Joe Perry recently discussed the possibility of Aerosmith returning to live performances. He addressed the band’s current status following their retirement from touring due to Steven Tyler’s vocal injury, in an interview with Billboard.
The guitarist provided an update on the band’s situation and Tyler’s recovery progress. He kept the door open for future possibilities.
“The band is still kind of definitely not in touring mode, but there are certainly other options, so we stay in touch,” Perry said. “You just never know.”
Perry also shared details about Tyler’s vocal rehabilitation process and the challenges they’ve faced.
“It’s just been in the last six months that Steven’s started to get comfortable with singing; he literally had to take a year off before he was able to start stretching his vocal cords, and you’re always worried about re-injuring it,” he continued.
The guitarist reflected on the band’s approach to their uncertain future with a philosophical perspective.
“I learned a long time ago that everything we do is fragile… so we just take it day by day,” Perry explained. “You hope for the best. You just have to have the confidence and have that vision of positive in front of you. You can’t do it unless you envision it.”
Perry’s cautious optimism comes against the backdrop of a devastating injury that nearly ended Tyler’s legendary career. The injury forced the band into an unexpected retirement.
Tyler’s vocal injury occurred in late 2023 during what was intended to be Aerosmith’s farewell tour. Recent reports revealed that Tyler suffered a severe throat fracture, damaged vocal cords, and a fractured larynx from pushing his voice too hard during performances. The injury was so severe that it forced the band to postpone tour dates. They ultimately canceled the entire farewell tour.
The band had announced their farewell tour in 2023. This marked what was supposed to be their final chapter as a touring act. However, Tyler’s injury derailed these plans. Some reports indicate that his condition prevents a full recovery from the vocal damage. The severity of the injury raised serious questions about whether the iconic frontman would ever be able to perform again.
In August 2025, at age 77, Tyler publicly discussed the injury’s near-career-ending impact and his long recovery process. His statements showed that the injury significantly affected his signature voice and required an extensive rehabilitation period. Tyler’s openness about the challenges he faced during recovery provides context for Perry’s careful approach to discussing the band’s future.
The injury and subsequent retirement announcement marked a dramatic turn for one of rock’s most enduring acts. Aerosmith, formed in 1970, had been planning to conclude their touring career on their own terms with the farewell tour. Tyler’s vocal injury forced an abrupt end to those plans. This left fans and band members uncertain about what the future might hold.
