Aerosmith returns to the stage at the Hollywood Bowl after a three-year break from full-band concerts, joined by Dave Grohl on drums and Johnny Depp on guitar. Founding drummer Joey Kramer also appears for the finale. The October 29 performance began a two-night event, not an announced return to touring.
Key Takeaways
- Aerosmith played its first full-band concert since September 2023 at the Hollywood Bowl on October 29, 2026
- Dave Grohl handled drums for five of the six songs, while Johnny Depp appeared on guitar for one
- Founding drummer Joey Kramer returned for “Walk This Way,” his first Aerosmith performance since February 2020
- A second Hollywood Bowl concert is scheduled for November 1, but a new tour has not been announced
Aerosmith’s return brought Steven Tyler, Joe Perry, Brad Whitford and Tom Hamilton together onstage after the group’s interrupted Peace Out farewell tour. Thursday’s performance was the first of two concerts billed as “California, Dream On: Aerosmith & Friends,” with guest artists performing the band’s songs before its headlining set.
Despite the concert, Aerosmith’s 2024 retirement-from-touring announcement remains in place. The group cited Tyler’s vocal injury but did not rule out limited appearances. The Hollywood Bowl dates are special events, not a resumed farewell tour.
Aerosmith Returns to the Stage With a Six-Song Set
The band opened with “Toys in the Attic,” then moved into “Back in the Saddle” and “Sweet Emotion.” Grohl, the Foo Fighters frontman and former Nirvana drummer, played throughout those numbers and remained behind the kit for “Dream On,” with Tyler taking a seat at a grand piano.
The fifth song, “Train Kept A-Rollin’,” brought Depp onstage with Perry, Whitford and the rest of the group. Depp and Perry already perform together in Hollywood Vampires, making the guest appearance a continuation of an established musical collaboration. Depp did not stay for the final number.
Tyler recounted a phone call in which Grohl asked to take part in the Hollywood Bowl concert. When asked whether he wanted to play drums for Aerosmith, Grohl replied, “No, I want to roadie,” according to Tyler’s account from the stage.
Joey Kramer Rejoins Aerosmith for the Finale
The sixth song brought Joey Kramer back to the drum kit for “Walk This Way,” with John Douglas playing a second kit. Douglas previously filled in during Kramer’s absence, while Grohl handled the earlier portion of Thursday’s set. The performance was Kramer’s first with Aerosmith since February 2020.
Before the finale, Tyler acknowledged his fellow band members, saying, “Before we say goodnight, I just want to say what a ride it’s been with my brothers, Joe, Tom, Brad and Joey.” His remarks accompanied a reunion that included the group’s original drummer after years away from its concerts.
Liv Tyler and Alicia Silverstone introduced the band after footage from Aerosmith’s 1994 “Crazy” music video appeared on venue screens. Both starred in the video, linking their appearance to the band’s catalog.
Guest musicians appeared alongside Aerosmith without any announced permanent lineup change. By comparison, John Mayer’s Sphere concerts are scheduled with designated solo, full-band and trio sections. At the Bowl, Grohl played five songs, while Kramer returned for the finale.
Aerosmith Has Not Announced a New Tour
Aerosmith last performed a full concert on September 9, 2023, in Elmont, New York, shortly before the Peace Out tour was suspended. Tyler sustained a larynx injury, and the remaining concerts were eventually canceled. On August 2, 2024, the group said that a full recovery of his voice was not possible and announced its retirement from touring.
Thursday’s appearance did not reverse that statement. A limited engagement is different from a schedule of travel and repeated shows, and the band has not announced a new touring itinerary. That distinction also applies to other stage returns, including Céline Dion’s Paris residency, which was organized as a defined series of performances in one venue.
Aerosmith announced the Hollywood Bowl dates on October 7, identifying October 29 and November 1 as the two performances. The official event information says guest lineups may differ by night. It also states that a portion of the proceeds benefits Steven Tyler’s Janie’s Fund.
Guns N’ Roses and Heart Lead the Tribute Performances
Before Aerosmith’s set, Guns N’ Roses performed “Nobody’s Fault,” “Last Child” and “Seasons of Wither,” then played its own songs “Welcome to the Jungle” and “Paradise City.” The Black Crowes offered “Write Me a Letter,” “Combination” and “No More No More,” along with songs associated with Joe Perry and songwriter Richard Supa.
Heart performed “Janie’s Got a Gun” and an Aretha Franklin song. Billy Idol and Steve Stevens played “Livin’ on the Edge,” while Sammy Hagar contributed “Draw the Line” and “Helter Skelter.” Eric Church sang “Rag Doll” and “I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing.”
Comedian Bill Burr hosted the show, and music director Don Was led a house band that included Nuno Bettencourt, Kenny Aronoff, Chad Smith, Andrew Watt and Mike Inez. Other performers included Godsmack’s Sully Erna and guitarist Warren Haynes. The guest segments preceded Aerosmith’s six-song closing appearance.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Aerosmith return to the stage?
Aerosmith returned on October 29, 2026, at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles. It was the group’s first full-band concert since September 2023.
Did Dave Grohl replace Joey Kramer?
Grohl played drums for the first five songs of the six-song set. Kramer returned for “Walk This Way” alongside John Douglas on a second drum kit.
What song did Johnny Depp play with Aerosmith?
Johnny Depp joined Aerosmith on guitar for “Train Kept A-Rollin’.” He also performs with Joe Perry in Hollywood Vampires.
Is Aerosmith planning another tour?
Aerosmith returns to the stage for two announced Hollywood Bowl concerts, but no broader tour has been confirmed. The group’s August 2024 retirement-from-touring statement has not been formally withdrawn.
