Aerosmith is a prominent American rock band. Although they are known as a Boston, Massachusetts band, none of the members are actually from that city. Three of the members,
Steven Tyler (5),
Joe Perry, and
Tom Hamilton had originally met in Sunapee, New Hampshire in the late 60's, but had not yet formed a band together. Tyler was from Yonkers, New York, Perry from Hopedale, Massachusetts, and Hamilton from New London, New Hampshire.
Read more In 1970, the three decided they would form a band together, and that Boston, Massachusetts would be the place to do it. Later they met up with Joey Kramer (drums) and Brad Whitford (rhythm guitar).
The band enjoyed major popularity throughout the 1970's, but they split from 1979-84 due to serious substance abuse and drug addictions that contributed to their decline. The
Grateful Dead (49)'s
Jerry Garcia (3) reportedly said they were "the druggiest bunch of guys I've ever seen." Jimmy Crespo replaced Joe Perry during those five years. However, in 1984, chiefly due to the tireless efforts of
Joe Perry's then manager, Tim Collins, to reform the band, Aerosmith was born again. Despite his own client Perry's insistence that it was unthinkable, Collins succeeded in helping the band resolve old differences and ultimately overcome their addictions. By 1989, the band had completely stopped their drug abuse. They went on to enjoy a resurgence in popularity that has made them one of top-selling and most popular rock bands in the world today. Their greatest worldwide hit was "I Don't Want To Miss A Thing," from the blockbuster-hit movie "Armageddon".
Part of that renewal came in the form of a 1986 collaboration with Run- D.M.C. on a rock/rap version of Walk This Way. This song also served as an early step in the process of bringing rap to white audiences.
They have even infiltrated Disney Theme Parks in the U.S. and other countries with their own thrill ride 'Rock 'n' Rollercoaster featuring Aerosmith'. Continuing the ubiquitous marketing plan, they are also featured in their own version of the popular "Guitar Hero" video game.
