Aerosmith is a rock band formed in Boston, Massachusetts, United States.
History[]
Formation[]
Aerosmith formed in 1970 by vocalist Steven Tyler, guitarist Joe Perry, bassist Tom Hamilton, and drummer Joey Krammer. When Tyler was still in high school, he formed The Strangeurs, which was later renamed Chain Reaction. On the other hand, Perry and Hamilton formed The Jam Band. By September 1969, The Jam Band saw Krammer, who had recently dropped out of the Berklee College of Music.
In early 1970, Chain Reaction and The Jam Band performed together at the same concert. Both sides reached a consensus to merge the band as one, which eventually became the birth of Aerosmith. The newly formed band moved into a home on 1325 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts, where the band members rehearsed their music and relaxed in between shows.
The band members spent most afternoons getting high and watching the TV show, The Three Stooges. The band later hired Ray Tabano, a longtime friend of Tyler, to be the band's secondary guitarist. Aerosmith played their first concert at Nipmuc High School on November 6, 1970. Months later, in 1971, Tabano resigned. Brad Whitford, who also attended the Berklee College of Music, took over at the secondary guitarist position, thereby completing the band's lineup.
Self-titled album[]
After the lineup was complete, Aerosmith did some live shows to generate revenue, which increased their popularity. The band signed a promotion deal with Frank Connelly, and eventually secured a management deal with David Krebs and Steve Leber in 1972. Krebs and Leber invited Columbia Records President Clive Davis to see the band perform at Max's Kansas City in New York City. Aerosmith was not originally scheduled to play that night at the club, but they paid out of their own pockets to secure a place on the bill.
By mid-1972, Aerosmith officially signed with Columbia Records worth an estimated $125,000. Aerosmith released their self-titled album on January 5, 1973. The album included eight tracks. "Dream On" turned out to be the most successful of all of the tracks, becoming a smash-hit single and receiving an extensive amount of radio play. Recording for the album took place at Intermedia Studios in Boston. The album sold two million copies worldwide and was certified double platinum ten years after release. Aerosmith toured constantly to promote the release and to generate revenue.
Get Your Wings[]
Aerosmith released their second studio album, Get Your Wings, in March 1974. The album included eight tracks. "Same Old Song and Dance" and "Train Kept a Rolling" turned out to be decent singles. The album was recorded at The Record Plant in New York City. It turned out to be a little more successful than the previous release, selling 3 million copies worldwide. The band toured for almost a year to promote the album.
Toys in the Attic[]
Aerosmith released their third studio album, Toys in the Attic on April 8, 1975. The album included nine tracks. It eventually paved the way towards the band's stardom as it sold eight million copies in the United States. The title track, "Walk this Way", and "Sweet Emotion" turned out to be smash-hit singles, garnering decent airplay. Just like the previous album, recording took place at The Record Plant in New York City. Aerosmith toured again and gathered far more recognition. Around the same time, Aerosmith established a home base known as "The Wherehouse" in Waltham, Massachusetts, where they would record and rehearse music, as well as conduct business.
Rocks[]
Aerosmith released their fourth studio album, Rocks, in May 1976. The album included nine tracks. "Back in the Saddle" was the best out of those tracks, and easily became a smash-hit single. The album was recorded at The Wherehouse, the band's most recently established home base. The album was certified platinum upon release and eventually went 4x platinum. The next tour Aerosmith embarked headlined even bigger venues, such as large stadiums and rock festivals.
Draw the Line[]
Aerosmith released their fifth studio album, Draw the Line, in December 1977. The album included nine tracks. The title track along with "Kings and Queens" became singles, but were not as successful as the band's previous album releases. Recording of the album took place at The Cenacle Studio in Armonk, New York, while the rest of the material was recorded at The Record Plant in New York City. The album sold two million copies worldwide. Despite the band's success, drug use began to affect their overall performances. In 1978, Aerosmith appeared in the film Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band. Around the time, the band did a cover of "Come Together", which was originally performed by The Beatles. The cover was included in the film's soundtrack.
