Steven Tyler, born Steven Victor Tallarico, is an American singer, songwriter, and musician widely recognized as the lead vocalist for the rock band Aerosmith. His powerful vocals and wide range have earned him the moniker "Demon of Screamin'." Beyond singing, he contributes to the band's music through keyboards, harmonica, and percussion. Tyler is renowned for his energetic stage presence, often incorporating acrobatics and sporting flamboyant costumes and makeup, with scarves tied to his microphone stand as a signature flourish.
In 1914, Steven Tyler's grandfather, Felix Czarnyszewicz, emigrated from Klichaw (present-day Belarus) to the United States. Upon arrival, he changed his surname to "Blancha."
Victor A. Tallarico, Steven Tyler's father, was born on May 14, 1916.
Steven Tyler's mother, Susan Ray, was born on June 2, 1925.
On March 26, 1948, Steven Victor Tallarico, later known as Steven Tyler, was born in Manhattan, New York.
When Steven Tyler was around nine years old, his family moved to 100 Pembrook Drive in Northeast Yonkers in 1957.
In 1969, at a local rock show in Sunapee, New Hampshire, Steven Tyler encountered Joe Perry and Tom Hamilton, who would later become his bandmates in Aerosmith. Impressed by their performance, Tyler felt drawn to their energy.
Around 1970, Steven Tyler, Joe Perry, and Tom Hamilton came together to form a band. Tyler, having played drums in previous bands, was determined to be the frontman and lead vocalist. They recruited Joey Kramer as the drummer and Ray Tabano as the rhythm guitarist.
In a pivotal moment for their career, Aerosmith secured a record deal with Columbia Records in 1972. This came after a performance at the renowned Max's Kansas City nightclub, orchestrated by their managers, Steve Leber and David Krebs, to showcase the band to industry professionals.
Aerosmith released their self-titled debut album in 1973, marking their official entry into the music scene.
In 1973, Aerosmith's "Dream On" gained some traction, reaching number 59 on the charts, marking their early foray into the music charts.
In 1973, Steven Tyler, at the age of 25, began a relationship with 16-year-old Julia Holcomb, whom he obtained guardianship of. Their relationship lasted three years and was marked by challenges, including their age difference, a house fire, and a terminated pregnancy.
Aerosmith released their second studio album, "Get Your Wings," in 1974, further solidifying their presence in the rock music scene.
Aerosmith's album "Toys in the Attic," released in 1975, propelled them into the mainstream. It featured their first top-40 hit, "Sweet Emotion," marking a turning point in their career.
Aerosmith released their album "Rocks" in 1976, further solidifying their status as a major force in rock music. The album spawned several hit singles, including a re-released "Dream On," which reached number six on the charts.
By 1976, Aerosmith had ascended to international stardom, headlining major stadiums and prominent rock festivals. The band's fifth album, "Draw the Line," further cemented their global recognition, leading to tours in Europe and Japan.
Steven Tyler fathered actress Liv Tyler in 1977 with Bebe Buell. Buell initially named Todd Rundgren as the father to protect Liv from Tyler's drug addiction.
Steven Tyler and Cyrinda Foxe had a daughter, Mia Tyler, on December 22, 1978.
In 1978, Aerosmith was touring extensively, and their performances were documented in their live album "Live! Bootleg" and the VHS release "Live Texxas Jam '78." This year also marked Steven Tyler's acting debut as the leader of the Future Villain Band in the movie "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band," where he starred alongside his Aerosmith bandmates. The film featured their rendition of the Beatles' hit "Come Together," which became their last top-40 single for the subsequent nine years.
Steven Tyler married Cyrinda Foxe, an ex-Warhol model, in 1978.
On July 28, 1979, tensions within Aerosmith reached a boiling point during a performance at the World Series of Rock concert in Cleveland. Following a heated argument, Joe Perry decided to part ways with the band to form his own group, the Joe Perry Project. The band, now without Perry, persevered and brought in Jimmy Crespo as their new guitarist.
Between 1979 and 1982, Steven Tyler's drug use escalated, particularly his dependence on heroin, marking one of the darkest periods of his struggle with addiction.
In 1979, Joe Perry left Aerosmith to form his own band, The Joe Perry Project.
