The Story of Aerosmith

When Aerosmith first entered the spotlight in the early 1970s, they were sometimes called “The Bad Boys from Boston.” But as the years passed and they earned their battle scars—surviving hardships, shifts in musical tastes and all manner of challenges—a new nickname emerged that reflected their enduring appeal: “America’s Greatest Rock and Roll Band.” Through hard work and perseverance, Aerosmith has earned every word of that lofty nickname. Aerosmith survived by refusing to quit. After more than 50 years, the party still hasn’t ended. Fans of all ages still come out to hear Perry shred and Steven Tyler wail. Whether you’re cryin’ or crazy, in the mood to dream on or walk this way, Aerosmith has the toys in the attic and the talent to tap into sweet emotions. It simply doesn’t get more American, or great, than that.

THE STORY OF AEROSMITH

WHY WE LOVE AEROSMITH • The best a band can get

DAMN YANKEES • In the beginning, Aerosmith were just small-town kids with oversized dreams

STEVEN TYLER • Steven Tallarico was born to make music—but maybe not rock ’n’ roll

BETTING ON THEMSELVES • Aerosmith made their own breaks

TOM HAMILTON • Tom Hamilton was part of Aerosmith from the very beginning, but it’s easy to lose sight of that fact

TOYS IN THE ATTIC • The band’s third studio album was the one that made them international superstars

JOE PERRY • In a parallel universe, Joe Perry might never have become a world-famous guitarist

FAN FAVORITES • The stories behind Aerosmith’s most beloved songs

JOEY KRAMER • As a child growing up in Yonkers, New York, Joey Kramer played the accordion—hardly the instrument of a young rock star

ONE NIGHT IN CLEVELAND • On July 28, 1979, everything blew up at the World Series of Rock

BRAD WHITFORD • In some ways, Brad Whitford was the accidental member of Aerosmith

BACK IN THE SADDLE • Aerosmith patched things up—then found a way to revive their popularity

THE INSTITUTION • How Aerosmith pulled off a rock rarity—reinvention

THE LEGACY • As they embark on what is likely their final tour, how will Aerosmith be remembered?

The Story of Aerosmith

PHOTO CREDITS

THE STORY OF AEROSMITH