Steven Tyler

Steven Tyler

Tyler performing with Aerosmith in July 2012.
Born Steven Victor Tallarico
26 March 1948
Yonkers, New York, U.S.
Other names The Demon of Screamin
Toxic Twins (with Joe Perry of Aerosmith)
Occupation Singer-songwriter, musician, actor, multi-instrumentalist, talent judge
Years active 1964–present
Spouse(s) Cyrinda Foxe (m. 1977 - 1987; divorced)
Teresa Barrick (m. 1988-2006: divorced)
Children Liv Tyler
Mia Tyler
Chelsea Tallarico
Taj Monroe Tallarico
Website
www.steventyler.com

Steven Tyler (born Steven Victor Tallarico; March 26, 1948) is an American singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and former television music competition judge, best known as the lead singer of the Boston-based rock band Aerosmith, in which he also plays the harmonica, and occasional piano and percussion. He is known as the "Demon of Screamin'"[1] due to his high screams and his wide vocal range. He is also known for his on-stage acrobatics.

During his high-energy performances, Tyler usually dresses in bright, colorful outfits with his trademark scarves hanging from his microphone stand. In the 1970s, Tyler rose to prominence as the frontman of Aerosmith, which released such milestone hard rock albums as Toys in the Attic and Rocks. In the late 1970s and early 1980s, Tyler had a heavy drug and alcohol addiction, and the band's popularity waned. He completed drug rehabilitation in 1986 and subsequently maintained sobriety for over 20 years but had a relapse with prescription painkillers in the late 2000s, for which he successfully received treatment in 2009.[2] Ever since Aerosmith launched its comeback in the late 1980s and early 1990s with the albums Permanent Vacation, Pump, and Get a Grip, Tyler has remained a relevant rock icon and has embarked on several solo endeavors including guest appearances on other artists' music, film and TV roles (including as a judge on American Idol), authoring a bestselling book, and solo work (including a Top 40 hit single in 2011). However, he has continued to record music and perform with Aerosmith, after more than 43 years in the band. The band's latest album, Music from Another Dimension!, was released in November 2012.

Tyler is included among Rolling Stone's 100 Greatest Singers.[3] He was ranked 3rd on Hit Parader's Top 100 Metal Vocalists of All Time. In 2001, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with Aerosmith, and in 2013, Tyler and his songwriting partner Joe Perry received the ASCAP Founders Award and were inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame.[4][5]

Early life

Steven Victor Tallarico was born on March 26, 1948 at the Polyclinic Hospital in Manhattan, New York, and moved to the Bronx when he was three years old. The family moved to Yonkers when he was about nine years old.[6][7][8] The son of Susan Ray (née Blancha; June 2, 1925–July 4, 2008), a secretary, and Victor A. Tallarico (May 14, 1916–September 10, 2011),[9] a classical musician and pianist who taught music at Cardinal Spellman High School in The Bronx.[10]

His father was of Italian and German descent, while his mother was of Polish and English ancestry.[10][11] His maternal grandfather, who was from what is present-day Poland, changed his surname from "Czarnyszewicz" (from the Polish czarny 'black') to "Blancha" (from the French blanche or Catalan/Spanish blanca 'white').[10] His paternal grandfather, Giovanni Tallarico, was from Cotronei, Calabria, Italy.[12] Steven has one older sister named Lynda. Steven attended Roosevelt High School in Yonkers and the Quintano for Young Professionals School.

Career

Formation and success of Aerosmith (1970–1978)

Main article: Aerosmith

Before Aerosmith, Tyler wrote what would become one of Aerosmith's signature songs, "Dream On". In 1969, Tyler attended a local rock show in Sunapee, New Hampshire where he first saw future bandmates Joe Perry (guitars) and Tom Hamilton (Bass), who at the time were playing in a band called the Jam Band. Tyler later stated he was struck by their raw power and attitude. Around 1970, Tyler, Perry and Hamilton decided to form a band. Tyler, who had played drums in many of his previous bands, insisted that he be the frontman and lead singer. Joey Kramer, an old acquaintance of Tyler's from New York, was recruited to play drums. Tyler invited his boyhood friend, Ray Tabano, to play rhythm guitar. Driven by a collective ambition to launch their careers as full-time musicians and hopeful recording artists, the band moved to Boston and shared a small apartment at 1325 Commonwealth Avenue, in Brighton in the fall of 1970. Shortly after relocating to Boston, Tyler's dissatisfaction with Tabano's lack of passion and dedication would prompt the band to replace Tabano with Brad Whitford. Although Tyler was never billed as the "leader" of Aerosmith, he co-managed, with drummer Joey Kramer, the assets of the band and directed its activities during this formative period.

After spending time on the Boston club circuit under the tutelage of their first manager, Frank Connelly, the band began working with New York managers Steve Leber and David Krebs. Leber describes the band as "the closest thing I've ever seen to the Rolling Stones". In early 1972, the managers arranged the gig at the legendary nightclub Max's Kansas City to showcase the group to record company executives. They subsequently signed a record deal with Columbia Records in 1972 and released their eponymous debut album in 1973. This was followed by Get Your Wings in 1974. Around this time, Aerosmith continued to tour wherever they could, and opened for bands like Mott the Hoople. The band had a minor hit in "Dream On", which peaked at No. 59 in 1973, but it wasn't until the back-to-back releases of Toys in the Attic (1975) and Rocks (1976) that Aerosmith broke into the mainstream. In 1975, they achieved their first Top 40 hit in "Sweet Emotion". Soon after, "Dream On" was rereleased and hit No. 6 in 1976, followed by another Top 10 hit "Walk This Way". Additionally, Rocks produced the hit singles "Last Child", "Back in the Saddle", and "Home Tonight". By 1976, Aerosmith found themselves headlining huge stadiums and major rock music festivals. That year, Tyler emerged as a prominent rock star and sex symbol in his own right, gracing the cover of Rolling Stone magazine. 1977's Draw the Line continued the band's success, and they were catapulted to international fame and recognition, launching tours in Europe and Japan. A series of Hot 100 hits continued throughout the remainder of the decade, including "Draw the Line", "Kings and Queens", and "Chip Away the Stone". Aerosmith's first five albums have also all since gone multiplatinum, and all five are considered to be among the greatest hard rock albums of all time. Aerosmith toured heavily throughout the mid to late 1970s, and their live shows during this time period were captured through 1978's live album Live! Bootleg and the 1989 VHS release Live Texxas Jam '78. 1978 also saw Tyler make his acting debut as the leader of the Future Villain Band in the film Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, alongside his fellow Aerosmith bandmates. The film also spawned Aerosmith's cover of the Beatles hit "Come Together", which would be Aerosmith's last Top 40 single for nine years.