In 1980, Steven Tyler was involved in a motorcycle accident that resulted in serious injuries, requiring him to be hospitalized for two months. The accident forced him to take a break from touring and recording for a significant part of the following year.
Brad Whitford left Aerosmith in 1981, two years after Joe Perry's departure.
In 1981, while Tyler was still recovering from his motorcycle accident, Brad Whitford decided to leave Aerosmith shortly after laying down the guitar tracks for "Lightning Strikes," the lead single from their upcoming album. Rick Dufay stepped in to fill the void left by Whitford's departure.
By 1982, Tyler's heroin addiction was at its worst, leading him to frequent the streets of New York City in search of drugs. In later interviews, he confessed to squandering millions of dollars earned during the early years of his career due to his addiction.
In 1982, after recovering from his accident, Tyler resumed working with Aerosmith. During this period, he collaborated with Jimmy Crespo, co-writing and producing their album "Rock in a Hard Place."
Aerosmith, with Rick Dufay on guitar, toured throughout 1983.
On February 14, 1984, Joe Perry and Brad Whitford, who had left Aerosmith in 1979 and 1981, respectively, decided to attend one of the band's shows. This reunion led to a backstage meeting where the former bandmates reconciled, and Perry and Whitford agreed to rejoin Aerosmith. The band also made significant changes in their management team, parting ways with Leber and Krebs, hiring Tim Collins as their new manager, and signing a fresh record deal with Geffen Records.
Aerosmith released their comeback album, "Done with Mirrors," in 1985 after reuniting with Perry and Whitford. However, despite the reunion, the band's struggle with drug addiction, particularly Tyler's, persisted, even leading to his collapse during a performance on their 1984 tour.
Aerosmith experienced a resurgence in popularity in 1986 when Steven Tyler and Joe Perry collaborated with Run–D.M.C. on a groundbreaking cover of Aerosmith's "Walk This Way." This unique blend of rock and hip-hop became a chart-topping hit, bridging the gap between the two genres and introducing Aerosmith to a new generation of fans.
In 1986, concerned about Tyler's escalating drug addiction, Aerosmith members decided to stage an intervention. Their efforts proved successful as they convinced Tyler to check into a drug rehabilitation program. Following Tyler's lead, other band members also sought treatment, signifying a turning point in their battle with addiction.
In 1986, following a period of addiction struggles and declining popularity, Steven Tyler completed drug rehabilitation. This marked a turning point for Aerosmith, as they collaborated with Run-DMC on a remake of "Walk This Way," propelling them back into the spotlight.
Building on the momentum of their collaboration with Run-D.M.C., Aerosmith released "Permanent Vacation" in 1987. The album achieved massive success, going multi-platinum and featuring hit singles like "Dude (Looks Like a Lady)," "Angel," and "Rag Doll." To support the album, the band embarked on a tour with the up-and-coming Guns N' Roses.
Steven Tyler and Cyrinda Foxe divorced in 1987.
Steven Tyler married clothing designer Teresa Barrick in Tulsa, Oklahoma on May 28, 1988.
Steven Tyler and Teresa Barrick welcomed their daughter, Chelsea, in 1989.
In 1989, Aerosmith released "Live Texxas Jam '78," a VHS recording of their performance at the Texxas Jam festival in 1978.
In 1989, Aerosmith released "Pump," which surpassed even the success of its predecessor, selling over seven million copies. The album yielded a string of hit singles, including "Love in an Elevator," "Janie's Got a Gun," "What It Takes," and "The Other Side." "Pump" marked a period of musical exploration for Tyler, who co-wrote the impactful hit "Janie's Got a Gun." The song earned the band their first Grammy Award. They toured extensively, performing in new territories like Australia, and shared the stage with other rising stars of that era.
Aerosmith released the song "Janie's Got a Gun" in 1989.
Aerosmith's growing popularity in the late 1980s propelled them to become MTV sensations, and Steven Tyler became a household name. In 1990, the band appeared in a memorable "Wayne's World" sketch on "Saturday Night Live." The same year, they recorded one of the earliest episodes of MTV Unplugged, further solidifying their musical influence.
