Tom Hamilton Says Aerosmith is ‘Still Alive’
Aerosmith is “still alive” according to bassist Tom Hamilton in a new interview.
Speaking with AARP, Hamilton cleared up some things about the future of the band and also revealed things in the process. For example, on a scale of 1 to 10, the bassist lists Aerosmith as being between 7 and 9 on the odds of the band doing something in the future. However, Hamilton says touring is out of the question and is doubtful about any sort of Las Vegas residency.
” … There are a lot of other ways to be and do Aerosmith,” said Hamilton, but he didn’t elaborate on what those ways are.
Hamilton also shared that he was “surprised but not shocked” about Steven Tyler’s larynx injury leading to the premature end of Aerosmith’s farewell tour. He noted, “Steven has a way of powering through challenges like this one. He’s done it before. You never know.”
Hamilton is the only member of Aerosmith, so far, to talk with the media following the cancelation of their farewell tour earlier this month. Last week, he offered up some clarification to Charlie Kendall's Metalshop about Steven Tyler’s voice. Hamilton said Tyler’s vocal injury “wasn’t a case of him blowing his throat out by doing something wrong.” Instead, Tyler had a freak fall during the third show of Aerosmith’s farewell tour, which resulted in him fracturing his larynx.
He added, “We don’t know what the future holds, but it won’t include touring.” As far as the decision to retire from the road, Hamilton said it was a decision made by both the band and their management.
When asked whether Aerosmith would move on without Tyler, Hamilton said, “There’s been no talk at all about going on the road with another singer. I can’t imagine it.”
Hamilton was asked whether Aerosmith might take the KISS route and do some sort of avatar version of the band and said, “A virtual Aerosmith? I’m drawing a blank on that one.”
A Timeline of Aerosmith’s Retirement From Touring
In September 2023, Aerosmith postponed a handful of dates on their farewell tour. At the time, it was revealed Tyler suffered vocal cord damage that led to “subsequent bleeding.” Doctors also instructed him to go on vocal rest and not sing for 30 days.
Weeks later, Aerosmith postponed their entire farewell tour until 2024 due to issues related to Tyler’s vocal cord injury.
The band shared in a statement, “Unfortunately, Steven’s vocal injury is more serious than initially thought. His doctor has confirmed that in addition to the damage to his vocal cords, he fractured his larynx which requires ongoing care.”
The band noted, “He is receiving the best medical treatment available to ensure his recovery is swift, but given the nature of a fracture, he is being told patience is essential.”
Tyler added in his own personal statement, “I am heartbroken to not be out there with Aerosmith, my brothers and the incredible Black Crowes, rocking with the best fans in the world. I promise we will be back as soon as we can!”
On August 2, Aerosmith issued the following statement:
“It was 1970 when a spark of inspiration became Aerosmith. Thanks to you, our Blue Army, that spark caught flame and has been burning for over five decades. Some of you have been with us since the beginning and all of you are the reason we made rock ‘n’ roll history.
It has been the honor of our lives to have our music become part of yours. In every club, on every massive tour and at moments grand and private you have given us a place in the soundtrack of your lives.
We’ve always wanted to blow your mind when performing. As you know, Steven’s voice is an instrument like no other. He has spent months tirelessly working on getting his voice to where it was before his injury. We’ve seen him struggling despite having the best medical team by his side. Sadly, it is clear, that a full recovery from his vocal injury is not possible. We have made a heartbreaking and difficult, but necessary, decision – as a band of brothers – to retire from the touring stage.
We are grateful beyond words for everyone who was pumped to get on the road with us one last time. Grateful to our expert crew, our incredible team and the thousands of talented people who’ve made our historic runs possible. A final thank you to you – the best fans on planet Earth. Play our music loud, now and always. Dream On. You’ve made our dreams come true.”
