Aerosmith shared a backstage photo of frontman Steven Tyler posing with Guns N’ Roses vocalist Axl Rose at the Hollywood Bowl, posted on Instagram. The image sparked reactions from fans and fellow musicians, including Sammy Hagar.
The band’s caption highlighted the 39-year span since the two vocalists last shared a bill on the 1987 Permanent Vacation Tour. The photo marked a moment between two of rock’s biggest names performing at the same venue nearly four decades later.
Aerosmith wrote on the post: “From the Permanent Vacation Tour in 1987 to the Hollywood Bowl in 2026… 39 years later, and still making noise together.”
Sammy Hagar commented on the image: “Now that’s something never thought I would see.”
The backstage meeting came as part of Aerosmith’s highly anticipated comeback performance.
The reunion took place during Aerosmith’s return to the stage after nearly three years away. In 2023, the band canceled their Peace Out farewell tour after Steven Tyler suffered a fractured larynx just three shows in. When treatment did not restore his voice to full strength, the band announced their retirement from touring.
Aerosmith’s October 29, 2026 show at the Hollywood Bowl marked their first full concert since 2023 and brought back drummer Joey Kramer. The comeback performance featured Guns N’ Roses, Heart and Sammy Hagar as part of a two-night stand billed as “Aerosmith & Friends,” with shows scheduled for October 29 and November 1, 2026.
The Permanent Vacation Tour, where Aerosmith and Guns N’ Roses last shared a bill, ran from October 1987 through September 1988. Guns N’ Roses served as the supporting act for part of the tour, primarily during the summer of 1988. The tour was Aerosmith’s first after all five band members completed drug and alcohol rehabilitation, which was required before the recording of Permanent Vacation.