In 1991, Aerosmith achieved the distinction of being one of the first bands to be featured on the iconic animated series "The Simpsons." The same year, they secured a lucrative $30 million record deal with their former label, Columbia Records, marking a significant milestone in their career. They also released the box set "Pandora's Box" with Columbia and created a music video for "Sweet Emotion" to promote it. Earlier that year, they delivered a memorable performance of "Dream On" with an orchestra at MTV's 10th Anniversary celebration. This performance was later used as the official video for the song.
Steven Tyler and Teresa Barrick had a son, Taj, in 1991.
In 1992, after a brief hiatus, Aerosmith returned to the studio to begin work on their next album. During these sessions, the band's A&R representative, John Kalodner, expressed concerns about some of the initial material, particularly targeting the sexually suggestive lyrics in Tyler's writing.
In 1993, Aerosmith, despite some initial criticism during the recording process, released "Get a Grip." The album became their most commercially successful release globally, selling over 15 million copies, and included a series of hit singles: "Cryin'," "Livin' on the Edge," "Eat the Rich," "Amazing," and "Crazy." While the album received mixed reviews, with some critiques directed at the extensive use of external collaborators, it marked one of the most rewarding periods for Aerosmith in terms of accolades. They received numerous awards, including two Grammy Awards, four MTV Video Music Awards, two American Music Awards, a People's Choice award, and a Billboard Award.
In December 1994, Aerosmith's 18-month Get a Grip Tour concluded, leading the band into a break in 1995. This much-needed hiatus allowed them to prioritize family time and recover from the demands of their decade-long career resurgence.
Aerosmith became renowned for their innovative music videos during this period, known for their cinematic narratives and featuring rising stars like Edward Furlong, Stephen Dorff, Jason London, Josh Holloway, and, notably, Alicia Silverstone. In 1994, Steven Tyler's daughter, Liv Tyler, made her acting debut in the band's video for "Crazy." To support the album's success, Aerosmith embarked on their largest and most extensive tour yet, performing over 240 shows across nearly 30 countries. This tour marked their first foray into Latin America and expanded their reach within Europe.
Aerosmith's hit single, "Deuces Are Wild," was released in 1994 and later became the namesake for their Las Vegas residency.
Aerosmith took a break in 1995 after their Get a Grip Tour. The break allowed them to rest, spend time with family, and begin writing for a new album. They performed a few shows in Boston to test new material and vacationed with their families in Florida.
In 1996, Aerosmith faced internal conflicts fueled by rumors spread by their manager, Tim Collins, leading to his dismissal. The band, amidst recording their new album, navigated through these challenges and sought new management.
Cyrinda Foxe published a memoir in 1997 about her life with Steven Tyler titled "Dream On: Livin' on the Edge With Steven Tyler and Aerosmith".
In 1997, Aerosmith released their album "Nine Lives," which achieved double-platinum status and earned them their fourth Grammy Award for the song "Pink." The band embarked on a two-year tour to support the album and also released their tell-all autobiography.
In 1998, while on tour, Steven Tyler sustained a knee injury but continued performing. Despite canceling some tour dates, they released "I Don't Want to Miss a Thing," their first song to debut at number one on the Hot 100, which was featured in the film *Armageddon*, starring Tyler's daughter, Liv.
Steven Tyler and Joe Perry joined Kid Rock and Run-D.M.C. for a performance of "Walk This Way" at the 1999 MTV Music Awards. Additionally, the Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith opened at Walt Disney World that year.
Steven Tyler, alongside Aerosmith, was inducted into the prestigious Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2001, solidifying their legacy in music history.
In 2001, a momentous year for Aerosmith, the band performed at Super Bowl XXXV's halftime show and were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. They also released the album *Just Push Play*. However, Tyler's rendition of the National Anthem at the Indianapolis 500, where he altered lyrics, sparked public criticism, leading him to issue an apology.
Cyrinda Foxe died from a brain tumor in 2002.
In 2002, Aerosmith's two-hour Behind the Music documentary premiered, offering a glimpse into their tumultuous journey. They received the MTV Icon Award and released the double-platinum compilation album "O, Yeah! The Ultimate Aerosmith Hits."
Steven Tyler received an honorary degree from Berklee College of Music in 2003 and inducted AC/DC into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Aerosmith then co-headlined the Rocksimus Maximus Tour with KISS.
