Aerosmith’s journey to rock ‘n’ roll fame wasn’t just about the music—it was a whirlwind of wild tales and strange adventures. Their legacy is packed with stories that capture the chaos, creativity, and unfiltered energy of their rise to stardom. These aren’t just footnotes; they’re a glimpse into the raw reality of life in one of the world’s most iconic bands.
From unexpected encounters to over-the-top escapades, Aerosmith’s history is as colorful as their legendary stage performances. Some of these stories are humorous, while others might leave you genuinely shocked. Together, they reveal the untamed spirit that has kept the band unforgettable for decades.
In this list, we’ve rounded up 15 of the wildest and weirdest Aerosmith stories you might not have heard before. We’ve grouped them by themes and ranked them by sheer intensity, starting with the mild and working up to the mind-blowing. Get ready for a deep dive into the unpredictable world of Aerosmith.
They Lived Confined in a Small Room at the Beginning of their Careers
Starting out was no easy ride for Aerosmith. In their early days, the band members shared a cramped apartment in Boston, scraping by on a modest diet. Their meals often consisted of rice and vegetables, reflecting the struggles of aspiring musicians.
Despite their limited means, the group found ways to bond and stay inspired. They passed the time watching The Three Stooges and soaking in the sounds of their musical heroes. Jeff Beck, Cream, and Deep Purple became their go-to influences during these formative years.
These humble beginnings laid the foundation for their future success. Living in close quarters and sharing simple pleasures helped shape the camaraderie and determination that would carry them to rock stardom.
Tyler Fell In Love With a 16-Year-Old and Convinced The Parents To Sign Over Guardianship of Her
At 27, Steven Tyler became romantically involved with Julia Holcomb, who was only 16 at the time. To avoid legal complications, he convinced her parents to grant him guardianship. The relationship, however, ended in heartbreak and controversy.
Their separation followed a traumatic abortion, a decision Tyler later reflected on with regret. “They convinced us it would never work out and would ruin our lives,” he admitted. Witnessing the procedure left him deeply shaken and questioning his choices.
Tyler described the experience as devastating, saying, “In my mind, I’m going, Jesus, what have I done?” The incident became a defining and controversial moment in his life, casting a shadow over his personal history.
“Walk This Way” Came To Life Thanks to That Iconic Line in Young Frankenstein
Aerosmith’s iconic hit “Walk This Way” has its roots in the band’s creative strolls. These walks often sparked conversations that evolved into song lyrics. One particular outing, however, took an unexpected turn that led to music history.
Producer Jack Douglas shared how it happened. “When we needed lyrics, we’d go out for walks. One Sunday, the streets were empty, and we ended up at a theater playing Young Frankenstein. During the movie, the line ‘Walk this way’ had us in hysterics.”
The moment stuck with them. Back in the studio, Douglas began mimicking Marty Feldman’s comedic walk from the film. That quirky inspiration became the foundation for one of Aerosmith’s most memorable songs.
Tyler Forgot “You See Me Crying” Was Their Own Song
In 1984, Aerosmith reunited after years off the stage, but their substance abuse had taken a toll. During rehearsals, the band struggled to recall lyrics, but Steven Tyler’s memory lapse stood out the most.
When the song “You See Me Crying” from Toys in the Attic began playing, Tyler praised it as a great track. He even suggested they create a cover version of it. The moment took a comedic turn when Joe Perry had to remind him, “That’s us, idiot!”
The incident highlighted the chaotic state of the band at the time. It’s a humorous yet sobering reminder of the challenges they faced before regaining their footing in rock history.
“Dream On” Was Not Aerosmith But From a Band Called Chain Reaction
“Dream On” became one of Aerosmith’s most iconic songs, but it wasn’t originally written for the band. In fact, it was penned by Steven Tyler in 1965, long before Aerosmith even existed. At the time, Tyler was just 17 years old and part of a band called Chain Reaction.
The song debuted live in 1969 at the Shaboo Inn in Willimantic, Connecticut, with Tyler’s old group. He had written “Dream On” as a tribute to his father, a Juilliard student who influenced his musical upbringing.
Tyler’s father often encouraged him to keep dreaming, a message that became the heart of the song’s chorus. The melody and chords were inspired by classical pieces his father played at home, blending Tyler’s personal history with his musical evolution.
Steven Tyler が在籍したThe Chain Reaction。Steven Tyler どこだ？と思ってよく見たら2秒で判明
右端ね
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— hide (@hide49624814) July 4, 2024
Living on the Edge… Another Story of Excesses
Excess and rock ‘n’ roll have often gone hand in hand, and Aerosmith was no exception. Like many young bands thrust into fame, they fell into the grip of drugs and vices. The rock world has seen its share of artists who succumbed to these temptations with tragic consequences.
Thankfully, Aerosmith managed to avoid the worst of it, with none of the band members falling victim in the way others did. Their story stands as a rare example of survival amid the chaos that often accompanies sudden fame.
While they dodged the more devastating effects of drug use, the impact on their career and personal lives was undeniable. Aerosmith’s struggle with excess was just another chapter in the larger story of rock bands grappling with the pressures of fame.
Steven Tyler (Aerosmith):
"Drugs will get you out of your own way, but we lived it, and that's dangerous. It can actually turn around on itself and steal your soul, and that's what happened." pic.twitter.com/hTLRGj6IyR— Music
Pop-Fashion
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fan
(@RandomCodeFind) September 24, 2024
They Were So Infamously Excessive, Steven and Joe Were Called the ‘Toxic Twins’
Steven Tyler and Joe Perry’s notorious relationship with drugs earned them the infamous nickname “Toxic Twins.” The pair’s abuse of substances became so extreme that it began to take a severe toll on their bodies and minds.
