Former Guns N’ Roses Drummer Claims Steven Tyler Won’t Tour Again: ‘The Pressure Is Intense’ for the Aerosmith Frontman
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Matt Sorum shared that if Steven Tyler doesn’t sing properly, it really gets to him.
Steven Tyler Won’t Tour Again Despite Recent Performance, Says Matt Sorum
In a Feb. 13 interview with local radio station WBAB, former Guns N’ Roses drummer Matt Sorum shared an update on Aerosmith frontman Steven Tyler and his future touring plans.
Sorum’s comments came shortly after Tyler’s performance at his Jam for Janie Grammy Awards Viewing Party on Feb. 2 in Los Angeles. The event, which featured Tyler performing Aerosmith hits alongside other musicians, was part of his benefit for Janie’s Fund, an organization dedicated to supporting girls who have experienced abuse and neglect.
At 77, Tyler proved he could still sing, but Sorum, 64, wanted to clarify the reality of his situation.
“It was a huge moment for him because he was seriously injured,” Sorum explained about the Grammys event. “Will he tour again? No, he won’t. I’ve told people that Steven just can’t handle the demands of a full worldwide tour—there’s an immense amount of pressure.”
Sorum elaborated, “If you’re not a singer, you wouldn’t understand what he goes through. He’s 77 years old and a perfectionist. If he doesn’t sing the way he wants to, it really gets to him.”
He went on to explain that Tyler refuses to pre-record vocals or adjust the keys to make singing easier. “That’s just who he is. He’s like, ‘I’m an artist. I’m a singer. This is my band. I’ve been doing this for 50 years. And if I can’t do it perfectly, I won’t do it.’ And I respect that.”
“I’ve talked to him about it multiple times,” Sorum continued. “I said, ‘Just sing four or five songs at most.’ And he told me, ‘I can do that.’ That was just a one-time thing, but maybe down the line, he’ll do it again with a similar set. It’s a lot of pressure for someone like him.”
In August 2024, Tyler and Aerosmith announced their retirement from touring following his onstage larynx fracture in September 2023, which forced the band to postpone their farewell tour.
“As you know, Steven’s voice is an instrument like no other. He has spent months tirelessly working to restore it after his injury. Despite having the best medical team by his side, we’ve seen him struggle. Unfortunately, a full recovery from his vocal injury is not possible,” the band shared in a statement on Instagram.
Aerosmith continued, “As a band of brothers, we have made the heartbreaking and difficult—but necessary—decision to retire from touring.”