Steven Tyler was diagnosed with Hepatitis C in 2003 and underwent extensive treatment.
Aerosmith released the blues cover album *Honkin' on Bobo* in 2004 and toured with Cheap Trick. Tyler performed the National Anthem at Fenway Park for the World Series and voiced "Rockin' on Top of the World" for the animated film *The Polar Express*, with his bandmates depicted as elves.
In 2004, E! recognized Aerosmith's 1990 appearance on "Saturday Night Live" in the "Wayne's World" sketch as the most unforgettable moment in the show's history, highlighting the band's enduring impact on popular culture.
Citing personal problems, Steven Tyler and Teresa Barrick announced their separation in February 2005.
In 2005, Steven Tyler lent his vocals to Santana's hit single "Just Feel Better." Adding to his accolades, he received an honorary doctorate from the University of Massachusetts Boston.
Steven Tyler and Teresa Barrick finalized their divorce in January 2006.
After experiencing vocal issues, it was announced on March 22, 2006, that Steven Tyler would undergo surgery for an undisclosed medical condition. As a result, Aerosmith canceled their remaining North American tour dates for the year.
Following a successful surgery to repair a ruptured blood vessel in his throat, Steven Tyler and the rest of Aerosmith returned to the studio on May 20, 2006, to begin work on their next album.
In September 2006, Steven Tyler publicly shared his 11-year battle with hepatitis C, revealing his 2003 diagnosis and the challenging treatment he underwent.
On October 14, 2006, Steven Tyler performed "God Bless America" during the seventh-inning stretch of game three of the National League Championship Series between the St. Louis Cardinals and the New York Mets at Busch Stadium in St. Louis.
After recovering from throat surgery in 2006, Steven Tyler, alongside Joe Perry, performed with the Boston Pops Orchestra for their Fourth of July concert. He also collaborated with country singer Keith Anderson on the duet "Three Chord Country and American Rock & Roll."
On July 3-4, 2006, Steven Tyler made his first public appearance after surgery, performing with Joe Perry at the Boston Pops July 4 Fireworks Spectacular.
September 15, 2007 marked the launch of Dirico Motorcycles, a venture fusing Steven Tyler's passion for motorcycles with Mark Dirico's engineering expertise and the craftsmanship of AC Custom Motorcycles in Manchester, New Hampshire.
Steven Tyler continued to tour extensively with Aerosmith in 2007, performing in numerous countries. In a personal highlight, he and his daughter, Liv Tyler, were featured on an episode of E! True Hollywood Story.
Steven Tyler's throat surgery was featured in an episode of the National Geographic Channel series "Incredible Human Machine" in 2007.
On May 21, 2008, Steven Tyler checked himself into Las Encinas Hospital rehabilitation clinic in Pasadena, California to focus on recovering from multiple leg surgeries and the subsequent physical therapy.
June 2008 marked the release of "Guitar Hero: Aerosmith," a milestone as the franchise's first video game dedicated solely to one band. The game's success further solidified Aerosmith's impact on the music industry.
Susan Ray, Steven Tyler's mother, passed away on July 4, 2008.
Steven Tyler's mother, Susan Tallarico, passed away at the age of 84 on July 14, 2008.
Steven Tyler joined Billy Joel on stage at Shea Stadium on July 18, 2008, for the venue's last concert. Backed by Joel's band, Tyler sang lead vocals on "Walk This Way."
In August 2008, Steven Tyler secured a deal with HarperCollins for the publication of his autobiography. He also performed with trumpeter Chris Botti in Boston, a collaboration later released as a CD/DVD titled "Chris Botti In Boston."
Steven Tyler made a surprise appearance at the Trans-Siberian Orchestra concert at Nassau Coliseum on December 12, 2008.
On December 13, 2008, Steven Tyler once again surprised fans by joining the Trans-Siberian Orchestra, this time at the Izod Center, where they performed "Dream On" and "Sweet Emotion."
The concert featuring Steven Tyler and Chris Botti in Boston was released as a CD/DVD titled "Chris Botti In Boston" in March 2009.