Decline of Aerosmith (1979–1983)

As the decade wore on, the fast-paced life of touring, recording, living together, and using drugs began to take its toll on the band. Tyler and Perry often were called the Toxic Twins for their legendary intake of stimulants and heroin. Their relationship is well documented in many of Aerosmith's video releases as well as in the Aerosmith Behind the Music. On July 28, 1979, after a huge fight at a World Series of Rock concert in Cleveland, Perry left Aerosmith to begin his own band, The Joe Perry Project. Night in the Ruts was released that fall, and Aerosmith forged on with new guitarist Jimmy Crespo.

In the fall of 1980, Tyler was injured in a motorcycle crash that left him hospitalized for two months and unable to tour or record for much of 1981. When the band re-convened in the studio, Tyler formed a writing partnership with Crespo, co-writing and producing the album Rock in a Hard Place (1982). Brad Whitford had left in 1981, shortly after recording the guitar parts for the album's lead single, "Lightning Strikes." Whitford was replaced by Rick Dufay, and the band continued to tour into 1983. Tyler's drug abuse increased. His heroin addiction was at its worst between 1979 and 1982, when he would roam the streets of New York City looking for dealers.

Reuniting and getting clean (1984–1986)

On February 14, 1984, Perry and Whitford, who left the band in 1979 and 1981 respectively, attended an Aerosmith show. According to the band's Behind the Music special on VH1, Tyler alleges he made the first phone call to Perry encouraging them to meet up again. Backstage, they all met, and Perry and Whitford agreed to join the band once again. With the new reunion, the band also fired their managers Leber and Krebs, hired new manager Tim Collins (who was managing Joe Perry) and signed a new record contract with Geffen Records. Aerosmith embarked on a reunion tour, the "Back in the Saddle Tour" and recorded once again, releasing Done with Mirrors in 1985. The band was still using drugs, however, especially Tyler, who collapsed while performing in Springfield, Illinois on the 1984 tour. In 1986, the band held a meeting in which the band members staged an intervention on Tyler and persuaded him to enter a drug rehabilitation program. After he completed rehabilitation, his bandmates did likewise; all had completed treatment by the mid-1980s.

Comeback and superstardom (1986–1999)

Aerosmith rose to prominence again when Tyler and Perry appeared on Run–D.M.C.'s cover of Aerosmith's "Walk This Way" in 1986, a track that combined elements of hip-hop and rock, that broke down the barriers between the two genres, broke rap into the mainstream, and introduced Aerosmith to a new generation. The track hit No.4 on the charts and launched a famous music video that saw heavy rotation. This paved the way for Aerosmith to mount a significant comeback. Tyler and Perry renewed their songwriting partnership but were now also working with outside songwriting collaborators brought in by the record company, like Desmond Child and Jim Vallance. To give Aerosmith a slick sound accessible to mainstream audiences, they received help from producer Bruce Fairbairn. Aerosmith released Permanent Vacation in 1987, which became a huge multi-platinum success and launched three Top 20 hits ("Dude (Looks Like a Lady)", "Angel", and "Rag Doll"). The band launched a tour with the emerging Guns N' Roses opening many shows. Permanent Vacation was followed by 1989's Pump, which was even more successful, selling 7 million copies and producing three Top 10 hits ("Love in an Elevator", "Janie's Got a Gun", and "What it Takes") and one Top 40 hit ("The Other Side"). Pump in particular saw Tyler expand his musical horizons, co-writing the innovative hit "Janie's Got a Gun", which won the band its first Grammy award. The band toured with many emerging acts and performed in locations like Australia for the first time. In the late 1980s, Tyler also guested on albums by comedian Sam Kinison, Alice Cooper (a fellow 70s rocker also launching a successful comeback) and popular contemporaries Mötley Crüe. Around that time, Tyler and Perry appeared at a Bon Jovi concert in Milton Keynes and performed "Walk This Way".

With the twin successes of Permanent Vacation and Pump, the band became an MTV sensation and Tyler became a household name. The band were featured on a "Wayne's World" sketch on Saturday Night Live in 1990, which is ranked as the No.1 moment of all time on the show.[13] That same year, Aerosmith recorded one of the first episodes of MTV Unplugged. In 1991, Aerosmith was one of the first bands to be featured on The Simpsons. That year, the band also signed a $30 million record deal with their old label Columbia, which they would begin recording for later that decade. The box set Pandora's Box was released by Columbia in late 1991, and the band filmed a music video for "Sweet Emotion" to promote the release. Earlier in the year, the band also performed "Dream On" with an orchestra at MTV's 10th Anniversary celebration; their filmed performance was used as the official video for the song. After a brief break, the band returned to the studio in 1992 to record their next album. The band's A&R man John Kalodner criticized some of the early material being considered for this album, targeting Tyler's sexually profane lyrics in particular.[14]

However, the band eventually began recording again and released Get a Grip in 1993, which became their most successful album worldwide, selling over 15 million copies and producing a series of hit singles ("Cryin'", "Livin' on the Edge", "Eat the Rich", "Amazing", "Crazy"). While the album saw mixed reviews and received some criticism for over-using outside collaborators, Aerosmith won more awards during this time than any other, winning two Grammy Awards, four MTV Video Music Awards, two American Music Awards, a People's Choice award, and a Billboard Award. The band became well known for their videos at this time, which featured film-like storylines and up-and-coming actors and actresses like Edward Furlong, Stephen Dorff, Jason London, Josh Holloway, and most notably Alicia Silverstone. Tyler's daughter Liv made her acting debut in the band's video for "Crazy" in 1994. The band also launched their biggest and most extensive tour yet, performing over 240 shows in nearly 30 countries, including touring Latin America for the first time and performing in many European countries for the first time.

