Aerosmith is one of the most iconic and enduring rock bands in history, with a career spanning over five decades. Known for their electrifying sound, larger-than-life persona, and countless hits, the band has carved out a legendary space in the annals of rock ‘n’ roll. Yet, like all great bands, their journey has been anything but smooth. For every soaring high, there has been a challenging low. It’s these “greatest mistakes” — the missteps, controversies, and difficult moments — that have shaped Aerosmith into the resilient, world-conquering band they are today.
In this post, we’ll take a look back at the moments that could have been their downfall, but instead, became turning points, leading to some of the most unforgettable and celebrated achievements of their career. Aerosmith’s ability to rise above their challenges only adds to the richness of their legacy.
- The Fall into Addiction and the Early 1970s Struggles
One of the greatest mistakes in Aerosmith’s early years was the band’s struggle with substance abuse. Like many rock bands of the era, Aerosmith’s members — particularly frontman Steven Tyler and guitarist Joe Perry — fell into the throes of drug and alcohol addiction. During the peak of their success in the mid-1970s, the band’s personal struggles began to take a toll on their productivity and image.
The Peak and the Fall: By the time they released their critically acclaimed albums Toys in the Attic (1975) and Rocks (1976), the band was rapidly spiraling into addiction. Steven Tyler’s addiction to heroin, coupled with Joe Perry’s struggles with alcohol and drugs, began to affect the band’s chemistry and professional output. The turbulence within the band culminated in Perry’s departure in 1979, which became one of the most pivotal moments in their career. Aerosmith was now at a crossroads — on the verge of disbanding altogether.
The Aftermath: Despite these dark years, the absence of Perry forced the remaining members to dig deep and find new ways to connect with their audience. They went on to release Night in the Ruts (1979) and Rock in a Hard Place (1982), albums that were still filled with the classic Aerosmith energy but lacked the magic of the classic lineup.
- The Breakup and Joe Perry’s Departure (1979-1984)
Arguably, one of Aerosmith’s greatest mistakes was losing their creative engine — Joe Perry. The departure of the “Toxic Twin” in 1979 sent the band into a tailspin, and for several years, Aerosmith struggled to maintain relevance. Perry’s departure was one of the most difficult moments in the band’s history, and it almost led to their demise.
The Temporary Collapse: While Rock in a Hard Place did feature new guitarist Jimmy Crespo, it was clear that something was missing. Aerosmith was no longer the powerhouse it once was, and the sound was different, lacking the magic that made albums like Toys in the Attic and Rocks timeless. The fans’ response was lukewarm at best, and the band found themselves in a creative rut. The period between 1979 and 1984 was, without a doubt, one of the darkest for Aerosmith, and it seemed like the band was on the brink of dissolution.
The Return and the Resurgence: Fortunately, the band’s story was not over. In 1984, after five years apart, Joe Perry and Steven Tyler reconciled, and the classic lineup of Aerosmith was reborn. Perry’s return was a turning point, and their next album, Permanent Vacation (1987), marked the beginning of Aerosmith’s comeback. The success of Dude (Looks Like a Lady) and Rag Doll propelled the band back into the spotlight.
- The 1980s: A High Point, But Also a Mistake in Musical Direction
By the mid-1980s, Aerosmith was back on track with a new sound that embraced the polished, radio-friendly, and even a bit glam-influenced style of the era. However, there was a perceived “mistake” in how they adapted to the changing musical landscape. Aerosmith leaned heavily into commerciality, especially in the music videos and mainstream rock appeal, during a time when pop and glam metal were the order of the day.
Embracing a Pop Appeal: With hits like “Dude (Looks Like a Lady)” and “Angel,” Permanent Vacation and Pump (1989) became anthems of mainstream rock. While this approach undeniably rejuvenated their career, some fans and critics felt the band had sacrificed their gritty, raw edge for a more radio-friendly sound. Some accused them of selling out, as the band’s focus shifted toward glossy productions and arena rock.
The Success Despite Backlash: Despite the criticisms, the albums were massively successful. Pump became one of their best-selling records, and songs like “Love in an Elevator” and “Janie’s Got a Gun” became radio staples. So, while some may look back and see a “mistake” in the band’s decision to lean into mainstream appeal, it undeniably set the stage for Aerosmith’s reinvention as rock icons with a broad, cross-generational appeal.
- The MTV Era and the “Permanent Vacation” of Authenticity
One of the more controversial moments of Aerosmith’s career came in the early ’90s when they fully embraced the MTV-era approach to music promotion. It was no secret that the band’s visual aesthetic, from Permanent Vacation forward, became more in line with the ’80s excesses of glam and pop, complete with polished music videos and a new level of stage production that could rival any pop act.
The “Sellout” Perception: Critics and some fans often viewed the band’s music videos as overly commercial, particularly the infamous “Crazy,” “Livin’ on the Edge,” and “Love in an Elevator.” Although these songs were hits, there was a sense that Aerosmith had sacrificed some of their raw rock ‘n’ roll authenticity to fit into the MTV landscape.
The Revival of Aerosmith’s Legacy: Despite some of the criticism, these videos cemented their place in the ’90s cultural zeitgeist, and Aerosmith became one of the few rock bands able to successfully navigate the changing musical landscape of the late 80s and early 90s. They became staples on MTV and created some of their most memorable hits, leading to a new generation of fans who embraced the band.
- The Bumpy Road to “Just Push Play” and the 2000s Decline
Entering the 2000s, Aerosmith’s career had reached a point where it seemed that their best years might be behind them. After a string of successful albums in the ’80s and ’90s, the band’s output started to feel increasingly uneven. Their 2001 album Just Push Play was criticized for lacking the raw energy that once defined their sound, and songs like “Jaded” felt more formulaic than inspired.
The Struggle to Recapture Magic: Just Push Play debuted with high hopes but was met with mixed reviews. The album’s production, particularly the use of outside producers like Glen Ballard, gave the band a slicker sound that didn’t sit well with some long-time fans. The commercial performance of the album didn’t match the previous success of Permanent Vacation or Pump, leaving the band grappling with how to evolve in an increasingly digital music landscape.
An Opportunity for Reinvention: While Just Push Play was not the disaster some critics believed it to be, it marked the beginning of a period of self-reflection. Aerosmith’s subsequent albums, like Honkin’ on Bobo (2004) and Music from Another Dimension! (2012), returned to a more classic sound but also faced mixed reception. These years were marked by uncertainty as the band tried to balance their legacy with staying relevant in an evolving musical landscape.
- The Greatest Comeback Moment: “I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing” and The 1990s
Perhaps Aerosmith’s greatest “mistake” was waiting so long to tap into the power of Hollywood. While the band had always enjoyed immense popularity, it wasn’t until 1998 that they truly reached the next level of stardom with the release of “I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing,” their power ballad featured in Armageddon. The song, written by Diane Warren, became one of Aerosmith’s most iconic hits, topping charts worldwide.
The “Mistake” and the Magic: For years, Aerosmith had been a rock band — a band that defined the ’70s and ’80s with raw energy and boisterous tunes. Their reluctant venture into the world of big-budget Hollywood was seen as a potential “mistake,” but it ended up propelling the band into the mainstream in ways they hadn’t experienced before.
The Ultimate Reward: “I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing” was not just a hit — it became a cultural phenomenon, earning the band their first Grammy Award and introducing them to a new generation of fans. The success of the song, alongside its role in Armageddon, made it clear that Aerosmith was much more than just a rock band: they were now a mainstream, cross-generational force.
Conclusion
Aerosmith’s career is a tale