On August 5, 2009, Steven Tyler suffered a fall from a stage during a performance in Sturgis, South Dakota, resulting in head, neck, and shoulder injuries. This accident forced Aerosmith to cancel their 2009 tour, with the exception of two shows in Hawaii later that year.
On November 9, 2009, media outlets reported that Steven Tyler had ceased communication with the other members of Aerosmith, casting doubt on his future with the band.
Despite rumors of his departure and confirmation from Joe Perry about Tyler pursuing a solo career, Tyler surprised fans by joining the Joe Perry Project onstage at the Fillmore New York. He reassured the audience that he was "not quitting Aerosmith."
On December 22, 2009, Rolling Stone reported that Steven Tyler had checked himself into a rehabilitation facility for pain management.
In 2009, Steven Tyler experienced a setback when he fell off the stage during a concert and subsequently relapsed with prescription drugs, leading him to seek treatment.
On September 16, 2010, Tyler announced his first solo project, composing "Love Lives," the theme song for the Japanese sci-fi film Space Battleship Yamato.
Fox confirmed that Steven Tyler would replace Simon Cowell as a judge on the tenth season of American Idol, joining Randy Jackson and Jennifer Lopez.
Steven Tyler paid tribute to Paul McCartney at the Kennedy Center Honors by delivering a performance of several songs from the Beatles' album Abbey Road.
Tensions arose between Steven Tyler and his Aerosmith bandmates in 2010, stemming from his decision to join American Idol without informing them.
Steven Tyler made his first appearance as an American Idol judge on January 19, 2011, marking the premiere of the show's tenth season.
Steven Tyler took on the role of presenter at the 2011 Kids' Choice Awards.
Steven Tyler released his autobiography, "Does the Noise in My Head Bother You?", on May 3, 2011. The book quickly climbed the charts, securing the number two spot on The New York Times Best Seller List for Hardcover Non-fiction.
Steven Tyler's father, Victor A. Tallarico, passed away on September 10, 2011.
Steven Tyler served as the muse for Andy Hilfiger's fashion line, "Andrew Charles," in September 2011. As part of the collaboration, Tyler designed a signature scarf collection dubbed "Rock Scarf."
Steven Tyler embarked on an 18-date tour with Aerosmith across Latin America and Japan.
Steven Tyler got engaged to Erin Brady in December 2011.
Steven Tyler's solo career saw success in 2011 when his single "(It) Feels So Good" reached the Top 40 charts.
In his 2011 memoir "Does the Noise in My Head Bother You?," Steven Tyler addressed his androgynous persona, clarifying that he sees himself as "half and half" male and female.
In 2011, band member Ray Tabano revealed in his book that an abortion Tyler and his then-girlfriend had in the early 70s 'really messed Steven up'. Tyler was deeply affected by the experience, as detailed in his own writing. Adding to the controversy, Tyler's former girlfriend stated that the child had been born alive but was left to die.
Steven Tyler showcased his vocal talents by performing the National Anthem at the AFC Championship Game.
Aerosmith took center stage on the renowned news program 60 Minutes. The episode provided a glimpse into the band's dynamics, with some comments from members highlighting the ongoing tensions within the group.
Aerosmith delighted fans with the announcement of their "Global Warming Tour," scheduled to visit major cities across North America from June 16 to August 8.
Steven Tyler announced his departure from American Idol after two seasons, citing a desire to refocus on Aerosmith.
Aerosmith released their much-anticipated album, "Music from Another Dimension!"
Steven Tyler and Erin Brady ended their engagement in January 2013.
Aerosmith released "Can't Stop Lovin' You," featuring Carrie Underwood, as the fourth single from their album "Music from Another Dimension!"
The Steven Tyler Act (Hawaii Senate Bill 465), aimed at protecting the privacy of public figures from paparazzi, was successfully cleared through the Judiciary Committee on February 8, 2013.
Aerosmith embarked on an extensive tour that included their first performances in Australia after 23 years, along with debut shows in New Zealand, the Philippines, and Singapore.
Steven Tyler took on a judging role at the Miss Universe 2013 pageant, held in Moscow, Russia, where he also treated the audience to a performance of "Dream On."
In 2013, Steven Tyler and Joe Perry, his songwriting partner in Aerosmith, received the ASCAP Founders Award and were honored with induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame.
