The music world is lamenting the news that Aerosmith has retired from touring because of singer Steven Tyler’s vocal issues. Many musicians have paid tribute to the band and expressed their sadness that the legendary rockers no longer will be performing.
REO Speedwagon frontman Kevin Cronin has penned his own message regarding Aerosmith’s retirement in which he shared fond recollections of his experiences touring with Tyler and company over the years.
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Cronin began by noting that during REO Speedwagon’s early days, they often weren’t treated with respect by the better-known acts they opened for at the time.
“Back in the early 1970s, REO Speedwagon was regularly booked to open for bigger bands who needed help selling tickets in the Midwest,” he explained. “We had no hits, but we were a pretty powerful band with plenty of loyal fans. It was not unusual for headliners to give us no monitors, maybe one spotlight, the dankest dressing rooms … they essentially sabotaged our performance.”
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Cronin added, “They wanted to draw our fans, they just didn’t like the competition.”
On Touring with Aerosmith
The singer noted that REO Speedwagon was treated very differently when they were chosen to open for Aerosmith in 1976.
“On the first night of the tour, [Steven] Tyler and Joe Perry came to our dressing room, (which was stocked with beer and assorted munchies), introduced themselves and welcomed us to their tour,” Cronin said. “Perry and [REO Speedwagon lead guitarist Gary] Richrath compared guitars. Steven invited us to join them after every show for a great meal, we were given all access to their party suite; they treated us with respect.”
Kevin continued, “Rather than mess with us, Steven and Joe wanted the best for us, as Aerosmith was not intimidated at all. They used the energy of the REO Speedwagon performance to lift them, they rocked extra hard as a result, and the audience was the ultimate winner.”
Cronin then shared an interaction he had with Tyler a few years back, when both of their bands were playing the Sweden Rocks Festival. As he recalled, “I was watching Aerosmith from the stage right wing, when he walked over during a guitar break and handed me a set of headphones with his monitor mix! That was cool.”
On Tyler’s Influence on Cronin
Cronin then discussed the positive influence Tyler had on him as a touring performer.
“I learned a lot from Steven Tyler,” he said. “Any band who has opened for REO and been treated with love and respect has Steven to thank. As big a star as he is, whenever our paths have crossed there is always a good vibe and an acknowledgement of our long time connection.”
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.
As the singer attempted to recover, the band announced rescheduled dates for the tour in late 2024 and early 2025. Unfortunately, Aerosmith issued a statement on August 3 announcing that because a full recovery from Tyler’s vocal injury was “not possible,” the band had made the “difficult, but necessary, decision … to retire from the touring stage.”
REO Speedwagon’s 2024 Tour Plans
REO Speedwagon currently is in the middle of its Summer Road Trip tour with Train. The trek is mapped out through a September 11 show in Phoenix.
REO also has a bevy of fall headlining dates, including a run of shows in November with Loverboy opening. In addition, the band has a three-date Las Vegas residency at The Venetian Theatre scheduled in early October.
Tickets for REO Speedwagon’s concerts can be purchased now via a variety of outlets, including StubHub.
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