Former Guns N? Roses drummer Matt Sorum has firmly rejected the notion that Aerosmith’s iconic frontman Steven Tyler will make a comeback to the touring circuit anytime soon. Sorum’s remarks come in light of Tyler’s recent stage appearance, which has sparked discussions about his future in live performances.
Sorum?s statements coincided with Tyler?s return to the stage during his sixth annual Jam for Janie Grammy Awards Viewing Party. With Sorum serving as the Musical Director, the event marked a significant moment as it was only the second time Tyler performed live since suffering a vocal injury in 2023 that disrupted Aerosmith?s tour plans. This performance was particularly poignant as it followed the band?s announcement of their retirement from touring in August 2024, making it a significant milestone for Tyler and his fans.
At the event, Tyler shared the stage with Extreme?s Nuno Bettencourt, delivering renditions of popular songs by Extreme and Led Zeppelin, along with four classic Aerosmith hits. He was joined by notable artists, including Mick Fleetwood, Lainey Wilson, Chris Robinson of the Black Crowes, Jessie J, and Aerosmith bassist Tom Hamilton. Despite the enthusiastic reception from the audience, Sorum expressed his concerns during an interview with Joe Rock on Long Island radio station WBAB (via Blabbermouth), stating that the intense pressure associated with global touring would likely deter Tyler from embarking on extensive tours again.
?Some fans were surprised, thinking, ?Wow, he can still sing!? Let me clarify what?s happening with Steven Tyler, as he?s a close friend of mine,? Sorum shared. ?His recent performance was a significant moment for him, especially after the serious injury he sustained. However, is he planning to tour again? The answer is no. I?ve explained this to many people. The reality is that Steven cannot endure the intense demands of a full-worldwide tour due to the immense pressure that comes with it.?
?And for those who might not grasp what a singer endures, it?s important to note that he?s 77 years old and a true perfectionist. If he feels he?s not delivering a perfect performance, it weighs heavily on him. Unlike many artists today who rely on backing tracks, he refuses to compromise his art and will not alter the keys of his songs. That?s simply not who he is. He says, ?I?m an artist. I?m a singer. This is my band. I?ve been dedicated to this for 50 years, and if I can?t perform it flawlessly, then I won?t do it at all.? I have immense respect for that stance.?
?I?ve had multiple discussions with him about this topic,? Sorum continued. ?I suggested he could perform just four or five songs at a time. He agreed that he could manage that. This recent performance might be a one-off, but perhaps in the future, we could see him doing the same amount of songs again.?
Initially, there were rumors surrounding Tyler?s recent live appearance, suggesting it might lead to an Aerosmith reunion. If that were true, it would have been the band?s first live performance since September 2023, which adds an additional layer of speculation and excitement for fans.
While performing in Elmont, NY, on September 9 of that year, Tyler suffered a fractured larynx, which led to the postponement of several shows on their Peace Out tour. Ultimately, those shows were entirely canceled when the band announced their retirement from touring in August 2024, leaving fans with mixed feelings about the band’s future.
In January, Tom Hamilton provided an update on Tyler?s health during an interview with Boston?s WBUR. He mentioned the possibility of future Aerosmith activities but cautioned, ?It?s a big if. I want to make it clear that I don?t want to pressure Steven into anything. If we do anything in the future, it will have to come from him.? This leaves fans hopeful yet uncertain about what lies ahead for the legendary rock band.
