On September 9, 2023, Aerosmith took the stage at UBS Arena in Elmont, New York, for what would unexpectedly become their final performance. The band had just launched their *Peace Out* farewell tour a week earlier in Philadelphia, where initial shows garnered rave reviews for their electrifying energy and powerful performances. The excitement only intensified with their second concert in Pittsburgh on September 6.
The New York show kicked off with a nostalgic video chronicling Aerosmith’s storied history, leading to an explosive opening of “Back in the Saddle.” They then treated fans to a lively rendition of “Walking the Dog,” a classic they hadn’t performed yet on the tour, originally featured on their 1977 album *Draw the Line*.
The setlist showcased a mix of Aerosmith’s greatest hits, balancing high-energy anthems like “Livin’ on the Edge” and “Love in an Elevator” with emotional ballads such as “Cryin’” and “I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing.” The main set concluded with the iconic “Toys in the Attic,” after which the band returned for an encore, thrilling the crowd with “Dream On” and “Walk This Way,” which included an unexpected snippet of Led Zeppelin’s “Whole Lotta Love.” A memorable highlight of the night was a special birthday tribute to guitarist Joe Perry, who celebrated his 73rd birthday with a performance of “Happy Birthday to You” and a giant chocolate cake.
However, the joyful atmosphere concealed a serious issue. During the concert, Steven Tyler inadvertently suffered a vocal cord injury that led to bleeding. Two days later, he announced he had “sustained vocal cord damage” and was advised to rest for 30 days. While there were hopes for a quick recovery, Tyler’s condition did not improve as anticipated, leading the band to reschedule the remainder of the tour into 2024.
Since the incident, Tyler and his medical team have been focused on restoring his iconic voice. What initially appeared to be a temporary setback evolved into a longer recovery period, casting uncertainty over the future of Aerosmith’s farewell tour. Nevertheless, Tyler’s brief return to the stage at a Black Crowes concert in May provided a glimmer of hope, leaving fans eagerly anticipating the rescheduled tour dates and the promise of more unforgettable performances.