Aerosmith announce retirement from touring because of singer Steven Tyler's vocal injury

The US rock band, known for hits including Dream On, Dude (Looks Like A Lady) and Walk This Way, cancelled dates on their farewell tour last September due to Tyler needing “ongoing care” for damage to his vocal cords and a fractured larynx.

“As you know, Steven’s voice is an instrument like no other,” the band said in a statement on X. “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.”

Last year, the band said that the 76-year-old Tyler’s vocal injury was “more serious than initially thought” as they cancelled tour dates.

The group, which includes Joe Perry, Tom Hamilton, Joey Kramer and Brad Whitford, said it has been “the honour of our lives to have our music become part of yours”.

“It was 1970 when a spark of inspiration became Aerosmith,” the statement said. “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.”

The band said they were “grateful beyond words” for those who were set to see them on their farewell tour.

“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,” the statement added.