Relive Aerosmith’s Final Concert

On September 9, 2023, Aerosmith took the stage at UBS Arena in Elmont, New York, for what would unexpectedly become their final performance. The legendary band had just embarked on their Peace Out farewell tour, which kicked off a week earlier in Philadelphia on September 2. The initial shows were met with rave reviews, highlighting the band’s enduring energy and powerful performances. Their second show in Pittsburgh on September 6 further fueled the excitement surrounding their goodbye tour.

The New York concert started with a nostalgic video history of Aerosmith, setting the stage for Steven Tyler and the band as they rose from beneath the stage to launch into “Back in the Saddle.” This was followed by their rendition of the Rufus Thomas song “Walking the Dog,” a track they hadn’t played on the tour yet but originally covered on their 1977 album Draw the Line.

The setlist featured a mix of Aerosmith’s biggest hits, including the intense “Livin’ on the Edge” and the emotionally charged “Janie’s Got a Gun.” Fans were treated to powerful ballads like “Cryin’” and “I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing,” which provided a contrast to high-energy tracks such as “Love in an Elevator” and “Sweet Emotion.”

Aerosmith ended their main set with “Toys in the Attic” and returned for an encore, thrilling the audience with “Dream On” and “Walk This Way.” The latter song featured a surprising snippet of Led Zeppelin’s “Whole Lotta Love.” The night concluded with a special moment: a performance of “Happy Birthday to You” and a giant chocolate cake for guitarist Joe Perry, celebrating his 73rd birthday the following day.

However, the euphoric atmosphere masked a serious issue. During the concert, Steven Tyler unknowingly suffered a vocal cord injury, leading to subsequent bleeding. Two days later, Tyler announced he had “sustained vocal cord damage” and was advised to rest for 30 days. Despite initial hopes for a quick recovery, Tyler’s condition did not improve as expected, forcing the band to reschedule the remainder of the tour into 2024.

Since the unfortunate event, Tyler and his medical team have been diligently working to restore his iconic voice. Though the injury initially seemed like a temporary setback, the long recovery period cast uncertainty over the future of Aerosmith’s farewell tour. Tyler’s brief return to the stage at a Black Crowes concert in May offered a glimmer of hope, leaving fans eager for the rescheduled tour dates and the promise of more unforgettable performances.