By the late 1970s, Tyler’s physical and mental state had deteriorated significantly. His behavior was erratic, with the drugs pushing him to the brink.
Despite the chaos, the band continued to create music, but the damage was evident. The “Toxic Twins” became a symbol of rock and roll excess, embodying the dark side of fame and addiction.
Steven’s Scarves Also Had Its Own Rumors and Lore
Steven Tyler’s trademark scarves on the microphone stands have long been a part of his rock ‘n’ roll persona. These scarves weren’t just for decoration or to add some flair to his stage presence.
Rumors have swirled that the scarves had a more practical use for Tyler, serving as hidden pockets. It’s said that these pockets were where he kept certain “stimulating substances” during performances.
While the true purpose of the handkerchiefs remains a mystery, they became a defining feature of Tyler’s onstage image. The scarves added a touch of intrigue to his already larger-than-life persona.
Steven Formed a Bond With Nikki Sixx During Their Detox Journey
During the recording of Pump, Aerosmith and Mötley Crüe shared more than just studio time. Both bands were working on albums at the same time and in the same studio.
According to Nikki Sixx in the Crüe biography, he and Steven Tyler developed an unexpected bond. The two would go jogging together, staying hydrated and focused on detoxification during the process.
Interestingly, Tyler and Sixx had the same therapist, further connecting them in their efforts to break free from their destructive habits. It was a moment of shared recovery amidst the chaos of rock ‘n’ roll life.
They Tried Isolation to Detox But It Failed
Aerosmith’s fifth album, Draw the Line, was recorded in an abandoned convent near New York City. The band’s plan was to detox and focus on the album in a secluded, controlled environment.
However, the isolation didn’t lead to the desired results. Instead of detoxing, the band members fell back into old habits, using drugs and engaging in reckless behavior.
Between recording sessions, they spent their time shooting guns and driving dangerously. The attempt at detoxification quickly unraveled, showing how hard it was for them to break free from their destructive patterns.
Joe Perry and Steven Tyler, 1984.
Richard Aaron. pic.twitter.com/WvAQV7wpS4
— hold.btc (@BoredWeb3) April 17, 2020
Steven Had an Unforgettably Awkward Meeting Paul McCartney
Steven Tyler had an unforgettable first meeting with Paul McCartney at London’s Hammersmith Odeon. It happened backstage, in a bathroom, where the two rock legends unexpectedly crossed paths.
McCartney greeted Tyler with enthusiasm, saying, “Hey! Steven Tyler, damn, I love your music!” He then gave Tyler a friendly pat on the back.
Caught off guard, Tyler nervously turned around and nearly urinated on McCartney’s leg. It was a funny and awkward moment that Tyler would never forget.
Happy Birthday Sir Paul McCartney!
— Aerosmith (@Aerosmith) June 19, 2024
There Was a Documentary on National Geographic About Steven Tyler’s Vocal Cords
In the National Geographic Channel documentary The Incredible Human Machine, experts conducted an experiment to explore the inner workings of Steven Tyler’s body. The focus was on the strain and tension his vocal cords endure while performing.
The experiment took place during an Aerosmith concert, with a team of specialists behind the scenes. Using cutting-edge technology, they monitored Tyler’s vocal cords in real-time as he sang in front of thousands of fans.
The results were astonishing. The data revealed that Tyler’s vocal cords collided with each other over half a million times during a single concert. This shocking insight highlighted the incredible strain his body endures during his energetic performances.
Liv Tyler Only Learned That She’s Steven’s Daughter When She Became a Teenager
Liv Tyler, known for her roles in The Lord of the Rings and Armageddon, was born in Portland, Oregon. As a child, she believed her parents were Bebe Buell, a former Playboy bunny and groupie, and Todd Rundgren, a 70s rock star.
However, at 14 years old, Liv discovered the truth about her parentage. She learned that her biological father was none other than Steven Tyler, the iconic lead singer of Aerosmith.
This revelation came as a shock to Liv, changing her understanding of her family history. Despite the surprise, she would later build a strong relationship with her famous father.
Liv Tyler
Steven Tyler.. pic.twitter.com/7RqBImjjD2
— werth (@werthro) August 24, 2024
Steven Started Taking Drugs At The Age of 16
Steven Tyler’s journey with drugs began at the age of 16. He started with marijuana and soon moved on to harder substances like acid, cocaine, and alcohol.
His addiction took a toll on his health, leading to serious consequences like hepatitis C. Despite these challenges, Tyler’s battles with substance abuse continued over the years.
Tyler’s struggles led to multiple visits to detox clinics, but they weren’t enough to keep him from the destructive cycle of addiction. His autobiography details the extent of his substance abuse throughout his career.
Steven Spent Almost $6 million on Cocaine
In his 2012 autobiography, Steven Tyler revealed the staggering amount he spent on cocaine over the years. He estimates it was nearly $6 million.
Tyler reflected on his excessive drug use, humorously saying, “I snorted my plane, I snorted my house.” His tone was casual, though the reality was much more severe.
Despite the monumental cost, Tyler downplayed the total expenditure, adding, “It doesn’t matter.” His words reflect the chaotic mindset of someone deeply entrenched in addiction.
