The news that Aerosmith singer Steven Tyler has vocal problems and has decided to retire from touring is being bemoaned by the music community. Numerous musicians have honored the group and conveyed their sorrow that the iconic rock stars would no longer be touring.
Front man for REO Speed wagon Kevin Cronin wrote a letter to Aerosmith expressing his own sentiments on the band’s departure and reminisced about his many tours with Tyler and company.
Cronin started off by pointing out that in the early years of REO Speed wagon, they were frequently treated disrespectfully by the more well-known artists they opened for.
He said, “In the early 1970s, REO Speed wagon was frequently hired to open for larger acts that required assistance with ticket sales in the Midwest.” “We were a fairly strong band with a large following, even though we didn’t have any hits. Headliners frequently provided us with the dingiest dressing rooms, one spotlight, and no monitors—basically, they ruined our performance.
“They wanted to draw our fans, they just didn’t like the competition,” Cronin continued.
While touring with Aerosmith
When REO Speed wagon was selected to open for Aerosmith in 1976, the singer said that they received completely different treatment.
“[Steven] Tyler and Joe Perry came to our dressing room (which was stocked with beer and various munchies) on the first night of the tour, introduced themselves, and welcomed us to their tour,” Cronin said. Gary Richrath, the lead guitarist for REO Speedwagon, and Perry made a guitar comparison.
Steven treated us with respect and invited us to join them for a delicious supper following each performance. We also had full access to their party suite.
Kevin went on, “Steven and Joe didn’t want to mess with us; Aerosmith wasn’t scared at all. They just wanted the best for us.” They were lifted by the enthusiasm of the REO Speed wagon performance, which made them rock even harder. In the end, the audience came out on top.
Kevin concluded his note by reflecting on Tyler’s decision to step away from performing.
“It seems impossible that the great Steven Tyler’s retirement will be permanent. He is such a force of nature,” Cronin wrote. “But if this is the time for him to hang up his scarves, then so be it and more power to him. He has given so much of himself, and left so much of himself on stages in venues all around the world. He has earned the right to take his final bow whenever he sees fit.”
More About Tyler’s Vocal Issues and Retirement from Touring
Aerosmith was just a few shows into its Peace Out farewell tour in September 2023 when it was announced that the band had to postpone the rest of the trek because Tyler had suffered a vocal cord injury and a fractured larynx.
