Tom Hamilton Remains Optimistic About Aerosmith’s Future

In the midst of a turbulent period for Aerosmith, bassist Tom Hamilton remains hopeful about the band's future despite lead singer Steven Tyler's vocal injuries. Tyler's injury, a fractured larynx sustained during their “Peace Out” farewell tour in September 2023, halted what was intended as a final celebratory tour for the legendary Massachusetts rockers. Given Tyler's age and the severity of the injury, the band, along with Tyler's medical team, announced the difficult decision to retire from touring in August 2024. Despite this setback, Hamilton has not shut the door on future Aerosmith endeavors, though he emphasizes that any next steps rely heavily on Tyler's recovery and willingness to reengage.

Hamilton gave updates in a recent interview with WBUR, elaborating that while Tyler's recovery was progressing well, it followed its own timeline and that patience was necessary. “Steven’s healing process is going really, really well, but it goes at its own pace,” Hamilton stated. Importantly, Hamilton conveyed that any decision about the band's activities would ultimately come from Tyler. He clarified, “Maybe Aerosmith will do something in the future, but it’s a big if and the last thing I want to be doing is to try and push Steven in that direction.”

In previous comments, when asked to quantify his hope for Aerosmith's future projects on a scale of 1 to 10, Hamilton placed his optimism between a 7 and 9. Though a return to full-scale touring seems off the table, he left the possibility open for other types of performances or collaborations. These statements suggest a potential pivot in how Aerosmith might maintain their legacy outside traditional tours. The band has faced and overcome challenges before, Hamilton noted, and implies that with time and perseverance, opportunities for the band to come together in some form may arise.

Even so, Hamilton poured cold water on the idea of a Las Vegas residency for the band or recording a new album soon, stating that there has been no talk of going back into the studio. This aligns with the band's collective statement when they announced their retirement from touring, reflecting a bittersweet appreciation for their five-decade-long journey alongside a heartbreaking acknowledgment of the limits imposed by Tyler's current health issues. The band's farewell tour was cut short after only three shows, with the public finale taking place in Elmont, New York, underscoring the severity of the health challenge Tyler faces.

In the interim, Hamilton has taken advantage of this downtime by forming a new band called Close Enemies. This project, which includes musicians such as Trace Foster and Peter Stroud, indicates Hamilton's commitment to exploring new musical landscapes even as the future of Aerosmith remains uncertain. This initiative might offer a glimpse into the alternative avenues that Aerosmith could explore, possibly involving collaborations or side projects that include Tyler once he is willing and able.

While Tyler's past resilience lends a glimmer of hope, many factors remain uncertain. The band faces a crossroad similar to past challenges when their frontman's health was in jeopardy. As such, the fate of Aerosmith rests in a balance, graciously respecting Tyler's unique talent and health while remaining open to whatever collective future decision might present itself. Ultimately, all eyes remain on Steven Tyler, whose participation is crucial for any prospective Aerosmith endeavor. As Tom Hamilton succinctly puts it, “If we do anything in the future, it would come from him.”