Night in the Ruts[]
By early 1979, Aerosmith returned to the studio to begin recording new material. As development was in session, significant setbacks arose, which delayed the development for an indefinite period of time. To make matters worse, the band's finances faced heavy debt. In one part, Joe Perry had allegedly owed a staggering $80,000 for room service, for which he intended to repay later after recording a solo album. The relationship between the band and Jack Douglas began to stray when the producer divorced his wife, of whom the band liked.
With development for the upcoming album put on hold, the band had to tour constantly to generate revenue, which seemed to have burned through the desired budget allotment. The band's substance abuse worsened as the tour went on, and tensions were slowly coming to a head. On July 28, 1979, it finally turned out to be serious enough. Aerosmith was on the bill to perform at the World Series of Rock at Cleveland Stadium, but before they were set to perform, turmoil ensued backstage, where Perry's wife, Elissa, flung a glass of milk at Hamilton's wife, Terry. Afterwards, Perry and Tyler got into a heated argument, after the point when Tyler confronted Perry about his wife's antics. Perry walked off the set and left the band shortly afterward.
With Perry gone, there was still work to be done with the upcoming album. Whitford took over some of the lead guitar parts, and the band hired Jimmy Crespo to be the band's next guitarist. The sixth studio album, titled Night in the Ruts, was released in November 1979. The album included nine tracks, including a cover of "Remember (Walking in the Sand)", originally performed by The Shangri-Las. Recording for the album took place at Media Sound Studios and The Record Plant, both located in New York City. The album did not do very well, especially since Perry left, but went on to be platinum in 1994.
After completing the album, the band went on another tour, but found themselves booking in smaller venues as their popularity began to fizzle out. Tyler's drug abuse increased as time forged on, which began to hamper his performance and songwriting. In 1980, during a show at Portland, Maine, Tyler collapsed and did not get up for the remainder of the set. Aerosmith had to withdraw for the rest of the performance. On November 11, 1980, Aerosmith released their first compilation album, titled Greatest Hits. The compilation included ten tracks. The compilation sold 11 million copies in the United States. By October 1980, Tyler suffered serious injuries after a motorcycle accident and was in the hospital for two months.
Rock in a Hard Place[]
In late 1981, Aerosmith went to The Power Station, a recording studio in New York City to develop material for their next album. However, just as most of the material was completed, Whitford resigned, and Rick Dufay took over as the next secondary guitarist. By then, the band shifted their development over to Criteria Studios in Miami, Florida. The band's seventh studio album, Rock in a Hard Place, was released on August 27, 1982. The album included ten tracks. "Lightning Strikes" was released as a single around the same time Whitford departed.
After the completion of the album, Aerosmith went on tour once again, but could only book gigs in clubs and theaters, which turned out to be a massive struggle. During one performance at Worcester, Massachusetts, Aerosmith reunited with Joe Perry, while Tyler got high backstage. Tyler was so high and intoxicated that he collapsed on the set and could not get back up. Aerosmith inquired if they could let Perry back in the band, but Perry declined.
In early 1984, Perry and Whitford saw Aerosmith perform at Boston's Orpheum Theater. Shortly thereafter, discussions began to reintegrate the two into the band, and several months later, the original members of Aerosmith officially reunited.
Done with Mirrors[]
With the band back to its normal state, Aerosmith went on tour again, but the band's drug problems were still on the line. The band signed with Geffen Records, although Columbia Records continued to reap the benefits. In early 1985, Aerosmith was beginning development for their next album. Their eighth studio album, Done with Mirrors, was released on November 4, 1985. Development for the album took place at three different places, including Fantasy Studios in Berkeley, California, The Power Station in New York City, and Can-Am Recorders in Tarzana, California. The album included eight tracks. "Let the Music Do the Talking" was a re-recording after it was previously released by The Joe Perry Project.
Aerosmith again went on tour to promote their latest content. In 1986, Aerosmith collaborated with Run-D.M.C. for a new version of "Walk This Way". The newer version of the proceeding track blended elements between rap and rock, turning it into a successful hybrid single. The music video for the newly revamped track turned out to be a breaking point for both groups, and it reached #4 on the billboard's top 100.
Later in 1986, with the band's drug issues still in their way, Tyler and the others sought to undergo a drug rehabilitation program with the recommendation of their manager, Tim Collins. After a successful intervention and rehabilitation, all Aerosmith band members have since come out clean.