After the 18-month Get a Grip Tour ended in December 1994, the band took a break in 1995 to spend time with their families. They needed to rest due to the grueling lifestyle of the previous 10 years under the helm of manager Tim Collins, who helped orchestrate much of the band's comeback and sustained success. Tyler and Perry also began writing for a new album, and the band performed a couple of one-off shows in Boston to try out the new material. They also vacationed together with their families in Florida. Aerosmith, however, almost broke up after Tim Collins spread rumors that band members were deriding each other and that Tyler was being unfaithful to his wife and using drugs again during recording sessions in Miami. The band subsequently fired Collins in 1996 in the middle of recording for their next album. In 1997, they released Nine Lives, which went double platinum, launched three hits ("Falling in Love (Is Hard on the Knees)", "Hole in My Soul", and "Pink"), and won the band their fourth Grammy for "Pink". They toured for over two years in support of the album. In 1997, Steven Tyler and Joe Perry were featured in a commercial for the Gap. That fall, the band's tell-all autobiography was released.

In 1998, while on tour in support of Nine Lives, Tyler suffered a ligament injury when his mic stand came crashing into his knee. Tyler and the band finished the show, but they had to cancel several dates, and Tyler had to wear a leg cast while filming the video for "I Don't Want to Miss a Thing". The song was the band's first No.1 hit and the only song to date by a rock band to debut at No.1 on the Hot 100. It has since become a slow-dance staple, and at the time introduced Aerosmith and Steven Tyler to yet another new generation. The song was written for the film Armageddon, which featured Tyler's daughter Liv. In 1999, Tyler and Perry joined Kid Rock and Run–D.M.C. to perform "Walk This Way" at the MTV Video Music Awards. Earlier that year, the band saw the Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith open at Walt Disney World.

Continued success and touring (2000–2008)

Tyler performing alongside bandmates Joe Perry and Brad Whitford at an Aerosmith performance on the National Mall in 2003.

In 2001, Aerosmith played at the Super Bowl XXXV Halftime Show and were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The band released the album Just Push Play, which featured the Top 10 hit "Jaded". The band went on tour again in the summer of 2001, and since then Aerosmith has toured every year, except 2008. After the September 11 attacks, the band performed at the benefit concert "United We Stand" in Washington, D.C. Tyler donned a full-length jacket featuring the American flag, and the band performed a brief set including "Livin' on the Edge", "I Don't Want to Miss a Thing", "Just Push Play", and "Walk This Way". The band flew back to Indianapolis to perform a show that same night.

In 2002, Aerosmith's two-hour-long Behind the Music was released, chronicling the band's tumultuous history and current activities and touring. They were also honored as MTV Icons. In the summer, they released the compilation O, Yeah! The Ultimate Aerosmith Hits, which went double platinum and included the new track "Girls of Summer", which spawned a namesake tour with Kid Rock and Run–D.M.C. opening. In 2003, he received an honorary degree from Berklee College of Music, and, in 2005, received an honorary doctorate from the University of Massachusetts Boston. In 2003, he inducted AC/DC into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Later in the year, he went on tour with Aerosmith for the Rocksimus Maximus Tour with KISS. In 2004, Aerosmith released the blues cover album Honkin' on Bobo and launched a brief tour with Cheap Trick, focused on smaller markets. Tyler sang the National Anthem to kick off the 2004 World Series at Fenway Park. The 2004 film The Polar Express featured Tyler singing "Rockin' on Top of the World" alongside a group of computer-animated elves resembling Aerosmith.

In 2005, Tyler sang lead vocals on Santana's hit single "Just Feel Better" and made a cameo appearance in the film Be Cool. In 2006, after recovering from throat surgery and the grueling Rockin' the Joint Tour, Steven Tyler performed with Joe Perry and the Boston Pops Orchestra for the orchestra's annual Fourth of July concert, his first major public appearance since the surgery. During the concert, which was broadcast nationally on CBS, Tyler, Perry, and the orchestra performed a medley of "Walk This Way", "I Don't Want to Miss a Thing" and "Dream On". That year, Tyler recorded a duet with country music artist Keith Anderson, titled "Three Chord Country and American Rock & Roll". The song, a remixed version of a song found on Anderson's debut album, was released as a single on the U.S. Hot Country Songs charts.

Later that year, the Aerosmith compilation Devil's Got a New Disguise was released, which included two new tracks. Tyler hit the road with Aerosmith again for the Route of All Evil Tour with Mötley Crüe and also made several more public appearances. He made a cameo appearance on the sitcom Two and a Half Men, playing himself. On October 14, 2006, Tyler sang "God Bless America" during the seventh inning stretch at Game No.3 of the National League Championship Series between the St. Louis Cardinals and the New York Mets at Busch Stadium in St. Louis. On November 24, he volunteered by serving Thanksgiving dinner to the needy at a restaurant in West Palm Beach, Florida before an Aerosmith show there. In 2007, Tyler kept active in Aerosmith with the band's world tour which saw them perform in 19 countries. THat same year, Steven and Liv Tyler were profiled on E! True Hollywood Story.

