Steven Tyler is a living rock legend, but his storied career has taken a physical toll.
In 2006, Tyler underwent surgery to treat his vocal chords following a bleeding blood vessel in his throat. The Aerosmith frontman continued to sing after the initial surgery. However, years later — in September 2023 — a separate vocal injury put touring on pause for his band, Aerosmith.
“Unfortunately, Steven’s vocal injury is more serious than initially thought,” Aerosmith shared in an Instagram statement at the time, postponing the group’s Peace Out: The Farewell Tour. “His doctor has confirmed that in addition to the damage to his vocal cords, he fractured his larynx which requires ongoing care.”
Tyler has been the singer for Aerosmith since the group formed in 1970, bringing Tom Hamilton, Joey Kramer, Joe Perry, Brad Whitford and Tyler together. The rock group has released 15 albums over the years, and might have some more music in the works.
Keep scrolling for more details about Tyler’s vocal injury:
What Happened to Steven Tyler’s Voice?
The September 2023 statement from the band included a message from Tyler directly.
“I am heartbroken to not be out there with Aerosmith, my brothers and the incredible Black Crowes, rocking with the best fans in the world,” he shared at the time. “I promise we will be back as soon as we can!”
Can Steven Tyler Still Sing?
A separate statement shared via the Aerosmith Instagram in August 2024 revealed that Tyler’s vocal injury can never heal completely.
“Steven’s voice is an instrument like no other. He has spent months tirelessly working on getting his voice to where it was before his injury,” the social media post read. “We’ve seen him struggling despite having the best medical team by his side. Sadly, it is clear that a full recovery from his vocal injury is not possible.”
The group announced their official retirement from touring. Tyler has given various one-off performances since news of his injury, but a full tour is not sustainable.
What Has Steven Tyler Said About His Voice?
Tyler’s friend, Matt Sorum from Guns N’ Roses, offered some updates on the singer’s voice.
“Steven sang for the first time in a year and a half,” he said in February 2025. “Some fans were a little bit, like, ‘Well, he can sing.’ Well, let me just explain what’s happening with Steven Tyler, because he’s a really good friend.”
Sorum continued, “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.”
When Was the Last Time Steven Tyler Performed?
The rocker took the stage at the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards in September 2025 for an Ozzy Osbourne tribute. It was also reported that same month he was set to join bandmate Perry for a performance at The Who’s farewell show at the Hollywood Bowl.
Is Aerosmith Making New Music?
Yungblud confirmed that he has “five” new songs coming alongside Aerosmith during a September 2025 appearance.
