Aerosmith have announced their retirement from touring after the band said the full recovery of frontman Steven Tyler’s vocal cord injury was “not possible”.

The US rock group, known for hits including I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing, Dream On and Walk This Way, said: “As you know, Steven’s voice is an instrument like no other. He has spent months tirelessly working on getting his voice to where it was before his injury.

“We’ve seen him struggling despite having the best medical team by his side. Sadly, it is clear that a full recovery from his vocal injury is not possible.

“We have made a heartbreaking and difficult, but necessary, decision – as a band of brothers – to retire from the touring stage.”

The band cancelled dates on their farewell tour, titled Peace Out, last September because Tyler needed “ongoing care” for damage to his vocal cords and a fractured larynx, which they said was “more serious than initially thought”.

They were due to finish the farewell tour in February 2025 and had played three dates before postponing the remaining ones prior to the decision to cancel them altogether.

Queen guitarist Sir Brian May took to Instagram to share his emotions and said: “This has brought a tear to my eye. Aerosmith have been a huge part of my life, as they have been for millions of other rock fans.

“Steve Tyler stands as one of the greatest vocalists and frontmen of all time and it’s heartbreaking that his extraordinary voice has been so damaged. All things must pass, but the inspiring work of Aerosmith will live on – along with the memories of truly one of the most awesome bands to ever hit a stage.”

Fellow American rock band the Black Crowes, the tour’s opening act, said on X: “We are shocked and saddened by this news from earlier today. Nothing but much love and respect to our friends in Aerosmith. Heartfelt thanks for all of the incredible [memories].”

Aerosmith, comprising founding members Tyler, lead guitarist Joe Perry, bassist Tom Hamilton, guitarist Brad Whitford and founder drummer Joey Kramer , said it had been “the honour of our lives to have our music become part of yours”.

“It was 1970 when a spark of inspiration became Aerosmith,” the statement said. “Thanks to you, our Blue Army, that spark caught flame and has been burning for over five decades. Some of you have been with us since the beginning and all of you are the reason we made rock’n’roll history.”

The band said they were “grateful beyond words” for those who were set to see them on their farewell tour. “A final thank you to you – the best fans on planet Earth,” the statement said. “Play our music loud, now and always. Dream on. You’ve made our dreams come true.”

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• The Observer
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