On May 21, 2008, Tyler checked into Las Encinas Hospital rehabilitation clinic in Pasadena, California, to recover from multiple leg surgeries. He made a public statement saying that "The 'foot repair' pain was intense, greater than I'd anticipated. The months of rehabilitative care and the painful strain of physical therapy were traumatic. I really needed a safe environment to recuperate where I could shut off my phone and get back on my feet."[15] In June 2008, Guitar Hero: Aerosmith was released, the franchise's first video game based solely around one band and the most successful game based around a band. On July 14, 2008, Tyler's mother, Susan Tallarico, died at age 84.[16]

On July 18, 2008, Tyler appeared with Billy Joel at the last concert to be played at Shea Stadium. Backed by Joel's band, he sang lead vocals on "Walk This Way". In August 2008 HarperCollins won an auction to publish Tyler's autobiography.[17] That same month, Tyler performed with trumpeter Chris Botti in Boston. The concert was released as a CD/DVD, "Chris Botti In Boston" in March 2009. In December 2008, Tyler made a surprise appearance at the Trans-Siberian Orchestra concerts at Nassau Coliseum (December 12, 2008) and the Izod Center (December 13, 2008). At the Izod Center, he collaborated with the Trans-Siberian Orchestra on "Dream On" and "Sweet Emotion."[18]

Recent events, country music album (2009–present)

On August 5, 2009, while on the Guitar Hero Aerosmith Tour, Tyler fell off a stage near Sturgis, South Dakota, injuring his head and neck and breaking his shoulder.[19] He was airlifted to Rapid City Regional Hospital.[20][21][22][23] Aerosmith was forced to cancel the rest of their 2009 tour, except for two shows in Hawaii in October. In 2007, Aerosmith had to cancel their first concert in Maui, which resulted in a class action lawsuit involving 8,000 plaintiffs. Attendees received tickets and, in some cases, reimbursements for out of pocket expenses. The band performed in early November at an auto race in Abu Dhabi.

On November 9, 2009, the media reported that Tyler had no contact with the other members of Aerosmith and that they were unsure if he was still in the band.[24] On November 10, 2009, Joe Perry confirmed Tyler had quit Aerosmith to pursue a solo career and was unsure whether the move was indefinite. No replacement was announced. Despite rumors of leaving the band, and notwithstanding Perry's comment as reported earlier the same day, Tyler joined The Joe Perry Project onstage November 10, 2009, at the Fillmore New York at Irving Plaza and performed "Walk This Way". According to sources at the event, Tyler assured the crowd that despite rumors to the contrary, he is "not quitting Aerosmith."[25]

On December 22, 2009, Rolling Stone reported that Tyler had checked into rehab for pain management. In 2010, he embarked on the Cocked, Locked, Ready to Rock Tour with Aerosmith, which saw them perform over 40 concerts in 18 countries. On September 16, 2010, it was reported he would have his first solo project. He wrote "Love Lives", a theme song for the Japanese sci-fi movie Space Battleship Yamato. The song was based on the English translated script, as well as on some clips of the film itself. The single was released on November 24, a week before the movie was released.[26][27] A preview of the single can be heard in the movie's trailers.[28] On September 22, 2010, Fox confirmed that Tyler would replace Simon Cowell as a judge for the tenth season of American Idol alongside Randy Jackson and fellow new judge Jennifer Lopez (who replaced Kara DioGuardi and Ellen DeGeneres).[29] In December 2010, Tyler performed at the Kennedy Center Honors, honoring Paul McCartney by performing several tracks from Abbey Road.

On January 19, 2011, Tyler made his debut appearance as a judge on American Idol, during the premiere of the show's tenth season, which aired through the end of May. On April 2, 2011, Tyler presented an award at the 2011 Kids' Choice Awards. The following day, he performed with Carrie Underwood at the Academy of Country Music Awards. Underwood and Tyler performed Underwood's song "Undo It" and completed their segment with an energetic version of the Aerosmith classic "Walk This Way". On May 3, 2011, he released his autobiography Does the Noise in My Head Bother You?, which reached number two on The New York Times Best Seller List in the category "Hardcover Non-fiction".[30] The book was accompanied by the new single "(It) Feels So Good", released May 10. The single reached #35 on the Billboard Hot 100. In addition, during breaks in between Idol, Tyler worked on new material for Aerosmith's next studio album. Tyler performed the Aerosmith song "Dream On" on the season finale of American Idol on May 25.

Throughout the summer of 2011, Tyler worked with the other members of Aerosmith on the band's next studio album, scheduled for release in the spring of 2012. In September 2011, he starred as the inspiration for Andy Hilfiger's fashion line, "Andrew Charles". Tyler developed a signature scarf collection called "Rock Scarf" for Andrew Charles. On October 22, 2011, Tyler set off for an 18-date Aerosmith tour across Latin America and Japan. On October 25, it was reported by TMZ that Tyler slipped in his hotel shower in Paraguay and injured his face, including losing several teeth. Tyler was rushed to the hospital, and the scheduled show was postponed for the following night. When he did finally perform after the opening song, he proudly displayed his broken tooth which he had on a string around his neck. He then removed his sunglasses to reveal a nasty black eye. The tour wrapped up on December 10 in Sapporo, Japan.

Tyler performing "Dream On" on the piano at an Aerosmith concert in Chicago in June 2012.

On January 22, 2012, Tyler sang the National Anthem at the AFC Championship Game.[31][32] On March 11, 2012, a special about Aerosmith aired on 60 Minutes, where some of the comments made by the band members highlighted the still-contentious relationships in the band.[33] On March 22, Perry surprised Tyler with a performance of "Happy Birthday" on American Idol in advance of Tyler's 64th birthday.[34] On March 26, 2012, Aerosmith announced their "Global Warming Tour" with dates in many major North American cities from June 16 to August 8,[35][36] preceded by a performance on May 30 for Walmart shareholders.[37] In April, a Burger King television commercial featuring Tyler debuted.[38] Aerosmith's new album, Music from Another Dimension! was set for release on November 6, 2012[39] and the band debuted their new single "Legendary Child" with a performance of the song on the season finale of American Idol on May 23.[40][41]

On July 12, 2012, Tyler announced that he would be leaving American Idol after two seasons, with a statement saying, "After some long ... hard ... thoughts ... I've decided it’s time for me to let go of my mistress 'American Idol' before she boils my rabbit. I strayed from my first love, AEROSMITH, and I’m back — but instead of begging on my hands and knees, I got two fists in the air and I’m kicking the door open with my band. The next few years are going to be dedicated to kicking some serious ass — the ultimate in auditory takeover ..." However the reports suggest that Tyler was dumped by the American Idol Bosses.[42] Tyler has since indicated that his troubles with his bandmates were the primary reason he signed up to do American Idol. He was replaced by Keith Urban.[43]

