Former Guns N’ Roses drummer Matt Sorum has dismissed suggestions that Aerosmith frontman Steven Tyler will return to the touring circuit.
Sorum’s comments came weeks after Tyler performed at his sixth annual Jam for Janie Grammy Awards Viewing Party, marking only his second live performance since a 2023 vocal injury halted Aerosmith’s tour schedule. The event, with Sorum as Musical Director, was the first time Tyler performed live since the band announced their formal retirement in August 2024.
Tyler sang covers of songs by Extreme and Led Zeppelin, along with four Aerosmith staples, alongside artists like Mick Fleetwood, Lainey Wilson, the Black Crowes’ Chris Robinson, Jessie J, and Aerosmith bassist Tom Hamilton. Despite fans’ positive response, Sorum told Joe Rock of Long Island radio station WBAB (via Blabbermouth) that the demands of global touring would prevent Tyler from performing extensively again.
“Some fans were a little bit, like, ‘Well, he can sing.’ Well, let me just explain what’s happening with Steven Tyler, ’cause he’s a really good friend,” Sorum said. “He went out and sang. And it was a really big moment for him because he hurt himself bad. Now, is he gonna tour again? No, he’s not. Because Steven cannot put himself under the rigors of a full worldwide tour due to the pressure.”
Sorum added that Tyler, 77, is a perfectionist who would not opt for pre-recorded performances or change song keys. “He’s an artist. He’s a singer. This is my band. I’ve been doing this for 50 years. And if I can’t do it perfect, I can’t do it. And I respect that,” Sorum said.
Early reports of Tyler’s recent live appearance suggested it would be an Aerosmith reunion, which would have been their first live show since September 2023 when Tyler fractured his larynx, leading to the postponement and eventual cancellation of their Peace Out tour.
In January, Hamilton spoke to Boston’s WBUR about Tyler’s health and future Aerosmith activities. “Maybe Aerosmith will do something in the future, but it’s a big if and the last thing I want to do is push Steven in that direction,” he said. “If we do anything in the future, it would come from him.”
