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Aerosmith

From HitStory, the pop encyclopedia of School of Rock · Artist

Aerosmith was formed in Boston in 1970. Guitarist Joe Perry and bassist Tom Hamilton were already playing together when singer Steven Tyler and drummer Joey Kramer joined. In 1971 guitarist Brad Whitford completed the line-up. Tyler and Perry wrote most of the songs together.

Music and breakthrough

After the debut Aerosmith (1973) and Get Your Wings (1974) the band broke through with Toys in the Attic (1975) and Rocks (1976). Sweet Emotion, Dream On and Walk This Way became hits, and at the end of the 1970s Aerosmith was among the most popular hard rock bands in the world. Drugs and quarrels then led to Perry and Whitford leaving, and the success faded. In 1984 they came back, but the real comeback did not follow until 1986, when the band recorded a new version of Walk This Way with the rap group Run-DMC. With Permanent Vacation (1987), Pump (1989) and Get a Grip (1993) the band was once again as big as before. In 1998 they had their first number 1 with I Don't Want to Miss a Thing.

Influence

The music of Aerosmith is hard rock with roots in the blues, later supplemented with pop rock, heavy metal and rhythm and blues. Tyler's raw voice and Perry's riffs form the core. Their comeback is regarded as one of the most striking in rock history. Aerosmith is the best-selling American hard rock band of all time. In 2024 the band stopped touring after Tyler had damaged his voice.

Listening

Listening tip. Listen to Walk This Way in Aerosmith's 1975 version. Notice Joe Perry's guitar riff and how Steven Tyler delivers the verses fast and half spoken, almost like a rapper.

Discography

Studio albums

In School of Rock

The chapters, maps and magazine stories of School of Rock are currently available in Dutch only.

See also

Categories: Artists