Steven Tyler (left) and Joe Perry (right) performing at the Nassau Coliseum on July 1, 2012

On August 12, Aerosmith wrapped up the first leg of their Global Warming Tour with a rescheduled performance in Bristow, Virginia and on August 28, the band released two singles simultaneously, the rocker "Lover Alot" and the ballad "What Could Have Been Love", both of which were co-produced and co-written by Tyler.[44] On September 22, Aerosmith performed at the iHeartRadio music festival in Las Vegas. On November 6, the new Aerosmith album Music from Another Dimension! was released, and on November 8, the band began the second leg of their Global Warming Tour, which took the band to 14 North American cities through December 13. On January 21, 2013, Aerosmith released "Can't Stop Lovin' You" (featuring Carrie Underwood) as the fourth single from Music from Another Dimension!.[45] He briefly returned to American Idol in season 12 auditioning dressed up as a woman named "Pepper" in front of the judges (Randy Jackson, Nicki Minaj, Keith Urban and Mariah Carey). He also visited the judges when they were auditioning contestants in November 2012 in Oklahoma City while Tyler also happened to be in town for a concert on Aerosmith's Global Warming Tour. The episode aired on January 31, 2013.

On February 20, it was announced that Tyler and his songwriting partner Joe Perry would be recipients of the ASCAP Founders Award at the society's 30th Annual Pop Music Awards on April 17.[46] Two days later, it was announced that the duo would be inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame at a ceremony to be held on June 13.[47]

While down-under in April 2013, Tyler told New Zealand media of his "dear Maori friends" and why the band had opted only to play Dunedin for their first New Zealand concert date.[48] He also confessed to having the hots for J-Lo (Jennifer Lopez) while working on American Idol and told of how it turned out to be one of the best things he ever did. Tyler also appeared in Moscow, Russia on November 9 for the Miss Universe 2013 pageant as one of the judges and performed "Dream On".

On March 31, 2015, Tyler stated that he was working on his first solo country album.[49][50]

Dirico Motorcycles (Red Wing Motorcycles)

On September 15, 2007, at New Hampshire International Speedway, Tyler announced the launch of Dirico Motorcycles, which are designed by Tyler, engineered by Mark Dirico, and built by AC Custom Motorcycles in Manchester, New Hampshire. Tyler has been a long time motorcycle fan and riding enthusiast,[51] Steven Tyler also participates in a variety of charity auctions involving motorcycles, including the Ride for Children charity.[52][53]

Politics

In the early months of 2013, an act was forwarded into the Hawaii legislature entitled the Steven Tyler Act (Hawaii Senate Bill 465). The Act would give more privacy to public figures such as government officials and celebrities on vacation. Tyler and numerous other celebrities all lobbied for it.[54] The legislation would give public figures the right to sue paparazzi for taking unwanted photographs. The bill's sponsor is Maui state legislator J. Kalani English. The bill was cleared through the Judiciary Committee on Friday, February 8, 2013.[55]

Personal life

Julia Holcomb

In 1975, Tyler persuaded the parents of 16[56] year old groupie Julia Holcomb (sometimes spelled Holcolm) to sign over guardianship to him so that he could live with her in Boston. They dated and did drugs together for three years.[57] Holcomb was referred to as "Diana Hall" by the editor of the Aerosmith autobiography Walk This Way in an attempt to conceal her identity, but other sources have confirmed her identity.[58][59][60] Pressures leading to their split included both their age difference (Tyler was 27 when they first met), a house fire, and a pregnancy that resulted in an abortion.[57][61]

Band member Ray Tabano wrote in Walk This Way that the abortion "really messed Steven up" because the child was a boy.[62] Tyler wrote, "It was a big crisis. It's a major thing when you're growing something with a woman, but they convinced us that it would never work out and would ruin our lives. You go to the doctor and they put the needle in her belly and they squeeze the stuff in and you watch. And it comes out dead. I was pretty devastated. In my mind, I'm going, Jesus, what have I done?"[62] However, Julia Holcomb has said that Tyler was snorting cocaine while watching the abortion and offered some to her.[63]

Julia Holcomb revealed her regret for having the abortion, joined the Silent No More organization of women who have regretted their abortions, and converted to Catholicism.[64][65]

Indianapolis 500 Controversy

During the 2001 Indianapolis 500, Tyler sang the national anthem in traditional Aerosmith style – complete with a raspy voice, bluesy swagger and a hard rocker yell. When Steven Tyler sang the National Anthem, he changed the words which caused a public outcry. Instead of singing "Land of the free and the home of the brave", he changed the words to "Land of the free and the home of the Indianapolis 500." This received negative reactions from veterans and fans & led Tyler to issue a public apology.

Family and relationships

Tyler had a brief relationship with fashion model Bebe Buell, during which he fathered actress Liv Tyler, born in 1977.[66] Buell initially claimed that the father was Todd Rundgren to protect her daughter from Tyler's drug addiction. Through Liv's marriage to British musician Royston Langdon and relationship with entertainment manager David Gardner, Tyler has two grandchildren.[67]

In 1978, he married Cyrinda Foxe,[66] an ex-Warhol model, and the former wife of New York Dolls' lead singer David Johansen, and fathered model Mia Tyler. He and Foxe divorced in 1987; in 1997, she published Dream On: Livin' on the Edge With Steven Tyler and Aerosmith, a memoir of her life with Tyler. Foxe died from brain cancer in 2002.

