Having lead the band Aerosmith since 1970, Steven Tyler has carved out a legacy as one of the most dynamic frontmen in the history of rock. Aerosmith is one of the only bands to have hit records in all five decades since the ’70s. Tyler along with guitarist Joe Perry, have penned nine number one hits and 22 top twenty singles on the American Charts. Heavily influenced by the blues, their debut contained the Rufus Thomas classic “Walkin’ the Dog” as well as bluesy originals like “Mama Kin,” “Movin’ Out” and “Make It.” Ironically, the only hit from the 1973 self-titled debut was the power ballad “Dream On” which has become a staple in classic rock. Steven is the preeminent frontman. Whip thin, he oozed sexuality and always had style as he strutted across the stage with his signature scarf-draped mic stand.
Throughout the ’70s the quintet put out monster albums such as Toys in the Attic, Rocks and Draw the Line. However, cocaine, heroin and alcohol were becoming more important to the band than the music, and in 1979, Joe Perry left to start his own group. Now alone, Tyler tried to keep the remaining members on his side and released the band’s dismal album, Rock In a Hard Place, but it was clear that his band had lost its spark. After a long addiction to heroin, Tyler entered treatment and emerged clean and sober in 1987, after which the rest of the band followed suit. Since sobriety, Tyler and company have released no less than seven albums. Tyler, now 66, still has the swagger as he started with in the ’70s. In 2001, Aerosmith was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and the band still continues to tour arenas worldwide.
