Career Timeline of Steven Tyler: Major Achievements and Milestones

How Steven Tyler built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Steven Tyler, born Steven Victor Tallarico, is an iconic American singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist, best known as the frontman of the legendary rock band Aerosmith. Renowned for his dynamic stage presence, powerful vocals, extensive range, and signature high screams, Tyler has earned the moniker "Demon of Screamin'." His flamboyant androgynous style, complete with colorful outfits, makeup, and trademark microphone scarves, further contribute to his distinctive persona.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

1964: Formation of the Strangeurs/Chain Reaction

In 1964, Steven Tyler formed a band called the Strangeurs, which later became known as Chain Reaction, in Yonkers, New York.

1969: Attended Rock Show and Saw Future Bandmates

In 1969, Steven Tyler attended a local rock show in Sunapee, New Hampshire, where he saw future bandmates Joe Perry and Tom Hamilton playing in a band called the Jam Band. He was struck by their raw power and attitude.

November 6, 1970: First Aerosmith Gig

On November 6, 1970, Aerosmith played their first gig in Mendon, Massachusetts, at Nipmuc Regional High School (now Miscoe Hill Middle School).

1970: Formation of Aerosmith

Around 1970, Steven Tyler, Joe Perry, and Tom Hamilton decided to form a band, Aerosmith. Tyler insisted on being the frontman and lead singer. Joey Kramer was recruited to play the drums, and the band moved to the Boston area.

December 25, 1971: Consideration as "Fox Chase"

At some point prior to the weekend of December 25, 1971, Aerosmith was known as "Fox Chase".

1971: Brad Whitford Joins Aerosmith

In 1971, Ray Tabano was replaced by Brad Whitford in Aerosmith.

1972: Aerosmith Signs with Columbia

In mid-1972, Aerosmith signed with Columbia Records for a reported $125,000.

January 1973: Release of Debut Album "Aerosmith"

In January 1973, Aerosmith released their debut album, "Aerosmith".

1974: Release of "Get Your Wings"

In 1974, Aerosmith released their second album, Get Your Wings, produced by Jack Douglas. This album included the rock radio hits "Same Old Song and Dance" and "Train Kept A-Rollin'".

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1975: Release of "Toys in the Attic"

In 1975, Aerosmith released their third album, Toys in the Attic, which was an immediate success. The album contained the hit single "Sweet Emotion", which became the band's first Top 40 hit.

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1976: Release of "Rocks" Album

In 1976, Aerosmith released their fourth album, Rocks, which was described as capturing Aerosmith at their most raw and rocking. It featured two Top 40 hits, "Last Child" and "Back in the Saddle", as well as the ballad "Home Tonight".

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1976: Re-release of "Walk This Way"

In 1976, the song "Walk This Way" was re-released.

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1977: Release of "Draw the Line" Album

In 1977, Aerosmith released their fifth album, Draw the Line. The title track charted just shy of the Top 40, and "Kings and Queens" also charted. The track "Bright Light Fright" was the first Aerosmith song without Tyler on lead vocals.

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1977: "Walk This Way" reaches Top 10

In early 1977, the re-released "Walk This Way" reached the Top 10.

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July 1979: Line-up Change

From July 1979 to April 1984, the line-up of Tyler, Perry, Hamilton, Kramer, and Whitford was not the same.

November 1979: Release of Night in the Ruts

In November 1979, Aerosmith released the album Night in the Ruts.

1980: Tyler's On-Stage Collapse and Motorcycle Accident

In 1980, Steven Tyler collapsed on stage during a show in Portland, Maine, due to drug issues. Also in 1980, Aerosmith released their first compilation album, Greatest Hits. In the fall of 1980, Tyler was injured in a serious motorcycle accident.

August 27, 1982: Release of Rock in a Hard Place

On August 27, 1982, Aerosmith released the album Rock in a Hard Place.

April 1984: Line-up Reverted

From July 1979 to April 1984, the line-up of Tyler, Perry, Hamilton, Kramer, and Whitford was not the same, but after that it remained the same.

1984: Back in the Saddle Reunion Tour

In 1984, Aerosmith embarked on a reunion tour called the Back in the Saddle Tour. The tour led to the live album Classics Live II. The group was signed to Geffen Records and began working on a comeback.

1985: Release of "Done with Mirrors"

In 1985, Aerosmith released the album Done with Mirrors.

1986: Collaboration with Run-DMC on "Walk This Way"

In 1986, Aerosmith collaborated with Run-DMC on a cover of "Walk This Way", blending rock and roll with hip hop. The song reached number 4 on the Billboard Hot 100, revitalizing Aerosmith's career.

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1986: Tour in Support of "Done with Mirrors"

In 1986, Aerosmith was on tour in support of their album Done with Mirrors.

1986: Drug Rehabilitation and "Walk This Way" Remake

In 1986, Steven Tyler completed drug rehabilitation. Also in 1986, Aerosmith rose to prominence again when Tyler and Joe Perry joined Run-DMC for a re-make of "Walk This Way", which became a Top 5 hit.

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August 1987: Release of "Permanent Vacation"

In August 1987, Aerosmith released their album, Permanent Vacation, which became a major hit. Tyler revealed in his autobiography that the album was the first the band ever did sober.

1994: Night in the Ruts certified platinum

By 1994, Aerosmith's Night in the Ruts sold enough copies to be certified platinum

2001: Induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

In 2001, Steven Tyler was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with Aerosmith.

