Steven Tyler’s 5 Most Disappointing Live Performances

Steven Tyler, the charismatic and often controversial frontman of Aerosmith, has had a career filled with both spectacular highs and notable lows. His journey through the music industry has been nothing short of a roller coaster ride, packed with thrilling performances and times when things didn’t go as planned. Here’s a look at some of the most disappointing moments, for various reasons, in Tyler’s live performances.

The Star-Spangled Misstep of 2012

At the 2012 Super Bowl, Steven Tyler took to the stage to deliver a rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner” that would end up causing quite a stir. Known for his rock and roll ethos, Tyler’s performance was criticized by some for veering too far from the traditional delivery of the anthem, with detractors accusing him of ‘screaming’ through the final bars. Despite the backlash, many fans came to his defense, highlighting the performance as nothing but pure Steven Tyler – unapologetically rocking out in the way only he knows how. Yet, it was clear that this performance wouldn’t have won him any accolades on “American Idol,” a show he once judged.

“Dream On” Live, 1977: A Hazy Performance

During a 1977 live performance of “Dream On,” Tyler and guitarist Joe Perry, dubbed the “Toxic Twins” for their notorious indulgences, delivered a show that was as disjointed as it was iconic. Perry’s guitar work was erratic, and Tyler’s vocal delivery wavered, painting a picture of a band fully entrenched in the rock ‘n’ roll lifestyle. Despite the shaky start, Aerosmith managed to pull it together for the song’s crescendo, only to conclude the performance in a way that seemed to encapsulate their carefree disregard for conventional stage presence.

A Solo Effort Falls Flat in 2019

In 2019, during the encore of a fan show, Tyler attempted a solo performance of “Hole In My Soul” – a song Aerosmith hadn’t played live since a 1998 show in Tokyo. From the moment he began, it was clear Tyler wasn’t prepared, leading to a moment of frustration so intense that he effectively aborted the performance of the song, much to the dismay of the audience and quite possibly, to himself.

Aerosmith in Turmoil: 2009

The 2009 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally was meant to be just another stop for Aerosmith, but it ended up being a pivotal moment of turmoil for the band. Technical problems marred the performance, and in an effort to keep the show going, Tyler’s showmanship turned into a misstep – literally. A fall from the stage led to a broken shoulder, the cancellation of the tour, and a period of uncertainty about Tyler’s place in the band. It wasn’t until a stint in rehab and some much-needed communication that Aerosmith was able to regroup and return to the road in 2010.

Rooftop Performance: Steven Tyler’s Unforgettable Acoustic Live

In a performance that caught both fans and critics by surprise, Steven Tyler of Aerosmith fame took to a unique stage— the rooftop of 101 Constitution NW—for an acoustic rendition of “Cryin’.” This wasn’t just any live performance; it was set against the backdrop of Washington D.C., with Nashville songwriter, Mindy Braasch, opening the event. It was a performance with a purpose, as Tyler, introduced by David Israelite, CEO of the NMPA, was there to lobby against the illegal use of intellectual property of singers and songwriters.

The setting was politically charged and deeply symbolic. Among the audience were notable figures such as Senator Grassley, who received an award, and Congressman John Conyers, who took the stage as well. The event was also a celebration of sorts, with a birthday cake presented to Tyler, marking his contributions not just to music but to the rights of artists everywhere.

However, amidst the event’s significance, Tyler’s performance of “Cryin’” was noted as not being his best. Speculation abounded about the reasons, most of which center on the following possibilities.