The Bad Boys from Boston are back on stage. Two years after retiring from touring, Aerosmith are headlining two special nights at the Hollywood Bowl on 29 October and 1 November 2026, billed as California, Dream On: Aerosmith and Friends, with guests including Run DMC, Heart, Billy Idol and Slash.
It caps a remarkable late chapter that also brought the One More Time EP with Yungblud in 2025 - their first new music in more than twelve years. Here is the story of America's great hard rock survivors. Find more tribute designs in our Rock Music collection.
Aerosmith Fact File
| Band name | Aerosmith |
|---|---|
| Formed | 1970, Boston, Massachusetts, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Classic line-up | Steven Tyler, Joe Perry, Brad Whitford, Tom Hamilton, Joey Kramer |
| Genres | Hard rock, blues rock |
| Years active | 1970-present (retired from touring 2024) |
| Studio albums | 15 |
| Labels | Columbia, Geffen, Capitol |
| Biggest US single | I Don't Want to Miss a Thing (1998) |
| Nicknames | The Bad Boys from Boston; Tyler and Perry are the Toxic Twins |
Career History
| Years | Label | Key albums |
|---|---|---|
| 1973-1982 | Columbia | Aerosmith, Toys in the Attic, Rocks, Draw the Line |
| 1985-1993 | Geffen | Permanent Vacation, Pump, Get a Grip |
| 1997-2012 | Columbia | Nine Lives, Just Push Play, Honkin' on Bobo |
| 2025 | Capitol | One More Time EP (with Yungblud) |
Years show the release span of their studio records on each label.
Early Years in Boston
Aerosmith came together in Boston in 1970, with Brad Whitford replacing original rhythm guitarist Ray Tabano in 1971 to complete the classic five-piece. Their self-titled debut followed in 1973.
Toys in the Attic (1975) and Rocks (1976) made them stars. Toys in the Attic has been certified nine times platinum in the US, and both records remain touchstones for hard rock fans.
Turn it up to eleven with our Aerosmith Men's Hoodie.
Walk This Way and the Great Comeback
The classic line-up split between 1979 and 1984, but the reunion led to one of rock's great second acts. Run-DMC's 1986 version of Walk This Way, recorded with Tyler and Perry, reached number four in the US and introduced the band to a new audience.
Permanent Vacation (1987), Pump (1989) and Get a Grip (1993) followed on Geffen, bringing a run of Grammy wins and MTV favourites.
Keep the comeback spirit alive with our Aerosmith Men's T-Shirt.
Armageddon and a Number One
In 1998 I Don't Want to Miss a Thing, from the Armageddon soundtrack, gave Aerosmith their first and only Billboard Hot 100 number one, staying there for four weeks. In 2001 they were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Las Vegas, Peace Out and One More Time
Their Deuces Are Wild residency opened at Park MGM in Las Vegas in April 2019. The Peace Out farewell tour began in September 2023, but Tyler suffered a vocal injury early in the run, and in August 2024 the band announced they had retired from touring.
Fans did not have to wait long for new music. The One More Time EP with Yungblud arrived on Capitol in November 2025, and its lead track My Only Angel debuted at number one on Billboard's Hot Hard Rock Songs chart.
Honours
Grammy Awards
- Janie's Got a Gun (1990)
- Livin' on the Edge (1994)
- Crazy (1995)
- Pink (1999)
Hall of Fame
- Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, inducted 2001
Records
- More than 150 million records sold worldwide
- I Don't Want to Miss a Thing: four weeks at US number one
Away From the Spotlight
Steven Tyler and Joe Perry's partnership earned them the nickname the Toxic Twins, and their songwriting is the engine of the band's catalogue. The 2026 Hollywood Bowl shows are presented as a one-off celebration rather than a return to touring.
FAQs
When did Aerosmith form?
Aerosmith formed in Boston, Massachusetts, in 1970, and released their debut album in 1973.
Who are the members of Aerosmith?
The classic line-up is Steven Tyler (vocals), Joe Perry (guitar), Brad Whitford (guitar), Tom Hamilton (bass) and Joey Kramer (drums).
How many albums has Aerosmith released?
They have released 15 studio albums, from Aerosmith (1973) to Music from Another Dimension! (2012), plus the 2025 One More Time EP with Yungblud.
What was Aerosmith's only number one?
I Don't Want to Miss a Thing, from the 1998 film Armageddon, was their first and only Billboard Hot 100 number one.
Why did Aerosmith stop touring?
In August 2024 the band announced their retirement from touring after Steven Tyler suffered a vocal injury from which a full recovery was not possible.
Are Aerosmith playing live in 2026?
Yes, they are playing two special Hollywood Bowl shows on 29 October and 1 November 2026, with guests including Run DMC and Heart.
Shop the Aerosmith Collection
Our Aerosmith range is made up of fan-made tribute designs, printed to order in the UK.
Aerosmith Men's Hoodie
£39.99
Aerosmith Men's T-Shirt
£29.99
Explore more in our Rock Music and Bands collections. Want something personal? Try our Custom Name Men's Hoodie.
Part of our Icon Profiles series. Read next: Guns N' Roses Career Story and Led Zeppelin Career Story.
0 comments