Aerosmith have been forced to postpone several dates on their farewell tour just a week after kicking off, after frontman Steven Tyler injured his vocal cords during a gig.
The rock veterans started the Peace Out tour in Philadelphia on 2 September and were playing in New York when Tyler, 75, sustained the damage to his voice on Saturday night.
“I’m heartbroken to say I have received strict doctor’s orders not to sing for the next thirty days,” the singer posted to three million followers on Aerosmith’s Instagram page.
Aerosmith (L-R): Brad Whitford, Tyler, John Douglas (front, on drums), Joe Perry and Tom Hamilton. Pic: Amy Harris/Invision/AP
“I sustained vocal cord damage during Saturday’s show that led to subsequent bleeding. We’ll need to postpone a few dates so that we can come back and give you the performance you deserve.”
Formed in Boston in 1970, Aerosmith are known for hits including Dream On, Walk This Way, Sweet Emotion, Cryin’, Crazy, and I Don’t Want To Miss A Thing.
Tyler is well known for his wide range and has been dubbed the “Demon of Screamin” for his vocal theatrics.
Aerosmith announced their final tour in May, writing in a statement: “After 50 years, 10 world tours, and playing for over 100 million fans… It’s time for one last go!
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“Fans will see one of the most significant American rock bands in history one last time during this not-to-be-missed final tour. Every night will celebrate the five decades of Aerosmith’s groundbreaking hits as they celebrate 50 years as America’s greatest rock band…
“I’s not goodbye it’s PEACE OUT! Get ready and walk this way, you’re going to get the best show of our lives.”
The 40-date tour was set to include a show in the band’s hometown of Boston on New Year’s Eve, with the final gig originally scheduled for 26 January 2024 in Montreal, Canada.
New dates will take place in Detroit; Chicago; Washington DC; Toronto, Canada; Raleigh, in North Carolina; and Cleveland, Ohio, between 29 January and 29 February 2024.