Permanent Vacation[]
By March 1987, Aerosmith began development for their next album, which took place at Little Mountain Sound Studios in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. The development later shifted over to Unique Recording Studios in New York City. Their ninth studio album, Permanent Vacation, was released on August 25, 1987. The album included twelve tracks. "Rag Doll" and "Dude (Looks Like a Lady)" became successful singles. With Bruce Fairbairn producing the album, the tracks contained higher quality sound, even while Aerosmith was at a more aggressive approach in music since pop and heavy metal were on the rise. The band went on tour again and met Guns N' Roses, a band who had most recently released their debut album via Geffen Records.
On November 15, 1988, a compilation album titled Gems was released. The compilation included twelve tracks, including "Chip Away the Stone" that was a previously unreleased studio recording.
Pump[]
By January 1989, Aerosmith returned to Little Mountain Sound Studios to work on their next album. The band's tenth studio album, Pump, was released on September 12, 1989. The album included ten tracks. "Love in an Elevator" and "Janie's Got a Gun" turned out to be smash-hit singles. The album sold seven million copies worldwide. The band also received its first recognition in the grammys when the music video for "Janie's Got a Gun" received high ratings by VH1 and MTV. Pump would eventually be certified platinum in the United States.
Aerosmith embarked on a worldwide tour that lasted for about twelve months, especially performing in Australia for the first time in their career. On February 21, 1990, the band appeared in a "Wayne's World" sketch on Saturday Night Live. Aerosmith also did a performance on Unplugged, which was aired by MTV on August 11, 1990. After the tour concluded, Aerosmith was inducted to the Hollywood Rock Walk.
On November 19, 1991, a box set compilation known as Pandora's Box was released. The compilation consists of a 3-disc set with 53 tracks altogether. Disc three of the compilation featured a cover of "Helter Skelter", originally performed by The Beatles. Some of the other tracks in the compilation were unreleased. "When I Needed You" was a track that Tyler had written before Aerosmith ever existed, and was the first track in disc one. "Circle Jerk" was another unreleased track that became entirely instrumental, and was the final track in disc three. In addition, "Sweet Emotion" was re-recorded into a new version.
A month later, Aerosmith collaborated with Michael Kamen's orchestra for MTV's 10th Anniversary special, performing "Dream On" which later transitioned to a music video. In early 1992, Aerosmith guest starred with Guns N' Roses for a pay-per-view exclusive show in Paris, where GNR covered "Train Kept a Rollin".
Get a Grip[]
After going through various concerts since the release of Pump, Aerosmith decided to take a break for a little while. By September 1992, Aerosmith returned to Little Mountain Sound Studios to work on a new album. Their eleventh studio album, Get a Grip, was released on April 20, 1993. The album included fourteen tracks, but there was a difference between the US and UK versions. The thirteenth track in the US version featured "Amazing", while the thirteenth track in the UK version featured "Can't Stop Messin". Singles including "Livin' on the Edge", "Eat the Rich", "Cryin'", "Shut Up and Dance", and "Crazy" turned out to be hugely successful. Some of the music videos for each single featured Alicia Silverstone, an uprising actress. Tyler's daughter, Liv Tyler, was featured in the music video for "Crazy".
The band went on another worldwide tour that would last for about 18 months. Around the same time, they were featured in the film Wayne's World 2. In addition, some of their songs were featured in video games, such as Revolution X and Quest for Fame. Furthermore, Aerosmith had a track that they recorded back in 1989 titled "Deuces Are Wild", which would be included for a compilation album called The Beavis and Butt-Head Experience, released on November 23, 1993.
On June 8, 1994, a compilation album titled Pandora's Toys was released. The compilation included twelve tracks, including a live cover of "Big Ten Inch Record", originally performed by Bull Moose Jackson. Also, a re-recording of "Sweet Emotion" was included, just like in the previous compilation box set, Pandora's Box. On November 1, 1994, another compilation titled Big Ones was released. The compilation included fifteen tracks, while the European edition featured a live rendition of "Dude (Looks Like a Lady) as the sixteenth track. "Walk on Water" and "Blind Man" were both unreleased tracks that were included in the proceeding compilation.
