Aerosmith After the Farewell: 10 Key Moments Leading to Their Big Reunion Concert

Aerosmith is poised to return to the stage after a significant hiatus, with two highly anticipated “Aerosmith & Friends” concerts scheduled at the Hollywood Bowl. These shows will feature an impressive roster of guest artists including Guns N’ Roses, Run-D.M.C., the Black Crowes, Billy Idol, Heart, Sammy Hagar, and Tom Morello, marking a notable event in the band’s ongoing narrative.

The forthcoming performances represent Aerosmith’s first live appearances together since their farewell tour abruptly ended in 2023. Rehearsal images shared on social media reveal the classic lineup reunited on stage, with drummer Joey Kramer joining for the first time since early 2020. Despite excitement, details about the setlist, Steven Tyler’s vocal recovery from a larynx injury, and the future of the band beyond these concerts remain scarce.

The band’s interrupted Peace Out…Farewell Tour included a September 9, 2023, show at UBS Arena in New York, where Tyler sustained the injury that ultimately forced the tour's cancellation. Although some fans have scrutinized recordings from that night without clear evidence of the injury, Tyler’s account has been accepted as fact. This incident effectively closed a major chapter for Aerosmith, bringing their planned extended farewell tour to an unexpected halt.

Following the tour’s end, bassist Tom Hamilton stepped into new territory, forming the group Close Enemies. This project involved musicians Peter Stroud, Trace Foster, Tony Brock, and Chasen Hampton and allowed Hamilton to continue performing, often featuring Aerosmith’s “Sweet Emotion” to connect with longtime fans.

Steven Tyler remained largely out of the public eye during much of 2024, presumably focusing on recovery and addressing ongoing legal matters unrelated to the band. His return to live performance came in early 2025, at Janie’s Fund’s Grammys Viewing Party, where he performed alongside a group of seasoned musicians and special guests. His vocal form during this event suggested a positive trajectory in regaining his signature sound.

Tyler’s subsequent appearances included a February 2025 charity event in San Francisco, notable for the first public performance with guitarist Joe Perry since the farewell tour’s cessation. This reunion hinted at reconciliation and fuelled speculation about a possible return to collaborative performances.

In parallel, Tyler expanded his stage presence beyond intimate charity shows, joining a high-profile tribute to Ozzy Osbourne in Birmingham, England. Performing before a large stadium audience and a global broadcast, Tyler showcased his enduring energy and vocal ability alongside renowned musicians, reinforcing his status as a formidable live performer despite recent setbacks.

Meanwhile, Joe Perry revitalized his own project, assembling a lineup that included Aerosmith’s Brad Whitford and other prominent rock figures. Their 2025 theater tour, blending Aerosmith classics with other rock influences, offered fans a glimpse of Perry’s continued creative vitality. The collaboration culminated in a surprise appearance by Steven Tyler at the tour’s final show in Los Angeles, delivering a powerful reminder of the band’s chemistry.

Amid these live performances, Aerosmith ventured into new recorded collaborations. In late 2025, they released the EP One More Time with artist Yungblud, introducing fresh material alongside a remix of “Back in the Saddle.” While not a commercial blockbuster, the project charted internationally and signaled the band’s intent to remain creatively active.

Steven Tyler’s ongoing engagement with Janie’s Fund benefits, including a 2026 show at the Hollywood Palladium featuring notable musicians, maintained his visibility leading up to the announcement of the Hollywood Bowl concerts. Although these performances lacked full band participation, they underscored Tyler’s commitment to music and philanthropy.

As Aerosmith prepares to take the Hollywood Bowl stage once again, questions about the band’s future persist. Whether these concerts represent a definitive farewell, a renewed chapter, or an extended coda akin to other legendary rock acts remains to be seen. What is certain is that these events are a significant milestone in the band’s enduring legacy, bringing together veteran rock icons and celebrated collaborators for a momentous occasion.