Steven Tyler, alongside Aerosmith, concluded the European leg of their Global Warming Tour, having delivered 15 performances between May 17 and June 28.
On March 31, 2015, Steven Tyler revealed his plans to embark on a new musical journey by working on his first solo country album.
In August 2015, Steven Tyler attended the first Republican Party presidential debate in Cleveland, where he was reportedly a guest of Donald Trump.
Starting in December 2015, whispers of a potential Aerosmith farewell tour, possibly beginning in 2017, began to surface in various interviews with band members, including Steven Tyler, Brad Whitford, and Joe Perry.
In 2015, Steven Tyler launched Janie's Fund, an organization providing support and counseling for young female victims of abuse.
In January 2016, Steven Tyler released "Red, White & You," the second single from his debut solo country album.
Steven Tyler's Out on a Limb Tour commenced in March 2016 with a captivating pair of performances in Niagara Falls.
In May 2016, Steven Tyler demonstrated his commitment to his charity, Janie's Fund, by holding a benefit concert in New York City.
June 2016 saw the release of the title track, "We're All Somebody from Somewhere," as the third single from Steven Tyler's debut solo album.
July 15, 2016, marked the release of Steven Tyler's highly anticipated solo country album, "We're All Somebody from Somewhere."
Steven Tyler's Out on a Limb Tour, featuring his backing band Loving Mary, concluded in September 2016 after a run of 19 shows.
Aerosmith concluded their Rock 'N' Roll Rumble Tour, a nine-date venture across Latin America, in October 2016.
Steven Tyler released his debut solo album, "We're All Somebody from Somewhere," in 2016. The country rock album featured the single "Love Is Your Name" and was followed by his "Out on a Limb" tour.
April 2017 saw Aerosmith, featuring Steven Tyler, delivering an electrifying performance at the NCAA Final Four men's basketball tournament in Phoenix, Arizona. Tyler also captivated audiences with two solo shows in Japan, accompanied by Loving Mary.
In October 2017, Aerosmith took their "farewell" tour, Aero-Vederci Baby!, to South America, following their successful European leg.
Aerosmith, including Steven Tyler, hinted at the possibility of a "wind-down" or farewell tour starting in 2017.
Janie's House, a shelter for victims of abuse and neglect, was established in Atlanta in 2017, offering a safe haven and medical facilities.
Steven Tyler used his platform to support his charity, Janie's Fund, by hosting the inaugural red carpet gala during the 60th Grammy Awards in January 2018.
Aerosmith launched their highly anticipated Las Vegas residency, "Deuces Are Wild," at the Park Theater, commencing in April 2019.
In August 2019, Aerosmith graced the stage at a festival in Minnesota and delivered electrifying performances at three MGM venues across Maryland, New Jersey, and Massachusetts.
In 2019, Steven Tyler expressed gratitude for his sobriety, acknowledging an intervention by his band and management in 1988. He highlighted the band's mutual support in overcoming personal challenges.
Aerosmith's "Deuces Are Wild" residency in Las Vegas was initially scheduled to run until June 2020, with the band booked for 50 shows.
In March 2022, fans were thrilled to learn about the return of Aerosmith's "Deuces Are Wild" residency, with shows slated to begin in June.
On May 24, 2022, Aerosmith was forced to cancel their June and July shows for the "Deuces Are Wild" residency due to Steven Tyler's decision to enter a rehabilitation facility following a relapse after foot surgery.
In December 2022, Julia Misley (formerly known as Holcomb) filed a lawsuit against Steven Tyler alleging sexual assault and coercion into an abortion during their relationship in the 1970s.
The lawsuit, which gained momentum in February 2023, accused Tyler of using his status to groom and exploit Misley.
In March 2023, Tyler responded to the lawsuit, denying the sexual assault allegations and claiming legal immunity due to his guardianship of Misley at the time. This sparked debate among legal experts, with some contending there's no immunity for sexual abuse by a guardian.
Steven Tyler fractured his larynx at a concert in September 2023.
Aerosmith announced in August 2024 that they would no longer be touring, citing Steven Tyler's inability to recover from his vocal injury.
In August 2024, Aerosmith made the difficult decision to retire from touring due to Steven Tyler's ongoing recovery challenges from a fractured larynx.