Challenges Faced by Steven Tyler: Obstacles and Turning Points
A closer look at the defining struggles that shaped Steven Tyler's life and career.
Steven Tyler, born Steven Victor Tallarico, is an iconic American singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist, most famous as the frontman of the legendary rock band Aerosmith. Known for his powerful, wide-ranging vocals, often referred to as the "Demon of Screamin'," and energetic stage presence, complete with acrobatics, flamboyant outfits, and trademark microphone scarves. Tyler has left an indelible mark on rock music through Aerosmith's decades-long success and his distinctive vocal style.
July 28, 1979: Joe Perry Leaves Aerosmith
On July 28, 1979, Joe Perry left Aerosmith to begin his own band after a quarrel at a World Series of Rock concert in Cleveland.
1979: Drug Abuse Increased
As the decade wore on, Steven Tyler's drug abuse increased. His heroin addiction was at its worst between 1979 and 1982, when he would roam the streets of New York City looking for dealers.
1979: Perry Leaves the Band
In 1979, Perry and Tyler had a huge fight that led to Perry leaving the band.
1980: Motorcycle Accident
In the fall of 1980, Steven Tyler was injured in a motorcycle crash that left him hospitalized for two months.
1981: Unable to Tour or Record
In 1981, Steven Tyler was unable to tour or record for much of the year due to injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident the previous year.
1982: Drug Abuse Increased
As the decade wore on, Steven Tyler's drug abuse increased. His heroin addiction was at its worst between 1979 and 1982, when he would roam the streets of New York City looking for dealers.
1986: Completes Drug Rehabilitation
In 1986, Steven Tyler completed drug rehabilitation, marking a turning point in his personal life and career. Aerosmith rose to prominence again through a collaboration with Run-DMC.
1986: Drug Intervention and Rehabilitation
In 1986, Steven Tyler's bandmates staged an intervention, leading him to enter a drug rehabilitation program.
1992: Return to the Studio in 1992
In 1992, Aerosmith returned to the studio to record their next album, facing criticism from A&R man John Kalodner regarding Tyler's lyrics.
1995: Aerosmith almost breaks up in 1995
In 1995, during a break after their tour, Aerosmith nearly broke up due to rumors spread by their manager Tim Collins. Tyler and Perry also began writing for a new album.
1996: Firing of Tim Collins in 1996
In 1996, Aerosmith fired manager Tim Collins amidst recording their next album, due to his actions that nearly caused the band to break up.
1998: Tyler's Injury and "I Don't Want to Miss a Thing" Release
In 1998, while touring, Steven Tyler injured his knee, leading to canceled dates. Aerosmith released "I Don't Want to Miss a Thing", their first number-one hit, for the film Armageddon, which featured Tyler's daughter Liv.
2003: Tyler diagnosed with Hepatitis C.
In 2003, Steven Tyler was diagnosed with Hepatitis C and underwent treatment until 2006.
March 22, 2006: Tyler to undergo surgery for undisclosed medical condition
On March 22, 2006, it was reported that Steven Tyler would undergo surgery for an "undisclosed medical condition". Aerosmith canceled the remaining dates on the Rockin' the Joint Tour in North America to allow Tyler's voice to recover.
September 2006: Tyler reveals hepatitis C diagnosis
In September 2006, Steven Tyler revealed in an interview that he had been suffering from hepatitis C for the past 11 years and had undergone treatment from 2003 to 2006.
2006: Recovery from Throat Surgery and Performance with Boston Pops
In 2006, after recovering from throat surgery, Tyler performed with Joe Perry and the Boston Pops Orchestra for their Fourth of July concert. He also recorded a duet with Keith Anderson.
May 21, 2008: Tyler Enters Rehab
On May 21, 2008, Steven Tyler checked into Las Encinas Hospital rehabilitation clinic to recover from multiple leg surgeries.
August 5, 2009: Tyler's Stage Fall and Injury
On August 5, 2009, during the Guitar Hero Aerosmith Tour, Tyler fell off a stage near Sturgis, South Dakota, and injured his head, neck, and shoulder. The tour was canceled.
November 9, 2009: Media Reports of Isolation From Aerosmith
On November 9, 2009, the media reported that Tyler had no contact with the other members of Aerosmith, sparking rumors of his departure.
November 10, 2009: Aerosmith Departure Rumors and Performance
On November 10, 2009, Joe Perry confirmed Tyler had quit Aerosmith. Despite this, Tyler joined the Joe Perry Project onstage and performed "Walk This Way", assuring the crowd he was not quitting Aerosmith.
December 22, 2009: Tyler Enters Rehab for Pain Management
On December 22, 2009, it was reported that Tyler had checked into rehab for pain management.
2009: Fall From Stage and Prescription Drug Relapse
In 2009, Steven Tyler experienced a fall from the stage at a concert and a relapse with prescription drugs, leading to treatment.
2019: Tyler recalls intervention by band and management.
In a 2019 interview, Steven Tyler recalled an intervention by Aerosmith's management and band members in 1988 to address his sobriety.
May 24, 2022: June and July Dates Canceled
On May 24, 2022, Aerosmith announced that the June and July dates would be canceled due to Tyler checking himself into a rehab facility after a relapse.
September 2023: Tyler suffers vocal injury during farewell tour
In September 2023, Steven Tyler suffered a vocal injury during a concert from Aerosmith's farewell tour.
August 2024: Retirement from Touring Announced
In August 2024, Aerosmith announced the band's retirement from touring due to Tyler being unable to fully recover from a fractured larynx.
August 2024: Aerosmith cancels tour due to Tyler's vocal injury
In August 2024, Aerosmith was forced to cancel their farewell tour and retire from touring, as Steven Tyler could not sufficiently recover from his vocal injury.
