Aerosmith – One of the Greatest Rock ‘n Roll Bands

Aerosmith’s third album, Toys In The Attic (1975), was their first big break. The album sold about 8 million copies in the U.S. alone. More importantly, critics and fans finally recognized Aerosmith’s signature style. The album was highlighted by a hard-driving rock single “Walk This Way”, which went to #10 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.Aerosmith’s next album, Rocks, generated hits such as “Last Child” (at #21), “Home Tonight” (#71), and “Back in the Saddle” (#38). As the album was released the band embarked on a hectic schedule playing to sold out stadiums and rock festivals.

Rockswas so highly regarded by critics and fans alike, that it even made it to Rolling Stones’ “500 Great Albums” list. In fact, the album was one of the biggest influences to future rock stars such as Nirvana, Guns N’ Roses, Motley Crue, and Metallica.Aerosmith produced other hit albums during the 70s, such as, Draw The Line and album Live! Bootleg which captured the band’s raw vigor during their Draw The Linetour. Night In The Ruts was Aerosmith’s sixth studio album, released in 1980. Despite its poor performance compared to the band’s earlier releases, it managed to reach platinum status several years later.Kicking out their drug habits, and returning to more success
Although the two founding members Joe Perry and Brad Whitford, left the band to pursue other musical interests for a few years, they returned in 1984, to kick off the much anticipated Back In The Saddle Tour. Aerosmith quickly returned to the recording studio, releasing Classics Live II. The band signed on with Geffen Records and produced Done With Mirrors.Although the album failed to reach platinum status, it still managed to draw the attention of it’s huge fan base and paved the way for its 1986 hit, “Walk this Way.” The single performed with hip-hop group Run D.M.C. reached #4 on the Hot 100 singles chart and paved the way for Aerosmith’s revival.Unfortunately, the band’s recurring drug problems proved to be a stumbling block for Aerosmith and any aspirations for success. Their manager, Tim Collins, believed that if Tyler and the other members did not get treated for their drug problems, the band’s future would be in jeopardy. Tyler committed to and successfully completed a drug rehab program. Other band members followed suit, and after a couple of years were completely drug free and ready to focus on their next project.Aerosmith’s next album was Permanent Vacation, released in 1987. It generated several Top 20 singles such as “Dude (Looks Like A Lady)”, “Rag Doll” and the #3 hit “Angel”. Permanent Vacation sold five million copies, kicking off the band’s next season of success.1989 would prove to be another banner year for Aerosmith, with Pumpˆ generating three Top Ten singles: “What It Takes” (at #9), “Janie’s Got A Gun” (at #4), and “Love In An Elevator” (at #5). Pump sold seven million copies and went multi-platinum.Aerosmith finished their contract with Geffen, producing two albums, Get a Grip and The Big Ones. Although the Get a Grip received mixed reviews, it nevertheless got a thundering commercial reception, selling over seven million copies. It yielded popular singles such as “Amazing” and “Crazy”. The Big Ones sold 4 million copies in the US and 8 million units in Canada.

A new era for Aerosmith

Aerosmith began a new era in their career when they signed a contract with Columbia Records/Sony Music. Although Nine Lives started slow, its long staying power on the charts pushed the album to double platinum. It’s single, “I Don’t Want To Miss A Thing” became the theme song for sci-fi/disaster film Armageddon which starred Tyler’s daughter, actress Liv Tyler. “I Don’t Want To Miss A Thing” shot to #1 on the Billboard Hot 100, where it stayed for four weeks. “I Don’t Want to Miss A Thing” became the band’s only number one song to date.

In 2001 their 13th studio album Just Push Play was released and yielded another Top Ten hit, “Jaded”. At the time the album was in circulation, Aerosmith were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame.

Aerosmith made good on its long time promise to fans in 2004 when it releasedHonkin’ On Bobo. The album featured the group’s blues-driven rock roots. It peaked at #5 on the US 200 album charts.

Aerosmith saw more tours awaiting them including the major Aerosmith World Tour in 2007. It was the band’s second world tour and brought them for the first time to countries such as India, Latvia, and the United Arab Emirates.

Steve Tyler as judge on the American Idol, and the band members’ other projects
Over the next few years, Aerosmith band members ventured out into other projects. Joe Perry collaborated with the Guitar Hero‘s game developers to create the music video game, Guitar Hero: Aerosmith. It was first released in June 2008 to mixed reviews. Nevertheless, it sold more than half a million copies and earned $25 million in sales. In 2010, Steven Tyler joined American Idol as one of the judges for the hit reality-based TV talent show.

Despite the busy schedules with band members working on independent projects, Aerosmith made the time to write and record. In 2012, they released another album,Music from Another Dimension!

“America’s Greatest Rock and Roll Band”

Aerosmith’s 40 year career boasts 30 albums and 45 singles. They have performed in almost 2,000 sold-out concerts in over 40 countries and have had scores of albums that have gone gold, platinum, and multi-platinum. All in all, Aerosmith has sold over 150 million albums world wide.

The hard-working, hard-rockin’ legends have come a long way from being just “The Bad Boys from Boston” to “America’s Greatest Rock and Roll Band”.