On November 22, 1994, a 12-disc mega compilation known as Box of Fire was released. The compilation contained every studio, compilation, and live albums released within the band's 21-year tenure up to date.
Nine Lives[]
Dating back to 1991, it was revealed that Aerosmith had signed a $30 million deal for four records with Columbia Records. At that point, the band had done three out of six albums while still in cahoots with Geffen Records. Making this move meant that Columbia could buy out the rights from Geffen, allowing Aerosmith to develop new material under Columbia's wing immediately.
By that time, Aerosmith was taking a break and visiting their families. After the break, Aerosmith began working on their next album. Part of the development took place at The Boneyard at Joe Perry's house while the rest took place at Avatar Studios in New York City. The band's twelfth studio album, Nine Lives, was released on March 18, 1997. The standard edition of the album included thirteen tracks. Singles included the title track, "Falling in Love (Is Hard on the Knees)", "Hole in My Soul", "Taste of India", and "Pink".
While Aerosmith was in development of the album, the band had dismissed their manager, Tim Collins. The reason for Collins' dismissal was due to mounting tensions during recording sessions, which nearly caused the band to disband. The band went on a tour that lasted for nearly two years, but some issues arose, especially Tyler suffering a leg injury during one concert, and Kramer receiving second-degree burns from a vehicle fire at a gas station. Some shows for the tour were cancelled to give the band members some time to recover. Around the same time, Aerosmith released a single titled "I Don't Want to Miss a Thing", which was featured in the soundtrack for the 1998 film Armageddon.
A live album titled A Little South of Sanity was released on October 20, 1998. It featured a two-disc set, consisting of 23 tracks altogether. The live album proved to be somewhat controversial as Tyler was heard shouting profanities in between songs and the album's box art featured an unknown man holding a gas station pump nozzle, which seemingly mocked a parody since Kramer was burned during a vehicle fire at a gas station prior to this release.
In 1999, Aerosmith played alongside with Run-D.M.C. and Kid Rock at the MTV Video Music Awards. After a brief tour in Japan, Aerosmith wrote a song called "Angel's Eye", which was featured in the soundtrack for the 2000 film Charlie's Angels.
A greatest hits compilation titled Classic Aerosmith: The Universal Masters Collection was released on November 2, 2000. The compilation featured eighteen tracks.
Just Push Play[]
In 2001, Aerosmith headlined the halftime show of Super Bowl XXXV alongside with NSYNC, Britney Spears, Mary J. Blige and Nelly. Between April and December 2000, Aerosmith was developing material for their next album. Their thirteenth studio album, Just Push Play, was released on March 6, 2001. The album included twelve tracks. Singles were the title track, "Jaded", "Fly Away from Here", and "Sunshine". The title track was featured in commercials for the automobile company, Dodge. The album swiftly went platinum in the US. As soon as the album was released, Aerosmith was inducted to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Later in 2001, Aerosmith performed in a benefit concert titled United We Stand: What More Can I Give, which paid tributes to those who had fallen during the destructive moments on September 11, 2001.
A compilation album titled Young Lust: The Aerosmith Anthology was released on November 20, 2001. The compilation featured a two disc collection with 34 tracks altogether.
In 2002, just after their recent tour concluded, Aerosmith filmed segments for VH1's show, Behind the Music. The show ran two hours in length, which featured the band's history, touring, and current activities. By May 2002, the band performed the "Theme from Spider-Man", which was featured in the soundtrack for the 2002 film Spider-Man. On June 27, 2002, Aerosmith performed at Tokyo Stadium, where the FIFA World Cup was taking place at the time. A two disc compilation titled O, Yeah! Ultimate Aerosmith Hits was released on July 2, 2002, which rapidly went double platinum. A new track titled "Girls of the Summer" was featured in the compilation. In late 2002, Aerosmith along with various artists were featured in mtvICON. Various artists, including Pink, Shakira, Kid Rock, Train, Papa Roach, Metallica, Janet Jackson, Fred Durst, Alicia Silverstone, and Mila Kunis covered various tracks performed by Aerosmith during mtvICON.