Guns N’ Roses drummer Matt Sorum says that despite singing at a recent benefit concert, Steven Tyler will no longer be touring.
“It was a really big moment for him because he hurt himself so badly,” Sorum told WBAB Radio recently about Tyler’s performance at The Jam for Janie Grammy Awards Party, which benefited his charity, after injuring his vocal cords last year.
“Is he going to tour again? No, he’s not, and I explain that to people. I understand what he’s going through, but he’s 77 years old, and he’s a perfectionist, and if he doesn’t sing right, it bothers him.”
Last August, Aerosmith announced the band would be retiring after more than 50 years after Tyler injured his vocal cords while singing on stage.
Steven Tyler injured his vocal cords on stage last year. (Lisa Lake/Getty Images)
“As you know, Steven’s voice is an instrument like no other. He has spent months working tirelessly to get his voice back to where it was before his injury,” the statement read. “We have seen him struggle despite having the best medical team by his side.
“Sadly, it has become clear that a full recovery from his vocal injuries is not possible. We have made the heartbreaking and difficult, but necessary decision – as a band of brothers – to retire from the touring stage.”
“Will he tour again now? No, he won’t, and I explain that to everyone. I understand what he’s going through, but he’s 77 and he’s a perfectionist and if he doesn’t sing correctly, it bothers him. “
Sorum added that Tyler isn’t as willing to showcase his voice as some other artists are.
Guns N’ Roses drummer Matt Sorum says that despite singing at a recent benefit concert, Steven Tyler will no longer tour. (Tommaso Boddi/Getty Images for Janie’s Fund)
“He’s not going to put it on tape, like 80 percent of the people out there who take your money. He’s not going to put it on tape, and he’s not going to change the key of the song,” he explains. “That’s just who he is. He’s like, ‘I’m an artist. I’m a singer. This is my band. I’ve been doing this for 50 years, and if I can’t do it perfectly, I can’t do it,’ and I respect that. “
Sorum says he suggested to Tyler that he only sing four or five songs.
Sorum added that Tyler wasn’t as willing to showcase his voice as some other artists are. (Kevin Mazur/Getty Images)
“And it was just one time. Maybe he’ll do it again and maybe do the same amount of songs, but that’s a lot of pressure for a guy like him. I want to explain that to the fans who are commenting.”
He added, “So to have him on stage, I was crying. I was just beautiful, and I hope that he can do more because it’s in his blood, and when we play rock and roll and music, it’s not us jumping up there and being like ‘oh ok!’ That’s what we do.”
“And when Steven got off stage, he was so happy that he was able to do it,” he added.