May 20, 2006: Aerosmith Enters Studio After Tyler's Throat Surgery

On May 20, 2006, Steven Tyler and the rest of Aerosmith entered the studio to begin work on their new album, following his successful throat surgery to repair a ruptured blood vessel.

September 15, 2007: Launch of Dirico Motorcycles

On September 15, 2007, at New Hampshire International Speedway, Steven Tyler announced the launch of Dirico Motorcycles, which are designed by Tyler, engineered by Mark Dirico, and built by AC Custom Motorcycles in Manchester, New Hampshire.

February 8, 2013: Steven Tyler Act Cleared Through Judiciary Committee

On February 8, 2013, the Steven Tyler Act (Hawaii Senate Bill 465), aimed at giving more privacy to public figures, was cleared through the Judiciary Committee after Tyler and other celebrities lobbied for it.

2013: ASCAP Founders Award and Songwriters Hall of Fame Induction

In 2013, Steven Tyler and his songwriting partner Joe Perry received the ASCAP Founders Award and were inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame.

June 28, 2014: Aerosmith Performs on Global Warming Tour

On June 28, 2014, Steven Tyler performed with Aerosmith on the European leg of the Global Warming Tour, marking the end of a series of 15 shows which began on May 17, 2014.

March 31, 2015: Tyler Announces Solo Country Album

On March 31, 2015, Steven Tyler announced that he was working on his first solo country album, signaling a shift in his musical career.

December 2015: Aerosmith Farewell Tour Discussions Begin

Starting in December 2015, Steven Tyler and fellow Aerosmith bandmates began discussing the possibility of a farewell tour, potentially starting in 2017, marking the beginning of talks about the band's future.

2015: Tyler Launches Janie's Fund

In 2015, Steven Tyler launched Janie's Fund, named after Aerosmith's "Janie's Got a Gun", to provide support for young female victims of abuse. He has helped raise over $2.4 million for the organization since then.

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January 2016: Release of Second Single "Red, White & You"

In January 2016, Steven Tyler released "Red, White & You", the second single from his upcoming solo album.

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June 2016: Release of Third Single Title Track

In June 2016, Steven Tyler released the title track as the third single from his solo album, We're All Somebody from Somewhere.

July 15, 2016: Release of Solo Album We're All Somebody from Somewhere

On July 15, 2016, Steven Tyler released his solo album, We're All Somebody from Somewhere, marking a significant milestone in his career as a solo artist.

October 2016: Aerosmith's Rock 'N' Roll Rumble Tour

In October 2016, Steven Tyler rejoined Aerosmith for a nine-date tour of Latin America, called the Rock 'N' Roll Rumble Tour, continuing the band's performances after a show at the Kaaboo Festival in San Diego.

2016: Release of Solo Album "We're All Somebody from Somewhere"

In 2016, Steven Tyler released his debut solo album, "We're All Somebody from Somewhere", which is a country rock album including the single "Love Is Your Name".

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April 2017: Aerosmith Performance at NCAA Final Four and Solo Shows in Japan

In April 2017, Steven Tyler performed with Aerosmith in Phoenix, Arizona, for the NCAA Final Four men's basketball tournament and also performed two solo shows with Loving Mary in Japan, balancing group and solo performances.

October 2017: Aerosmith's South America Tour

In October 2017, Aerosmith, including Steven Tyler, played in South America after the conclusion of their European tour in July.

2017: Establishment of Janie's House

In 2017, Janie's House was established in Atlanta, offering shelter for victims of abuse or neglect, with space for 30 live-in clients and 24-hour medical facilities available.

2017: Potential Start of Aerosmith Farewell Tour

In 2017, there was the potential for the start of Aerosmith's farewell tour, a topic discussed by Tyler and his bandmates since December 2015.

April 2019: Start of Aerosmith's 'Deuces Are Wild' Residency

In April 2019, Aerosmith, featuring Steven Tyler, began its "Deuces Are Wild" residency in Las Vegas, playing 50 shows at the Park Theater from April 2019 through June 2020.

August 2019: Aerosmith Performances at Festivals and MGM Venues

In August 2019, Aerosmith, with Steven Tyler, performed at a festival in Minnesota and played nine shows at three MGM venues in Maryland, New Jersey, and Massachusetts, continuing their performances after the start of their Las Vegas residency in April 2019.

June 2020: End Date for Aerosmith's 'Deuces Are Wild' Residency

June 2020 was the scheduled end date for Aerosmith's "Deuces Are Wild" residency in Las Vegas, which began in April 2019 and included 50 shows.

March 2022: Announcement of the Return of Aerosmith's Deuces Are Wild Residency

In March 2022, Aerosmith announced the return of the Deuces Are Wild residency, which was scheduled to begin in June, later facing cancellation due to Tyler's health issues.

September 2023: Tyler Suffers Vocal Injury

In September 2023, Steven Tyler suffered a vocal injury during an Aerosmith concert from their farewell tour.

August 2024: Aerosmith Announces Retirement From Touring

In August 2024, Aerosmith announced the band's retirement from touring due to Steven Tyler's inability to fully recover from vocal cord injuries and a fractured larynx, sustained during a concert in September 2023.

August 2024: Aerosmith Cancels Tour and Retires

In August 2024, Aerosmith was forced to cancel their tour and retire from touring after it was determined that Steven Tyler could not sufficiently recover from his vocal injury.