fans….who were often referred to as the “Blue Army”.
However, drug addiction and internal conflict took their toll on the band….which led to the departures of Perry and Whitford in 1979 and 1981, respectively….after which they were replaced by Jimmy Crespo and Rick Dufay. The band did not fare well between 1980 and 1984, releasing the album Rock in a Hard Place, which was certified gold but failed to match their previous successes….then Perry and Whitford returned to Aerosmith in 1984….and the band signed a new deal with Geffen Records….when after a comeback tour, the band recorded Done with Mirrors (1985)….which won some critical praise but failed to come close to commercial expectations. It was not until the band’s collaboration with rap group Run–D.M.C. in 1986 and the 1987 multi-platinum release, Permanent Vacation, that they regained the level of popularity they had experienced in the 1970’s.In the late 1980’s and 1990’s, the band scored several Top 40 hits and won numerous awards for music from the multi-platinum albums, Pump (1989), Get a Grip (1993) and Nine Lives (1997)….when they embarked on their most extensive concert tours to date.
After 49 years of performing, the band continues to tour and record music, but is embarking on a farewell tour that will likely last several years….as they will be performing at a residency in Las Vegas in 2019.
Aerosmith is the best-selling American hard rock band of all time….having sold more than 150 million records worldwide….including over 70 million records in the United States alone. With 25 gold albums, 18 platinum albums and 12 multi-platinum albums….they hold the record for the most total certifications by an American band….and are tied for the most multi-platinum albums by an American band. The band has scored twenty-one Top 40 hits on the Billboard Hot 100….nine # 1 Mainstream Rock hits….four Grammy Awards….six American Music Awards….and ten MTV Video Music Awards. They were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2001….and were included among both Rolling Stone‘s and VH1’s lists of the 100 Greatest Artists of All Time at # 57 and # 30 respectively. In 2013, the band’s principal songwriters, Tyler and Perry, were inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame….and in 2019, the band will receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