On May 28, 1988, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Tyler married his second wife, clothing designer Teresa Barrick.[66] With Barrick, he fathered a daughter, Chelsea Anna Tallarico (born March 6, 1989), and a son, Taj Monroe Tallarico (born January 31, 1991).[68] In February 2005, the couple announced that they were separating due to personal problems.[69]

In January 2006 the divorce was official.[70] Tyler had been in a relationship with Erin Brady since 2006. He became engaged to Brady in December 2011. In January 2013, Tyler and Brady broke off their engagement.[71]

Throat surgery

In 2006 immediately after a two-hour performance in Florida, Tyler got into an argument during which he yelled. He awoke the next morning to find that he had a hoarse voice. On March 22, 2006, the Washington Post reported that Tyler would undergo surgery for an "undisclosed medical condition".[72] A statement from Tyler's publicist read in part, "Despite Aerosmith's desire to keep the tour going as long as possible, [Tyler's] doctors advised him not to continue performing to give his voice time to recover." Aerosmith's remaining North American tour dates in 2006 on the Rockin' the Joint Tour were subsequently canceled.[73]

The cause was diagnosed as a ruptured blood vessel in his throat, which was successfully sealed off using a laser by Dr. Steven M. Zeitels, director of the Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) Center for Laryngeal Surgery and Voice Rehabilitation.[74] In the words of Tyler: "He just took a laser and zapped the blood vessel."[75] After a few weeks of rest, Tyler and the rest of Aerosmith entered the studio on May 20, 2006 to begin work on their new album.[76]

Tyler's first public performance after the surgery was July 3–4, 2006, with Joe Perry at the Hatch Shell in Boston, with the Boston Pops Orchestra. The duo sang "Dream On", "Walk This Way", and "I Don't Want To Miss A Thing" as part of the Boston Pops July 4 Fireworks Spectacular.[76]

Tyler's throat surgery was featured in 2007 on an episode of the National Geographic Channel series, Incredible Human Machine.[75]

Hepatitis C

In a September 2006 interview with Access Hollywood, Tyler revealed that he had been suffering from Hepatitis C for the past 11 years. He was diagnosed with the disease in 2003 and had undergone extensive treatment from 2003–2006, including 11 months of interferon therapy, which he said was "agony". Tyler most likely was infected with Hepatitis C because of his intravenous drug use. The disease is spread through blood-to-blood contact, and is often associated with sharing used needles.[77]

Discography

With Aerosmith

Collaborative work

Year Song Artist Album
1986 "Walk This Way" Run-D.M.C. featuring Steven Tyler and Joe Perry Raising Hell
1988 "Wild Thing" Sam Kinison; guest performers include Steven Tyler Have You Seen Me Lately?
1989 "Only My Heart Talkin'" Alice Cooper featuring Steven Tyler Trash
1989 "Slice of Your Pie" Mötley Crüe; guest performers include Steven Tyler Dr. Feelgood
1989 "Sticky Sweet" Mötley Crüe; guest performers include Steven Tyler Dr. Feelgood
1999 "Roots, Rock, Reggae" Bob Marley featuring Steven Tyler Chant Down Babylon
2001 "Misery" Pink featuring Steven Tyler and Richie Sambora Missundaztood
2002 "Sing for the Moment" Eminem featuring Steven Tyler and Joe Perry (uncredited; "Dream On" sample used; New recording not done) The Eminem Show
2004 "I'm a King Bee" Steven Tyler and Joe Perry Lightning in a Bottle Soundtrack
2005 "Just Feel Better" Santana featuring Steven Tyler All That I Am
2006 "Three Chord Country and American Rock & Roll" Keith Anderson featuring Steven Tyler Three Chord Country and American Rock & Roll
2009 "Cryin'" and "Smile" Chris Botti featuring Steven Tyler Chris Botti In Boston
2013 "Sex E Bizarre" Orianthi featuring Steven Tyler Heaven in This Hell (Deluxe Edition)

Solo work

Year Single Chart Positions
US
1998 "I Love Trash"[78]
2010 "Love Lives"
2011 "(It) Feels So Good"[79] 35

Filmography

Year Film/Broadcast Role
1978 Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band Member of the Future Villain Band
1988 The Decline of Western Civilization Part II: The Metal Years Himself
1990 Saturday Night Live: Musical guest; "Wayne's World" sketch Himself
1991 The Simpsons: "Flaming Moe's" episode Himself (voice)
1993 Wayne's World 2 Himself
1993 Saturday Night Live: Musical guest; "Bad Dancer" sketch Himself
1997 Saturday Night Live: Musical guest; "Mary Katherine Gallagher" sketch Himself
1999 Clubland David Foster
2001 Saturday Night Live: Musical guest Himself
2002 Lizzie McGuireFather Christmas/Himself
2004 The Polar Express Elf Lieutenant / Elf Singer
2004 Goodnight Joseph Parker Sammy
2005 Be Cool Himself
2006 Two and a Half Men Himself; two episodes
2009 Chris Botti In Boston Himself
2010 The Wonder Pets: Adventures in Wonderland[80] The Mad Hatter
2011 American Idol Himself (judge)
2013 Ke$ha: My Crazy Beautiful Life Himself; Episode: "A Warrior In The Making"
2013 Epic Nim Galuu (voice)
2013 Miss Universe 2013 Himself
2013 Top Gear Himself
2014 Hell's Kitchen Himself

