The Story of Aerosmith: The Band That Defined Rock N' Roll

Aerosmith is one of the most famous rock bands in history. They have sold more than 66 million records and won countless awards. They are also one of the most notorious members of the rock community. Their wild lifestyle, drug issues, and constant turmoil have made them an intriguing subject for fans and journalists alike. Their story is proof that fame will take you far if you keep pushing forward. The band has survived drug abuse, breakups, addictions, affairs, and even the death of a guitarist to still sell out stadiums worldwide. Their story shows what happens when dreams come true – but not all of them at once. Their journey from basement bar bands to international icons is filled with ups and downs that made them who they are today. Here’s how it happened…

The Early Years

Aerosmith was formed in Boston, Massachusetts in 1970 by lead singer Steven Tyler and drummer Joey Kramer. Guitarists Ray Tabano and Tom Hamilton and bassist (and Tyler’s close friend) Tom Hamilton joined soon after

The young rockers found themselves trying to break into the scene while the city’s blues movement was still in full swing. They started playing gigs at bars throughout Boston’s seedy South End and soon found their way onto bills with local legends like James Cotton. The band played at clubs like The Channel, The Boathouse, and The Boston Tea Party, selling more tickets than many of the blues acts. Soon, they found themselves playing with bands like The Grateful Dead and Jefferson Airplane. All the while, they were honing their sound while creating a name for themselves.

Aerosmith’s Big Break

After years of small breaks and occasional radio play, Aerosmith’s first hit came in 1973 with their single “Dream On.” The song began to play on the radio and soon became their first track to be recorded by a major record label. As demand for the band grew, so did their reputation for being wild and unpredictable live. They were known for non-stop shows, drugs, and debauchery.

Their shows became infamous for the amount of destruction that would take place. From broken equipment to fights with other bands, the band often found themselves in trouble. Aerosmith appeared on The Joe Franklin Show in 1973, where they performed “Dream On.” Shortly after, they were offered a record deal with Columbia Records. Their debut album, Aerosmith, was released in 1973 to critical acclaim. The album contained the band’s first hit single “Dream On” as well as “Make It” and “Sunshine”.

Drug Problems and the Tumultuous 70s

The band’s drug use was already well-known when they signed with Columbia. The label agreed to wait for the band to clean up before recording their follow-up to their debut album. This would become a pattern for the band, as both the press and the public became fascinated with their wild drug-fuelled antics.

At the same time, though, the band was building a solid fan base through constant touring. Aerosmith became a band that was known for dropping in at clubs and playing impromptu shows and the band’s reputation for being wild and unpredictable helped make them a sensation.

Aerosmith’s second album, Get Your Wings, was released in 1974. Like their debut album, it was a commercial success.

The band’s third album, Toys in the Attic, was released in 1975 and became their first gold record. In 1976, the band released their first album of original material written and recorded outside of the studio. Miscellaneous Bootleg was a collection of songs recorded during concerts. The record was intended to be released as an album but was shelved when the record company found out about it.

Even though the band was on a roll, the members were becoming increasingly self-destructive. Lead singer Steven Tyler and guitarist Joe Perry became heroin addicts. The rest of the band also used a lot of cocaine, which contributed to their notoriously chaotic live shows.

The 80s: Coming Back with a Vengeance

After years of drug abuse and legal troubles, the band finally had to take time off in the late 70s. Their guitarist Joe Perry was sentenced to prison after attempting to buy heroin while on probation. After his arrest, the rest of the band members were given 60 days to clean up or they would be charged with drug possession. While Tyler and Perry were in rehab, the rest of the band was given the opportunity to record a soundtrack for the movie The Wall. As a result of the hiatus, the band members began to focus on their individual lives. They were determined to have a clean slate when they returned to the public eye.

Following their greatest successes, the band took a break from recording. They spent their time touring and indulging in excessive amounts of alcohol and drugs. The band even released a compilation album called “Greatest Hits” in 1978 that was riddled with terrible takes and overdubs. Aerosmith’s next album did not come out until 1982. Unfortunately, the band was in no condition to record. Guitarist Brad Whitford had left the band, and Steven Tyler was too strung out to sing. The group had to hold auditions to find a new guitar player. They eventually found a suitable replacement in Joe Perry’s cousin, Jimmy Crespo. The band’s next album, “Rock in a Hard Place,” was released in 1982 and did poorly. Their record label fired Tyler and Perry, but the two were eventually rehired in 1984.

The 90s and Beyond

By the early 1990s, the band was eager to start performing again. The band members all reunited in 1990 with the intention of recording a new album. The band’s first album in 14 years, Get a Grip, was released in 1993. The album was a commercial success, as well as a critical one. The album helped the band regain their former status as a top act. The album featured the hit singles “Livin’ on the Edge” and “Cryin’.” The band continued to tour and record throughout the 1990s

In 1995, Aerosmith released their first box set, a compilation of rare tracks, demos, and outtakes called Gems. The album was followed by a world tour. After nearly four decades together and as many breakups, the band members decided to take a break. The Break from the mid-90s to 2000 helped the band members re-energize for the future.

The Story of Aerosmith: The Band That Defined Rock N' Roll

Aerosmith is one of the most famous rock bands in history. They have sold more than 66 million records and won countless awards. They are also one of the most notorious members of the rock community. Their wild lifestyle, drug issues, and constant turmoil have made them an intriguing subject for fans and journalists alike. Their story is proof that fame will take you far if you keep pushing forward. The band has survived drug abuse, breakups, addictions, affairs, and even the death of a guitarist to still sell out stadiums worldwide. Their story shows what happens when dreams come true – but not all of them at once. Their journey from basement bar bands to international icons is filled with ups and downs that made them who they are today. This was how it happened.