What Happened to Steven Tyler?
Steven Tyler, the iconic frontman of Aerosmith, has faced significant health challenges in recent years, particularly a severe vocal cord injury and fractured larynx in 2023, which led to the cancellation of Aerosmith's 'Peace Out' farewell tour and their retirement from touring in August 2024. Concurrently, Tyler is navigating an ongoing sexual abuse lawsuit that a California judge ruled would proceed to trial in January 2026. Despite these challenges, he has made limited, one-off performances for charity and continues his philanthropic work.
Quick Answer
Steven Tyler's touring career with Aerosmith officially ended in August 2024 after a severe vocal cord injury and fractured larynx in 2023 made a full recovery for live performances impossible. While he has retired from extensive touring, he has made select appearances for charity events. As of early 2026, he is also facing a sexual abuse lawsuit in California that has been cleared to proceed to trial. He continues to be involved with his philanthropic organization, Janie's Fund.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline14 events
Aerosmith Announces 'Peace Out' Farewell Tour
Aerosmith officially announced their 'Peace Out' farewell tour, intended to celebrate over 50 years of their career, with The Black Crowes as special guests.
Farewell Tour Begins
The 'Peace Out' farewell tour commenced in Philadelphia, marking the beginning of what was planned to be Aerosmith's final extensive tour.
Tour Postponed Due to Vocal Injury
Aerosmith postponed several tour dates after Steven Tyler suffered vocal cord damage, initially expected to require 30 days of rest.
Fractured Larynx Revealed, Further Postponement
The band announced that Tyler's vocal injury was more serious than initially thought, including a fractured larynx, leading to the postponement of all remaining 2023 dates to 2024.
Tyler Updates on Vocal Recovery
Steven Tyler provided an update on his health at his 'Jam For Janie' Grammys viewing party, stating his throat was 'on the mend' but still recovering.
Rescheduled Farewell Tour Dates Announced
Aerosmith unveiled new dates for their rescheduled North American farewell tour, planning to run from September 2024 through February 2025.
Aerosmith Cancels Tour and Retires from Touring
Aerosmith officially canceled the entire 'Peace Out' farewell tour and announced their immediate retirement from touring, citing Steven Tyler's inability to fully recover from his vocal injury.
Bassist Tom Hamilton Gives Vocal Health Update
Aerosmith bassist Tom Hamilton reported that Steven Tyler's vocal recovery was 'going really, really well,' but tempered expectations for future touring.
Tyler Returns to Stage for 'Jam for Janie'
Steven Tyler made his first major public performance since the tour cancellation at his 'Jam for Janie' benefit concert, performing Aerosmith classics.
Matt Sorum Confirms Tyler Won't Tour Again
Ex-Guns N' Roses drummer Matt Sorum, who performed with Tyler at 'Jam for Janie,' stated that Tyler would not tour again due to the physical demands.
Joe Perry States Tyler 'Doesn't Want to Tour'
Aerosmith guitarist Joe Perry confirmed that Steven Tyler 'doesn't want to tour' and 'can't tour' with the band again following his injury.
Tyler Performs at VMAs and Ozzy Osbourne Concert
Steven Tyler made high-profile one-off performances at the MTV Video Music Awards with Joe Perry and Yungblud, and at Ozzy Osbourne's farewell concert.
Reports on Vocal Strain After Performances
Reports emerged detailing Tyler's appearance at the Rock Hall induction and subsequent vocal strain requiring medical attention after his recent performances.
Sexual Abuse Lawsuit to Proceed to Trial
A California judge ruled that a sexual abuse lawsuit filed against Steven Tyler by Julia Misley will proceed to trial, dismissing some claims but allowing California-based charges.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Steven Tyler, born Steven Victor Tallarico, has been a dominant force in rock music for over five decades as the charismatic lead singer of Aerosmith. However, recent years have brought significant personal and professional challenges. In September 2023, just three shows into Aerosmith's highly anticipated 'Peace Out' farewell tour, Tyler sustained a serious vocal cord injury, which was later revealed to be a fractured larynx. This injury forced the band to postpone the remaining dates of the tour.
Initially, there was hope for a full recovery, and in April 2024, Aerosmith announced rescheduled dates for the tour, planning to resume in September 2024 and conclude in February 2025. However, the severity of Tyler's injury proved to be insurmountable for the demands of a full touring schedule. On August 2, 2024, Aerosmith made the heartbreaking decision to cancel the entire 'Peace Out' farewell tour and announced their immediate retirement from touring, stating that a full recovery from Tyler's vocal injury was not possible. Bandmates like Tom Hamilton and Joe Perry have since confirmed that Tyler's health prevents him from undertaking the rigors of touring, though his recovery for general well-being has been positive.
Beyond his health, Tyler is also embroiled in a high-profile legal battle. In December 2022, Julia Misley (formerly Julia Holcomb) filed a sexual abuse lawsuit against him, alleging that Tyler used his status to groom, manipulate, and sexually assault her in the 1970s when she was 16. Tyler has vehemently denied the allegations, maintaining the relationship was consensual within the context of the era. In January 2026, a California judge ruled that the lawsuit would proceed to trial, dismissing some claims but allowing the California-based charges to move forward. This ruling marks a significant development in the case, with industry insiders suggesting the band aimed to conclude any final performances before a potential trial in late 2026.
Despite the end of Aerosmith's touring career and the ongoing legal challenges, Steven Tyler has shown resilience. In February 2025, he made a triumphant return to the stage at his sixth annual 'Jam for Janie' Grammy Awards Viewing Party, performing Aerosmith classics and showcasing an improved vocal ability. He also performed at the MTV Video Music Awards and Ozzy Osbourne's farewell concert in September 2025. Tyler continues his philanthropic efforts through Janie's Fund, an organization he founded in 2015 to support abused and neglected girls. As of March 26, 2026, Tyler is focusing on his health, his foundation, and navigating the legal proceedings, with Aerosmith's future activity likely centered on archival releases rather than live tours.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Steven Tyler made different choices?