Awards and nominations

Emmy Award

See also

References

  1. ↑ "Critics Rip Steven Tyler Over National Anthem Rendition". Time. January 23, 2012.
  2. ↑ Kate the Stanhope. "Steven Tyler Checks Into Rehab for Painkiller Addiction". TVGuide.com.
  3. ↑ "100 Greatest Singers of All Time". Rolling Stone. Retrieved April 21, 2012.
  4. ↑ "Steven Tyler, Joe Perry, Diplo and Other Top Names in Music Honored at 30th Annual ASCAP Pop Music Awards". ASCAP. April 17, 2013. Retrieved July 30, 2013.
  5. ↑ "Aerosmith duo Steven Tyler and Joe Perry join Hall of Fame". BBC News. June 14, 2013. Retrieved July 30, 2013.
  6. ↑ Walk This Way: The Autobiography of Aerosmith (1999 paperback edition) Harper Collins Publishers, p. 23. ISBN 0-06-051580-5
  7. ↑ Interview Live! With Regis and Kelly (on ABC TV), January 18, 2011.
  8. ↑ "Does The Noise In My Head Bother You" (2011) ecco/HarperCollins Publishers pp. 6–22 ISBN 978-0-06-176789-0
  9. ↑ "Victor A. Tallarico". Nashua Telegraph. September 13, 2011. Retrieved July 30, 2013.
  10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 10.2 Smolenyak, Megan (December 16, 2010). "I've Got a Crush on Steven Tyler's Grandfather". Huffington Post (USA).
  11. ↑ Steven Tyler with David Dalton (2011) The Autobiography: Does the noise in my head bother you?. London: Harper Collins Publishers, p. 14.
  12. ↑ http://books.google.com.au/books?id=6hdxZ80fUFkC&pg=PA52&lpg=PA52&dq=steven+tyler+cotronei&source=bl&ots=WYiaYeXXWo&sig=po7gAiYjjPLCbUph5EQmIaGel6s&hl=en&sa=X&ei=dEtRU7amD4WZlAXk-oDoBA&ved=0CEcQ6AEwBzgK#v=onepage&q=steven%20tyler%20cotronei&f=false
  13. ↑ TV.com (January 15, 2004). "E!'s 101: Most Unforgettable SNL Moments". TV.com. Retrieved December 31, 2011.
  14. ↑ Davis, Stephen; Aerosmith (1997). Walk This Way: The Autobiography of Aerosmith. New York: Avon. p. 486. ISBN 0-380-79531-0.
  15. ↑ "Aerosmith's Steven Tyler Speaks Out from Rehab". Billboard. Retrieved May 22, 2008.
  16. ↑ Steven Tyler's mother dies, femalefirst.co.uk; accessed April 18, 2014.
  17. ↑ "HarperCollins lands Steven Tyler's memoir". Matthew Flamm. Crain Communications Inc. Retrieved August 7, 2008.
  18. ↑ "Aerosmith Frontman Performs With Trans-Siberian Orchestra". blabbermouth.net. Retrieved December 17, 2008.
  19. ↑ Steven Tyler Damage Report: Broken Shoulder, Stitches ... Canceled Tour?. Eonline.com (August 7, 2009); retrieved on March 25, 2012.
  20. ↑ "Aerosmith singer Tyler hurt in fall from stage". Reuters.com. August 6, 2009. Retrieved December 31, 2011.
  21. ↑ Kates, Brian (August 6, 2009). "Aerosmith singer Steven Tyler taken to hospital after fall from stage during Sturgis concert: report". New York: Nydailynews.com. Retrieved December 31, 2011.
  22. ↑ August 6, 2009 (August 6, 2009). "Aerosmith Fans Thought Steven Tyler's Fall Was Part Of Act". MTV. Retrieved December 31, 2011.
  23. ↑ Aerosmith's Steven Tyler's Fall From Stage on YouTube (August 8, 2009; published by the Associated Press); retrieved August 11, 2009.
  24. ↑ Michaels, Sean (November 9, 2009). "Aerosmith guitarist: Steven Tyler has quit the band". The Guardian (London). Retrieved May 24, 2010.
  25. ↑ "Steven Tyler: I Am Not Leaving Aerosmith!". Roadrunnerrecords.com. Retrieved December 31, 2011.
  26. ↑ "Aerosmith's Steven Tyler sings "Space Battleship Yamato" theme". Tokyograph. September 16, 2010. Retrieved December 31, 2011.
  27. ↑ "Steven Tyler to sing a theme song for "SPACE BATTLESHIP YAMATO"". Tokyohive.com. September 17, 2010. Retrieved December 31, 2011.
  28. ↑ "Two New Trailers for Space Battleship Yamato". Blog.affenheimtheater.de. September 18, 2010. Retrieved December 31, 2011.
  29. ↑ "Lopez, Tyler confirmed as judges on American Idol". The Spy Report (Media Spy). September 23, 2010. Retrieved September 23, 2010.
  30. ↑ Schuessler, Jennifer (May 22, 2012). "Best Sellers". The New York Times. Retrieved September 3, 2012.
  31. ↑ Nudd, Tim (January 23, 2012). "Steven Tyler Gets Low Marks for Pitchy National Anthem". People. Retrieved January 23, 2012.
  32. ↑ Larkin, Mike (January 23, 2012). "Star Mangled Banner! Steven Tyler accused of butchering national anthem at NFL final". Daily Mail (London, UK: Associated Newspapers). Retrieved January 23, 2012.
  33. ↑ "Steven Tyler Admits Aerosmith 'Said Too Much' In '60 Minutes' Interview". starpulse.com. March 16, 2012. Retrieved May 11, 2012.
  34. ↑ Wright, Shauna (March 23, 2012). "Joe Perry Gives Steven Tyler an Early Birthday Present on 'American Idol'". Ultimate Classic Rock. Retrieved May 11, 2012.
  35. ↑ Greene, Andy. "Aerosmith Announce 'Global Warming' Tour Dates". Rolling Stone. Retrieved March 29, 2012.
  36. ↑ "2012 Aerosmith tour dates and tickets". AeroForceOne. March 26, 2012. Retrieved March 29, 2012.
  37. ↑ "Aerosmith, Cheap Trick To Play 2012 Walmart Shareholders Meeting". Bravewords.com. May 15, 2012. Retrieved May 20, 2012.
  38. ↑ "Steven Tyler Stars In Burger King Commercial". UltimateGuitar.com. April 30, 2012. Retrieved May 20, 2012.
  39. ↑ Blabbermouth.net (April 23, 2012). "AEROSMITH: New Album Pushed Back To September". Blabbermouth. Retrieved April 24, 2012.
  40. ↑ Greene, Andy (May 10, 2012). "Joe Perry: Aerosmith Will Perform on 'American Idol' Season Finale". Rolling Stone. Retrieved May 11, 2012.
