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 and songwriter, most famously recognized as the dynamic lead singer of the rock band Aerosmith. Known for his powerful high screams, broad vocal range, and energetic stage presence, he's often called the "Demon of Screamin'." Tyler's performances are marked by acrobatic movements and flamboyant, colorful attire, complemented by his signature microphone stand adorned with scarves. Beyond his vocal prowess, he also contributes to Aerosmith's music with keyboards, harmonica, and percussion.

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—later Chain Reaction—in Yonkers, New York.

1969: Attending the Rock Show and Meeting Future Bandmates

In 1969, Tyler attended a local rock show in Sunapee, New Hampshire and saw future bandmates Joe Perry and Tom Hamilton playing in a band called the Jam Band.

November 6, 1970: Aerosmith's First Gig

On November 6, 1970, Aerosmith played their first gig in Mendon, Massachusetts at Nipmuc Regional High School.

1970: Formation of Aerosmith

Around 1970, Steven Tyler, Joe Perry, and Tom Hamilton decided to form a band. Joey Kramer was recruited to play the drums. The band moved to the Boston area.

December 25, 1971: Known as "Fox Chase"

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

1971: Brad Whitford Joins Aerosmith

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

1972: Signing with Columbia Records

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

January 1973: Release of Aerosmith's Debut Album

In January 1973, Aerosmith released their debut album, "Aerosmith," which peaked at number 166.

1974: Release of Get Your Wings Album

In 1974, Aerosmith released their second album, Get Your Wings, the first of a string of multi-platinum albums produced by Jack Douglas.

1975: Release of Toys in the Attic

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

Loading Video...

1976: Re-release of "Walk This Way"

In 1976, "Walk This Way" was re-released and reached the Top 10 in early 1977.

Loading Video...

1976: Release of Rocks Album

In 1976, Aerosmith's fourth album, Rocks, was released. It featured two Top 40 hits, "Last Child" and "Back in the Saddle", as well as the ballad "Home Tonight", which also charted.

Loading Video...

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 remains a live staple, and "Kings and Queens" also charted.

Loading Video...

1977: Success of "Walk This Way"

In early 1977, "Walk This Way", re-released in 1976, reached the Top 10.

Loading Video...

July 1979: Line-up Change

Starting July 1979, the line-up of Tyler, Perry, Hamilton, Kramer, and Whitford changed.

November 1979: Release of Night in the Ruts

In November 1979, Night in the Ruts was released, but only certified gold at the time.

1980: Tyler's Collapse on Stage and Greatest Hits Release

In 1980, 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.

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

On August 27, 1982, Rock in a Hard Place was released. Only one single charted, the aforementioned "Lightning Strikes", which peaked at number 21 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock chart. Also in 1982, Tyler collapsed on stage again at a homecoming arena show in Worcester, Massachusetts.

Loading Video...

April 1984: Reinstatement of the Original Line-up

Starting April 1984, the line-up of Tyler, Perry, Hamilton, Kramer, and Whitford was reinstated and has stayed the same since.

1984: Back in the Saddle Tour

In 1984, Aerosmith embarked on a reunion tour called the Back in the Saddle Tour, which 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. While the album did receive some positive reviews, it only went gold and failed to produce a hit single or generate any widespread interest.

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

In 1986, Aerosmith appeared on Run–D.M.C.'s cover of "Walk This Way", a track blending rock and roll with hip hop. The song resurrected Aerosmith's career.

Loading Video...

1986: Touring in Support of Done with Mirrors

In 1986, Aerosmith became a popular concert attraction once again, touring in support of Done with Mirrors.

1986: Drug Rehabilitation and "Walk This Way" Collaboration

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.

Loading Video...

August 1987: Release of Permanent Vacation

In August 1987, Permanent Vacation was released, becoming a major hit and the band's bestselling album in over a decade. It was the first album they did sober.

1994: Night in the Ruts Certified Platinum

By 1994, Night in the Ruts eventually sold enough copies to be certified platinum.

2015: Tyler Launched Janie's Fund

In 2015, Steven Tyler launched Janie's Fund, named after Aerosmith's "Janie's Got a Gun", to provide protection and counseling for young female victims of abuse, raising over $2.4 million for the organization.

Loading Video...

2016: Release of We're All Somebody from Somewhere

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

Loading Video...

2017: Janie's House Established

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.

April 2019: Aerosmith's Las Vegas residency

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

June 2020: Aerosmith Las Vegas residency end date

Aerosmith's Las Vegas residency, titled "Deuces Are Wild", was booked to run from April 2019 through June 2020.

March 2022: Return of Deuces Are Wild residency announced

In March 2022, Aerosmith announced the return of their "Deuces Are Wild" residency, set to begin in June.

September 2023: Tyler Suffered Vocal Injury

In September 2023, Steven Tyler suffered a vocal injury during an Aerosmith concert on 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 September 2023 concert.

August 2024: Aerosmith Forced to Cancel Tour

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