This one stings a little…

Aerosmith is ending their Peace Out tour early. Steven Tyler injured his vocal cords last year and, despite working hard to recover, is now forced to retire or lose his voice forever. It’s a hard pill to swallow, but we understand. We wish you well, Steven, and thank you Aerosmith from the foundation of our rockin’ soul.

The music of Aerosmith has been the soundtrack to so many chapters of my life. From teenage angst to adult triumphs, they’ve been there. From the late 1970’s, and their amazing resurgence in the 1980’s, their songs are more than just music; they’re memories, sweet emotions, and a connection to a part of myself I hold dear.

Reiley and I had tickets to see Aerosmith in Salt Lake City this November. We knew things were tentative, but we kept the hope alive. This would have been Reiley’s first time to see them, and he was understandably excited. Aerosmith is one of the greatest performing bands in history, and we are both huge fans of everything they’ve put to vinyl.

My brother and I grew up with Aerosmith on the turn table. We often debate the merits of our two favorite albums from the earlier period: I love the honky tonky riffs of Toys In The Attic while he favors the more refined sounds of Aerosmith Rocks. Both provide the backdrop of my life as an early teen and every song fosters cherished memories of those early days.

To Reiley’s immense jealously, I’ve seen them twice. I saw the Nine Lives tour, and the Get a Grip tour. Both were more than amazing, but for Nine Lives I was on the front row. What an amazing experience to see the band up close and personal. That night will forever be one of my favorite concerts, ever.

While it’s an undeniable sign of the times to learn we have crossed the retirement point for these guys, their legacy will forever live on in our hearts. Thank you, Aerosmith, for the [literally] countless hours of joy and inspiration throughout my lifetime. And thank you, too, for pushing it to the very limit.

We sincerely hope Steven and the rest of the band are well, and living’ it up for themselves with family and friends; you gave us your all, and we are forever grateful.

Have no doubt; Reiley and I will continue to Dream On with you in our ears and hearts.

News around the web: Read Aerosmith’s heart-wrenching announcement, or read what Forbes, The New York Times, Rolling Stone, and People Magazine had to say about it.

🎸💔 #Aerosmith #Legend #HeartbrokenButGrateful #MusicIsLife