COMPLETE BIOGRAPHY

About Aerosmith

Born

1970

Boston, Massachusetts, USA

Active Years

1970-present

Genres

Hard Rock, Blues Rock, Heavy Metal

Aerosmith, often dubbed "America's Greatest Rock and Roll Band," is an American rock band formed in Boston, Massachusetts, in 1970. The seeds of the band were sown in the late 1960s when Steven Tyler (born Steven Victor Tallarico in Yonkers, New York) began drumming and singing in various local bands. Simultaneously, Joe Perry (born Anthony Joseph Pereira in Lawrence, Massachusetts) and Tom Hamilton (born Thomas William Hamilton in Colorado Springs, Colorado) were playing together in a band called Jam Band. Tyler, Perry, and Hamilton eventually crossed paths and decided to join forces. They were later joined by Joey Kramer (born Joseph Michael Kramer in New York City) on drums and Brad Whitford (born Bradley Ernest Whitford in Winchester, Massachusetts) on rhythm guitar, completing the classic Aerosmith lineup. The band's early sound was heavily influenced by British blues-rock bands like The Rolling Stones and Led Zeppelin, but Aerosmith quickly developed their own distinctive style, characterized by Tyler's raspy vocals, Perry's and Whitford's intertwined guitar work, and a rhythm section that swung with a uniquely American groove. Aerosmith honed their craft playing in small clubs throughout New England before signing with Columbia Records in 1972. Their self-titled debut album in 1973 spawned the regional hit "Dream On," but it was their subsequent albums, including "Get Your Wings" (1974), "Toys in the Attic" (1975), and "Rocks" (1976), that catapulted them to international stardom. These albums showcased their raw energy, hard-driving riffs, and catchy songwriting, solidifying their status as one of the leading hard rock bands of the era. However, the late 1970s and early 1980s were marked by internal struggles, substance abuse, and creative stagnation. Perry and Whitford briefly left the band, replaced by Jimmy Crespo and Rick Dufay, respectively. While they released albums during this period, they didn't achieve the same level of success. In 1984, the classic lineup reunited, and in 1987, they released "Permanent Vacation," a comeback album that revitalized their career. Subsequent albums like "Pump" (1989) and "Get a Grip" (1993) were even more successful, cementing their resurgence and introducing them to a new generation of fans. They continued to tour and record throughout the 1990s and 2000s, solidifying their legacy as one of rock's most enduring and iconic bands. They continued recording and touring into the 2010s and beyond. Aerosmith's musical style is a blend of hard rock, blues rock, and heavy metal, characterized by catchy hooks, powerful riffs, and sexually charged lyrics. They are known for their energetic live performances and their ability to connect with audiences of all ages. Aerosmith has sold over 150 million albums worldwide, making them one of the best-selling music artists of all time. They have won numerous awards, including four Grammy Awards, and were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2001.