  41. ↑ Gomez, Jorge (May 10, 2012). "Aerosmith will debut their new single on the 'American Idol' season finale". Celebrity Cafe. Retrieved May 12, 2012.
  42. ↑ "JLo and Steven Tyler dumped by American Idol bosses". July 16, 2012.
  43. ↑ "Aerosmith Tap Johnny Depp, Carrie Underwood for 'Another Dimension' LP". Rolling Stone.
  44. ↑ "Aerosmith To Unleash 'Music From Another Dimension' On November 6!". Icon vs. Icon. August 28, 2012. Retrieved September 2, 2012.
  45. ↑ "Hot/Modern/AC Future Releases". Allaccess.com. Retrieved January 22, 2013.
  46. ↑ "Steven Tyler and Joe Perry to Receive ASCAP Founders Award at 30th annual Pop Music Awards". Hollywood Reporter. February 21, 2013. Retrieved February 23, 2013.
  47. ↑ "Steven Tyler and Joe Perry Picked for Songwriters Hall of Fame". Rolling Stone. February 22, 2013. Retrieved February 23, 2013.
  48. ↑ "Aerosmith's Steven Tyler promises Dunedin a "wild ride"". MWRadio. April 24, 2013. Retrieved April 24, 2013.
  49. ↑ http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/steven-tyler-announces-solo-country-album-20150401. Retrieved 2 April 2015. Missing or empty |title= (help)
  50. ↑ http://www.usatoday.com/story/life/music/2015/04/01/steven-tyler-country-album-nashville/70804044/. Retrieved 2 April 2015. Missing or empty |title= (help)
  51. ↑ "Steven Tyler Designs $80,000 Harley Davidson Motorcycle". Starpulse.com. Retrieved June 20, 2006.
  52. ↑ "AEROSMITH’S STEVEN TYLER, THE SOPRANOS & ORANGE COUNTY CHOPPERS ATTEND". Brucerossmeyer.com.
  53. ↑ "Steven Tyler Appearing at the Fort Lauderdale Bikers Bash on December 7". Aero Force One.
  54. ↑ Celebrities support anti-paparazzi bill, dailymail.co.uk; accessed April 18, 2014.
  55. ↑ Hawaii grapples with the Steven Tyler act, nytimes.com, February 12, 2013; accessed April 11, 2014.
  56. ↑ Holcomb, Julia. "Exclusive: The Light of the World — the Steven Tyler and Julia Holcomb story". Life Site News. Retrieved May 24, 2011.
  57. ↑ 57.0 57.1 Aerosmith; Stephen Davis (February 18, 2003). Walk This Way: The Autobiography of Aerosmith. HarperCollins. p. 225. ISBN 978-0-06-051580-5. Retrieved July 24, 2013.
  58. ↑ Bebe Buell (July 19, 2002). Rebel Heart: An American Rock 'n' Roll Journey. St. Martin's Press. ISBN 978-0-312-30155-2. Retrieved July 24, 2013.
  59. ↑ http://www.reocities.com/SunsetStrip/Towers/9299/rs1.txt
  60. ↑ Jerome, Jim (August 9, 1976). "Aerosmith's Heavy Mettle Has Made Steve Tyler America's Hottest Home-Grown Rocker". People.com. Retrieved June 17, 2012.
  61. ↑ Aerosmith; Stephen Davis (February 18, 2003). Walk This Way: The Autobiography of Aerosmith. HarperCollins. p. 275. ISBN 978-0-06-051580-5. Retrieved July 24, 2013.
  62. ↑ 62.0 62.1 "Post-Abortion Trauma". Nationalreview.com. May 4, 2011. Retrieved June 17, 2012.
  63. ↑ Todd, Ben (May 26, 2011). "American Idol judge Steven Tyler 'snorted cocaine at teen girlfriend's hospital bedside as she had an abortion'". London: MailOnline. Retrieved July 30, 2013.
  64. ↑ Silent No More. "Steven Tyler’s ex-fiancée will be Silent No More about her abortion". Retrieved October 3, 2011.
  65. ↑ Westen, John-Henry (October 3, 2011). "BREAKING: Video interview with Julia Holcomb – mother of aborted child of Aerosmith’s Steve Tyler". LifeSite News. Retrieved October 3, 2011.
  66. ↑ 66.0 66.1 66.2 Internet Movie Database profile; accessdate April 18, 2014.
  67. ↑ People http://celebritybabies.people.com/2015/02/12/liv-tyler-welcomes-son-dave-gardner/. Missing or empty |title= (help)
  68. ↑ Magrath, Andrea (December 28, 2011). "Steven Tyler's family 'furious' over engagement to Erin Brady... who at 38 is just four years older than actress daughter Liv". London: MailOnline. Retrieved July 30, 2013.
  69. ↑ "Steven Tyler and Wife Split After 17 Years". People. February 21, 2005. Retrieved January 17, 2012.
  70. ↑ "Married already? Steven Tyler and fiancée Erin Brady have their relationship 'blessed' in Hawaii". London: MailOnline. January 4, 2012. Retrieved July 30, 2013.
  71. ↑ "Has Steven Tyler: Dude Looks Like a Fiance". TMZ.com. December 27, 2011. Retrieved October 31, 2012.
  72. ↑ "Aerosmith's Steven Tyler to Undergo Surgery". The Washington Post. March 22, 2006. Retrieved July 28, 2013.
  73. ↑ Robertson, Jessica (March 22, 2006). "Aerosmith's Tyler Set for Surgery". Rolling Stone. Retrieved July 28, 2013.
  74. ↑ Colapinto, John (4 March 2013), "Giving Voice: A Surgeon Pioneers Methods to Help Singers Sing Again", The New Yorker: 54
  75. ↑ 75.0 75.1 Tyler, Steven (2011). Does the Noise in My Head Bother You?. HarperCollins. pp. 305–306. ISBN 0-7499-2954-5. Retrieved July 29, 2013.
  76. ↑ 76.0 76.1 Jackson, Laura (2008). "16". Steven Tyler: The Biography. Piatkus Books. ISBN 978-0-7499-2954-1. Retrieved July 30, 2013.
  77. ↑ Steven Tyler reveals battle with hepatitis C — Entertainment — Access Hollywood. Today.msnbc.msn.com (September 27, 2006). Retrieved on March 25, 2012.
  78. ↑ I Love Trash (Feat. Steven Tyler). Amazon. Retrieved on May 3, 2012.
  79. ↑ Gary Trust Adele Stays Atop Hot 100, Lady Gaga Makes 'Glory'-ous Start. billboard.com. May 18, 2011
  80. ↑ http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1756132/?ref_=nm_flmg_act_7

External links

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